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A2 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

concurso

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips concurso in 30 Seconds

Explanation concurso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of concurso as a simple 'contest' or 'competition.' It is a word you use for fun things, like a school drawing contest or a singing competition on TV. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex legal or government meanings. Focus on how to say you are participating in something. For example, 'Eu participo de um concurso' (I participate in a contest). You might hear it when talking about hobbies. If you like music, you might enter a 'concurso de música.' It is a masculine noun, so you always use 'o' or 'um' before it: 'o concurso' (the contest) or 'um concurso' (a contest). Think of it as a way to show your skills and maybe win a prize ('prêmio'). It is a great word to use when talking about your interests and achievements in a simple way. Just remember that it is usually about something organized, not just a random game with friends.

At the A2 level, you begin to see concurso in more everyday contexts, especially related to work and study. You will learn that in Brazil and Portugal, a 'concurso' is often a very important exam for a job. You might say, 'Eu estudo para o concurso' (I study for the exam/contest). You will also start using more verbs with it, like 'inscrever-se' (to sign up) or 'ganhar' (to win). At this level, it's important to distinguish between a 'jogo' (a game like soccer) and a 'concurso' (a competition like a beauty pageant or a math contest). You might talk about school competitions: 'Houve um concurso de redação na minha escola' (There was an essay contest at my school). You are also expected to use basic adjectives with it, such as 'concurso difícil' (difficult contest) or 'concurso legal' (cool contest). Understanding this word helps you talk about your plans for the future and your educational background.

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural significance of the concurso público. This is not just any exam; it is a life-changing event for many people in Portuguese-speaking countries. You should be able to discuss the pros and cons of these exams, using vocabulary like 'estabilidade' (stability) and 'vagas' (vacancies/openings). You will also encounter the word in more professional settings, such as 'concurso de projetos' (design competition). At this stage, you should be comfortable using the word in various tenses: 'Eu teria passado no concurso se tivesse estudado mais' (I would have passed the exam if I had studied more). You also start to see the word used in news headlines about government hiring. You should understand the difference between 'prestar um concurso' (to take the exam) and 'passar no concurso' (to pass the exam). This level requires you to use the word to describe more complex social and professional situations.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use concurso with precision in formal and informal contexts. You should understand specific terms like 'edital' (the official notice of a competition) and 'banca' (the examining board). You might engage in debates about the meritocracy of the 'concurso' system versus private sector hiring. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'homologação' (official ratification of results) and 'recurso' (an appeal against a result). You will also notice the word used in legal contexts, such as 'concurso de crimes' (concurrence of crimes), though the competition meaning remains dominant. At B2, you should be able to read a news article about a 'concurso' and understand the nuances of why it might have been canceled or delayed. You can also use the word metaphorically to describe a 'concurso de circunstâncias' (a combination of circumstances). Your ability to use the correct prepositions ('concurso para', 'concurso de') should be near-perfect.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of concurso as both a social phenomenon and a linguistic tool. You can discuss the historical evolution of the 'concurso público' in the Lusophone world and its role in state-building. You use synonyms like 'certame' or 'pleito' to vary your speech and writing. You are familiar with the subtle differences between 'concurso' and 'licitação' (public tender for companies). In academic writing, you might use concurso to describe the competitive nature of scientific grants or university chairs. You understand the administrative law surrounding these events and can interpret complex 'editais' without difficulty. Your use of the word is nuanced, recognizing when it implies a literal competition and when it refers to a 'concurrence' of factors in a philosophical or legal sense. You can also identify and use idiomatic expressions or rare usages found in classical Portuguese literature.

