At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'justificável' often, but you should understand the basic idea behind it. Think of it as answering the question 'Por quê?' (Why?). When you explain why you are late or why you want something, you are giving a reason. At this level, you would use simpler words like 'bom' (good) or 'ok'. However, knowing that 'justificável' exists helps you see how Portuguese builds long words. It comes from 'justo' (just/fair). If something is 'justificável', it means you have a good reason for it. For example, if you say 'Eu estou cansado porque trabalhei muito' (I am tired because I worked a lot), your tiredness is 'justificável'. You can think of it as 'having a good excuse'. Even if you don't say the word yourself, you might see it on signs or in simple documents at a doctor's office or school explaining rules about missing class.
At the A2 level, you are starting to use more adjectives to describe situations. 'Justificável' is a great word to add to your vocabulary to explain your actions. It is an adjective that doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine), which makes it easier to use! You just need to remember that if you are talking about more than one thing, it becomes 'justificáveis'. You might use it when talking about work or school. If you miss a test, you need a 'motivo justificável' (a justifiable reason), like being sick. It's a step up from just saying 'eu tenho um motivo'. It sounds more official. You can also use it to talk about feelings. If your friend is sad because they lost their dog, you can say 'Sua tristeza é justificável'. This shows you understand why they feel that way. It's a very useful word for making your Portuguese sound more mature and logical.
By the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social interactions and express your opinions more clearly. 'Justificável' is essential here because it allows you to participate in discussions about what is right and wrong. You can use it to talk about news events, politics, or office culture. At this level, you should be able to use it with adverbs like 'totalmente' (totally) or 'parcialmente' (partially). For example, 'A decisão da empresa é parcialmente justificável'. You are also learning to connect ideas using 'porque' and 'visto que'. Using 'justificável' helps you summarize these connections. Instead of a long sentence, you can say 'O atraso foi justificável devido à chuva'. It shows you can evaluate a situation and provide a judgment based on evidence. You will start to see this word frequently in newspapers and online articles in Portuguese.
At the B2 level, which is where 'justificável' officially sits, you should be using this word with precision. You understand the difference between something being 'justo' (fair) and 'justificável' (defensible). You can use it in debates to argue your point of view. For instance, in a discussion about environmental laws, you might say: 'O aumento dos impostos sobre o carbono é justificável se o dinheiro for investido em energias renováveis'. You are also comfortable with the word family, using 'justificativa' (noun) and 'justificar' (verb) alongside the adjective. You can handle the plural 'justificáveis' without thinking twice about the spelling or pronunciation. This word is a key tool for you to write formal letters, participate in professional meetings, and understand the nuances of Portuguese law or social commentary. You can also recognize when someone is using the word to manipulate an argument, and you can counter it.
At the C1 level, you use 'justificável' in highly nuanced ways. You are aware of its legal, philosophical, and academic connotations. You might use it to discuss the 'justificabilidade' (justifiability) of a philosophical theory or a complex legal ruling. You can distinguish between 'justificável' and more specific terms like 'escusável' (excusable) or 'legítimo' (legitimate). Your sentences are complex: 'Embora a ação seja tecnicamente ilegal, ela é moralmente justificável sob as circunstâncias extremas em que ocorreu'. You use the word to add weight and authority to your arguments. You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when it is appropriate to use it in a high-level academic paper versus a formal speech. You can analyze how the word is used in classical Portuguese literature to defend the honor of characters or in modern political rhetoric to justify controversial policies.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native mastery of 'justificável'. You can use it with subtle irony or within complex rhetorical structures. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how its meaning has shifted in different Portuguese-speaking cultures (e.g., the legal nuances in Portugal vs. Brazil). You can use the word in the most formal contexts, such as drafting legal documents or philosophical treatises, where the exact definition of what is 'justificável' can have significant consequences. You might explore the limits of the word: 'Até que ponto a violência é justificável em um estado de exceção?' You are also capable of using the word in creative writing to build character motivations that are 'justificáveis' from the character's perspective but perhaps not the reader's. Your command of the word is absolute, including all its derivatives, collocations, and idiomatic uses.

