This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Portuguese
Vocabulary
informático

A2 adjective #4,000 most common 11 min read

informático

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips informático in 30 Seconds

Explanation informático in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'informático' as a word related to computers. You might see it on signs like 'Sala de Informática' (Computer Room) in a school. At this stage, focus on the basic masculine form 'informático' and the feminine 'informática'. Understand that it describes things that involve computers. You might use it in very simple sentences to describe your job or a place. It's helpful to remember it alongside other basic technology words like 'computador' (computer) and 'telemóvel' (mobile phone). Think of it as the 'computer' part of 'computer room' or 'computer class'. It is a formal way to refer to these things, and even at this basic level, using it makes you sound more like a native speaker than just using the word 'computador' for everything. Just remember: if the noun is masculine, use 'informático'; if it's feminine, use 'informática'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'informático' as an adjective more frequently to describe common objects and problems. You should be able to say 'Tenho um problema informático' (I have a computer problem) or 'O meu irmão é informático' (My brother is an IT professional). You start to notice the difference between the noun (the person) and the adjective (the characteristic). You will also encounter it in plural forms, like 'equipamentos informáticos' (computer equipment). This is the level where you must be careful with gender agreement, especially with words like 'sistema' which is masculine. You'll use it to talk about your daily routines involving technology, such as using a 'sistema informático' at work. It's a key word for describing your professional environment in a simple but accurate way. You should also be able to recognize it in advertisements or simple news snippets about technology.

At the B1 level, you use 'informático' in more complex contexts, such as explaining a technical issue or discussing the importance of technology in society. You can talk about 'segurança informática' (cybersecurity) and 'ataques informáticos' (cyberattacks) with some detail. You'll understand that 'informático' is the standard adjective for anything related to the field of IT. You might use it to describe resources ('recursos informáticos') or tools ('ferramentas informáticas') you use for studying or working. At this level, you should be comfortable moving between the noun and adjective forms. For example, 'A informática é uma área difícil' (Informatics is a difficult area) versus 'O erro informático foi grave' (The computer error was serious). You are also becoming aware of synonyms like 'tecnológico' and when to choose one over the other based on the specific topic you are discussing. Your sentences are becoming longer and more descriptive.

At the B2 level, 'informático' is a staple in your professional and academic vocabulary. You can participate in discussions about 'evolução informática' (IT evolution) or 'crimes informáticos' (cybercrimes) with confidence. You understand the nuances of the word in different Lusophone regions, such as the preference for 'informática' in Portugal versus 'computação' in certain Brazilian contexts. You can use the word to describe complex systems, such as 'parque informático' (the collection of all IT equipment in a company) or 'manutenção informática' (IT maintenance). You are able to use the word in formal reports, emails, and presentations. You also start to use related terms like 'perito informático' (computer expert) in the context of law or specialized fields. Your use of the word is precise, and you rarely make mistakes with gender or number agreement, even with irregular nouns.

At the C1 level, you use 'informático' with a high degree of precision and can discuss its implications in specialized fields like 'direito informático' (IT law) or 'ética informática' (computer ethics). You understand the subtle differences between 'informático', 'computacional', and 'digital', and you choose the most appropriate term for the register and subject matter. You can analyze complex texts about 'sistemas informáticos complexos' and discuss the 'arquitetura informática' of a platform. Your vocabulary includes idiomatic and professional expressions like 'fazer um reset informático' or 'auditoria informática'. You can follow fast-paced technical discussions and contribute with well-structured arguments using this terminology. You are also aware of the historical development of the term and its roots in the combination of 'information' and 'automatic', which helps you understand its use in older academic texts.

At the C2 level, 'informático' is used with total mastery, including in highly abstract or philosophical discussions about the 'paradigma informático' of the modern age. You can use it in literary or high-level academic writing to describe the 'tecido informático' (IT fabric) of society. You are comfortable with all technical jargon associated with the word and can switch between professional, academic, and colloquial registers effortlessly. You might discuss the 'ontologia informática' or the 'estética informática' in digital art. You have a deep understanding of how the word has shaped and been shaped by Portuguese culture and economy. You can interpret and produce complex legal or technical documents where 'informático' is a key term, ensuring that all legal and technical nuances are perfectly captured. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker who is a specialist in the field.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

informático in 30 Seconds

Relates to anything involving computers, IT systems, and data processing.
Acts as an adjective (informático/a) or a noun (an IT professional).
Essential for professional, academic, and daily technical contexts in Portuguese.
Commonly paired with words like system, security, error, and technician.

