At the A1 level, you only need to know that a 'carta de recomendação' is a 'letter'. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Eu tenho uma carta' (I have a letter). You don't need to worry about the complex grammar of professional writing yet, just recognize the words 'carta' (letter) and 'recomendar' (to recommend). Focus on the fact that 'carta' is a feminine noun, so you use 'a' or 'uma'.
At the A2 level, you should understand that this is a specific type of letter used for jobs or school. You can ask for one using simple phrases: 'Você pode escrever uma carta de recomendação para mim?' (Can you write a recommendation letter for me?). You should also know how to pluralize it: 'cartas de recomendação'. You start to see how 'de' connects nouns to describe their purpose.
At the B1 level, you can explain why you need the letter. 'Preciso de uma carta de recomendação para me candidatar a esta vaga' (I need a recommendation letter to apply for this vacancy). You understand the difference between this and a 'carta de apresentação' (cover letter). You can describe the content of the letter using basic adjectives like 'positiva', 'formal', or 'profissional'.
At the B2 level, you are comfortable with the formal register required to request or discuss these letters. You understand nuances like 'vouching for skills' (atestar competências). You can use more complex sentence structures: 'Embora eu tenha as qualificações, a carta de recomendação será o diferencial'. You also know common collocations like 'anexar a carta' or 'solicitar uma carta'.
At the C1 level, you can write a 'carta de recomendação' for someone else. You use sophisticated vocabulary such as 'idoneidade' (integrity), 'desempenho excepcional' (exceptional performance), and 'altamente recomendável'. You understand the cultural importance of the letter in different Lusophone countries and can navigate the subtle differences in formal salutations and closings.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of the term. You can discuss the legal implications of a recommendation letter, the ethics of writing one for a colleague, and the evolution of the format from physical paper to digital endorsements like LinkedIn. You can use the term in idiomatic ways and understand its role in high-level networking and 'social capital' in Portuguese-speaking societies.

carta de recomendação in 30 Seconds

  • A formal document endorsing a person for a job or university position.
  • Usually written by a supervisor, manager, or academic professor.
  • Essential for professional networking and career advancement in Lusophone cultures.
  • Distinct from a cover letter, as it is written by a third party.

The term carta de recomendação translates directly to 'letter of recommendation' in English. In the Lusophone world, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, this document serves as a formal endorsement of an individual's skills, character, and professional or academic achievements. It is not merely a list of duties but a qualitative assessment provided by a person of authority—such as a former supervisor, professor, or mentor—to vouch for the candidate's suitability for a new role or educational program.

Professional Context
In the job market, a carta de recomendação can be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates. It provides the hiring manager with external validation of the soft skills and work ethic that a resume cannot fully capture.

O meu antigo chefe escreveu uma excelente carta de recomendação para o meu novo emprego.

Usage typically occurs during the final stages of a recruitment process or as part of a university application packet. Unlike a simple 'reference check' (referência), which might just be a phone call, the written letter is a permanent record of one's professional reputation. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, personal connections and formal endorsements carry significant weight, often referred to as the 'QI' (Quem Indica - 'Who Indicates'), making the letter a vital tool for career progression.

Academic Context
For students applying for Master's or PhD programs, the letter usually comes from a 'professor orientador' (advisor) who can speak to the student's research capabilities and intellectual curiosity.

A universidade exige duas cartas de recomendação de professores da área.

Structure of the Letter
A standard Portuguese letter starts with a formal salutation like 'A quem possa interessar' (To whom it may concern), followed by the duration of the relationship, specific praise, and a concluding signature with contact details.

É comum anexar a carta de recomendação ao currículo vitae.

The phrase carta de recomendação functions as a compound noun. Grammatically, 'carta' is the head noun (feminine), and 'de recomendação' is the prepositional phrase acting as an adjective. This means that any adjectives modifying the phrase must agree with the feminine singular noun 'carta'. For example, you would say 'uma boa carta' (a good letter) rather than 'um bom carta'.

