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B1 noun #8,000 most common 12 min read

greve

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips greve in 30 Seconds

Explanation greve in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'greve' means 'strike' and is a feminine noun. You will mostly encounter it in simple sentences about transportation or daily life. For example, 'A greve do metro' (The subway strike). At this stage, focus on the fact that when there is a 'greve', things like buses, trains, or schools might not work. It is a vital word for basic survival in a Portuguese-speaking city because it explains why your transport might be late or missing. You don't need to worry about the political reasons yet, just the practical result: 'Hoje não há aulas, os professores estão em greve' (No classes today, the teachers are on strike). Remember the gender: 'a greve'. You might also see it on signs in public places. It is one of those 'red flag' words that tells you to check for alternative routes or plans. Keep it simple: Greve = No work/No service.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'greve' with more verbs and prepositions. You should be able to say 'entrar em greve' (to go on strike) and 'estar em greve' (to be on strike). You will begin to notice 'greve' in short news snippets or announcements. For example, 'A greve vai durar dois dias' (The strike will last two days). You can also start adding reasons using 'por' or 'contra': 'Eles fazem greve por melhores salários' (They strike for better salaries). You should also recognize common types of strikes like 'greve geral' (general strike). At this level, you can describe the consequences of a strike in a basic way: 'Por causa da greve, tive de ir de táxi para o trabalho' (Because of the strike, I had to go to work by taxi). You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it to explain simple situations and disruptions in your daily routine.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the social and professional context of 'greve'. You should know terms like 'sindicato' (union) and 'reivindicação' (demand/claim). You can participate in conversations about whether a strike is fair or how it affects the economy. You will understand the difference between 'greve' and 'paralisação' and be able to use 'furar a greve' (to break a strike) in a sentence. You should be comfortable reading news articles that discuss strike notices ('pré-aviso de greve') and the negotiation process between workers and employers. You can express opinions: 'Acho que a greve é necessária para os trabalhadores' (I think the strike is necessary for the workers). You also learn about 'serviços mínimos' (minimum services), which is a common topic in Portugal. Your vocabulary expands to include 'adesão à greve' (participation in the strike), allowing you to discuss how successful or widespread a strike was.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the nuances of labor law and the historical significance of strikes in Lusophone history. You understand complex terms like 'greve de zelo' (work-to-rule) or 'greve de braços cruzados'. You can follow a debate on television about the legality of a strike or its impact on the national GDP. You are able to use 'greve' in more formal or abstract ways, such as discussing 'greves de fome' (hunger strikes) in the context of human rights or political activism. Your ability to use synonyms like 'cessação de trabalho' or 'conflito coletivo' increases. You can write a detailed essay or report on the causes and effects of a specific strike, using transition words and complex sentence structures. You understand the register of different speakers—from the angry commuter to the formal union leader—and can adjust your own use of the word accordingly.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'greve' is deeply integrated with cultural and political nuances. You can analyze the rhetoric used by unions and the government during a strike. You understand the legal intricacies of 'greves selvagens' (wildcat strikes) and the constitutional protections afforded to strikers in different Portuguese-speaking countries. You can use the word metaphorically in high-level literature or academic discussions. You are familiar with the historical impact of strikes on the fall of regimes (like the role of labor movements in Brazil in the 80s). You can participate in high-level negotiations or legal discussions where 'greve' is a central theme. You recognize subtle connotations and can use the word to discuss broad themes of social justice, economic theory, and collective action with fluency and precision, matching the level of a native speaker in professional or intellectual settings.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'greve' and all its associated jargon. You can discern the ideological underpinnings of how the word is used in different media outlets. You are capable of interpreting and producing complex legal texts regarding strike regulations. You can appreciate the use of 'greve' in poetry, classic literature, and historical archives, understanding the evolution of the term from its French origins to its current state. You can speak about the global implications of strikes in a globalized economy, using 'greve' as a starting point for deep philosophical or socioeconomic analysis. You are sensitive to the regional differences in how 'greve' is perceived and handled in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native, and you can use it to navigate the most delicate social and professional situations with absolute confidence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

greve in 30 Seconds

Greve means strike; it is a feminine noun used to describe a collective work stoppage by employees to protest or negotiate better conditions.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'fazer', 'entrar em', and 'convocar', it is a frequent topic in news and daily city life announcements.
It is a constitutionally protected right in Portugal and Brazil, often organized by unions ('sindicatos') to demand higher wages or rights.
Watch out for the false friend 'grave' (serious) and remember to use the preposition 'em' (em greve) when saying someone is on strike.

