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A2 noun 5 min read

criativa

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips criativa in 30 Seconds
Explanation criativa in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn 'criativa' as a basic adjective to describe people or simple things. You should focus on matching it with feminine nouns like 'mãe' (mother), 'amiga' (friend), or 'boneca' (doll). At this stage, it's just a vocabulary word for 'creative'. You use it in simple sentences like 'Ela é criativa'. You don't need to worry about professional nuances yet, just the basic trait of being good at making things or having fun ideas. It is often taught alongside colors and basic personality traits like 'feliz' (happy) or 'inteligente' (intelligent).
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At A2, you start using 'criativa' to describe activities and results. You might talk about a 'resposta criativa' (creative answer) in class or a 'receita criativa' (creative recipe) in the kitchen. You begin to understand that 'criativa' is the feminine form and 'criativo' is the masculine form. You can use it to describe your hobbies or the people you know in more detail. For example, 'Minha irmã faz pinturas muito criativas'. This level focuses on everyday utility and basic gender agreement in slightly longer sentences.
At the B1 level, you use 'criativa' in more abstract and professional contexts. You can discuss 'soluções criativas' (creative solutions) for problems or 'escrita criativa' (creative writing) as a skill. You understand that the word implies a certain level of competence and innovation. You might use it to describe a marketing campaign or a way of organizing your work. You are also introduced to related nouns like 'criatividade' (creativity) and can distinguish between the quality (adjective) and the concept (noun). You can express opinions about whether a movie or book was 'criativa'.
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At B2, you are expected to use 'criativa' with nuance. You might discuss the 'economia criativa' (creative economy) or 'indústrias criativas'. You understand the professional role of 'uma criativa' in an agency. You can use the word to argue for or against certain methods in a debate. You also start to use synonyms like 'inventiva' or 'engenhosa' to avoid repetition. Your use of 'criativa' becomes more natural, and you can handle complex gender agreements involving collective nouns or abstract feminine nouns like 'atmosfera' (atmosphere) or 'perspectiva' (perspective).
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At C1, 'criativa' is used in sophisticated analysis. You might analyze a 'estratégia criativa' in a business case study or the 'liberdade criativa' (creative freedom) of an author. You understand the subtle difference between being 'criativa' and being 'original' or 'excêntrica'. You can use the word in academic or formal writing to describe methodologies or artistic movements. You also recognize idiomatic expressions and can use the word sarcastically or emphatically to convey deeper meaning. You understand how 'criativa' fits into the broader cultural discourse of Lusophone countries.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'criativa'. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'natureza criativa' (creative nature) or the 'pulsão criativa' (creative drive). You use the word with absolute precision in any context, from legal discussions about 'propriedade criativa' (though 'intelectual' is more common, 'criativa' might be used stylistically) to high-level literary criticism. You can play with the word's placement in a sentence for stylistic effect and understand its historical etymology from Latin and how it evolved in the Portuguese language compared to other Romance languages.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

criativa in 30 Seconds

  • Criativa is the feminine version of 'creative'.
  • Use it for women, female animals, or feminine nouns like 'ideia'.
  • In the workplace, it can mean a female creative professional.
  • It is a highly positive word implying innovation and imagination.
The word criativa is the feminine form of the adjective 'criativo', but it also functions as a noun in professional contexts. At its core, it describes a person, idea, or solution that possesses the power of creation, originality, and imagination. In Portuguese, gender agreement is paramount; you use 'criativa' whenever you are describing a feminine noun, such as 'uma mulher' (a woman), 'uma ideia' (an idea), or 'uma solução' (a solution).
Adjective Usage
Used to qualify a feminine noun as being inventive or original. Example: 'Ela é uma artista muito criativa' (She is a very creative artist).
Noun Usage
In the world of advertising and design, 'uma criativa' refers to a female professional working in the creative department, such as a copywriter or art director.

A solução que ela apresentou foi extremamente criativa e resolveu o problema rapidamente.