Common Verbs Used with the Phrase
Verbs like 'pedir' (to ask for), 'escrever' (to write), 'enviar' (to send), and 'anexar' (to attach) are frequently paired with this noun. For instance: 'Eu pedi uma carta de recomendação ao meu gerente'.

Você poderia me escrever uma carta de recomendação para o mestrado?

When discussing multiple letters, the plural form is 'cartas de recomendação'. Note that the word 'recomendação' remains singular unless you are referring to different types of recommendations. In formal writing, it is often preceded by definite articles ('a carta') or indefinite articles ('uma carta').

Prepositional Usage
The preposition 'de' indicates the purpose. You might also see 'carta de apresentação' (cover letter), so distinguishing between 'recomendação' and 'apresentação' is crucial for learners.

Não esqueça de assinar a carta de recomendação antes de enviar.

You will encounter carta de recomendação in various formal settings. The most common is the corporate environment. During recruitment, HR professionals might say, 'Pode nos enviar suas cartas de recomendação?'. It is also a staple in academic institutions, especially during the application season for postgraduate studies.

HR and Recruitment
During an interview, a recruiter might ask if you have any 'cartas de recomendação de empregos anteriores'. Having these ready shows high organization and proactive professional behavior.

O candidato apresentou três cartas de recomendação impecáveis.

In a more informal setting, you might hear friends discussing their job search: 'Consegui uma carta de recomendação com o meu antigo diretor'. It is also mentioned in legal or immigration contexts, where 'cartas de recomendação' are used to prove a person's good standing in a community for visa applications.

University Admissions
Students often gather in the 'secretaria' (office) to ask about the requirements for 'cartas de recomendação acadêmicas'.

Para o doutorado, a carta de recomendação deve ser detalhada.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'letter OF recommendation'. While 'de' is the direct translation for 'of', learners sometimes try to use 'para' (for) or 'por' (by). Always remember: carta DE recomendação.

Confusing with Cover Letters
Many students confuse 'carta de recomendação' with 'carta de apresentação'. The former is written by someone else about you; the latter is written by you about yourself.

Erro comum: 'Eu escrevi minha própria carta de recomendação'. (Deveria ser 'carta de apresentação').

Another mistake involves the pluralization. Learners often pluralize both words: 'cartas de recomendações'. While grammatically possible in some niche contexts, the standard professional term is 'cartas de recomendação'. Furthermore, ensure you don't confuse 'recomendação' with 'referência'. A 'referência' is usually a contact person, while the 'carta' is the physical or digital document.

Gender Agreement
Since 'carta' is feminine, saying 'o carta de recomendação' is a major gender error. It must always be 'a carta'.

A carta de recomendação foi assinada pelo diretor.

While carta de recomendação is the standard term, there are several synonyms and related words depending on the level of formality and the specific purpose of the document.

Referência vs. Recomendação
A 'referência' is often just the name and contact info of a previous employer. A 'recomendação' is a full endorsement. Many jobs ask for 'referências' but will accept a 'carta de recomendação' as a stronger substitute.

Você tem referências ou uma carta de recomendação?

In very formal or old-fashioned Portuguese, you might encounter 'carta de abonação'. This term is specifically used to 'abonar' (vouch for) someone's character. In a legal context, you might hear 'atestado de bons antecedentes', though this is a police document and not a personal recommendation. In academic circles, 'carta de referência' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'carta de recomendação'.

Carta de Apresentação
This is a 'Cover Letter'. It is written by the applicant to introduce themselves and explain why they are a good fit for the position.

Envie o currículo e a carta de apresentação por e-mail.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, 'cartas' were often literal physical scrolls used to grant safe passage or vouch for a traveler's identity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkaɾ.tɐ dʒi ˌʁe.ku.mẽ.dɐ.ˈsɐ̃w/
US /ˈkaɾ.tə di ˌre.ko.men.da.ˈsãw/
The primary stress in 'carta' is on the first syllable 'car'. In 'recomendação', the primary stress is on the last syllable 'ção'.
Rhymes With
Coração Atenção Nação Ação Estação Canção Oração Solidão
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'ç' as 'k' instead of 's'.
  • Forgetting the nasal sound at the end of 'recomendação'.
  • Pronouncing the 'r' in 'recomendação' like an English 'r' instead of a guttural 'h' sound.
  • Failing to reduce the 'e' in 'de'.
  • Incorrectly stressing 'recomendação' on the second to last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'recommendation'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of nasal vowels and formal structure.

