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A2 noun #3,500 most common 9 min read

metrópole

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips metrópole in 30 Seconds

Explanation metrópole in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'metrópole' means a very big city. Think of it like a 'super city.' You might use it to describe places like New York, London, or São Paulo. It is a feminine word, so you say 'a metrópole.' It is a bit more formal than just saying 'cidade' (city), but it is very useful for talking about famous places. Remember to put the accent on the 'ó' when you write it: m-e-t-r-ó-p-o-l-e. At this stage, just focus on identifying it in simple sentences about travel or geography.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'metrópole' to describe where people live and the lifestyle of big cities. You should understand that a 'metrópole' is more important than a regular city because it has more jobs, more people, and more services like subways and big hospitals. You can use it in phrases like 'Eu moro em uma metrópole' (I live in a metropolis) or 'A metrópole é barulhenta' (The metropolis is noisy). You should also notice the difference between 'a metrópole' (the city) and 'metropolitano' (metropolitan), which is the adjective used for things like trains or areas.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'metrópole' in discussions about social issues, work, and urban life. You can use it to compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in a large urban center versus the countryside ('o interior'). You should also be aware of its historical context in Portuguese history, where 'A Metrópole' referred to Portugal during the colonial era. In modern contexts, you might use it to discuss 'regiões metropolitanas' (metropolitan regions) and how different cities are connected economically. You can use more descriptive adjectives with it, like 'metrópole fervilhante' (bustling metropolis).

At the B2 level, 'metrópole' becomes a key term for analyzing complex topics like urban planning, globalization, and sociology. You should understand the concept of a 'metrópole global'—a city that has an impact on the entire world's economy. You can use the word to talk about 'metropolização,' which is the process of urban expansion. You should be able to write essays or participate in debates about the challenges of the modern metropolis, such as 'gentrificação' (gentrification), 'mobilidade urbana' (urban mobility), and 'sustentabilidade' (sustainability). You should also recognize the word in more sophisticated literature and news reports.

At the C1 level, you should use 'metrópole' with precision, distinguishing it from related terms like 'megalópole,' 'conurbação,' or 'tecido urbano.' You should be able to discuss the nuances of the 'mother city' concept and its hierarchical relationship with satellite cities and the periphery. You will encounter the term in academic papers, high-level political discourse, and complex literary works. You should be able to use it metaphorically or in abstract discussions about modernity and the human condition in the 'selva de pedra' (stone jungle). Your use of the word should reflect a deep understanding of urban geography and history.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'metrópole' and its entire semantic field. You can navigate the most dense academic texts on urbanism and history with ease. You understand the profound historical implications of 'Metrópole vs. Colônia' and how this has shaped the identity of Portuguese-speaking nations. You can use the word to articulate complex theories about 'desmetropolização' or the 'pós-metrópole.' Your speech and writing use the term naturally and with perfect grammatical accuracy, including subtle stylistic variations. You can analyze the word's role in constructing national narratives in Brazil, Portugal, and African Lusophone countries.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

metrópole in 30 Seconds

A metrópole is a large, influential city serving as a regional or national hub.
It is a feminine noun (a metrópole) and always takes an acute accent.
Historically, it referred to a colonizing country like Portugal.
It is a key term in geography and urban sociology.

The word metrópole is a feminine noun in Portuguese that translates directly to 'metropolis' in English. It describes a very large, densely populated, and influential urban center. In the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) world, this term carries significant weight, often referring to cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lisbon, or Luanda. A metrópole is not just a 'cidade' (city); it is the 'mother city' (from the Greek mētropolis) that serves as the economic, political, and cultural heart of a much larger metropolitan area.

Economic Context: A metrópole is characterized by its intense economic activity, hosting the headquarters of major banks, international corporations, and stock exchanges. It is where the financial decisions of a nation are often made.

São Paulo é considerada a maior metrópole da América do Sul, com milhões de habitantes e uma economia vibrante.

