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B2 noun 14 min read

link

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips link in 30 Seconds

Explanation link in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'link' is very easy to learn because it is exactly the same as in English. You use it when talking about the internet. For example, if you want to show a friend a website, you say 'o link'. You don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember it is 'o link' (masculine). You will hear it in basic phrases like 'Clica no link' (Click on the link) or 'Manda o link' (Send the link). It is a very useful word for beginners because so much of our life is online now. Even if you don't know many Portuguese words, you can use 'link' and people will understand you perfectly. It is one of the first 'global' words you will encounter in your Portuguese journey. Think of it as a bridge between your English knowledge and your new Portuguese skills. You can use it with simple verbs like 'ter' (to have) or 'ver' (to see). For example: 'Eu tenho o link' (I have the link).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'link' in slightly more descriptive sentences. You might talk about where a link goes or who sent it to you. For instance, 'O link que você mandou é muito interessante' (The link you sent is very interesting). You are also learning to use prepositions, so you can say 'O link para o site' (The link to the site). At this stage, you should recognize that 'link' is the common word for any internet address. You might also notice it in social media contexts, like 'link na bio'. You are starting to understand that while Portuguese has its own words, it also adopts many English words for technology. This makes your life easier as a learner! Just be careful with the plural: 'dois links'. You don't need to add an 'es' at the end like many other Portuguese words. It's a simple, short word that helps you communicate effectively in digital spaces.

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with intermediate structures. You can use 'link' to describe processes. 'Depois de copiar o link, você deve colá-lo no e-mail' (After copying the link, you should paste it in the email). You are also starting to see 'link' used in more professional or educational settings. A teacher might say, 'Vou disponibilizar o link da aula gravada no portal' (I will make the link of the recorded class available on the portal). You should also begin to distinguish between 'link' (digital) and 'ligação' (general connection). While 'link' is great for the web, if you are talking about a phone call, you must use 'ligação'. At B1, you are refining your word choices to be more context-appropriate. You might also encounter the word 'link' in news headlines about 'links ao vivo' (live links/broadcasts). It's a versatile word that bridges the gap between casual and formal digital communication.

At the B2 level, you should understand the broader, more abstract applications of 'link'. It's not just about a URL anymore; it's about connections between ideas or events. For example, 'Os cientistas encontraram um link entre o hábito de leitura e a saúde mental' (Scientists found a link between the habit of reading and mental health). You are expected to use 'link' as a synonym for 'conexão' or 'relação' in semi-formal contexts, particularly in business or academic discussions. You should also be aware of the linguistic status of 'link' as an anglicism and how it integrates into Portuguese grammar (masculine gender, English plural). You might start using it with more complex verbs like 'estabelecer' (to establish) or 'identificar' (to identify). For instance, 'É difícil identificar o link causal nesta situação' (It's difficult to identify the causal link in this situation). Your usage should reflect an understanding of register—knowing that 'link' is modern and efficient, while words like 'vínculo' or 'nexo' might be preferred in highly formal writing.

At the C1 level, you use 'link' with the precision of a native speaker. you understand its nuances in different domains, from IT to broadcast journalism and sociology. You can discuss the impact of English loanwords on the Portuguese language and use 'link' naturally in complex arguments. You might use it to describe networking: 'Ela foi o link principal entre os investidores e a startup' (She was the main link between the investors and the startup). You are also aware of related terms like 'hiperligação' and when they might appear in formal software documentation or academic papers. Your pronunciation should be natural, following the local norms (nasalized in Brazil, more English-like in Portugal). You can also use the word in idiomatic ways, recognizing when it's being used metaphorically to describe a bridge between cultures or historical periods. You handle the word with ease, integrating it into sophisticated sentence structures that use the subjunctive or passive voice: 'Sugiro que o link seja verificado antes da publicação' (I suggest the link be verified before publication).