At the C2 level, your mastery of concurso is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can analyze the etymological roots of the word and how they have branched into modern administrative and legal terminology. You are capable of drafting formal 'editais' or legal briefs regarding 'concursos públicos' with perfect register and terminology. You understand the sociopolitical implications of 'concurseiro' culture and can write sophisticated essays on the topic. You effortlessly navigate the most technical uses of the word, such as 'concurso de pessoas' in criminal law or 'concurso de credores' in bankruptcy law. Your command of the word includes an awareness of regional variations in usage across the Lusophone world, from Maputo to Lisbon to Brasília. You can use the word with rhetorical flair, employing it in metaphors that resonate with the cultural history of the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

concurso in 30 Seconds

A 'concurso' is a formal competition or contest, often involving judges or an exam to determine winners or select candidates for jobs.
In Brazil and Portugal, the term 'concurso público' is crucial, referring to the mandatory exams required for stable government employment.
The word covers artistic contests (poetry, music), social events (beauty pageants), and professional selection processes (architecture, teaching).
Key verbs include 'prestar' (to take the exam), 'passar' (to pass), and 'inscrever-se' (to sign up/register).

The Portuguese word concurso is a multifaceted noun that English speakers primarily translate as 'contest,' 'competition,' or 'exam.' However, its cultural weight in the Lusophone world—particularly in Brazil—extends far beyond a simple talent show or a spelling bee. At its core, a concurso is a structured event where individuals compete under specific rules to achieve a prize, a title, or, most significantly, a professional position. When you hear this word, you should immediately think of a formal, often bureaucratic, selection process. It is not just about 'playing a game'; it is about a formal evaluation of merit or skill.

The Civil Service Context: In Brazil, the 'concurso público' is a cornerstone of society. It is the rigorous examination process required to secure a permanent government job. Because these positions offer high stability and good benefits, millions of 'concurseiros' (people dedicated to studying for these exams) spend years preparing. In this context, concurso is synonymous with career stability and social mobility.

Ele passou em primeiro lugar no concurso do Tribunal de Justiça.

Artistic and Social Competitions: Outside the government sphere, concurso applies to beauty pageants (concurso de miss), literary awards (concurso literário), and talent shows (concurso de talentos). Unlike a 'campeonato' (championship), which usually implies sports or physical matches, a concurso often involves a panel of judges or a specific set of criteria-based evaluations.

Minha irmã ganhou o concurso de redação da escola.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin concursus, meaning 'a running together' or 'an assembly.' This reflects the gathering of people to vie for a common goal. In modern usage, it implies a gathering of candidates. Whether it is a 'concurso de fantasias' (costume contest) during Carnival or a 'concurso de arquitetura' to design a new public building, the term always carries a sense of formal rivalry and organized selection. It is frequently used in news headlines, official gazettes, and academic settings. Understanding concurso is essential for navigating Portuguese-speaking professional environments, as it defines how many people enter the workforce and how excellence is recognized in public life.

O concurso para diplomata é um dos mais difíceis do país.

Administrative Nuance: In legal and administrative terms, concurso can also refer to the 'concurrence' or 'joining' of factors. For example, 'concurso de crimes' in law refers to multiple crimes committed by the same person. However, for 95% of daily conversations, stick to the 'competition/exam' meaning.

Houve um concurso de circunstâncias que levou ao sucesso do projeto.

In summary, concurso is a word that bridges the gap between fun social events and serious life-changing professional milestones. Whether you are entering a 'concurso de culinária' (cooking contest) or studying for a 'concurso da Polícia Federal,' you are participating in a structured pursuit of excellence against other candidates. It is a word that embodies the spirit of meritocracy and organized competition in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Using concurso correctly requires understanding its common verb pairings and the prepositions that usually follow it. Because it describes a process, you will often find it used with verbs of action, achievement, or participation. For English speakers, the most important thing is to avoid treating it like the English word 'concourse' (which refers to a large open space in a building); in Portuguese, it is strictly about competition or selection.

Verbs of Participation: To say you are taking an exam or entering a contest, use 'prestar um concurso' or 'inscrever-se em um concurso'. 'Prestar' is very common for exams, while 'participar de' is more general for contests like talent shows.

Vou me inscrever no concurso de fotografia da prefeitura.

Verbs of Success and Failure: When you pass, you 'passa no concurso.' If you win a contest, you 'vence' or 'ganha o concurso.' If you fail or don't get the position, you 'reprova no concurso' or 'não é classificado.'

