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intermediário

A2 adjective #3,000 most common 7 min read

intermediário

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips intermediário in 30 Seconds

Explanation intermediário in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'intermediário' as the 'middle' level. When you start learning Portuguese, you are at the 'básico' (basic) level. After you learn some words and grammar, you move to the 'intermediário' (intermediate) level. It is like the medium size of a T-shirt, but for how much you know. You can use it to talk about your level in a game, a sport, or a language. Even though it is a long word, it looks like 'intermediate' in English, which makes it easier to remember. Just remember: if the thing you are talking about is masculine, say 'intermediário'. If it is feminine, say 'intermediária'. For example, 'um curso intermediário' (a masculine course) or 'uma aula intermediária' (a feminine class).

At the A2 level, you can begin using 'intermediário' to describe more than just language levels. You can use it for physical objects or steps in a simple process. For example, if you are following a recipe and there is a step between 'preparar' (prepare) and 'cozinhar' (cook), that is an 'etapa intermediária' (intermediate stage). You will also see this word in job advertisements. A job might ask for 'conhecimento intermediário' of Excel or another tool. This means you aren't a master, but you can do more than just the basics. It's a very useful word for describing your progress in any hobby or skill. Try to use it when you are talking about your goals, like: 'I want to reach the intermediate level by December.'

At the B1 level, you should start using 'intermediário' as both an adjective and a noun. As a noun, it refers to a person who helps two other people agree on something—a 'middleman'. In business, this is a common term. For instance, if you buy a house, the 'agente imobiliário' (real estate agent) is an 'intermediário' between the buyer and the seller. You can also use it to describe technical concepts, like 'produtos intermediários' in manufacturing (parts that are made to be used in a final product). At this level, you should be comfortable with the plural forms 'intermediários' and 'intermediárias' and ensure your adjectives always match the nouns they modify in complex sentences.

At the B2 level, 'intermediário' becomes part of your professional and academic vocabulary. You will use it to discuss 'intermediação' (the act of mediating) in social and economic contexts. You might talk about 'intermediários financeiros' when discussing the economy or 'intermediários culturais' when talking about how ideas spread between different groups. You should also understand its use in abstract logic—finding an 'intermediary solution' to a problem where two sides disagree. This involves using the word to describe nuance and compromise. You can use it in phrases like 'ponto de equilíbrio intermediário' (intermediate balance point) to show a high level of precision in your Portuguese.

At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and diplomatic depths of 'intermediário'. You can discuss the 'papel intermediário' of a specific historical figure in a conflict or the 'caráter intermediário' of a piece of literature that bridges two different artistic movements. You will use the word to analyze complex systems where multiple layers of mediation exist. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the subtle differences between 'intermediário', 'mediador', 'intercessor', and 'facilitador'. You should be able to write essays discussing the necessity of 'intermediários' in global trade or the impact of removing them (desintermediação) due to new technologies like the internet.

At the C2 level, 'intermediário' is used with total native-like precision, often in highly specialized fields like law, advanced linguistics, or philosophy. You might discuss 'ontologia intermediária' or 'espaços intermediários' in urban architecture. You can use the word to describe the most subtle 'intermediate' states of being or thought. You should be able to use it in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps debating the ethics of 'intermediários' in political lobbying or the 'estágios intermediários' of biological evolution. Your mastery includes knowing when *not* to use the word, opting for even more specific terms when the context demands, yet being able to deploy 'intermediário' to provide a clear, structural framework for any argument.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

intermediário in 30 Seconds

Intermediário is the standard Portuguese word for 'intermediate,' used commonly for language levels, skill sets, and physical or logical middle points in a series.
As an adjective, it changes to 'intermediária' for feminine nouns and adds an 's' for plural forms, ensuring grammatical agreement in every sentence.
When used as a noun, it refers to a middleman, broker, or mediator who facilitates deals or communication between two distinct parties or entities.
It is a versatile term found in education, business, science, and daily life, representing the balance between a starting point and a final destination.

The Portuguese word intermediário is a versatile adjective and noun that fundamentally describes something situated between two extremes, points, or stages. In its most common usage, it refers to a level of proficiency or a stage in a process that is neither beginner nor advanced. For an English speaker, it translates directly to 'intermediate,' but its application in Portuguese culture often carries nuances related to mediation, negotiation, and physical placement. Whether you are discussing your language skills, a technical phase in a construction project, or a person acting as a middleman, this word is your primary tool for describing the 'middle ground.'