This word is ubiquitous in schools, workplaces, and art galleries. It carries a highly positive connotation, suggesting not just the ability to draw or paint, but the cognitive flexibility to think 'outside the box' (pensar fora da caixa).

Ela trabalha como criativa em uma agência de publicidade em Lisboa.

Culturally, being called 'criativa' in Brazil or Portugal is a significant compliment, often implying that you are resourceful (desenrascada) and capable of finding novel ways to handle life's challenges.
Contextual Nuance
While 'criativa' usually means artistic, in a business setting, it refers to 'problem-solving' or 'innovation'.
Using criativa correctly requires attention to the gender of the noun it modifies. Since it ends in '-a', it is strictly feminine. If you are describing a male person or a masculine noun, you must switch to 'criativo'.
Describing People
When talking about a woman's personality: 'Minha irmã é muito criativa'.
Describing Abstract Concepts
Nouns like 'mente' (mind), 'forma' (way/manner), and 'estratégia' (strategy) are feminine. Example: 'Uma mente criativa não tem limites'.

Precisamos de uma abordagem mais criativa para este projeto de marketing.

In sentence structures, 'criativa' usually follows the noun, which is the standard position for adjectives in Portuguese. However, placing it before the noun can sometimes add a poetic or emphatic touch, though this is less common in everyday speech.

A criativa publicidade chamou a atenção de todos na rua.

Plural Form
The plural is 'criativas'. 'Elas são mulheres muito criativas' (They are very creative women).

As crianças tiveram uma tarde criativa na escola hoje.

When used as a noun, it follows the rules of occupational nouns. 'A criativa da agência' refers to the female creative professional. This is common in the 'Indústrias Criativas' (Creative Industries).
You will hear criativa in various settings, ranging from casual family dinners to high-stakes corporate meetings. In Brazil, for instance, 'economia criativa' (creative economy) is a frequent topic in news and government discussions regarding culture and technology.
In Education
Teachers often praise students by saying 'Que resposta criativa!' (What a creative answer!). It encourages divergent thinking.
In Professional Settings
Managers look for 'soluções criativas' to cut costs or improve efficiency. You'll hear it in brainstorming sessions (brainstormings or 'tormenta de ideias').

Na publicidade, ser uma pessoa criativa é o requisito básico para o sucesso.

In Portugal, the word is often linked to the 'desenrasque' culture—the ability to find a creative, often improvised, solution to a difficult situation. If someone fixes a broken appliance with a hairclip, they might be called 'criativa' (if female).

A arquitetura desta cidade é muito criativa e moderna.

Media and Art
Art critics use it to describe works that break tradition. 'Uma obra criativa' is one that offers a new perspective.

Ela tem uma veia criativa que vem de família.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with criativa is failing to match the gender with the noun. In English, 'creative' is gender-neutral, but in Portuguese, it must change.
Gender Mismatch
Saying 'O menino é criativa' is incorrect. It must be 'O menino é criativo'. Conversely, 'A menina é criativo' is wrong; it must be 'A menina é criativa'.
Confusing with 'Criação'
Sometimes learners use 'criativa' when they mean 'creation' (criação). 'Criativa' is the quality, 'criação' is the act or the result.

Errado: O projeto é criativa. Correto: O projeto é criativo.

Another mistake is the pronunciation of the 'ti' syllable. In many Brazilian dialects, 'ti' is palatalized (sounding like 'chee'), so 'criativa' sounds like 'cree-ah-CHEE-vah'. In Portugal, it is a 't' sound like in 'tea'.

Não confunda criativa (adjective) com criatividade (noun - creativity).

Overuse
While common, using 'criativa' for everything can be repetitive. Try using 'original' or 'inovadora' to vary your vocabulary.
While criativa is the go-to word for 'creative', Portuguese offers several synonyms that can add precision to your speech.
Inventiva
Focuses on the ability to invent or discover new things. 'Ela tem uma mente muito inventiva'.
Original
Suggests that something is unique and hasn't been done before. 'Uma ideia original'.
Engenhosa
Implies cleverness and ingenuity, often in solving technical or practical problems.