The Portuguese word greve is a fundamental term in the realms of labor rights, sociology, and daily news. At its core, it refers to a strike—a collective and organized refusal to work by employees, usually intended to protest against working conditions, low wages, or policy changes. The word carries a significant historical and political weight in Lusophone countries. In Portugal, the right to strike is a constitutional pillar established after the Carnation Revolution of 1974, symbolizing the transition from a dictatorship to a democracy where worker voices are legally protected. In Brazil, the term is equally potent, often associated with the massive labor movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s in the industrial ABC region of São Paulo, which played a crucial role in the country's redemocratization.

O que é uma greve?: Uma greve é uma ferramenta de pressão utilizada pelos trabalhadores para negociar melhores condições com os patrões ou com o governo. É o ato de parar as atividades laborais de forma coletiva.

When you hear this word in a daily context, it is most frequently related to public transport. Announcements such as 'Haverá greve no metro amanhã' (There will be a subway strike tomorrow) are common in cities like Lisbon or São Paulo. The word is not limited to physical labor; it can apply to students (greve estudantil) or even hunger strikes (greve de fome). Understanding 'greve' is essential for anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking country because it directly impacts logistics, public services, and the political atmosphere.

Os sindicatos convocaram uma greve geral para a próxima quinta-feira.

Beyond the workplace, the concept of 'greve' is used metaphorically to describe any cessation of activity. For example, a child might jokingly say they are on a 'greve de silêncio' (silence strike) when they refuse to talk to their parents. However, in formal discourse, it remains a serious legal and social term.

Direito à Greve: O direito à greve está consagrado na Constituição da República Portuguesa no Artigo 57.º, garantindo que compete aos trabalhadores decidir o âmbito de interesses a defender através da greve.

A greve de zelo é quando os funcionários cumprem todas as regras tão meticulosamente que o trabalho abranda drasticamente.

This word is also central to news headlines. You will see phrases like 'greve por tempo indeterminado' (indefinite strike) or 'paralisação' (stoppage), which is a common synonym. The social impact of a greve can be polarizing; some see it as a necessary fight for dignity, while others view it as a disruption of public order. Regardless of the perspective, 'greve' is a word that demands attention and indicates a friction point in society that is being addressed through collective inaction.

Sindicatos: Os sindicatos são as organizações que geralmente organizam e declaram a greve em nome dos trabalhadores.

Muitos passageiros ficaram retidos na estação por causa da greve dos comboios.

Using the word greve correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a feminine noun and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb construction is 'fazer greve' (to go on strike/to be on strike). You might say, 'Os professores estão a fazer greve' (The teachers are on strike). Another essential verb is 'entrar em greve', which signifies the beginning of the action: 'Os enfermeiros vão entrar em greve amanhã' (The nurses will go on strike tomorrow).

Common Verbs: Convocar uma greve (to call a strike), Cancelar uma greve (to cancel a strike), Furar uma greve (to break a strike/be a scab), Apoiar uma greve (to support a strike).

When discussing the scope of the strike, adjectives are vital. A 'greve geral' involves multiple sectors of the economy simultaneously. A 'greve parcial' might only last for a few hours a day. A 'greve de zelo' (work-to-rule) is a specific type where workers follow every single safety and administrative rule to the letter, which paradoxically causes massive delays and inefficiency.

A greve de fome do ativista chamou a atenção da comunidade internacional.

In professional settings, you might hear 'pré-aviso de greve' (strike notice). This is the legal document sent by unions to employers notifying them of the intent to stop work. You can also use 'greve' with prepositions to indicate the reason: 'greve por melhores salários' (strike for better wages) or 'greve contra os cortes' (strike against cuts).

Prepositional Phrases: Em greve (on strike), Durante a greve (during the strike), Por causa da greve (because of the strike).

Os trabalhadores decidiram suspender a greve após chegarem a um acordo com a gerência.

