assalariado in 30 Seconds
- Assalariado means salaried, referring to someone who receives a fixed regular income for their work.
- It's an adjective describing a stable employment compensation structure.
- Key contrast to hourly pay, commission, or self-employment.
- Important for understanding job types and financial security.
- Definition
- The Portuguese word 'assalariado' means 'salaried' or 'wage-earning' in English. It describes someone who receives a fixed regular payment, typically monthly or bi-weekly, for their work, as opposed to being self-employed, paid by the hour, or working on commission.
- Usage Context
- This term is commonly used in discussions about employment, labor, and economics. It helps differentiate between various types of workers and their compensation structures. For instance, when comparing job offers, one might inquire if a position is 'assalariado' to understand the payment stability.
- Etymology
- The word 'assalariado' derives from 'salário', which means 'salary'. This connection makes its meaning quite transparent: someone who receives a 'salário'.
Ele prefere ser um trabalhador assalariado para ter mais segurança financeira.
A maioria dos funcionários na empresa são assalariados.
Ser assalariado oferece uma estabilidade que o trabalho autônomo nem sempre proporciona.
Understanding 'assalariado' is crucial for grasping concepts related to employment contracts and benefits in Portuguese-speaking countries. It's a fundamental term in labor law and everyday job discussions. For example, a contract might specify whether the role is 'assalariado' or 'comissionado' (commission-based). This distinction impacts how taxes are handled, what benefits are provided (like health insurance or paid time off), and the overall financial predictability for the worker. Many people seek 'assalariado' positions because they offer a sense of security, knowing that a specific amount of money will arrive in their bank account on a regular schedule. This predictability allows for better financial planning, budgeting, and reduces the stress associated with income fluctuations. In contrast, freelancers or those working on commission might experience significant variations in their monthly earnings, making 'assalariado' a more appealing option for many. The term is also used in broader economic analyses to categorize different segments of the workforce. For instance, reports might discuss the proportion of 'trabalhadores assalariados' (salaried workers) versus 'trabalhadores por conta própria' (self-employed workers) in a given economy. This helps in understanding labor market trends, wage levels, and the overall economic health of a nation. When learning about careers or job searching in Portuguese, recognizing this term will help you navigate job descriptions and understand the nature of the employment being offered. It's a common adjective used to describe the status of an employee, highlighting their method of compensation.
- Basic Structure
- 'Assalariado' is an adjective, so it typically follows the noun it describes and agrees in gender and number. The masculine singular form is 'assalariado', the feminine singular is 'assalariada', the masculine plural is 'assalariados', and the feminine plural is 'assalariadas'.
- Using with 'Ser'
- It's very common to use 'assalariado' with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe someone's employment status. For example, 'Ele é assalariado' (He is salaried).
- Using with Nouns
- You can also use it directly after a noun, such as 'um trabalhador assalariado' (a salaried worker) or 'uma empregada assalariada' (a salaried employee).
Como funcionária assalariada, ela recebe um bônus anual.
Muitos jovens buscam um emprego assalariado após a faculdade.
Os trabalhadores assalariados têm direito a férias remuneradas.
When constructing sentences, consider the context. Are you talking about a specific person, a group of people, or a general concept? For a specific male, you'd say 'Ele é assalariado'. For a specific female, 'Ela é assalariada'. For a group of men or a mixed group, 'Eles são assalariados'. For a group of women, 'Elas são assalariadas'. You can also use it to describe a type of job: 'É um cargo assalariado' (It's a salaried position). Or to contrast with other forms of work: 'Prefiro ser assalariado a ter que lidar com a incerteza de clientes' (I prefer to be salaried rather than having to deal with client uncertainty). The word can also be used in comparative sentences. For instance, 'Um trabalhador assalariado geralmente tem mais benefícios do que um freelancer.' (A salaried worker generally has more benefits than a freelancer.) In formal writing or discussions about labor rights, you might encounter phrases like 'a condição de assalariado' (the condition of being salaried) or 'direitos do trabalhador assalariado' (rights of the salaried worker). When discussing career goals, someone might state, 'Meu objetivo é me tornar um profissional assalariado em uma empresa multinacional.' (My goal is to become a salaried professional in a multinational company.) The flexibility of the adjective allows it to fit into various sentence structures, always modifying a noun or pronoun related to employment. Always ensure the adjective agrees with the noun it modifies. For example, if you are talking about 'as profissões' (professions, feminine plural), you would say 'profissionais assalariadas'. If you are talking about 'os contratos' (contracts, masculine plural), you might say 'contratos assalariados' if referring to the nature of the employment within those contracts.
