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A2 noun #4,000 most common 12 min read

ordenado

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ordenado in 30 Seconds

Explanation ordenado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'ordenado' as a basic noun for 'salary'. It is one of the essential words for describing your life and work. You will mostly use it in simple sentences like 'Eu recebo o meu ordenado' (I receive my salary). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex tax deductions; just focus on the fact that 'ordenado' is the money you get every month for working. It is a masculine word, so you always use 'o' or 'um' with it. You might also hear it in the context of 'ordenado mínimo', which is a very common phrase in Portugal. Practice saying 'O meu ordenado é bom' or 'Eu preciso de um ordenado'. Remember that it is usually paid once a month in Portugal. Even at this early stage, knowing the word 'ordenado' helps you understand basic conversations about jobs and money. You can also link it to the verb 'trabalhar' (to work) because you work to earn an 'ordenado'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'ordenado' in more descriptive sentences. You should be able to talk about 'ordenado bruto' (gross salary) and 'ordenado líquido' (net salary), as these are very practical terms for anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking country. You will also learn to use it with more verbs, such as 'gastar' (to spend) and 'poupar' (to save). For example, 'Eu gasto o meu ordenado em comida e renda'. You should also be aware of the phrase 'dia de ordenado', which is the day people get paid. At this level, you can begin to compare salaries using simple structures: 'O ordenado de um médico é maior do que o de um empregado de mesa'. You should also understand that 'ordenado' is the standard term in Portugal, while 'salário' is more common in Brazil. This helps you navigate different varieties of the Portuguese language. You might also encounter the plural 'ordenados' when reading simple news articles about the economy.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ordenado' in a variety of professional and social contexts. You can discuss 'expectativas de ordenado' (salary expectations) during a job interview and understand the nuances of 'subsídios' (allowances) that are added to the 'ordenado base'. You will be able to explain your financial situation in more detail, using phrases like 'viver do ordenado' (living paycheck to paycheck) or 'chegar ao fim do mês com o ordenado'. You should also be able to understand more complex news reports about 'revisões de ordenados' (salary reviews) or 'congelamento de ordenados' (salary freezes). At this stage, you can distinguish between 'ordenado' and more formal terms like 'vencimento' or 'remuneração'. You can also use 'ordenado' as an adjective ('an ordered room') and distinguish it from the noun 'salary' by context. Your vocabulary is now rich enough to discuss the social implications of 'ordenados baixos' in the Portuguese society.

At the B2 level, you can use 'ordenado' in sophisticated discussions about labor laws, economics, and career development. You should be able to talk about 'progressão na carreira e aumento de ordenado' with ease. You can participate in debates about the 'fosso salarial' (wage gap) and the impact of 'ordenados' on inflation. You will understand the technical details of a 'recibo de vencimento', including various taxes like IRS and Social Security contributions that affect the final 'ordenado'. You can use idiomatic expressions related to money and salaries, and you can write professional emails or reports where 'ordenado' or 'vencimento' are used correctly according to the register. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which gives you a deeper appreciation of the language. You can contrast the Portuguese 'ordenado' system (with 14 payments) with other international systems and explain these differences clearly in Portuguese.

At the C1 level, your use of 'ordenado' is nuanced and precise. You can use the word in academic or high-level professional settings, discussing 'políticas de ordenados' (salary policies) and 'estratégias de retenção de talento' (talent retention strategies). You are comfortable with the legal terminology surrounding 'ordenados', such as 'penhora de ordenado' (salary garnishment) or 'irredutibilidade do ordenado' (the principle that a salary cannot be reduced). You can analyze and critique economic texts that use 'ordenado' as a key variable. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'ordenado', 'vencimento', 'remuneração', and 'proventos'. Your speaking and writing reflect a deep cultural understanding of what 'ordenado' means in the Lusophone world, including the socio-economic challenges faced by different regions. You can use the word in complex metaphorical or rhetorical ways, and you are fully aware of its dual role as a noun and a past participle in sophisticated literary contexts.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'ordenado' and all its connotations. You can use it in any context, from a casual conversation in a 'tasca' to a high-level economic forum. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its place within the broader Romance language family. You can navigate the most complex legal and financial documents involving 'ordenados' with the same ease as a native speaker. You can use the word to create subtle humor, irony, or emphasis in your speech and writing. You are also an expert in the regional variations, knowing exactly when to use 'ordenado' versus 'salário' to achieve a specific effect or to blend in perfectly with a specific group of speakers. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and sociological, allowing you to discuss the 'ordenado' as a reflection of Portuguese identity and history.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ordenado in 30 Seconds