It is also important to note the phrase 'furar a greve'. This describes the act of working when a strike has been called, often viewed negatively by colleagues. 'Aquele funcionário furou a greve e foi criticado pelos colegas' (That employee broke the strike and was criticized by his colleagues). In terms of duration, you can say 'greve de vinte e quatro horas' or 'greve ilimitada'.

Describing the Strike: Greve pacífica (peaceful strike), Greve violenta (violent strike), Greve surpresa (surprise strike).

Não conseguimos chegar ao aeroporto a tempo devido à greve dos taxistas.

A adesão à greve foi de quase cem por cento, paralisando a fábrica totalmente.

The word greve is ubiquitous in the public sphere of Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the primary places you will encounter it is in the morning news cycle. Whether on television (SIC, RTP, TV Globo, CNN Portugal) or in newspapers (Público, Folha de S. Paulo), 'greve' is a staple of the 'Sociedade' or 'Economia' sections. You will hear anchors saying, 'A greve dos transportes públicos está a causar o caos no centro da cidade' (The public transport strike is causing chaos in the city center). This is not just news; it is a practical warning for commuters. In Lisbon, the 'Comboios de Portugal' (CP) or the 'Metropolitano de Lisboa' frequently issue alerts about 'perturbações na circulação' (disturbances in circulation) due to 'greves parciais'.

News Context: Manchetes (headlines), Telejornais (TV news), Comunicados sindicais (union press releases).

Another common place is in the educational environment. In both Portugal and Brazil, public school teachers and university staff often use strikes as a negotiation tactic. Students might arrive at school only to find a sign on the gate saying 'Escola em greve' (School on strike). This is a significant part of the student experience, especially in public universities (universidades federais in Brazil), where strikes can sometimes last for months.

Ouvimos no rádio que a greve dos lixeiros terminou hoje de madrugada.

In the workplace, 'greve' is discussed in breakrooms and union meetings. If you work in a large company or the public sector, you might be asked, 'Vais aderir à greve?' (Are you going to join the strike?). This question touches on solidarity and personal politics. In social media, hashtags like #grevegeral or #grevenosportos trend quickly when major disruptions occur. You will also see 'greve' in history books, specifically discussing the 'Greve Geral de 1917' in Brazil, which was a landmark event for the labor movement.

Social Media & Digital: Hashtags, Grupos de WhatsApp de trabalhadores, Avisos em aplicativos de transporte (like Uber or Waze).

A greve foi convocada para exigir o pagamento dos salários em atraso.

Even in literature and film, 'greve' appears as a symbol of resistance. Movies about the Brazilian labor movement in the 80s, such as 'Eles Não Usam Black-Tie', center around the tension of a strike within a family. Therefore, 'greve' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural phenomenon that you will hear in the streets, see on the screens, and feel in the rhythm of the city.

Houve uma greve de braços cruzados dentro da própria oficina.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word greve presents a few specific pitfalls. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with the adjective 'grave'. While they sound somewhat similar, 'grave' means serious, solemn, or deep (as in a voice). You might say 'Um problema grave' (A serious problem), but you must say 'Uma greve de trabalhadores' (A workers' strike). Mixing these up can lead to confusing sentences like 'O país está em grave', which sounds like you're saying 'The country is in serious' instead of 'The country is on strike'.

Greve vs. Grave: Greve (noun): Strike. Grave (adj): Serious/Deep. Pronunciation: Greve ends in a soft 'e' or is almost silent in Portugal, while Grave has a similar ending but a different vowel sound in the first syllable.

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'on strike'. In Portuguese, we use 'em greve'. A common error is to translate literally and say 'na greve' (on the strike) in contexts where 'em greve' is required. For example, 'Eles estão em greve' is correct, whereas 'Eles estão na greve' would only be used if referring to a specific, previously mentioned strike event in a locative sense.

Cuidado para não dizer 'estou grave' quando quer dizer 'estou em greve'.

Gender agreement is also a source of errors. Since 'greve' ends in 'e', some students mistakenly think it is masculine. It is always feminine: 'A greve foi longa' (The strike was long), not 'O greve foi longo'. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'greve' with 'manifestação'. While a strike often involves a demonstration (manifestação), they are not the same thing. A strike is the refusal to work; a demonstration is a public march or gathering. You can have a 'manifestação' without a 'greve'.