At the C2 level, 'link' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic repertoire. You understand the historical trajectory of the word's adoption into Portuguese and can use it in highly specialized contexts. You might use it in a literary or philosophical sense to describe an 'invisible link' (um link invisível) between disparate concepts, though you might also choose 'elo' or 'vínculo' for stylistic variety. You are comfortable using 'link' in technical discourse about SEO (Search Engine Optimization), discussing 'backlinks' and 'link building' as if they were native terms. You can critique the use of anglicisms in Portuguese media, using 'link' as a prime example. Your mastery allows you to use the word in any register, from the most casual slang to high-level corporate strategy. You understand the subtle social implications of using 'link' versus its Portuguese counterparts and can choose the word that perfectly fits the 'tone' of your message. Essentially, you use the word with total fluidly, aware of its digital origins but also its broad modern utility.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

link in 30 Seconds

A direct loanword from English used for internet hyperlinks.
Functions as a masculine noun (o link) with the plural 'links'.
Used metaphorically for logical or professional connections.
Common in IT, journalism, social media, and academic contexts.

The word link in Portuguese is a fascinating example of a direct linguistic loanword from English that has become completely integrated into the daily vocabulary of millions of speakers across Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. While traditional Portuguese offers words like ligação, vínculo, or hiperligação, the term link has effectively won the battle for linguistic dominance in digital, technical, and increasingly, abstract contexts. In its most literal sense, it refers to a hyperlink—a clickable element on a webpage that directs a user to another location. However, its usage has expanded significantly, especially among younger generations and in professional environments, to represent any form of connection or bridge between ideas, people, or data points.

Digital Identity: In the world of technology, 'link' is the undisputed king. Whether you are talking about sharing a YouTube video, a LinkedIn profile, or a cloud document, you 'send the link' (manda o link). It is treated as a masculine noun: o link.
Metaphorical Connection: Beyond the screen, 'link' is often used to describe a logical relationship. For instance, a detective might look for a 'link' between two crimes, or a scientist might study the 'link' between diet and health. In these cases, it functions as a synonym for conexão.

Por favor, clique no link para confirmar sua inscrição no curso de português.

The adoption of 'link' is part of a broader trend of 'Anglicismos' (Anglicisms) in Portuguese, particularly within the 'TI' (Tecnologia da Informação) sector. While some purists in Portugal might still prefer the term hiperligação, even there, the brevity and international recognition of 'link' make it the preferred choice for UI/UX designers and casual users alike. In Brazil, the word is even more deeply embedded, often appearing in spoken language with a slightly modified pronunciation (often sounding like 'lin-ki').

Social Context: In social media marketing, the phrase 'Link na bio' (Link in bio) has become a cultural staple, demonstrating how the word transcends language barriers to become a functional command.

Não encontrei nenhum link lógico entre as duas teorias apresentadas pelo professor.

Understanding the nuance of 'link' requires recognizing that it is rarely used for physical chains or heavy industrial connections in Portuguese. For a literal metal chain link, a Portuguese speaker would use elo. Therefore, 'link' is reserved for the digital, the abstract, and the relational. If you use it to describe a chain on a bicycle, people will likely be confused. It is this specificity that makes it a B2 level word; you must know not just what it means, but where its boundaries lie compared to native synonyms.

Professional Usage: In corporate meetings, you might hear: 'Precisamos criar um link entre o departamento de vendas e o de marketing.' This implies creating a functional communication channel or a strategic alignment.

O link de convite para a reunião expira em vinte e quatro horas.

To master the use of 'link' in Portuguese, one must observe how it interacts with verbs. We 'clicamos no link' (click on the link), 'enviamos o link' (send the link), 'copiamos o link' (copy the link), and 'seguimos o link' (follow the link). It is a versatile tool in the modern speaker's arsenal, bridging the gap between traditional grammar and the fast-paced digital reality of the 21st century. Its prevalence is a testament to the global nature of the internet, where English terminology often sets the standard for technical communication.

Você salvou o link daquela pesquisa que estávamos lendo ontem?

Houve um link imediato de simpatia entre os dois novos colegas de trabalho.

Using the word link correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and its specific collocations. While it is an English word, it follows Portuguese syntax rules. You will almost always see it preceded by the definite article o or the indefinite article um. In this section, we will explore the various syntactic environments where 'link' appears, from simple digital commands to complex logical arguments.

The Digital Imperative: When giving instructions online, 'link' is the primary object. Common verbs include compartilhar (to share), acessar (to access), and quebrar (to break, as in a 'broken link').

Se o link não funcionar, tente atualizar a página do seu navegador.