The word informático is a versatile adjective in the Portuguese language, primarily used to describe anything related to the field of information technology (IT), computer science, or data processing. In a world increasingly dominated by digital systems, this word has become a cornerstone of daily conversation, business terminology, and technical documentation. Unlike English, where we often use the noun 'computer' as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'computer system'), Portuguese prefers the specific adjectival form 'informático' to modify nouns. It encompasses a broad range of meanings, from the physical hardware of a server room to the abstract logic of a software algorithm.

Technical Application: It describes systems, networks, and tools that process information automatically. For example, a 'sistema informático' refers to the entire infrastructure of hardware and software working together.
Professional Context: It is used to identify professionals and departments. A 'técnico informático' is an IT technician, while the 'departamento informático' is the IT department.
Problem Solving: When things go wrong, you might hear about an 'erro informático' (computer error) or a 'vírus informático' (computer virus).

O novo sistema informático da empresa é muito mais rápido e eficiente que o anterior.

The term is also used as a noun to refer to a person who works in IT (a computer scientist or IT professional). However, as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. If you are talking about a 'rede' (network), which is feminine, you would say 'rede informática'. If you are talking about 'equipamentos' (equipments), which is masculine plural, you would say 'equipamentos informáticos'. This flexibility makes it a vital part of the Portuguese vocabulary for anyone living or working in the 21st century.

Houve um ataque informático que comprometeu os dados de milhares de utilizadores.

In contemporary Portugal and Brazil, the word is ubiquitous. You will see it in job advertisements, news headlines about cybersecurity, and school curricula. It suggests a level of technical sophistication and structure. While 'digital' is often used for consumer-facing technology, 'informático' often carries a more structural or systematic connotation, dealing with the backend and the underlying processes of computing.

A manutenção informática será realizada durante o fim de semana para evitar interrupções.

Academic Context: In universities, 'Engenharia Informática' is one of the most popular degrees, covering everything from coding to hardware architecture.

O curso informático oferece bases sólidas em programação e redes.

Precisamos de atualizar o nosso parque informático para suportar o novo software.

Using 'informático' correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and its agreement with the nouns it modifies. In Portuguese, adjectives usually come after the noun, and 'informático' follows this rule strictly. It changes its ending based on the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun. This section explores the grammatical nuances and provides practical patterns for using the word in everyday and professional speech.

Gender Agreement: Masculine: O sistema informático. Feminine: A segurança informática. Notice how the 'o' changes to 'a'.
Pluralization: Singular: Um recurso informático. Plural: Vários recursos informáticos. Add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective.

Esta empresa investe muito em segurança informática para proteger os seus clientes.

When used as a noun, 'o informático' refers to a male IT professional, and 'a informática' refers to either a female IT professional or the field of computer science itself. Context is key here. If someone says 'Vou chamar a informática', they usually mean they are calling the IT department or the IT lady. If they say 'Gosto de informática', they mean they like the subject of computer science.

Os problemas informáticos causaram um atraso significativo na produção.

Common sentence patterns include 'ter um problema informático' (to have a computer problem), 'trabalhar no setor informático' (to work in the IT sector), and 'atualizar o sistema informático' (to update the computer system). These phrases are standard in professional environments. In more casual settings, you might hear 'perito informático' when referring to a computer expert or hacker in a news report.

O perito informático analisou os ficheiros corrompidos com sucesso.

Descriptive Usage: Use it to describe tools: 'ferramenta informática' (IT tool), 'meio informático' (IT medium/resource).

A escola recebeu novos equipamentos informáticos para o laboratório.

O apoio informático está disponível 24 horas por dia para todos os funcionários.

