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A2 adjective #4,000 most common 10 min read

concreto

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips concreto in 30 Seconds

Explanation concreto in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'concreto' as a way to describe things you can touch. Imagine you are in a room. A chair, a table, and a book are 'objetos concretos'. They are real things. You can see them and feel them. At this beginning stage, don't worry about complex grammar. Just remember that if you are talking about one masculine thing, say 'concreto'. If you are talking about one feminine thing, say 'concreta'. For example, 'O livro é concreto' (The book is concrete/physical) or 'A mesa é concreta' (The table is concrete/physical). It is a simple word to help you distinguish between things that are physically there and things that are just ideas. You might use it when learning about nouns. Teachers will say that 'mãe' (mother) is a 'substantivo concreto' because a mother is a real person you can hug. This helps you build a foundation for understanding how the Portuguese language categorizes the world around us. Keep your sentences short and focus on the physical objects in your immediate environment to practice this word.

At the A2 level, you start to move beyond just physical objects. Now, 'concreto' starts to mean 'specific' or 'definite'. You might use it when you are making plans with friends or talking about your goals. Instead of saying 'I want to travel', which is a vague idea, you might say 'Eu tenho um plano concreto' (I have a concrete/specific plan). This shows that you have thought about the details, like where you are going and when. At this level, you should also practice making the word plural. If you have many plans, they are 'planos concretos'. If you have many ideas that are now specific, they are 'ideias concretas'. Notice how the ending changes from -os to -as. This is a very important rule for A2 learners. You will also hear this word in basic business or work contexts. If your boss asks for 'resultados concretos', they want to see the actual work you have done, not just your thoughts about the work. It is a very useful word for being clear and avoiding confusion in daily conversations.

By the B1 level, you are expected to use 'concreto' in more varied contexts, including discussions about evidence, logic, and social issues. You will use it to contrast with 'abstrato' (abstract). For instance, in a debate, you might say, 'A sua teoria é interessante, mas precisamos de exemplos concretos' (Your theory is interesting, but we need concrete examples). This shows you can handle more complex sentence structures and participate in more intellectual conversations. You will also encounter the word in the context of 'provas concretas' (concrete proof) when reading news stories or watching crime dramas. At B1, you should be comfortable using the word with a variety of verbs like 'apresentar' (to present), 'definir' (to define), or 'exigir' (to demand). You should also be aware of the regional difference: in Brazil, 'concreto' is the noun for the material used to build bridges and buildings, while in Portugal, they say 'betão'. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more like a local and less like a textbook.

At the B2 level, 'concreto' becomes a tool for precision in your speech and writing. You should be able to use it to refine your arguments. For example, you might discuss 'medidas concretas' (concrete measures) that a government should take to combat climate change. Here, 'concreto' implies that the measures are actionable and measurable, not just theoretical. You will also see it used in psychological or philosophical texts to describe human behavior or stages of thought. A B2 learner should be able to use the word in the middle of complex sentences, such as 'Embora a ideia seja boa, a falta de um orçamento concreto impede a sua execução' (Although the idea is good, the lack of a concrete budget prevents its execution). You should also start noticing how 'concreto' is used in idiomatic ways or in fixed collocations like 'caso concreto' (specific case) or 'dados concretos' (concrete data). Your ability to use this word to ground your speech in reality will make your Portuguese much more persuasive and professional.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the subtle nuances of 'concreto'. You understand that while it often means 'specific', it also carries an ontological weight—referring to the very nature of existence. You might use it in academic writing to distinguish between 'entidades concretas' and 'construtos teóricos'. Your vocabulary should now include synonyms like 'palpável', 'tangível', and 'fáctico', and you should know exactly when to use 'concreto' instead of them. For instance, you would use 'concreto' to describe a writing style that avoids flowery metaphors in favor of direct descriptions. You should also be fully aware of the Brazilian noun usage versus the Portuguese 'betão' and be able to switch between them depending on your audience without hesitation. At this level, you can use the word to critique art, literature, or political policy with a high degree of sophistication. You might say, 'A obra falha ao não oferecer uma representação concreta da angústia humana, perdendo-se em simbolismos excessivos' (The work fails by not offering a concrete representation of human anguish, getting lost in excessive symbolisms).

