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A2 noun 12 min read

interesse

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips interesse in 30 Seconds

Explanation interesse in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'interesse' is a useful word to talk about your basic hobbies. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ter' (to have). For example, 'Eu tenho interesse em futebol' (I have an interest in soccer). It is one of the first words you learn to describe why you are doing something, like attending a class or reading a book. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex phrases. Just remember that it is a masculine noun ('o interesse') and that we usually use the preposition 'em' after it. You might also hear people ask 'Você tem interesse?', which is a simple way of asking 'Are you interested?'. It is a fundamental word for making connections with others by finding common ground. Even at this basic level, it helps you move beyond just saying 'I like' (Eu gosto de) to expressing a more formal or specific focus.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'interesse' in more varied contexts. You start to learn that you can have 'interesse por' something as well as 'interesse em'. You also begin to see the word in the plural, 'interesses', to describe a collection of hobbies or goals. You might use it in sentences like 'Meus interesses são música e cinema'. You also start to recognize related words like 'interessante' (interesting) and 'interessado' (interested), and you learn the important distinction between them. For example, you learn that 'O livro é interessante' but 'Eu estou interessado no livro'. This level is about expanding the range of things you can be interested in and starting to use the word in simple social and professional interactions, like saying 'Tenho interesse nesta vaga' (I'm interested in this job opening).

At the B1 level, you use 'interesse' to discuss more abstract topics and express nuances. You start using verbs like 'despertar' (to arouse/spark) or 'perder' (to lose) with 'interesse'. For example, 'A notícia despertou meu interesse pela política'. You also begin to understand the social implications of the word, such as the difference between 'ter interesse' and being 'interesseiro' (a person who only acts for personal gain). You can participate in discussions about 'assuntos de interesse geral' (matters of general interest). Your ability to use the word in different tenses increases, allowing you to say things like 'Eu tinha muito interesse, mas agora não tenho mais'. This level requires you to be more precise with prepositions and to start using the word in professional emails and more formal conversations.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'interesse' in complex discussions about society, economics, and ethics. You will frequently encounter phrases like 'conflito de interesses' (conflict of interest) and 'interesse público' (public interest). You understand how the word is used in news reports to describe the motivations of political parties or corporations. You can use 'interesse' to describe strategic advantages, such as 'interesse estratégico' or 'interesse econômico'. At this stage, you should be comfortable using the noun in academic writing and formal presentations. You also begin to master the subtle difference between 'interesse' and its synonyms like 'predileção' or 'inclinação', choosing the most appropriate word for the register and context. Your usage is no longer just about hobbies; it's about analyzing motivations.

At the C1 level, your use of 'interesse' is sophisticated and natural. You can use it in idiomatic expressions and complex grammatical structures. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they influence its various meanings in legal and philosophical texts. You can navigate high-level discussions where 'interesse' might refer to 'vested interests' or 'hegemonic interests' in a geopolitical context. You use the word to describe the 'ponto de interesse' in a complex argument or the 'convergência de interesses' in international diplomacy. Your ability to use the word is characterized by precision—you know exactly when 'interesse' is the only word that will do, and when a more specialized term like 'stake' or 'bias' (translated into Portuguese) would be better. You can also use it rhetorically to emphasize a point.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'interesse'. You can use it to explore deep philosophical questions about self-interest versus altruism. You are familiar with its use in classical Portuguese literature and can detect subtle irony or sarcasm when the word is used in political commentary. You can write academic papers or legal briefs where 'interesse' is a central concept, handled with absolute grammatical and contextual accuracy. You understand the word's role in the 'raison d'état' (razão de estado) and other high-level political theories. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, including the ability to play with its meanings in creative writing or complex professional negotiations. You can explain the 'interesses escusos' (hidden/shady interests) behind a complex scandal with nuance and clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

interesse in 30 Seconds

Interesse is a masculine noun in Portuguese used to express curiosity, passion for a hobby, or a professional/financial stake in a situation.
It is commonly paired with the verb 'ter' and followed by prepositions 'em' or 'por' to indicate the object of the interest.
The word has a dual meaning: it can be a positive sign of engagement or a negative sign of being 'mercenary' (por interesse).
It is essential in formal contexts like 'interesse público' (public interest) and 'conflito de interesses' (conflict of interest).