Depois de três anos estudando, ele finalmente passou no concurso.

When referring to the administrative act of starting a competition, verbs like 'abrir' (to open) or 'lançar' (to launch) are used. For example, 'O governo abriu um novo concurso para professores.' This indicates that the application period has started. Conversely, 'homologar um concurso' is a formal term meaning to officially ratify the final results. This is high-level vocabulary often found in news or official documents.

O edital do concurso foi publicado ontem no Diário Oficial.

Adjectival Phrases: You can describe a concurso as 'concorrido' (highly competitive), 'difícil' (difficult), or 'fraudulento' (fraudulent). A 'concurso público' is the most common phrase, but you might also see 'concurso interno' (for employees within a company) or 'concurso de beleza'.

Este é o concurso mais concorrido da história da instituição.

In everyday speech, people often shorten 'concurso público' to just concurso when the context is clear. If someone says 'Estou estudando para concurso,' they almost certainly mean they are trying to become a civil servant. When used in a plural sense, 'concursos,' it often refers to the entire industry or ecosystem of public exams. Mastering these sentence patterns allows you to discuss career goals, hobbies, and public events with the precision of a native speaker.

The word concurso is omnipresent in Lusophone media and daily life. Because it touches on employment, government, and entertainment, you will encounter it in several distinct environments. Understanding these contexts helps you decipher the speaker's intent and the level of formality involved.

The Evening News and Newspapers: In Brazil, news segments often feature a section dedicated to 'Concursos e Empregos.' Anchors will announce the number of vacancies, the salary ranges, and the deadlines for various government exams. You'll hear phrases like 'O concurso oferece duas mil vagas' (The competition offers two thousand vacancies).

O jornal anunciou que o concurso foi suspenso por irregularidades.

Social Gatherings and Family Conversations: Family members frequently discuss concursos as a life path. You might hear a parent say to a child, 'Você devia fazer um concurso para ter estabilidade' (You should take a public exam to have stability). It's a common topic at Sunday lunches, often tinged with both hope and the stress of long study hours.

Meu primo parou de trabalhar só para estudar para o concurso da Receita Federal.

In the world of entertainment, TV shows like 'The Voice' or 'MasterChef' are often described as a 'concurso de talentos' or 'concurso culinário.' Radio stations might run a 'concurso cultural' where listeners call in to win concert tickets by answering trivia or creating a slogan. In these lighter contexts, the word feels more like 'contest' or 'giveaway.'

Participe do nosso concurso cultural e ganhe ingressos para o show!

Academic and Professional Circles: Universities often use concursos to hire new professors. These are highly formal events involving public lectures and defense of a thesis. In architecture or engineering, a 'concurso de projetos' is a standard way to select the best design for a public park or bridge. In these settings, the word carries a tone of prestige and professional excellence.

Ela foi aprovada no concurso para professora titular da USP.

Whether you are walking past a bookstore and seeing stacks of 'apostilas para concurso' (study guides) or watching a beauty pageant on TV, the word concurso is the thread that ties together the Portuguese speaker's pursuit of merit, fame, or a steady paycheck. It is a fundamental word for understanding the social fabric of Portuguese-speaking nations.

While concurso is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often stumble because of false cognates, sports terminology, and prepositional errors. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

The 'Concourse' False Cognate: The most common error for English speakers is assuming concurso means 'concourse' (like an airport concourse or a large hall). This is incorrect. For an airport concourse, use 'terminal' or 'saguão.' If you say 'I'm waiting in the concurso,' a Portuguese speaker will think you are waiting inside a competition or an exam paper!

Errado: Onde fica o concurso B do aeroporto? (Where is concourse B?)

Sports: Concurso vs. Campeonato: English uses 'contest' or 'competition' for sports, but Portuguese rarely uses concurso for physical matches like soccer or basketball. For sports, use 'campeonato' (championship), 'torneio' (tournament), or 'partida' (match). Concurso is reserved for artistic, intellectual, or beauty-based competitions.