At the C2 level, 'concreto' is a word you use with total mastery, often in ways that play with its multiple meanings. You might use it in a metaphorical sense that still feels grounded, or in highly specialized fields like law, where 'o caso concreto' refers to the specific facts of the case currently being judged, as opposed to the general law. You are comfortable using it in the most formal registers, such as in a legal brief or a scientific paper, where 'evidência concreta' must be presented with absolute clarity. You also understand the historical etymology of the word, coming from the Latin 'concretus' (grown together, hardened), and how that history informs its current meanings of 'solid' and 'material'. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to discuss the 'concretização' (realization) of complex social projects or the 'pensamento concreto' of specific historical figures. At this stage, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a precise instrument in your linguistic toolkit, used to carve out exact meanings in a sea of abstraction.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

concreto in 30 Seconds

Concreto means physical, tangible, or specific in Portuguese, used for both objects and ideas.
It must agree in gender (concreto/concreta) and number (concretos/concretas) with the noun.
In Brazil, it is also the noun for the construction material 'concrete'.
It is the direct opposite of 'abstrato' (abstract) and is essential for clear communication.

The word concreto is a multifaceted adjective in Portuguese that primarily describes things that exist in the physical world or are clearly defined and specific. When you are learning Portuguese, understanding the distinction between the abstract and the concrete is essential because this word acts as the bridge between those two worlds. In its most literal sense, it refers to material objects—things you can touch, see, and measure. However, its most frequent usage in modern conversation, especially at the A2 level and beyond, relates to ideas, plans, and information that are not vague. If someone asks you for a resposta concreta, they are not asking for a heavy or physical answer; they are asking for a definitive, specific, and unambiguous one.

Physical Reality: Refers to objects with mass and volume. In linguistics, a substantivo concreto (concrete noun) is a word like 'chair' or 'water', as opposed to 'love' or 'freedom'.
Specificity in Logic: Used when moving from a general theory to a particular instance. If a teacher gives a exemplo concreto, they are providing a real-world application of a difficult concept.
Certainty and Finality: In professional contexts, a proposta concreta is a final offer with set terms, leaving no room for speculation or further guessing.

In Brazil, you will also hear this word used as a noun to describe the construction material (cement mixed with gravel). However, in Portugal, the word betão is used for the material, while concreto remains primarily an adjective for 'specific' or 'tangible'. This is a vital distinction for travelers. If you are in Lisbon and talk about a building made of concreto, people will understand you, but they will recognize the Brazilian influence in your vocabulary. Regardless of the geography, the adjective form remains consistent across the Lusophone world to denote clarity and substance.

Eu preciso de um plano concreto para as minhas férias antes de comprar as passagens.

Furthermore, the word is used in philosophy and psychology to describe a stage of cognitive development. Children in the 'concrete operational stage' think about things that are present and real. This usage mirrors the linguistic meaning: staying grounded in what is observable. When you use this word, you are signaling that you want to move away from the 'nuvens' (clouds) of abstraction and down to the 'terra' (ground) of reality. It is a word of pragmatism and action.

O artista transformou sentimentos abstratos em uma escultura concreta.

Evidence: Provas concretas are physical or undeniable pieces of evidence in a court of law.

Using concreto correctly requires attention to noun-adjective agreement and placement. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify. This is especially true for concreto because it serves as a qualifying attribute that narrows down the scope of the noun. For example, instead of just any 'results' (resultados), you want 'concrete results' (resultados concretos). Notice how the adjective changes to the plural masculine form to match the noun. This grammatical harmony is the backbone of the Portuguese language.

A empresa apresentou resultados concretos no final do trimestre.