Cultural Hub: Beyond money, a metrópole is a cultural melting pot. It is the place where you find the best museums, theaters, international cuisine, and diverse subcultures. It is a magnet for people seeking opportunities and artistic expression.

Lisboa é uma metrópole que mistura perfeitamente a tradição histórica com a modernidade europeia.

When using this word, speakers often imply a sense of scale and complexity. You wouldn't call a small town or even a medium-sized provincial capital a metrópole. It is reserved for the 'big leagues' of urban life—places with subways, skyscrapers, and endless movement. It suggests a certain level of sophistication but also the challenges of urban sprawl, traffic, and social inequality.

Urban Planning: In geography, we use the term 'Região Metropolitana' to describe the metrópole and its surrounding satellite cities (cidades satélites) that are economically integrated.

O trânsito na metrópole pode ser caótico durante o horário de pico.

Whether you are discussing urban sociology, planning a trip to a massive city, or reading the news about global financial hubs, metrópole is the precise term to use for these 'mother cities' that shape our modern world.

Using metrópole correctly involves understanding its feminine gender and its formal yet common register. It is often used as a subject or an object in sentences describing urban phenomena, personal experiences in big cities, or geographical comparisons. Because it ends in 'e', its plural form is metrópoles.

Describing Scale: Use it to emphasize the size and importance of a city compared to smaller urban areas.

Viver em uma metrópole oferece acesso a serviços que cidades pequenas não possuem.

Urban Problems: It is frequently used in discussions about pollution, overcrowding, and the fast pace of life.

O ritmo frenético da metrópole pode ser estressante para quem busca tranquilidade.

Global Comparisons: When comparing cities across the world, 'metrópole' acts as a standard unit of classification.

Tóquio é a metrópole mais populosa do mundo.

You will often see it paired with adjectives like global, regional, fervilhante (bustling), or caótica (chaotic). It can also be used in the plural to talk about urban networks. For example, 'As metrópoles brasileiras enfrentam desafios habitacionais significativos.' This sentence highlights a collective issue across multiple major cities.

Muitos jovens deixam o campo para tentar a sorte na metrópole.

In summary, use metrópole when you want to emphasize the importance, size, or structural complexity of a city. It conveys a sense of grandeur and influence that the simple word 'cidade' might lack.

The word metrópole is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking media, education, and professional environments. While people might use 'cidade' in casual conversation ('Vou para a cidade'), they switch to metrópole when discussing broader social or geographical topics. Here is where you will encounter it most frequently.

News and Journalism: News anchors often use the term when reporting on traffic, weather, or political events in major cities. You might hear: 'A metrópole amanheceu sob forte neblina' (The metropolis woke up under heavy fog).

O telejornal destacou os novos investimentos em infraestrutura na metrópole.

Academic and Educational Settings: In geography or sociology classes, students learn about 'metropolização' (the process of becoming a metropolis) and the hierarchies of cities. It is a fundamental term in the Portuguese school curriculum.

Na aula de geografia, estudamos a influência de uma metrópole sobre sua zona rural.

Business and Real Estate: Real estate advertisements use the word to evoke a sense of prestige and central location. 'More no coração da metrópole' (Live in the heart of the metropolis) is a common marketing slogan.

O novo empreendimento imobiliário promete luxo e conveniência na metrópole.

You will also hear it in documentaries about urban wildlife, architecture, or history. Because it sounds slightly more sophisticated than 'cidade grande', it is the go-to word for narrators and experts. In Luanda, Angola, or Maputo, Mozambique, the term is used to contrast the rapid urban development with the surrounding provinces.

A metrópole angolana está em constante transformação arquitetônica.

In short, metrópole is a word of the public sphere—the news, the classroom, and the boardroom—describing the epicenters of modern life.

Even though metrópole seems straightforward, English speakers and even beginner Portuguese learners often stumble on a few specific points. Avoiding these will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and accurate.

Mistake 1: Gender Confusion: Many learners assume words ending in 'e' are masculine. However, 'metrópole' is feminine. You must say 'a metrópole', not 'o metrópole'.