Certo: O concurso de xadrez (Chess contest - intellectual).

Another tricky area is the use of prepositions. In English, we say 'I passed the exam.' In Portuguese, you must say 'Eu passei no concurso' (I passed in the contest). Using the verb 'passar' without 'no/na' makes it sound like you 'passed by' the contest physically without entering it. Similarly, you 'se inscreve em um concurso,' not 'inscreve um concurso.'

Errado: Eu passei o concurso. (I passed the contest - sounds like 'I handed over the contest').

Concurso vs. Competição: While often interchangeable, competição is broader and can be informal. Concurso usually implies a formal 'edital' (set of rules) and an official organizer. You wouldn't call a friendly bet between friends a concurso, but you might call it a competição.

Certo: Vamos fazer uma competição de quem come mais pizza? (Informal).

Finally, be careful with the word 'processo seletivo.' While similar, a concurso público is a specific legal requirement for government jobs in Brazil. A private company hiring someone will use a 'processo seletivo' (selection process), never a concurso. Using concurso for a job interview at a private bank like Itaú or Santander would be a mistake; they use 'seleção' or 'entrevista.'

To truly master the semantic field of concurso, you should know its synonyms and related terms. Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for different types of evaluations and rivalries. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of the event.

Certame: This is a very formal, almost literary synonym for concurso. You will see it in high-level journalism or legal documents. It sounds sophisticated and is often used to avoid repeating the word concurso in a long text.

O certame atraiu candidatos de todo o país.

Competição vs. Concurso: Competição is the generic term for any competition. Concurso is a subset that usually involves a judging panel or an exam. You 'compete' in a race (competição), but you 'enter' a poetry contest (concurso).

A competição de natação começa às oito horas.

Other useful alternatives include prova (exam/test) and exame. In the context of a 'concurso público,' the concurso is the whole event, while the prova is the specific test you sit down to write. If someone asks 'Como foi o concurso?', they are asking about the whole experience. If they ask 'Como foi a prova?', they are asking about the difficulty of the questions.

A prova estava muito difícil, mas o concurso foi bem organizado.

Peleja: This is an informal, often regional (Northeast Brazil) word for a struggle or a tough competition. It's used colloquially to describe a hard-fought battle, whether in sports or life.

Foi uma peleja danada para terminar aquele relatório.

By diversifying your vocabulary with these terms, you can navigate different social registers. Use concurso for general competitions and exams, certame when writing a formal letter, prova when discussing the actual test, and competição for sports or informal challenges. This level of nuance is what separates a beginner from an advanced speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O certame licitatório foi conduzido com absoluta transparência."

Neutral

"Você viu o resultado do concurso no jornal?"

Informal

"Aquele concurso foi uma roubada!"

Child friendly

"Vamos participar do concurso de pintura da escola?"

Slang

"Passei no concurso, agora sou playboy!"

Fun Fact

The English word 'concourse' comes from the same root, but while English kept the 'running together' meaning for a physical space, Portuguese focused on the 'meeting for a purpose' (competition).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kõ.ˈkuʁ.su/

US /kõ.ˈkuʁ.su/

The stress is on the second syllable: con-CUR-so.

Rhymes With

Discurso Recurso Percurso Urso Avulso Impulso Pulso Excurso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'con' clearly like 'con-course'. It should be a nasal vowel.
Pronouncing the final 'o' like the 'o' in 'go'. It should sound like 'u' (oo).
Confusing the 's' with a 'z' sound. It is always a sharp 's'.
Failing to roll or aspirate the 'r' in the middle.
Stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuances in 'editais' can be hard.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct prepositions (no, para, de).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is mostly standard, but nasalization is key.

Listening 2/5

Common in news; usually clearly articulated.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Prova Escola Ganhar Estudar Trabalho

Learn Next

Edital Vaga Inscrição Aprovação Estabilidade

Advanced

Certame Homologação Licitação Preterição Jurisprudência

Grammar to Know

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'concurso' is a nasal vowel /õ/.