When referring to feminine nouns, the ending changes from -o to -a. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who are used to adjectives being gender-neutral. For instance, if you are talking about a 'measure' (medida), you must say medida concreta. If you are discussing 'ideas' (ideias), you say ideias concretas. The consistency of these endings helps the listener track which noun you are describing even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.

Masculine Singular: O objeto é concreto. (The object is concrete.)
Feminine Singular: A situação é concreta. (The situation is concrete.)
Masculine Plural: Os fatos são concretos. (The facts are concrete.)
Feminine Plural: As propostas são concretas. (The proposals are concrete.)

Placement can occasionally change for emphasis, but putting concreto before the noun is rare and often sounds poetic or archaic. In 99% of daily interactions, keep it after the noun. This word is also frequently used with the verb ser (to be) to describe an inherent quality, or with tornar (to make/turn) when describing the process of making something abstract become real. For example, 'Ele tornou o seu sonho concreto' (He made his dream concrete/real).

Não temos nada concreto ainda sobre o novo projeto.

Finally, consider the intensity. You can modify concreto with adverbs like muito (very) or totalmente (totally). 'Este é um exemplo muito concreto' (This is a very concrete example). This allows you to express shades of specificity, which is particularly useful in academic or business writing where precision is valued above all else.

You will encounter the word concreto in a variety of real-world environments, ranging from the workplace to the classroom. In a professional setting, it is a 'power word'. Managers and executives use it to demand clarity. If a meeting is dragging on with vague ideas, someone might interrupt and say, 'Vamos falar de coisas concretas' (Let's talk about concrete things). This serves as a verbal signal to stop theorizing and start looking at data, budgets, or deadlines. It is a word that commands focus and pragmatism.

O diretor quer ver ações concretas para reduzir os custos.

In the news and media, concreto is often used when reporting on legal cases or government policies. Journalists will ask if there is prova concreta (concrete proof) of a crime. Without it, allegations remain in the realm of 'especulação' (speculation). Similarly, when a politician makes a promise, the public often asks for a cronograma concreto (concrete schedule). In these contexts, the word carries the weight of truth and reliability. It is the opposite of 'promessas vazias' (empty promises).

Education: Teachers use it to help students understand complex theories. 'Para entender a gravidade, vamos olhar para um caso concreto: a queda de uma maçã.'
Construction (Brazil): On a Brazilian construction site, you will hear workers talking about 'derramar o concreto' (pouring the concrete). Here, it is a noun.

In everyday social life, you might hear it when planning events. If you are trying to organize a dinner with friends and everyone is being non-committal about the time, you could say, 'Precisamos definir um horário concreto' (We need to define a concrete time). It helps move the group from a state of 'maybe' to a state of 'definitely'. It is also used in self-improvement contexts, where people talk about setting objetivos concretos (concrete goals) instead of vague wishes.

Ainda não há nada concreto sobre a data do show.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with concreto is failing to adjust for gender and number. Because 'concrete' in English is invariable, it is easy to forget that in Portuguese, it must dance in harmony with the noun. Saying 'ideias concreto' instead of ideias concretas is a hallmark of a beginner. Always identify the noun first, determine its gender and number, and then apply the correct suffix to concreto.

Incorreto: Elas têm propostas concreto.
Correto: Elas têm propostas concretas.

Another common pitfall is the regional difference between Portugal and Brazil regarding the noun form. As mentioned previously, if you are in Portugal and you use concreto to refer to the building material, you aren't strictly 'wrong'—the word exists in that sense—but you will sound like you are using Brazilian Portuguese. In Portugal, the standard word for the material is betão. Conversely, in Brazil, betão is almost never used for construction; concreto is the only way to go. Using the wrong term won't cause a major misunderstanding, but it will affect your 'native-like' fluency in specific regions.

Confusion with 'Específico': While often interchangeable, concreto emphasizes reality/tangibility, whereas específico emphasizes uniqueness/detail. Don't use concreto when you mean 'this particular one' among many abstract options.
Overuse: Learners sometimes use concreto for everything 'real'. Sometimes real, verdadeiro, or tangível are more natural choices depending on the context.