Errado: O metrópole é grande.
Correto: A metrópole é grande.

Mistake 2: Missing the Accent: In Portuguese, the accent mark is mandatory. Writing 'metropole' without the acute accent on the 'ó' is a spelling error. The accent tells you where the stress lies.

Lembre-se: A palavra metrópole sempre tem acento agudo no 'o'.

Mistake 3: Confusion with 'Capital': While most metropolises are capitals, not all capitals are metropolises. For example, Brasília is the capital of Brazil, but São Paulo is the primary economic metrópole. Using them interchangeably can sometimes be imprecise.

Dica: Use metrópole para enfatizar a urbanização e 'capital' para o status político.

Another common issue is overusing the word. While it sounds professional, in a very casual chat with friends about going downtown to buy shoes, 'metrópole' might sound a bit too 'textbook'. In those cases, 'centro' or 'cidade' is more natural. Finally, be careful with the plural; it is 'metrópoles' (just add an 's'), not 'metrópolis' (which is the English spelling).

Mistake 4: False Friends with English: In English, 'Metropolis' can sound like a comic book setting (Superman). In Portuguese, 'metrópole' is a very real, standard term used by everyone from taxi drivers to professors.

A metrópole real tem desafios reais, como o saneamento básico.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is essential to know words that are similar to metrópole but carry slightly different nuances. Depending on whether you want to sound more casual, more technical, or more poetic, you might choose a different term.

Cidade Grande (Big City): The most common and casual alternative. If 'metrópole' is the technical term, 'cidade grande' is how you talk to your neighbor about it.

Eu gosto da agitação da cidade grande, mas às vezes prefiro o campo.

Megalópole (Megalopolis): This refers to an even larger urban phenomenon where two or more metropolises merge into a continuous urban corridor (e.g., the corridor between Rio and São Paulo).

O eixo Rio-São Paulo é a principal megalópole brasileira.

Centro Urbano (Urban Center): A neutral, functional term. It emphasizes the 'built-up' nature of the place rather than its political or cultural dominance.

O governo está revitalizando os centros urbanos para atrair turistas.

Comparing these terms: Metrópole implies hierarchy and influence. Cidade is general. Capital is political. Megalópole is massive and interconnected. Knowing when to use each will make your descriptions of urban life much more vivid.

Cosmopolita (Cosmopolitan): While an adjective, this is often paired with metrópole to describe its international and diverse character.

Londres é uma metrópole verdadeiramente cosmopolita.

In your writing, try to vary these words to avoid repetition. If you've used metrópole once, use centro urbano or grande cidade in the next sentence to keep the reader engaged.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A metrópole exerce um papel fundamental na economia nacional."

Neutral

"Muitas pessoas preferem morar na metrópole."

Informal

"Essa metrópole é uma loucura, bicho!"

Child friendly

"A metrópole é uma cidade gigante com prédios que tocam as nuvens."

Slang

"A metrópole tá bombando hoje."

Fun Fact

Originally, a metropolis was the city that sent out settlers to start a new colony. Today, it's just a very big city!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɛˈtrɒpəlɪs/

US /məˈtrɑːpəlɪs/

The stress is on the 'tró' (the second syllable: me-TRÓ-po-le).

Rhymes With

necrópole acrópole monópole (rare) heliópole petrópole pentecontápole decápole hexápole

Common Errors

Stressing the last syllable (metropolé).
Pronouncing the 'ó' as a closed 'o' (like 'go'). It should be open like 'law'.
Omitting the 'e' at the end or making it too strong.
Misplacing the accent when writing.
Pronouncing it like the English 'Metropolis'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate, but watch the accent.

Writing 3/5

Must remember the acute accent on the 'ó' and the feminine gender.

Speaking 3/5

Stress placement is key (proparoxítona).

