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A1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

coragem

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips coragem in 30 Seconds

Explanation coragem in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'coragem' is introduced as a basic noun to describe a positive quality. Students learn it primarily through the phrase 'ter coragem' (to have courage). At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word in simple contexts, such as describing a hero in a story or encouraging a friend. The most important grammatical point for A1 learners is that 'coragem' is a feminine noun, so it takes the article 'a' and the adjective 'muita' (a lot of). You might see it in simple sentences like 'Ele tem coragem' or 'Eu não tenho coragem'. It's a 'high-value' word because it allows beginners to express feelings about difficulty and bravery with very simple sentence structures. Learners should also learn the basic adjective 'corajoso' (brave) to describe people.

At the A2 level, learners start to use 'coragem' in more varied sentence structures, including the use of prepositions. You will learn the common collocation 'criar coragem para...' (to work up the courage to...). This is very useful for talking about daily activities that are slightly scary, like 'Criei coragem para falar com ela'. A2 students also begin to distinguish between 'coragem' and related words like 'medo' (fear). You might describe a situation using both: 'Eu tinha medo, mas tive coragem'. The level of complexity increases as you use it to give advice to others, such as 'Você precisa de coragem para viajar sozinho'. You also start to see it in short texts or news snippets about people helping others.

By B1, you are moving beyond physical bravery into social and emotional courage. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'coragem moral' (moral courage). B1 learners use 'coragem' to describe personal growth and life choices. You might write a journal entry about a time you needed 'coragem' to change your career or move to a new city. At this level, you should be comfortable using the word with various verbs like 'faltar' (to lack): 'Faltou-me coragem para dizer a verdade'. You also begin to recognize the word in more complex media, such as interviews or short stories, where the nuances of character are discussed. You can now use 'coragem' to compare different people's reactions to the same event.

At the B2 level, 'coragem' is used in discussions about societal issues, politics, and history. You might analyze the 'coragem' of historical figures who fought for civil rights or against dictatorships. You are expected to use a wider range of synonyms like 'ousadia' or 'valentia' correctly in context. You will also encounter 'coragem' in idiomatic expressions and more sophisticated literature. B2 students can debate the difference between 'coragem' and 'temeridade' (recklessness), arguing whether a certain action was brave or simply foolish. Your ability to use the word in the passive voice or in complex conditional sentences (e.g., 'Se ele tivesse tido coragem, o resultado seria diferente') becomes more prominent.

At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and literary depths of 'coragem'. You might read essays by Portuguese or Brazilian philosophers discussing courage as a fundamental human virtue. You will notice how authors use the word to create specific tones—perhaps using 'destemor' for a more poetic effect or 'denodo' for a formal, heroic tone. C1 learners can use 'coragem' to discuss subtle psychological states, such as the courage required to be vulnerable. You are also sensitive to the ironic or sarcastic uses of the word in different Lusophone cultures. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the 'coragem' of a writer's style or the 'ousadia' of an architectural design.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'coragem' is near-native. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and its significance in the 'Lusiadas' or other epic works of Portuguese literature. You can use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as legal arguments (the 'coragem' of a witness) or high-level political analysis. You are comfortable with all its derivatives and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or complex oratory. You recognize subtle regional differences in how courage is praised or discussed across the eight Lusophone countries. For a C2 speaker, 'coragem' is not just a word, but a complex cultural concept that you can manipulate with precision and flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

coragem in 30 Seconds

Coragem is a feminine noun in Portuguese meaning courage or bravery, essential for expressing moral or physical strength in the face of fear.
It is most commonly used with the verb 'ter' (to have), as in 'ter coragem', rather than just using adjectives.
The word is derived from the Latin root for 'heart', reflecting a cultural connection between bravery and emotional sincerity/strength.
Idioms like 'criar coragem' (to work up courage) are vital for everyday conversation and describing personal breakthroughs or overcoming procrastination.

The Portuguese word coragem is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'courage' or 'bravery' in English. At its core, it represents the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. Unlike simple physical strength, coragem implies a conscious decision to face a challenge despite being afraid. It is one of those beautiful words that carries its history in its syllables, derived from the Latin cor, meaning 'heart'. In the Lusophone world, having courage is literally seen as 'having heart' or 'acting from the heart'.

