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A2 noun #3,500 most common 11 min read

cargo

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cargo in 30 Seconds

Explanation cargo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'cargo' as a basic word for 'job title'. When you introduce yourself in a professional setting, you might say what your 'cargo' is. It is a simple noun that helps you describe your identity in the workplace. You will mostly see it in simple forms or on ID badges. For example, 'Meu cargo é professor' (My position is teacher). At this stage, just focus on the fact that it means your title at work and is a masculine noun ('o cargo'). It's one of the first words you'll see on a Portuguese job application or a business card. Think of it as the label for what you do in a company. You don't need to worry about complex political uses yet; just use it to talk about your own job title or the titles of your friends. It is a stable, concrete word that doesn't change much in simple sentences. Remember: 'O cargo' is the thing, 'Eu sou' is the action. You might also see it on signs in buildings, like 'Cargo: Recepcionista'. It's a very useful word for basic social interaction when people ask 'What do you do?'. Even though it sounds like the English word for goods on a ship, remember that in Portuguese, it only refers to people's jobs.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'cargo' in more descriptive sentences and understand its role in basic workplace hierarchy. You should be able to say things like 'Eu quero um cargo melhor' (I want a better position) or 'O cargo dela é importante' (Her position is important). You will start to see the word paired with common adjectives like 'vago' (vacant), 'novo' (new), or 'difícil' (difficult). You should also learn the common verb 'ocupar' (to occupy/hold) in relation to 'cargo'. For instance, 'Ele ocupa o cargo de gerente'. At this level, you can also start to distinguish 'cargo' from 'trabalho'. 'Trabalho' is what you do, but 'cargo' is your official name in the company. You might use it when talking about your career goals or explaining your responsibilities to a friend. It's also a good time to learn the plural form 'cargos'. You might hear people talking about 'cargos na empresa' (positions in the company). You should be comfortable filling out basic forms where 'Cargo' is a required field. Understanding this word helps you navigate professional environments more confidently, as it is the standard way to refer to someone's level of authority.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'cargo' in more complex grammatical structures and professional contexts. You will learn to use it with verbs like 'assumir' (to assume/take over) and 'deixar' (to leave). For example, 'Ela assumiu o cargo na semana passada' or 'Ele deixou o cargo por motivos pessoais'. You will also encounter the term in the context of job requirements and qualifications. You might read a job description that says 'Para este cargo, é necessário falar inglês'. At this stage, you should also be aware of the 'false friend' aspect—that 'cargo' is not 'carga' (freight). You'll start to see 'cargo' used in news reports about local government or company changes. You can discuss the responsibilities associated with a 'cargo' using the preposition 'de'. For example, 'As responsabilidades do cargo de diretor são muitas'. This level requires you to understand the nuance of 'cargo' as a formal post. You might also hear about 'cargo de confiança', which is a position based on trust. Your ability to use 'cargo' correctly in a job interview or a professional email is a key indicator of your B1 proficiency. You are moving beyond simple titles to discussing the dynamics of holding a position.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'cargo' in various professional, legal, and political spheres. You will use it to discuss career progression, corporate governance, and public administration. You should be familiar with terms like 'cargo eletivo' (elective office), 'cargo comissionado' (appointed position), and 'cargo vitalício' (life-long position). You can explain the differences between 'cargo', 'função', and 'posto' with clarity. In discussions about politics or business ethics, you might use 'cargo' to talk about power dynamics, such as 'abuso de cargo' (abuse of office) or 'conflito de interesses no cargo'. You are expected to use the word fluently in formal writing, such as cover letters or reports. For example, 'Ao longo da minha carreira, ocupei diversos cargos de liderança'. You will also understand idiomatic or semi-idiomatic uses in professional jargon. You can follow complex news stories about government reshuffles ('reforma ministerial') where 'cargo' is used repeatedly to describe different ministerial posts. At B2, 'cargo' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for analyzing organizational structures and societal roles. You understand that holding a 'cargo' comes with legal and ethical 'encargos' (burdens/duties).