justificável in 30 Seconds

  • Justificável means 'justifiable' or 'defensible' in English.
  • It is an adjective used for actions, reasons, or emotions.
  • The plural form is 'justificáveis' and it is gender-neutral.
  • Commonly used in legal, professional, and formal contexts.
The Portuguese adjective justificável is a cornerstone of logical and ethical discourse, functioning as a bridge between an action and its underlying reason. At its core, it describes something that can be shown to be right, reasonable, or defensible under specific circumstances. It is derived from the verb justificar (to justify), which in turn comes from the Latin iustificare. In daily life, speakers use this word when they need to evaluate whether a behavior, a decision, or an emotion makes sense given the context. For instance, if someone arrives late to a meeting due to a massive traffic jam caused by an accident, that delay is considered justificável. It is not just about being 'fair' (justo), but about being 'explainable' in a way that others can accept as valid.
Semantic Range
The word spans from mundane excuses to complex legal and philosophical arguments. It implies the existence of a standard or a set of rules against which an action is measured.

A ausência do aluno foi considerada justificável pelo diretor após a apresentação do atestado médico.

In a professional setting, justificável is often used in financial reports or performance reviews. An increase in budget might be justificável if it leads to a proportional increase in revenue. Conversely, the word's negative counterpart, injustificável, is frequently used to express moral outrage or criticism of irrational behavior. When you hear a Portuguese speaker use this term, they are appealing to your sense of logic and shared social norms. They are asking you to agree that, under the same pressure or conditions, the outcome was the most reasonable one possible.
Legal Context
In law, 'justificável' relates to the concept of 'excludente de ilicitude,' where an otherwise illegal act (like self-defense) becomes acceptable because the reasoning is legally sound.

O uso da força foi uma medida justificável para garantir a segurança dos civis durante o protesto.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in academic writing. Researchers must explain why their choice of methodology is justificável compared to other available options. It is about providing a 'justificativa' (justification) that stands up to scrutiny. In interpersonal relationships, it helps in resolving conflicts. Saying 'Sua raiva é justificável' (Your anger is justifiable) is a powerful way to validate someone else's feelings without necessarily agreeing with their subsequent actions. It acknowledges the cause-and-effect relationship between an event and a reaction.
Nuance
Do not confuse it with 'justo.' While 'justo' means fair or equitable, 'justificável' simply means that a reason exists that makes the act understandable or defensible within a logic system.

Embora o erro não tenha sido justo para a equipe, ele foi justificável dada a falta de treinamento prévio.

By mastering this word, you gain the ability to participate in debates about ethics, law, and social behavior in Portuguese with the precision of a native speaker. It allows you to move beyond simple 'good' or 'bad' judgments and into the realm of reasoned analysis.
Using justificável correctly requires an understanding of its role as an adjective and its placement within the sentence. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, and justificável is no exception. For example, in the phrase 'uma decisão justificável' (a justifiable decision), the adjective provides a quality to the decision itself. Because it ends in '-el', it is a uniform adjective regarding gender, meaning it stays the same whether the noun is masculine (o motivo justificável) or feminine (a causa justificável). This makes it relatively easy for learners to use without worrying about gender agreement.
Syntactic Function
It often functions as a predicative adjective, following linking verbs like 'ser' (to be), 'parecer' (to seem), or 'tornar-se' (to become).

A sua preocupação com o futuro da empresa é perfeitamente justificável.

When constructing sentences, you will often see it paired with adverbs of intensity to provide more nuance. Common pairings include 'plenamente justificável' (fully justifiable), 'parcialmente justificável' (partially justifiable), or 'dificilmente justificável' (hardly justifiable). These modifiers allow you to express the degree to which an action is defensible. For instance, 'O atraso é compreensível, mas não é plenamente justificável' (The delay is understandable, but not fully justifiable). This distinction is crucial in professional and academic settings where precision is valued. Another common structure involves the use of the preposition 'por' or 'devido a' to explain why something is justifiable. For example, 'O investimento é justificável pelo retorno esperado' (The investment is justifiable by the expected return). This structure connects the adjective directly to the evidence supporting it. In more formal writing, you might see the word at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, though this is less common in speech: 'Justificável ou não, a medida foi implementada' (Justifiable or not, the measure was implemented).
Common Noun Pairings
Words like 'atitude', 'medo', 'ausência', 'gasto', and 'relação' are frequently modified by 'justificável'.