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but the final 'e' can be subtle.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cidade grande muito país morar

Learn Next

urbanismo infraestrutura periferia gentrificação população

Advanced

conurbação macrocefalia hierarquia urbana sustentabilidade tecido social

Grammar to Know

Proparoxítonas are always accented.

metrópole, trânsito, público

Nouns ending in 'e' can be masculine or feminine.

a metrópole (fem), o vale (masc)

Plural of nouns ending in 'e' is 'es'.

metrópole -> metrópoles

Contractions with 'em' and 'de'.

na metrópole, da metrópole

Adjective agreement.

metrópole moderna, metrópoles modernas

Examples by Level

A metrópole é muito grande.

The metropolis is very big.

Feminine noun 'a metrópole'.

São Paulo é uma metrópole.

São Paulo is a metropolis.

Using 'uma' for an indefinite article.

Eu gosto da metrópole.

I like the metropolis.

Contraction 'da' (de + a).

Lisboa é uma metrópole antiga.

Lisbon is an old metropolis.

Adjective 'antiga' matches feminine noun.

A metrópole tem muitos carros.

The metropolis has many cars.

Verb 'ter' (has).

Onde fica a metrópole?

Where is the metropolis located?

Question word 'onde'.

A metrópole é bonita à noite.

The metropolis is beautiful at night.

Adjective 'bonita'.

Muitas pessoas vivem na metrópole.

Many people live in the metropolis.

Contraction 'na' (em + a).

A metrópole oferece muitas oportunidades de trabalho.

The metropolis offers many job opportunities.

Verb 'oferecer' in the present tense.

O metrô é essencial em uma metrópole.

The subway is essential in a metropolis.

Adjective 'essencial'.

Nós visitamos a metrópole no verão.

We visited the metropolis in the summer.

Past tense 'visitamos'.

A metrópole é mais cara que o interior.

The metropolis is more expensive than the countryside.

Comparative 'mais... que'.

Existem muitos museus na metrópole.

There are many museums in the metropolis.

Verb 'existir' (to exist).

A vida na metrópole é muito rápida.

Life in the metropolis is very fast.

Abstract noun 'vida'.

Ela mora longe da metrópole.

She lives far from the metropolis.

Adverbial phrase 'longe de'.

Quero conhecer uma metrópole europeia.

I want to visit a European metropolis.

Adjective 'europeia'.

A metrópole atrai jovens de todo o país.

The metropolis attracts young people from all over the country.

Verb 'atrair' (to attract).

O custo de vida em uma metrópole é elevado.

The cost of living in a metropolis is high.

Noun phrase 'custo de vida'.

A infraestrutura da metrópole precisa de melhorias.

The metropolis's infrastructure needs improvements.

Noun 'infraestrutura'.

Muitos preferem o silêncio à agitação da metrópole.

Many prefer silence to the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Verb 'preferir... a'.

A metrópole é o centro das decisões políticas.

The metropolis is the center of political decisions.

Genitive 'das decisões'.

A poluição é um grande problema na metrópole.

Pollution is a major problem in the metropolis.

Noun 'poluição'.

Ela se mudou para a metrópole em busca de sonhos.

She moved to the metropolis in search of dreams.

Reflexive verb 'se mudar'.

A diversidade cultural é a marca da metrópole.

Cultural diversity is the hallmark of the metropolis.

Noun phrase 'diversidade cultural'.

O fenômeno da metropolização alterou a paisagem urbana.

The phenomenon of metropolization altered the urban landscape.

Term 'metropolização'.

A metrópole global exerce influência sobre mercados distantes.

The global metropolis exerts influence over distant markets.

Verb 'exercer' (to exert).

A desigualdade social é visível em qualquer grande metrópole.

Social inequality is visible in any large metropolis.

Noun 'desigualdade'.

Planejadores urbanos tentam tornar a metrópole mais sustentável.

Urban planners try to make the metropolis more sustainable.

Profession 'planejadores urbanos'.

A metrópole funciona como um hub de transportes internacionais.

The metropolis functions as a hub for international transport.