Speaking 4/5

The nasal ending 'ção' and the 'r' in 'carta' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clearly articulated in formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

carta trabalho escrever bom chefe

Learn Next

currículo entrevista contratação experiência competência

Advanced

idôneo subscrever timbrado referencial atestação

Grammar to Know

Nasal Vowels (ão)

Recomendação, coração, ação.

Preposition 'de' for Purpose

Carta de recomendação, faca de cozinha.

Noun-Adjective Agreement

A carta (fem) é boa (fem).

Indirect Object with 'pedir'

Pedir algo (carta) a alguém (professor).

Subjunctive for Requests

Espero que você escreva a carta.

Examples by Level

1

A carta de recomendação é importante.

The recommendation letter is important.

Uses the definite article 'A' for a feminine noun.

2

Onde está a minha carta?

Where is my letter?

Simple question structure.

3

Eu li a carta de recomendação.

I read the recommendation letter.

Past tense of 'ler'.

4

Ela tem uma carta.

She has a letter.

Indefinite article 'uma'.

5

É uma boa carta.

It is a good letter.

Adjective 'boa' matches feminine noun 'carta'.

6

O professor escreve a carta.

The teacher writes the letter.

Present tense of 'escrever'.

7

A carta está aqui.

The letter is here.

Use of 'estar' for location.

8

Obrigado pela carta.

Thank you for the letter.

Contraction 'pela' (por + a).

1

Eu preciso de uma carta de recomendação.

I need a recommendation letter.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

2

Você pode assinar a carta?

Can you sign the letter?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

3

Vou pedir uma carta ao meu chefe.

I will ask my boss for a letter.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

4

A carta de recomendação é para o trabalho.

The recommendation letter is for the job.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose.

5

Eles enviaram as cartas de recomendação ontem.

They sent the recommendation letters yesterday.

Plural form 'cartas'.

6

Minha carta de recomendação é muito positiva.

My recommendation letter is very positive.

Possessive pronoun 'minha' (feminine).

7

Não tenho nenhuma carta de recomendação.

I don't have any recommendation letter.

Negative structure 'não... nenhuma'.

8

Onde coloco a carta de recomendação?

Where do I put the recommendation letter?

Question with 'onde'.

1

Espero que o diretor escreva a carta de recomendação logo.

I hope the director writes the recommendation letter soon.

Present subjunctive 'escreva' after 'espero que'.

2

Anexei a carta de recomendação ao meu currículo.

I attached the recommendation letter to my resume.

Preposition 'ao' (a + o) after 'anexar'.

3

Uma carta de recomendação bem escrita faz a diferença.

A well-written recommendation letter makes the difference.

Adverb 'bem' modifying the participle 'escrita'.

4

Ele solicitou uma carta de recomendação para a universidade.

He requested a recommendation letter for the university.

Formal verb 'solicitar'.

5

A carta de recomendação deve destacar suas habilidades.

The recommendation letter should highlight your skills.

Modal 'deve' + infinitive 'destacar'.

6

Recebi uma carta de recomendação do meu antigo supervisor.

I received a recommendation letter from my former supervisor.

Preposition 'do' (de + o) indicating origin.

7

Você já conseguiu as cartas de recomendação necessárias?

Have you already gotten the necessary recommendation letters?

Adjective 'necessárias' agreeing with 'cartas'.

8

A carta de recomendação confirmou sua experiência na área.

The recommendation letter confirmed his experience in the field.

Past tense 'confirmou'.

1

A empresa exige que a carta de recomendação seja timbrada.

The company requires that the recommendation letter be on letterhead.

Subjunctive 'seja' after 'exige que'.