There is also the 'false friend' risk with the English word 'concrete' when used as a verb (to concrete something). In Portuguese, the verb is concretizar (to make concrete / to realize / to fulfill). You cannot say 'eu vou concretar meu plano' (unless you are literally pouring cement on it). You must say 'eu vou concretizar meu plano'. Confusing the adjective with the verb is a common structural error for intermediate learners.

Não confunda: 'Um plano concreto' (adjetivo) com 'Eu vou concretizar o plano' (verbo).

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that occupy the same semantic space as concreto. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might choose a synonym that highlights a different aspect of the 'concrete' nature of an object or idea. For example, if you want to emphasize that something can be felt or touched, tangível is an excellent, slightly more formal alternative. If you want to emphasize that something is not just a theory but actually exists, real is the most direct substitute.

Concreto vs. Específico: Concreto implies substance and lack of abstraction. Específico implies a particular detail or a unique item. You have a plano concreto (solid plan) but an item específico (specific item).
Concreto vs. Tangível: Tangível is often used in business contexts for assets (tangible assets = ativos tangíveis). It sounds more sophisticated than concreto.
Concreto vs. Material: Material refers strictly to the physical composition. A bem material is a physical good, like a car.

In more academic or philosophical discussions, you might encounter fáctico (factual), which relates to things that are based on facts rather than imagination. While concreto can mean factual, fáctico is much more narrow. On the opposite side of the spectrum, when you want to talk about things that are the opposite of concreto, you use abstrato (abstract), vago (vague), or imaterial (immaterial). Mastering these pairings allows you to describe the world with much higher resolution.

Podemos substituir 'exemplo concreto' por 'exemplo específico' ou 'exemplo real'.

When you are writing, try to vary your word choice. Using concreto three times in one paragraph can feel repetitive. Swap one instance for preciso (precise) or definido (defined) if the context allows. This variety not only shows off your vocabulary but also makes your Portuguese sound more natural and less like a direct translation from English.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally described things like curdled milk or frozen water before it became a term for philosophical logic and building materials.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kõ.ˈkɾɛ.tu/

US /kõ.ˈkɾɛ.tu/

The stress is on the second syllable: con-CRE-to.

Rhymes With

discreto direto alfabeto teto afeto decreto objeto projeto

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of 'u'.
Not nasalizing the first 'o'.
Forgetting to roll or tap the 'r'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 't' with a heavy English aspiration.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate of the English word 'concrete'.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement (-o, -a, -os, -as).

Speaking 2/5

Nasalization of the first syllable can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Usually clear and easy to distinguish in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

coisa (thing) plano (plan) exemplo (example) abstrato (abstract) real (real)

Learn Next

específico (specific) tangível (tangible) concretizar (to realize) fundamentar (to base/ground) evidência (evidence)

Advanced

ontologia (ontology) empirismo (empiricism) faticidade (facticity) pragmatismo (pragmatism) substancial (substantial)

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

O plano (masculine) é concreto. A ideia (feminine) é concreta.

Number Agreement

Os fatos são concretos. As provas são concretas.

Adjective Placement

Usually follows the noun: 'Um exemplo concreto' (Correct) vs 'Um concreto exemplo' (Rare/Poetic).

Substantivization

Using 'o concreto' as a noun to mean 'the physical world' or 'reality'.

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'concreto' is a nasal vowel, produced by letting air escape through the nose.

Examples by Level

Eu vejo um objeto concreto na mesa.

I see a concrete object on the table.

Concreto agrees with 'objeto' (masculine singular).

A maçã é uma coisa concreta.

The apple is a concrete thing.

Concreta agrees with 'coisa' (feminine singular).

O gato é um animal concreto.

The cat is a concrete animal.

Focus on the physical reality of the animal.

Nós temos brinquedos concretos.

We have concrete toys.

Concretos is masculine plural to match 'brinquedos'.

Esta cadeira é de material concreto?

Is this chair made of concrete material?