Sua abordagem inovadora mudou o rumo da empresa.

Imaginativa
Focuses on the internal process of imagination. 'Uma criança muito imaginativa'.

Ela é uma pessoa talentosa, mas nem sempre criativa.

Use 'produtiva' if the focus is on the amount of work created, rather than the novelty of the ideas themselves.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The root 'cre-' is the same found in the word 'cereal' (named after Ceres, the goddess of growth/creation).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɾi.aˈti.vɐ/
US /kɾi.aˈtʃi.vɐ/
The stress is on the penultimate syllable: cri-a-TI-va.
Rhymes With
ativa passiva esportiva viva esquiva derivada alternativa narrativa
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'cri' as 'cry' (it should be 'cree').
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., CRI-ativa).
  • Using a hard English 'r' instead of the Portuguese tap.
  • In Portugal, failing to reduce the final 'a'.
  • In Brazil, forgetting the 'chee' sound for 'ti' if aiming for a Rio/SP accent.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'creative'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement with the noun.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'ti' varies between Brazil and Portugal.

Listening 2/5

Clear word, though 'ti' vs 'chee' might confuse beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ela uma ideia mulher fazer

Learn Next

criatividade inovação original talento imaginação

Advanced

disruptiva engenhosa inventiva prolífica vanguardista

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

A (fem) ideia (fem) criativa (fem).

Adjective Placement

Usually after the noun: 'Pessoa criativa'.

Pluralization

Add 's' to the end: 'Criativas'.

Adverb Formation

Add '-mente' to the feminine form: 'Criativamente'.

Diminutives

Criativinha (somewhat creative or cute/ironic).

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Examples by Level

1

Minha mãe é muito criativa.

My mother is very creative.

Feminine agreement with 'mãe'.

2

Ela tem uma boneca criativa.

She has a creative doll.

Adjective follows the noun 'boneca'.

3

A menina é criativa.

The girl is creative.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

4

Uma ideia criativa!

A creative idea!

Exclamatory use with feminine noun 'ideia'.

5

Sua irmã é criativa?

Is your sister creative?

Interrogative sentence.

6

Maria é uma pessoa criativa.

Maria is a creative person.

'Pessoa' is always feminine, so 'criativa' is used.

7

Esta cor é criativa.

This color is creative.

'Cor' is a feminine noun in Portuguese.

8

Ela não é criativa.

She is not creative.

Negative sentence structure.

1

A professora deu uma aula muito criativa.

The teacher gave a very creative lesson.

Describes the noun 'aula' (lesson).

2

Eu gosto de fazer comida criativa.

I like to make creative food.

'Comida' is feminine.

3

Ela escreveu uma história criativa.

She wrote a creative story.

Past tense verb with feminine object.

4

Nós precisamos de uma resposta criativa.

We need a creative answer.

'Resposta' is feminine.

5

As fotos dela são muito criativas.

Her photos are very creative.

Plural feminine agreement.

6

Ela usa roupas criativas todos os dias.

She wears creative clothes every day.

Plural 'roupas' matches with 'criativas'.

7

A solução foi muito criativa.

The solution was very creative.

'Solução' is feminine.

8

Você é uma artista criativa.

You are a creative artist.

Direct address to a female artist.

1

A agência está buscando uma mente criativa.

The agency is looking for a creative mind.

'Mente' (mind) is feminine.

2

Ela trabalha com escrita criativa.

She works with creative writing.

Standard term for 'creative writing'.

3

Esta é uma forma criativa de resolver o problema.

This is a creative way to solve the problem.

'Forma' (way/manner) is feminine.

4

A campanha publicitária foi muito criativa.

The advertising campaign was very creative.

Agreement with 'campanha'.

5

Ela tem uma visão criativa sobre o futuro.