In a sentence like 'O link está quebrado' (The link is broken), we see the use of the verb estar to describe a temporary state. This is standard for technical issues. If you want to describe a permanent connection, you might use ser, though this is less common for digital links. For example, 'Este é o link oficial' (This is the official link).

Moving into abstract usage, 'link' often replaces relação or conexão to sound more modern or technical. In academic or business Portuguese, you might encounter sentences that analyze the 'link' between variables. This usage is particularly common in fields like marketing, psychology, and data science.

Abstract Relationships: Using 'link' to describe a mental or conceptual association. Example: 'Existe um link direto entre o desmatamento e o aquecimento global.'

Os investigadores estão tentando estabelecer um link entre o suspeito e o local do crime.

Another important aspect is the pluralization. As mentioned, 'links' is the standard plural. Example: 'Eu te enviei vários links úteis para a sua pesquisa.' Notice how the adjective 'úteis' agrees with the masculine plural noun. In formal writing, some might argue for 'ligações', but in any modern business report, 'links' is perfectly acceptable.

Prepositional Patterns: 'Link para' (Link to) is used to indicate destination. 'Link entre' (Link between) is used to indicate a relationship between two entities.

Aqui está o link para o formulário que você precisa preencher até amanhã.

Finally, consider the verb linkar. While not yet in all formal dictionaries, it is a widely used 'neologismo' (neologism) meaning 'to link'. You might hear: 'Você pode linkar essa imagem ao nosso site?' However, for B2 learners, it is safer to use 'criar um link' or 'conectar' in formal contexts, while recognizing 'linkar' in casual conversation. The word 'link' itself remains the most stable and useful form for a learner to master across all registers of Portuguese.

O artigo faz um link interessante com a filosofia grega antiga.

Copie o link e cole-o na barra de endereços do seu navegador.

If you spend any time in a Portuguese-speaking environment today, you will hear the word link constantly. It has migrated from the computer lab to the dinner table, the office, and the newsroom. Its presence is a marker of the digital age and the globalization of the Portuguese language. Let's look at the specific domains where this word is most prevalent and how its meaning might subtly shift depending on the setting.

In the Tech Industry (Startups/IT): Here, 'link' is purely technical. Developers discuss 'broken links', 'deep links', and 'backlinks'. It's the language of the internet infrastructure. You'll hear: 'O link simbólico foi corrompido' (The symbolic link was corrupted).

O desenvolvedor corrigiu o link quebrado no menu principal do aplicativo.

In the world of social media, influencers and everyday users alike rely on the word. 'Manda o link' is a common request in WhatsApp groups when someone mentions a news article, a product, or a meme. It has become a social currency—sharing a link is sharing information, entertainment, or a call to action. In this context, 'link' is often used without any articles in rapid-fire speech: 'Me passa link?'

In Modern Journalism: News anchors and online reporters use 'link' to refer to live connections (links ao vivo) or to provide sources for their stories. 'Confira o link na nossa descrição' is a phrase you will hear at the end of many YouTube news segments.

Estamos agora em um link ao vivo com o correspondente em Lisboa.

In academic and scientific circles, 'link' is used to describe correlations. While correlação is the formal term, 'link' is used in presentations and discussions to make the content more accessible. For example, 'O link entre o consumo de açúcar e o diabetes é amplamente documentado.' This usage shows the word's transition from a noun of action (a thing that connects) to a noun of state (the connection itself).

The word also appears in the context of television broadcasting. A 'link' can refer to the satellite or microwave connection between a remote truck and the station. This is a very specific professional jargon, but it illustrates how 'link' has replaced older terms like conexão via satélite in everyday speech among media professionals.

Daily Life and Networking: People use 'link' to describe personal introductions. 'Vou fazer o link entre você e meu chefe' (I'll make the link/connection between you and my boss). It implies a bridge-building role.

A música serve como um link cultural entre diferentes gerações de brasileiros.

In summary, 'link' is ubiquitous. It is heard in the classroom when a teacher shares resources, in the office when a colleague sends a spreadsheet, and on the street when friends share a viral video. Its utility lies in its brevity and its clear, modern connotations. For a learner, hearing 'link' is a relief—it's a familiar word in an unfamiliar landscape, but its specific Portuguese 'flavor' and grammatical behavior are what you must tune your ear to catch.

O link para o download do arquivo foi enviado por e-mail.