The Portuguese word interesse is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'interest' in English. It describes a state of curiosity, concern, or attention toward something or someone. In its most basic sense, it is the feeling that prompts you to focus on a particular subject because you find it valuable, engaging, or beneficial. However, its usage extends far beyond simple curiosity. It is used in academic contexts to describe a field of study, in romantic contexts to describe attraction, and in financial or legal contexts to describe a stake or benefit in a situation. Understanding interesse requires looking at the intent behind the attention. Is it purely intellectual, or is there a personal gain involved? In Portuguese culture, expressing interesse is seen as a sign of engagement and respect, especially in social interactions where showing a lack of it can be perceived as cold or dismissive.

Intellectual Curiosity: The drive to learn or understand a new topic, such as history or science.

Ela demonstrou um grande interesse pela cultura brasileira durante a viagem.

Beyond the individual, interesse can also refer to a collective benefit, such as 'interesse público' (public interest). This refers to things that are advantageous for society as a whole. In financial terms, while 'juros' is the specific word for interest rates on a loan, interesse can still be used in broader economic discussions to describe a 'vested interest' or a 'financial stake'. For example, having an 'interesse financeiro' in a company means you stand to gain or lose money based on its performance.

O diretor tem um interesse direto no sucesso deste novo projeto.

Personal Gain: A motivation driven by the potential for self-improvement or profit.

In social settings, the word is often used to describe the spark between people. When someone says 'Ele tem interesse nela', it implies a romantic or personal attraction. This nuance is vital for learners to grasp, as it mirrors the English 'to be interested in someone'. However, be careful with the phrase 'por interesse', which often implies someone is doing something purely for their own benefit, often in a manipulative or selfish way, such as marrying for money.

Muitos temem que ele esteja com ela apenas por interesse.

Finally, the word appears in formal legal and political discourse. 'Conflito de interesses' (conflict of interests) is a common phrase used when a person's private interests might interfere with their professional duties. This highlights the word's role in ethics and governance. Whether you are discussing a child's interest in dinosaurs or a politician's interest in a new law, the word remains the same, making it a powerful and versatile tool in your Portuguese vocabulary.

O juiz se afastou do caso para evitar qualquer conflito de interesse.

Legal/Ethical: Relating to the rules of conduct and the prevention of bias in professional roles.

O bem comum deve estar acima do interesse individual.

To summarize, interesse covers a spectrum from 'curiosity' to 'strategic advantage'. Its masculine gender (o interesse) and plural form (os interesses) are straightforward, but its power lies in the prepositions and verbs that accompany it. Master these, and you will be able to express complex human motivations with ease.

Using interesse correctly in Portuguese involves mastering specific verb and preposition combinations. The most common verb used with this noun is 'ter' (to have). When you want to say you are interested in something, you say 'ter interesse em' or 'ter interesse por'. While 'em' is the most frequent choice for general topics, 'por' often suggests a deeper, more emotional, or long-standing connection. For example, 'Tenho interesse em aprender piano' (I have an interest in learning piano) is a standard way to express a goal or hobby.

Verb Pairing: Ter: Used to state the existence of interest. Example: 'Ele tem muito interesse por artes'.

Você tem interesse em participar da reunião amanhã?

Another vital verb is 'despertar' (to awaken/arouse). This is used when something or someone creates interest in you. 'A palestra despertou meu interesse pela biologia' (The lecture sparked my interest in biology). This is a more dynamic way to describe the beginning of a passion or curiosity. Similarly, 'perder o interesse' (to lose interest) is used when a topic or person no longer captivates you. 'Com o tempo, ele perdeu o interesse no curso' (Over time, he lost interest in the course).

O novo livro do autor despertou grande interesse no público.

Verb Pairing: Despertar: Used when an external force creates curiosity. Example: 'Esse filme despertou meu interesse por história'.

In formal writing, you will often see 'manifestar interesse' (to express interest) or 'demonstrar interesse' (to show interest). These are common in business emails or job applications. For instance, 'Gostaria de manifestar meu interesse na vaga de gerente' (I would like to express my interest in the manager position). This sounds more professional than simply saying 'I want the job'.

Várias empresas demonstraram interesse em comprar a startup.