English loanword 'hub' used in PT.

A gentrificação está expulsando moradores antigos da metrópole.

Gentrification is pushing old residents out of the metropolis.

Gerund 'expulsando'.

Viver na metrópole exige um alto nível de resiliência.

Living in the metropolis requires a high level of resilience.

Verb 'exigir' (to require).

A metrópole é um laboratório de inovações tecnológicas.

The metropolis is a laboratory for technological innovations.

Metaphor 'laboratório'.

A dialética entre a metrópole e a periferia é complexa.

The dialectic between the metropolis and the periphery is complex.

Philosophical term 'dialética'.

Historicamente, a Metrópole explorava as riquezas coloniais.

Historically, the Metropolis exploited colonial riches.

Capitalized 'Metrópole' for colonial context.

A saturação dos serviços públicos é um desafio para a metrópole.

The saturation of public services is a challenge for the metropolis.

Noun 'saturação'.

A metrópole contemporânea é marcada pela fragmentação espacial.

The contemporary metropolis is marked by spatial fragmentation.

Adjective 'contemporânea'.

O fluxo migratório em direção à metrópole permanece constante.

The migratory flow towards the metropolis remains constant.

Noun phrase 'fluxo migratório'.

A metrópole é o palco onde se desenrolam os conflitos sociais.

The metropolis is the stage where social conflicts unfold.

Reflexive 'se desenrolam'.

A identidade do indivíduo é moldada pelo anonimato da metrópole.

The individual's identity is shaped by the anonymity of the metropolis.

Noun 'anonimato'.

As políticas de habitação são cruciais para o futuro da metrópole.

Housing policies are crucial for the future of the metropolis.

Noun 'habitação'.

A macrocefalia urbana caracteriza muitas metrópoles do hemisfério sul.

Urban macrocephaly characterizes many metropolises of the southern hemisphere.

Technical term 'macrocefalia urbana'.

O conceito de 'pós-metrópole' redefine nossa percepção de espaço.

The concept of 'post-metropolis' redefines our perception of space.

Prefix 'pós-'.

A metrópole atua como um nó vital nas redes globais de capital.

The metropolis acts as a vital node in global capital networks.

Noun 'nó' (node).

A efervescência cultural da metrópole é o seu maior trunfo.

The cultural effervescence of the metropolis is its greatest asset.

Noun 'efervescência'.

Analisamos a metrópole sob a ótica do materialismo histórico.

We analyze the metropolis from the perspective of historical materialism.

Phrase 'sob a ótica de'.

A gentrificação transfigura a fisionomia tradicional da metrópole.

Gentrification transfigures the traditional physiognomy of the metropolis.

Verb 'transfigurar'.

A metrópole é um palimpsesto de eras históricas sobrepostas.

The metropolis is a palimpsest of overlapping historical eras.

Metaphor 'palimpsesto'.

A governança metropolitana exige coordenação entre múltiplos entes.

Metropolitan governance requires coordination between multiple entities.

Noun 'governança'.

Common Collocations

metrópole global

região metropolitana

metrópole fervilhante

metrópole caótica

coração da metrópole

metrópole moderna

metrópole colonial

metrópole emergente

viver na metrópole

fugir da metrópole

Common Phrases

Selva de pedra

— A metaphor for the metropolis, emphasizing the concrete and the tough life.

São Paulo é a nossa selva de pedra.

Ritmo de metrópole

— A fast-paced way of living.

Não aguento mais esse ritmo de metrópole.

A metrópole que nunca dorme

— A city that is active 24/7.

Nova York é a metrópole que nunca dorme.

No centro da metrópole

— In the downtown/main area.

Trabalho no centro da metrópole.

Luzes da metrópole

— The bright city lights.

As luzes da metrópole são fascinantes.

Caos da metrópole

— The disorder and traffic of a big city.

O caos da metrópole me estressa.

Metrópole regional

— A city that dominates a specific state or province.

Recife é uma metrópole regional.