Houve um aumento justificável nos custos de produção devido à inflação global.

It is also useful in the context of moral dilemmas. You might ask, 'É justificável mentir para proteger alguém?' (Is it justifiable to lie to protect someone?). Here, the word acts as the focal point of the ethical inquiry. In response, one might say 'Em certas situações, é justificável' (In certain situations, it is justifiable). This demonstrates how the word facilitates complex discussions about human behavior.
Comparative and Superlative
To compare, use 'mais justificável que' or 'menos justificável que'. For the superlative, use 'o mais justificável' or 'muito justificável'.

Esta opção parece ser a mais justificável entre todas as alternativas apresentadas.

By practicing these patterns, you will find that justificável becomes a versatile tool in your Portuguese vocabulary, allowing you to express nuance in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you are explaining a late arrival or debating public policy, this word provides the necessary weight to your arguments.
You will encounter justificável in a variety of real-world scenarios in Portuguese-speaking countries, ranging from the evening news to corporate boardrooms and even in casual conversations about social behavior. In the media, journalists often use the term when discussing government actions or economic shifts. For example, a reporter might ask a politician if a new tax hike is justificável given the current economic crisis. In this context, the word carries a heavy load of public accountability. It is not just about the legality of the tax, but about its social and moral acceptance by the population.
The Newsroom
Listen for it during interviews where experts analyze market trends or political decisions. It is a favorite word for pundits and analysts.

O comentarista afirmou que a greve dos caminhoneiros era justificável devido ao alto preço do diesel.

In the corporate world, justificável is essential for anyone working in administration, finance, or human resources. When a manager reviews a project proposal, they look for 'gastos justificáveis' (justifiable expenses). If an employee misses a deadline, they need to provide a 'motivo justificável' (justifiable reason) to avoid repercussions. In Brazil or Portugal, formal letters and emails regarding absences or budget deviations will almost certainly use this term. It signals a level of professionalism and a respect for established procedures.
Legal and Judicial Settings
In a courtroom, lawyers argue whether a defendant's actions were 'justificáveis' under the law, such as in cases of 'legítima defesa' (self-defense).

O juiz decidiu que a reação do réu foi justificável diante da ameaça iminente.

In everyday social life, you might hear this word during a heated debate among friends or family members. If someone is being criticized for their behavior, a defender might step in and say, 'Calma, a atitude dele é justificável se você considerar o que aconteceu ontem' (Calm down, his attitude is justifiable if you consider what happened yesterday). It is a way of asking for empathy and understanding. You will also see it in literature and opinion pieces in newspapers like Folha de S.Paulo or Público, where authors dissect the complexities of modern life.
Academic Environment
In universities, professors use it to critique student theses. They might say a conclusion is not 'justificável' based on the data provided.

A escolha dessa metodologia científica é justificável pela natureza qualitativa da pesquisa.

Overall, justificável is a high-frequency word for anyone engaging with Portuguese at an intermediate to advanced level. It appears in any situation where reasons must be weighed against actions, making it an indispensable part of the language for serious learners.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make when using justificável is confusing it with the word justo (just/fair). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Justo refers to something that is equitable, moral, or correct according to a standard of justice. Justificável, however, means that something can be explained or defended with a reason. For example, a punishment might be justificável because the rules were broken, but a person might still feel it is not justo because it is too harsh. Understanding this distinction is key to sounding precise in Portuguese.
Mistake: Confusing with 'Justificado'
Learners often use 'justificado' (the past participle) when they mean 'justificável' (the quality). 'Justificado' means it HAS been justified, while 'justificável' means it CAN be justified.

Errado: O seu medo é justificado (unless you have already explained it).
Correto: O seu medo é justificável (it makes sense for you to feel that way).