The word 'informático' is deeply embedded in modern life across the Lusophone world. From the bustling tech hubs of Lisbon and Porto to the corporate offices in São Paulo and Luanda, you will encounter this word in various contexts. Understanding where you'll hear it helps in recognizing the appropriate register and situation for its use. It is primarily a professional and academic term, but its presence in the news has made it a common part of the public lexicon.

In the Office: You will hear it daily. Phrases like 'O sistema informático foi abaixo' (The computer system went down) or 'Precisamos de um técnico informático' (We need an IT technician) are standard office jargon.
In the News: Journalists use it to describe cyber incidents. 'Crime informático' (cybercrime), 'ataque informático' (cyberattack), and 'pirataria informática' (software piracy) are frequent headlines.
In Education: Schools and universities use it to name departments and subjects. 'A sala de informática' (the computer lab) is a staple of school life.

A polícia está a investigar um crime informático que envolve o desvio de fundos bancários.

If you visit a government building, you'll likely see signs pointing to the 'Serviços Informáticos'. In retail, when a cash register fails, the clerk might apologize for a 'problema informático'. It is the go-to word for anything involving the digital infrastructure that keeps modern society running. Interestingly, while English speakers might say 'I have a computer problem', a Portuguese speaker is just as likely to say 'Tenho um problema informático', which sounds slightly more technical and precise.

O departamento informático enviou um aviso sobre a atualização das palavras-passe.

In the context of the Web Summit in Lisbon, the word 'informático' is heard in every corner, describing the latest innovations in software and hardware. It bridges the gap between the purely theoretical 'ciência da computação' and the practical application of technology in business. Even in casual conversation, if someone is good with computers, friends might jokingly call them 'o meu informático pessoal' (my personal IT guy).

O mundo informático evolui a uma velocidade impressionante todos os anos.

Public Service: Public terminals and digital kiosks are often described as 'meios informáticos de acesso público'.

Os alunos devem utilizar os recursos informáticos apenas para fins educativos.

A falha informática no aeroporto causou o cancelamento de vários voos internacionais.

Learning 'informático' presents a few hurdles for English speakers, primarily due to how the word functions across different parts of speech and how it differs from the English word 'computer'. One of the most common errors is failing to apply gender and number agreement. Since 'informático' is an adjective, it must match the noun. Another mistake is using 'computador' as an adjective, which is common in English ('computer screen') but incorrect in Portuguese (you should use 'ecrã do computador' or sometimes 'ecrã informático' depending on context).

Gender Mismatch: Mistake: 'Uma sistema informático'. Correct: 'Um sistema informático'. 'Sistema' is masculine despite ending in 'a'. This is a classic trap for learners.
Confusing Noun and Adjective: Mistake: 'O meu informático computador'. Correct: 'O meu computador'. 'Informático' describes the field, not usually the physical machine when used as a direct modifier like that.
False Cognate Tendencies: English speakers often want to say 'computacional'. While this exists, it is much more technical/academic. 'Informático' is the standard choice for 'computer-related'.

Não diga 'problema de computador' quando um 'problema informático' soa muito mais natural em contextos profissionais.

Another frequent error is the mispronunciation of the 'o' at the end. In European Portuguese, the final 'o' is often reduced to a very soft 'u' sound, while in Brazil, it is more distinct. Beginners often over-emphasize every syllable, making it sound robotic. Additionally, remember that 'informática' (the noun) refers to the entire field, so you don't 'study informático'; you 'estuda informática'.

Este livro é muito informativo, mas não trata de nenhum tema informático.

Finally, be careful with pluralization. If you are talking about multiple systems, everything must be plural: 'os sistemas informáticos'. It's easy for English speakers to forget to pluralize the adjective because English adjectives never change for number. Constant practice with noun-adjective pairs is the best way to overcome this habit.

Muitos ataques informáticos poderiam ser evitados com melhores práticas de segurança.

Spelling Note: Always include the accent on the second 'á'. Without it, the pronunciation and stress would change completely, making the word unrecognizable.

O erro informático foi corrigido rapidamente pela equipa de suporte.

