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A2 adjective 8 min read

cortês

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cortês in 30 Seconds

Explanation cortês in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn the basics of Portuguese. While 'cortês' is a bit advanced for a complete beginner, you might see it in very simple texts or hear it in a formal greeting. Think of it as a 'fancy' way to say 'polite'. At this stage, you should focus on the fact that it describes a good person. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but recognizing it when someone says 'Obrigado, você é muito cortês' (Thank you, you are very polite) will help you feel more confident. It's like learning 'courteous' in English instead of just 'nice'. Just remember that it doesn't change for men or women, so it's easy to use! You can use it to describe a teacher or a doctor. It is a 'safe' word because it is always a compliment. Even if you don't use it yet, knowing it exists will help you understand formal situations better.

At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary for everyday situations. 'Cortês' is a useful word to describe people you meet in shops, hotels, or at work. You should start using it to add variety to your descriptions. Instead of always using 'bom' (good) or 'educado' (polite), try 'cortês' when someone is especially respectful. For example, if a waiter is very helpful, you can say 'O garçom foi cortês'. At this level, you should also practice the plural form 'corteses'. If you are talking about two people, remember to add the '-es'. This is a common pattern for adjectives ending in 's' or 'z'. You might also see this word in signs or brochures for tourists, where businesses want to show they provide excellent service. It helps you sound more mature and respectful in your speech.

At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of the language. You should be able to distinguish between 'cortês' and its synonyms like 'gentil' or 'atencioso'. You will use 'cortês' in more complex sentences, perhaps explaining why someone's behavior was impressive. For example, 'Ele foi cortês apesar de estar muito cansado' (He was polite despite being very tired). You should also be comfortable using the adverb 'cortesmente' (courteously) to describe actions. At this stage, you might encounter the word in news articles or more formal emails. Understanding the nuance of 'cortês'—that it implies a certain level of social grace and distance—is key. It is the perfect word for professional networking or when you want to show respect to someone older or in a position of authority. You are moving beyond basic communication into more nuanced social interactions.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the social contexts where 'cortês' is appropriate. You understand that it carries a historical weight and a sense of 'noblesse oblige'. You can use it in debates or formal writing to describe the tone of an interaction. For instance, you might write a report stating that 'A negociação ocorreu em um clima cortês e produtivo' (The negotiation took place in a polite and productive atmosphere). You also recognize the antonym 'descortês' and can use it to criticize someone's behavior without being overly aggressive. At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in terms of grammar and register. You might also start to notice how 'cortês' is used in literature to define a character's social status or personality. It is a word that reflects your own linguistic refinement.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the deeper stylistic uses of 'cortês'. You might use it in literary analysis or high-level professional settings. You understand its relationship to the 'amor cortês' (courtly love) of the Middle Ages and how that history informs the word's modern meaning of chivalry and restraint. You can use it with subtle irony or to describe a very specific type of formal distance. In your own writing, you might place the adjective before the noun ('seu cortês gesto') for rhythmic or emphatic effect. You are also aware of related terms like 'cortesia' (the noun) and how they function in idiomatic expressions. Your use of 'cortês' is natural, and you can switch between this and more casual terms effortlessly depending on your audience. You are sensitive to the 'flavor' the word adds to a sentence.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'cortês' in all its dimensions. You can use it in academic papers, philosophical discussions, or high-stakes diplomacy. You understand the most obscure nuances, such as how 'cortês' might be used to describe a cold, calculated politeness that masks underlying tension. You are familiar with its use in classical Portuguese literature, from Camões to Machado de Assis. You can discuss the evolution of the word from the royal courts to modern corporate etiquette. Your vocabulary is so rich that 'cortês' is just one of many tools you use to paint a precise picture of human behavior. You might even use the word to describe things like a 'cortês silêncio' (a polite silence). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a part of your deep cultural understanding of the Lusophone world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cortês in 30 Seconds

Cortês is a formal Portuguese adjective meaning polite, respectful, and refined, often used in professional or serious social contexts to show high regard.
It is gender-neutral (same for masculine and feminine) and becomes 'corteses' in the plural, losing its circumflex accent in the process.
While similar to 'educado', it carries a stronger sense of grace and chivalry, linking back to the historical manners of royal courts.
Commonly heard in hospitality, diplomacy, and formal writing, it is the ideal word to use when you want to sound particularly sophisticated.