Prepositional Government (Regência)

Passar *no* (em+o) concurso. Not 'Passar o concurso'.

Gender Concordance

O concurso é *organizado* (masculine).

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Concurso *de* beleza, Concurso *de* redação.

Future Subjunctive in Rules

Quem *vencer* (future subjunctive) o concurso ganhará o prêmio.

Examples by Level

Eu quero ganhar o concurso de desenho.

I want to win the drawing contest.

Uses the infinitive 'ganhar' (to win) with the object 'o concurso'.

O concurso de música é amanhã.

The music contest is tomorrow.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

Ela participa de um concurso na escola.

She participates in a contest at school.

Verb 'participar' requires the preposition 'de'.

O prêmio do concurso é uma bicicleta.

The prize of the contest is a bicycle.

Possessive 'do' (de + o).

Você gosta de concursos de talentos?

Do you like talent contests?

Plural form 'concursos'.

Meu irmão faz um concurso de culinária.

My brother is doing a cooking contest.

Verb 'fazer' used for participating/doing.

O concurso é muito divertido.

The contest is very fun.

Adjective 'divertido' agrees with masculine 'concurso'.

Quem venceu o concurso?

Who won the contest?

Past tense 'venceu' of the verb 'vencer'.

Vou me inscrever no concurso da prefeitura.

I'm going to sign up for the city hall exam.

Reflexive verb 'inscrever-se' with 'no' (em + o).

Ele estuda muito para o concurso.

He studies a lot for the exam.

Preposition 'para' indicates purpose.

O concurso de beleza foi no sábado.

The beauty pageant was on Saturday.

Compound noun 'concurso de beleza'.

Não passei no concurso desta vez.

I didn't pass the exam this time.

Negative construction with 'no'.

A lista do concurso saiu hoje.

The contest list came out today.

'Sair' used for publishing results.

Qual é a data do concurso?

What is the date of the contest?

Interrogative 'Qual'.

O concurso oferece muitas vagas.

The exam offers many vacancies.

Verb 'oferecer' with plural object.

Ela ganhou uma bolsa no concurso literário.

She won a scholarship in the literary contest.

Preposition 'no' used for the location/event.

O edital do concurso será publicado amanhã.

The exam notice will be published tomorrow.

Future passive voice 'será publicado'.

Muitas pessoas buscam estabilidade através de concursos.

Many people seek stability through public exams.

Use of 'através de' (through).

O concurso foi cancelado por suspeita de fraude.

The exam was canceled due to suspicion of fraud.

Passive voice with 'por' indicating cause.

Ela está entre os classificados do concurso.

She is among those qualified in the exam.

'Classificados' refers to candidates who passed.

O concurso para juiz é extremamente difícil.

The exam for judge is extremely difficult.

Adverb 'extremamente' modifying 'difícil'.

Preciso comprar uma apostila para o concurso.

I need to buy a study guide for the exam.

'Apostila' is the specific word for these study guides.

O concurso de redação premiará os três melhores.

The essay contest will reward the three best.

Future tense 'premiará'.

Houve um concurso de fantasias no clube.

There was a costume contest at the club.

Use of 'Houve' (there was).

A banca examinadora do concurso foi muito rigorosa.

The exam board of the competition was very rigorous.

'Banca examinadora' is a specific collocation.

Ele interpôs um recurso contra o resultado do concurso.

He filed an appeal against the contest result.

Formal verb 'interpor' with 'recurso'.

O concurso público exige anos de dedicação.

Public exams require years of dedication.

Verb 'exigir' (to require).

A homologação do concurso deve ocorrer em breve.

The ratification of the exam should occur soon.

'Homologação' is the final formal step.

O concurso de projetos arquitetônicos foi um sucesso.

The architectural design competition was a success.

Specific professional context.

Eles estão questionando a validade do concurso.

They are questioning the validity of the exam.

Present continuous 'estão questionando'.

O concurso visa preencher cargos de nível superior.

The exam aims to fill high-level positions.

Verb 'visar' meaning 'to aim at'.