Used here to describe the material substance.

O sol é concreto, mas a alegria não é.

The sun is concrete, but joy is not.

Contrast between physical and abstract.

Eu gosto de exemplos concretos.

I like concrete examples.

Concretos matches 'exemplos'.

A casa é muito concreta.

The house is very concrete/solid.

Using 'muito' to modify the adjective.

Você tem um plano concreto para hoje?

Do you have a concrete plan for today?

Concreto means 'specific' here.

Ainda não recebi uma resposta concreta.

I haven't received a concrete answer yet.

Concreta matches 'resposta' (feminine).

Precisamos de dados concretos para o relatório.

We need concrete data for the report.

Plural agreement with 'dados'.

O professor deu uma explicação concreta.

The teacher gave a concrete explanation.

Meaning 'clear and easy to understand'.

Eles querem propostas concretas de trabalho.

They want concrete job proposals.

Plural feminine agreement.

Não há nada concreto sobre o feriado.

There is nothing concrete about the holiday.

'Nada' is treated as masculine.

Quero ver resultados concretos este mês.

I want to see concrete results this month.

Focus on measurable progress.

O seu objetivo deve ser mais concreto.

Your goal should be more concrete.

Using 'mais' for comparison.

A polícia encontrou provas concretas do crime.

The police found concrete evidence of the crime.

Used in a legal/investigative context.

É difícil transformar sonhos em algo concreto.

It is difficult to turn dreams into something concrete.

'Algo' is masculine singular.

O governo anunciou medidas concretas contra a inflação.

The government announced concrete measures against inflation.

Refers to specific policies.

Precisamos sair do abstrato e ir para o concreto.

We need to leave the abstract and go to the concrete.

Using 'o concreto' as a substantivized adjective.

A sua ajuda foi muito concreta e útil.

Your help was very concrete and useful.

Meaning the help was practical, not just verbal.

Existem riscos concretos se não agirmos agora.

There are concrete risks if we don't act now.

Plural masculine agreement.

O autor usa uma linguagem muito concreta em seus livros.

The author uses very concrete language in his books.

Refers to a specific writing style.

Não fale de forma vaga; seja mais concreto.

Don't speak vaguely; be more concrete.

Imperative suggestion.

A falta de um cronograma concreto atrasou a obra.

The lack of a concrete schedule delayed the work.

Common in project management.

O cientista apresentou uma base concreta para sua teoria.

The scientist presented a concrete basis for his theory.

Refers to empirical support.

As vantagens concretas desta tecnologia são óbvias.

The concrete advantages of this technology are obvious.

Emphasizing real benefits.

Ele não tem uma proposta concreta de salário ainda.

He doesn't have a concrete salary proposal yet.

Refers to a specific number/offer.

O projeto saiu do papel e tornou-se algo concreto.

The project left the paper and became something concrete.

Idiom for 'becoming real'.

Quais são as consequências concretas dessa decisão?

What are the concrete consequences of this decision?

Asking for real-world impacts.

A filosofia muitas vezes se afasta do mundo concreto.

Philosophy often moves away from the concrete world.

Contrasting theory with reality.

Ela ofereceu uma sugestão concreta para resolver o conflito.

She offered a concrete suggestion to resolve the conflict.

A practical solution.

A análise deve focar no caso concreto, não na teoria geral.

The analysis must focus on the concrete case, not the general theory.

Legal terminology: 'o caso concreto'.

A poesia moderna busca imagens concretas para expressar o vazio.

Modern poetry seeks concrete images to express the void.

Literary analysis context.

Não houve uma sinalização concreta de mudança por parte da diretoria.

There was no concrete sign of change from the board of directors.

Sophisticated business usage.

A concretização desses ideais exige um esforço coletivo.

The realization of these ideals requires a collective effort.

Using the noun 'concretização'.

O pensamento concreto é fundamental na primeira infância.

Concrete thinking is fundamental in early childhood.

Psychological terminology.

A arquitetura brutalista é marcada pelo uso do concreto aparente.