Ele é um excelente informático, mas o seu estilo de trabalho é muito tradicional.

While 'informático' is the most common and versatile term, there are several other words that cover similar ground. Choosing the right one depends on the specific context—whether you're talking about the internet, hardware, or the abstract concept of technology. Understanding these nuances will make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and precise.

Tecnológico: Broadly refers to technology. While 'informático' is specific to computers, 'tecnológico' can include engineering, biotechnology, or simple machinery.
Digital: Refers to the representation of information by digits. Use this for 'digital marketing' (marketing digital) or 'digital cameras' (câmaras digitais).
Computacional: More academic. Used in terms like 'pensamento computacional' (computational thinking) or 'linguística computacional'.

O avanço tecnológico permitiu o desenvolvimento de novos sistemas informáticos.

In a work environment, you might also hear 'TI' (pronounced 'tê-i'), which stands for Tecnologia da Informação. People often say 'o pessoal de TI' instead of 'os informáticos'. Furthermore, 'eletrónico' (electronic) is used for devices that use electricity to process signals but aren't necessarily computers, like an 'agenda eletrónica'.

A revolução digital transformou completamente o mercado informático mundial.

When describing someone who is very skilled with technology, you might use 'expert' or 'especialista'. However, 'informático' remains the standard job title. In Brazil, 'analista de sistemas' is a very common professional alternative to 'informático'. Knowing these alternatives helps you navigate different Portuguese-speaking regions with ease.

O pensamento computacional é uma competência essencial no mundo moderno.

Virtual: Used for things that exist in software rather than physical form: 'mundo virtual', 'assistente virtual'.

O suporte informático agora é feito maioritariamente de forma virtual.

Temos de configurar o processamento informático de dados para ser automático.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The term was coined by Philippe Dreyfus in 1962 to describe the automatic processing of information.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.fuɾ.ˈma.ti.ku/

US /ĩ.foɾ.ˈma.ti.ko/

The stress is on the third syllable 'má', marked by the acute accent.

Rhymes With

automático problemático prático estático temático gramático democrático carismático

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'O' in European Portuguese (it should be 'u').
Missing the nasalization on the initial 'in'.
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., in-for-ma-TI-co).
Treating the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
Ignoring the accent on the 'á'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English similarity but watch the accent.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement and accentuation.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'in' and reduced final 'o' take practice.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear in context, but final vowels can be clipped.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

computador tecnologia sistema rede trabalho

Learn Next

programação algoritmo base de dados servidor nuvem

Advanced

cibersegurança criptografia inteligência artificial interoperabilidade escalabilidade

Grammar to Know

Adjective placement

O sistema (noun) informático (adjective).

Gender agreement

A (f) segurança (f) informática (f).

Number agreement

Os (m.pl) técnicos (m.pl) informáticos (m.pl).

Nasal vowels

The 'in' in informático is nasal like 'sing'.

Acute accent

The 'á' indicates the stressed syllable.

Examples by Level

Eu tenho um curso informático.

I have a computer course.

Simple adjective use after the noun.

A sala informática está aberta.

The computer room is open.

Feminine agreement with 'sala'.

O meu pai é informático.

My father is an IT professional.

Used here as a masculine noun.

O livro informático é azul.

The computer book is blue.

Basic adjective-noun agreement.

Eles usam um sistema informático.

They use a computer system.

Masculine agreement with 'sistema'.

Gosto de jogos informáticos.

I like computer games.

Plural masculine agreement.

A minha mãe estuda informática.

My mother studies informatics.

Noun form referring to the field of study.

O técnico informático chegou.

The IT technician arrived.

Adjective modifying 'técnico'.

Houve um erro informático no banco.

There was a computer error at the bank.

Common A2 phrase for daily problems.

Precisamos de novos equipamentos informáticos.

We need new computer equipment.

Plural masculine agreement.

A segurança informática é importante.

Cybersecurity is important.

Feminine agreement with 'segurança'.

O suporte informático ajuda os clientes.

IT support helps the customers.

Compound term 'suporte informático'.

Ela trabalha no setor informático.

She works in the IT sector.

Describing a professional field.