The Portuguese adjective cortês is a sophisticated way to describe someone who is polite, respectful, and considerate. While everyday Portuguese often uses the word educado to mean polite, cortês carries a slightly more formal, refined, or even chivalrous connotation. It originates from the concept of the 'court' (corte), implying the kind of behavior one would expect in a royal setting. When you describe someone as cortês, you are not just saying they have good manners; you are suggesting they possess a natural elegance and a genuine concern for the comfort of others. This word is frequently used in professional settings, formal social gatherings, and literature to highlight a level of decorum that goes beyond the basic requirements of social interaction. For instance, a waiter in a five-star restaurant or a diplomat in a negotiation would ideally be described as cortês. It is a gender-neutral adjective, meaning it remains the same whether you are describing a man, a woman, or a non-binary individual, though it does change for plural forms to corteses.

Etymological Root: Derived from 'corte' (court), referring to the refined manners of the nobility.
Register: Formal to Semi-formal. It is less common in casual slang but highly valued in professional environments.
Social Nuance: Implies a proactive kindness, such as holding a door or speaking with soft, respectful tones.

O anfitrião foi extremamente cortês ao receber todos os convidados na porta.

In modern usage, using cortês instead of educado shows a higher command of the Portuguese language. It suggests that the person isn't just following rules, but is genuinely thoughtful. You might use it to compliment a colleague who handled a difficult client with grace, or to describe a historical figure known for their diplomacy. It is also common in written correspondence, such as 'Agradecemos o seu cortês convite' (We thank you for your polite invitation). Understanding this word helps you navigate the subtle layers of Portuguese social hierarchy and etiquette, where being 'polite' is expected, but being cortês is admired.

Ela sempre mantém um tom cortês, mesmo durante discussões acaloradas.

Os funcionários daquele hotel são conhecidos por serem muito corteses.

Um gesto cortês pode mudar completamente o rumo de uma negociação difícil.

Ele enviou uma carta cortês pedindo desculpas pelo atraso na entrega.

Using cortês correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties and its typical placement in a sentence. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it describes, which is the standard position in Portuguese for most descriptive adjectives. For example, 'um homem cortês' (a polite man). However, for stylistic emphasis or in more poetic contexts, it can occasionally precede the noun: 'seu cortês atendimento' (your polite service). One of the most important things for learners to remember is its pluralization. Unlike many adjectives that end in -o or -a, cortês ends in a consonant. To make it plural, you add -es, resulting in corteses. This applies regardless of the gender of the noun. For example: 'os alunos corteses' (the polite students) and 'as alunas corteses' (the polite female students).

Agreement: Singular: cortês (M/F). Plural: corteses (M/F).
Common Verbs: Usually paired with 'ser' (to be - permanent quality) or 'mostrar-se' (to show oneself as).

Nós fomos corteses com os novos vizinhos.

When constructing sentences, you can intensify cortês with adverbs like muito (very), extremamente (extremely), or bastante (quite). It is also frequently used in the comparative and superlative forms. For instance, 'Ele é o mais cortês da família' (He is the most polite in the family). In professional writing, you might see it in phrases like 'Atenciosamente e de forma cortês' (Attentively and in a polite manner). It is also worth noting that the adverbial form is cortesmente (politely/courteously), which is formed by taking the adjective and adding the suffix -mente. Using the adverb is a great way to describe how an action was performed: 'Ele respondeu cortesmente às perguntas' (He responded politely to the questions).

A secretária foi muito cortês ao telefone.

In Brazil and Portugal, you will encounter cortês in specific contexts rather than in every casual conversation at a bar. One of the primary locations is the hospitality industry. High-end hotels, luxury boutiques, and fine dining establishments train their staff to be cortês. You might hear a manager saying, 'Precisamos ser mais corteses com os clientes VIP' (We need to be more courteous with VIP clients). Another major area is formal education and academia. Professors might describe a student's behavior as cortês when they show exceptional respect during a debate. In the world of business and law, being cortês is a strategic asset. Lawyers often maintain a cortês demeanor even when opposing each other in court to maintain professional standards.

News & Media: Journalists use it to describe diplomatic meetings: 'O encontro entre os presidentes foi cortês'.
Literature: Classical and modern novels use it to build character traits of elegance and restraint.

O recepcionista do hotel de cinco estrelas foi extremamente cortês.