At the C1 level, you use 'cargo' with full professional and academic precision. You understand its legal implications in labor law and public administration. You can discuss the 'múnus público' (public duty) associated with certain 'cargos' and use the word in sophisticated debates about meritocracy and political appointments. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 'cargo' versus more specific terms like 'titularidade' or 'investidura'. You can write analytical pieces on how 'cargos' are structured within a bureaucracy or a multinational corporation. Your vocabulary includes collocations like 'cargo de provimento efetivo' (permanent position in civil service) or 'vacância do cargo' (vacancy of the post). You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to concepts of 'burden' and 'charge' in a metaphorical sense. In a C1 context, you might analyze the 'prestígio inerente ao cargo' (prestige inherent to the position) or the 'ônus do cargo' (the burden of the office). You can effortlessly navigate high-level business meetings or legal discussions where the word 'cargo' is central to the topic. You also recognize its use in literature to represent a character's social standing or their fall from power. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete mastery of 'cargo' and all its subtle connotations. You can use the word in philosophical, legal, and highly technical contexts. You understand the deepest nuances of constitutional law regarding 'cargos públicos' and the complex rules of 'acumulação de cargos'. You can engage in high-level academic discourse about the sociology of professional 'cargos' and their impact on social identity. You are capable of using the word in creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres of bureaucracy or power. You understand archaic or very formal uses that might appear in historical documents or classical literature. You can discuss the 'natureza jurídica do cargo' (legal nature of the position) with experts. Your command of the word allows you to use it with irony, metaphor, or precise technicality as needed. You can analyze how the concept of a 'cargo' has evolved in Lusophone cultures compared to other legal systems. Whether you are drafting a complex legal brief, delivering a keynote speech on corporate leadership, or reading a 19th-century novel, your understanding of 'cargo' is profound and multifaceted. You are aware of every 'false friend' trap across multiple languages and can explain the linguistic history of the word from its Latin roots to its modern applications.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cargo in 30 Seconds

Cargo means a professional position, job title, or official post within an organization.
It is a masculine noun (o cargo) and is never used for shipping freight (which is 'carga').
Common verbs used with it include 'ocupar' (to hold), 'assumir' (to take over), and 'deixar' (to leave).
It is essential for formal introductions, job applications, and understanding news about politics or business.

The Portuguese word cargo is a fundamental term for anyone navigating the professional, political, or organizational landscape in a Lusophone country. At its core, it refers to a specific position, role, or office that an individual occupies within a structure. Unlike the English word 'cargo', which primarily refers to freight or goods being transported, the Portuguese cargo is strictly about the status or the 'seat' one holds in a company or government body. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward professional fluency.

Professional Context: In a corporate setting, cargo describes your job title or rank. For example, if you are a manager, your cargo is 'Gerente'. It represents the set of responsibilities and the hierarchical level you belong to. It is the 'box' you occupy on an organizational chart.
Political and Public Office: When discussing government, cargo refers to an elected or appointed office. A president, a mayor, or a minister all hold a cargo público. It implies a sense of duty and official authority granted by the state or the people.
Hierarchical Implications: The word often carries a connotation of status. High-ranking positions are referred to as altos cargos. In this sense, the word isn't just about the work performed, but about the power and prestige associated with the position.

Ela finalmente conseguiu o cargo de diretora que tanto desejava.

Translation: She finally got the director position she wanted so much.

One of the most important things for English speakers to remember is that you do not use cargo to talk about shipping containers or airplane freight. For that, Portuguese uses the word carga. This 'false friend' trap is common. If you say 'O cargo está no navio', a Portuguese speaker will think a high-ranking official is literally sitting on the ship, rather than referring to the boxes of merchandise.

O cargo de confiança exige muita responsabilidade e discrição.

Translation: The position of trust requires a lot of responsibility and discretion.

Ele renunciou ao cargo após o escândalo político.

Translation: He resigned from the position after the political scandal.

Common Collocations: You will often see 'cargo' paired with verbs like 'ocupar' (to occupy/hold), 'assumir' (to take over/assume), and 'deixar' (to leave/vacate). These combinations are essential for natural-sounding speech in business meetings.

Quem vai ocupar o cargo vago na tesouraria?

Translation: Who is going to occupy the vacant position in the treasury?

O cargo eletivo tem duração de quatro anos.

Translation: The elective office has a duration of four years.