- Job Interviews
- In Portuguese-speaking countries, during job interviews, recruiters or candidates might use 'assalariado' to clarify the compensation structure. A candidate might ask, 'Este cargo é assalariado ou baseado em comissão?' (Is this position salaried or commission-based?). The interviewer might respond, 'Sim, é um emprego totalmente assalariado com benefícios.' (Yes, it's a fully salaried job with benefits.)
- News and Media
- Economic news reports often discuss the labor market. You'll hear or read about 'a taxa de desemprego entre os assalariados' (the unemployment rate among salaried workers) or 'o aumento do salário médio assalariado' (the increase in the average salaried wage). This helps to distinguish between different economic indicators.
- Discussions about Work-Life Balance
- When people talk about their jobs and lifestyles, 'assalariado' comes up. Someone might say, 'Ser assalariado me dá mais tempo livre para a família.' (Being salaried gives me more free time for the family.) This highlights the perceived stability and predictability that allows for better personal life management.
- Legal and Official Documents
- Labor laws, employment contracts, and government statistics frequently use the term. For example, a contract might state 'O empregado será remunerado como trabalhador assalariado...' (The employee will be compensated as a salaried worker...). Understanding this term is essential for comprehending employment regulations.
O noticiário econômico mencionou o crescimento do setor assalariado.
Ela explicou que seu trabalho é assalariado, com salário fixo todo mês.
A discussão era sobre os direitos do trabalhador assalariado.
You'll also hear 'assalariado' in casual conversations among friends or colleagues discussing their work situations. Someone might complain about the long hours of their 'vida assalariada' (salaried life) or express satisfaction with the stability it provides. For example, 'Apesar dos desafios, gosto de ser assalariado porque sei que as contas serão pagas.' (Despite the challenges, I like being salaried because I know the bills will be paid.) In educational settings, particularly in economics or sociology classes, 'assalariado' is a standard term used to categorize labor. Teachers might explain the differences between 'trabalhadores assalariados', 'trabalhadores autônomos', and 'empresários' (business owners). When discussing social classes or economic mobility, the status of being 'assalariado' is often a benchmark. It represents a certain level of integration into the formal economy. Furthermore, in discussions about benefits like retirement plans, health insurance, or paid leave, these are often associated with 'empregos assalariados'. A person might say, 'Meu sonho é ter um emprego assalariado com um bom plano de saúde.' (My dream is to have a salaried job with good health insurance.) The term is ubiquitous in any context where employment and compensation are discussed in a structured, formal, or analytical way.
- Gender and Number Agreement
- The most common mistake for learners is failing to match the ending of 'assalariado' to the noun it modifies. Remember: 'assalariado' (masculine singular), 'assalariada' (feminine singular), 'assalariados' (masculine plural), 'assalariadas' (feminine plural). Forgetting this can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences, like saying 'a trabalhador assalariada' instead of 'a trabalhadora assalariada' or 'o trabalhador assalariado'.
- Confusing with Similar Concepts
- Learners might confuse 'assalariado' with terms like 'empregado' (employee) or 'trabalhador' (worker). While an 'assalariado' is typically an 'empregado' or 'trabalhador', not all employees or workers are strictly 'assalariados'. For example, someone paid solely by commission or by the hour without a fixed base salary might not be considered 'assalariado' in the same sense. It specifically refers to receiving a salary.
- Overuse or Misapplication
- Sometimes, learners might try to use 'assalariado' in contexts where it doesn't quite fit. For instance, describing a freelancer who gets paid for each project might be incorrectly labeled as 'assalariado' if they don't receive a fixed, regular salary. The core meaning is about the *regularity* and *fixed nature* of the payment, not just being employed.
Incorrecto: Ela é um funcionário assalariado.
Correcto: Ela é uma funcionária assalariada.
Incorrecto: Os vendedores são assalariados mesmo que recebam comissão.