Proficiency Context: When students talk about their progress, they use this word to signify they have moved past the basics but are not yet fluent. It is the 'plateau' phase where communication becomes more functional.

Eu estou no nível intermediário de inglês e pretendo chegar ao avançado no próximo ano.

Translation: I am at the intermediate level of English and intend to reach advanced next year.

Physical and Logical Position: It describes a physical location between two points. For example, an intermediate stop on a train route or a middle shelf in a cupboard. It emphasizes the connectivity between the start and the end.

Precisamos encontrar um ponto intermediário para a nossa reunião.

Economic and Social Role: When used as a noun, an 'intermediário' is a mediator or a broker. This person facilitates transactions or dialogues between two parties who cannot or will not communicate directly.

O intermediário negociou o contrato entre o jogador e o clube.

In summary, 'intermediário' is the bridge of the Portuguese language. It covers the spectrum from 'medium-sized' objects to 'middle-management' roles and 'mid-level' skills. Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life, as it pops up in menus (medium portions), logistics (intermediate stops), and education (intermediate courses). It represents the balance between the simplicity of the beginning and the complexity of the end.

Using intermediário correctly requires attention to the noun it describes. Because it functions as an adjective, its ending changes to match the gender and quantity of the subject. In everyday speech, you will most frequently encounter it following the noun, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Portuguese. However, its placement can sometimes shift to emphasize the 'middle' quality of the object in more poetic or formal contexts.

Describing Skill Levels: This is the most common use for language learners. It usually follows words like 'nível' (level) or 'conhecimento' (knowledge).

Ela possui um conhecimento intermediário de programação.

She has an intermediate knowledge of programming.

Describing Processes and Stages: In project management or cooking, 'intermediário' describes steps that happen between the start and the finish.

Esta é a fase intermediária da produção têxtil.

Describing People (The Middleman): When referring to a person acting as a broker, the word often becomes a noun. You can use it to describe someone in real estate, trade, or diplomacy.

O intermediário cobrou uma comissão de dez por cento.

When constructing sentences, think of 'intermediário' as a way to avoid extremes. It is the word for 'moderate' or 'average' without the negative connotations that 'average' sometimes carries in English. In Portuguese, being 'intermediário' is a respectable state of progress. You can use it with verbs like 'estar' (to be temporarily) or 'ser' (to be permanently/inherently), depending on whether the middle state is a passing phase or a fixed characteristic.

In a Portuguese-speaking environment, intermediário echoes through various hallways of life. You'll hear it in schools, corporate offices, and even in the news during diplomatic negotiations. It is a formal yet accessible word that signals a specific type of structure.

In Education and Language Schools: Teachers use this constantly to group students. 'Nível Intermediário 1' and 'Nível Intermediário 2' are standard course titles across Portugal and Brazil.

Bem-vindos à aula de português intermediário!

In Business and Finance: In the financial world, 'intermediários financeiros' (financial intermediaries) like banks or brokers are discussed in news reports regarding market stability or investment regulations.

Os intermediários financeiros facilitam o fluxo de capital.

In Sports and Entertainment: Sports commentators use the term to describe players who operate in the 'middle' of the field, or agents who negotiate player transfers.

O agente atuou como intermediário na venda do atacante.

Essentially, if there is a 'from' and a 'to', there is likely an 'intermediário' involved. From the 'estações intermediárias' of the Metro in São Paulo to the 'valores intermediários' in a math problem, the word is ubiquitous because it defines the connective tissue of systems.

While intermediário seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on gender agreement and specific lexical choices where other words might be more appropriate.

Gender Mismatch: The most frequent error is forgetting to change the ending for feminine nouns. Since 'intermediate' in English is gender-neutral, learners often say 'uma fase intermediário' instead of 'uma fase intermediária'.

Errado: A solução intermediário.
Correto: A solução intermediária.

Confusing with 'Médio': 'Médio' refers to size (medium) or average. 'Intermediário' refers to a position in a sequence or proficiency. You wouldn't order an 'intermediário' coffee; you'd order a 'café médio'.

Pronunciation of the 'di': In many Brazilian dialects, the 'di' in 'intermediário' is palatalized, sounding like 'jee'. English speakers often use a hard 'd' (like 'dee'), which is perfectly understandable but sounds less native.

Pronúncia: In-ter-me-diá-rio (Try saying 'jee-ah' for the highlighted part in Brazil).

Finally, avoid overusing the word when referring to social status. While 'classe média' (middle class) is the correct term for socioeconomic status, 'classe intermediária' is rarely used in that context unless referring to a very specific sociological study. Stick to 'intermediário' for skills, processes, and mediation roles.

Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms for intermediário, each with its own specific flavor and context. Choosing the right one can make your speech sound more natural and precise.

Médio vs. Intermediário: 'Médio' is the most common alternative. Use it for physical sizes (P, M, G - Pequeno, Médio, Grande) or for the 'Ensino Médio' (High School). 'Intermediário' is more formal and technical.
Mediador: Specifically used for people. While an 'intermediário' might just be a broker for profit, a 'mediador' often implies someone resolving a conflict or facilitating a legal settlement.
Central: Used when something is in the physical center. An 'estação central' is the main station, whereas an 'estação intermediária' is just any stop between the start and end.

Comparação: 'Nível médio' (Average level) vs. 'Nível intermediário' (Intermediate proficiency).

In professional settings, you might also hear 'atravessador'. Be careful with this one! While it technically means 'middleman,' it often carries a negative connotation of someone who adds cost to a transaction without adding value, like a scalper or a predatory reseller. If you want to be polite, stick to 'intermediário'. For diplomatic or legal contexts, 'interventor' or 'conciliador' are more precise alternatives for someone stepping into the middle of a situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word has remained remarkably stable in form across almost all Romance languages (intermédiaire in French, intermediario in Italian and Spanish).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌɪntəˈmiːdiəri/

US /ˌɪntərˈmidiˌɛri/

The primary stress in 'intermediário' is on the 'á' (the antepenultimate syllable: in-ter-me-di-Á-rio).

Rhymes With

primário secundário diário salário voluntário necessário calendário adversário

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'di' as a hard 'D' in Brazil (it should be like the 'J' in 'jeep').
Stressing the 'me' instead of the 'á'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'o' clearly (it often sounds like a light 'u').
Skipping the 'r' sounds in the middle of the word.
Merging the 'iá' into a single vowel sound instead of a diphthong.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy for English speakers due to the cognate 'intermediate'.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement (o/a/os/as).

Speaking 3/5

The palatalized 'di' (jee) in Brazil can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, but can be spoken quickly in news reports.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

meio nível básico avançado entre

Learn Next

mediação intermediar mediador equilíbrio transição

Advanced

desintermediação interlocutor conciliador interveniente

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

O nível (m) intermediário vs A fase (f) intermediária.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'curso intermediário'.

Pluralization

Add 's': 'níveis intermediários'.

Nominalization

Using an adjective as a noun: 'O intermediário chegou'.

Preposition 'Em' + Article

No nível intermediário (em + o).

Examples by Level

O meu nível de português é intermediário.

My level of Portuguese is intermediate.

Nível is masculine, so we use intermediário.

Este é um curso intermediário.

This is an intermediate course.

Adjective follows the noun 'curso'.

Eu não sou iniciante, sou intermediário.

I am not a beginner, I am intermediate.

Here, it functions as a predicate adjective.

Ela estuda no nível intermediário.

She studies at the intermediate level.

Uses the preposition 'no' (em + o).

O livro intermediário é azul.

The intermediate book is blue.

Definite article 'O' matches 'livro'.

Nós temos aulas intermediárias.

We have intermediate classes.

Plural feminine: aulas + intermediárias.

Você é um aluno intermediário?

Are you an intermediate student?

Question form using the verb 'ser'.

O caminho intermediário é mais fácil.

The intermediate path is easier.

Caminho is masculine singular.

A fase intermediária do projeto começou.

The intermediate phase of the project has started.

Fase is feminine, so intermediária is used.

Preciso de um tamanho intermediário.

I need an intermediate size.

Tamanho is masculine.

Ele é um bom intermediário de vendas.

He is a good sales intermediate (middleman).

Used as a noun here.

A parada intermediária do ônibus é aqui.

The intermediate bus stop is here.

Parada is feminine.

Existem três níveis: básico, intermediário e avançado.

There are three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Listing adjectives in masculine singular.

O preço intermediário é de cem euros.

The intermediate price is one hundred euros.

Preço is masculine.

As etapas intermediárias são importantes.

The intermediate steps are important.

Plural feminine: etapas + intermediárias.

Eles buscam um resultado intermediário.

They seek an intermediate result.

Resultado is masculine.

O banco atua como intermediário financeiro.

The bank acts as a financial intermediary.

Professional noun phrase.

Não queremos usar nenhum intermediário nesta compra.

We don't want to use any middleman in this purchase.

Negative construction with 'nenhum'.