Ordenado is the standard European Portuguese word for a monthly salary or wage received by an employee.
It is a masculine noun (o ordenado) and is almost always discussed in terms of monthly amounts.
Common phrases include 'ordenado mínimo' (minimum wage) and 'dia de ordenado' (payday).
In Brazil, the word 'salário' is preferred over 'ordenado', which sounds more formal or old-fashioned there.

The Portuguese word ordenado is a masculine noun that primarily refers to the fixed, regular payment an employee receives from an employer, typically on a monthly basis. While English speakers might use 'salary' or 'wage' interchangeably, in European Portuguese, 'ordenado' is the most common and natural way to describe one's monthly take-home pay in a professional context. It is essential to distinguish it from 'salário', which is also used but can sometimes feel more formal or generic, whereas 'ordenado' is the bread-and-butter term for the working class and professionals alike in Portugal.

Grammatical Gender: Masculine (o ordenado, os ordenados).
Common Usage: Used extensively in Portugal to discuss monthly earnings, household budgets, and employment contracts.

When people use this word, they are often referring to the 'net' or 'gross' amount they earn. In Portugal, the concept of the 'ordenado' is deeply tied to the social structure, where the 'ordenado mínimo nacional' (national minimum wage) is a frequent topic of political and social debate. Unlike the United States, where wages might be discussed in hourly terms, the Portuguese 'ordenado' is almost always conceived as a monthly figure.

Finalmente recebi o meu ordenado de Janeiro e já posso pagar a renda.

In a professional setting, you will hear this word during job interviews when discussing 'expectativas de ordenado' (salary expectations) or when reviewing a 'recibo de vencimento' (pay stub). It carries a sense of stability and regularity. Interestingly, the word is also the past participle of the verb 'ordenar' (to order or to arrange), but as a noun, its meaning is strictly financial.

O ordenado base não inclui os subsídios de alimentação.

Historically, the term derives from the idea of an 'ordered' or 'regular' payment. In the modern Portuguese economy, the 'ordenado' is often supplemented by 'subsídios' (allowances), such as the Christmas bonus (subsídio de Natal) and the holiday bonus (subsídio de férias), which effectively means many Portuguese workers receive fourteen 'ordenados' per year.

Cultural Nuance: Discussing your specific 'ordenado' can be a private matter in Portugal, much like in many English-speaking cultures, though complaining about the 'ordenado mínimo' is a common national pastime.

Muitos jovens licenciados procuram melhores ordenados no estrangeiro.

In summary, 'ordenado' is the essential term for anyone living or working in Portugal to understand. It represents the financial lifeblood of the individual and is the cornerstone of employment discussions. Whether you are checking your bank account on 'dia de ordenado' (payday) or negotiating a new contract, this word will be at the center of the conversation.

Ela tem um ordenado bastante confortável para o custo de vida atual.

Related Terms: Vencimento (salary/earnings), Remuneração (remuneration), Salário (wage/salary).

O patrão prometeu um aumento de ordenado no próximo trimestre.

Using ordenado correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and its common associations with specific verbs. The most frequent verb paired with 'ordenado' is 'receber' (to receive). When a person gets paid, they say 'recebi o ordenado'. Other common verbs include 'pagar' (to pay), 'gastar' (to spend), 'poupar' (to save), and 'aumentar' (to increase).

Verb Pairing: Receber: The act of getting paid. Example: 'Eu recebo o meu ordenado ao final do mês.'
Verb Pairing: Aumentar: To give or receive a raise. Example: 'A empresa decidiu aumentar o ordenado de todos os funcionários.'