Greve vs. Manifestação: Greve: Work stoppage. Manifestação: Public protest/march. One is an economic action, the other is a social/expressive action.

A greve é um direito, mas deve ser comunicada com antecedência.

Finally, watch out for the verb 'parar'. While 'parar' means to stop, 'fazer greve' is the specific term for striking. Saying 'Os trabalhadores pararam' is correct, but 'Os trabalhadores fizeram greve' is more precise in a labor context.

False Friends: Strike (Baseball) = Strike (same word used). Strike (Hit) = Golpe/Pancada. Strike (Labor) = Greve.

Não confunda a greve com um simples feriado.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to greve and understand their nuances. The most direct synonym is paralisação. While 'greve' is the legal and formal term for the labor action, 'paralisação' (stoppage) is often used to describe the effect of the strike or a shorter, less formal stop in work. For example, 'Houve uma paralisação de duas horas' sounds slightly less formal than 'Houve uma greve de duas horas'.

Synonyms & Related Terms: Paralisação (Stoppage), Protesto (Protest), Reivindicação (Claim/Demand), Boicote (Boycott), Interrupção (Interruption).

Another important word is lockout (sometimes used in Portuguese or translated as 'greve patronal'). This is the opposite of a 'greve'; it is when the employer closes the workplace to prevent workers from entering, usually during a labor dispute.

A paralisação dos caminhoneiros afetou o abastecimento de comida.

In academic or formal writing, you might see conflito laboral (labor conflict) to describe the overall situation leading to a strike. If the strike is specifically about refusing to eat, it is a greve de fome. If it involves workers staying at their posts but doing nothing, it is a greve de braços cruzados (literally 'crossed arms strike').

Types of Greve: Greve de solidariedade (sympathy strike), Greve selvagem (wildcat strike - without union authorization), Greve branca (white strike/work-to-rule).

O sindicato prefere o termo 'luta' para descrever a greve.

Comparing 'greve' to 'boicote' is also useful. A 'boicote' is usually done by consumers refusing to buy a product, whereas a 'greve' is done by workers refusing to produce it. Both are forms of economic pressure but from different sides of the transaction. Understanding these alternatives helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and the specific type of action being described.

Comparison Table: Greve: Worker-led. Lockout: Employer-led. Boicote: Consumer-led. Manifestação: General public.

A reivindicação principal da greve é o aumento do subsídio de refeição.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The transition from 'looking for work' to 'refusing to work' happened because the same square where people found jobs became the place where they gathered to protest against bad ones.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɡɾɛ.vɨ/

US /ˈɡɾɛ.vi/

The stress is on the first syllable: GRE-ve.

Rhymes With

breve leve neve deve escreve atreve releve descreve

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'grave' (serious).
Making the final 'e' too loud in Portugal.
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a flapped or trilled 'r'.
Confusing the open 'e' with a closed 'e'.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the beginning (e.g., 'egreve').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in headlines due to its short length and frequency.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of feminine agreement and correct prepositions like 'em'.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the final 'e' varies significantly between Portugal and Brazil.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'grave' in noisy environments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

trabalho trabalhador empresa salário parar

Learn Next

sindicato reivindicação acordo manifestação direitos

Advanced

precariedade concertação social contratação coletiva plenário subsídio

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -e are often feminine if they come from certain French roots.

A greve, a vitrine, a equipe.

The preposition 'em' is used for states of being.

Estar em greve, estar em choque, estar em paz.

Compound nouns with 'greve' usually don't use a hyphen unless they form a specific term.

Greve geral vs. Greve-geral (hyphen use varies by orthographic agreement).

Verbs of movement/change of state use 'entrar em'.

Entrar em greve, entrar em pânico.

Passive voice construction with 'por' for the agent.

A greve foi decidida pelos trabalhadores.

Examples by Level

Amanhã há greve de autocarros.

Tomorrow there is a bus strike.

'Greve' is the subject of the sentence.

O metro está em greve hoje.

The subway is on strike today.

Use 'em greve' to say 'on strike'.

Não tenho aulas por causa da greve.

I don't have classes because of the strike.

'Por causa da' means 'because of'.

A greve é má para as pessoas.

The strike is bad for people.

Feminine agreement: 'a greve' and 'má'.

