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A2 noun #2,000 most common 14 min read

meta

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips meta in 30 Seconds

Explanation meta in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, learners are introduced to the word 'meta' primarily as a simple noun meaning 'goal'. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the word in basic, everyday contexts, such as talking about simple future plans or personal desires. You might hear phrases like 'minha meta' (my goal) or 'a meta dele' (his goal). Learners are taught to associate 'meta' with basic verbs like 'ser' (to be) and 'ter' (to have). For example, 'A minha meta é falar português' (My goal is to speak Portuguese). The grammar at this level is kept straightforward, focusing on the present tense and simple infinitive constructions. Cultural exposure to the word often comes through social media or basic introductory texts where people introduce themselves and state their life goals. The concept is easy to grasp because it translates directly to 'goal' in English, and its spelling is simple and phonetic. At A1, you don't need to worry about complex corporate jargon or abstract political targets; simply knowing that 'meta' is what you want to achieve is sufficient. It is a highly encouraging word that helps beginners articulate their reasons for learning the language in the first place.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their interaction with the word 'meta' becomes more dynamic and practical. You are no longer just stating what your goal is; you are beginning to talk about the actions required to reach it. At this stage, learners are introduced to essential verbs that collocate with 'meta', such as 'alcançar' (to reach) and 'bater' (to hit/beat). You will start forming sentences like 'Eu quero alcançar a minha meta' (I want to reach my goal). The context expands from personal language learning goals to everyday life situations, such as fitness routines ('meta de exercícios'), saving money ('meta de economia'), and simple workplace tasks. A2 learners also practice using adjectives to describe their goals, learning to ensure feminine agreement, such as 'uma meta importante' (an important goal) or 'uma meta difícil' (a difficult goal). The use of the future tense (ir + infinitive) becomes common here: 'Nós vamos bater a meta' (We are going to hit the goal). This level solidifies 'meta' as a core vocabulary word necessary for describing routines, plans, and personal development in a structured way.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'meta' expands significantly into professional, academic, and more complex personal contexts. Learners are expected to understand and participate in conversations about setting, adjusting, and evaluating goals. Vocabulary broadens to include verbs like 'estabelecer' (to establish), 'traçar' (to outline), and 'definir' (to define). You will encounter 'meta' in reading comprehension exercises involving business articles, self-help blogs, and news reports. The distinction between 'meta' (a specific, measurable target) and 'objetivo' (a broader aim) is introduced and practiced. B1 learners can express conditions and consequences related to goals, using conjunctions and slightly more complex grammar: 'Se nós trabalharmos duro, alcançaremos a meta' (If we work hard, we will reach the goal). Idiomatic expressions like 'bater a meta' are fully integrated into the learner's active vocabulary, especially in role-play scenarios simulating office environments or team projects. The ability to discuss the progress of a 'meta'—whether you are ahead, behind, or on track—marks a significant step in conversational fluency at this intermediate stage.

In the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners engage with 'meta' in highly nuanced and specialized contexts, particularly within business Portuguese, economics, and societal debates. The language used around 'meta' becomes more sophisticated. Learners discuss 'metas de curto, médio e longo prazo' (short, medium, and long-term goals) and analyze the feasibility of these targets using advanced vocabulary. You will read authentic texts from Portuguese and Brazilian newspapers discussing 'metas de inflação' (inflation targets), 'metas de sustentabilidade' (sustainability goals), and corporate KPIs. At this level, learners are expected to use the subjunctive mood when expressing doubts, hopes, or hypothetical situations regarding goals: 'Espero que a empresa atinja a meta' (I hope the company reaches the goal) or 'É essencial que tracemos metas realistas' (It is essential that we set realistic goals). The cultural weight of the word is also explored, such as the pressure of corporate 'metas' on mental health or the political implications of government targets. B2 learners can confidently debate these topics, defending their opinions on how goals should be structured and measured in society.