2

Caso você precise, posso redigir sua carta de recomendação.

In case you need it, I can draft your recommendation letter.

Conditional 'caso' + subjunctive 'precise'.

3

Uma carta de recomendação genérica não ajuda muito o candidato.

A generic recommendation letter doesn't help the candidate much.

Adjective 'genérica' with negative connotation.

4

O professor se recusou a dar a carta de recomendação.

The professor refused to give the recommendation letter.

Reflexive verb 'recusar-se'.

5

É fundamental que a carta de recomendação mencione projetos específicos.

It is fundamental that the recommendation letter mentions specific projects.

Impersonal expression 'é fundamental que' + subjunctive.

6

A carta de recomendação deve ser enviada diretamente pelo recomendador.

The recommendation letter must be sent directly by the recommender.

Passive voice 'ser enviada'.

7

A validade da carta de recomendação é de seis meses.

The validity of the recommendation letter is six months.

Noun 'validade'.

8

Ele obteve a vaga graças a uma forte carta de recomendação.

He got the job thanks to a strong recommendation letter.

Expression 'graças a'.

1

A carta de recomendação primou pelo detalhamento das competências interpessoais.

The recommendation letter excelled in detailing interpersonal skills.

Verb 'primar' meaning to excel or prioritize.

2

Submetemos a carta de recomendação via portal institucional.

We submitted the recommendation letter via the institutional portal.

Formal verb 'submeter'.

3

O teor da carta de recomendação foi extremamente lisonjeiro.

The content of the recommendation letter was extremely flattering.

Noun 'teor' (content/tenor).

4

A ausência de uma carta de recomendação robusta prejudicou o processo.

The absence of a robust recommendation letter hindered the process.

Adjective 'robusta' meaning strong/solid.

5

Instruí o estagiário sobre como solicitar uma carta de recomendação formalmente.

I instructed the intern on how to formally request a recommendation letter.

Verb 'instruir' + 'sobre'.

6

A carta de recomendação atesta a idoneidade moral do indivíduo.

The recommendation letter vouches for the individual's moral integrity.

Formal phrase 'atestar a idoneidade'.

7

É praxe incluir uma carta de recomendação em candidaturas internacionais.

It is standard practice to include a recommendation letter in international applications.

Noun 'praxe' (custom/standard practice).

8

O candidato agiu com cautela ao escolher quem escreveria sua carta de recomendação.

The candidate acted with caution when choosing who would write his recommendation letter.

Conditional 'escreveria'.

1

A carta de recomendação, conquanto elogiosa, carecia de exemplos pragmáticos.

The recommendation letter, although complimentary, lacked pragmatic examples.

Conjunction 'conquanto' (although) + subjunctive.

2

Houve uma celeuma em torno da veracidade daquela carta de recomendação.

There was a controversy surrounding the veracity of that recommendation letter.

Noun 'celeuma' (uproar/controversy).

3

A carta de recomendação serviu como um salvo-conduto para sua entrada na elite acadêmica.

The recommendation letter served as a safe-conduct for his entry into the academic elite.

Metaphorical use of 'salvo-conduto'.

4

O redator da carta de recomendação eximiu-se de qualquer responsabilidade futura.

The writer of the recommendation letter exempted themselves from any future responsibility.

Reflexive 'eximir-se'.

5

A eficácia de uma carta de recomendação reside na credibilidade de quem a subscreve.

The effectiveness of a recommendation letter lies in the credibility of the person who signs it.

Formal verb 'subscrever'.

6

A carta de recomendação foi redigida com um rigor formal sem precedentes.

The recommendation letter was drafted with unprecedented formal rigor.

Noun 'rigor' and phrase 'sem precedentes'.

7

Ponderou-se se a carta de recomendação seria suficiente para mitigar as falhas no histórico.

It was weighed whether the recommendation letter would be sufficient to mitigate the flaws in the record.

Passive voice 'ponderou-se'.

8

A carta de recomendação é o epílogo de uma trajetória profissional exemplar.

The recommendation letter is the epilogue of an exemplary professional trajectory.