Os comboios fazem greve.

The trains are striking.

'Fazer greve' is the standard verb phrase.

Eu vi a greve na televisão.

I saw the strike on television.

Direct object 'a greve'.

Uma greve de um dia.

A one-day strike.

'De um dia' describes the duration.

Onde é a greve?

Where is the strike?

Interrogative sentence.

Os enfermeiros decidiram entrar em greve.

The nurses decided to go on strike.

'Entrar em greve' indicates the start of the action.

A greve geral parou todo o país.

The general strike stopped the whole country.

'Geral' is an adjective modifying 'greve'.

Eles estão a fazer greve por melhores salários.

They are striking for better salaries.

Present continuous 'estão a fazer'.

A greve vai terminar amanhã à noite.

The strike is going to end tomorrow night.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Muitas pessoas apoiam a greve dos professores.

Many people support the teachers' strike.

'Dos' is the contraction of 'de + os'.

Não houve comboios durante a greve.

There were no trains during the strike.

'Houve' is the past tense of 'haver' (there was/were).

A greve foi convocada pelo sindicato.

The strike was called by the union.

Passive voice: 'foi convocada por'.

Precisamos de saber se há greve amanhã.

We need to know if there is a strike tomorrow.

Indirect question with 'se'.

A adesão à greve foi muito elevada no setor público.

Participation in the strike was very high in the public sector.

'Adesão' is the noun for joining/participating.

O governo e os sindicatos tentam evitar a greve.

The government and the unions are trying to avoid the strike.

Compound subject.

Apesar da greve, os serviços mínimos foram garantidos.

Despite the strike, minimum services were guaranteed.

'Apesar da' means 'despite'.

Ele foi criticado por furar a greve dos colegas.

He was criticized for breaking his colleagues' strike.

'Furar a greve' is a common idiomatic expression.

A greve de fome é uma medida extrema de protesto.

A hunger strike is an extreme measure of protest.

Compound noun phrase.

O pré-aviso de greve deve ser entregue com antecedência.

The strike notice must be delivered in advance.

'Pré-aviso' is a technical labor term.

A greve causou grandes prejuízos à economia local.

The strike caused great damage to the local economy.

'Prejuízos' means losses or damages.

Os trabalhadores suspenderam a greve para negociar.

The workers suspended the strike to negotiate.

Purpose clause with 'para' + infinitive.

A greve de zelo pode ser mais eficaz que a paralisação total.

A work-to-rule strike can be more effective than a total stoppage.

'Greve de zelo' is a specific labor tactic.

A legitimidade da greve foi questionada pelo tribunal.

The legitimacy of the strike was questioned by the court.

Abstract noun 'legitimidade'.

A greve foi o culminar de meses de negociações falhadas.

The strike was the culmination of months of failed negotiations.

'Culminar' used as a noun here.

Os piquetes de greve impediram a entrada de mercadorias.

The strike pickets prevented the entry of goods.

'Piquetes de greve' refers to the people picketing.

Houve uma greve de solidariedade noutros setores.

There was a sympathy strike in other sectors.

'De solidariedade' describes the type of strike.

A empresa declarou a greve como ilegal perante a lei.

The company declared the strike illegal under the law.

'Como ilegal' as an object complement.

A adesão massiva à greve surpreendeu a administração.

The massive participation in the strike surprised the management.

Adjective 'massiva' for emphasis.

A greve prolongou-se por mais tempo do que o esperado.

The strike went on for longer than expected.

Reflexive verb 'prolongar-se'.

A greve é um instrumento de luta social imprescindível.

The strike is an indispensable instrument of social struggle.

Formal academic register.

A retórica inflamada dos líderes impulsionou a greve.

The inflamed rhetoric of the leaders boosted the strike.

Complex noun phrases.

A greve expôs as fragilidades estruturais do sistema.

The strike exposed the structural weaknesses of the system.

Abstract usage of 'expor'.

O impacto macroeconómico da greve geral é difícil de mensurar.

The macroeconomic impact of the general strike is difficult to measure.

'Mensurar' is a high-level synonym for 'medir'.

A greve foi orquestrada com uma precisão estratégica notável.

The strike was orchestrated with remarkable strategic precision.

Passive voice with 'orquestrada'.