Daily Resilience: In everyday conversation, coragem is used to describe the small acts of bravery required to navigate life's hurdles. It is not reserved for heroes in capes; it is used for a student taking a difficult exam, a person starting a new job in a foreign country, or someone finally speaking their truth in a difficult relationship. When a friend is hesitant to do something, you might say 'Tenha coragem!' (Have courage!).
Moral Integrity: The word also carries a heavy weight in moral contexts. It describes the fortitude needed to stand up for one's beliefs against a majority. This is often referred to as coragem moral. It is the quality that defines whistleblowers, activists, and anyone who chooses the 'right' path over the 'easy' path.
Physical Bravery: Naturally, it applies to physical feats. A firefighter entering a burning building or a surfer tackling a massive wave at Nazaré in Portugal is said to have immense coragem. In these contexts, it is often synonymous with bravura.

"É preciso muita coragem para admitir que estamos errados diante de todos."
— Translation: It takes a lot of courage to admit we are wrong in front of everyone.

The nuances of coragem extend into the emotional realm. It is not just about the absence of fear, but the mastery of it. Portuguese speakers value this trait highly, often linking it to 'honra' (honor) and 'caráter' (character). When you describe someone as 'um homem de coragem' or 'uma mulher de coragem', you are giving them one of the highest compliments in the language, suggesting they are reliable and steadfast.

"Ela teve a coragem de abandonar tudo e começar uma vida nova em outro país."
— Translation: She had the courage to leave everything behind and start a new life in another country.

Spiritual and Philosophical Context: In literature and philosophy, coragem is explored as a virtue. Stoic influences in Portuguese culture often highlight the importance of maintaining coragem in the face of fate (fado). It is the internal flame that keeps one going when external circumstances are dire.

"Não perca a sua coragem; dias melhores virão em breve."
— Translation: Do not lose your courage; better days will come soon.

Ultimately, coragem is a word of action. It is not a static state of being but a dynamic response to the world. Whether it is used in a grand historical narrative or a quiet conversation between friends, it signifies the triumph of the human spirit over the paralyzing effects of fear. To learn this word is to learn a core value of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Using coragem correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical verb pairings. In Portuguese, we don't just 'be' courageous in the same way we 'have' courage. The most common verb used with this noun is ter (to have). Let's explore the various ways this word manifests in sentence structures across different contexts.

The 'Ter' Construction: To say someone is brave, you often say they 'have courage'. For example: 'Ele tem muita coragem' (He has a lot of courage). This is more common in many registers than using the adjective 'corajoso'.
Summoning Courage: 'Criar' and 'Tomar': When you are trying to find the strength to do something, you use 'criar coragem' (to create courage) or 'tomar coragem' (to take courage). Example: 'Finalmente criei coragem para pedir demissão' (I finally worked up the courage to quit my job).

"Você precisa de coragem para enfrentar os seus medos mais profundos."
— Translation: You need courage to face your deepest fears.

The word also appears frequently in prepositional phrases. 'Com coragem' (with courage) functions as an adverbial phrase, describing how an action is performed. 'Ele lutou com coragem' (He fought with courage) tells us about the manner of his struggle. Conversely, 'por coragem' suggests that courage was the motivating factor behind an action.

"A coragem dele inspirou toda a equipe a continuar o projeto."
— Translation: His courage inspired the whole team to continue the project.

In exclamatory sentences, coragem is used to encourage others. If someone is facing a trial, simply saying 'Coragem!' acts as a powerful 'Be brave!' or 'Take heart!'. It is a common way to offer support. In more formal writing, you might see the word used to abstractly discuss virtues, often paired with other nouns like 'persistência' (persistence) or 'resiliência' (resilience).

"Sem coragem, todas as outras virtudes perdem o sentido."
— Translation: Without courage, all other virtues lose their meaning.

The Adjective Link: While we are focusing on the noun, it is helpful to see how it transforms. 'Corajoso' (masculine) and 'Corajosa' (feminine) are the adjectives. 'Um ato corajoso' (A courageous act) is a common collocation.