Another common error is failing to apply the correct plural form. In Portuguese, adjectives ending in '-el' form the plural by changing the '-l' to '-is'. Many students mistakenly say 'justificáveis' as 'justificávels' or 'justificáveis' incorrectly. Remember: justificável (singular) becomes justificáveis (plural). This rule applies regardless of whether the noun is masculine or feminine. Forgetting the accent mark on the 'á' in the plural is also a common spelling error; the stress remains on the third-to-last syllable in the plural (jus-ti-fi-CÁ-veis).
Preposition Errors
Learners often struggle with which preposition to use after 'justificável'. In most cases, you use 'por' (by) or 'pelo/pela' to introduce the reason.

Correto: Um erro justificável pela falta de tempo.
Errado: Um erro justificável com a falta de tempo.

Additionally, some learners use justificável to describe people, which is rare and usually incorrect. You justify actions, decisions, emotions, or costs, but you rarely describe a person as 'justifiable'. If you want to say a person is right or has a good reason, you would say 'ele tem razão' (he is right) or 'ele está agindo de forma justificável' (he is acting in a justifiable way). Using the adjective directly on a person (e.g., 'Ele é justificável') sounds very strange and confusing to a native speaker.
Overuse in Informal Speech
While not a grammatical error, using 'justificável' in very casual settings can sound overly stiff. In a bar with friends, you'd likely say 'dá para entender' (it's understandable) instead.

Amigo: 'Desculpe o atraso.'
Você: 'Tudo bem, dá para entender' (Natural) vs. 'Seu atraso é justificável' (Formal/Stiff).

Finally, watch out for the negative form injustificável. It is a very strong word in Portuguese, often used to express deep disapproval. Using justificável when you actually mean to criticize something by saying it is 'injustificável' will completely flip your intended meaning. Pay close attention to that 'in-' prefix!
To truly master Portuguese, you need to know not just justificável, but also its synonyms and related terms that can be used to vary your speech and writing. Depending on the context, you might choose a word that emphasizes logic, empathy, or legality. One of the closest synonyms is compreensível (understandable). While justificável implies a defense or a logical basis, compreensível is more about human empathy and the ability to see things from another's perspective. You might say an error is compreensível because everyone makes mistakes, but it is justificável because the instructions were wrong.
Comparison: Justificável vs. Compreensível
'Justificável' is more clinical and objective; 'compreensível' is warmer and more subjective.

A reação dela foi compreensível (empathy), mas não creio que seja justificável (logic/rules).

Another alternative is defensável (defensible). This word is often used in legal or academic debates. It suggests that a position can be argued and protected against criticism. If you are presenting a controversial theory, you would want to show that it is defensável. Similarly, legítimo (legitimate) is used when something is not only justifiable but also follows the law or established principles. A 'legítima defesa' is a specific legal term, but you can also have a 'preocupação legítima' (legitimate concern).
Comparison: Justificável vs. Razoável
'Razoável' (reasonable) is broader and often refers to the quantity or quality of something being 'fair enough' or 'within reason'.

O preço cobrado parece razoável, e o aumento é justificável pela inflação.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might use escusável (excusable). This specifically refers to faults or errors that can be forgiven because of the circumstances. It is less common in modern spoken Portuguese but appears in legal texts and older literature. On the flip side, aceitável (acceptable) is a very common, simpler word that can often substitute justificável in general conversation. 'É um comportamento aceitável' is a more common way to say something is within the bounds of social norms.
Opposites
The direct antonym is 'injustificável'. Other opposites include 'indefensável' (indefensible) and 'absurdo' (absurd).

O comportamento dele foi totalmente injustificável e não há desculpas.

By understanding these alternatives, you can tailor your Portuguese to the specific 'flavor' of the situation, whether you want to be empathetic, legalistic, or simply descriptive.

Examples by Level

1

O meu atraso é justificável.

My delay is justifiable.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

2

Iso é justificável?

Is that justifiable?

Question form using intonation.

3

O motivo é justificável.

The reason is justifiable.

Masculine noun with the adjective.

4

A falta não é justificável.

The absence is not justifiable.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

5

Sua raiva é justificável.

Your anger is justifiable.

Feminine noun with the adjective (no change in form).

6

Um erro justificável.

A justifiable error.

Noun phrase with indefinite article.

7

É justificável chorar.

It is justifiable to cry.

Impersonal 'É' + adjective + infinitive.

8

Isso parece justificável.

That seems justifiable.

Use of the linking verb 'parecer'.