Verificou-se uma clivagem na opinião pública quanto à greve.

There was a cleavage in public opinion regarding the strike.

'Clivagem' means a sharp division/split.

A greve serviu de catalisador para reformas legislativas.

The strike served as a catalyst for legislative reforms.

'Catalisador' used metaphorically.

A greve de braços cruzados paralisou a produção fabril.

The sit-down strike paralyzed the factory production.

Technical term for a specific strike type.

A greve, enquanto fenómeno sociológico, transcende o mero conflito laboral.

The strike, as a sociological phenomenon, transcends mere labor conflict.

'Enquanto' used as 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.

A eclosão da greve revelou um descontentamento latente.

The outbreak of the strike revealed a latent discontent.

'Eclosão' refers to a sudden outbreak.

O direito à greve é inalienável numa democracia plena.

The right to strike is inalienable in a full democracy.

'Inalienável' is a high-level legal term.

A greve foi mitigada por concessões mútuas de última hora.

The strike was mitigated by last-minute mutual concessions.

'Mitigar' means to lessen the severity.

A historiografia da greve em Portugal é rica e complexa.

The historiography of the strike in Portugal is rich and complex.

'Historiografia' refers to the study of history writing.

A greve funcionou como uma válvula de escape para a tensão social.

The strike functioned as a pressure valve for social tension.

Metaphorical expression 'válvula de escape'.

A instrumentalização política da greve é um tema recorrente.

The political instrumentalization of the strike is a recurring theme.

'Instrumentalização' is a complex academic term.

A greve subsiste como o último reduto da resistência proletária.

The strike subsists as the last bastion of proletarian resistance.

'Reduto' means stronghold or bastion.

Common Collocations

fazer greve

entrar em greve

greve geral

greve de fome

convocar uma greve

aderir à greve

furar a greve

pré-aviso de greve

suspender a greve

piquete de greve

Common Phrases

estar em greve

— To be currently participating in a strike action.

Estamos em greve por tempo indeterminado.

direito à greve

— The legal right of workers to stop working as a form of protest.

O direito à greve é fundamental na nossa constituição.

greve de zelo

— A work-to-rule strike where workers follow rules so strictly it causes delays.

A greve de zelo dos alfandegários causou filas no aeroporto.

greve parcial

— A strike that only affects part of the working day or specific sectors.

Haverá uma greve parcial entre as 8h e as 10h.

greve surpresa

— A strike called without prior notice, often considered illegal in some jurisdictions.

A greve surpresa apanhou os passageiros desprevenidos.

greve branca

— Another term for a work-to-rule or a strike where workers remain at their posts.

Os funcionários optaram por uma greve branca para não perder o salário.

greve de braços cruzados

— A sit-down strike where workers stay at the workplace but refuse to work.

A greve de braços cruzados durou o dia todo.

adesão à greve

— The percentage or level of participation in a strike.

A adesão à greve foi de oitenta por cento.

serviços mínimos

— The essential services that must continue during a strike.

Os hospitais devem manter os serviços mínimos durante a greve.

fura-greves

— A person who works while a strike is ongoing (scab).

Ninguém gosta de um fura-greves.

Often Confused With

greve vs grave

Grave is an adjective meaning serious. Greve is a noun meaning strike.

greve vs manifestação

A manifestação is a march or protest, which may or may not involve a work strike.

greve vs breve

Breve means brief or short. They sound similar in fast speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"cruzar os braços"

— To stop working or to refuse to take action in a situation.

Não podemos cruzar os braços perante esta injustiça.

informal/figurative

"furar a greve"

— To work when a strike has been called, betraying the collective action.

Ele decidiu furar a greve porque precisava do dinheiro.

neutral

"estar em pé de guerra"

— To be in a state of high tension or ready for a major conflict/strike.

O sindicato e a gerência estão em pé de guerra.

informal

"braços cruzados"

— Inactivity or a refusal to participate in the labor process.

A fábrica ficou de braços cruzados a tarde toda.

neutral

"pôr-se em greve"

— An alternative way to say 'entrar em greve', focusing on the individual decision.

Ele pôs-se em greve sozinho para protestar.

neutral

"greve de silêncio"

— Refusing to speak to someone as a form of protest.