A produção requer vários materiais intermediários.

Production requires several intermediate materials.

Materials (materiais) is masculine plural.

Ela é a intermediária entre a gerência e os funcionários.

She is the intermediary between management and the employees.

Feminine noun 'a intermediária'.

Encontramos uma solução intermediária para o conflito.

We found an intermediate solution to the conflict.

Solução is feminine.

O nível de dificuldade é intermediário.

The difficulty level is intermediate.

Dificuldade is feminine, but 'intermediário' modifies 'nível'.

Os valores intermediários foram ignorados no cálculo.

The intermediate values were ignored in the calculation.

Valores is masculine plural.

A luz intermediária do semáforo é amarela.

The intermediate light of the traffic signal is yellow.

Luz is feminine.

A empresa eliminou os intermediários para reduzir custos.

The company eliminated the middlemen to reduce costs.

Plural noun usage.

Este software serve como uma camada intermediária.

This software serves as an intermediate layer.

Camada (layer) is feminine.

O diplomata serviu de intermediário nas negociações de paz.

The diplomat served as an intermediary in the peace negotiations.

Phrasal usage 'servir de'.

A cor intermediária entre azul e vermelho é o roxo.

The intermediate color between blue and red is purple.

Cor is feminine.

O governo propôs uma zona intermediária de segurança.

The government proposed an intermediate security zone.

Zona is feminine.

Eles discutiram os lucros dos intermediários comerciais.

They discussed the profits of the commercial intermediaries.

Genitive case 'dos' (de + os).

A peça tem um tom intermediário de cinza.

The piece has an intermediate shade of gray.

Tom is masculine.

O processo envolve várias etapas intermediárias complexas.

The process involves several complex intermediate stages.

Adjective agreement with plural feminine.

A desintermediação digital removeu o intermediário tradicional.

Digital disintermediation removed the traditional middleman.

Noun usage in a technical context.

A obra situa-se num espaço intermediário entre o real e o fantástico.

The work is situated in an intermediate space between the real and the fantastic.

Abstract spatial usage.

O autor utiliza uma linguagem intermediária, nem erudita nem vulgar.

The author uses intermediate language, neither erudite nor vulgar.

Linguagem is feminine.

O tribunal nomeou um intermediário para facilitar o acordo.

The court appointed an intermediary to facilitate the agreement.

Legal context.

As partículas intermediárias foram detectadas no acelerador.

The intermediate particles were detected in the accelerator.

Scientific plural feminine.

A posição intermediária da Suíça foi crucial na guerra.

Switzerland's intermediate position was crucial in the war.

Position (posição) is feminine.

Buscamos uma síntese intermediária das duas teorias.

We seek an intermediate synthesis of the two theories.

Síntese is feminine.

O contrato prevê a intervenção de um intermediário neutro.

The contract provides for the intervention of a neutral intermediary.

Noun modified by an adjective 'neutro'.

A fenomenologia explora a zona intermediária da consciência.

Phenomenology explores the intermediate zone of consciousness.

Philosophical context.

O mercado de derivativos depende de intermediários altamente qualificados.

The derivatives market depends on highly qualified intermediaries.

Financial plural noun.

Sua argumentação baseia-se numa premissa intermediária falível.

Your argument is based on a fallible intermediate premise.

Premissa is feminine.

A arquitetura brutalista cria espaços intermediários de transição.

Brutalist architecture creates intermediate transition spaces.

Architectural plural masculine.

O metabolismo celular produz diversos compostos intermediários.

Cellular metabolism produces various intermediate compounds.

Biochemical plural masculine.

A regulação visa mitigar o risco dos intermediários de crédito.

The regulation aims to mitigate the risk of credit intermediaries.

Regulatory context.

A narrativa oscila entre o passado e um presente intermediário.

The narrative oscillates between the past and an intermediate present.

Temporal abstract usage.

O tratado estabelece um regime intermediário de soberania.

The treaty establishes an intermediate regime of sovereignty.

Political/Legal masculine noun.

Common Collocations

nível intermediário

intermediário financeiro

fase intermediária

ponto intermediário

estoque intermediário

conhecimento intermediário

solução intermediária

estação intermediária

produto intermediário

agente intermediário

Common Phrases

Sem intermediários

— Directly, without a middleman.

Vendemos do produtor ao consumidor, sem intermediários.

Nível intermediário superior

— Upper-intermediate level (B2).

Ela já está no intermediário superior.

Papel intermediário

— A role that connects two things.

O fígado tem um papel intermediário no metabolismo.