In summary, when building sentences with coragem, remember it is a 'thing' you possess, create, or act with. It is a feminine entity that requires agreement from its surrounding words. Whether you are describing a hero or encouraging a child to swim for the first time, coragem is your go-to word for the strength of the heart.

You will encounter the word coragem in a vast array of settings, from the most mundane domestic situations to the heights of Portuguese literature and political discourse. It is a word that resonates deeply in the Lusophone psyche, appearing in songs, movies, and daily news reports. Understanding where it pops up will help you grasp its weight and versatility.

In Music and Fado: In Portugal, Fado is the soul of the nation. Many Fado lyrics deal with the coragem needed to face 'saudade' (longing) and the hardships of life. You'll hear singers lamenting the need for courage to survive heartbreak or the loss of a loved one. In Brazilian MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), the word often appears in songs about social struggle and the bravery of the common person.
News and Media: Journalists frequently use coragem to describe the actions of individuals during crises. Whether it's a civilian helping others during a flood in Rio Grande do Sul or a political figure making a controversial but principled decision, the media uses this word to frame narratives of heroism and integrity.

"O repórter elogiou a coragem dos voluntários que resgataram os animais."
— Translation: The reporter praised the courage of the volunteers who rescued the animals.

In the workplace, coragem is a buzzword in leadership seminars. Managers talk about the 'coragem de inovar' (courage to innovate) or the 'coragem de assumir riscos' (courage to take risks). It is seen as a key professional competency in the modern economy. You'll hear it in boardrooms and during performance reviews when discussing a person's initiative.

"Para abrir o próprio negócio, é necessário ter muita coragem e planejamento."
— Translation: To start your own business, it is necessary to have a lot of courage and planning.

Religious and Spiritual Settings: In many Lusophone countries with strong Catholic traditions, coragem is often mentioned in sermons and prayers. It is requested from God to face life's trials. The phrase 'Deus te dê coragem' (May God give you courage) is a common blessing offered to someone going through a hard time.

Finally, you'll hear it in the simplest of places: a mother encouraging her child to jump into a pool, a friend cheering another on before a first date, or a coach motivating a team at halftime. It is a word that bridges the gap between the monumental and the everyday, making it one of the most essential terms in your Portuguese vocabulary.

While coragem is a cognate to the English 'courage', its usage in Portuguese has specific nuances that can trip up English speakers. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

Gender Confusion: The most frequent mistake is treating coragem as a masculine noun because it doesn't end in 'a'. However, words ending in -agem in Portuguese are almost always feminine (e.g., a viagem, a mensagem, a garagem). Never say 'o coragem' or 'muito coragem'; it must always be 'a coragem' and 'muita coragem'.
Confusing 'Coragem' with 'Braveza': In English, 'bravery' and 'brave' are direct synonyms for courage. In Portuguese, while bravura exists, the word braveza (and the adjective bravo) often means 'angry' or 'fierce' rather than 'courageous', especially in Brazil. If you say 'Ele está bravo', you usually mean 'He is angry', not 'He is brave'. Use corajoso for brave.

Incorrect: "Ele é um homem muito bravo." (Meaning he is angry)
Correct: "Ele é um homem muito corajoso." (Meaning he is brave)

Another mistake involves the verb 'encorajar' (to encourage). Some learners try to use 'dar coragem' in all contexts where 'encourage' is used in English. While 'dar coragem' is used, 'encorajar' is the specific verb for the act of motivating someone else. Also, be careful with the preposition after 'coragem'. It is usually 'coragem para' (courage to do something) or 'coragem de' (courage of doing something).

"Eu não tive coragem de falar a verdade para ele naquele momento."
— Translation: I didn't have the courage TO tell him the truth at that moment.

Overusing 'Bravura': Bravura is a very formal word, often used in military citations or epic poetry. Using it in a casual conversation about a job interview would sound out of place. Stick to coragem for 95% of situations.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the feminine gender and the 'ter' construction—you'll avoid the most common 'gringo' mistakes and speak about bravery with the same heart as a native speaker.