Furthermore, you will see this word in formal written communications, such as emails to government agencies, cover letters for jobs, or official invitations. It conveys a level of seriousness and respect that legal (cool) or bonzinho (nice) simply cannot match. If you are watching a period drama or a historical film in Portuguese, cortês will be a staple in the dialogue, reflecting the etiquette of past centuries. Even in modern politics, a candidate might be praised for being cortês during a debate, meaning they didn't resort to insults. It is a word that signals you are a person of culture and good breeding.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is overusing cortês in casual situations. If you tell your friend they were cortês for buying you a beer, it might sound overly formal or even slightly sarcastic. In that context, gentil or legal would be much more natural. Another common error involves the plural form. Many learners try to pluralize it as 'cortêses' (with the circumflex accent) or 'cortês' (without changing it). Remember: the accent disappears in the plural form, and it becomes corteses. This is because the stress shifts from the last syllable to the second-to-last, and according to Portuguese spelling rules, the accent is no longer needed.

Misspelling: Writing 'cortês' without the accent in the singular form (cortes, which actually means 'cuts' or 'courts').
Gender Confusion: Trying to say 'cortesa' for a female. This is incorrect; the word is the same for both genders.

Errado: Elas são cortês. Correto: Elas são corteses.

Additionally, do not confuse cortês with curto (short). While they might look vaguely similar to a beginner, they have zero relation. Another nuance is the difference between cortês and atencioso. While both are positive, atencioso means 'attentive' or 'thoughtful' (focusing on needs), while cortês focuses on the manner and social grace. Lastly, avoid using it to describe objects or things unless you are using personification. A person is cortês, but a chair is not 'cortês'—it might be 'confortável' (comfortable).

To broaden your vocabulary, it is essential to know the alternatives to cortês and when to use them. The most common synonym is educado, which simply means polite or well-mannered. If you want something a bit warmer and friendlier, use gentil (kind/gentle). For someone who is very helpful and pays attention to your needs, atencioso is the best choice. In very formal or literary contexts, you might encounter afável, which means affable or easy to talk to in a polite way. On the opposite side, if someone lacks these qualities, they are descortês (impolite/rude) or simply rude.

Cortês vs. Educado: Cortês is more formal/refined; Educado is the standard word for polite.
Cortês vs. Gentil: Cortês implies social distance and respect; Gentil implies warmth and kindness.
Cortês vs. Amável: Amável is 'lovable' or very sweet, usually used for friends or children.

Ele não é apenas educado; ele é um cavalheiro cortês.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'temperature' of the interaction. Use cortês for 'cool' professional respect, gentil for 'warm' personal kindness, and educado for general social compliance. If you are writing a formal letter of complaint, you might start by saying, 'Apesar de o funcionário ter sido cortês, o problema não foi resolvido' (Despite the employee being polite, the problem was not solved). This shows you are being fair and balanced in your assessment. Learning these distinctions will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'courteous' and the Portuguese word 'cortês' are cognates, meaning they share the same ancestor. Both suggest that true politeness was once a skill of the nobility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /koɾˈteʃ/

US /koɾˈtes/

The stress is on the final syllable: cor-TÊS.

Rhymes With

francês inglês vez mês talvez xadrez português através

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (COR-tês) - Incorrect.
Pronouncing the 'e' as an open 'eh' like in 'met' - It should be a closed 'e'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 's' sound.
Confusing the plural pronunciation (cor-TE-ses) where the stress shifts.
Thinking the 'r' is silent like in some English accents.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'courteous' in English.

Writing 3/5

Remembering the accent in singular and removing it in plural is tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Pronouncing the closed 'ê' and final 's' correctly takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to spot in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bom obrigado por favor educado gentil

Learn Next

atencioso afável descortês cortesia urbanidade

Advanced

benevolência fidalguia altruísmo decoro etiqueta

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -ês add -es for plural.

Português -> Portugueses; Cortês -> Corteses.

The circumflex accent (^) is removed in the plural form of words ending in -ês.

Francês -> Franceses; Cortês -> Corteses.

Adjectives after the noun is the standard rule.

Um homem cortês.

Gender-neutral adjectives ending in -ês.

Ele é cortês / Ela é cortês.

Adverb formation with -mente.

Cortês + mente = Cortesmente.

Examples by Level

O senhor é muito cortês.

The gentleman is very polite.

Subject + verb 'ser' + adverb + adjective.

Ela é uma menina cortês.

She is a polite girl.

'Cortês' does not change for feminine nouns.