Correcto: Os vendedores podem ser comissionados e não estritamente assalariados se o salário for variável.
Incorrecto: O trabalho assalariado é sempre seguro.
Correcto: Um emprego assalariado geralmente oferece mais segurança do que um trabalho autônomo.
Another potential pitfall is treating 'assalariado' as a noun itself without proper context. While you might hear it used as a noun colloquially ('os assalariados' meaning 'salaried people'), in formal learning, it's best to practice it as an adjective modifying a noun like 'trabalhador', 'funcionário', 'cargo', or 'emprego'. Forgetting the 'a' in 'assalariada' for feminine nouns is also a frequent error. For example, saying 'a médica assalariado' instead of 'a médica assalariada'. The key is to consistently apply the rules of adjective agreement. When in doubt, try to rephrase the sentence or think of a similar adjective you know and how it behaves. For instance, if you know 'feliz' (happy) agrees in number ('felizes'), apply that logic. 'Assalariado' is similar but also requires gender agreement. Pay attention to the specific nuances of Portuguese grammar, especially adjective agreement, as it's fundamental to correct sentence construction.
- Empregado
- 'Empregado' simply means 'employee'. An 'assalariado' is a type of 'empregado', but not all 'empregados' are necessarily 'assalariados' if their pay structure differs significantly (e.g., purely commission-based). 'Empregado' is broader.
- Assalariado vs. Comissionado
- 'Comissionado' means 'commission-based'. This is a direct contrast to 'assalariado'. A 'trabalhador comissionado' earns money based on sales or performance, whereas an 'assalariado' receives a fixed salary regardless of immediate performance fluctuations.
- Assalariado vs. Por Hora
- 'Por hora' means 'by the hour'. A worker paid 'por hora' receives a wage based on the number of hours worked. While this is a form of regular payment, 'assalariado' specifically implies a fixed salary, often paid monthly or bi-weekly, which might not be directly tied to tracking individual hours worked in the same way.
- Assalariado vs. Autônomo
- 'Autônomo' means 'self-employed' or 'freelancer'. This is a major distinction. 'Autônomos' are not 'assalariados'; they manage their own business, set their own rates, and are responsible for their own taxes and benefits. They do not receive a regular salary from an employer.
- Trabalhador
- 'Trabalhador' is a general term for 'worker'. It can encompass 'assalariados', 'comissionados', 'autônomos', etc. It's the most generic term for someone who works.
Ele é um assalariado, mas sua irmã é comissionada.
O contrato era para um trabalho por hora, não assalariado.
Um trabalhador pode ser assalariado, comissionado ou autônomo.
Consider the context when choosing the best word. If you are simply stating someone works for a company, 'empregado' is sufficient. If you want to emphasize the stability of their income, 'assalariado' is more precise. If you are contrasting different income models, using 'comissionado', 'por hora', and 'autônomo' alongside 'assalariado' provides a clearer picture. For example, 'Muitos artistas preferem ser autônomos para ter controle criativo, mas outros buscam a segurança de um emprego assalariado.' (Many artists prefer to be self-employed to have creative control, but others seek the security of a salaried job.) When discussing labor statistics, 'assalariado' is often used to refer to a specific segment of the workforce, distinct from those in the informal economy or self-employed. The term 'assalariado' carries connotations of a formal employment relationship with a regular, predictable income stream, which is its defining characteristic compared to the alternatives.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of a regular salary, as opposed to payment by the day or by task, became more formalized with the rise of industrialization and the need for a stable workforce. The term 'assalariado' reflects this shift towards structured employment.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'r' as a strong, rolled 'rr' instead of a tapped 'r'.
- Incorrectly stressing syllables, for example, stressing the first 'a' instead of the fourth.
- Making the 's' sound like 'sh'.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2 level. The word is straightforward, and its meaning is easily inferable from its root 'salário'. Learners at this level will encounter it in basic contexts related to jobs and employment.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)
O homem é assalariado. A mulher é assalariada. Os homens são assalariados. As mulheres são assalariadas.
Using 'Ser' with Adjectives of Status
Ele é assalariado. Ela é médica. Eles são estudantes.
Noun-Adjective Order
Um emprego assalariado (Noun + Adjective) vs. Um assalariado emprego (less common/poetic).