Brutalist architecture is marked by the use of exposed concrete.

Here 'concreto' is a noun (Brazilian usage).

Precisamos de uma fundamentação mais concreta para este argumento.

We need a more concrete foundation for this argument.

Academic context.

O impacto concreto da nova lei ainda é incerto.

The concrete impact of the new law is still uncertain.

Refers to the actual results of legislation.

A ontologia estuda a distinção entre entes abstratos e concretos.

Ontology studies the distinction between abstract and concrete entities.

High-level philosophical discourse.

A prosa do autor é despida de adornos, focando no detalhe concreto.

The author's prose is stripped of ornaments, focusing on the concrete detail.

Advanced literary criticism.

A aplicação da norma jurídica depende da análise do caso concreto.

The application of the legal norm depends on the analysis of the concrete case.

Precise legal language.

O projeto carece de uma viabilidade financeira concreta.

The project lacks concrete financial viability.

Professional financial critique.

A transcendência, por definição, escapa ao domínio do concreto.

Transcendence, by definition, escapes the domain of the concrete.

Metaphysical discussion.

A evidência empírica fornece o suporte concreto necessário à ciência.

Empirical evidence provides the concrete support necessary for science.

Scientific epistemology.

A política externa exige gestos concretos de boa vontade.

Foreign policy requires concrete gestures of goodwill.

Diplomatic terminology.

O realismo literário privilegia a descrição da realidade concreta.

Literary realism privileges the description of concrete reality.

Historical literary context.

Common Collocations

exemplo concreto

plano concreto

provas concretas

resultados concretos

medidas concretas

caso concreto

dados concretos

objetivo concreto

proposta concreta

ações concretas

Common Phrases

Nada de concreto

— Nothing definite or certain yet. Often used when waiting for news.

Ainda não sabemos nada de concreto sobre o resultado.

Em termos concretos

— In practical terms or looking at the specific details.

Em termos concretos, quanto isso vai custar?

Algo concreto

— Something tangible or a specific piece of information.

Você tem algo concreto para me oferecer?

Sair do papel para o concreto

— To move from a plan/idea to actual execution/reality.

Finalmente, o projeto saiu do papel para o concreto.

Mundo concreto

— The real, physical world as opposed to dreams or theories.

Precisamos viver no mundo concreto.

Resposta concreta

— A direct and clear answer without ambiguity.

Eu exijo uma resposta concreta agora.

Base concreta

— A solid foundation or evidence for an idea.

Sua acusação não tem base concreta.

Pensamento concreto

— Thinking focused on immediate, physical reality.

As crianças pequenas têm um pensamento concreto.

Realidade concreta

— The actual state of things as they exist.

A realidade concreta é diferente do que imaginamos.

Passos concretos

— Specific actions taken towards a goal.

Demos os primeiros passos concretos para a paz.

Often Confused With

concreto vs específico

Específico means 'particular' or 'unique', while concreto means 'tangible' or 'solid'.

concreto vs betão

Betão is the word for the building material in Portugal, while Brazil uses concreto.

concreto vs real

Real is more general; something can be real but not very concrete (like a feeling).

Idioms & Expressions

"Pôr em pratos limpos"

— To clarify something thoroughly, making it 'concrete' and clear.

Vamos pôr a situação em pratos limpos.

informal

"Preto no branco"

— Something clearly written or defined, leaving no doubt (like a concrete fact).

Eu quero tudo escrito, preto no branco.

neutral

"Com os pés no chão"

— Being realistic and focused on the concrete world.

Ela é uma pessoa com os pés no chão.

informal

"Ir direto ao ponto"

— To speak about the concrete facts without wasting time.

Por favor, vá direto ao ponto.

neutral

"Falar a mesma língua"

— To agree on concrete terms or understand each other perfectly.

Finalmente estamos falando a mesma língua sobre o contrato.

informal

"Chamar os bois pelos nomes"

— To call things as they are, being very concrete and direct.