At the C1 advanced level, the mastery of the word 'meta' involves a deep understanding of its idiomatic, metaphorical, and cultural implications. Learners can effortlessly navigate complex texts and high-level professional discourse where 'meta' is a central theme. The vocabulary surrounding the word includes highly specific corporate jargon, such as 'superar a meta' (to exceed the goal), 'revisar a meta' (to revise the goal), and 'metas arrojadas' (bold/aggressive goals). C1 learners understand the subtle irony or cultural references associated with the word, such as famous political memes (e.g., 'dobrar a meta') and can use them appropriately in conversation to build rapport with native speakers. The grammatical structures used are complex, often involving passive voice, advanced conditional clauses, and sophisticated connectors: 'A meta, uma vez estabelecida, deve ser perseguida com afinco, a menos que as circunstâncias de mercado exijam uma reavaliação.' (The goal, once established, must be pursued diligently, unless market circumstances demand a reevaluation.) At this stage, 'meta' is used not just to communicate information, but to persuade, motivate, and critically analyze complex scenarios in both written and spoken Portuguese.

At the C2 mastery level, the word 'meta' is utilized with the precision, elegance, and nuance of a highly educated native speaker. The focus is no longer on the mechanics of the word, but on its rhetorical power in literature, academic writing, executive leadership, and philosophical discourse. C2 users can play with the etymology of the word, drawing parallels between its Latin origin as a 'boundary marker' and its modern psychological implications. They can articulate complex arguments about the nature of human ambition, the socio-economic impact of unachievable corporate 'metas', and the existential difference between a 'meta' and a 'propósito'. The language is characterized by a rich lexicon of synonyms and related concepts, deployed flawlessly to avoid repetition and enhance the aesthetic quality of the discourse. Whether drafting a high-level corporate strategy document, writing a persuasive essay on environmental policy ('metas climáticas globais'), or delivering a motivational keynote speech, the C2 learner wields the word 'meta' and its entire associative network with complete naturalness, authority, and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

meta in 30 Seconds

Translates directly to 'goal', 'aim', or 'target' in English, used for specific, measurable objectives.
Always a feminine noun (a meta, as metas) and requires feminine adjectives (meta clara, meta atingida).
Commonly paired with verbs like 'alcançar' (reach), 'bater' (hit), and 'traçar' (set/outline).
Widely used in business (sales targets), personal development (resolutions), and sports contexts.

The Portuguese word meta is a feminine noun that translates directly to goal, aim, target, or objective in English. It is a highly versatile and commonly used word in both everyday conversation and formal contexts, such as business, sports, and personal development. Understanding how to use meta correctly is essential for any Portuguese learner, especially as you progress to the A2 level and beyond, where expressing your intentions, plans, and aspirations becomes a core part of communication.

Core Definition: At its most fundamental level, a meta is a specific, measurable, and time-bound objective that a person or organization strives to achieve. Unlike a general dream or wish, a meta implies a structured plan and active effort.

A minha meta é aprender português até o final do ano.

My goal is to learn Portuguese by the end of the year.

When discussing personal aspirations, Brazilians and Portuguese people frequently use this word to outline their New Year's resolutions, career milestones, or fitness targets. The concept of setting a meta is deeply ingrained in modern productivity culture, making it a frequent buzzword in corporate environments as well.

Business Context: In a corporate setting, meta often refers to sales targets, performance indicators (KPIs), or production quotas. It is the exact number or milestone a team is expected to hit.

A equipe de vendas conseguiu bater a meta deste mês.

The sales team managed to hit this month's target.

It is important to distinguish meta from similar words like objetivo. While they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, purists and business professionals draw a line between them. An objetivo is the broader, overarching purpose or destination, whereas a meta is the specific, quantifiable step taken to reach that objective. For example, your objetivo might be to become fluent in Portuguese, but your meta is to study for 30 minutes every day.

Sports Context: In sports, particularly in historical or literal contexts, meta can refer to the finish line in a race or the goalposts in a game, though gol or baliza are more common for the latter today.

O corredor cruzou a meta em primeiro lugar.

The runner crossed the finish line in first place.

The etymology of the word traces back to Latin, where a meta was a conical column placed at each end of a Roman circus to mark the turning point of a chariot race. This historical literal meaning of a 'boundary' or 'turning point' beautifully evolved into the modern metaphorical meaning of an 'aim' or 'goal' that one strives to reach. Understanding this origin helps solidify the concept of a meta as a definitive marker in your journey toward success.