1

As ausências são justificáveis com um atestado.

Absences are justifiable with a medical certificate.

Plural form 'justificáveis'.

2

Sua preocupação é muito justificável.

Your concern is very justifiable.

Use of the intensifier 'muito'.

3

Ele deu uma explicação justificável.

He gave a justifiable explanation.

Adjective following the noun.

4

O preço alto é justificável pela qualidade.

The high price is justifiable by the quality.

Passive structure with 'pela'.

5

Não acho que isso seja justificável.

I don't think that is justifiable.

Subjunctive mood after 'não acho que'.

6

Suas razões são justificáveis para nós.

Your reasons are justifiable to us.

Plural agreement.

7

Foi um gasto justificável no final.

It was a justifiable expense in the end.

Past tense 'foi'.

8

O medo dele é justificável nesta situação.

His fear is justifiable in this situation.

Contextual use of the adjective.

1

A mudança de planos foi plenamente justificável.

The change of plans was fully justifiable.

Use of the adverb 'plenamente'.

2

É justificável que ele esteja chateado.

It is justifiable that he is upset.

Impersonal construction followed by a 'que' clause.

3

O aumento salarial é justificável pelo esforço da equipe.

The salary increase is justifiable by the team's effort.

Connecting a reason with 'pelo'.

4

Apresentamos argumentos justificáveis para o projeto.

We presented justifiable arguments for the project.

Plural adjective modifying 'argumentos'.

5

Sua decisão, embora difícil, é justificável.

Your decision, although difficult, is justifiable.

Use of 'embora' to show contrast.

6

O comportamento agressivo nunca é justificável.

Aggressive behavior is never justifiable.

Negative adverb 'nunca'.

7

Consideramos a proposta justificável sob estas condições.

We consider the proposal justifiable under these conditions.

Verb 'considerar' + object + adjective.

8

Houve uma demora justificável na entrega.

There was a justifiable delay in the delivery.

Use of 'houve' (there was).

1

A intervenção policial foi considerada justificável pelo inquérito.

The police intervention was considered justifiable by the inquiry.

Passive voice with 'foi considerada'.

2

É justificável mentir em uma situação de perigo extremo?

Is it justifiable to lie in a situation of extreme danger?

Interrogative with infinitive.

3

A demissão foi justificável por justa causa.

The dismissal was justifiable for just cause.

Legal terminology 'justa causa'.

4

A empresa ofereceu uma justificativa justificável para a falha.

The company offered a justifiable justification for the failure.

Word family use (justificativa + justificável).

5

Suas suspeitas são justificáveis, mas precisamos de provas.

Your suspicions are justifiable, but we need proof.

Contrast using 'mas'.

6

O investimento em tecnologia é justificável a longo prazo.

Investment in technology is justifiable in the long run.

Temporal phrase 'a longo prazo'.

7

A reação do mercado foi justificável diante da incerteza política.

The market reaction was justifiable given the political uncertainty.

Complex noun phrase 'diante da'.

8

Muitos consideram essa medida ética e justificável.

Many consider this measure ethical and justifiable.

Coordination with 'ética'.

1

A fundamentação teórica torna a hipótese perfeitamente justificável.

The theoretical foundation makes the hypothesis perfectly justifiable.

Academic tone with 'fundamentação teórica'.

2

Sob a ótica do direito internacional, a sanção é justificável.

From the perspective of international law, the sanction is justifiable.

Prepositional phrase 'Sob a ótica de'.

3

A recusa em colaborar foi considerada justificável pelo tribunal.

The refusal to cooperate was considered justifiable by the court.

Legal context.

4

É justificável o uso de recursos públicos para fins privados?

Is the use of public resources for private purposes justifiable?

Inverted sentence order for emphasis.

5

A complexidade do tema torna qualquer generalização pouco justificável.

The complexity of the topic makes any generalization hardly justifiable.

Use of 'pouco' as a negative modifier.

6

A revolta popular tornou-se justificável após anos de opressão.

The popular revolt became justifiable after years of oppression.

Verb 'tornar-se' (to become).

7

A alocação de capital é justificável pela análise de risco.

The capital allocation is justifiable by the risk analysis.

Technical financial terminology.