Using 'Ter' with Nouns
Ela tem um emprego assalariado. Eu tenho um carro novo.
Distinguishing Between Related Terms
Ele é um trabalhador (worker). Ele é um empregado (employee). Ele é um assalariado (salaried).
Examples by Level
Eu sou um trabalhador assalariado.
I am a salaried worker.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalhador' (masculine singular).
Ela tem um emprego assalariado.
She has a salaried job.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'emprego' (masculine singular).
Os funcionários são assalariados.
The employees are salaried.
'Assalariados' agrees with 'funcionários' (masculine plural).
Quero ser assalariada.
I want to be salaried.
Implies the speaker is female, hence 'assalariada' (feminine singular).
Este cargo é assalariado.
This position is salaried.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'cargo' (masculine singular).
Prefiro ser assalariada a autônoma.
I prefer to be salaried rather than self-employed.
Implies the speaker is female, hence 'assalariada' (feminine singular).
Eles são assalariados e têm bons benefícios.
They are salaried and have good benefits.
'Assalariados' agrees with 'eles' (masculine plural, or mixed group).
É um tipo de trabalho assalariado.
It's a type of salaried work.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalho' (masculine singular).
A estabilidade de ser um profissional assalariado atrai muitos recém-formados.
The stability of being a salaried professional attracts many recent graduates.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'profissional' (masculine singular).
Ser assalariada me permite planejar meu orçamento com mais confiança.
Being salaried allows me to plan my budget with more confidence.
'Assalariada' agrees with the implied female speaker.
O mercado de trabalho valoriza os trabalhadores assalariados pela sua dedicação.
The job market values salaried workers for their dedication.
'Assalariados' agrees with 'trabalhadores' (masculine plural).
Ela deixou um emprego assalariado para abrir seu próprio negócio.
She left a salaried job to start her own business.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'emprego' (masculine singular).
Os benefícios para funcionários assalariados incluem plano de saúde e férias pagas.
Benefits for salaried employees include health insurance and paid vacation.
'Assalariados' agrees with 'funcionários' (masculine plural).
Ele não se considera assalariado, pois trabalha por projeto.
He doesn't consider himself salaried, as he works per project.
'Assalariado' refers to the speaker (masculine singular).
A segurança de um salário fixo é um grande atrativo do emprego assalariado.
The security of a fixed salary is a big draw of salaried employment.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'emprego' (masculine singular).
As mulheres assalariadas buscam igualdade salarial.
Salaried women seek wage equality.
'Assalariadas' agrees with 'mulheres' (feminine plural).
A transição de um modelo assalariado para um de remuneração variável pode ser desafiadora.
The transition from a salaried model to one of variable remuneration can be challenging.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'modelo' (masculine singular).
Muitos profissionais criativos optam por carreiras autônomas em vez de um caminho assalariado tradicional.
Many creative professionals opt for freelance careers instead of a traditional salaried path.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'caminho' (masculine singular).
A precariedade do trabalho assalariado em certas indústrias é uma preocupação crescente.
The precariousness of salaried work in certain industries is a growing concern.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalho' (masculine singular).
Ela argumentou que o sistema assalariado não reflete o verdadeiro valor do seu trabalho.
She argued that the salaried system does not reflect the true value of her work.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'sistema' (masculine singular).
A empresa oferece um pacote competitivo para atrair talentos assalariados.
The company offers a competitive package to attract salaried talent.
'Assalariados' agrees with 'talentos' (masculine plural).
O debate sobre a jornada de trabalho assalariada versus flexível continua.
The debate about salaried versus flexible working hours continues.
'Assalariada' agrees with 'jornada' (feminine singular).
A aposentadoria de um trabalhador assalariado é geralmente mais previsível.
The retirement of a salaried worker is generally more predictable.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalhador' (masculine singular).
Ele se sentia realizado em sua função assalariada, apesar das pressões.
He felt fulfilled in his salaried role, despite the pressures.
'Assalariada' agrees with 'função' (feminine singular).
A dicotomia entre o trabalhador assalariado e o empreendedor individual molda grande parte da estrutura econômica.
The dichotomy between the salaried worker and the individual entrepreneur shapes much of the economic structure.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalhador' (masculine singular).
A crescente automação levanta questões sobre o futuro do emprego assalariado em larga escala.