While coragem is the most common term for bravery, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms and related words that allow for greater precision depending on the context and the 'flavor' of bravery you want to describe.

Valentia vs. Coragem: Valentia often implies a more physical, outward display of strength or fighting spirit. A 'valente' person is someone who isn't afraid of a fight. Coragem is more internal and moral. You can have the coragem to apologize, but you wouldn't call that valentia.
Ousadia: This word translates to 'boldness' or 'audacity'. It implies taking a risk that others might find shocking or provocative. While coragem is almost always positive, ousadia can be negative if it borders on 'abusar' (taking advantage) or being 'atrevido' (cheeky/insolent).
Intrepidez: This is a high-register word meaning 'fearlessness'. It suggests someone who is completely undaunted by danger. It is often used in literature or formal historical accounts.

"Sua ousadia em questionar o chefe foi vista como falta de respeito por alguns."
— Translation: His boldness in questioning the boss was seen as a lack of respect by some.

In some contexts, you might use determinação (determination) or firmeza (firmness) if the 'courage' is more about staying the course than facing a specific fear. For example, 'Ela teve a firmeza de manter sua decisão' (She had the firmness to keep her decision).

"O cavaleiro demonstrou uma bravura lendária durante a batalha final."
— Translation: The knight demonstrated legendary bravery during the final battle.

Destemor: Literally 'lack of fear'. This is a more poetic way to describe coragem. It is common in song lyrics and classical poetry.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to describe bravery in all its forms—from the reckless 'temeridade' of a daredevil to the quiet 'firmeza' of a leader. However, coragem remains the versatile heart of this word family, suitable for almost any situation you'll encounter.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Because 'coragem' comes from 'heart', many related words in Portuguese like 'coração' (heart) and 'recordar' (to remember - literally 'to bring back to the heart') share the same root.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ku.ˈɾa.ʒɐ̃j/

US /ko.ˈɾa.ʒẽ/

Second syllable (ra)

Rhymes With

viagem mensagem garagem passagem hospedagem linguagem selvagem imagem

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'm' as a hard 'm' (it should be a nasal vowel).
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Portuguese tap 'r'.
Misplacing the stress on the first or last syllable.
Making the 'g' sound like a hard 'g' (it should be like the 's' in 'pleasure').
Forgetting the nasality of the last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'courage'.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the final nasal sound 'em'.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal pronunciation of 'gem' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with other '-agem' words if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

medo ter coração forte fazer

Learn Next

corajoso encorajar bravura ousadia enfrentar

Advanced

denodo intrepidez temeridade pusilanimidade abnegação

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -agem are feminine.

A coragem, a viagem, a mensagem.

Nasal vowels in 'em' ending.

Coragem sounds like /ẽ/.

Verb 'ter' is used for states of being with nouns.

Eu tenho coragem (I am brave/I have courage).

Preposition 'de' after coragem for specific actions.

Coragem de falar.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Muita coragem, coragem infinita.

Examples by Level

O menino tem muita coragem.

The boy has a lot of courage.

Note the use of 'muita' (feminine) to match 'coragem'.

Ela é uma menina de coragem.

She is a girl of courage.

'De coragem' functions as an adjective phrase here.

Coragem, amigo! Você consegue.

Courage, friend! You can do it.

Used here as an encouraging exclamation.

Eu não tenho coragem de pular.

I don't have the courage to jump.

'Coragem de' is followed by an infinitive verb.

O gato teve coragem e subiu no telhado.

The cat had courage and went up on the roof.

Simple past tense 'teve' (from ter).

Ter coragem é muito importante.

Having courage is very important.

The infinitive 'Ter' acts as the subject.

Você tem coragem de comer isso?

Do you have the courage to eat this?

A common way to challenge someone.

A coragem dele é pequena.

His courage is small.

Possessive 'dele' follows the noun.

Preciso criar coragem para falar com o chefe.

I need to work up the courage to talk to the boss.

'Criar coragem' is a key idiomatic expression.

Eles lutaram com muita coragem contra o fogo.

They fought with a lot of courage against the fire.

'Com coragem' is an adverbial phrase.