Estabelecer uma meta clara é o primeiro passo para o sucesso.

Establishing a clear goal is the first step to success.

Quais são as suas metas para o futuro?

What are your goals for the future?

To fully grasp meta, you must practice associating it with its common verbs: alcançar (to reach), atingir (to achieve), traçar (to outline/set), and estabelecer (to establish). By mastering these collocations, your Portuguese will sound significantly more natural and fluent, allowing you to articulate your ambitions with precision and confidence.

Using the word meta correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its grammatical properties and the specific verbs and adjectives that naturally pair with it. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles (a, uma, as, umas) and requires feminine agreement from any adjectives that modify it. This section will break down the mechanics of using meta in various sentence structures, ensuring you can express your goals accurately and idiomatically.

Setting Goals: When you want to say 'to set a goal', the most common and natural verbs to use are estabelecer (to establish), traçar (to trace/outline), or definir (to define). Avoid using fazer (to make/do), as 'fazer uma meta' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Nós precisamos traçar uma meta realista para este projeto.

We need to set a realistic goal for this project.

Once a goal is set, the next logical step is to work towards achieving it. The verbs associated with reaching or achieving a goal are crucial for your vocabulary. The most standard verbs are alcançar and atingir. Both translate to 'to reach' or 'to achieve' and are used interchangeably in this context.

Achieving Goals: Use alcançar a meta or atingir a meta in formal and informal contexts alike. In business or highly informal contexts, bater a meta is extremely popular, carrying the energetic connotation of 'smashing the target'.

Ela estudou muito e conseguiu alcançar a sua meta.

She studied hard and managed to reach her goal.

Adjectives play a significant role in describing the nature of the meta. Common adjectives include ambiciosa (ambitious), realista (realistic), inalcançável (unattainable), clara (clear), and financeira (financial). Because meta is feminine, ensure your adjectives end in '-a' where applicable.

A empresa definiu uma meta muito ambiciosa para o próximo trimestre.

The company set a very ambitious target for the next quarter.

Prepositions: When linking meta to the action or object it pertains to, use the preposition de (of). For example, meta de vendas (sales goal) or meta de vida (life goal).

Comprar uma casa própria é a minha principal meta de vida.

Buying my own house is my main life goal.

In professional environments, you might also encounter the phrase meta cumprida, which translates to 'goal accomplished' or 'mission accomplished'. This is often used as an exclamation of success after a difficult task is finished. Similarly, dobrar a meta (to double the goal) became a famous cultural meme in Brazil after a political speech, highlighting how deeply the word is embedded in the national consciousness. By practicing these structures, you will seamlessly integrate meta into your daily Portuguese usage.

Trabalhamos duro e, no fim do dia, foi meta cumprida!

We worked hard and, at the end of the day, it was goal accomplished!

The word meta is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking cultures, appearing across a wide spectrum of daily life, from casual chats among friends to high-stakes corporate boardrooms. Its versatility makes it a high-frequency word that you will encounter constantly in media, literature, and spoken language. Understanding the specific contexts where meta thrives will significantly boost your listening comprehension and cultural fluency.

Corporate and Professional Environments: The business world is arguably the most common habitat for the word meta. In offices across Brazil and Portugal, managers and employees constantly discuss metas mensais (monthly targets), metas de vendas (sales goals), and metas de produtividade (productivity goals).

O gerente informou que a meta de vendas aumentou 20%.

The manager informed us that the sales target increased by 20%.

In these corporate settings, the pressure to bater a meta is a recurring theme in conversations, emails, and meetings. It is the standard metric of success. You will also hear terms like meta agressiva (aggressive target) to describe highly ambitious business objectives.

Personal Development and Fitness: Outside the office, meta is heavily used in the context of personal growth, fitness, and lifestyle. Gym-goers talk about their metas de treino (workout goals) or metas de perda de peso (weight loss goals).

Minha meta é correr cinco quilômetros todos os dias.

My goal is to run five kilometers every day.

The end of the year is a prime time for the word meta. As December approaches, television programs, magazine articles, and casual conversations turn to metas para o ano novo (New Year's resolutions). People reflect on whether they achieved the previous year's metas and begin outlining new ones. This cultural ritual firmly cements the word in the emotional and psychological landscape of Portuguese speakers.