Using cargo correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a masculine noun and its relationship with specific verbs. It is almost always preceded by the definite article o or the indefinite article um. Because it refers to a conceptual 'slot' in a hierarchy, it is frequently used with prepositions like de to specify the nature of the role.

Specifying the Role: The most common pattern is [Cargo] + [de] + [Title]. For example, 'cargo de professor', 'cargo de analista', or 'cargo de secretário'. This construction clarifies exactly what the position entails.
Action Verbs: When you start a job, you assume the cargo. When you perform the job, you exerce the cargo. When you quit, you renuncia or deixa the cargo.

Para exercer este cargo, é necessário ter diploma de nível superior.

Translation: To hold this position, it is necessary to have a higher education degree.

In formal documents, such as contracts or job descriptions, cargo is used to define the legal status of the worker. It is the formal label for their occupation within that specific organization. It contrasts with profissão, which is what you are trained to be (e.g., an engineer), whereas cargo is what you are currently doing (e.g., Project Manager).

O cargo que ele ocupa é vitalício, o que gera muitas críticas.

Translation: The position he holds is for life, which generates a lot of criticism.

Havia muitos candidatos qualificados para um único cargo.

Translation: There were many qualified candidates for a single position.

Public Sector Nuance: In the public sector, you will hear about 'cargo comissionado'. These are roles filled by appointment rather than by the standard 'concurso público' (civil service exam). Knowing this distinction is vital for understanding Brazilian or Portuguese politics.

Ela foi nomeada para um cargo de chefia no Ministério da Educação.

Translation: She was appointed to a leadership position in the Ministry of Education.

Não é fácil lidar com as pressões inerentes ao cargo.

Translation: It is not easy to deal with the pressures inherent to the position.

You will encounter cargo in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from formal news broadcasts to casual office water-cooler talk. It is a 'high-frequency' word in any discussion involving careers, governance, or organizational structure. Understanding its habitat helps you grasp its weight and tone.

The Corporate Office: During performance reviews, job interviews, or internal announcements, cargo is the standard term. HR departments use it in job postings ('Vaga para o cargo de...'). If someone gets a promotion, they are moving to a higher cargo.
Evening News and Newspapers: Journalists frequently use the word when reporting on government changes. 'O ministro deixou o cargo' (The minister left the post) is a headline you will see almost weekly in political reporting. It sounds official and definitive.
Legal and Formal Documents: In contracts, the 'cláusula de cargo' defines the scope of work. In court proceedings, an official might be referred to by their cargo rather than their name to emphasize their institutional role.

O anúncio do novo cargo foi feito por e-mail para toda a empresa.

Translation: The announcement of the new position was made by email to the whole company.

In social settings, when meeting someone new, you might ask: 'Qual é o seu cargo na empresa?' (What is your position at the company?). It is a slightly more formal way of asking 'What do you do?'. While 'O que você faz?' is common, asking about the cargo focuses on the official title.

Eles estão brigando por um cargo na diretoria do clube.

Translation: They are fighting for a position on the club's board of directors.

O cargo de síndico do prédio é voluntário.

Translation: The position of building manager is voluntary.

Academic and Scientific Circles: In universities, professors hold different cargos like 'Professor Adjunto' or 'Professor Titular'. These aren't just descriptions; they are specific ranks with different salary levels and responsibilities.

A universidade abriu um concurso para o cargo de pesquisador sênior.

Translation: The university opened a competition for the position of senior researcher.

Aposentar-se de um cargo tão importante foi uma decisão difícil.

Translation: Retiring from such an important position was a difficult decision.

Even advanced learners can stumble when using cargo because of its similarity to English words and its specific grammatical requirements. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more professional and precise.

Mistake #1: The 'Shipping' Confusion: The most frequent error for English speakers is using cargo to mean freight. If you say 'O cargo chegou no porto', you are saying 'The job position arrived at the port'. You must use carga for physical goods or a physical load.
Mistake #2: Confusion with 'Trabalho' or 'Emprego': While related, these aren't synonyms. Trabalho is the activity (the work). Emprego is the relationship (the job/employment). Cargo is the specific title/post. You don't 'lose your cargo' in a general sense; you lose your 'emprego'. You leave a 'cargo' when you change roles within the same company.
Mistake #3: Preposition Errors: Learners often use the wrong preposition after the word. It is 'cargo de' (position of), not 'cargo como' (position as). For example: 'Meu cargo de gerente' is correct; 'Meu cargo como gerente' is less standard, though sometimes heard colloquially.