We also use 'interesse' to describe the nature of a topic. 'Assunto de interesse' (subject of interest) or 'ponto de interesse' (point of interest) are useful for travel or academic discussions. 'O museu é o principal ponto de interesse da cidade' (The museum is the city's main point of interest). Note that in the plural, 'interesses' often refers to a person's broad range of hobbies or their strategic goals. 'Nossos interesses são convergentes' means our goals align.

Precisamos defender os interesses da nossa comunidade.

Plural Usage: Refers to multiple hobbies or collective strategic goals. Example: 'Ele tem muitos interesses diferentes'.

Não há interesse algum em continuar com este contrato.

Lastly, the phrase 'não ter interesse nenhum/algum' is a strong way to say you are not interested at all. It is emphatic and clear. Mastering these patterns allows you to move from simple sentences to complex, nuanced expressions of desire and intent in Portuguese.

You will encounter the word interesse in nearly every facet of Portuguese-speaking life, from casual coffee shop chats to high-stakes political debates. In daily conversation, it is the go-to word for discussing hobbies and passions. Friends might ask each other, 'Quais são os seus interesses?' to get to know one another better. In this context, it feels light and exploratory. However, if you are listening to the news in Brazil or Portugal, the word takes on a more serious tone. You will hear about 'grupos de interesse' (interest groups) lobbying the government, or 'taxas de juro' (which is the technical term for interest rates, though 'interesse' is the underlying concept of financial gain).

Social Context: Used to discover shared hobbies or romantic sparks. Example: 'Ele mostrou interesse nela desde o primeiro dia'.

É do interesse nacional que a economia cresça este ano.

In the workplace, interesse is a key term during negotiations. When two companies are discussing a merger, they talk about 'interesses mútuos' (mutual interests). If a colleague is acting suspiciously, someone might whisper that they are doing it 'por puro interesse' (out of pure self-interest), suggesting they have a hidden agenda. This 'hidden agenda' meaning is quite common in office politics.

Não confio nele; ele só age por interesse próprio.

Professional Context: Used for negotiations, networking, and describing motivations. Example: 'Manifestamos nosso interesse na parceria'.

Academically, professors often talk about 'áreas de interesse' (areas of interest) when discussing research. A student might say, 'Minha área de interesse é a inteligência artificial'. This is the standard way to define one's specialization. In legal settings, the phrase 'partes interessadas' (interested parties) refers to anyone who has a stake in a legal case or a business deal. This is very common in official documents and contracts.

Todas as partes interessadas devem assinar o documento até o fim do dia.

Finally, in the world of entertainment and social media, influencers talk about what 'desperta interesse' in their audience. Marketing professionals analyze 'interesses do consumidor' (consumer interests) to target ads. Whether you're scrolling through Instagram or reading a serious newspaper like 'Folha de S.Paulo' or 'Público', interesse is the word that connects what people want with why they want it. It is a fundamental building block of social and professional discourse in the Lusophone world.

O algoritmo do Instagram mapeia os seus interesses para mostrar anúncios relevantes.

Marketing Context: Relates to consumer behavior and data analysis. Example: 'O interesse por produtos sustentáveis está crescendo'.

A notícia não tem nenhum interesse jornalístico.

In summary, you hear it everywhere because it describes the very engine of human action: what we care about and why.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using interesse in Portuguese is confusing the noun with the adjective 'interessante' (interesting). In English, we often say 'I am interested', using a past participle as an adjective. In Portuguese, you have two main options: 'Eu tenho interesse' (I have interest) or 'Eu estou interessado' (I am interested). A common error is saying 'Eu sou interessante em...', which actually means 'I am an interesting person in...', which sounds quite arrogant and is grammatically incorrect for expressing curiosity!

Mistake: Noun vs Adjective: Wrong: 'Eu sou interessante em música'. Correct: 'Eu tenho interesse em música' or 'Eu estou interessado em música'.

Muitos alunos dizem 'sou interessante' quando querem dizer 'tenho interesse'.

Another common pitfall is the choice of preposition. While 'em' and 'por' are both acceptable, learners often use 'de' because they are thinking of 'interest of'. While 'interesse de' is used for possession (o interesse do governo), it is not used to describe the object of your curiosity. You don't have 'interesse de música'; you have 'interesse em música'.