In Portuguese, we often distinguish between different types of 'ordenado'. The 'ordenado bruto' is the gross salary before taxes and social security deductions. The 'ordenado líquido' is the net salary, the actual amount that arrives in your bank account. Understanding this distinction is crucial for anyone working in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

Depois dos impostos, o meu ordenado líquido é muito mais baixo do que o bruto.

Another frequent construction is 'ordenado mínimo'. This refers to the legal minimum that an employer can pay a full-time worker. In Portugal, this is a major political benchmark. You might also hear 'ordenado médio', which refers to the average salary in a particular sector or the country as a whole.

Consegues viver bem com um ordenado de oitocentos euros em Lisboa?

When discussing the frequency of payment, 'ordenado' is almost always assumed to be monthly. If you were paid weekly, you might use the term 'semanada' or simply describe the payment frequency, but 'ordenado' implies a monthly professional commitment. In formal documents, 'ordenado' might be replaced by 'vencimento', especially in the public sector or in legal contracts.

Formal vs. Informal: 'Vencimento' is more formal; 'Ordenado' is standard/neutral; 'Paga' is more informal or used for small tasks.

O ordenado é depositado diretamente na conta bancária no dia vinte e cinco.

In plural form, 'os ordenados', it often refers to the payroll of a company or the general state of wages in an economy. For instance, 'Os ordenados em Portugal são mais baixos do que na Alemanha' (Salaries in Portugal are lower than in Germany).

Ele gasta metade do ordenado só no aluguer do apartamento.

Prepositions: Com (with): 'Viver com o ordenado'. Para (for): 'Trabalhar para o ordenado'.

A Maria pediu um adiantamento do ordenado para pagar uma despesa urgente.

The word ordenado is ubiquitous in Portuguese daily life. You will hear it in the office, at the dinner table, in the news, and at the bank. It is perhaps one of the most significant words in the adult vocabulary because it dictates lifestyle and social mobility. In a professional environment, 'ordenado' is the standard term used by Human Resources and colleagues. You might hear someone say, 'Já caiu o ordenado?' which is a colloquial way of asking if the salary has been deposited in the bank account yet. This phrase is particularly common around the 25th to the 30th of each month.

In the Office: Discussions about raises, bonuses, and contract terms. 'Vamos discutir o seu ordenado.'
In the Bank: Financial products like 'Conta Ordenado' (Salary Account), which often offer benefits like overdraft facilities or lower fees if you deposit your salary there.

On the news, 'ordenado' is used in every report concerning the economy. Journalists frequently report on 'o aumento do ordenado mínimo' or 'a perda de poder de compra dos ordenados'. It is a political 'hot potato' and a key indicator of the country's economic health.

O governo anunciou que o ordenado mínimo vai subir no próximo ano.

In social settings, Portuguese people might discuss 'ordenados' when comparing different careers or cost of living in different cities. While it can be considered rude to ask someone directly 'Quanto é o teu ordenado?' (How much is your salary?), it is very common to talk about 'ordenados' in general terms or to complain that 'os ordenados não chegam para nada' (salaries aren't enough for anything).

Ela mudou de emprego porque lhe ofereceram um ordenado muito superior.

You will also see this word on official documents. A 'recibo de vencimento' is your monthly payslip, and it will list your 'ordenado base' (base salary) alongside various deductions and bonuses. If you apply for a mortgage or a loan, the bank will ask for your last three 'recibos de vencimento' to verify your 'ordenado'.

In Advertisements: Job postings: 'Ordenado compatível com a experiência' (Salary compatible with experience).

Muitas empresas oferecem benefícios extra além do ordenado mensal.

Finally, in the context of the European Union, 'ordenado' is often compared across borders. Portuguese workers often look at the 'ordenados' in countries like Luxembourg or Switzerland with envy, which leads to significant migration. This makes the word 'ordenado' central to the narrative of the Portuguese diaspora and the search for a better life.

Com a inflação, o ordenado real das famílias diminuiu significativamente.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word ordenado can present a few pitfalls. The most common mistake is confusing the noun 'ordenado' (salary) with the adjective 'ordenado' (organized/tidy). While they look and sound identical, their usage is determined entirely by context and grammar.

Noun vs. Adjective: Noun: 'O meu ordenado' (My salary). Adjective: 'Um quarto ordenado' (A tidy room).