Faltou coragem para ele viajar sozinho.

He lacked the courage to travel alone.

'Faltar' indicates a lack of the noun.

Ela tomou coragem e pediu o divórcio.

She took courage and asked for a divorce.

'Tomar coragem' is similar to 'criar coragem'.

Ninguém teve coragem de entrar na casa assombrada.

Nobody had the courage to enter the haunted house.

'Ninguém' (nobody) is the subject.

Onde você arruma tanta coragem?

Where do you get so much courage?

'Arrumar' (to get/find) is informal here.

É preciso coragem para admitir um erro.

It is necessary to have courage to admit a mistake.

'É preciso' means 'it is necessary'.

A coragem é uma virtude que todos admiram.

Courage is a virtue that everyone admires.

Generic use with the definite article 'A'.

Sua coragem moral é um exemplo para todos nós.

Your moral courage is an example for all of us.

'Moral' modifies 'coragem' to indicate ethics.

Apesar do medo, ela agiu com coragem e determinação.

Despite the fear, she acted with courage and determination.

'Apesar de' (despite) contrasts with the action.

O livro narra a coragem dos imigrantes no século XIX.

The book narrates the courage of immigrants in the 19th century.

Plural possessive 'dos imigrantes'.

Ele não teve a coragem de assumir a responsabilidade.

He didn't have the courage to take responsibility.

'Assumir a responsabilidade' is a common collocation.

A coragem não é a ausência de medo, mas o triunfo sobre ele.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.

A famous philosophical definition.

Muitos soldados perderam a coragem durante a longa espera.

Many soldiers lost their courage during the long wait.

'Perder a coragem' is the opposite of 'ter coragem'.

Ela teve coragem suficiente para mudar de vida aos 50 anos.

She had enough courage to change her life at 50.

'Suficiente' (enough) follows the noun.

A coragem dele foi posta à prova durante a crise.

His courage was put to the test during the crisis.

'Posta à prova' is a passive construction.

A coragem civil é fundamental para o funcionamento da democracia.

Civil courage is fundamental for the functioning of democracy.

'Coragem civil' refers to standing up for rights.

O diretor teve a coragem de cancelar o projeto deficitário.

The director had the courage to cancel the loss-making project.

Context of professional/business courage.

É questionável se aquilo foi coragem ou apenas imprudência.

It is questionable whether that was courage or just imprudence.

Using 'se' (whether/if) for debate.

Sua coragem em denunciar o esquema de corrupção foi notável.

His courage in denouncing the corruption scheme was notable.

'Em + infinitive' describes the action of courage.

Ela sempre demonstrou uma coragem inabalável diante das críticas.

She always demonstrated unshakable courage in the face of criticism.

'Inabalável' (unshakable) is a strong adjective.

A coragem de inovar é o que diferencia as grandes empresas.

The courage to innovate is what differentiates great companies.

Abstract noun as the subject of a complex sentence.

Ele reuniu toda a sua coragem para enfrentar o tribunal.

He gathered all his courage to face the court.

'Reunir' (to gather/summon) adds intensity.

A coragem física é comum, mas a coragem moral é rara.

Physical courage is common, but moral courage is rare.

Comparative structure.

A obra explora a coragem existencial do protagonista frente ao absurdo.

The work explores the existential courage of the protagonist in the face of the absurd.

Literary/Philosophical register.

Resta-nos a coragem de aceitar o que não podemos mudar.

What remains for us is the courage to accept what we cannot change.

Pronominal verb 'restar-nos' (remains to us).

A coragem de ser autêntico em um mundo de aparências é um desafio.

The courage to be authentic in a world of appearances is a challenge.

Gerund-like infinitive construction.

O autor descreve a coragem como um fardo necessário da condição humana.

The author describes courage as a necessary burden of the human condition.

Metaphorical use of 'fardo' (burden).

Houve quem criticasse sua coragem, rotulando-a de mera vaidade.

There were those who criticized her courage, labeling it as mere vanity.

Complex relative clause with 'quem' and gerund.

A coragem intelectual exige o desapego de preconceitos enraizados.