O médico foi cortês.

The doctor was polite.

Past tense of 'ser' (foi) + adjective.

Muito obrigado por ser cortês.

Thank you very much for being polite.

Preposition 'por' followed by infinitive 'ser'.

Eles são corteses.

They are polite.

Plural form: add '-es'.

Um gesto cortês é bom.

A polite gesture is good.

Noun + adjective.

Você é cortês com todos?

Are you polite with everyone?

Question form using 'cortês com' (polite with).

O aluno cortês ganha um prêmio.

The polite student wins a prize.

Definite article + noun + adjective.

O recepcionista foi muito cortês comigo.

The receptionist was very polite to me.

'Comigo' means 'with me'.

Sempre tente ser cortês no trabalho.

Always try to be polite at work.

Imperative 'tente' + infinitive 'ser'.

Nós precisamos de funcionários corteses.

We need polite employees.

Plural noun 'funcionários' matches plural adjective 'corteses'.

Ela escreveu um e-mail muito cortês.

She wrote a very polite email.

Past tense 'escreveu' + noun + adjective.

O motorista foi cortês e esperou por mim.

The driver was polite and waited for me.

Compound sentence with two actions.

É importante ser cortês com os vizinhos.

It is important to be polite to neighbors.

Impersonal expression 'É importante'.

Eles não foram muito corteses ontem.

They were not very polite yesterday.

Negative form 'não foram'.

Um tom de voz cortês ajuda muito.

A polite tone of voice helps a lot.

Adjective modifying the noun phrase 'tom de voz'.

Apesar da discussão, ele manteve um comportamento cortês.

Despite the argument, he maintained a polite behavior.

'Apesar de' indicates concession.

Ela é conhecida por ser extremamente cortês com os clientes.

She is known for being extremely polite with customers.

Passive-like construction 'conhecida por'.

O guia turístico respondeu cortesmente a todas as perguntas.

The tour guide responded courteously to all questions.

Adverbial form 'cortesmente'.

Ser cortês é uma qualidade essencial para um líder.

Being polite is an essential quality for a leader.

Infinitive 'ser' used as a noun.

Os convidados foram muito corteses durante o jantar.

The guests were very polite during the dinner.

Plural agreement.

Gostaria de agradecer pelo seu atendimento cortês.

I would like to thank you for your polite service.

Conditional 'gostaria' + 'agradecer por'.

Ele sempre foi um homem cortês e respeitador.

He was always a polite and respectful man.

Pairing two positive adjectives.

Não é necessário ser rude quando se pode ser cortês.

It is not necessary to be rude when one can be polite.

Comparative logic using 'quando'.

O diplomata agiu de forma cortês, evitando qualquer conflito.

The diplomat acted in a polite manner, avoiding any conflict.

'De forma' + adjective creates an adverbial phrase.

Sua recusa foi cortês, mas firme o suficiente para não deixar dúvidas.

His refusal was polite, but firm enough to leave no doubts.

Contrast using 'mas' (but).

A empresa preza por um ambiente de trabalho cortês e colaborativo.

The company values a polite and collaborative work environment.

'Prezar por' means to value or cherish.

Os anfitriões foram tão corteses que nos sentimos em casa imediatamente.

The hosts were so polite that we felt at home immediately.

Result clause 'tão... que'.

Mesmo sob pressão, a equipe manteve-se cortês com a imprensa.

Even under pressure, the team remained polite with the press.

Reflexive verb 'manter-se'.

É um erro confundir um comportamento cortês com fraqueza.

It is a mistake to confuse polite behavior with weakness.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

O debate foi marcado por trocas de argumentos corteses e inteligentes.

The debate was marked by polite and intelligent exchanges of arguments.

Passive voice 'foi marcado por'.

Ela enviou uma resposta cortês declinando o convite para a conferência.

She sent a polite response declining the invitation to the conference.

Present participle 'declinando'.

A narrativa descreve um cavaleiro cortês, fiel aos valores da época.

The narrative describes a courteous knight, faithful to the values of the time.

Literary register.

Houve um cortês silêncio antes de o juiz proferir a sentença.

There was a polite silence before the judge pronounced the sentence.

Adjective preceding the noun for emphasis.

Sua atitude cortês camuflava uma profunda desaprovação pelos métodos usados.

His polite attitude camouflaged a deep disapproval of the methods used.

Complex psychological description.