Another mistake is using 'ordenado' when 'salário' might be more appropriate in a specific regional context. As mentioned, while 'ordenado' is perfect for Portugal, using it in Brazil might mark you as a foreigner or someone using dated language. In Brazil, 'salário' is the default.

Mistake: 'Eu quero um ordenado maior' (in São Paulo). Better: 'Eu quero um salário maior'.

A subtle grammatical error involves the gender of the word. Since it ends in '-o', it is masculine, but learners sometimes forget and try to use feminine articles. Always remember: 'o ordenado', 'um ordenado'.

Mistake: 'A minha ordenado'. Correct: 'O meu ordenado'.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'ordenado bruto' and 'ordenado líquido'. If you are negotiating a salary in Portugal, always clarify if the number being discussed is 'bruto' (before tax) or 'líquido' (after tax). Many expats have been disappointed to find their 'ordenado' much smaller than expected because they didn't account for the high social security and income tax (IRS) deductions in Portugal.

False Friend Alert: 'Ordinary' in English is 'comum' or 'ordinário' in Portuguese. 'Ordenado' does NOT mean 'ordinary'.

Ele tem um ordenado extraordinário (He has an extraordinary/amazing salary).

Finally, avoid confusing 'ordenado' with 'honorários'. 'Honorários' are professional fees paid to freelancers, lawyers, or doctors for specific services, whereas 'ordenado' is for regular employees. If you are a freelancer, you don't have an 'ordenado'; you have 'rendimentos' (earnings) or 'honorários'.

O advogado enviou a fatura dos seus honorários, não do seu ordenado.

Pronunciation Tip: The 'r' in 'ordenado' is a soft flap in the middle of the word (like the 'tt' in 'better' in American English), not the guttural 'r' found at the start of words.

O meu ordenado é depositado mensalmente.

While ordenado is a staple of the Portuguese language, there are several synonyms and related terms that you should know to sound more like a native speaker and to understand different registers of speech.

Salário: The most direct synonym. It is used in both Portugal and Brazil. It often appears in technical terms like 'salário mínimo'.
Vencimento: A more formal term, often used in public administration and legal documents. Your payslip is called a 'recibo de vencimento'.

If you are talking about the total package of what you earn, including bonuses and benefits, the word 'remuneração' is more appropriate. This is a broader term that encompasses everything the employer gives you in exchange for your work.

A remuneração total inclui o ordenado base e o bónus anual.

For those who work in specific professions, other terms might apply. Soldiers receive a 'soldo'. Clergy members might receive a 'congrua'. Freelancers and independent professionals (like doctors or architects) receive 'honorários'. If you are doing a small, one-off job, you might just call the payment 'a paga'.

O vencimento dos funcionários públicos foi atualizado este mês.

When comparing 'ordenado' and 'salário', remember that 'salário' comes from the Latin 'salarium', which was money given to Roman soldiers to buy salt. 'Ordenado' comes from 'ordinatus', implying something that is set in order. This historical nuance still lingers in the sense that 'ordenado' feels like part of an established, 'ordered' employment relationship.

Paga: Very informal. 'Qual é a paga por este trabalho?' (What's the pay for this job?).
Mesada: An allowance, usually given by parents to children. Not a professional salary.

Ele recebe uma boa remuneração pelo seu cargo de diretor.

In a business context, you might also hear 'folha de pagamentos' (payroll), which is the list of all 'ordenados' that a company must pay. If a company is struggling, they might have 'ordenados em atraso' (late salaries), which is a serious legal and social issue in Portugal.

O ordenado líquido é o que realmente importa para as contas da casa.

Estipêndio: A very formal or academic term for a stipend or fixed payment.

O sindicato luta por melhores ordenados e condições de trabalho.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The transition from 'ordered' to 'salary' happened because payments were seen as an 'ordered' or 'regular' distribution of funds to soldiers or officials.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɔɾ.ðɨ.ˈna.ðu/

US /oɹ.də.ˈnɑ.du/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: or-de-NA-do.