Errado: O cargo do caminhão é pesado. (Wrong: The truck's job position is heavy.)
Correto: A carga do caminhão é pesado. (Correct: The truck's load is heavy.)

Another subtle mistake is forgetting that cargo is a noun, not a verb. You cannot 'carguar' something. If you want to say 'to charge' someone with a task, you use verbs like encarregar or atribuir. The noun cargo remains the static entity of the position itself.

Ele foi encarregado de uma nova tarefa, mas seu cargo não mudou.

Translation: He was tasked with a new duty, but his position didn't change.

Não confunda cargo (post) com carga (load).

Misusing 'Ocupar': While 'ocupar um cargo' is correct, don't use it for temporary tasks. Use it for the official role. If you are just helping out for a day, you are 'ajudando', not 'ocupando o cargo'.

Ninguém pode ocupar dois cargos públicos simultaneamente, segundo a lei.

Translation: No one can hold two public offices simultaneously, according to the law.

A descrição do cargo está no manual do funcionário.

Translation: The job description is in the employee manual.

While cargo is the most common term for a professional post, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Knowing these synonyms will help you vary your vocabulary and understand different shades of meaning.

Posto vs. Cargo: Posto is often used in military or police contexts (e.g., 'posto de capitão'). In general business, it can be a synonym for 'cargo', but it often implies a physical location or a specific station where one works.
Função vs. Cargo: Função refers to the actual activities or duties performed. A person might have the cargo of 'Manager' but perform the função of 'Sales Coordinator'. The cargo is the title; the função is the set of tasks.
Ocupação vs. Cargo: Ocupação is a broader term for what someone does to earn a living. It's more similar to 'occupation' or 'vocation'. It doesn't necessarily imply a hierarchy within a specific company like cargo does.

Embora seu cargo oficial seja de analista, sua função real é de liderança.

Translation: Although his official position is analyst, his real function is leadership.

In very formal or historical contexts, you might hear the word múnus, which refers to a public duty or obligation, often without pay. However, in 99% of modern professional life, cargo is your go-to word. If you are looking for something more informal, you might just use vaga (vacancy) when talking about an open position.

Ele foi promovido a um posto de comando na marinha.

Translation: He was promoted to a command post in the navy.

A empresa abriu uma nova vaga para o cargo de desenvolvedor.

Translation: The company opened a new vacancy for the developer position.

Dignidade vs. Cargo: In high-level legal or noble contexts, dignidade can refer to a high office or rank. It's rare in daily life but appears in formal literature or legal texts regarding the 'dignity of the office'.

O magistrado deve honrar a dignidade do seu cargo.

Translation: The magistrate must honor the dignity of his office.

Não importa o seu cargo, todos devem ser respeitados.

Translation: No matter your position, everyone must be respected.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The evolution from 'load' to 'job position' reflects the metaphorical idea that a professional role is a 'burden' or 'responsibility' that a person carries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkaɾ.ɡu/

US /ˈkaʁ.ɡu/

The stress is on the first syllable: CAR-go.

Rhymes With

Amargo Largo Embargo Pargo Vargo Sargo Letargo Encargo

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'cargo' with a hard 'r' and an open 'o'.
Confusing the final 'o' with an 'a' (making it 'carga').
Over-enunciating the 'g' sound.
Adding a vowel before the 'r' (ca-ar-go).
Nasalizing the 'a' unnecessarily.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but must not be confused with the English 'cargo'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (cargo de) and gender agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, high utility in professional settings.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'carga' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Trabalho Empresa Pessoa Fazer Ter

Learn Next

Salário Carreira Promoção Demissão Currículo

Advanced

Investidura Exoneração Vacância Múnus Procuração

Grammar to Know

Masculine Noun Agreement

O cargo é novo. (Not 'A cargo')

Preposition 'De' with Titles

Cargo de engenheiro.