Ele não tem medo de chamar os bois pelos nomes.

informal

"Contra fatos não há argumentos"

— Concrete facts are undeniable and end any debate.

Os resultados são ruins; contra fatos não há argumentos.

neutral

"Ver para crer"

— The need for concrete, visual evidence before believing.

Dizem que ele mudou, mas para mim é ver para crer.

informal

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To admit a concrete truth after being stubborn.

Ele teve que dar o braço a torcer diante das provas.

informal

"Bater o martelo"

— To make a final, concrete decision.

Amanhã vamos bater o martelo sobre o preço.

informal

Easily Confused

concreto vs Concretizar

It looks like the English 'to concrete'.

Concretizar is a verb meaning 'to make real' or 'to fulfill', not 'to pour cement'.

Eu quero concretizar meus sonhos.

concreto vs Cimento

Often used interchangeably with concrete.

Cimento is the powder; concreto is the mixture of cement, water, and stones.

O cimento é um ingrediente do concreto.

concreto vs Específico

Both translate to 'specific' in some contexts.

Concreto is about substance and lack of vagueness; específico is about distinguishing one from another.

Este é um caso concreto de um problema específico.

concreto vs Tangível

Synonyms.

Tangível is more formal and literally means 'can be touched'. Concreto is more common for 'definite'.

O sucesso é tangível.

concreto vs Fáctico

Both relate to facts.

Fáctico is strictly about facts (academic); concreto is more general and common.

A base fáctica da história.

Sentence Patterns

O/A [Noun] é [concreto/a].

O livro é concreto.

Eu tenho um/uma [Noun] [concreto/a].

Eu tenho um plano concreto.

Precisamos de [Noun plural] [concretos/as].

Precisamos de exemplos concretos.

Não há nada de concreto sobre [Topic].

Não há nada de concreto sobre a reunião.

No caso concreto, [Observation].

No caso concreto, a regra não se aplica.

A concretização de [Noun] exige [Action].

A concretização do projeto exige investimento.

A dicotomia entre o abstrato e o concreto [Verb].

A dicotomia entre o abstrato e o concreto define a obra.

Sob uma perspectiva concreta, [Analysis].

Sob uma perspectiva concreta, os custos são proibitivos.

Word Family

Nouns

concretização (realization/fulfillment)

concretismo (concrete art movement)

concreção (concretion/solidification)

Verbs

concretizar (to make concrete/to realize)

concretar (to pour concrete - Brazil)

Adjectives

concretizável (realizable)

concrecionário (relating to concretion)

cimento (cement)

betão (concrete - Portugal)

abstrato (abstract)

realidade (reality)

especificidade (specificity)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Ideias concreto. → Ideias concretas.
Adjectives must agree in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with the noun 'ideias'.
Eu vou concretar meu objetivo. → Eu vou concretizar meu objetivo.
To make a goal real, use the verb 'concretizar'. 'Concretar' is only for pouring building material.
O plano está concreto. → O plano é concreto.
Usually, we use 'ser' because being concrete is an inherent quality of a well-made plan, though 'estar' can be used if it just became concrete.
Using 'concreto' for 'betão' in Portugal. → Using 'betão' for the material in Portugal.
While understood, 'betão' is the standard term for the construction material in European Portuguese.
Nada concreta. → Nada concreto.
The word 'nada' is treated as a masculine pronoun, so the adjective must be masculine singular.

Tips

Gender Check

Always check if your noun is masculine or feminine before saying 'concreto'. It's the most common mistake!

Regional Hint

If you are in Lisbon, use 'betão' for the sidewalk. If you are in Rio, use 'concreto'!

Be Direct

Use 'Pode ser mais concreto?' to politely ask someone to stop being vague and give details.

Ground Your Writing

Use 'concreto' to introduce examples in your essays. It makes your arguments much stronger.

Nasalization

Listen for the 'n' sound that isn't really an 'n'. It's just a nasal vowel. This is key to understanding the word.

Legal Context

If you hear 'caso concreto', remember it refers to the actual situation being discussed, not a general rule.