Rhymes With

passado cansado mercado dado lado estado cuidado obrigado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'o' instead of 'u'.
Making the 'r' too guttural like in French.
Ignoring the silent 'e' in European Portuguese.
Stressing the first syllable.
Confusing the 'd' sound with a hard English 'd'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts about work or economy.

Writing 3/5

Needs care to avoid confusion with the adjective form.

Speaking 3/5

The middle 'e' can be tricky for English speakers to reduce correctly.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

trabalho dinheiro pagar receber mês

Learn Next

vencimento impostos recibo contrato bónus

Advanced

remuneração estipêndio honorários penhora auferir

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

O meu (masc) ordenado (masc) está pago.

Contractions with Prepositions

Gasto parte do (de + o) ordenado.

Plural Formation

Os ordenados (add -s) são baixos.

Adjective Placement

Um ordenado (noun) confortável (adjective).

Verb Tense with Habitual Actions

Eu recebo (present) o ordenado todos os meses.

Examples by Level

O meu ordenado é pequeno.

My salary is small.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Eu recebo o ordenado hoje.

I receive the salary today.

Present tense of 'receber'.

Onde está o meu ordenado?

Where is my salary?

Interrogative sentence.

Ele tem um ordenado bom.

He has a good salary.

Use of 'um' for masculine singular.

O ordenado mínimo é baixo.

The minimum wage is low.

'Mínimo' acts as an adjective modifying 'ordenado'.

Eu quero um ordenado maior.

I want a bigger salary.

Comparative 'maior'.

Ela não tem ordenado.

She doesn't have a salary.

Negative construction.

O ordenado chega amanhã.

The salary arrives tomorrow.

Future intent using present tense.

O ordenado líquido é de mil euros.

The net salary is one thousand euros.

Distinction between gross and net.

Gasto o meu ordenado na renda.

I spend my salary on rent.

Preposition 'em' becomes 'na' with 'a renda'.

O patrão aumentou o meu ordenado.

The boss increased my salary.

Past tense 'Pretérito Perfeito'.

O dia de ordenado é o mais feliz.

Payday is the happiest day.

Superlative 'o mais feliz'.

Preciso de poupar parte do ordenado.

I need to save part of the salary.

Verb 'poupar' followed by the object.

O ordenado bruto é maior que o líquido.

The gross salary is larger than the net.

Comparison 'maior que'.

Eles discutem o ordenado todos os meses.

They discuss the salary every month.

Frequency expression 'todos os meses'.

O meu ordenado não subiu este ano.

My salary did not go up this year.

Negative past tense.

Viver apenas do ordenado é difícil em Lisboa.

Living only on the salary is difficult in Lisbon.

Infinitive as a subject.

A empresa oferece um ordenado competitivo.

The company offers a competitive salary.

Adjective 'competitivo' following the noun.

Ele pediu um adiantamento do ordenado.

He asked for a salary advance.

Noun 'adiantamento'.

O ordenado base não inclui bónus.

The base salary does not include bonuses.

Compound noun 'ordenado base'.

Sempre que recebo o ordenado, vou jantar fora.

Whenever I receive my salary, I go out for dinner.

Conjunction 'sempre que' for habitual actions.

O ordenado médio em Portugal está a subir.

The average salary in Portugal is rising.

Present continuous 'está a subir'.

Ela está satisfeita com o seu ordenado atual.

She is satisfied with her current salary.

Adjective 'satisfeita' + preposition 'com'.

Muitas pessoas reclamam dos ordenados baixos.

Many people complain about low salaries.

Verb 'reclamar' + preposition 'de'.

O ordenado é depositado na conta à ordem.

The salary is deposited into the checking account.

Passive voice with 'ser'.

A negociação do ordenado foi bastante tensa.

The salary negotiation was quite tense.

Noun 'negociação'.

O ordenado líquido depende do escalão de IRS.

The net salary depends on the tax bracket.

Verb 'depender' + preposition 'de'.

Houve um congelamento de ordenados no setor público.

There was a salary freeze in the public sector.

Noun phrase 'congelamento de ordenados'.

O ordenado anual é dividido por catorze meses.

The annual salary is divided by fourteen months.

Passive voice 'é dividido'.

A disparidade de ordenados é um problema social.