O protocolo exige que todos os funcionários sejam corteses com as autoridades.

The protocol requires that all employees be polite to the authorities.

Subjunctive mood 'sejam' after 'exige que'.

A despeito das provocações, ela não abandonou o seu tom cortês.

Despite the provocations, she did not abandon her polite tone.

'A despeito de' is a formal synonym for 'apesar de'.

O texto é um exemplo de como a linguagem cortês pode suavizar críticas severas.

The text is an example of how polite language can soften severe criticism.

Abstract noun phrase as subject.

Eles trocaram cumprimentos corteses antes de iniciarem a disputa.

They exchanged polite greetings before starting the dispute.

Personal infinitive 'iniciarem'.

A cortês hospitalidade daquela família é lembrada por todos os viajantes.

The polite hospitality of that family is remembered by all travelers.

Passive voice with agent of the action.

A obra reflete o ideal do amor cortês que permeava a lírica medieval.

The work reflects the ideal of courtly love that permeated medieval lyrics.

Specific historical/literary term.

Em sua prosa, o autor utiliza o adjetivo cortês para denotar uma distância intransponível.

In his prose, the author uses the adjective 'cortês' to denote an insurmountable distance.

Metalanguage (discussing the word itself).

A polidez de outrora, mais do que simples educação, era um ritual cortês complexo.

The politeness of yesteryear, more than simple education, was a complex polite ritual.

Archaic/Formal tone.

Nada mais cortês do que reconhecer os méritos do adversário após a derrota.

Nothing is more polite than recognizing the opponent's merits after defeat.

Comparative 'Nada mais... do que'.

O diplomata, mestre na arte de ser cortês, desarmou os críticos com um sorriso.

The diplomat, a master in the art of being polite, disarmed the critics with a smile.

Appositive phrase.

Sua cortês indiferença era mais dolorosa do que um insulto direto.

Her polite indifference was more painful than a direct insult.

Oxymoron-like pairing 'cortês indiferença'.

O tratado foi redigido em termos corteses, ocultando as tensões territoriais subjacentes.

The treaty was drafted in polite terms, hiding the underlying territorial tensions.

Professional/Political register.

A fidalguia do gesto cortês transcende as barreiras das classes sociais.

The nobility of the polite gesture transcends the barriers of social classes.

Philosophical/Abstract statement.

Common Collocations

atendimento cortês

gesto cortês

tom cortês

maneira cortês

tratamento cortês

sorriso cortês

palavras corteses

recepção cortês

diálogo cortês

respeito cortês

Common Phrases

Ser cortês não custa nada.

— A common saying meaning that being polite is free and easy to do. It encourages good manners.

Lembre-se: ser cortês não custa nada e abre portas.

Com um cumprimento cortês.

— Used to describe how someone greets another person. It implies a formal hello.

Ele entrou na sala com um cumprimento cortês.

De modo cortês.

— In a polite way. Often used as an adverbial phrase.

Responda de modo cortês a todos os convites.

Extremamente cortês.

— Used to emphasize a very high level of politeness.

O novo gerente é extremamente cortês.

Sempre cortês.

— Describing a consistent character trait of being polite.

Ela é sempre cortês, não importa a situação.

Cortês e prestativo.

— A common pair of adjectives meaning 'polite and helpful'.

O guia foi cortês e prestativo durante todo o passeio.

Nada cortês.

— A way to say someone was not polite at all.

A atitude dele foi nada cortês com a secretária.

Um homem cortês.

— A standard way to describe a gentleman.

Meu avô sempre foi um homem cortês.

Uma mulher cortês.

— A standard way to describe a lady with good manners.

Ela é uma mulher cortês e muito inteligente.

Atitude cortês.

— Refers to the way someone acts or carries themselves.

Uma atitude cortês pode evitar muitos problemas.

Often Confused With

cortês vs curto

Means 'short'. Sounds slightly similar but completely different meaning.

cortês vs cortes

Means 'cuts' (plural of corte). It is spelled without the accent.

cortês vs corte

Means 'court' or 'cut'. It is the root but a different part of speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"Amor cortês"

— A historical literary term for the idealized, chivalrous love of the Middle Ages.

Os poemas falavam sobre o amor cortês e a devoção à dama.

Literary/Historical

"Visita de cortesia"

— A short visit made to show respect or fulfill a social obligation, not for business.

O embaixador fez uma visita de cortesia ao novo prefeito.