O interesse pela leitura deve ser incentivado desde cedo.

Mistake: Preposition choice: Wrong: 'Meu interesse de viajar'. Correct: 'Meu interesse em viajar' or 'Meu interesse por viagens'.

Gender confusion is also a minor but persistent issue. Interesse is a masculine noun ('o interesse'), but because it ends in '-e', some learners mistakenly treat it as feminine. Always pair it with masculine articles and adjectives: 'um grande interesse', not 'uma grande interesse'.

Ele mostrou um interesse súbito pela culinária.

A more subtle mistake involves the financial term 'interest'. While interesse is used for a 'financial stake', the actual money you pay back on a loan is 'juros' (plural). If you say 'O interesse do banco é alto', it might mean the bank is very interested in something, rather than the interest rate being high. For rates, use 'taxa de juros'.

A taxa de juros subiu, mas o meu interesse no empréstimo caiu.

Mistake: Financial confusion: Confusion between 'interesse' (stake/curiosity) and 'juros' (interest rates). Example: 'Paguei muitos juros', not 'Paguei muitos interesses'.

Não confunda o interesse estratégico com a taxa de juros bancária.

Finally, watch out for the phrase 'por interesse'. In English, 'out of interest' can just mean 'because I'm curious'. In Portuguese, 'por interesse' almost always has a negative connotation of being 'mercenary' or 'calculating'. To say 'just out of curiosity', use 'por curiosidade' instead. Avoid saying 'Pergunto por interesse' unless you want to sound like you have a hidden motive!

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use interesse and when a synonym might be more precise. The most frequent alternative is 'curiosidade' (curiosity). While interesse often implies a sustained focus or a potential benefit, 'curiosidade' is usually about the immediate desire to know a specific fact. For example, 'Tenho curiosidade de saber quem ganhou' (I'm curious to know who won) is better than using 'interesse' there.

Comparison: Interesse vs Curiosidade: 'Interesse' is deeper and more lasting; 'curiosidade' is often fleeting or specific to a piece of information.

Minha curiosidade foi saciada, mas meu interesse pelo tema continua.

Another alternative is 'empenho' (dedication/effort). This is used when the interest translates into hard work. If a student is very 'interessado', you might also say they show great 'empenho' in their studies. In a professional setting, 'atenção' (attention) can sometimes replace interesse, especially when referring to focusing on details. 'Preste atenção nos seus interesses' (Pay attention to your interests) uses both to show how they interact.

O seu empenho é prova do seu real interesse na empresa.

Comparison: Interesse vs Empenho: 'Interesse' is the feeling; 'empenho' is the action that results from that feeling.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see 'inclinação' (inclination) or 'predileção' (predilection/preference). These words describe a natural tendency toward something. 'Ele tem uma inclinação para as artes' suggests that his interest is innate. 'Vontade' (will/desire) is also a close relative, but it is more about the immediate urge to do something rather than a sustained state of mind.

Sua predileção por vinhos caros é um interesse dispendioso.

When discussing financial stakes, 'participação' (participation/stake) is a more specific term than 'interesse'. 'Ele tem uma participação na empresa' means he owns shares. 'Interesse' in this context is more general. Finally, 'entusiasmo' (enthusiasm) is a more high-energy version of interesse. If someone is not just interested but very excited, 'entusiasmo' is the better choice.

O entusiasmo dela pela ciência é contagiante.

Comparison: Interesse vs Entusiasmo: 'Interesse' is the foundation; 'entusiasmo' is the visible, high-energy expression of that interest.

Não confunda interesse passageiro com paixão verdadeira.

By choosing the right word from this set, you can express exactly how you feel and what motivates you, making your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The financial meaning of 'interest' came later, from the idea of the compensation for the loss 'between' the time money was lent and when it was returned.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ĩ.tɨ.ˈɾɛ.sɨ/

US /ĩ.te.ˈɾɛ.si/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: in-te-RES-se.