The salary disparity is a social problem.

Noun 'disparidade'.

Ele conseguiu um ordenado acima da média.

He got a salary above average.

Prepositional phrase 'acima da'.

O recibo de vencimento detalha todo o ordenado.

The pay stub details the entire salary.

Verb 'detalhar'.

A penhora do ordenado foi executada pelo tribunal.

The salary garnishment was executed by the court.

Legal terminology 'penhora'.

A irredutibilidade do ordenado é um direito laboral.

The non-reducibility of salary is a labor right.

Complex abstract noun 'irredutibilidade'.

O ordenado real caiu devido à inflação galopante.

The real salary fell due to rampant inflation.

Economic term 'ordenado real'.

A empresa reestruturou a grelha de ordenados.

The company restructured the salary scale.

Technical term 'grelha de ordenados'.

Os ordenados auferidos no estrangeiro devem ser declarados.

Salaries earned abroad must be declared.

Formal verb 'auferir'.

Houve uma convergência dos ordenados europeus.

There was a convergence of European salaries.

Noun 'convergência'.

O ordenado é apenas uma componente da remuneração.

The salary is only one component of the remuneration.

Distinction between 'ordenado' and 'remuneração'.

A estagnação dos ordenados preocupa os sindicatos.

The stagnation of salaries worries the unions.

Noun 'estagnação'.

A dicotomia entre ordenado e custo de vida acentuou-se.

The dichotomy between salary and cost of living has sharpened.

Reflexive verb 'acentuou-se'.

A volatilidade dos ordenados variáveis gera insegurança.

The volatility of variable salaries generates insecurity.

Noun 'volatilidade'.

O ordenado, conquanto generoso, não compensa o stress.

The salary, although generous, does not compensate for the stress.

Conjunction 'conquanto'.

A indexação do ordenado à inflação é um tema controverso.

Indexing the salary to inflation is a controversial topic.

Noun 'indexação'.

A precarização do trabalho afeta o ordenado médio.

The precarization of work affects the average salary.

Sociological term 'precarização'.

O ordenado serve de bitola para o estatuto social.

The salary serves as a gauge for social status.

Metaphorical use of 'bitola'.

Subjacente à greve está a reivindicação de melhores ordenados.

Underlying the strike is the demand for better salaries.

Adjective 'subjacente'.

A arquitetura de ordenados da multinacional é complexa.

The salary architecture of the multinational is complex.

Metaphorical use of 'arquitetura'.

Common Collocations

ordenado mínimo

ordenado base

ordenado líquido

ordenado bruto

dia de ordenado

receber o ordenado

aumento de ordenado

folha de ordenados

ordenado médio

adiantamento de ordenado

Common Phrases

Viver do ordenado

— To live paycheck to paycheck without savings.

Muitas famílias vivem apenas do ordenado.

Contar os dias para o ordenado

— To be eagerly waiting for payday because money is tight.

Estou a contar os dias para o ordenado.

Ordenados em atraso

— When a company hasn't paid its employees on time.

A fábrica tem três meses de ordenados em atraso.

Um ordenado de miséria

— A very low, insufficient salary.

Ele trabalha muito para um ordenado de miséria.

Gastar o ordenado todo

— To spend the entire salary quickly.

Ela gasta o ordenado todo em viagens.

Ordenado por fora

— Payment made under the table (not declared).

Ele recebe uma parte do ordenado por fora.

Cair o ordenado

— Colloquial for the salary being deposited in the bank.

Já caiu o ordenado na tua conta?

Expectativa de ordenado

— What you expect to earn in a new job.

Qual é a sua expectativa de ordenado?

Teto de ordenado

— The maximum salary allowed for a position.

A empresa atingiu o teto de ordenado para este cargo.

Revisão de ordenados

— A periodic update of salary levels.

Haverá uma revisão de ordenados em Janeiro.

Often Confused With

ordenado vs ordem

Ordem means a command or an order in a restaurant, not a salary.

ordenado vs ordenada

This is the feminine form, used as an adjective (e.g., uma mesa ordenada) or in mathematics (ordinate).

ordenado vs ordinário

Means 'ordinary' or 'vulgar', not related to salary.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar a pão e laranjas até ao ordenado"

— To have very little money left for food until the next payday.