Não vejo nenhum link entre o que ele disse e o que ele realmente fez.

Even though link is an English loanword, English speakers often make subtle mistakes when using it in a Portuguese context. These errors usually stem from gender agreement, pronunciation, or overextending its meaning into areas where native Portuguese words are strictly required. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and precise.

Gender Confusion: In Portuguese, 'link' is masculine (o link). English speakers sometimes mistakenly treat it as feminine because 'ligação' (connection) is feminine. Never say 'a link'. Always use 'o link'.

Errado: Eu cliquei na link.
Correto: Eu cliquei no link.

Another common mistake is using 'link' for physical objects. In English, you might talk about a 'link in a chain'. In Portuguese, using 'link' for a physical chain link sounds like a translation error. You must use elo for physical chains. 'Link' is strictly for digital or abstract connections.

Pronunciation is a minor but noticeable area for mistakes. English speakers often pronounce the 'n' as a full alveolar 'n', whereas in Portuguese (especially Brazilian), the 'n' nasalizes the preceding vowel 'i', and the 'k' is often followed by a short 'i' sound. While you will be understood with an English accent, mimicking the local phonology helps with immersion.

Overusing the Loanword: While 'link' is common, using it in very formal or poetic contexts can seem lazy or overly 'Americanized'. In a formal legal document, 'vínculo' or 'nexo' is much more appropriate.

O juiz não encontrou o nexo causal entre a ação e o dano. (Using 'link' here would be too informal for a court ruling).

There is also the confusion with the verb forms. Some learners try to conjugate 'link' as a Portuguese verb without the proper ending (e.g., 'Eu link o site'). If you must use it as a verb, you must use the 'ar' suffix: linkar. However, as noted before, 'criar um link' or 'conectar' is often better for learners to avoid slang-heavy speech until they are more advanced.

Pluralization Errors: Sometimes learners try to pluralize it as 'linques' or 'linkes'. While you might see 'linques' in very old or hyper-localized texts, 'links' is the standard spelling and plural form in modern Portuguese.

Envie os links das referências bibliográficas no final do trabalho.

Lastly, be careful with the preposition. In English, we 'link to' something. In Portuguese, we often use 'link para' for a destination, but 'link com' when connecting two things together. Using 'de' (link of) is also common but specifies the type of link rather than its target. Getting the prepositions wrong can make the sentence feel 'clunky' even if the main word is understood.

Havia um link emocional forte entre a música e suas memórias de infância.

Não confunda o link de afiliado com o link direto do produto.

While link is a powerful and versatile word, a B2 learner should have a variety of alternatives at their disposal to vary their register and be more precise. Portuguese is rich with synonyms for 'connection', each carrying a slightly different weight or context. Knowing when to use 'link' versus 'ligação' or 'vínculo' is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.

Ligação vs. Link: Ligação is the most general term. It can mean a phone call, a chemical bond, or a physical connection. Use 'ligação' for general purposes and 'link' specifically for digital or abstract conceptual connections.
Vínculo vs. Link: Vínculo implies a stronger, often emotional or legal bond. You have a 'vínculo' with your family or an 'empregatício' (employment) bond with a company. 'Link' is too 'cold' and technical for these deep human connections.

A terapia ajudou a fortalecer o vínculo entre pais e filhos.

In a technical manual or software interface, you might still see hiperligação. This is the formal, 'pure' Portuguese term for a hyperlink. While rarely used in speech, it is important for reading comprehension, especially in European Portuguese settings where linguistic purism is slightly more common than in Brazil.

Conexão vs. Link: Conexão is often used for internet connectivity (e.g., 'conexão wi-fi') or logical flow. It is almost interchangeable with 'link' in abstract contexts, but 'conexão' sounds slightly more formal.

Perdemos a conexão com o servidor durante o upload do arquivo.

For physical connections, as mentioned, the word is elo. This refers to a single loop in a chain. Metaphorically, 'elo' is used to describe a 'missing link' in evolution (o elo perdido) or a key person in a network. Using 'link' for 'elo perdido' would be understood but is not the standard idiomatic expression.

Nexo vs. Link: Nexo is a high-level word meaning 'coherence' or 'logical link'. If someone is talking nonsense, you say 'isso não tem nexo' (that has no logic/link). 'Link' is too technical for this specific idiomatic use.