Rhymes With

estresse pudesse tivesse merece esquece parece desce prece

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'ay' like in 'café'. It should be 'si' in Brazil or 's' in Portugal.
Stressing the first syllable.
Nasalizing the first 'i' incorrectly; the 'n' should make the 'i' nasal.
Confusing the 'r' sound with the English 'r'; it should be a single tap.
Over-emphasizing the double 'ss'; it just sounds like a sharp 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'interest'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (em/por).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the final 'e' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear, but can be fast in native speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ter gostar querer coisa pessoa

Learn Next

interessante interessado curiosidade vontade benefício

Advanced

convergência escuso subjacente antagônico legítimo

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Regimen

Interesse exige 'em' ou 'por'.

Noun Gender

Nouns ending in -e can be masculine or feminine; 'interesse' is masculine.

Plural Formation

Add -s to nouns ending in vowels: interesse -> interesses.

Verb 'Ter' vs 'Ser'

Use 'ter interesse' (noun) but 'ser interessante' (adjective).

Adjective Agreement

Interessado/a must agree with the subject.

Examples by Level

Eu tenho interesse em música brasileira.

I have interest in Brazilian music.

Simple use of 'ter interesse em'.

Você tem interesse por esportes?

Do you have interest in sports?

Question form using 'por' as a preposition.

O meu interesse é aprender português.

My interest is to learn Portuguese.

Using 'interesse' as the subject of the sentence.

Ela não tem interesse em televisão.

She has no interest in television.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Nós temos um interesse comum.

We have a common interest.

Using 'comum' to modify 'interesse'.

O interesse dele é a fotografia.

His interest is photography.

Possessive 'dele' with 'interesse'.

Eles têm interesse em viajar pelo mundo.

They have interest in traveling the world.

Plural subject 'eles' with 'têm'.

Qual é o seu principal interesse?

What is your main interest?

Interrogative 'qual' with 'interesse'.

Meus interesses mudaram com o tempo.

My interests changed over time.

Plural 'interesses' as the subject.

Eu estou interessado, mas não tenho interesse em comprar agora.

I am interested, but I don't have interest in buying now.

Contrast between the adjective 'interessado' and the noun 'interesse'.

Ela demonstrou interesse em trabalhar conosco.

She showed interest in working with us.

Using the verb 'demonstrar'.

Não há interesse por parte da empresa.

There is no interest on the part of the company.

Phrase 'por parte de'.

O curso despertou o meu interesse por culinária.

The course sparked my interest in cooking.

Using the verb 'despertar'.

Este é um assunto de grande interesse para todos.

This is a subject of great interest for everyone.

Using 'de grande interesse' as a descriptive phrase.

Ele perdeu o interesse no jogo rapidamente.

He lost interest in the game quickly.

Using the verb 'perder'.

Quais são os principais interesses dos jovens hoje?

What are the main interests of young people today?

Plural 'interesses' in a question.

Gostaria de manifestar meu interesse na vaga de emprego.

I would like to express my interest in the job vacancy.

Formal verb 'manifestar'.

O interesse público deve prevalecer sobre o privado.

The public interest must prevail over the private.

Abstract concept 'interesse público'.

Ele agiu apenas por interesse próprio, sem pensar nos outros.

He acted only out of self-interest, without thinking of others.

Phrase 'por interesse próprio'.

A palestra foi tão boa que manteve o interesse de todos.

The lecture was so good that it kept everyone's interest.

Using 'manter' with 'interesse'.

Existe um conflito de interesses nesta decisão.

There is a conflict of interests in this decision.

Common phrase 'conflito de interesses'.

O museu é um ponto de interesse turístico importante.

The museum is an important point of tourist interest.

Phrase 'ponto de interesse'.

Ela tem um interesse genuíno em ajudar as pessoas.

She has a genuine interest in helping people.

Using the adjective 'genuíno' to modify 'interesse'.

Não vejo nenhum interesse em continuar esta discussão.

I see no interest in continuing this discussion.

Emphatic 'nenhum interesse'.

A convergência de interesses entre os países facilitou o acordo.

The convergence of interests between the countries facilitated the agreement.

Formal term 'convergência de interesses'.

O governo defende que a medida visa o interesse nacional.

The government argues that the measure aims at the national interest.

Political term 'interesse nacional'.

Os interesses econômicos muitas vezes ignoram o meio ambiente.

Economic interests often ignore the environment.

Abstract plural 'interesses econômicos'.

Ela se afastou do cargo para evitar suspeitas de interesse escuso.

She stepped down from the position to avoid suspicions of shady interest.