Depois da briga, ela fez uma greve de silêncio.

informal

"dar o braço a torcer"

— To give in or yield, often used for negotiations ending a strike.

O patrão finalmente deu o braço a torcer e aumentou os salários.

informal

"quebrar o gelo"

— To start negotiations after a long period of strike and silence.

A reunião de hoje serviu para quebrar o gelo entre as partes.

neutral

"ficar a ver navios"

— To be left with nothing, often used for commuters when a strike happens.

O comboio não veio e eu fiquei a ver navios na estação.

informal

"puxar a brasa à sua sardinha"

— To look out for one's own interests during a negotiation.

Cada sindicato tenta puxar a brasa à sua sardinha durante a greve.

informal

Easily Confused

greve vs grave

Phonetic similarity.

Grave is about severity; Greve is about work stoppage.

A situação é grave porque há uma greve geral.

greve vs golpe

English speakers might think of 'striking' a blow.

Golpe is a physical hit or a political coup; Greve is labor-related.

O lutador deu um golpe, mas o sindicato fez uma greve.

greve vs feriado

Both involve not working.

Feriado is a planned holiday; Greve is a protest action.

Hoje não é feriado, é dia de greve.

greve vs desemprego

Both involve being out of work.

Desemprego is the state of not having a job; Greve is a temporary refusal to work by those who have a job.

O desemprego é alto, mas a greve é por salários.

greve vs piquete

Sounds like 'picket', but has specific Portuguese nuances.

In Portuguese, 'piquete' often refers to the group of people, not just the sign.

O piquete de greve bloqueou a entrada.

Sentence Patterns

Há greve de [noun].

Há greve de autocarros.

[Subject] está em greve.

O metro está em greve.

[Subject] decidiu fazer greve por [reason].

Os mineiros decidiram fazer greve por segurança.

A greve foi convocada por [agent].

A greve foi convocada pelo sindicato.

Apesar da greve, [exception].

Apesar da greve, o hospital está aberto.

A adesão à greve foi de [percentage].

A adesão à greve foi de noventa por cento.

A greve visa [objective].

A greve visa a melhoria das condições laborais.

A greve constitui um [concept].

A greve constitui um pilar da democracia social.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in media and urban settings.

Common Mistakes

O greve → A greve
Greve is a feminine noun. Using the masculine article 'o' is a basic gender error.
Estou na greve → Estou em greve
The correct preposition for the state of being on strike is 'em'. 'Na' implies a specific physical location.
A situação é greve → A situação é grave
Confusing the noun 'greve' (strike) with the adjective 'grave' (serious).
Fazer um golpe → Fazer greve
English speakers often use 'strike' for hitting. In labor contexts, 'golpe' means a coup or a hit, not a strike.
A greve de fome é para comer → A greve de fome é não comer
Misunderstanding 'greve de fome' as a strike related to food supply rather than a hunger strike.

Tips

Learn the Verbs

Don't just learn 'greve'; learn 'convocar' (to call), 'aderir' (to join), and 'cancelar' (to cancel). This will help you understand full news sentences.

Gender Matters

Always pair 'greve' with 'a'. It's a common mistake for beginners to treat words ending in 'e' as masculine. 'A greve' is the only correct way.

Respect the Context

Strikes are a serious part of the social fabric. When talking to locals, understand that they might have strong opinions about the unions involved.

The Final E

If you are in Portugal, practice making the final 'e' almost silent. In Brazil, make it sound like an 'i'. This is a key regional marker.

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, 'greve' is often followed by 'por tempo indeterminado' (indefinite) or 'de 24 horas'. Train your ear for these durations.

Formal vs Informal

In an email to a boss, use 'paralisação' or 'ausência por motivo de greve'. In a text to a friend, 'estou em greve' is fine.

Check the Preposition

Remember: 'em greve'. Never say 'na greve' unless you are talking about a specific location or event detail.

Headline Decoding

Headlines often omit articles. 'Greve para hospitais' means 'Strike stops hospitals'. The context will tell you if it's currently happening or planned.

Solidarity Phrases

If you want to show support, you can say 'Apoio a vossa luta' (I support your struggle). If you are frustrated, 'Esta greve complica tudo' (This strike complicates everything).