Politics and Economics: In news broadcasts and newspapers, meta is frequently used in macroeconomic and political contexts. Governments set metas de inflação (inflation targets) or metas fiscais (fiscal targets).

O governo anunciou que não vai conseguir atingir a meta fiscal este ano.

The government announced that it will not be able to reach the fiscal target this year.

A meta de inflação foi ajustada pelo Banco Central.

The inflation target was adjusted by the Central Bank.

Eles criaram uma vaquinha online com uma meta de dez mil reais.

They created an online crowdfunding campaign with a goal of ten thousand reais.

Finally, in the digital age, crowdfunding platforms and charity drives heavily rely on the concept of a meta. Whether it is raising funds for a medical emergency or launching an indie video game, the progress bar moving toward the meta is a universal visual and linguistic cue. By recognizing these diverse contexts, you will not only understand the word but also appreciate its central role in driving action and measuring progress in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Even though meta is a relatively straightforward noun, learners of Portuguese often stumble over its usage due to false friends, incorrect verb pairings, and subtle semantic differences with similar words. By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can refine your Portuguese and sound much more like a native speaker. This section highlights the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.

Confusing 'Meta' with 'Metade': A very common mistake for beginners is confusing meta (goal) with metade (half). Because they sound similar and share the same root letters, learners sometimes say 'Eu comi a meta da pizza' instead of 'Eu comi a metade da pizza'.

Incorreto: Eu li a meta do livro. / Correto: Eu li a metade do livro.

Incorrect: I read the goal of the book. / Correct: I read half of the book.

Another frequent error involves the verbs used to express the creation of a goal. English speakers naturally translate 'to make a goal' directly into Portuguese as fazer uma meta. While a native speaker will understand what you mean, it sounds clunky and unnatural. The correct verbs are estabelecer, traçar, or definir.

Using the Wrong Verb to 'Set' a Goal: Do not use fazer (to make) or colocar (to put) to mean 'setting' a goal in formal contexts, although colocar uma meta is sometimes heard in very informal Brazilian Portuguese. Stick to estabelecer or traçar for standard usage.

Incorreto: Eu fiz uma meta nova. / Correto: Eu tracei uma nova meta.

Incorrect: I made a new goal. / Correct: I set a new goal.

Gender agreement is another area where learners slip up. Because meta ends in 'a', it is intuitively feminine, which is correct. However, when using adjectives that change meaning or form, learners sometimes default to the masculine. Always ensure your adjectives match: meta clara (not claro), meta atingida (not atingido).

Gender Agreement Errors: Always treat meta as a feminine noun. All accompanying articles, pronouns, and adjectives must be in the feminine form.

A nossa meta foi alcançada com sucesso.

Our goal was successfully reached. (Note the feminine 'alcançada')

Ele tem uma meta muito específica em mente.

He has a very specific goal in mind.

Não confunda meta com sonho; a meta tem prazo.

Don't confuse a goal with a dream; a goal has a deadline.

Lastly, a subtle semantic mistake is using meta when you actually mean a physical destination or a broad life purpose. If you are talking about the destination of a trip, use destino. If you are talking about your soul's purpose, use propósito. Meta is best reserved for actionable, measurable targets. By keeping these distinctions in mind, your vocabulary will become much more precise and effective.

The Portuguese language is rich in vocabulary related to aspirations, plans, and targets. While meta is one of the most common words for 'goal', there are several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Knowing when to use meta versus its synonyms will elevate your Portuguese from basic communication to nuanced expression, allowing you to convey exact shades of meaning.

Objetivo vs. Meta: The most frequent synonym for meta is objetivo. In everyday conversation, they are often used interchangeably. However, in formal or business contexts, an objetivo is the broader, qualitative desire (e.g., 'to become the market leader'), while a meta is the specific, quantitative step to get there (e.g., 'to increase sales by 10% this quarter').

O nosso objetivo é crescer, e a nossa meta é abrir três novas lojas.

Our objective is to grow, and our goal is to open three new stores.