Collocation 'interesse escuso'.

A pesquisa foca nos interesses de classe da burguesia.

The research focuses on the class interests of the bourgeoisie.

Sociological term 'interesses de classe'.

O autor explora o conflito entre interesse e dever.

The author explores the conflict between interest and duty.

Philosophical use of 'interesse'.

Houve uma falta de interesse generalizada pela nova lei.

There was a widespread lack of interest in the new law.

Phrase 'falta de interesse generalizada'.

O projeto é de interesse vital para o desenvolvimento da região.

The project is of vital interest for the development of the region.

Strong adjective 'vital' with 'interesse'.

A dialética dos interesses individuais molda a estrutura social.

The dialectic of individual interests shapes the social structure.

Academic/Philosophical register.

O lobby atua ferozmente para proteger os interesses do setor tabagista.

The lobby acts fiercely to protect the interests of the tobacco sector.

Using 'interesses' in a political/corporate lobbying context.

Não se pode ignorar o interesse subjacente a tais declarações.

One cannot ignore the underlying interest in such statements.

Adjective 'subjacente' (underlying).

O veredito foi influenciado por interesses políticos de alto escalão.

The verdict was influenced by high-level political interests.

Complex passive structure.

A análise deve considerar a pluralidade de interesses em jogo.

The analysis must consider the plurality of interests at stake.

Phrase 'em jogo' (at stake).

A obra carece de interesse estético, focando apenas no funcionalismo.

The work lacks aesthetic interest, focusing only on functionalism.

Using 'carecer de' (to lack).

Sua retórica mascara um interesse puramente mercantilista.

His rhetoric masks a purely mercantilist interest.

Literary/Formal vocabulary.

A preservação da Amazônia é um interesse planetário.

The preservation of the Amazon is a planetary interest.

Hyperbolic/Global context.

A fenomenologia do interesse revela a intencionalidade da consciência.

The phenomenology of interest reveals the intentionality of consciousness.

High-level philosophical discourse.

O equilíbrio de poder repousa na neutralização de interesses antagônicos.

The balance of power rests on the neutralization of antagonistic interests.

Geopolitical theory terminology.

A instrumentalização do interesse alheio é a marca do maquiavelismo.

The instrumentalization of others' interest is the hallmark of Machiavellianism.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'instrumentalização'.

O texto jurídico é ambíguo quanto à definição de 'interesse legítimo'.

The legal text is ambiguous regarding the definition of 'legitimate interest'.

Legal terminology 'interesse legítimo'.

A vacuidade de interesse na obra tardia do pintor é notória.

The lack of interest in the painter's late work is notorious.

Using 'vacuidade' (emptiness/lack).

Interesses escusos costumam vicejar na opacidade das instituições.

Shady interests tend to flourish in the opacity of institutions.

Literary verbs like 'vicejar'.

A transcendência do interesse pessoal é o ápice da ética kantiana.

The transcendence of personal interest is the pinnacle of Kantian ethics.

Ethical/Philosophical context.

O substrato de todo agir humano reside, em última análise, no interesse.

The substrate of all human action resides, in the final analysis, in interest.

Formal philosophical assertion.

Common Collocations

ter interesse

despertar interesse

perder o interesse

interesse público

conflito de interesses

demonstrar interesse

ponto de interesse

interesse mútuo

por interesse

grande interesse

Common Phrases

Sem interesse

— Not interested; boring. Used to dismiss something.

Achei o filme sem interesse.

De interesse

— Of interest; relevant.

Nada de interesse aconteceu hoje.

No interesse de

— For the sake of; in favor of.

Agimos no interesse de todos.

Interesses em jogo

— Interests at stake; what is to be gained or lost.

Há muitos interesses em jogo nesta eleição.

Interesse escuso

— Hidden, shady, or dishonest motive.

Ele tem um interesse escuso nesta venda.

Área de interesse

— Field of study or specialization.

Sua área de interesse é o direito civil.

Grupo de interesse

— Lobby or advocacy group.

O grupo de interesse pressionou o governo.

Demonstrar interesse

— To show curiosity or attraction.

Ele não demonstrou interesse nenhum por mim.

Interesse vital

— Crucial or essential interest.

A água é de interesse vital para a vida.

Interesse nacional

— Matters beneficial to a country.