Intellectual courage requires detaching from rooted prejudices.

'Exigir' (to require) used with abstract concepts.

Não se deve confundir coragem com a ausência de discernimento.

One should not confuse courage with the absence of discernment.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

Sua coragem foi o catalisador de uma revolução sem precedentes.

His courage was the catalyst for an unprecedented revolution.

Metaphorical use of 'catalisador'.

A fenomenologia da coragem perpassa toda a lírica camoniana.

The phenomenology of courage permeates all of Camões' lyric poetry.

Academic/Literary terminology.

Subjaz à sua retórica uma coragem que beira o misticismo.

Underlying his rhetoric is a courage that borders on mysticism.

Inverted sentence structure with 'subjaz' (underlies).

A coragem, sob a ótica estóica, é a harmonia com a razão universal.

Courage, from a Stoic perspective, is harmony with universal reason.

Appositive phrase 'sob a ótica estóica'.

O ato de resistência exigiu uma coragem que desafia a lógica biológica.

The act of resistance required a courage that defies biological logic.

Scientific/Philosophical nuance.

Eis a coragem: o salto no escuro sem a promessa de uma rede.

Here is courage: the leap into the dark without the promise of a net.

Poetic definition using 'Eis' (Here is).

A coragem política muitas vezes sucumbe ao pragmatismo eleitoral.

Political courage often succumbs to electoral pragmatism.

'Sucumbir' (to succumb) used in a sociopolitical context.

A dialética entre medo e coragem é o motor da narrativa épica.

The dialectic between fear and courage is the engine of epic narrative.

Abstract philosophical subject.

Sua coragem era tal que até os seus detratores a reverenciavam.

His courage was such that even his detractors revered it.

Consecutive clause 'tal que'.

Common Collocations

Ter coragem

Criar coragem

Muita coragem

Coragem moral

Falta de coragem

Coragem física

Tomar coragem

Perder a coragem

Coragem de leão

Inspirar coragem

Common Phrases

Coragem!

— Be brave! / Take heart! Used as an exclamation of support.

Coragem! Tudo vai dar certo.

Haja coragem!

— May there be (enough) courage! Used when facing a very daunting task.

Haja coragem para limpar essa casa toda!

Falta de coragem

— Cowardice or simply hesitation. Often used to explain why something didn't happen.

Não fui por falta de coragem.

Homem de coragem

— A brave man. A high compliment for someone's character.

Meu avô era um homem de coragem.

Ter a coragem de

— To have the guts to do something. Often implies a difficult action.

Você tem a coragem de saltar de paraquedas?

Dar coragem

— To give someone courage or to encourage them.

Suas palavras me deram coragem.

Sem coragem

— Without courage; feeling fearful or lazy.

Estou sem coragem de sair hoje.

Muita coragem

— A lot of courage. Used to emphasize the difficulty of an act.

É preciso muita coragem para ser feliz.

Pela coragem

— For the courage. Used when rewarding or acknowledging someone.

Ele foi premiado pela coragem.

Com coragem

— Courageously. Describes the manner of an action.

Enfrente os seus problemas com coragem.

Often Confused With

coragem vs Braveza

In Brazil, 'braveza' usually means anger or fierceness, not courage.

coragem vs Coração

While related, 'coração' is the physical heart, while 'coragem' is the virtue.

coragem vs Coragem (French)

The French 'courage' is used similarly, but the pronunciation is very different.

Idioms & Expressions

"Criar coragem"

— To work up the nerve to do something. Very common for procrastination.

Preciso criar coragem para ir à academia.

Informal

"Coração de leão"

— To be extremely brave. Similar to the English 'Lionheart'.

Aquele bombeiro tem um coração de leão.

Poetic

"Meter as caras"

— To face a situation bravely or without much preparation.

Não sabia nada, mas meti as caras e fiz a prova.

Slang (Brazil)

"Dar a cara a tapa"

— To expose oneself to criticism or risk for a cause.

Ela deu a cara a tapa e defendeu o projeto.

Informal

"Não ter papas na língua"

— To have the courage to speak the truth directly, even if it's harsh.

Ela não tem papas na língua, diz o que pensa.