Preposition 'Ao' with Renunciar

Ele renunciou ao cargo.

Compound Nouns with 'Cargos'

Plano de cargos e salários.

Passive Voice with Nomear

Ela foi nomeada para o cargo.

Examples by Level

Qual é o seu cargo?

What is your position?

Simple interrogative sentence using 'o seu cargo'.

Meu cargo é de professor.

My position is teacher.

Use of 'de' to specify the role.

O cargo dele é novo.

His position is new.

Possessive 'dele' modifying the masculine noun.

Ela tem um cargo na empresa.

She has a position in the company.

Indefinite article 'um' with 'cargo'.

O cargo é difícil?

Is the position difficult?

Simple question with an adjective.

Eu procuro um cargo de analista.

I am looking for an analyst position.

Verb 'procurar' followed by the object.

Este cargo é muito bom.

This position is very good.

Demonstrative pronoun 'este'.

O cargo é na cidade de Lisboa.

The position is in the city of Lisbon.

Prepositional phrase indicating location.

Ela quer ocupar o cargo de gerente.

She wants to occupy the manager position.

Infinitive 'ocupar' followed by the noun.

O cargo está vago no momento.

The position is vacant at the moment.

Adjective 'vago' agreeing with masculine noun.

Eles mudaram de cargo este ano.

They changed positions this year.

Plural use and verb 'mudar de'.

O cargo exige falar inglês fluente.

The position requires speaking fluent English.

Verb 'exigir' (to require).

Qual cargo você prefere?

Which position do you prefer?

Interrogative 'qual' without the article.

O cargo de diretor é muito importante.

The director position is very important.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Eu não gosto do meu cargo atual.

I don't like my current position.

Contraction 'do' (de + o).

Existem muitos cargos nesta fábrica.

There are many positions in this factory.

Plural 'cargos' with 'muitos'.

Ele assumiu o cargo de CEO ontem.

He took over the CEO position yesterday.

Past tense of 'assumir'.

Para este cargo, a experiência é vital.

For this position, experience is vital.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose/target.

Ela deixou o cargo por motivos de saúde.

She left the position for health reasons.

Verb 'deixar' (to leave/quit).

O cargo de confiança oferece um salário maior.

The position of trust offers a higher salary.

Specific term 'cargo de confiança'.

Quais são as responsabilidades do cargo?

What are the responsibilities of the position?

Plural possessive 'do cargo'.

Ele foi promovido ao cargo de supervisor.

He was promoted to the position of supervisor.

Passive voice 'foi promovido'.

O cargo requer disponibilidade para viajar.

The position requires availability to travel.

Verb 'requer' (requires).

Ninguém se candidatou ao cargo ainda.

No one has applied for the position yet.

Reflexive verb 'candidatar-se'.

O cargo público exige total transparência.

The public office requires total transparency.

Adjective 'público' modifying 'cargo'.

Ela exerce o cargo de juíza há dez anos.

She has held the position of judge for ten years.

Verb 'exercer' (to exercise/hold).

Houve uma disputa intensa pelo cargo de prefeito.

There was an intense dispute for the mayor's position.

Noun 'disputa' with preposition 'pelo'.

O cargo comissionado é de livre nomeação.

The appointed position is of free appointment.

Technical term 'cargo comissionado'.

Ele renunciou ao cargo após as denúncias.

He resigned from the position after the allegations.

Verb 'renunciar' requires preposition 'ao'.

A descrição do cargo não condiz com a realidade.

The job description does not match reality.

Verb 'condizer' (to match/fit).

O cargo de senador tem um mandato de oito anos.

The position of senator has an eight-year mandate.

Use of 'mandato' (mandate/term).

Ela foi afastada do cargo por má conduta.

She was removed from the position for misconduct.

Passive voice 'foi afastada'.

A vacância do cargo gerou instabilidade na empresa.

The vacancy of the position caused instability in the company.

Formal noun 'vacância'.

O múnus público do cargo deve prevalecer.

The public duty of the office must prevail.

High-level term 'múnus público'.

Ele possui a titularidade do cargo de professor titular.

He holds the title of full professor.

Formal term 'titularidade'.