Formal

"Por cortesia"

— Doing something as a favor or out of politeness, rather than necessity.

Eles ofereceram o café por cortesia.

Neutral

"Tiro de cortesia"

— A ceremonial shot fired as a salute, not to hit anything.

Os navios dispararam tiros de cortesia ao entrar no porto.

Military/Formal

"Fazer as honras da casa"

— To act as a polite host, welcoming and serving guests (related to being cortês).

Por favor, faça as honras da casa e receba os convidados.

Neutral

"Tratar a pão-de-ló"

— To treat someone extremely well and politely (idiom meaning 'to treat with sponge cake').

Eles trataram o novo sócio a pão-de-ló.

Informal

"Dar passagem"

— Literally 'to give way', often seen as a 'gesto cortês' in traffic or walking.

Ele deu passagem para a senhora passar primeiro.

Neutral

"Com todas as letras"

— To say something very clearly, but often used when being 'cortês' is no longer enough.

Eu disse a ele, com todas as letras, que não aceito rudeza.

Informal

"Pedir licença"

— To ask for permission/excuse oneself, the hallmark of a 'pessoa cortês'.

Sempre peça licença antes de entrar em uma sala.

Neutral

"Baixar a guarda"

— To stop being defensive, often because someone is being very 'cortês'.

A educação dele fez com que o cliente baixasse a guarda.

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

cortês vs Educado

Both mean polite.

'Educado' is the general word for having good manners (from education). 'Cortês' is more about formal grace and respect.

O aluno é educado. O diplomata é cortês.

cortês vs Gentil

Both are positive traits.

'Gentil' implies kindness and a warm heart. 'Cortês' implies social distance and formal respect.

Ela foi gentil ao me dar água. Ele foi cortês ao abrir a porta.

cortês vs Atencioso

Both describe good service.

'Atencioso' means you are paying attention to someone's needs. 'Cortês' means you are behaving with good manners.

O enfermeiro foi atencioso. O recepcionista foi cortês.

cortês vs Amável

Both mean 'nice'.

'Amável' is more affectionate and 'lovable'. 'Cortês' is more professional and dignified.

Uma criança amável. Um advogado cortês.

cortês vs Polido

Both mean refined.

'Polido' is very formal, almost clinical, like 'polished'. 'Cortês' feels more human and chivalrous.

Ele tem modos polidos. Ele é um homem cortês.

Sentence Patterns

O/A [Noun] é cortês.

O professor é cortês.

Eles são [Adverb] corteses.

Eles são muito corteses.

[Verb] de forma cortês.

Ele respondeu de forma cortês.

Apesar de [Situation], ele foi cortês.

Apesar do trânsito, o motorista foi cortês.

Seu/Sua cortês [Noun]...

Sua cortês atitude nos impressionou.

Nada mais cortês do que [Infinitive]...

Nada mais cortês do que agradecer pessoalmente.

Ser cortês é [Quality].

Ser cortês é fundamental.

Um [Noun] cortês.

Um atendimento cortês.

Word Family

Nouns

cortesia (courtesy/politeness)

cortesão (courtier)

descortesia (rudeness)

Verbs

cortesiar (to treat with courtesy - rare)

cortejar (to court/woo - related root)

Adjectives

cortês (polite)

descortês (impolite)

cortesão (relating to the court)

corte (court)

cavalheiro (gentleman)

educação (education/manners)

gentileza (kindness)

urbanidade (urbanity/politeness)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing and professional settings; less common in casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Elas são cortês'. → Elas são corteses.
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify.
Writing 'cortêses' with an accent. → corteses.
When the word becomes plural, the stress is no longer on the last syllable, so the accent is removed.
Using 'cortês' for 'short' (confusing with 'curto'). → O filme foi curto.
Cortês means polite; curto means short.
Trying to make it feminine: 'Ela é cortesa'. → Ela é cortês.
Adjectives ending in -ês are the same for masculine and feminine.
Using 'cortês' in a very casual slang conversation. → Ele foi muito gente boa.
Using 'cortês' with close friends in a casual setting can sound sarcastic or weirdly formal.

Tips

Email Etiquette

In professional emails, use 'Agradeço o seu cortês retorno' to sound very professional and respectful.

Plural Rule

Always remember to remove the accent when writing 'corteses'. This is a common mistake even for native speakers!

Professionalism

Being 'cortês' in a job interview can make a much better impression than just being 'legal' (cool).