Este mês gastei demais, estou a pão e laranjas até ao ordenado.

Informal

"Trabalhar para o boneco"

— To work for nothing or for a very low salary (metaphorically).

Com estes impostos, parece que trabalho para o boneco.

Informal

"Não chegar para as encomendas"

— When the salary isn't enough to cover all expenses.

O meu ordenado não chega para as encomendas este mês.

Colloquial

"Arregaçar as mangas pelo ordenado"

— To work very hard to earn one's pay.

Temos de arregaçar as mangas pelo nosso ordenado.

Standard

"Fazer render o ordenado"

— To make the salary last as long as possible through careful spending.

Ela sabe fazer render o ordenado como ninguém.

Standard

"Pôr o ordenado a render"

— To invest the salary to make more money.

Ele põe parte do ordenado a render na bolsa.

Financial

"Comer o ordenado"

— To spend all the money on food or immediate consumption.

Ele come o ordenado todo em restaurantes caros.

Informal

"Ordenado de ouro"

— A very high, prestigious salary.

O novo CEO tem um ordenado de ouro.

Standard

"Ficar a ver navios no dia do ordenado"

— To not receive the expected pay or to have it all taken by debts.

Com tantas dívidas, fico a ver navios no dia do ordenado.

Informal

"Dar o litro pelo ordenado"

— To give 100% effort at work for one's pay.

Eu dou o litro pelo meu ordenado todos os dias.

Slang

Easily Confused

ordenado vs Salário

They mean the same thing.

Ordenado is the preferred term in Portugal for monthly pay. Salário is more common in Brazil and for general economic terms.

Em Portugal dizemos 'ordenado', no Brasil dizem 'salário'.

ordenado vs Vencimento

Both appear on payslips.

Vencimento is more formal and often used in the public sector. Ordenado is the everyday word.

O meu vencimento base está no recibo.

ordenado vs Remuneração

Both refer to money from work.

Remuneração is the total package (salary + benefits). Ordenado is just the fixed monthly part.

A remuneração inclui o carro da empresa.

ordenado vs Honorários

Both are payments for work.

Honorários are for freelancers/professionals. Ordenado is for employees.

O médico recebe honorários, o enfermeiro recebe um ordenado.

ordenado vs Mesada

Both are monthly payments.

Mesada is an allowance for children. Ordenado is for workers.

O filho recebe uma mesada, o pai recebe um ordenado.

Sentence Patterns

O meu ordenado é [adjetivo].

O meu ordenado é bom.

Eu recebo o ordenado em [data/dia].

Eu recebo o ordenado no dia 30.

O ordenado não chega para [verbo/substantivo].

O ordenado não chega para as contas.

A empresa propôs um ordenado de [valor].

A empresa propôs um ordenado de mil euros.

Apesar do ordenado elevado, ele [contraste].

Apesar do ordenado elevado, ele não é feliz.

O ordenado líquido é influenciado por [fator].

O ordenado líquido é influenciado pelo IRS.

A estagnação do ordenado real reflete [causa].

A estagnação do ordenado real reflete a crise.

Subsiste a dúvida sobre a legalidade do ordenado.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media in Portugal.

Common Mistakes

A minha ordenado é boa. → O meu ordenado é bom.
Ordenado is masculine, so the possessive 'meu' and the adjective 'bom' must also be masculine.
Eu recebo o meu salário (in a casual Lisbon context). → Eu recebo o meu ordenado.
While not 'wrong', 'ordenado' is much more natural and common in European Portuguese speech.
O meu quarto é muito salário. → O meu quarto é muito ordenado.
Confusing the noun 'salary' with the adjective 'organized'. You cannot use 'salário' as an adjective.
Eu recebo 12 ordenados por ano em Portugal. → Eu recebo 14 ordenados por ano em Portugal.
Missing the cultural fact that Portuguese law usually mandates 14 payments (including bonuses).
O advogado pediu o seu ordenado. → O advogado pediu os seus honorários.
Independent professionals like lawyers receive 'honorários', not an 'ordenado'.