Another closely related word is alvo. Literally translating to 'target' (like a bullseye in archery or darts), alvo is used metaphorically to mean an aim or objective. It is often used when discussing demographics, such as público-alvo (target audience), or when an action is directed at a specific entity.

Alvo (Target): Use alvo when the goal is a literal target to be hit, or in marketing contexts (target audience). It implies precision and direction.

Atingimos o alvo, superando a meta inicial.

We hit the target, surpassing the initial goal.

If you are talking about a deeper, more philosophical or life-long intention, the word propósito (purpose) is more appropriate than meta. A propósito is the 'why' behind your actions, whereas a meta is the 'what' and 'when'. For example, your propósito might be to help people, and your meta is to graduate from medical school by age 25.

Propósito (Purpose) and Fim (End): Propósito relates to meaning and intention. Fim (end) can also mean goal in a philosophical sense, as in 'os fins justificam os meios' (the ends justify the means).

Ele encontrou o seu propósito, o que facilitou definir cada meta.

He found his purpose, which made it easier to define each goal.

O intuito do projeto é social, mas a meta é financeira.

The aim of the project is social, but the goal is financial.

Ter uma meta clara é diferente de ter apenas um sonho.

Having a clear goal is different from just having a dream.

By understanding the subtle differences between meta, objetivo, alvo, propósito, and intuito, you can choose the exact right word for the context. Meta remains the most practical, action-oriented word of the group, perfectly suited for the modern, fast-paced world where measuring progress is key.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Feminine noun agreement (a/uma/esta/minha meta)

Verbs followed by direct objects (alcançar a meta)

Preposition 'de' for specifying goals (meta de vendas)

Passive voice (A meta foi atingida)

Future tense for planning (Vou bater a meta)

Examples by Level

A minha meta é aprender português.

My goal is to learn Portuguese.

Uses simple present tense 'é' and infinitive 'aprender'.

Qual é a sua meta?

What is your goal?

Basic question structure using 'Qual é'.

Eu tenho uma meta nova.

I have a new goal.

Feminine adjective 'nova' agreeing with 'meta'.

A meta dele é viajar.

His goal is to travel.

Use of 'dele' (his) to show possession.

Nossa meta é muito boa.

Our goal is very good.

Feminine possessive 'Nossa' and adjective 'boa'.

Ela tem uma meta de vida.

She has a life goal.

Common phrase 'meta de vida'.

A meta é ler um livro.

The goal is to read a book.

Direct association with a simple action verb 'ler'.

Minha meta hoje é dormir.

My goal today is to sleep.

Using 'hoje' to indicate a short-term, immediate goal.

Nós vamos bater a meta este mês.

We are going to hit the goal this month.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive 'bater'.

A meta da empresa é crescer.

The company's goal is to grow.

Possession using 'da' (de + a).

Eu preciso alcançar a minha meta.

I need to reach my goal.

Modal verb 'precisar' + infinitive 'alcançar'.

Eles traçaram uma meta difícil.

They set a difficult goal.

Past tense 'traçaram' and adjective 'difícil'.

A meta de vendas foi atingida.

The sales goal was reached.

Passive voice 'foi atingida'.

Você tem uma meta para o ano novo?

Do you have a goal for the new year?

Preposition 'para' indicating time/occasion.

A meta principal é ajudar as pessoas.

The main goal is to help people.

Adjective 'principal' following the noun.

Faltam dez pontos para a meta.

Ten points are missing for the goal.

Verb 'faltar' used to indicate what is remaining.

Se trabalharmos juntos, alcançaremos a meta mais rápido.

If we work together, we will reach the goal faster.

Future subjunctive 'trabalharmos' + future indicative 'alcançaremos'.

O gerente estabeleceu metas claras para a equipe.

The manager established clear goals for the team.

Plural noun 'metas' with plural adjective 'claras'.

Infelizmente, não conseguimos bater a meta de produção.

Unfortunately, we couldn't hit the production goal.

Adverb 'Infelizmente' and past tense 'conseguimos'.

É importante definir uma meta realista para não se frustrar.

It is important to set a realistic goal so as not to get frustrated.

Impersonal expression 'É importante' + infinitive.

A minha meta a curto prazo é terminar este curso.