As ideias do autor carecem de nexo causal, tornando o argumento fraco.

Finally, consider relacionamento or relação. These are used for interpersonal relationships or mathematical ratios. While a 'link' can exist between data points, the 'relação' describes the nature of that connection. By diversifying your vocabulary with these terms, you can navigate from a casual WhatsApp chat to a formal business presentation with ease, using 'link' precisely when it is the most effective tool for the job.

Existe uma relação direta entre o esforço e o resultado final.

O elo mais fraco da corrente acabou por ceder sob a pressão.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

While 'link' is used for URLs today, its ancestor 'hlekkr' was used by Vikings to describe the chains on their ships. Now, those 'chains' hold the internet together!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /lɪŋk/

US /lɪŋk/

Monosyllabic; stress is on the only syllable.

Rhymes With

brinque trinque clique (near rhyme) pique (near rhyme) tique chique fique indique

Common Errors

In Brazil, adding an 'i' at the end (/lĩki/).
Nasalizing the 'i' too much so it sounds like 'lenc'.
Pronouncing the 'l' as a 'u' (like 'uink'), which is common for 'l' at the end of words in Brazil, but usually avoided for 'link'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Extremely easy as it is identical to English.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but requires knowing the masculine gender and plural rules.

Speaking 3/5

Moderate due to the slight pronunciation shifts in different regions.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize, though it may sound like 'lin-ki' in Brazil.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

computador internet site clicar enviar

Learn Next

ligação conexão vínculo rede navegador

Advanced

hiperligação nexo causal interconectividade protocolo servidor

Grammar to Know

Gender of loanwords

Most English loanwords in Portuguese are masculine: o link, o mouse, o site.

Plural of loanwords

English loanwords ending in consonants often just add 's': links, sites.

Contractions with 'em' and 'de'

No link (em + o link), do link (de + o link).

Position of adjectives

O link 'útil' (Adjective follows the noun).

Use of definite articles

Portuguese uses articles more frequently than English: 'The link' becomes 'O link'.

Examples by Level

O link está aqui.

The link is here.

Uses the definite article 'o' (masculine).

Você tem o link?

Do you have the link?

Simple question structure.

Manda o link, por favor.

Send the link, please.

Imperative 'manda' (informal).

O link é azul.

The link is blue.

Adjective 'azul' follows the noun.

Clica no link.

Click on the link.

Contraction 'no' (em + o).

Eu vi o link no WhatsApp.

I saw the link on WhatsApp.

Past tense 'vi' (from ver).

Não abra o link.

Don't open the link.

Negative imperative.

Onde está o link?

Where is the link?

Interrogative 'onde'.

O link para o vídeo é este.

The link to the video is this one.

Preposition 'para' indicates destination.

Eu te enviei o link ontem.

I sent you the link yesterday.

Indirect object pronoun 'te'.

O link não funciona no meu celular.

The link doesn't work on my phone.

Verb 'funcionar' in the negative.

Você pode copiar o link?

Can you copy the link?

Modal verb 'pode' + infinitive.

O link da reunião está no e-mail.

The meeting link is in the email.

Genitive 'da' (de + a) indicates belonging.

Preciso de um link novo.

I need a new link.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

Abra o link em uma nova aba.

Open the link in a new tab.

Prepositional phrase 'em uma nova aba'.

Salve o link nos seus favoritos.

Save the link in your favorites.

Possessive 'seus' agreeing with 'favoritos'.

Sempre verifique o link antes de clicar para evitar vírus.

Always check the link before clicking to avoid viruses.

Adverb 'sempre' and infinitive 'clicar'.

O professor compartilhou o link da apresentação com a turma.

The teacher shared the presentation link with the class.

Past tense 'compartilhou' (perfect).

Se você perder o link, pode pedir novamente.

If you lose the link, you can ask for it again.

Conditional 'se' + future subjunctive 'perder'.

O link expira em trinta minutos, então seja rápido.

The link expires in thirty minutes, so be quick.

Imperative 'seja' (from ser).

Coloque o link no corpo do texto, não no assunto.

Put the link in the body of the text, not in the subject line.

Contrastive 'não no'.

Não consegui acessar o link porque o site está fora do ar.

I couldn't access the link because the site is down.