Metaphorical use of 'epílogo'.

Synonyms

Referência Abonação Indicação Atestado Depoimento Carta de referência Louvor Testemunho

Antonyms

Crítica Advertência Difamação Reprovação

Common Collocations

Solicitar uma carta
Escrever uma carta
Anexar a carta
Carta timbrada
Carta elogiosa
Carta formal
Exigir uma carta
Assinar a carta
Carta de recomendação acadêmica
Carta de recomendação profissional

Common Phrases

A quem possa interessar

— To whom it may concern. Standard opening for these letters.

A carta começa com 'A quem possa interessar'.

Com os melhores cumprimentos

— With best regards. A formal way to close the letter.

Encerrou a carta com os melhores cumprimentos.

Venho por este meio recomendar

— I hereby recommend. A formal opening sentence.

Venho por este meio recomendar o Sr. Silva.

À disposição para esclarecimentos

— Available for further clarification. Standard closing offer.

Estou à disposição para eventuais esclarecimentos.

Pleno domínio da função

— Full mastery of the role. A common praise in letters.

Ela demonstrou pleno domínio da função.

Espírito de equipa

— Team spirit. A highly valued trait mentioned in letters.

Ele possui um excelente espírito de equipa.

Sentido de responsabilidade

— Sense of responsibility. Key characteristic to include.

Destaco seu grande sentido de responsabilidade.

Recomendo sem reservas

— I recommend without reservation. The strongest form of endorsement.

Eu o recomendo sem quaisquer reservas.

Durante o período em que

— During the period in which. Used to establish the timeline.

Durante o período em que trabalhou conosco...

Pessoa de inteira confiança

— Person of complete trust. High praise for character.

É uma pessoa de minha inteira confiança.

Often Confused With

carta de recomendação vs Carta de apresentação

This is a cover letter written by the candidate, not a recommendation from a third party.

carta de recomendação vs Cartão de visita

This is a business card, not a letter of recommendation.

carta de recomendação vs Referência

Usually refers to a person's contact info rather than a written letter.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To yield or admit someone is good. Might be used when a tough boss finally writes a letter.

O chefe deu o braço a torcer e escreveu a carta.

Informal
"Pôr a mão no fogo"

— To vouch for someone completely (put one's hand in the fire).

Eu ponho a mão no fogo por ele naquela carta.

Informal
"Assinar embaixo"

— To agree completely or endorse fully.

O que ele escreveu na carta, eu assino embaixo.

Neutral
"Abrir portas"

— To create opportunities. A good letter does this.

Essa carta vai abrir muitas portas para você.

Neutral
"Falar bem de"

— To speak highly of. The verbal version of a letter.

Todos falam bem dele na empresa.

Neutral
"Ter as costas quentes"

— To have powerful people backing you (sometimes used for recommendations).

Ele tem as costas quentes com aquela carta do CEO.

Informal
"Vender o seu peixe"

— To market oneself (often what the letter helps do).

A carta ajuda a vender o seu peixe.

Informal
"Dar carta branca"

— To give full authority (related to 'carta').

A carta de recomendação deu-lhe carta branca no novo projeto.

Neutral
"Fazer jus a"

— To live up to. You must live up to the letter.

Ele fez jus à carta de recomendação que recebeu.

Formal
"Em bons lençóis"

— In a good situation (thanks to the letter).

Com essa carta, você está em bons lençóis.

Informal

Easily Confused

carta de recomendação vs Recomendação

Cognate with English.

In Portuguese, it always takes the 'ção' ending and requires 'de' when following 'carta'.

A recomendação foi boa.

carta de recomendação vs Indicação

Both involve endorsing someone.

Indicação is often verbal or informal; recomendação is usually written and formal.

Tive uma indicação para a vaga.

carta de recomendação vs Atestado

Both are formal documents.

An atestado is a statement of fact (e.g., medical or work duration), while a recomendação is an opinion of quality.

O atestado médico é necessário.

carta de recomendação vs Currículo

Both are job application documents.

A currículo is your history; a carta de recomendação is someone else's praise of you.