My short-term goal is to finish this course.

Expression 'a curto prazo' (short-term).

Eles comemoraram muito quando atingiram a meta anual.

They celebrated a lot when they reached the annual goal.

Time clause with 'quando' + past tense 'atingiram'.

A meta financeira do projeto foi revisada ontem.

The project's financial goal was revised yesterday.

Passive voice in the past 'foi revisada'.

Para alcançar a meta, precisamos de mais recursos.

To reach the goal, we need more resources.

Preposition 'Para' indicating purpose.

A diretoria exige que a meta de lucro seja atingida neste trimestre.

The board demands that the profit goal be reached this quarter.

Present subjunctive 'seja' after verb of demand 'exige que'.

Apesar das dificuldades econômicas, a empresa superou a meta estabelecida.

Despite the economic difficulties, the company surpassed the established goal.

Concession 'Apesar de' and verb 'superar'.

As metas de sustentabilidade a longo prazo são cruciais para o meio ambiente.

Long-term sustainability goals are crucial for the environment.

Complex noun phrase 'metas de sustentabilidade a longo prazo'.

Se a meta tivesse sido mais realista, a equipe não estaria tão desmotivada.

If the goal had been more realistic, the team wouldn't be so demotivated.

Past perfect subjunctive 'tivesse sido' + conditional 'estaria'.

O governo anunciou uma nova meta fiscal para conter a inflação.

The government announced a new fiscal target to contain inflation.

Formal vocabulary 'meta fiscal', 'conter a inflação'.

É fundamental desdobrar a meta principal em objetivos menores e alcançáveis.

It is fundamental to break down the main goal into smaller, achievable objectives.

Verb 'desdobrar' (to break down/unfold) in a corporate context.

O bônus de fim de ano está atrelado ao cumprimento das metas.

The year-end bonus is tied to the fulfillment of the goals.

Expression 'atrelado a' (tied to) and noun 'cumprimento'.

Eles estão correndo atrás da meta antes que o prazo se esgote.

They are chasing the goal before the deadline runs out.

Idiom 'correndo atrás' and subjunctive 'se esgote'.

A consecução dessa meta audaciosa exigirá uma reestruturação completa do departamento.

The achievement of this audacious goal will require a complete restructuring of the department.

Advanced noun 'consecução' (achievement) and formal future 'exigirá'.

O Banco Central optou por manter a meta da taxa básica de juros inalterada.

The Central Bank opted to keep the base interest rate target unchanged.

Economic jargon 'taxa básica de juros'.

Embora a meta parecesse inatingível à primeira vista, a sinergia da equipe provou o contrário.

Although the goal seemed unattainable at first glance, the team's synergy proved otherwise.

Imperfect subjunctive 'parecesse' with concession 'Embora'.

As metas climáticas acordadas internacionalmente carecem de mecanismos de fiscalização rigorosos.

The internationally agreed climate goals lack rigorous enforcement mechanisms.

Advanced verb 'carecer de' (to lack).

É imperativo que as metas corporativas estejam alinhadas com os valores éticos da instituição.

It is imperative that corporate goals are aligned with the institution's ethical values.

Subjunctive 'estejam' following 'É imperativo que'.

A flexibilização das metas no meio do percurso gerou um ruído considerável entre os acionistas.

The relaxation of the goals mid-way generated considerable noise among the shareholders.

Corporate terminology 'flexibilização', 'ruído', 'acionistas'.

Não se trata apenas de bater a meta, mas de como a meta é batida, preservando a integridade.

It's not just about hitting the goal, but how the goal is hit, preserving integrity.

Reflexive passive 'se trata' and passive voice 'é batida'.

A falácia de estabelecer metas inatingíveis reside na consequente erosão do moral da equipe.

The fallacy of setting unattainable goals lies in the consequent erosion of team morale.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'falácia', 'reside', 'erosão'.

A obsessão contemporânea pela quantificação transformou qualquer aspiração humana em uma mera meta parametrizável.

The contemporary obsession with quantification has transformed any human aspiration into a mere parameterizable goal.

Philosophical discourse, advanced vocabulary 'parametrizável'.