Compound conjunction 'porque'.

Este link redireciona para a página oficial do governo.

This link redirects to the official government page.

Verb 'redirecionar' in the present tense.

Você recebeu o link de confirmação no seu e-mail?

Did you receive the confirmation link in your email?

Interrogative with past tense 'recebeu'.

Existe um link evidente entre o estresse e a falta de sono.

There is an evident link between stress and lack of sleep.

Abstract use of 'link' meaning connection.

O artigo acadêmico fornece o link para todas as fontes citadas.

The academic article provides the link to all cited sources.

Technical use in a formal context.

Precisamos criar um link mais forte entre a teoria e a prática.

We need to create a stronger link between theory and practice.

Metaphorical use in education/business.

O link de convite foi enviado apenas para os convidados VIP.

The invitation link was sent only to the VIP guests.

Passive voice 'foi enviado'.

O detetive procurava um link que unisse os dois casos isolados.

The detective was looking for a link that would unite the two isolated cases.

Imperfect tense 'procurava' and subjunctive 'unisse'.

A empresa está investindo em estratégias de link building para o site.

The company is investing in link building strategies for the website.

Use of technical English term 'link building' in Portuguese.

O link simbólico no sistema de arquivos estava apontando para o lugar errado.

The symbolic link in the file system was pointing to the wrong place.

Highly technical IT context.

Houve um link imediato de amizade entre os dois alunos novos.

There was an immediate link of friendship between the two new students.

Abstract use for human connection.

A análise sociológica destaca o link entre a pobreza e a evasão escolar.

The sociological analysis highlights the link between poverty and school dropout rates.

Sophisticated academic register.

Apesar de não haver um link direto, as duas crises estão relacionadas.

Despite there not being a direct link, the two crises are related.

Concessive clause 'Apesar de' + infinitive 'haver'.

O repórter entrou em um link ao vivo para dar as últimas notícias.

The reporter went into a live link to give the latest news.

Media-specific jargon 'link ao vivo'.

É fundamental que o link entre os dados seja verificado por um especialista.

It is fundamental that the link between the data be verified by a specialist.

Subjunctive 'seja verificado' (passive).

O autor utiliza a metáfora do link para descrever a globalização.

The author uses the link metaphor to describe globalization.

Literary/Analytical context.

O sistema gerou um link único para cada transação financeira realizada.

The system generated a unique link for each financial transaction made.

Past participle 'realizada' acting as an adjective.

Não se pode ignorar o link histórico entre as duas nações vizinhas.

One cannot ignore the historical link between the two neighboring nations.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A falha no link de comunicação impediu a coordenação do resgate.

The failure in the communication link prevented the coordination of the rescue.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

A intrincada rede de influências sugere um link muito mais profundo do que o imaginado.

The intricate network of influences suggests a much deeper link than imagined.

Highly complex sentence structure.

O link ontológico entre o ser e o tempo é o tema central desta obra filosófica.

The ontological link between being and time is the central theme of this philosophical work.

Philosophical register.

Sob a ótica da semiótica, o link entre o signo e o significado é arbitrário.

From the perspective of semiotics, the link between the sign and the meaning is arbitrary.

Academic jargon 'semiótica' and 'signo'.

A robustez do link de criptografia garante a integridade total das informações.

The robustness of the encryption link guarantees the total integrity of the information.

Technical/Security context.

O link entre a estética e a ética tem sido debatido desde a antiguidade clássica.

The link between aesthetics and ethics has been debated since classical antiquity.

Present perfect continuous equivalent 'tem sido debatido'.

A descoberta desse link genético pode revolucionar o tratamento da doença.

The discovery of this genetic link could revolutionize the treatment of the disease.

Modal 'pode' indicating possibility.

O link diplomático entre os dois países foi restaurado após anos de tensão.

The diplomatic link between the two countries was restored after years of tension.

Passive voice 'foi restaurado'.

O pesquisador propôs um link inovador entre a física quântica e a consciência humana.

The researcher proposed an innovative link between quantum physics and human consciousness.

Adjective 'inovador' modifying 'link'.

Common Collocations

clicar no link

link quebrado

link direto

link ao vivo

link causal

manda o link

link de acesso

link simbólico

link de convite

link na bio

Common Phrases

O link está na descrição

— Used by content creators to point viewers to more information.