Caminho intermediário

— A moderate approach or middle path.

Siga o caminho intermediário para evitar riscos.

Valores intermediários

— Numbers or data points between two others.

Calcule os valores intermediários da tabela.

Zona intermediária

— A buffer or transition area.

A zona intermediária entre a floresta e o campo.

Curso intermediário

— A class for those with some experience.

Vou me matricular no curso intermediário.

Atuar como intermediário

— To serve as a mediator.

Ele gosta de atuar como intermediário em brigas.

Versão intermediária

— A draft or version between start and finish.

Esta é apenas uma versão intermediária do texto.

Posição intermediária

— A physical or ideological middle position.

O partido ocupa uma posição intermediária no parlamento.

Often Confused With

intermediário vs médio

Médio is for size/average; Intermediário is for levels/stages.

intermediário vs imediato

Imediato means 'immediate' (now); Intermediário means 'middle'.

intermediário vs mediano

Mediano often means 'so-so' or 'mediocre' in common speech.

Idioms & Expressions

"No meio-termo"

— In the middle ground; a compromise.

Eles chegaram a um meio-termo.

neutral

"Cortar o intermediário"

— To remove the middleman to save money or time.

Vamos cortar o intermediário e falar com o dono.

business

"Nem tanto ao mar, nem tanto à terra"

— Not too much one way, not too much the other; a balance.

Seja intermediário: nem tanto ao mar, nem tanto à terra.

informal

"Ficar em cima do muro"

— To be undecided or neutral (sometimes negative).

Ele não decide, fica sempre em cima do muro.

informal

"Ponto de equilíbrio"

— The point of balance.

Buscamos o ponto de equilíbrio intermediário.

neutral

"Meio de campo"

— The midfield (also used for mediation).

Ele faz o meio de campo entre os diretores.

neutral/sports

"Ficar no meio do caminho"

— To stop halfway or be in the middle.

Não deixe o projeto ficar no meio do caminho.

informal

"Entre a cruz e a espada"

— Between a rock and a hard place (no middle ground).

Não há opção intermediária; estou entre a cruz e a espada.

informal

"Fazer a ponte"

— To bridge the gap/act as an intermediary.

Eu faço a ponte entre você e o fornecedor.

neutral

"Pau para toda obra"

— A jack of all trades (can handle any level).

Ele é pau para toda obra, do básico ao intermediário.

informal

Easily Confused

intermediário vs Médio

Both mean 'middle'.

Médio is used for physical sizes (M) and school levels (Ensino Médio). Intermediário is for proficiency levels (B1/B2) and mediation.

Eu visto tamanho médio, mas meu inglês é intermediário.

intermediário vs Mediador

Both can mean 'middleman'.

Mediador usually implies a person resolving a conflict. Intermediário is more general and often used for business brokers.

O mediador parou a briga; o intermediário vendeu a casa.

intermediário vs Meio

Both refer to the middle.

Meio is a noun (the middle) or adverb (half). Intermediário is an adjective (intermediate).

Estou no meio da rua. Meu nível é intermediário.

intermediário vs Atravessador

Both mean middleman.

Atravessador is pejorative, implying someone who increases prices unnecessarily. Intermediário is neutral.

Não compre de atravessadores; use um intermediário oficial.

intermediário vs Intercessor

Both involve acting between two parties.

Intercessor has a religious or very formal tone (pleading for someone). Intermediário is functional and commercial.

O santo é um intercessor. O banco é um intermediário.

Sentence Patterns

Eu sou [nível].

Eu sou intermediário.

O [noun] é [intermediário].

O curso é intermediário.

[Noun] atua como intermediário.

O banco atua como intermediário.

Uma solução [intermediária] foi [verb].

Uma solução intermediária foi encontrada.

Devido à [intermediação] de...

Devido à intermediação do governo...

A zona intermediária entre X e Y.

A zona intermediária entre o céu e a terra.

A desintermediação de [noun] causou...

A desintermediação de voos causou queda nos preços.

Trata-se de um estágio intermediário de...

Trata-se de um estágio intermediário de desenvolvimento.

Word Family

Nouns

intermediação

intermediador

médio

meio

Verbs

intermediar

mediar

Adjectives

intermediário

intermediária

mediano

mediação

mediador

imediato

médium

mediano

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in educational and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu sou no nível intermediária. → Eu estou no nível intermediário.
Nível is masculine, and we use 'estar' for temporary states like learning levels.
Um intermediário pessoa. → Uma pessoa intermediária.
Adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese.
Eu quero um café intermediário. → Eu quero um café médio.
Use 'médio' for sizes of food and drinks.
Eles são intermediário. → Eles são intermediários.
Plural nouns require plural adjectives.
A intermediário financeira. → A intermediária financeira.
Gender agreement must be consistent throughout the phrase.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always check if your noun is 'o' or 'a'. 'O passo intermediário' but 'A etapa intermediária'.