A investidura no cargo ocorreu em cerimônia solene.

The inauguration into the office occurred in a solemn ceremony.

Legal term 'investidura'.

O cargo de diplomata exige discrição absoluta.

The diplomat position requires absolute discretion.

Abstract noun 'discrição'.

A acumulação de cargos é vedada pela Constituição.

The accumulation of positions is forbidden by the Constitution.

Legal term 'vedada' (forbidden).

O prestígio inerente ao cargo atrai muitos candidatos.

The prestige inherent to the position attracts many candidates.

Adjective 'inerente' (inherent).

A exoneração do cargo foi a pedido do funcionário.

The dismissal from the position was at the employee's request.

Formal term 'exoneração'.

A natureza jurídica do cargo é de direito público.

The legal nature of the position is of public law.

Technical legal phrasing.

O ônus do cargo muitas vezes supera o bônus.

The burden of the office often outweighs the bonus.

Metaphorical use of 'ônus' and 'bônus'.

Sua permanência no cargo tornou-se insustentável.

His stay in the position became unsustainable.

Complex adjective 'insustentável'.

O cargo, outrora prestigioso, perdeu seu brilho.

The position, once prestigious, lost its luster.

Adverb 'outrora' (formerly).

A desvinculação entre o indivíduo e o cargo é essencial.

The decoupling between the individual and the office is essential.

Abstract noun 'desvinculação'.

Ele agiu no estrito exercício de seu cargo.

He acted in the strict exercise of his office.

Formal phrase 'estrito exercício'.

A transitoriedade dos cargos políticos é um pilar democrático.

The transience of political offices is a democratic pillar.

Abstract noun 'transitoriedade'.

O cargo de magistrado impõe uma conduta ilibada.

The magistrate's office imposes irreproachable conduct.

Sophisticated adjective 'ilibada'.

Common Collocations

Cargo de confiança

Cargo público

Assumir o cargo

Deixar o cargo

Ocupar um cargo

Cargo vago

Descrição do cargo

Cargo eletivo

Cargo comissionado

Exercer o cargo

Common Phrases

Qual é o seu cargo?

— A standard way to ask someone's job title.

Prazer em conhecê-lo. Qual é o seu cargo na empresa?

Cair do cargo

— To lose one's position, often unexpectedly or due to failure.

Depois do erro, ele acabou caindo do cargo.

Cargo de chefia

— A management or leadership position.

Ela sempre teve perfil para cargos de chefia.

Cargo vitalício

— A position held for life.

O cargo de ministro do Supremo é vitalício.

Acumulação de cargos

— Holding more than one official position simultaneously.

A lei proíbe a acumulação de cargos remunerados.

Cargo de alto escalão

— A high-level or executive position.

Ele foi contratado para um cargo de alto escalão.

Renunciar ao cargo

— To formally resign from a position.

O presidente renunciou ao cargo sob pressão.

Cargo de entrada

— An entry-level position for beginners.

Este é um ótimo cargo de entrada para recém-formados.

Subir de cargo

— To be promoted or move up in the hierarchy.

Ele trabalhou duro para subir de cargo rapidamente.

Cargo honorário

— A position given as an honor, often without duties or pay.

Ele recebeu o cargo honorário de embaixador da paz.

Often Confused With

cargo vs Carga

Means load, freight, or electric charge. Never a job title.

cargo vs Carro

Means car. Sounds slightly similar to beginners.

cargo vs Cargo (English)

The English word means freight, which is 'carga' in Portuguese.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar no cargo"

— To be currently holding the position.

Ele está no cargo há apenas dois meses.

Neutral

"Segurar o cargo"

— To struggle or work hard to keep one's position.

Com a crise, todos tentam segurar o cargo.

Informal

"Ser pau para toda obra"

— Though not using 'cargo', it describes someone who does every 'função' regardless of their official 'cargo'.

Ele é o gerente, mas é pau para toda obra.

Informal

"Vestir a camisa"

— To be dedicated to one's 'cargo' and company.

Ela realmente veste a camisa no seu cargo.

Informal

"Dança das cadeiras"

— A situation where many people change 'cargos' at once, usually in government.

Houve uma dança das cadeiras nos ministérios ontem.