She has a creative vision for the future.

'Visão' (vision) is feminine.

6

As soluções criativas são valorizadas aqui.

Creative solutions are valued here.

Passive voice with plural agreement.

7

Ela sempre foi a pessoa mais criativa da turma.

She has always been the most creative person in the class.

Superlative construction.

8

A decoração da festa estava muito criativa.

The party decoration was very creative.

'Decoração' is feminine.

1

A economia criativa está crescendo no Brasil.

The creative economy is growing in Brazil.

Refers to the economic sector.

2

Ela foi contratada como a nova criativa da empresa.

She was hired as the company's new creative.

Noun usage referring to a professional role.

3

Sua abordagem criativa surpreendeu os investidores.

Her creative approach surprised the investors.

'Abordagem' (approach) is feminine.

4

A liberdade criativa é essencial para os artistas.

Creative freedom is essential for artists.

Abstract concept 'liberdade'.

5

Elas desenvolveram uma estratégia criativa de marketing.

They developed a creative marketing strategy.

Agreement with 'estratégia'.

6

A cidade é conhecida por sua indústria criativa.

The city is known for its creative industry.

Singular 'indústria'.

7

Ela expressou sua opinião de maneira criativa.

She expressed her opinion in a creative way.

'Maneira' is feminine.

8

As propostas criativas foram as mais elogiadas.

The creative proposals were the most praised.

Plural feminine agreement.

1

A obra reflete uma sensibilidade criativa única.

The work reflects a unique creative sensibility.

Sophisticated noun 'sensibilidade'.

2

Ela questionou a falta de ousadia criativa no projeto.

She questioned the lack of creative daring in the project.

'Ousadia' (daring/boldness) is feminine.

3

A produção criativa da autora diminuiu nos últimos anos.

The author's creative output has decreased in recent years.

'Produção' is feminine.

4

Houve uma explosão criativa durante o Renascimento.

There was a creative explosion during the Renaissance.

Historical context.

5

A diretora criativa decidiu mudar o conceito da marca.

The creative director decided to change the brand concept.

Compound professional title.

6

Ela possui uma veia criativa herdada de sua avó.

She has a creative streak inherited from her grandmother.

Idiomatic 'veia' (vein/streak).

7

A gestão criativa de recursos salvou a ONG.

The creative management of resources saved the NGO.

'Gestão' (management) is feminine.

8

Sua narrativa criativa subverte as expectativas do leitor.

Her creative narrative subverts the reader's expectations.

Literary analysis context.

1

A ontologia criativa do ser é um tema complexo.

The creative ontology of being is a complex theme.

Philosophical usage.

2

Ela explorou a dimensão criativa da linguagem poética.

She explored the creative dimension of poetic language.

'Dimensão' is feminine.

3

A práxis criativa exige um compromisso com a verdade.

Creative praxis requires a commitment to truth.

Academic/Philosophical 'práxis'.

4

Ela analisou a genealogia criativa daquela escola artística.

She analyzed the creative genealogy of that artistic school.

Advanced analytical term.

5

A subjetividade criativa é o cerne da expressão individual.

Creative subjectivity is the core of individual expression.

Abstract concept 'subjetividade'.

6

Sua intervenção criativa no espaço urbano foi premiada.

Her creative intervention in the urban space was awarded.

Technical term 'intervenção'.

7

A dialética criativa entre forma e conteúdo é fascinante.

The creative dialectic between form and content is fascinating.

High-level critique.

8

Ela personifica a força criativa da natureza humana.

She personifies the creative force of human nature.

Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

mente criativa
ideia criativa
solução criativa
escrita criativa
agência criativa
liberdade criativa
estratégia criativa
capacidade criativa
abordagem criativa
indústria criativa

Common Phrases

Ser criativa

— To be creative (female).

É importante ser criativa no trabalho.

De forma criativa

— In a creative way.

Ela resolveu tudo de forma criativa.

Mão criativa

— A creative hand (talent).