O sistema informático está muito lento.

The computer system is very slow.

Using 'estar' for a temporary state.

Você tem conhecimentos informáticos?

Do you have computer skills?

Plural masculine agreement.

O ataque informático foi detetado cedo.

The cyberattack was detected early.

Passive voice with an IT context.

A empresa atualizou o seu parque informático este ano.

The company updated its IT equipment fleet this year.

'Parque informático' is a common B1 business term.

O crime informático está a aumentar no país.

Cybercrime is increasing in the country.

Discussing social issues.

Utilizamos várias ferramentas informáticas na escola.

We use various IT tools at school.

Feminine plural agreement.

O perito informático encontrou o vírus.

The computer expert found the virus.

'Perito' implies a higher level of skill.

A rede informática da universidade é segura.

The university's computer network is secure.

Feminine singular agreement.

Houve uma falha informática durante o voo.

There was a computer failure during the flight.

Using 'falha' for systems.

Ele quer seguir uma carreira informática.

He wants to pursue an IT career.

Describing career goals.

A manutenção informática ocorre todas as sextas.

IT maintenance happens every Friday.

Regular professional schedule.

A auditoria informática revelou várias vulnerabilidades.

The IT audit revealed several vulnerabilities.

Professional auditing context.

O governo investe em infraestrutura informática.

The government invests in IT infrastructure.

Abstract professional noun phrase.

O sistema informático integrado facilita a gestão.

The integrated IT system facilitates management.

Using multiple adjectives.

A pirataria informática prejudica a economia.

Software piracy harms the economy.

Specific term for copyright infringement.

O consultor informático sugeriu uma nova estratégia.

The IT consultant suggested a new strategy.

Professional role 'consultor'.

A linguagem informática evoluiu drasticamente.

Computer language has evolved drastically.

Discussing evolution of tech.

O regulamento informático é muito rigoroso.

The IT regulation is very strict.

Legal/Regulatory context.

Os recursos informáticos são limitados nesta região.

IT resources are limited in this region.

Socio-economic discussion.

A convergência informática alterou o paradigma social.

IT convergence has altered the social paradigm.

High-level abstract concept.

O direito informático lida com questões de privacidade.

IT law deals with privacy issues.

Specialized field of law.

A arquitetura informática deve ser escalável.

The IT architecture must be scalable.

Technical design terminology.

O sistema informático sofreu uma intrusão externa.

The IT system suffered an external intrusion.

Formal term for 'hacking'.

A literacia informática é fundamental no século XXI.

IT literacy is fundamental in the 21st century.

Educational/Social theory term.

O protocolo informático garante a integridade dos dados.

The IT protocol ensures data integrity.

Technical procedural term.

A obsolescência informática é um problema ambiental.

IT obsolescence is an environmental problem.

Environmental/Economic critique.

O ecossistema informático da empresa é complexo.

The company's IT ecosystem is complex.

Metaphorical use in business.

A ontologia informática explora a natureza dos dados.

Informatics ontology explores the nature of data.

Philosophical/Academic context.

O determinismo informático é um tema de debate ético.

Informatics determinism is a topic of ethical debate.

High-level philosophical concept.

A ubiquidade informática redefine a nossa perceção de espaço.

Informatics ubiquity redefines our perception of space.

Sociological/Philosophical observation.

A soberania informática é uma prioridade estratégica nacional.

Informatics sovereignty is a national strategic priority.

Geopolitical terminology.

O mimetismo informático na inteligência artificial é notável.

The informatics mimicry in artificial intelligence is notable.

Advanced scientific description.

A hermenêutica informática analisa a interpretação de algoritmos.

Informatics hermeneutics analyzes the interpretation of algorithms.

Highly specialized academic term.

O sistema informático apresenta uma entropia crescente.

The IT system shows increasing entropy.

Scientific metaphor for system decay.

A resiliência informática é crucial contra ameaças híbridas.

IT resilience is crucial against hybrid threats.

Military/Security high-level term.