Level Up

If you are B1, tell people: 'Meu nível é intermediário'. It sounds more precise than 'Eu falo um pouco'.

Broker Talk

Use 'intermediário de crédito' when talking about mortgage brokers in Portugal or Brazil.

The Brazilian 'J'

In Brazil, say 'in-ter-me-jee-AH-ryoo' for a more native sound.

Avoid Repetition

If you already used 'intermediário', try 'médio' or 'central' to vary your vocabulary.

Middle Class

Remember: for 'Middle Class', always use 'Classe Média', never 'Classe Intermediária'.

Cognate Power

Use your English knowledge! Intermediate = Intermediário. The meaning is almost identical.

Middle Ground

Use 'solução intermediária' to describe a compromise in a debate.

Subway Stops

Listen for 'estação intermediária' on the train to know you haven't reached the end.

Recipe Stages

An 'etapa intermediária' might be letting the dough rest before baking.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'INTER-MEDIA-RIO'. 'Inter' (between) + 'Media' (middle) + 'Rio' (river). Imagine a boat in the 'middle' of a 'river' between two banks.

Visual Association

Visualize a traffic light. The yellow light is the 'intermediário' between the green and the red.

Word Web

Nível Fase Ponte Meio Mediador Acordo Passo Tamanho

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your house that are 'intermediário' (e.g., the middle drawer, your skill in a hobby, or a medium-sized plant).

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'intermedius', which combines 'inter' (between) and 'medius' (middle).

Original meaning: Situated in the middle or coming between.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone an 'intermediário' in a transaction if you mean they are taking an unfair cut; 'atravessador' is the negative term, but 'intermediário' is neutral.

English speakers use 'intermediate' mostly for levels, while Portuguese speakers use it more frequently for people (brokers).

The 'Common European Framework of Reference for Languages' (CEFR) levels B1/B2 are always translated as 'Intermediário'. Financial news often mentions 'Intermediários Financeiros' (Banks/Brokers). In Brazilian literature, the 'intermediário' is a common character archetype in stories about rural land deals.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Language Learning

Qual é o seu nível?
Estou no intermediário.
Livro intermediário.
Aula intermediária.

Business

Intermediário de vendas.
Comissão do intermediário.
Sem intermediários.
Intermediário financeiro.

Travel

Parada intermediária.
Estação intermediária.
Ponto intermediário.
Cidade intermediária.

Technology

Camada intermediária.
Código intermediário.
Software intermediário.
Passo intermediário.

Sports

Nível intermediário.
Atleta intermediário.
Treino intermediário.
Posição intermediária.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o seu nível de português já é intermediário?"

"É melhor comprar produtos diretamente do produtor ou usar um intermediário?"

"Qual foi a fase intermediária mais difícil do seu último projeto?"

"Você prefere morar no centro da cidade ou num bairro intermediário?"

"Você já atuou como intermediário em uma discussão entre amigos?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva como você se sente ao atingir o nível intermediário em uma nova habilidade.

Escreva sobre uma situação em que um intermediário foi necessário para resolver um problema.

Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de eliminar os intermediários no comércio moderno?

Como você define o 'ponto intermediário' entre o trabalho e a vida pessoal?

Reflita sobre a importância das fases intermediárias na vida de uma pessoa.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. For clothing, use 'médio' (P, M, G). However, you might use 'intermediário' if a size is specifically between two standard sizes in a technical chart.

It can be both! Use 'intermediário' for masculine nouns (o nível) and 'intermediária' for feminine nouns (a fase).

In the CEFR, B1 is 'Intermediário' and B2 is 'Intermediário Superior'.

Yes, as a noun, 'o intermediário' means 'the middleman' or 'the broker'.

You say 'intermediário superior'.

It is neutral to formal. It is perfectly fine in daily conversation but also standard in professional documents.

The verb is 'intermediar' (to intermediate/mediate).

Not exactly. 'Médio' or 'mediano' is better for 'average'. 'Intermediário' implies a position in a sequence.

It is a single flap 'r', like the 'tt' in the American English word 'better'.

No, use 'médio' for a medium pizza or medium soda.