Houve um concurso de circunstâncias favoráveis.

There was a concurrence of favorable circumstances.

Abstract usage of 'concurso'.

O certame foi regido por normas estritas de transparência.

The competition was governed by strict transparency rules.

Use of synonym 'certame' and formal 'regido por'.

A jurisprudência sobre concursos públicos é vasta.

The case law regarding public exams is vast.

Technical legal term 'jurisprudência'.

O candidato alegou preterição no concurso.

The candidate claimed they were bypassed in the exam.

Advanced legal term 'preterição'.

O concurso para a cátedra de filosofia foi memorável.

The competition for the philosophy chair was memorable.

'Cátedra' refers to a senior professorship.

A lisura do concurso foi posta em xeque.

The integrity of the contest was called into question.

Idiom 'pôr em xeque' (to challenge/jeopardize).

O edital previa a reserva de vagas para cotistas.

The notice provided for the reservation of slots for quota holders.

Social policy terminology 'cotistas'.

Houve um nítido concurso de vontades naquele acordo.

There was a clear concurrence of wills in that agreement.

Abstract legal/philosophical usage.

A complexidade do concurso afugentou muitos candidatos.

The complexity of the exam scared away many candidates.

Verb 'afugentar' (to scare away).

A hermenêutica dos editais de concurso exige cautela.

The interpretation of contest notices requires caution.

Highly academic term 'hermenêutica'.

O concurso de pessoas no crime de peculato foi analisado.

The participation of multiple people in the crime of embezzlement was analyzed.

Technical criminal law usage 'concurso de pessoas'.

O certame licitatório foi eivado de nulidades insanáveis.

The bidding process was riddled with incurable nullities.

Extremely formal legal jargon.

A meritocracia subjacente ao sistema de concursos é debatida.

The meritocracy underlying the exam system is debated.

Sophisticated abstract noun 'subjacente'.

O concurso de credores é o próximo passo da falência.

The meeting of creditors is the next step in the bankruptcy.

Specific commercial law term.

A perenidade do cargo é o maior atrativo do concurso.

The permanence of the position is the biggest draw of the exam.

Formal word 'perenidade' (permanence).

O autor utiliza o termo 'concurso' em sua acepção arcaica.

The author uses the term 'concurso' in its archaic sense.

Literary analysis terminology.

A plêiade de candidatos no concurso era impressionante.

The plethora of candidates in the competition was impressive.

Sophisticated collective noun 'plêiade'.

Common Collocations

Concurso público

Concurso de beleza

Prestar concurso

Passar no concurso

Edital do concurso

Concurso de talentos

Concurso literário

Concurso de projetos

Banca do concurso

Vagas do concurso

Common Phrases

Fazer concurso

— To take a public exam or participate in a contest.

Ele faz concurso todo ano.

Abrir concurso

— When an institution starts a new selection process.

A prefeitura abriu concurso para gari.

Estudar para concurso

— The act of preparing specifically for public exams.

Ela estuda para concurso há dois anos.

Resultado do concurso

— The final list of winners or approved candidates.

O resultado do concurso sai amanhã.

Inscrição no concurso

— The act of registering for the competition.

A inscrição no concurso é cara.

Fraude no concurso

— When a competition is rigged or cheated.

Houve denúncia de fraude no concurso.

Concurso de circunstâncias

— A coincidence or a combination of events.

Foi um concurso de circunstâncias infelizes.

Concurso de crimes

— When one person commits multiple crimes (legal term).

O réu foi condenado por concurso de crimes.

Concurso de credores

— A legal meeting of people owed money by a bankrupt entity.

O juiz convocou o concurso de credores.

Concurso de pessoas

— Participation of multiple people in a single crime.

Houve concurso de pessoas no assalto.

Often Confused With

concurso vs Concourse

In English, this is a hallway or terminal. In Portuguese, it's a competition.

concurso vs Curso

A 'curso' is a class or course of study. A 'concurso' is the exam or contest itself.

concurso vs Congresso

A 'congresso' is a meeting or convention, not a competition.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar no páreo"

— To be in the running or have a chance in a competition.