Vozes da metrópole

— The diverse opinions or sounds of a city.

Ouça as vozes da metrópole.

Gigante metrópole

— Emphasizing the massive size.

Tóquio é uma gigante metrópole.

Metrópole e arredores

— The city and its suburbs.

A metrópole e arredores sofrem com as chuvas.

Often Confused With

metrópole vs capital

A capital is a political center; a metrópole is an urban/economic center. They often overlap but aren't the same.

metrópole vs cidade

Cidade is any city; metrópole is only a very large and influential one.

metrópole vs município

Município is an administrative division (like a county/city council area).

Idioms & Expressions

"Ser um peixe fora d'água na metrópole"

— To feel out of place in a big city.

Ele veio da fazenda e se sente um peixe fora d'água na metrópole.

informal

"A metrópole engole a gente"

— The feeling that city life is overwhelming or erodes individuality.

Às vezes sinto que a metrópole engole a gente.

informal

"Perder-se na metrópole"

— Both literally getting lost and figuratively losing one's identity.

É fácil perder-se na metrópole.

neutral

"A metrópole dita as regras"

— The big city sets the trends and standards.

Goste ou não, a metrópole dita as regras da moda.

neutral

"Coração de metrópole"

— The most central and busy spot.

O teatro fica no coração de metrópole.

poetic

"Sombra da metrópole"

— The less fortunate or hidden parts of a big city.

Muitos vivem na sombra da metrópole.

literary

"Metrópole de papel"

— A city that looks good but has poor infrastructure.

Essa cidade é uma metrópole de papel.

critical

"Pulmão da metrópole"

— A large park within a big city.

O Parque do Ibirapuera é o pulmão da metrópole.

neutral

"Veias da metrópole"

— The streets or subway lines that keep the city moving.

As avenidas são as veias da metrópole.

metaphorical

"Metrópole sem rosto"

— An impersonal city.

Não quero viver em uma metrópole sem rosto.

literary

Easily Confused

metrópole vs metrópolis

English spelling.

Portuguese uses 'e' at the end and an accent.

A metrópole (PT) vs Metropolis (EN).

metrópole vs metropolitano

Related adjective.

Metrópole is the noun (the city); metropolitano is the adjective (relating to the city).

O trem metropolitano.

metrópole vs megalópole

Similar meaning.

Megalópole is even bigger, usually a chain of metropolises.

O eixo Rio-São Paulo.

metrópole vs necrópole

Rhyming word.

A necrópole is a cemetery (city of the dead).

Visitamos a necrópole antiga.

metrópole vs acrópole

Rhyming word.

An acrópole is a high city or citadel (like in Athens).

A Acrópole de Atenas.

Sentence Patterns

A [cidade] é uma metrópole.

Lisboa é uma metrópole.

Eu moro em uma [adjetivo] metrópole.

Eu moro em uma metrópole barulhenta.

A metrópole oferece [substantivo plural].

A metrópole oferece muitos empregos.

O problema da metrópole é o [substantivo].

O problema da metrópole é o trânsito.

A relação entre a metrópole e a [substantivo] é...

A relação entre a metrópole e a periferia é desigual.

Sob a ótica da [área], a metrópole é...

Sob a ótica do urbanismo, a metrópole é complexa.

General

No coração da metrópole...

No coração da metrópole, tudo acontece.

General

Longe da metrópole...

Longe da metrópole, a vida é calma.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, education, and formal discussions.

Common Mistakes

O metrópole → A metrópole
Metrópole is a feminine noun.
Metropole (no accent) → Metrópole
It requires an acute accent on the 'ó'.
Metrópolis → Metrópole
Metrópolis is English; in Portuguese, it ends in 'e'.
Using it for a small town. → Using 'cidade' or 'vila'.
A metrópole must be a large, influential urban center.
Pronouncing it like 'metro-PO-le'. → me-TRÓ-po-le
The stress is on the third-to-last syllable.

Tips

Don't forget the accent!