Informal

"Peitar alguém"

— To stand up to someone or confront them bravely.

Ele peitou o segurança e entrou na festa.

Slang

"Segurar a onda"

— To have the courage and resilience to handle a difficult situation.

Ela segurou a onda enquanto o marido estava doente.

Informal

"Encher o peito"

— To puff out one's chest with courage or pride.

Encheu o peito e enfrentou o agressor.

Neutral

"Vender caro a derrota"

— To fight with such courage that even if you lose, it was difficult for the winner.

O time perdeu, mas vendeu caro a derrota.

Sports/Journalism

"Ter peito para algo"

— To have the 'chest' (courage/stamina) to do something difficult.

Você tem peito para encarar esse desafio?

Informal

Easily Confused

coragem vs Bravo

Looks like the English 'brave'.

In Portuguese, especially Brazil, it means 'angry'. To say someone is brave, use 'corajoso'.

O chefe está bravo (The boss is angry) vs O herói é corajoso (The hero is brave).

coragem vs Valentia

Both mean bravery.

Valentia is more physical and outward; coragem is more internal and moral.

A valentia do lutador vs A coragem de perdoar.

coragem vs Ousadia

Often translated as courage.

Ousadia implies boldness or taking a risk that might be considered rude or shocking.

Ela teve a ousadia de rir do juiz.

coragem vs Temeridade

Sounds like 'bravery'.

Temeridade is recklessness—courage without thinking about the danger.

Atravessar o rio cheio foi uma temeridade.

coragem vs Ânimo

Sometimes used to encourage.

Ânimo is more about energy or mood, while coragem is about facing fear.

Tenha ânimo! (Cheer up!) vs Tenha coragem! (Be brave!)

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + tem + [muita] coragem.

Ele tem muita coragem.

[Subject] + precisa de + coragem + para + [infinitive].

Você precisa de coragem para viajar.

[Subject] + criou coragem + e + [verb in past].

Eu criei coragem e falei a verdade.

Foi um ato de + coragem + [adjective].

Foi um ato de coragem incrível.

A coragem de + [infinitive] + é + [complement].

A coragem de ser autêntico é rara.

Subjaz a + [noun] + uma coragem + [adjective].

Subjaz ao seu silêncio uma coragem profunda.

Coragem, [Name]!

Coragem, Maria!

Por falta de + coragem, [Subject] + não + [verb].

Por falta de coragem, ele não foi.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

O coragem → A coragem
Coragem is a feminine noun. Using the masculine article is a very common beginner mistake.
Muito coragem → Muita coragem
Adjectives must agree with the feminine gender of the noun.
Ele é bravo (to mean brave) → Ele é corajoso
In Brazil, 'bravo' means 'angry'. Using it for 'brave' can cause confusion.
Pronouncing the 'm' at the end → Nasal vowel sound
The final 'm' in Portuguese is a nasal indicator, not a consonant you close your lips for.
Eu sou coragem → Eu tenho coragem
We 'have' courage as a quality; we don't 'are' the noun itself.

Tips

Gender Rule

Remember the '-agem' rule. Almost all nouns ending in '-agem' are feminine. This helps you with 'viagem', 'mensagem', and 'coragem' all at once.

Nasal Ending

To master the nasal 'em' in 'coragem', try to say 'eh' while letting air escape through your nose, without closing your mouth at the end.

Natural Phrasing

Instead of saying 'Ele é muito corajoso', try 'Ele tem muita coragem'. It sounds more native and less like a textbook translation.

Root Learning

Connect 'coragem' to 'coração'. Since courage is 'heart strength', it's easier to remember the word if you know 'coração'.

Irony

In Brazil, saying 'Haja coragem!' for a boring task is a great way to use the word with a bit of humor and irony.

Prepositions

Use 'coragem PARA' for the goal and 'coragem DE' for the specific action. Both are common, but 'para' is slightly more focused on the objective.

Soft G

Don't confuse the soft 'g' (/ʒ/) in 'coragem' with the 'j' in English. It's always smooth, never a 'dj' sound.