Common Collocations

Sistema informático

Segurança informática

Técnico informático

Erro informático

Ataque informático

Parque informático

Recursos informáticos

Meio informático

Rede informática

Suporte informático

Common Phrases

Sala de informática

— A room equipped with computers for public or student use.

A aula é na sala de informática.

Crime informático

— Illegal activities carried out using computers or the internet.

Ele foi preso por crime informático.

Engenharia informática

— The university degree of Computer Science/Engineering.

Ela estuda Engenharia Informática.

Perito informático

— A highly skilled expert in computer systems, often for legal cases.

O perito informático analisou o disco rígido.

Manutenção informática

— The act of keeping computer systems in good working order.

A manutenção informática é cara.

Consultoria informática

— Professional advice regarding IT systems.

Abrimos uma empresa de consultoria informática.

Vírus informático

— Malicious software designed to damage or infiltrate a computer.

O meu PC tem um vírus informático.

Setor informático

— The industry or department related to IT.

O setor informático está a crescer.

Ferramenta informática

— A software tool used to perform a specific task.

Esta é uma ferramenta informática útil.

Equipamento informático

— Hardware such as computers, printers, and routers.

O equipamento informático chegou hoje.

Often Confused With

informático vs Informativo

Means 'informative' (giving information), not computer-related.

informático vs Computador

A noun meaning 'computer', not an adjective.

informático vs Informado

Means 'informed' (a person who has knowledge).

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar um erro informático"

— Used colloquially when a person forgets something or gets confused, like a computer glitch.

Desculpa, a minha cabeça deu um erro informático agora.

Informal

"Ser um zero à esquerda em informática"

— To be completely useless or clueless with computers.

O meu avô é um zero à esquerda em informática.

Informal

"Reset informático"

— Metaphorically starting over a project or a mindset.

Precisamos de um reset informático nesta equipa.

Neutral

"Navegar em águas informáticas"

— To deal with complex technical situations.

Ele sabe navegar bem em águas informáticas.

Metaphorical

"Falar informatiquês"

— To speak using too much technical IT jargon that others don't understand.

Podes parar de falar informatiquês? Não percebo nada.

Colloquial

"Upgrade informático"

— Used to describe improving one's skills or a situation significantly.

Fiz um upgrade informático nos meus conhecimentos.

Neutral

"Bug informático"

— Adopted from English, used to describe any small glitch in life or tech.

Houve um bug informático no plano.

Informal

"Estar em modo informático"

— To be working very logically and systematically, like a machine.

Hoje estou em modo informático, muito focado.

Informal

"Cérebro informático"

— Describing someone who is exceptionally good at math and logic.

Ela tem um cérebro informático, resolve tudo rápido.

Colloquial

"Limpeza informática"

— Metaphorically clearing out old files, emails, or even bad habits.

Vou fazer uma limpeza informática este fim de semana.

Neutral

Easily Confused

informático vs Informativo

Similar spelling and root.

Informativo means educational/informative; Informático means computer-related.

O vídeo é informativo, mas o erro é informático.

informático vs Digital

Both relate to tech.

Digital refers to binary data; Informático refers to the whole field of informatics.

O relógio é digital, o sistema é informático.

informático vs Tecnológico

Overlapping meanings.

Tecnológico is broader (planes, tools); Informático is specific to computers.

Um martelo é tecnológico, mas não é informático.

informático vs Computacional

Technical synonyms.

Computacional is used for logic/theory; Informático is for practical application/systems.

O custo computacional é alto no sistema informático.

informático vs Eletrónico

Hardware relation.

Eletrónico is about circuits; Informático is about information processing.

O micro-ondas é eletrónico, o PC é informático.

Sentence Patterns

Eu sou [noun].

Eu sou informático.

O [noun] é [adjective].

O sistema é informático.

Temos um problema [adjective].

Temos um problema informático.

A empresa investe em [noun] [adjective].

A empresa investe em segurança informática.

A [noun] [adjective] é crucial para...

A literacia informática é crucial para o sucesso.

O paradigma [adjective] define...

O paradigma informático define a era atual.

Preciso de um [noun] [adjective].

Preciso de um técnico informático.

Onde fica a sala [adjective]?