Increasing automation raises questions about the future of large-scale salaried employment.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'emprego' (masculine singular).
Ela reavaliou a satisfação intrínseca de sua posição assalariada frente às oportunidades de crescimento autônomo.
She re-evaluated the intrinsic satisfaction of her salaried position against opportunities for autonomous growth.
'Assalariada' agrees with 'posição' (feminine singular).
O contrato de trabalho assalariado, em sua essência, visa garantir estabilidade mútua.
The salaried employment contract, in its essence, aims to guarantee mutual stability.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalho' (masculine singular).
A cultura corporativa muitas vezes recompensa o perfil do funcionário assalariado dedicado.
Corporate culture often rewards the profile of the dedicated salaried employee.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'funcionário' (masculine singular).
A flexibilização das leis trabalhistas pode impactar a segurança do trabalhador assalariado.
The deregulation of labor laws can impact the security of the salaried worker.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalhador' (masculine singular).
Ele buscou ativamente um papel assalariado que lhe permitisse maior autonomia em suas decisões.
He actively sought a salaried role that would allow him greater autonomy in his decisions.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'papel' (masculine singular).
A remuneração assalariada, embora previsível, pode carecer do dinamismo encontrado em outras formas de trabalho.
Salaried remuneration, although predictable, may lack the dynamism found in other forms of work.
'Assalariada' agrees with 'remuneração' (feminine singular).
A reconfiguração do panorama laboral contemporâneo suscita debates sobre a obsolescência do modelo estritamente assalariado.
The reconfiguration of the contemporary labor landscape sparks debates about the obsolescence of the strictly salaried model.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'modelo' (masculine singular).
A precarização das condições de trabalho assalariado tem sido um tema recorrente nas discussões sindicais.
The precariousness of salaried working conditions has been a recurring theme in union discussions.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'trabalho' (masculine singular).
Ela questionou a validade de uma carreira assalariada como único paradigma de sucesso profissional.
She questioned the validity of a salaried career as the sole paradigm of professional success.
'Assalariada' agrees with 'carreira' (feminine singular).
A arquitetura jurídica do contrato assalariado visa mitigar assimetrias de poder inerentes à relação empregatícia.
The legal architecture of the salaried contract aims to mitigate power asymmetries inherent in the employment relationship.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'contrato' (masculine singular).
A meritocracia em ambientes corporativos muitas vezes se choca com a rigidez do modelo assalariado.
Meritocracy in corporate environments often clashes with the rigidity of the salaried model.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'modelo' (masculine singular).
A busca por um equilíbrio entre a segurança do assalariado e a autonomia do empreendedor é um dilema contemporâneo.
The search for a balance between the security of the salaried employee and the autonomy of the entrepreneur is a contemporary dilemma.
'Assalariado' agrees with the implied 'trabalhador' or 'funcionário' (masculine singular).
Ele rechaçou a ideia de que um percurso assalariado fosse intrinsecamente inferior a uma trajetória empreendedora.
He rejected the idea that a salaried path was intrinsically inferior to an entrepreneurial trajectory.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'percurso' (masculine singular).
A volatilidade econômica recente tem levado muitos a reconsiderar a atratividade do sistema puramente assalariado.
Recent economic volatility has led many to reconsider the attractiveness of the purely salaried system.
'Assalariado' agrees with 'sistema' (masculine singular).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A person who receives a regular salary for their work; a salaried worker.
O trabalhador assalariado tem direito a benefícios como férias e décimo terceiro salário.
— A job that pays a fixed salary on a regular basis.
Ela busca um emprego assalariado em uma empresa estável para ter segurança financeira.
— To be employed on a salary basis.
Muitos jovens preferem ser assalariados para ter uma rotina previsível.
— An employee who receives a salary.
Os funcionários assalariados da empresa estão satisfeitos com os novos benefícios.
— A job position that comes with a fixed salary.
Este cargo assalariado oferece boas oportunidades de crescimento na carreira.
— The lifestyle associated with being a salaried employee.
Ele está cansado da vida assalariada e sonha em abrir seu próprio negócio.
— An employment contract that specifies a fixed salary.
O contrato assalariado garante estabilidade e direitos trabalhistas.
— Payment received in the form of a salary.