Sente-se a mão criativa da arquiteta aqui.

Veia criativa

— A creative streak/vein.

Ela tem uma veia criativa forte.

Faísca criativa

— Creative spark.

Estou esperando a faísca criativa chegar.

Ousadia criativa

— Creative daring.

Falta ousadia criativa nesta pintura.

Visão criativa

— Creative vision.

Sua visão criativa é impressionante.

Energia criativa

— Creative energy.

A sala estava cheia de energia criativa.

Pessoa criativa

— Creative person.

Ela é uma pessoa muito criativa.

Maneira criativa

— Creative manner.

Pense de uma maneira criativa.

Often Confused With

criativa vs criativo

Masculine form. Use for 'o homem' or 'o projeto'.

criativa vs criação

The act of creating. 'A criação (noun) foi criativa (adj)'.

criativa vs criatividade

The abstract noun 'creativity'. 'Ela tem muita criatividade'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar asas à imaginação"

— To let one's imagination fly, often leading to being criativa.

Ela deu asas à imaginação e criou um mundo novo.

Informal/Poetic
"Pensar fora da caixa"

— To think outside the box (be creative).

Precisamos pensar fora da caixa para vencer.

Business/Informal
"Tirar leite de pedra"

— To do something impossible or be extremely creative with few resources.

Ela tirou leite de pedra com aquele orçamento baixo.

Informal
"Ter um estalo"

— To have a sudden creative insight.

Ela teve um estalo e resolveu o mistério.

Informal
"Inventar moda"

— To try to do something in a new (sometimes unnecessary or strange) way.

Não invente moda, faça o simples.

Informal
"Fazer das tripas coração"

— To use extreme creativity or effort to overcome a lack of resources.

Ela fez das tripas coração para terminar a obra.

Informal
"Pôr a mão na massa"

— To get to work, often used when starting a creative project.

Vamos pôr a mão na massa e criar o design.

Informal
"Viajar na maionese"

— To have wild, sometimes unrealistic creative ideas.

Ela está viajando na maionese com essa ideia.

Slang (Brazil)
"Dar um nó em pingo d'água"

— To be incredibly clever/creative at solving a very difficult problem.

Ela deu um nó em pingo d'água para consertar o carro.

Informal
"Comer com os olhos"

— To be inspired by the visual creativity of something (usually food).

A apresentação do prato era tão criativa que eu comi com os olhos.

Informal

Easily Confused

criativa vs Crente

Starts similarly.

'Crente' means believer or religious person.

Ela é uma pessoa crente.

criativa vs Criança

Starts similarly.

'Criança' means child.

A criança é muito criativa.

criativa vs Criada

Past participle/noun.

Means 'created' or 'maid/servant'.

A obra foi criada por ela.

criativa vs Crítica

Similar length and sounds.

Means 'criticism' or a female 'critic'.

A crítica foi positiva.

criativa vs Nativa

Rhymes.

Means 'native'.

Ela é nativa de Portugal.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Ela é [adjective].

Ela é criativa.

A2

Uma [noun] criativa.

Uma menina criativa.

B1

Eu tenho uma [noun] criativa.

Eu tenho uma ideia criativa.

B2

Trabalhar como [noun/role].

Trabalhar como criativa.

C1

A [noun] da [person] é criativa.

A visão da diretora é criativa.

C2

A [abstract noun] criativa do [concept].

A essência criativa do universo.

Any

Que [noun] criativa!

Que solução criativa!

Any

Nada criativa.

Essa história não é nada criativa.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

High

Common Mistakes
  • O livro é criativa. → O livro é criativo.

    'Livro' is masculine, so the adjective must be masculine.

  • Ela é muito criatividade. → Ela é muito criativa.

    You used the noun (creativity) instead of the adjective (creative).

  • Eu gosto de escrita criativo. → Eu gosto de escrita criativa.

    'Escrita' is feminine, so it needs 'criativa'.

  • As meninas são criativa. → As meninas são criativas.