Enviei meu currículo ontem.

carta de recomendação vs Diploma

Both are academic documents.

A diploma proves graduation; a carta de recomendação proves character and skill.

Recebi meu diploma na sexta.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Eu tenho [noun].

Eu tenho uma carta de recomendação.

A2

Eu preciso de [noun].

Eu preciso de uma carta de recomendação.

B1

Você pode [verb] [noun]?

Você pode escrever uma carta de recomendação?

B2

É necessário que [subjunctive].

É necessário que a carta de recomendação seja assinada.

C1

[Noun] serve para [verb].

A carta de recomendação serve para atestar minha experiência.

C1

Ao [verb], [clause].

Ao solicitar a carta de recomendação, seja educado.

C2

Conquanto [subjunctive], [clause].

Conquanto a carta de recomendação ajude, o teste é o que conta.

C2

Dada a [noun], [clause].

Dada a importância da carta de recomendação, revise-a bem.

Word Family

Nouns

carta
recomendação
recomendador
recomendado

Verbs

recomendar

Adjectives

recomendado
recomendável
recomendatório

Related

referência
currículo
apresentação
atestado
certificado

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • O carta de recomendação A carta de recomendação

    'Carta' is a feminine noun.

  • Carta para recomendação Carta de recomendação

    The preposition 'de' is used to show purpose here.

  • Cartas de recomendações Cartas de recomendação

    Usually, 'recomendação' stays singular in this compound noun.

  • Escrevi uma carta de recomendação para o emprego. Escrevi uma carta de apresentação para o emprego.

    If you wrote it yourself for a job, it's a cover letter.

  • Pedir uma carta de recomendação para meu chefe. Pedir uma carta de recomendação ao meu chefe.

    The verb 'pedir' takes 'a' (to) for the person being asked.

Tips

Be Proactive

Ask for the letter as soon as you leave a job, while your achievements are fresh in the boss's mind.

Say Thank You

Always send a thank-you note to the person who wrote the letter for you.

Use Letterhead

A letter on official company letterhead looks much more professional and credible.

Specific Examples

A good letter mentions specific projects or achievements, not just general praise.

Give Notice

Give the recommender at least two weeks to write the letter.

Formal Salutations

Use 'Prezado(a)' or 'Exmo(a). Senhor(a)' for a professional tone.

LinkedIn

Ask for a LinkedIn recommendation in addition to a formal letter.

Keep Copies

Always keep a digital and physical copy of every recommendation you receive.

Tailor the Letter

If possible, have the writer tailor the letter to the specific field you are applying for.

Check Contact Info

Ensure the recommender's current phone and email are on the letter.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Cart' (Carta) carrying a 'Recommendation' to your new job. You need the cart to move your career forward.

Visual Association

Imagine a golden envelope with a big 'R' on it being handed from an old boss to a new boss.

Word Web

Emprego Professor Habilidades Papel Assinatura Formal Sucesso Futuro

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence request for a 'carta de recomendação' in Portuguese to an imaginary professor.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'charta' (paper, papyrus) and 'recommendare' (to commit to one's care, to praise).

Original meaning: A paper that entrusts someone's reputation to another.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound demanding when asking for one; use polite conditional forms like 'Seria possível...'.

In the US/UK, LinkedIn recommendations have largely replaced physical letters for mid-level jobs, but in Brazil, formal letters are still highly requested for government and traditional corporate roles.

Many Brazilian literature classics mention 'cartas de recomendação' as the only way for rural migrants to find work in big cities. Machado de Assis often wrote about the social power of such documents. Modern Brazilian cinema often depicts the struggle of getting that first 'indicação'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Application

  • Anexo minha carta
  • Referências disponíveis
  • Experiência comprovada
  • Antigo empregador

University Admissions

  • Desempenho acadêmico
  • Professor orientador
  • Bolsa de estudos
  • Prazo de submissão

Immigration

  • Caráter moral
  • Residência permanente
  • Vouching
  • Documentação oficial

Networking

  • Quem indica
  • Conexão profissional
  • Pedir um favor
  • Retribuir a gentileza

Internship

  • Relatório de estágio
  • Supervisor direto
  • Primeira experiência
  • Habilidades aprendidas

Conversation Starters

"Você já precisou pedir uma carta de recomendação?"