Ao invés de ser um farol orientador, a meta tornou-se um grilhão que sufoca a inovação orgânica.

Instead of being a guiding lighthouse, the goal has become a shackle that suffocates organic innovation.

Metaphorical usage, literary vocabulary 'farol', 'grilhão', 'sufoca'.

A dicotomia entre a meta projetada e a realidade exequível revela as fraturas do planejamento estratégico.

The dichotomy between the projected goal and the executable reality reveals the fractures of strategic planning.

Academic/Executive vocabulary 'dicotomia', 'exequível', 'fraturas'.

Diluiu-se a essência do projeto no afã de simplesmente ticar a meta burocrática imposta pela matriz.

The essence of the project was diluted in the eagerness to simply tick off the bureaucratic goal imposed by headquarters.

Pronominal verb 'Diluiu-se', literary noun 'afã', colloquialism 'ticar'.

A retórica política frequentemente se apropria da palavra 'meta' para conferir uma aura de pragmatismo a promessas vazias.

Political rhetoric frequently appropriates the word 'goal' to confer an aura of pragmatism to empty promises.

Analytical structure, 'apropriar-se de', 'conferir uma aura'.

Subverter a meta hegemônica requer não apenas audácia, mas uma desconstrução profunda dos paradigmas vigentes.

Subverting the hegemonic goal requires not only audacity but a profound deconstruction of prevailing paradigms.

Highly advanced academic vocabulary 'hegemônica', 'paradigmas vigentes'.

A teleologia inerente ao conceito de meta pressupõe uma linearidade temporal que a complexidade do mundo real frequentemente desmente.

The teleology inherent in the concept of a goal presupposes a temporal linearity that the complexity of the real world frequently belies.

Philosophical terminology 'teleologia', 'linearidade', 'desmente'.

Na esteira do fracasso, a readequação da meta não deve ser vista como capitulação, mas como um imperativo de sobrevivência adaptativa.

In the wake of failure, the readjustment of the goal must not be seen as capitulation, but as an imperative of adaptive survival.

Idiom 'Na esteira de', formal nouns 'capitulação', 'imperativo'.

Common Collocations

bater a meta

alcançar a meta

traçar uma meta

meta de vendas

meta de vida

meta financeira

meta atingida

estabelecer metas

meta ambiciosa

dobrar a meta

Common Phrases

bater a meta

meta cumprida

meta de vida

traçar metas

ficar abaixo da meta

superar a meta

meta de ano novo

correr atrás da meta

meta a longo prazo

meta a curto prazo

Often Confused With

meta vs metade

meta vs objetivo

meta vs propósito

Idioms & Expressions

"dobrar a meta"

"meta de vida"

"bater na trave (related to missing a goal)"

"mirar na lua (aim high)"

"correr atrás do prejuízo (trying to reach a missed goal)"

"estar no alvo"

"ter sangue nos olhos (determination to reach a goal)"

"faca na caveira (extreme focus on a goal)"

"vestir a camisa (commitment to a team goal)"

"dar o sangue (working hard for a goal)"

Easily Confused

meta vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuances

'Meta' implies a measurable endpoint, whereas 'objetivo' can be a general direction.

formality

Neutral. Can be used in the most formal academic papers or the most casual street slang.

regionalisms

'Bater a meta' is particularly dominant in Brazilian corporate culture.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'fazer uma meta' instead of 'traçar/estabelecer uma meta'.
Confusing 'meta' (goal) with 'metade' (half).
Using masculine adjectives like 'meta claro' instead of 'meta clara'.
Pronouncing the 'e' as a closed sound (like 'may-tah') instead of an open sound (MEH-tah).
Using 'meta' to describe a physical travel destination instead of 'destino'.

Tips

Always Feminine

Never forget that 'meta' is feminine. Train yourself to always say 'A meta' and never 'O meta'. This will save you from basic agreement errors.

Use 'Traçar'

Upgrade your vocabulary by using the verb 'traçar' (to outline/trace) when talking about setting goals. 'Traçar uma meta' sounds incredibly natural and fluent.

Corporate Slang

If you work in a Portuguese-speaking environment, 'bater a meta' is your best friend. Use it to celebrate team successes: 'Pessoal, batemos a meta!'