8

Sua conduta, embora atípica, é justificável pelas circunstâncias.

Your conduct, although atypical, is justifiable by the circumstances.

Use of 'atípica' and 'circunstâncias'.

1

A teleologia da ação sugere que o resultado era justificável.

The teleology of the action suggests that the result was justifiable.

Philosophical register.

2

É ontologicamente justificável a existência de tal paradoxo?

Is the existence of such a paradox ontologically justifiable?

Use of the adverb 'ontologicamente'.

3

A hermenêutica jurídica busca tornar a norma justificável na prática.

Legal hermeneutics seeks to make the norm justifiable in practice.

Advanced legal theory vocabulary.

4

A obsolescência programada é justificável sob o prisma do lucro?

Is planned obsolescence justifiable from the perspective of profit?

Economic/Ethical debate terminology.

5

Sua retórica, conquanto persuasiva, carece de base justificável.

Your rhetoric, although persuasive, lacks a justifiable basis.

Use of the conjunction 'conquanto'.

6

A intervenção estatal é justificável em prol do bem comum?

Is state intervention justifiable for the sake of the common good?

Phrase 'em prol de'.

7

A subjetividade da moral torna o conceito de 'justificável' fluido.

The subjectivity of morality makes the concept of 'justifiable' fluid.

Metalinguistic commentary.

8

O pragmatismo político muitas vezes ignora o que é moralmente justificável.

Political pragmatism often ignores what is morally justifiable.

Adverb 'moralmente' + adjective.

Common Collocations

Motivo justificável
Ausência justificável
Gasto justificável
Medo justificável
Preocupação justificável
Decisão justificável
Atraso justificável
Atitude justificável
Relação justificável
Aumento justificável

Common Phrases

Perfeitamente justificável

— Something that is completely and obviously reasonable.

A sua dúvida é perfeitamente justificável.

Dificilmente justificável

— Something that is very hard to defend or explain.

O comportamento dele é dificilmente justificável.

Plenamente justificável

— Fully justifiable; used in formal reports.

O investimento foi plenamente justificável.

Moralmente justificável

— Right according to ethics, even if not by law.

Mentir para salvar uma vida é moralmente justificável?

Legalmente justificável

— Defensible according to the law.

A ação foi considerada legalmente justificável.

Justificável ou não

— Whether it is justifiable or not (used to dismiss the debate).

Justificável ou não, ele foi demitido.

Nada justifica/Não é justificável

— There is no excuse for this.

Nada é justificável quando se trata de violência.

Tornar justificável

— To make something seem reasonable.

Ele tentou tornar justificável o seu erro.

Considerar justificável

— To judge something as defensible.

O diretor considerou a falta justificável.

Parecer justificável

— To seem like it has a good reason.

A proposta parece justificável à primeira vista.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pôr panos quentes"

— To try to justify or minimize a problem to avoid conflict.

Ele tentou pôr panos quentes, dizendo que o erro era justificável.

Informal
"Dar uma de João sem braço"

— To pretend not to understand something to avoid a 'justificativa'.

Ele deu uma de João sem braço para não dar uma razão justificável.

Informal/Slang
"Justiça seja feita"

— To be fair (often followed by a 'justificativa').

Justiça seja feita, o atraso dele foi justificável.

Neutral
"Tapara o sol com a peneira"

— To try to hide a big mistake with a weak justification.

Dizer que o erro foi justificável é tentar tapar o sol com a peneira.

Informal
"Cair por terra"

— When a justification is proven wrong.

O argumento justificável dele caiu por terra com as novas provas.

Neutral
"Fazer coro"

— To agree with a justification.

Todos fizeram coro de que a medida era justificável.

Neutral
"Lavar as mãos"

— To refuse to justify or take responsibility.

Ele lavou as mãos e não disse se a ação era justificável.

Neutral
"Puxar a brasa para a sua sardinha"

— To justify something in a way that only benefits yourself.

Ele tentou mostrar que o gasto era justificável, mas só estava puxando a brasa para a sua sardinha.

Informal
"Botar os pingos nos is"

— To clarify exactly why something happened (making it justificável).

Vamos botar os pingos nos is para ver se isso é justificável.

Informal
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