Eles lutam pelo interesse nacional.

Often Confused With

interesse vs interessante

This is the adjective 'interesting'. Use it to describe things, not your feelings.

interesse vs juros

This is specifically the 'interest' money paid on loans or earned on savings.

interesse vs curiosidade

More about 'wondering' or 'fleeting attention' than a deep 'stake' or 'passion'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Puxar a brasa para a sua sardinha"

— To act only in one's own interest; to favor oneself.

Na reunião, ele só puxou a brasa para a sua sardinha.

informal

"Estar com a faca e o queijo na mão"

— To have all the advantages to serve one's interests.

Ele tem a faca e o queijo na mão para fechar o negócio.

informal

"Ver o seu lado"

— To look out for one's own interests.

Cada um aqui só quer ver o seu lado.

informal

"Dança conforme a música"

— To adapt one's interests to the current situation.

Ele é esperto, dança conforme a música.

informal

"Fazer média"

— To act interested or friendly just to gain favor.

Ele está fazendo média com o chefe por interesse.

slang

"Entrar numa fria"

— To get into a situation that is not in one's interest.

Achei que era bom, mas entrei numa fria.

slang

"Trocar seis por meia dúzia"

— To make a change that doesn't serve any real interest/benefit.

Mudar de carro agora é trocar seis por meia dúzia.

informal

"Dar um murro em ponta de faca"

— To persist in something against one's own best interest.

Tentar convencê-lo é dar um murro em ponta de faca.

informal

"Lavar as mãos"

— To stop having an interest or responsibility in something.

Eu lavo as mãos quanto a esse problema.

neutral

"Pôr as barbas de molho"

— To take precautions to protect one's interests.

Se o vizinho foi demitido, ponha as barbas de molho.

informal

Easily Confused

interesse vs Interessado

Both relate to interest.

Interesse is the noun (the thing you have); interessado is the adjective (how you are).

Eu tenho interesse (noun) porque estou interessado (adjective).

interesse vs Interessante

Cognates with English 'interesting'.

Interessante describes the object. You cannot 'be' interessante in a hobby in the same way you are 'interested'.

O livro é interessante, por isso tenho interesse nele.

interesse vs Vontade

Both imply wanting something.

Vontade is more about immediate 'will' or 'desire'; interesse is more about sustained 'focus' or 'benefit'.

Tenho vontade de comer, mas interesse em aprender a cozinhar.

interesse vs Juros

Both translate to 'interest' in English.

Juros is financial (rates); interesse is psychological or strategic.

A taxa de juros é alta, mas meu interesse no lucro é maior.

interesse vs Empenho

Often used together.

Empenho is the effort you put in; interesse is the reason you put it in.

Seu empenho mostra seu interesse.

Sentence Patterns

Eu tenho interesse em [noun].

Eu tenho interesse em arte.

Ele/Ela tem interesse por [noun].

Ela tem interesse por línguas.

Isso despertou meu interesse por [noun].

Isso despertou meu interesse por viagens.

É do interesse de [person/group] que [verb].

É do interesse de todos que o projeto funcione.

Apesar do interesse subjacente, ele [verb].

Apesar do interesse subjacente, ele agiu bem.

A pluralidade de interesses em jogo demanda [noun].

A pluralidade de interesses em jogo demanda cautela.

Any

Não tenho nenhum interesse em [verb].

Não tenho nenhum interesse em sair hoje.

Any

Qual o seu interesse em [noun]?

Qual o seu interesse em economia?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in all domains.

Common Mistakes

Eu sou interessante em música. → Eu tenho interesse em música.
You are saying 'I am an interesting person in music' instead of 'I have an interest in music'.
Tenho interesse de viajar. → Tenho interesse em viajar.
The noun 'interesse' takes the preposition 'em' or 'por', not 'de', when followed by a verb or noun of interest.
A taxa de interesse é alta. → A taxa de juros é alta.
In financial contexts, 'interest rate' is 'taxa de juros'. 'Interesse' refers to stake or curiosity.
Ele está comigo por curiosidade. → Ele está comigo por interesse.
If you mean he is with you for money/benefit, use 'interesse'. 'Curiosidade' is just wanting to know something.
Uma grande interesse. → Um grande interesse.
Interesse is a masculine noun, so it must take masculine articles and adjectives.