    Plural subject needs a plural adjective.

  • Ele é uma pessoa criativo. → Ele é uma pessoa criativa.

    Even though 'he' is male, the adjective matches 'pessoa', which is feminine.

Tips

Check the Noun

Always look at the noun you are describing. If it's feminine, use 'criativa'.

The 'TI' Sound

Decide if you want to sound Brazilian (chee) or Portuguese (tee) and be consistent.

Pairings

Learn 'mente criativa' and 'solução criativa' as set phrases.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'criativa' in one sentence, use 'original' or 'inventiva' in the next.

Compliments

Don't be afraid to call someone's work 'criativa'—it's a great way to build rapport.

Professional Use

Use 'A criativa' when talking about a female colleague in a design department.

The 'Eva' Trick

Remember 'Creative Eva' to keep the feminine ending in mind.

Adverbial Form

If you want to say 'creatively', use 'criativamente'.

Final 'a'

Listen for the soft 'a' at the end; it's the key to the gender.

Beyond Art

Use 'criativa' for math solutions, cooking, and logic, not just painting!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Creative Eva' (Criativa). Eva is a woman (feminine) who creates things.

Visual Association

Imagine a woman holding a paintbrush that is actually a magic wand, creating stars (ideas).

Word Web

Art Idea Woman Innovation Design Mind Original Solution

Challenge

Try to name three feminine objects in your room and describe them as 'criativa' (e.g., uma lâmpada criativa).

Word Origin

From the Latin 'creativus', which comes from 'creare' (to make, produce, or create).

Original meaning: The power to bring something into existence.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a safe, positive word.

Similar to 'creative', but remember the gender requirement which English doesn't have.

Clarice Lispector (often described as a 'mente criativa') Tarsila do Amaral (a 'pintora criativa') Joana Vasconcelos (contemporary 'artista criativa')

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Art & Design

  • Pintura criativa
  • Design criativo
  • Expressão criativa
  • Obra criativa

Business

  • Solução criativa
  • Marketing criativo
  • Equipe criativa
  • Gestão criativa

Education

  • Criança criativa
  • Atividade criativa
  • Resposta criativa
  • Método criativo

Daily Life

  • Cozinha criativa
  • Moda criativa
  • Conversa criativa
  • Ideia criativa

Literature

  • Escrita criativa
  • Narrativa criativa
  • Personagem criativa
  • Linguagem criativa

Conversation Starters

"Você se considera uma pessoa criativa no seu trabalho?"

"Qual é a mulher mais criativa que você conhece?"

"Você gosta de fazer atividades de escrita criativa?"

"Como podemos ter uma ideia mais criativa para este problema?"

"Você acha que a culinária brasileira é criativa?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você teve uma ideia muito criativa para ajudar uma amiga.

Escreva sobre uma artista criativa que você admira e por que.

Como você exercita sua mente para ser mais criativa no dia a dia?

Se você pudesse criar uma empresa criativa, o que ela faria?

A criatividade é importante na sua vida? Explique de forma criativa.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. For a man, you must use 'criativo'. However, you use 'criativa' for a masculine person's feminine traits, like 'Sua mente (fem) é criativa'.

Yes, in advertising and design, 'uma criativa' is a common way to refer to a female art director or copywriter.

'Criativa' is the ability to create, while 'original' means it is the first of its kind or unique. They often overlap.

It is 'escrita criativa'. 'Escrita' is feminine, so 'criativa' matches it.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.

Simply add an 's' to make 'criativas'. Example: 'Ideias criativas'.

No, the adverb is 'criativamente'. 'Criativa' is only an adjective or noun.

Usually, yes. 'Uma ideia criativa'. If you put it before, like 'Uma criativa ideia', it sounds poetic or very emphatic.

'Inovadora' is a very common professional alternative.

Yes, it is almost always a compliment.

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writing

Write a sentence describing a creative woman you know.

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writing

Translate: 'She has a creative mind.'

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