Journalistic

"Ter as costas quentes"

— To be protected in one's 'cargo' by someone powerful.

Ele não faz nada, mas tem as costas quentes.

Informal

"Fazer sala"

— To occupy a 'cargo' but do little work, just being present.

Ele só está lá para fazer sala no cargo.

Informal

"Puxar o tapete"

— To sabotage someone so they lose their 'cargo'.

Cuidado, ele quer puxar o seu tapete para ficar com seu cargo.

Informal

"Estar com a faca e o queijo na mão"

— To have the power of the 'cargo' to make things happen.

Como diretor, ele está com a faca e o queijo na mão.

Informal

"Mandar quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo"

— A saying about the hierarchy of 'cargos'.

No exército, mandar quem pode, obedece quem tem juízo.

Informal

Easily Confused

cargo vs Carga

Phonetically similar and English 'cargo' means freight.

'Cargo' is a job position; 'Carga' is a physical load or burden.

A carga do navio é pesada, mas o cargo do capitão é importante.

cargo vs Trabalho

Both relate to employment.

'Trabalho' is the general activity; 'Cargo' is the specific title/slot.

Eu gosto do meu trabalho, mas não do meu cargo.

cargo vs Emprego

Both relate to having a job.

'Emprego' is the job as a whole; 'Cargo' is the rank within it.

Consegui um emprego novo no cargo de analista.

cargo vs Função

Both describe roles.

'Cargo' is the formal title; 'Função' is the actual set of tasks.

Meu cargo é de assistente, mas minha função é de tradutor.

cargo vs Posto

Both mean position.

'Posto' is often military or a physical station; 'Cargo' is organizational.

O posto de gasolina é longe, mas o cargo de gerente é aqui.

Sentence Patterns

Meu cargo é [Title].

Meu cargo é professor.

Eu quero o cargo de [Title].

Eu quero o cargo de gerente.

Ele assumiu o cargo de [Title].

Ele assumiu o cargo de diretor.

O cargo de [Title] exige [Requirement].

O cargo de médico exige diploma.

A vacância do cargo de [Title]...

A vacância do cargo de reitor causou problemas.

No exercício do cargo de [Title]...

No exercício do cargo de juiz, ele foi justo.

Deixar o cargo por [Reason].

Deixou o cargo por motivos pessoais.

Ser nomeado para o cargo de [Title].

Foi nomeada para o cargo de embaixadora.

Word Family

Nouns

Carga (load/charge)

Encargo (burden/task)

Recargo (overcharge)

Descarrego (unloading/relief)

Verbs

Carregar (to load/carry)

Encarregar (to entrust/task)

Descarregar (to unload)

Sobregarregar (to overload)

Adjectives

Carregado (loaded/heavy)

Encarregado (in charge)

Descargado (unloaded)

Carreira (career)

Profissão (profession)

Emprego (job)

Hierarquia (hierarchy)

Status (status)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional and political contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'cargo' for shipping freight. → Carga
English 'cargo' is 'carga' in Portuguese. Portuguese 'cargo' is 'position'.
Saying 'A cargo' for a woman's job. → O cargo
'Cargo' is a masculine noun and does not change gender based on the person.
Saying 'Cargo como gerente'. → Cargo de gerente
The preposition 'de' is the standard way to link the word to a title.
Confusing 'cargo' with 'carro'. → Cargo
Beginners sometimes mix these up. 'Carro' is a car; 'Cargo' is a post.
Using 'cargo' to mean 'task'. → Tarefa / Função
'Cargo' is the whole position, not a single small task.

Tips

Job Titles

When learning job titles (like médico, engenheiro), always practice saying 'O cargo de médico' to get used to the structure.

Gender Consistency

Don't change 'cargo' to 'carga' for women. 'A carga' means 'the load'. Keep it 'o cargo' for everyone.

LinkedIn Tips

On your Portuguese LinkedIn profile, the 'Title' section corresponds to your 'Cargo'. Use standard Portuguese titles there.

News Context

When you hear 'deixou o cargo' on the news, it usually means a politician resigned or was fired. It's a very common headline.

Meeting People

Asking 'Qual é o seu cargo?' is a polite and professional way to learn about someone's professional status.