Writing 'metropole' is a common mistake. The accent on the 'ó' is mandatory.

It's Feminine

Always use 'a' or 'uma'. For example: 'A metrópole é imensa'.

Use for Big Cities

Reserve this word for truly large cities like São Paulo, Tokyo, or London.

Stress the TRÓ

The middle-to-last syllable is the strongest: me-TRÓ-po-le.

Global vs Regional

You can specify: 'metrópole global' (world-wide influence) or 'metrópole regional' (local influence).

Colonial Context

In history class, 'A Metrópole' usually means Portugal.

Professional Tone

Use this word in essays or presentations to sound more sophisticated.

News Keyword

Listen for this word in reports about urban traffic or city planning.

Plural Form

Just add an 's' to make it plural: 'metrópoles'.

The Metro Rule

If a city has a 'Metro' (subway), it's probably a 'Metrópole'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'Mother' (Metr-) city taking care of all the smaller 'Polis' (cities) around it. She is the Mother City: Metrópole.

Visual Association

Picture the huge 'M' of a McDonald's in a massive city center, or the 'M' for 'Metro' (subway) that only exists in a Metrópole.

Word Web

São Paulo Lisboa Trânsito Prédios Cultura Pessoas Metrô Economia

Challenge

Try to name three 'metrópoles' in Portuguese-speaking countries and write one sentence for each.

Word Origin

From the Ancient Greek 'mētropolis', which is a combination of 'mētēr' (mother) and 'polis' (city).

Original meaning: The 'mother city' of a colony.

Indo-European (via Greek and Latin).

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing 'A Metrópole' in a historical context can touch on sensitive colonial history in Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.

English speakers might think of 'Metropolis' as a fictional place (Superman), but in Portuguese, it's a standard geographical term.

Metrópolis (TV show on TV Cultura, Brazil) Metrópole (Newspaper section in Estadão) O Cortiço (Book by Aluísio Azevedo, depicting early metropolização)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel

Qual é a maior metrópole?
Onde fica o centro da metrópole?
A metrópole é segura?
Quero visitar uma metrópole.

Geography Class

Defina metrópole.
Quais são as metrópoles globais?
A metropolização no Brasil.
O impacto da metrópole.

Real Estate

Apartamento na metrópole.
Preços da metrópole.
Viver perto da metrópole.
No centro da metrópole.

History

Relação metrópole-colônia.
A metrópole portuguesa.
Ouro para a metrópole.
Independência da metrópole.

Sociology

Solidão na metrópole.
Desigualdade na metrópole.
Cultura da metrópole.
O indivíduo na metrópole.

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere viver em uma metrópole ou no campo?"

"Qual é a metrópole mais bonita que você já visitou?"

"Você acha que as metrópoles são muito barulhentas?"

"Quais são os maiores problemas de uma grande metrópole?"

"Como você imagina a metrópole do futuro?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um dia perfeito em uma grande metrópole. O que você faria e para onde iria?

Quais são as vantagens e desvantagens de morar no coração de uma metrópole?

Reflita sobre como a metrópole influencia a cultura do seu país.

Se você pudesse mudar algo em uma metrópole moderna, o que seria?

Escreva sobre a diferença entre a vida em uma pequena vila e em uma metrópole.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always say 'a metrópole' and 'uma metrópole'.

Yes, in Portuguese, 'metrópole' always has an acute accent on the 'ó' because it is a proparoxítona.

A city (cidade) can be any size. A metropolis (metrópole) is a major urban center with millions of people and regional influence.

Yes, 'Nova York é uma metrópole global' is a perfect sentence.

It refers to a large city (the metrópole) and all the smaller surrounding cities that are connected to it.

Yes, Lisbon is the largest metrópole in Portugal.

The plural is 'metrópoles'.

Yes, it is very common in news, school books, and formal conversations.

The adjective is 'metropolitano' (masculine) or 'metropolitana' (feminine).

The name comes from Greek 'meter' (mother) and 'polis' (city), because it was the starting point for colonies.