A2 noun 3 min read

benefícios

§ What 'benefícios' means

Definition
Benefits; advantages or profits gained from something, often related to employment.

The word benefícios in Portuguese translates directly to "benefits" in English. It's used in many of the same contexts, especially when talking about what you get from a job or a program. Think of things like health insurance, paid time off, or even perks like a company car.

Os benefícios de trabalhar nesta empresa são ótimos. (The benefits of working at this company are great.)

Você conhece todos os benefícios do novo plano de saúde? (Do you know all the benefits of the new health plan?)

§ 'Benefícios' in everyday conversations

You'll hear benefícios quite a lot in conversations about work, social welfare, and general advantages. It's a very practical word. When discussing a job offer, for example, someone might ask: "Quais são os benefícios incluídos?" (What are the benefits included?).

Os benefícios sociais são importantes para a população. (Social benefits are important for the population.)

Um dos benefícios de morar aqui é a proximidade com a praia. (One of the benefits of living here is the proximity to the beach.)

§ Similar words and when to use 'benefícios' vs alternatives

While benefícios is your go-to for "benefits" in most situations, especially employment-related ones, there are a few other words you might encounter that have similar meanings. Understanding the subtle differences will help you choose the right word.

  • Vantagens: This word means "advantages." It's very close to benefícios and can often be used interchangeably, especially when talking about general advantages. However, benefícios often has a more formal or structured feel, particularly in a professional context.

Quais são as vantagens de aprender português? (What are the advantages of learning Portuguese?)

  • Proventos: This term is more specific and often refers to income or earnings, especially from retirement or a pension. While these are a type of benefit, "proventos" specifically focuses on the monetary aspect received. You wouldn't use "proventos" to talk about health insurance or a company car.

Ele vive dos seus proventos de aposentadoria. (He lives off his retirement earnings / pension.)

  • Auxílios: This means "aid" or "assistance." It refers to help or support given, often financial, but it's broader than just employment benefits. Think of government aid or family assistance.

A família recebeu auxílios do governo. (The family received government aid.)

So, when should you stick with benefícios? Generally, when you're talking about the package of perks and advantages that come with employment, or the structured advantages of a program or system. It's the most common and direct translation for "benefits" in a professional or official sense. If you're talking about general upsides, "vantagens" is a good alternative. For specific income from retirement, use "proventos." For broader assistance, "auxílios" is the word you need.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bɛnɪˈfiʃiʊʃ/
US /bɛnɪˈfiʃiʊʃ/
short
Rhymes With
vícios serviços difíceis
Common Errors
  • Incorrect stress on the 'i' in 'fi'
  • Pronouncing 'ç' as 'k' instead of 's'

Test Yourself 12 questions

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Os exercícios têm muitos benefícios.

This sentence means 'Exercises have many benefits.' In Portuguese, the article 'Os' (The) comes first, followed by the noun 'exercícios' (exercises). Then 'têm' (have), 'muitos' (many) and 'benefícios' (benefits).

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Os benefícios do trabalho são bons.

This sentence means 'The benefits of the job are good.' We start with the article 'Os' (The) and the noun 'benefícios' (benefits). Then 'do trabalho' (of the job) and 'são bons' (are good).

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero todos os benefícios.

This sentence means 'I want all the benefits.' 'Eu' (I) comes first, then 'quero' (want). 'Todos os' (all the) precedes 'benefícios' (benefits).

multiple choice B2

Após a fusão das empresas, os funcionários esperam negociar novos pacotes de ______.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: benefícios

Neste contexto, 'benefícios' refere-se às vantagens e compensações que os funcionários recebem, como seguro ou plano de pensão.

multiple choice B2

A empresa oferece um programa de bem-estar com vários _______ para a saúde mental dos colaboradores.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: benefícios

'Benefícios' aqui se refere às vantagens que contribuem para o bem-estar mental dos funcionários.

multiple choice B2

A decisão de investir em energias renováveis trouxe muitos _______ econômicos e ambientais para a região.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: benefícios

Neste caso, 'benefícios' indica as vantagens positivas e retornos tanto financeiros quanto ecológicos.

true false B2

Quando alguém se refere aos 'benefícios' de um plano de saúde, está falando sobre as desvantagens do plano.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Benefícios' em um plano de saúde se refere às vantagens e coberturas que ele oferece, não às desvantagens.

true false B2

Se um anúncio de emprego menciona 'excelentes benefícios', significa que a remuneração é baixa, mas o trabalho é gratificante.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Excelentes benefícios' geralmente implica que o pacote de compensação, incluindo salário, seguro, férias, etc., é muito bom.

true false B2

Os 'benefícios fiscais' são incentivos oferecidos pelo governo para reduzir a carga tributária de empresas ou indivíduos.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

'Benefícios fiscais' são de fato vantagens tributárias concedidas para estimular certas atividades ou setores.

/ 12 correct

Perfect score!

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