CV Writing

In a CV, use 'Cargo:' as a label for each of your previous job titles. It looks very professional.

Cargo vs Carga

Remember: 'Cargo' = Office (ends in 'o'), 'Carga' = Ammo/Load (ends in 'a').

Civil Service

If you are studying for a Brazilian 'concurso', 'cargo' is one of the most important words in the administrative law section.

Empty Positions

Use 'cargo vago' for a position that has no one in it. Use 'vaga' when you are talking about the opportunity to apply.

Historical Link

Think of the 'burden' of leadership. The word 'cargo' comes from 'load', reminding us that positions come with responsibilities.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CAR' going into a 'GO' slot. The 'cargo' is the slot you go into in a company.

Visual Association

Imagine an organizational chart with empty boxes. Each box is a 'cargo'. When you sit in the box, you fill the 'cargo'.

Word Web

Job Title Position Office Rank Role Post Hierarchy Responsibility

Challenge

Try to list five 'cargos' in a hospital, then five in a school, using the 'Cargo de [Title]' format.

Word Origin

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'carricare', which means 'to load a cart'. This comes from the Latin 'carrus' (cart/wagon).

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a load or a burden that one carries.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking about someone's 'cargo' in a very casual setting, as it can sometimes sound like you are judging them by their rank.

English speakers often use 'job' or 'position' interchangeably, but in Portuguese, 'cargo' is more specific to the title, while 'trabalho' is the work.

The Brazilian film 'O Candidato Honesto' discusses political 'cargos'. The term 'Cargo de Confiança' appears frequently in Brazilian labor law (CLT). Machado de Assis often wrote about characters obsessed with their social 'cargo'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

Qual é o cargo?
Quais as funções do cargo?
Já ocupei este cargo.
Procuro um cargo desafiador.

Government News

O ministro deixou o cargo.
Novo cargo criado.
Ele renunciou ao cargo.
Cargo eletivo.

Office Talk

Mudança de cargo.
Subir de cargo.
Cargo vago.
Meu cargo mudou.

Legal/Contracts

Descrição do cargo.
Cargo de confiança.
Cláusula de cargo.
Exercício do cargo.

Human Resources

Plano de cargos.
Cargos e salários.
Análise de cargo.
Requisitos do cargo.

Conversation Starters

"Qual é o seu cargo atual na sua empresa?"

"Você gostaria de assumir um cargo de chefia no futuro?"

"Qual é o cargo dos seus sonhos?"

"Você acha que o cargo define a pessoa?"

"Como é o processo para conseguir um cargo público no seu país?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva as responsabilidades do seu cargo atual e o que você mais gosta nele.

Se você pudesse criar um novo cargo para você, qual seria o nome e as funções?

Escreva sobre uma vez que você mudou de cargo e como se sentiu.

Quais são os desafios de ocupar um cargo de grande responsabilidade?

Como você se imagina em um cargo de liderança daqui a cinco anos?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. In Portuguese, shipping goods or freight is called 'carga'. 'Cargo' only refers to a job position or official post. This is a common false friend for English speakers.

It is always masculine: 'o cargo'. Even if the person holding the position is female, the noun itself remains masculine. For example: 'O cargo dela é de diretora'.

'Cargo' is the official title or post (e.g., Manager). 'Função' refers to the actual duties or activities performed (e.g., supervising the team). A person can have one 'cargo' but perform multiple 'funções'.

You can say 'candidatar-se a um cargo' or 'concorrer a um cargo'. For example: 'Eu me candidatei ao cargo de analista'.

It is a specific type of position, usually in management, where the employee has a high level of trust and authority. In Brazil, these positions often have different rules regarding working hours and overtime.

Yes, you can. 'Cargo' refers to the title regardless of the hours worked. You would simply specify: 'um cargo de meio período'.

In the public sector, it is a position filled by appointment (often political) rather than through a public civil service exam (concurso).

While 'cargo' can be used, 'posto' or 'patente' are much more common and precise in military contexts.

You can say 'subir de cargo' or 'ser promovido a um cargo superior'.

The plural is 'cargos'. For example: 'A empresa tem muitos cargos diferentes'.