O link para o PDF está na descrição do vídeo.

Me passa o link

— A common informal request for a URL.

Me passa o link daquela receita que você fez?

Acesse pelo link

— A standard instruction to use a specific URL.

Acesse o portal pelo link enviado por SMS.

Link expirado

— Notification that a temporary link is no longer valid.

Desculpe, este link expirado não pode mais ser usado.

Criar um link

— To generate a URL or establish a connection.

Vamos criar um link entre esses dois parágrafos.

Link de download

— A URL specifically for downloading a file.

O link de download será enviado após o pagamento.

Link de afiliado

— A URL used for marketing where the sharer gets a commission.

Sempre use meu link de afiliado para ganhar desconto.

Link patrocinado

— An advertisement link shown in search results.

Os links patrocinados aparecem no topo da busca.

Link externo

— A link that leads to a different website.

Este artigo contém muitos links externos úteis.

Link permanente

— A URL designed to remain unchanged (permalink).

Use o link permanente para citar este blog.

Often Confused With

link vs elo

English speakers use 'link' for chains, but Portuguese uses 'elo'.

link vs ligação

Use 'ligação' for phone calls, never 'link'.

link vs linho

Confusing 'link' with 'linho' (linen/flax) due to spelling similarity.

Idioms & Expressions

"fazer o link"

— To connect two people or ideas, often in a networking context.

Vou fazer o link entre você e o diretor da empresa.

informal/professional

"perder o link"

— To lose the train of thought or the connection to a conversation.

Desculpe, perdi o link do que você estava dizendo.

informal

"linkar os pontos"

— To connect the dots; to understand a complex situation by seeing the connections.

Só agora consegui linkar os pontos e entender o mistério.

informal

"link ao vivo"

— Specifically used for live TV segments, but sometimes used metaphorically for being 'on'.

Ele está sempre em link ao vivo, nunca para de falar.

neutral

"sem link"

— Disconnected or irrelevant (slangy/informal).

Esse comentário dele foi totalmente sem link com o assunto.

informal

"link direto"

— A straightforward connection without intermediaries.

Temos um link direto com a fábrica na China.

professional

"link de ouro"

— A very valuable connection or contact (rare/informal).

Aquele investidor é o meu link de ouro.

informal

"quebrar o link"

— To interrupt a flow or a digital connection.

Não quebre o link da nossa conversa agora.

informal

"link invisível"

— A connection that exists but is not obvious.

Existe um link invisível que une todas essas histórias.

literary

"link de sangue"

— A family connection (though 'vínculo de sangue' is much more common).

Eles não têm um link de sangue, mas são como irmãos.

informal

Easily Confused

link vs elo

Translation of 'chain link'.

Elo is physical; link is digital/abstract.

A corrente tem cem elos.

link vs ligação

Both mean 'connection'.

Ligação is broader and includes telephone/physical connections.

Recebi uma ligação da minha mãe.

link vs vínculo

Both mean 'bond'.

Vínculo is for deep emotional or legal ties.

O vínculo entre o cão e o dono.

link vs nexo

Both mean 'logical link'.

Nexo is more formal and refers specifically to coherence.

A história não faz nexo.

link vs conexão

Interchangeable in some contexts.

Conexão is often about the state of being connected (e.g., Wi-Fi).

A conexão de rede está lenta.

Sentence Patterns

O link é [adjective].

O link é bom.

Eu tenho o link para [noun].

Eu tenho o link para a música.

Você pode me enviar o link de [noun]?

Você pode me enviar o link de confirmação?

Existe um link entre [A] e [B].

Existe um link entre o clima e a economia.

O link [adjective] sugere que [clause].

O link histórico sugere que os povos eram unidos.

É imperativo estabelecer um link entre [complex noun phrases].

É imperativo estabelecer um link entre a ética governamental e o bem-estar social.

O link está [participle].

O link está quebrado.

Acesse o site através do link [adjective].

Acesse o site através do link fornecido.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in digital contexts; moderate in abstract contexts.

Common Mistakes

A link → O link
Treating the word as feminine because of 'ligação'.
Os linkes → Os links
Incorrect pluralization for an English loanword.
O link da bicicleta → O elo da bicicleta
Using 'link' for a physical chain link.
Eu link o site → Eu linko o site
Failing to use the Portuguese verb ending '-ar' for the neologism.
Link de telefone → Ligação de telefone
Using 'link' for a phone call.