Apesar da dificuldade, ele ainda está no páreo do concurso.

Informal

"Passar raspando"

— To pass a test or contest by the narrowest of margins.

Ele passou raspando no concurso da PM.

Informal

"Dar um baile"

— To win a competition easily and with style.

Ela deu um baile nos outros candidatos do concurso.

Slang

"Ficar no quase"

— To almost win or almost pass but fail at the last moment.

Ele ficou no quase no concurso para diplomata.

Informal

"Jogar a toalha"

— To give up on a competition or study process.

Muitos jogam a toalha antes mesmo do concurso.

Informal

"Cair do cavalo"

— To fail unexpectedly or realize a mistake during a contest.

Ele achou que a prova seria fácil e caiu do cavalo no concurso.

Informal

"Suar a camisa"

— To work or study very hard for a goal like a competition.

Tive que suar a camisa para vencer o concurso.

Informal

"Entrar de gaiato"

— To enter a competition without being prepared or knowing what it's about.

Ele entrou de gaiato no concurso de poesia.

Informal

"Bater na trave"

— To come very close to succeeding in a competition but fail.

Bati na trave no último concurso que fiz.

Informal

"Pôr em xeque"

— To call the validity or honesty of a contest into question.

As provas puseram em xeque a lisura do concurso.

Neutral

Easily Confused

concurso vs Campeonato

Both involve winning.

Campeonatos are for sports; concursos are for exams, beauty, or talent.

O campeonato de futebol vs. O concurso de redação.

concurso vs Torneio

Both involve multiple participants.

Torneios usually have brackets and matches (like tennis); concursos are often based on a single exam or judge's score.

Torneio de judô vs. Concurso da prefeitura.

concurso vs Licitação

Both are government selection processes.

Licitação is for companies bidding for contracts; concurso is for individuals seeking jobs.

A licitação para a ponte vs. O concurso para engenheiro.

concurso vs Processo Seletivo

Both are ways to get a job.

Processo seletivo is usually private sector or temporary; concurso is public sector and permanent.

O processo seletivo do Google vs. O concurso do Banco do Brasil.

concurso vs Entrevista

Both are part of hiring.

Entrevista is an interview; concurso is a written or performance-based exam.

Fiz uma entrevista ontem vs. Fiz um concurso ontem.

Sentence Patterns

O concurso de [Noun] é [Adjective].

O concurso de música é bom.

Eu vou fazer um concurso para [Job].

Eu vou fazer um concurso para policial.

Ele está estudando para o concurso da [Institution].

Ele está estudando para o concurso da Petrobras.

O edital do concurso exige [Requirement].

O edital do concurso exige nível superior.

A banca examinadora do certame optou por [Action].

A banca examinadora do certame optou por anular a questão.

O concurso de pessoas restou configurado na conduta do réu.

Se eu passar no concurso, eu [Future Action].

Se eu passar no concurso, eu vou viajar.

Quem ganhou o concurso de [Noun]?

Quem ganhou o concurso de fotografia?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in Brazil, high in Portugal.

Common Mistakes

Using 'concurso' for an airport concourse. → Saguão or Terminal.
This is a false cognate. 'Concurso' is a competition, not a physical space in an airport.
Eu passei o concurso. → Eu passei no concurso.
You need the preposition 'em' (no = em + o) to indicate you were successful in the exam.
Concurso de futebol. → Campeonato de futebol.
Sports use 'campeonato' or 'torneio', not 'concurso'.
O edital das regras. → O edital.
The word 'edital' already implies it contains the rules. Adding 'das regras' is redundant.
Concurso de emprego no banco privado. → Processo seletivo no banco privado.
Private companies do not hold 'concursos' in the legal sense; they have selection processes.

Tips

Preposition Alert

Always use 'no' or 'na' with 'passar'. 'Passei no concurso' is correct. 'Passei o concurso' is wrong.