Onde fica a sala informática?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in professional and technical contexts.

Common Mistakes

O sistema informática → O sistema informático
System (sistema) is masculine in Portuguese.
Um livro informático → Um livro informativo
Using 'informático' to mean 'informative' (giving info) is incorrect.
Os técnicos informático → Os técnicos informáticos
The adjective must be plural to match the noun.
Eu estudo informático → Eu estudo informática
You study the field (noun), not the adjective.
Problema de informática → Problema informático
While 'de informática' is okay, 'informático' is the more natural adjective form.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always match 'informático' with the noun's gender. 'O sistema' (m) -> 'informático'. 'A rede' (f) -> 'informática'.

False Friend Alert

Don't use 'informático' for 'informative'. Use 'informativo' for that.

The Nasal Start

The 'in' at the beginning is nasal. Practice by saying 'sing' and stopping before the 'g'.

Office Jargon

Use 'suporte informático' when you need help from the IT department.

Don't Forget the Accent

The accent on the 'á' is mandatory. It tells you where to put the stress.

Regional Differences

In Portugal, 'informático' is the go-to word. In Brazil, 'computação' is very popular too.

Identify the Noun

In sentences, 'informático' usually follows the noun it describes.

Stress Patterns

Focus on the 'má' sound. It's the loudest and longest part of the word.

Plural Forms

If the noun is plural, the adjective must be plural too: 'equipamentos informáticos'.

IT vs Computer

Use 'informático' for the system/field and 'computador' for the physical box.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Information' + 'Automatic' = Informático. It's the automatic way to handle information.

Visual Association

Imagine a robot (automatic) sorting through a pile of files (information).

Word Web

computador internet código dados ecrã teclado software rede

Challenge

Try to name five items in your room that could have an 'adjetivo informático' applied to them.

Word Origin

Derived from the word 'informática', which was created in the 1960s.

Original meaning: A portmanteau of the French words 'information' (information) and 'automatique' (automatic).

Romance (Portuguese), influenced by French technical terminology.

Cultural Context

Avoid using it dismissively; IT professionals are highly valued in the modern Portuguese economy.

In English, we say 'IT guy' or 'computer person'. In Portuguese, 'informático' covers both the professional and the adjective.

Web Summit Lisbon Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal) Unicamp (Brazil) IT research

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office Work

O sistema está lento.
Chama o informático.
Preciso de suporte.
Erro de rede.

Education

Sala de informática.
Aula de computação.
Trabalho digital.
Pesquisa online.

News/Media

Ataque informático.
Crime na internet.
Nova tecnologia.
Segurança de dados.

Shopping

Equipamento novo.
Garantia do PC.
Software original.
Loja de informática.

Home/Personal

Wi-Fi em baixo.
Problema no portátil.
Atualizar o Windows.
Vírus no telemóvel.

Conversation Starters

"Trabalhas na área informática ou noutro setor?"

"Já tiveste algum problema informático grave no teu trabalho?"

"Achas que a segurança informática é uma prioridade hoje em dia?"

"Qual é o melhor sistema informático que já utilizaste?"

"Gostarias de estudar informática no futuro?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve como o sistema informático mudou a forma como trabalhas ou estudas.

Escreve sobre um dia em que tiveste um erro informático frustrante.

Qual é a importância da literacia informática para as pessoas mais velhas?

Imagina o mundo sem qualquer apoio informático por uma semana.

Explica por que decidiste (ou não) seguir uma carreira informática.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, as a noun it means an IT professional. 'O meu amigo é informático' means 'My friend is an IT guy'.

Yes, but Brazilians often use 'de TI' or 'de computação' more frequently in casual speech.

You say 'Informática' or 'Ciência da Computação'.

The feminine form is 'informática'.

No, 'informative' is 'informativo'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Yes, in the word 'informático' and 'informática', the 'á' always carries an acute accent.

Yes, it is correct, but 'problema informático' is more common in professional settings.

It is the standard Portuguese degree name for Computer Engineering or Computer Science.

Add an 's': 'informáticos' or 'informáticas'.

It is neutral to formal. It's appropriate for both office talk and academic papers.