A remuneração assalariada é um fator importante na escolha de um emprego.
— A female professional who earns a salary.
Ela é uma profissional assalariada e muito dedicada ao seu trabalho.
— Distinguishing from someone who earns based on commission.
Este trabalho é assalariado, diferente de um cargo puramente comissionado.
Often Confused With
'Empregado' simply means 'employee'. While most 'assalariados' are 'empregados', the term 'assalariado' specifically highlights the salary-based payment, distinguishing it from hourly or commission-based employment.
'Trabalhador' is a general term for 'worker'. It can include 'assalariados', 'autônomos', and others. 'Assalariado' is a specific type of worker defined by their payment structure.
'Remunerado' means 'remunerated' or 'paid'. It's a broader term. While an 'assalariado' is 'remunerado', not all 'remunerados' are necessarily 'assalariados' if their pay isn't a fixed salary (e.g., paid per project).
Easily Confused
Both describe a way of working, but fundamentally different.
An 'assalariado' works for an employer and receives a fixed salary. An 'autônomo' works for themselves, sets their own rates, and manages their own business, without a fixed employer or salary.
Um professor particular é autônomo, enquanto um professor de escola pública é assalariado.
Both relate to earning money from work, but the payment method differs.
A 'comissionado' earns based on performance, typically sales commissions. An 'assalariado' receives a regular, fixed salary, often irrespective of direct performance metrics.
Vendedores podem ser comissionados, mas gerentes de loja costumam ser assalariados.
Both involve regular payment for work, but the basis of calculation is different.
A worker 'por hora' is paid based on the number of hours they clock in. An 'assalariado' receives a fixed amount per pay period (e.g., monthly), regardless of minor variations in hours worked, as long as they fulfill their employment duties.
Um caixa de supermercado pode ser pago por hora, enquanto o gerente do supermercado é assalariado.
Both refer to someone working for an employer.
'Empregado' is a general term for 'employee'. 'Assalariado' is a specific type of employee defined by receiving a salary. An 'empregado' could potentially be paid hourly or by commission, not necessarily by salary.
Todo assalariado é um empregado, mas nem todo empregado é assalariado.
Both imply working for others, but the structure is different.
A 'freelancer' works independently for multiple clients, often on projects, without a single employer or fixed salary. An 'assalariado' has one employer and receives a regular, fixed salary.
Um designer freelancer cobra por projeto, enquanto um designer assalariado recebe um salário mensal.
Sentence Patterns
Eu sou [assalariado/a].
Eu sou assalariado.
Ele/Ela é [assalariado/a].
Ele é assalariado.
Tem um emprego [assalariado].
Tem um emprego assalariado.
Os/As [noun] são [assalariados/as].
Os funcionários são assalariados.
Ser [assalariado/a] dá [benefit].
Ser assalariada dá mais segurança.
Prefiro ser [assalariado/a] a [alternative].
Prefiro ser assalariado a ser comissionado.
O/A [noun] [assalariado/a] tem [rights/features].
O trabalhador assalariado tem direito a férias.
A transição de [assalariado] para [alternative] é [adjective].
A transição de assalariado para autônomo é desafiadora.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common, especially in contexts discussing employment, careers, and economics.
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Forgetting gender/number agreement.
→
Um funcionário assalariado. Uma funcionária assalariada. Os funcionários assalariados. As funcionárias assalariadas.
The adjective must match the noun. 'Assalariado' needs to change its ending based on the gender and number of the person or role it describes.
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Using 'assalariado' when 'comissionado' is more accurate.
→
Ele é comissionado, não assalariado.
'Assalariado' means fixed salary. If someone's pay depends on sales, they are 'comissionado', not strictly 'assalariado'.
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Confusing 'assalariado' with 'empregado'.
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Todo assalariado é empregado, mas nem todo empregado é assalariado.
'Empregado' is general (employee). 'Assalariado' is specific (salaried employee). An hourly worker is an 'empregado' but not necessarily 'assalariado'.
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Incorrect pronunciation of the 'r'.
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Pronounce the 'r' as a single tap, like the 'tt' in American 'butter'.
Many learners incorrectly use a strong rolled 'rr' sound, which is incorrect for the single 'r' in 'assalariado'.
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Using 'assalariado' to describe self-employment.