Core-Agent

Think of courage as the 'Agent' of your 'Core' (heart). The Core-Agent helps you face the world.

Encouragement

Use 'Coragem!' when a friend is about to do something difficult. It's a short, powerful way to show you care.

Angry vs Brave

Never use 'bravo' for 'brave' in Brazil unless you want people to think you're talking about someone being mad.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Core' (heart) that gives you 'Gems' (value). Cor-a-gem: The heart's gems are its courage.

Visual Association

Imagine a glowing heart inside a shield. The heart represents the root 'cor' and the shield represents the protection courage provides.

Word Web

coração medo bravura herói enfrentar risco virtude força

Challenge

Try to use 'criar coragem' in a sentence about a chore you've been avoiding for a week.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'corage', which comes from the Vulgar Latin '*coraticum', based on Latin 'cor' meaning heart.

Original meaning: Strength of heart; the seat of emotions and will.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to confuse 'coragem' with 'braveza'. Calling someone 'bravo' in Brazil usually means they are angry, which can lead to misunderstandings.

English speakers often use 'bravery' for physical acts and 'courage' for moral ones. Portuguese uses 'coragem' for both, making it more frequent than 'courage' is in English.

Fernando Pessoa: 'Para ser grande, sê inteiro... põe quanto és no mínimo que fazes.' (Implicitly about the courage to be oneself). The Portuguese National Anthem: 'Às armas, às armas! Pela Pátria lutar!' (Calls for national courage). Guimarães Rosa: 'O que a vida quer da gente é coragem.' (One of the most famous quotes in Brazilian literature).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports

Coragem no ataque
Jogar com coragem
Faltou coragem ao time
Um goleiro de coragem

Workplace

Coragem para inovar
Tomar decisões com coragem
Ter coragem de errar
Liderança exige coragem

Personal Relationships

Coragem para amar
Ter a coragem de ser quem você é
Pedir perdão exige coragem
Criei coragem para terminar

Health/Recovery

Coragem na luta contra a doença
Muita coragem para o tratamento
Um exemplo de coragem
Não perca a coragem

Travel/Adventure

Coragem de viajar sozinho
Aventura exige coragem
Perder a coragem no salto
Muita coragem para escalar

Conversation Starters

"Qual foi o ato de coragem mais difícil da sua vida?"

"Você se considera uma pessoa com muita coragem?"

"É mais difícil ter coragem física ou coragem moral?"

"Quem é a pessoa mais corajosa que você conhece?"

"Você já precisou criar coragem para fazer algo simples?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que criar coragem para enfrentar um medo.

O que significa ter coragem no mundo moderno para você?

Escreva sobre um personagem de livro ou filme que demonstrou uma coragem inspiradora.

Como a falta de coragem pode impedir o crescimento pessoal?

Reflita sobre a frase de Guimarães Rosa: 'O que a vida quer da gente é coragem'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'a coragem'. This is because words ending in '-agem' in Portuguese are typically feminine. For example, 'muita coragem' and 'a minha coragem'.

You can say 'Eu sou corajoso' (if male) or 'Eu sou corajosa' (if female). However, it is very common to say 'Eu tenho coragem', which literally means 'I have courage'.

'Coragem' is the general word for courage used in all contexts. 'Bravura' is much more formal and usually refers to heroic bravery in physical danger, like in a war.

In Portugal, it can mean brave, but in Brazil, it almost always means 'angry'. To avoid confusion, use 'corajoso' for brave and 'bravo' for angry.

It is a very common idiom meaning 'to work up the nerve' or 'to summon the courage' to do something you were hesitant about.

It is a nasal sound. The 'g' is soft (like the 's' in 'pleasure'), and the 'em' is a nasal vowel, similar to the 'in' in the French word 'vin'.

No, it is only a noun. The related verb is 'encorajar' (to encourage) or 'desencorajar' (to discourage).

It refers to the strength to do what is right even when it is unpopular or dangerous to one's social standing, rather than just facing physical danger.

Yes, 'coragens', but it is rare. It is used in literature to refer to different types or instances of courage.

'Intrepidez' or 'denodo' are excellent formal synonyms that imply a high level of bravery.