The Brazilian Dream

Understand that 'concurso' represents stability. Mentioning you are studying for one is a very common social conversation in Brazil.

Edital is Key

If you are talking about the rules of a contest, the word you want is 'edital', not 'regras'.

Not for Sports

Avoid using 'concurso' for soccer or basketball. Use 'campeonato' instead.

Public vs Private

Only use 'concurso' for government jobs. For private companies, use 'processo seletivo' or 'vaga'.

Nasalization

Practice the nasal 'on' sound. It's the same sound as in 'bom' or 'som'.

Concurso de Pessoas

In law, this means 'acting together' to commit a crime. It's an advanced but common term in news.

Apostilas

The specific books people buy to study for these exams are called 'apostilas'.

Talent Shows

Shows like 'Idols' are called 'concursos de calouros' or 'concursos de talentos'.

Certame

Use 'certame' in your writing to impress your Portuguese teacher or boss.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CON-CURSE'. If you don't study for the 'concurso', you might feel 'cursed' by the difficult questions!

Visual Association

Imagine a long line of people (running together) toward a single gold trophy or a government office door.

Word Web

Vaga Estudo Prova Prêmio Edital Juiz Inscrição Resultado

Challenge

Try to find three different 'concursos' currently open in Brazil or Portugal by searching online for 'editais abertos'.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'concursus', which is the past participle of 'concurrere'.

Original meaning: A running together, an assembly, or an encounter.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'concursos' are a source of great stress for many. Avoid trivializing the effort required to pass one.

In English-speaking countries, merit is often shown through resumes and interviews. In Portuguese-speaking countries, especially for government roles, the 'concurso' (exam) is seen as a more objective way to prevent nepotism.

The Brazilian movie 'O Concurso' (2013) is a comedy about four friends traveling to Rio for a public exam. The phrase 'Concurso de Miss Brasil' is iconic in pop culture. Daily news segments titled 'Concursos e Empregos'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Service Recruitment

Vou prestar concurso
Estabilidade financeira
Cargo público
Lista de aprovados

Beauty and Talent

Concurso de miss
Desfile
Jurados
Vencer a competição

Art and Literature

Concurso de contos
Premiação literária
Enviar manuscrito
Menção honrosa

Architecture and Design

Concurso de ideias
Projeto vencedor
Banca examinadora
Maquete

Legal/Criminal

Concurso de crimes
Coautoria
Unidade de desígnios
Pena aplicada

Conversation Starters

"Você já pensou em prestar algum concurso público?"

"Qual foi o concurso mais difícil que você já fez?"

"Você gosta de assistir a concursos de talentos na televisão?"

"O que você acha do sistema de concursos para contratar professores?"

"Você já ganhou algum concurso quando era criança?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um concurso que você gostaria de vencer e por quê.

Reflita sobre a importância dos concursos públicos para a meritocracia no seu país.

Escreva sobre a rotina de estudos ideal para passar em um concurso difícil.

Imagine que você é o juiz de um concurso de culinária. Quais seriam seus critérios?

Relate uma experiência em que você participou de uma competição ou concurso.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

A 'concurseiro' is someone who dedicates a significant portion of their time to studying for public exams (concursos públicos). In Brazil, this is often treated as a full-time job in itself.

Generally, no. For sports, use 'campeonato' or 'torneio'. 'Concurso' is used for intellectual, artistic, or beauty competitions.

The 'edital' is the official document that outlines all the rules, dates, subjects, and requirements for a 'concurso'. It is the bible for any candidate.

You say 'passar no concurso'. Remember to use the preposition 'no' (em + o).

No, it is also used for beauty pageants (concurso de miss), talent shows (concurso de calouros), and literary awards (concurso de contos).

This is a legal term in criminal law that refers to when a person commits two or more crimes through one or more actions.

It is masculine: 'o concurso', 'um concurso'.

They are synonyms, but 'certame' is much more formal and used primarily in writing.

It depends on the 'edital'. Some require only high school (nível médio), while others require a university degree (nível superior).

Yes, both for hiring and for public tenders where companies bid for government projects.