"Quem seria a melhor pessoa para escrever sua carta de recomendação?"

"Você acha que as cartas de recomendação ainda são importantes hoje em dia?"

"Como você pediria uma carta de recomendação em português?"

"Você prefere uma carta de recomendação física ou um depoimento no LinkedIn?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que uma carta de recomendação ajudou você a conseguir algo importante.

Se você tivesse que escrever uma carta de recomendação para si mesmo, o que você diria?

Quais são as qualidades mais importantes que devem aparecer em uma carta de recomendação?

Escreva um pequeno e-mail pedindo uma carta de recomendação a um ex-professor.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser recomendado por um amigo e por um chefe formal.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You should ask someone who has directly supervised your work or studies, such as a manager, director, or professor. They should be able to provide specific examples of your skills.

It is not always mandatory, but it is highly recommended for competitive positions and academic applications. It serves as a strong 'QI' (referral).

Usually, one page is sufficient. It should be concise but detailed enough to be meaningful.

In some cultures, this is common practice to save the boss time, but the boss must review and agree with every word before signing.

A letter is a formal document, while a reference is often just providing someone's name and phone number for a quick call.

If the job is in a Portuguese-speaking country, it should be in Portuguese. If it's for an international company, English might be preferred.

Usually, no. A signature and a company stamp (carimbo) or letterhead are sufficient.

A supervisor is preferred, but a senior colleague can write one if they can speak to your professional skills.

The standard translation is 'A quem possa interessar'.

Don't insist. It's better to have no letter than a weak or negative one. Find another person who values your work.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write: 'I have a letter.'

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writing

Write: 'I need a recommendation letter.'

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writing

Write: 'Can you write a letter for me?'

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writing

Write: 'The letter is attached to the resume.'

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writing

Write: 'The letter vouches for my integrity.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The letter is good.'

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writing

Write: 'She sent the letter.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I requested a formal letter.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The director signed the recommendation letter.'

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writing

Write: 'It is standard practice to include a letter.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Where is the letter?'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I want two letters.'

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writing

Write: 'The teacher writes the letter today.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'A good letter makes the difference.'

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writing

Write: 'The content of the letter is positive.'

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writing

Write: 'A big letter.'

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writing

Write: 'I am reading the letter.'

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'He gave me a letter.'

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writing

Write: 'Please sign the document.'

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writing

Write: 'I recommend him without reservations.'

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speaking

Say: 'Carta de recomendação.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Eu preciso de uma carta.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Você pode escrever a carta?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Anexei a carta ao currículo.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'A carta atesta minha idoneidade.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'A carta é boa.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Onde está a carta?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Obrigado pela recomendação.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Preciso de papel timbrado.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Recomendo sem reservas.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Uma carta.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Duas cartas.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Meu chefe escreveu.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'A vaga é minha.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O teor é elogioso.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Sim, a carta.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Não tenho carta.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Vou enviar agora.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Assine aqui, por favor.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Agradeço a abonação.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'A carta está na mesa.' Where is the letter?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Eu quero uma carta de recomendação.' What does the person want?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: 'O professor vai escrever a carta amanhã.' When will the letter be written?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: 'A empresa exige a carta original.' Does the company want a copy?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: 'A carta primou pela clareza.' What was the quality of the letter?

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listening

Listen: 'Uma carta.' How many?

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listening

Listen: 'Cartas de recomendação.' Plural or singular?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Anexe o documento.' What should you do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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listening

Listen: 'O diretor já assinou.' Is it signed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'A abonação foi enviada.' What was sent?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Carta boa.' Positive or negative?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Não li a carta.' Did I read it?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Peça ao seu chefe.' Who should you ask?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'A carta é um diferencial.' Is it important?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'O teor é lisonjeiro.' Is it critical?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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