Know Your Rights

If you work in a Portuguese-speaking country, knowing the word 'greve' and your right to it is part of your professional protection.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gravel' (like the Place de Grève). When workers are on strike, the wheels of industry stop turning on the gravel road.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'X' over a factory gate with workers standing outside with their arms crossed.

Word Web

Sindicato Protesto Trabalho Salário Manifestação Direito Acordo Piquete

Challenge

Try to find a news headline from a Portuguese newspaper containing 'greve' and summarize the reason for the strike in three sentences.

Word Origin

Borrowed from the French word 'grève'. The term originated from the 'Place de Grève' in Paris, a square by the river Seine made of gravel (grève).

Original meaning: A sandy or gravelly riverbank. It became associated with labor because unemployed workers used to gather in that specific square to find work.

Romance (via French).

Cultural Context

Strikes can be a politically charged topic; be mindful of the person's profession and political leanings when discussing them.

English speakers might find the frequency of strikes in Lusophone countries higher than in the US, but similar to the UK or France.

Greve Geral de 1917 (Brazil) Greve dos Caminhoneiros de 2018 (Brazil) Greve da TAP (frequent reference in Portuguese news)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Public Transportation

O metro está em greve?
A que horas acaba a greve?
Haverá serviços mínimos?
A greve afeta os barcos?

Education

Os professores estão em greve.
A escola está fechada por causa da greve.
Haverá exames durante a greve?
A greve estudantil começa amanhã.

Healthcare

A greve dos enfermeiros adiou a cirurgia.
As urgências funcionam durante a greve.
Os médicos exigem melhores condições.
Adesão total à greve no hospital.

News/Politics

O sindicato convocou uma greve geral.
As negociações falharam e a greve continua.
O governo considera a greve ilegal.
O impacto da greve na economia.

Workplace

Vais aderir à greve?
O plenário decidiu pela greve.
Não queremos furar a greve.
O patrão não aceitou as reivindicações.

Conversation Starters

"O que achas da greve dos transportes que vai haver amanhã?"

"Já alguma vez tiveste problemas para chegar ao trabalho por causa de uma greve?"

"Achas que a greve é a melhor forma de os trabalhadores pedirem aumentos?"

"Como é que as greves funcionam no teu país de origem?"

"Sabias que em Portugal o direito à greve está na constituição?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve um dia em que uma greve mudou os teus planos completamente.

Escreve sobre a importância dos sindicatos e das greves na sociedade moderna.

Se fosses um líder sindical, por que motivos convocarias uma greve hoje?

Imagina que és um passageiro retido numa estação por causa de uma greve surpresa. Como te sentes?

Explica as diferenças que observas entre as greves em Portugal e no Brasil.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'greve' is always a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'a greve', 'uma greve longa', or 'as greves frequentes'. Even if the workers striking are all men, the word 'greve' remains feminine.

While often used as synonyms, 'greve' is the formal, legal term for a strike. 'Paralisação' literally means 'stoppage' and can refer to a strike, but also to any interruption of work, even those not legally declared as a strike, or for shorter durations.

The most common way is 'entrar em greve'. You can also say 'fazer greve'. For example: 'Os motoristas vão entrar em greve' or 'Eles decidiram fazer greve'.

It means to break the strike or to be a 'scab'. It refers to someone who continues to work despite a strike being called by their union or colleagues. It is a highly negative term in labor circles.

Yes, the word is identical in meaning and spelling. The main difference lies in the pronunciation of the final 'e' and the frequency of certain related terms like 'paralisação', which is very common in Brazilian media.

It is a hunger strike. It is a form of non-violent resistance where participants refuse to eat as a way to protest or demand something, often used by political prisoners or activists.

They are 'minimum services'. In essential sectors like health, security, and transport, the law requires that a certain level of service be maintained during a strike to ensure public safety and basic needs.

Yes, in Portuguese-speaking countries, student strikes ('greves estudantis') are common. Students might refuse to attend classes to protest against educational policies, tuition fees, or school conditions.

It is a 'work-to-rule' strike. Workers perform their duties following every single safety and administrative rule to the absolute letter, which inevitably leads to massive delays and a slowdown in operations.

You should check the news (RTP, SIC, Público) or the official websites of transport providers like CP (trains) or Metropolitano de Lisboa. Look for words like 'greve', 'perturbações', or 'pré-aviso'.