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Ele é autônomo, não assalariado.
'Assalariado' implies working for an employer with a fixed salary. 'Autônomo' means self-employed, which is the opposite.
Tips
Agreement is Key
Remember that 'assalariado' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use '-o' for masculine singular, '-a' for feminine singular, '-os' for masculine plural, and '-as' for feminine plural. For example, 'um funcionário assalariado' but 'uma funcionária assalariada'.
Connect to 'Salário'
The word 'assalariado' directly comes from 'salário' (salary). This connection makes it easier to remember its meaning: someone who receives a salary.
Context Matters
Use 'assalariado' when you want to emphasize the stability and fixed nature of the income, distinguishing it from hourly wages, commissions, or self-employment.
Visualize Stability
When you think of 'assalariado', picture a steady, predictable income stream, like a consistent flow of water or a stable line on a graph, representing financial security.
Contrast with Alternatives
Understand 'assalariado' by contrasting it with 'autônomo' (self-employed), 'comissionado' (commission-based), and 'por hora' (hourly). This clarifies its specific meaning.
Practice the 'R' Sound
The 'r' in 'assalariado' is a single tap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'. Practice this sound to pronounce it correctly.
Cultural Significance
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, being 'assalariado' is often viewed positively due to the security and benefits it implies, making it a common career aspiration.
Use in Sentences
Actively try to use 'assalariado' in your own sentences when describing jobs or employment status. For example: 'Meu pai é assalariado e minha mãe é autônoma.'
Listen for Context
When listening to Portuguese, pay attention to the context surrounding 'assalariado'. This will help you understand its nuances and when it's the most appropriate word to use.
Read Job Descriptions
When reading job advertisements or articles about the job market in Portuguese, look for the term 'assalariado' to understand the compensation structure being discussed.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'saluting' their paycheck ('salário') with a big smile. They are 'assalariado' because they get that happy paycheck regularly. The 'a-' at the beginning can remind you of 'always' receiving it.
Visual Association
Picture a calendar with every day marked with a small currency symbol, indicating a steady income flow. Or, visualize a steady, upward-sloping line on a graph representing consistent income.
Word Web
Challenge
Write five sentences describing different types of workers and whether they are 'assalariado' or not, explaining why.
Word Origin
The word 'assalariado' comes from the Portuguese word 'salário', which means 'salary'. The prefix 'a-' often indicates 'to' or 'towards', and the suffix '-ado' denotes a state or condition. Thus, 'assalariado' literally means 'made into having a salary' or 'characterized by having a salary'.
Original meaning: Having a salary.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > PortugueseCultural Context
The term itself is neutral, but discussions around it can touch upon socio-economic disparities, job security, and the perceived desirability of different employment models.
In English-speaking countries, the term 'salaried' holds a similar meaning and cultural weight, often associated with professional roles and benefits.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing job offers and career choices.
- É um emprego assalariado?
- Prefiro ser assalariado.
- Qual o salário oferecido para este cargo assalariado?
Talking about personal finances and stability.
- Ser assalariado dá mais segurança.
- Minha renda assalariada é previsível.
- A vida assalariada permite planejar melhor.
News and economic reports about the labor market.
- Crescimento do setor assalariado.
- Taxa de desemprego entre assalariados.
- Salário médio assalariado.
Comparing different types of work.
- Assalariado vs. comissionado.
- Trabalho assalariado ou autônomo?
- Ele é assalariado, não por hora.
Describing someone's employment status.
- Ela é uma profissional assalariada.
- Os funcionários são assalariados.
- Quero ser assalariada.
Conversation Starters
"Você prefere ser um trabalhador assalariado ou ter seu próprio negócio?"
"Como você descreveria a diferença entre ser assalariado e freelancer?"
"Quais são as vantagens de ter um emprego assalariado?"
"Você acha que o modelo assalariado ainda é o mais desejado hoje em dia?"
"Se você pudesse escolher, seria assalariado ou comissionado?"
Journal Prompts
Escreva sobre suas experiências ou percepções sobre o que significa ser um trabalhador assalariado. Quais são os prós e contras?
Imagine que você está aconselhando um jovem sobre carreira. Explique a diferença entre ser assalariado e autônomo, e qual você recomendaria.