Tips

Always Masculine

Remember that 'link' is always masculine. Say 'o link' or 'um link'. This is a common error because related words like 'ligação' are feminine.

Link vs Elo

Use 'link' for things you click and 'elo' for things in a chain. Mixing them up sounds very unnatural.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, 'vínculo' or 'conexão' might sound more sophisticated than 'link' when referring to abstract ideas.

Manda o link

This is the most common way to ask for a URL in a chat. It's fast and native-like.

Brazilian Ending

In Brazil, don't be surprised if you hear 'link-i'. It's a natural phonetic adjustment in Portuguese.

Broken Links

If a link doesn't work, say 'O link está quebrado' or 'O link não está funcionando'.

Causal Links

When discussing research, 'link causal' is a high-level way to describe cause and effect.

Pluralization

Keep it simple: 'links'. No need to add extra vowels or change the spelling.

Context Clues

If you hear 'link', look at the context. Is it a website? A logical connection? A TV reporter? The context defines the nuance.

Anglicisms

Embrace 'link' as a part of modern Portuguese. Languages evolve, and 'link' is a perfect example of that evolution.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'L' in Link as a 'Line' that connects two 'i's (items). A link is just a line between things.

Visual Association

Imagine a glowing blue chain link floating between two computer monitors. This connects the physical origin (chain) with the digital usage.

Word Web

Internet URL Connection Click Share Website Network Bridge

Challenge

Write three sentences: one about a website link, one about a link between two ideas, and one about a link between two people.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Middle English 'linke', which comes from Old Norse 'hlekkr' (chain). It entered Portuguese in the late 20th century via the rise of the internet and computing.

Original meaning: A ring or loop of a chain.

Germanic (English loanword in Romance language).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities; the word is neutral and technical.

English speakers will find this word very natural, but must resist the urge to use it for physical chains.

The character 'Link' from Zelda (often joked about in tech circles). LinkedIn (the professional social network). The 'Missing Link' (O Elo Perdido) in evolutionary biology.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Emails

Segue o link para a reunião.
Favor acessar o link anexo.
O link expirou.
Solicito um novo link.

Social Media

Link na bio.
Arrasta pra cima pelo link.
Compartilhe o link.
O link está nos comentários.

Technical Support

O link está quebrado.
Erro ao acessar o link.
Verifique o link simbólico.
Atualize o link de destino.

Academic Research

O link entre as variáveis.
Link para a bibliografia.
Estabelecer um link lógico.
Citar o link permanente.

Casual Chat

Me passa o link?
Vi o link no grupo.
O link é seguro?
Amei esse link!

Conversation Starters

"Você pode me enviar o link daquele artigo que você mencionou?"

"Qual é o link oficial para fazer a inscrição no evento?"

"Você acha que existe um link real entre esses dois acontecimentos?"

"Por que o link que você mandou está dando erro 404?"

"Como eu faço para criar um link curto para o meu portfólio?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um link importante que você descobriu recentemente entre dois assuntos que você estuda.

Escreva sobre uma vez que um link digital mudou a sua vida ou a sua carreira.

Como você organiza os links que considera úteis no seu dia a dia?

Reflita sobre o link invisível que conecta você à cultura de língua portuguesa.

Qual é o link mais estranho que você já recebeu de um amigo?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is an adopted anglicism that is now part of the standard Portuguese vocabulary, especially in digital contexts. It is found in many modern dictionaries.

It is always masculine: 'o link'. Using 'a link' is a common mistake for beginners.

The plural is 'links'. It follows the English rule, which is common for loanwords ending in consonants.

No. For physical chain links, you should use the word 'elo'.

Yes, but mostly in very formal documents, software translations, or by linguistic purists. 'Link' is much more common in daily life.

Informally, people use 'linkar'. Formally, it is better to say 'criar um link' or 'conectar'.

It refers to a live broadcast connection, common in TV journalism.

Yes, metaphorically. A person can be a 'link' (connection) between two groups or individuals.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, though the pronunciation varies slightly.

A 'broken link'—a URL that leads to a page that no longer exists (Error 404).