Stress the Middle

The middle syllable 'cre' is where the power is. Say it clearly: con-CRE-to.

Concrete Facts

Connect 'concreto' with 'concrete' (the material). If it's solid, it's concreto.

Variation

Try using 'tangível' in formal writing to avoid repeating 'concreto' too many times.

Art History

Look up 'Poesia Concreta' in Brazil to see how the word influenced a whole artistic generation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Concrete' sidewalk. It is hard, specific, and you can definitely step on it. It is not a 'cloud' (abstract).

Visual Association

Imagine a gray concrete block with the word 'FACT' carved into it. This links the material to the idea of a specific fact.

Word Web

Solid Specific Real Tangible Material Definite Physical Factual

Challenge

Write three sentences: one about a physical object, one about a specific plan, and one about a piece of evidence, all using the word 'concreto'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'concretus', which is the past participle of 'concrescere'. The prefix 'com-' means 'together' and 'crescere' means 'to grow'.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was 'grown together', 'hardened', or 'solidified'. It referred to things that had thickened into a solid mass.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Portuguese.

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and safe for all contexts.

The word 'concrete' in English is almost identical in usage, making this a 'true friend' for learners, though the noun/adjective distinction is slightly more rigid in Portuguese grammar.

Movimento Concretista (Brazilian art and poetry movement). Oscar Niemeyer's architecture (famous for its use of 'concreto armado'). The philosophical works of Aristóteles often discussed in Portuguese translations using 'concreto' vs 'abstrato'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Work

Apresentar resultados concretos.
Definir um cronograma concreto.
Proposta concreta de negócio.
Dados concretos do mercado.

In School

Um exemplo concreto da regra.
Substantivos concretos e abstratos.
Pensamento concreto na infância.
Aplicação concreta da fórmula.

In Law

Análise do caso concreto.
Provas concretas do delito.
Fatos concretos narrados.
Evidência concreta e irrefutável.

Daily Planning

Nada de concreto ainda.
Um plano concreto para o fim de semana.
Horário concreto de chegada.
Sugestão concreta de restaurante.

Personal Growth

Estabelecer metas concretas.
Ações concretas para mudar.
Resultados concretos na saúde.
Transformar sonhos em algo concreto.

Conversation Starters

"Você já tem um plano concreto para as suas próximas férias ou ainda é só um sonho?"

"Quais são os resultados concretos que você espera alcançar com o seu curso de português?"

"Você pode me dar um exemplo concreto de como essa nova tecnologia funciona no dia a dia?"

"Na sua opinião, qual é a medida concreta mais importante para melhorar a educação no país?"

"Você prefere lidar com ideias abstratas ou focar em problemas concretos?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um objetivo concreto que você deseja alcançar nos próximos seis meses e os passos para chegar lá.

Pense em um problema que você resolveu recentemente. Quais foram as ações concretas que você tomou?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre seus sonhos abstratos e sua realidade concreta atual.

Escreva sobre um 'exemplo concreto' de bondade que você presenciou esta semana.

Como você transforma uma ideia vaga em um projeto concreto? Descreva o seu processo criativo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in Brazil it is also a noun meaning the building material (concrete). In Portugal, it is almost exclusively an adjective, as 'betão' is used for the material.

You say 'plano concreto'. Remember that the adjective follows the noun.

The most common opposite is 'abstrato' (abstract) or 'vago' (vague).

Yes, it becomes 'concreta'. For example: 'uma ideia concreta'.

Not usually. You would use 'realista' or 'pragmático' for a person. 'Concreto' describes things, plans, or evidence.

Yes, 'o caso concreto' is a very common legal term referring to the specific facts of a case.

It is a nasal 'o'. Close your mouth slightly and let the sound go through your nose.

It is 'reinforced concrete', which is concrete with steel bars inside for extra strength.

Yes, it is often used as a synonym for 'específico' when you mean something is not vague.

Yes, very common, especially when people are asking for details or making plans.