Tips

Preposition Power

Always remember to use 'em' or 'por' after 'interesse'. Avoid using 'de' when describing what you are interested in.

Adjective vs Noun

Don't say 'Eu sou interessante em...'. Say 'Eu tenho interesse em...'. 'Interessante' describes the object, not your feeling.

Showing Interest

In conversations, use 'Que interesse!' or 'Isso é de muito interesse' to show you are engaged with the speaker.

Business Writing

Use 'Manifestar interesse' in job applications or business proposals to sound professional and polite.

Hidden Motives

Be careful with 'por interesse'. If you want to say 'just out of curiosity', use 'por curiosidade' instead.

Money Talk

Use 'juros' for interest rates. Use 'interesse' for a stake in a company or a strategic benefit.

The Final E

In Brazil, pronounce the final 'e' as 'i'. In Portugal, it is almost silent. Never pronounce it like 'ay'.

Vary Your Words

Use 'despertar interesse' instead of just 'ter interesse' to make your writing more dynamic.

Public Interest

Understand that 'interesse público' is a major concept in Lusophone law and news; it's worth learning early.

Internal Essence

Think of 'interesse' as your 'internal essence'—it's what drives you toward what you value.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Inter-esse' as 'Inter-est'. The 'esse' part sounds like 'essay'. You have 'interest' in writing an 'essay'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge (the interest) connecting a person and a prize or a book.

Word Web

Hobby Curiosity Money Benefit Attention Passion Stake Goal

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'interesse' with three different prepositions: em, por, and de.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'interesse', which literally means 'to be between' (inter + esse).

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to being in the middle of something, then evolved to mean making a difference or being important to someone.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'por interesse' as it can imply someone is a 'gold digger'.

English speakers often use 'interesting' where Portuguese speakers would use the noun 'interesse'.

Machado de Assis frequently explores human 'interesse' in his novels. The phrase 'conflito de interesses' is a staple of Brazilian news (Jornal Nacional). Portuguese Fado often speaks of 'desinteresse' in the context of lost love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

Interesse pelos estudos
Área de interesse
Despertar a curiosidade
Manter o interesse

Business

Conflito de interesses
Interesse comercial
Manifestar interesse
Partes interessadas

Relationships

Ter interesse em alguém
Demonstrar interesse
Perder o interesse
Estar por interesse

Politics

Interesse público
Interesse nacional
Grupos de interesse
Defender interesses

Travel

Pontos de interesse
Interesse turístico
Guia de interesse
Local de interesse

Conversation Starters

"Quais são os seus principais interesses ultimamente?"

"Você tem interesse em aprender algum instrumento musical?"

"O que desperta mais o seu interesse: história ou ciência?"

"Você acha que os jovens têm interesse por política hoje em dia?"

"Qual é o ponto de interesse mais bonito da sua cidade?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um novo interesse que você desenvolveu este ano e por que ele é importante para você.

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que lidar com um conflito de interesses.

Reflita sobre como seus interesses mudaram desde que você era criança até agora.

O que significa para você agir no 'interesse público'?

Pense em um livro ou filme que despertou seu interesse por um assunto que você não conhecia.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine: 'o interesse'. Even though it ends in 'e', it follows the pattern of many other masculine nouns like 'o dente' or 'o café'.

Both are correct. 'Em' is more common for general topics (interesse em música). 'Por' is often used for deeper passions (interesse por artes).

Not usually. For bank interest rates or the money paid, use 'juros'. 'Interesse' is used for a financial stake or benefit, but not the rate itself.

They mean the same thing, but 'ter interesse' uses the noun and 'estar interessado' uses the adjective. Both are very common.

It usually means someone is doing something for a selfish or hidden motive, like money or power. It has a negative connotation.

You can say 'Não tenho interesse' or 'Não estou interessado'.

It refers to the 'public interest'—things that benefit society as a whole, often used in legal and political contexts.

Yes, 'interesses' is used to talk about multiple hobbies or the various goals of a person or group.

Yes, 'interessante' is the adjective meaning 'interesting'. You have 'interesse' in things that are 'interessantes'.

It's a 'point of interest', often used in tourism to describe a place worth visiting, like a monument or museum.