Descreva um dia típico na vida de um profissional assalariado que você conhece ou imagina. Como a rotina dele reflete o termo 'assalariado'?
Pense em um cenário onde alguém muda de um trabalho assalariado para um modelo comissionado ou autônomo. Quais desafios e benefícios essa transição pode trazer?
Reflita sobre o futuro do trabalho. Você acredita que o conceito de 'assalariado' continuará relevante? Por quê?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in how they are paid. An 'assalariado' (salaried) receives a fixed amount of money regularly, like monthly, regardless of immediate performance. A 'comissionado' (commission-based) earns money based on their performance, usually a percentage of sales or deals they close. So, an 'assalariado' has predictable income, while a 'comissionado's' income can fluctuate significantly.
Not exactly. 'Empregado' is the general term for 'employee', meaning someone who works for an employer. 'Assalariado' is a specific type of employee who receives a salary. So, all 'assalariados' are 'empregados', but not all 'empregados' are necessarily 'assalariados' if their payment structure is different (e.g., hourly wage or commission).
Typically, no. 'Assalariado' implies working for an employer with a fixed salary. 'Autônomo' means self-employed, working for oneself without a fixed employer or salary. While someone might have a primary job as 'assalariado' and do some freelance work on the side (which would be 'autônomo'), the terms describe distinct primary employment statuses.
If a job position is described as 'cargo assalariado', it means that the person hired for this role will receive a fixed salary on a regular basis (e.g., monthly). It indicates a stable form of compensation, often associated with traditional employment structures and benefits.
While not directly defined by the word 'assalariado' itself, salaried positions ('empregos assalariados') in many companies and countries commonly come with benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans. These are often part of the overall compensation package for salaried employees, providing additional security beyond the fixed salary.
You can say 'trabalhador assalariado' (for a male worker or general group) or 'trabalhadora assalariada' (for a female worker). If referring to a group of male or mixed gender workers, you would use 'trabalhadores assalariados'. For a group of female workers, it's 'trabalhadoras assalariadas'.
Generally, no. The term 'assalariado' usually carries a neutral or positive connotation, associated with stability, security, and predictability. However, in some informal contexts, people might express a desire for more freedom or control, contrasting it with the perceived rigidity of a 'vida assalariada' (salaried life).
The plural forms depend on gender. For masculine plural, it's 'assalariados' (e.g., 'os trabalhadores assalariados'). For feminine plural, it's 'assalariadas' (e.g., 'as funcionárias assalariadas').
You use 'assalariada' (feminine singular) when referring to a female person or a masculine noun that is grammatically feminine. For example, 'Ela é assalariada' (She is salaried) or 'A posição é assalariada' (The position is salaried - 'posição' is feminine). You use 'assalariados' (masculine plural) for a group of men or a mixed group, and 'assalariadas' (feminine plural) for a group of women.
Yes, colloquially, 'assalariado' can sometimes be used as a noun to refer to a salaried person (e.g., 'Os assalariados têm direitos específicos'). However, in more formal contexts, it's typically used as an adjective modifying a noun like 'trabalhador', 'empregado', or 'cargo'.
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Summary
The term 'assalariado' is crucial for understanding employment types in Portuguese, denoting a worker who receives a fixed, regular salary, implying stability and a formal employment relationship, distinct from hourly wages, commissions, or self-employment.
- Assalariado means salaried, referring to someone who receives a fixed regular income for their work.
- It's an adjective describing a stable employment compensation structure.
- Key contrast to hourly pay, commission, or self-employment.
- Important for understanding job types and financial security.
Agreement is Key
Remember that 'assalariado' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use '-o' for masculine singular, '-a' for feminine singular, '-os' for masculine plural, and '-as' for feminine plural. For example, 'um funcionário assalariado' but 'uma funcionária assalariada'.
Connect to 'Salário'
The word 'assalariado' directly comes from 'salário' (salary). This connection makes it easier to remember its meaning: someone who receives a salary.
Context Matters
Use 'assalariado' when you want to emphasize the stability and fixed nature of the income, distinguishing it from hourly wages, commissions, or self-employment.
Visualize Stability
When you think of 'assalariado', picture a steady, predictable income stream, like a consistent flow of water or a stable line on a graph, representing financial security.
Related Content
More work words
a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