Synonym Variety

If you describe a hotel staff as 'cortês', you are complimenting their training and professionalism.

Stress the End

The stress is on the '-tês'. Practice saying 'cor-TÊS' to sound more like a native.

Chivalry

Use 'cortês' when someone does something old-fashioned and polite, like giving up their seat.

Cortês vs Gentil

Remember: 'Cortês' is about manners; 'Gentil' is about the heart.

Cognate Power

Link 'cortês' to 'courtesy' in your mind. They are twins in meaning and origin.

Adjective Placement

Putting 'cortês' before the noun (e.g., 'cortês gesto') makes your writing sound very poetic or high-level.

Regional Differences

In Portugal, 'cortês' is used slightly more frequently in daily life than in the more informal Brazil.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a King's COURT. Everyone in the COURT is CORTÊS. If you want to be treated like royalty, you must be CORTÊS.

Visual Association

Imagine a man in a tuxedo holding a heavy door open for a lady while bowing slightly. That elegant gesture is exactly what 'cortês' looks like.

Word Web

Educação Cavalheirismo Respeito Gentileza Formalidade Elegância Sociedade Diplomacia

Challenge

Try to use the word 'cortês' in a formal email today. Instead of saying 'Obrigado', try 'Agradeço o seu cortês atendimento'.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Old Portuguese and Galician 'cortês', which derived from the Vulgar Latin 'cortensis'. This is related to 'cohors' or 'cors' (an enclosed yard or court).

Original meaning: Originally, it meant 'belonging to the court' (of a king or noble). Over time, it came to describe the refined manners associated with those who lived at court.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too 'cortês' with close friends, as it can be interpreted as creating distance or being cold.

English speakers might find 'cortês' similar to 'chivalrous'. It's more than just 'nice'; it's about social grace.

The 'Amor Cortês' in medieval troubadour poetry. The character 'Dom Casmurro' by Machado de Assis often deals with social decorum. Diplomatic protocols in the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Customer Service

Agradeço o seu atendimento cortês.
O funcionário foi muito cortês.
Desejamos um atendimento cortês.
Seja cortês com os clientes.

Formal Meetings

O debate foi cortês.
Mantenha um tom cortês.
Trocaram palavras corteses.
Foi um encontro cortês.

Hospitality

A recepção foi cortês.
Hóspedes corteses são bem-vindos.
Serviço cortês e eficiente.
O anfitrião é muito cortês.

Writing Emails

Escrevo este e-mail cortês.
Recebi sua cortês mensagem.
Com os meus corteses cumprimentos.
Agradeço a cortês resposta.

Daily Life

Seja cortês no trânsito.
Um vizinho muito cortês.
Um gesto cortês no ônibus.
Falar de modo cortês.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia são menos corteses do que antigamente?"

"Qual foi a última vez que alguém foi extremamente cortês com você no trabalho?"

"Como você descreveria uma pessoa cortês em apenas três palavras?"

"Você prefere um atendimento rápido ou um atendimento mais cortês?"

"É possível ser cortês com alguém de quem você não gosta?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que ser cortês ajudou você a resolver um problema difícil.

Quem é a pessoa mais cortês que você conhece e por que você a admira?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser apenas educado e ser verdadeiramente cortês.

Escreva sobre um momento em que você foi descortês e como se sentiu depois.

Como a cortesia pode mudar o ambiente em uma grande cidade como São Paulo ou Lisboa?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'cortês' is a uniform adjective for gender. You say 'ele é cortês' and 'ela é cortês'. Only the plural form changes to 'corteses'.

The plural is 'corteses'. Note that the circumflex accent on the 'ê' is removed in the plural form.

Use 'cortês' in formal situations, professional emails, or when describing someone who shows exceptional respect and grace.

Yes, it literally comes from the word 'corte' (court), referring to the refined manners of people who lived in royal courts.

You say 'cortesmente'. It is formed by adding '-mente' to the adjective.

Yes, but it is more common in formal or professional contexts than in casual daily slang.

The most direct opposite is 'descortês'. You can also use 'rude' or 'grosseiro'.

You can, but 'educado' is more common for children. Using 'cortês' for a child makes them sound like a little gentleman or lady.

Yes, it is pronounced as a soft 'sh' sound in Portugal and many parts of Brazil, or like an 's' in others.

The accent indicates that the 'e' is closed and that the stress is on the last syllable.