Open 'E' Sound

Practice saying 'MEH-tah'. An incorrect closed 'e' sound will immediately mark you as a foreigner. Think of the English word 'met' and add an 'ah'.

New Year's Resolutions

In December, practice writing your 'metas para o ano novo' in Portuguese. It is a great cultural exercise and a perfect way to practice the future tense.

Meta vs. Metade

Write down: Meta = Goal. Metade = Half. Do not mix them up. You eat 'metade' of an apple, you don't eat the 'meta'.

Formal Emails

In formal writing, prefer 'atingir' or 'alcançar' over 'bater'. 'A meta foi atingida' sounds much more professional in a report than 'A meta foi batida'.

Meta de [Noun]

Use the preposition 'de' to specify the type of goal. 'Meta de vendas' (sales goal), 'meta de leitura' (reading goal), 'meta de vida' (life goal).

Objetivo vs. Meta

If you want to sound very precise, use 'objetivo' for the big picture and 'meta' for the numbers. 'Objetivo: Ficar rico. Meta: Juntar 10 mil reais.'

Correr atrás

If you are behind on your goals, use the phrase 'correr atrás da meta' (literally: run after the goal). It means to hustle or work hard to catch up.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'META' as 'My Exact Target Achieved'.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Extremely common in business ('bater a meta') and internet slang ('#metadevida').

Equally common, though 'atingir o objetivo' might be slightly more preferred in formal Portuguese contexts than the aggressive 'bater a meta'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Quais são as suas metas para este ano?"

"Você costuma traçar metas de curto ou longo prazo?"

"Qual foi a meta mais difícil que você já alcançou?"

"Você acha que as metas da sua empresa são realistas?"

"Como você se organiza para bater as suas metas diárias?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma meta que você alcançou recentemente e como se sentiu.

Quais são as suas três principais metas de vida?

Descreva uma vez em que você não conseguiu bater uma meta. O que você aprendeu?

Como o estudo de português se encaixa nas suas metas para o futuro?

Você prefere metas ambiciosas ou metas fáceis de alcançar? Por quê?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While often used interchangeably, 'objetivo' is usually the broader, overarching aim (e.g., 'to be healthy'). 'Meta' is the specific, measurable step taken to achieve that aim (e.g., 'to lose 5kg by December'). In business, 'metas' are always quantifiable.

It is highly recommended not to. While people will understand you, 'fazer uma meta' sounds unnatural. The correct and natural verbs to use are 'traçar uma meta', 'estabelecer uma meta', or 'definir uma meta'.

'Meta' is a feminine noun. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it. For example, say 'a meta', 'uma meta', 'minha meta', and 'meta alcançada'.

The most common and idiomatic way to say 'to hit a goal', especially in business or informal contexts, is 'bater a meta'. In more formal contexts, you can use 'atingir a meta' or 'alcançar a meta'.

It translates to 'life goal'. Brazilians use it as a hashtag or comment on photos of things they deeply desire, such as a beautiful house, a perfect relationship, or a dream vacation. It is similar to saying 'Goals!' in English.

The 'e' is open, pronounced like the 'e' in the English word 'pet' or 'met'. The phonetic spelling is MEH-tah. Do not pronounce it like 'may-tah' or 'mee-tah'.

Yes, historically 'meta' referred to the finish line or the goalposts. You might still hear 'cruzar a meta' (cross the finish line), though 'linha de chegada' is more common. For scoring a goal in soccer, use 'gol', not 'meta'.

Literally, it means 'to double the goal'. It became a famous meme in Brazil after former President Dilma Rousseff gave a confusing speech saying they wouldn't set a goal, but when they reached it, they would double it. It's now used jokingly when someone achieves something and immediately aims higher.

The plural is simply 'metas'. Remember to pluralize the accompanying words as well, such as 'as minhas metas' (my goals) or 'metas ambiciosas' (ambitious goals).

The biggest false friend for beginners is confusing 'meta' (goal) with 'metade' (half). Because they look and sound similar, learners sometimes say 'a meta da pizza' when they mean 'a metade da pizza'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence stating your goal to learn Portuguese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Use 'A minha meta é' + infinitive.