Tips

Check the Article

Always use 'o' or 'um' with 'ordenado'. Using the wrong gender is a common beginner mistake that changes the meaning or makes the sentence sound unnatural.

Bruto vs Líquido

When looking at job ads in Portugal, always assume the number is 'bruto' (before tax) unless specified as 'líquido'. The difference can be 20-40%!

The 14th Month

Don't be surprised if your contract mentions 14 payments. This is standard in Portugal and includes the Christmas and Holiday bonuses.

Portugal vs Brazil

If you are traveling to Brazil, switch to 'salário'. If you are in Portugal, 'ordenado' will make you sound more like a local.

Negotiating

During negotiations, use the phrase 'expectativa de ordenado líquido' to ensure you are talking about the money you actually want to take home.

Payday Phrases

Learn the phrase 'Já caiu o ordenado?' to use with your Portuguese colleagues on the 25th of the month. It's a great conversation starter.

Noun or Adjective?

If 'ordenado' follows a noun, it's likely an adjective (e.g., 'quarto ordenado'). If it follows an article or possessive, it's the noun 'salary'.

Subsídio de Refeição

In Portugal, many workers get a 'subsídio de refeição' (meal allowance) on top of their 'ordenado'. This is often paid on a separate card.

Think of Order

Remember that a salary is an 'ordered' payment. This helps you remember the word 'ordenado' by linking it to the English word 'order'.

Complaining is OK

While asking for a specific amount is rude, complaining that 'os ordenados estão baixos' is a very common and safe social topic in Portugal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'ORDERLY' payment. Your 'ORDENADO' is the 'ORDER' of money you get every month.

Visual Association

Imagine a stack of coins perfectly 'ORDERED' on a calendar at the end of the month.

Word Web

Trabalho Dinheiro Banco Mensal Contrato Impostos Patrão Empresa

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using 'ordenado' as a noun (salary) and 'ordenado' as an adjective (organized) in the same paragraph.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'ordinatus', which is the past participle of 'ordinare' (to put in order, to arrange).

Original meaning: Something that has been put in order or arranged systematically.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking people about their 'ordenado' directly; it can be seen as intrusive.

In the UK or US, people often talk about 'annual salary'. In Portugal, people almost always talk about 'monthly ordenado'.

The song 'O Ordenado' (fictional example of common folk songs about work). News headlines: 'Subida do Ordenado Mínimo para 2024'. Portuguese Labor Code (Código do Trabalho) where 'ordenado' is legally defined.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a job interview

Qual é o ordenado?
Expectativa de ordenado
Ordenado bruto ou líquido?
Progressão de ordenado

At the bank

Abrir conta ordenado
Domiciliar o ordenado
Adiantamento de ordenado
Comprovativo de ordenado

With colleagues

Já recebeste o ordenado?
O ordenado já caiu?
Dia de ordenado
Aumento de ordenado

Discussing household budget

O ordenado não chega
Gerir o ordenado
Gastar o ordenado
Metade do ordenado

In the news

Ordenado mínimo nacional
Subida dos ordenados
Ordenado médio
Perda de ordenado

Conversation Starters

"O que achas do ordenado mínimo em Portugal atualmente?"

"Já recebeste o teu ordenado este mês ou ainda estás à espera?"

"É difícil gerir o teu ordenado com o aumento dos preços das rendas?"

"Preferias ter um ordenado maior ou mais dias de férias?"

"Qual foi o teu primeiro ordenado e o que compraste com ele?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre como te sentiste quando recebeste o teu primeiro ordenado na vida.

Como é que planeias gastar o teu ordenado no próximo mês? Faz uma lista.

Achas que o ordenado é o fator mais importante num emprego? Explica porquê.

Imagina que recebias um ordenado de um milhão de euros. O que farias?

Descreve a sensação de chegar ao 'dia de ordenado' depois de um mês difícil.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries, it is primarily used in Portugal. In Brazil, 'salário' is much more common. If you use 'ordenado' in Brazil, people will understand you, but it sounds formal or slightly dated.

This is a crucial distinction. 'Ordenado bruto' is the total amount before any taxes are taken out. 'Ordenado líquido' is the actual 'take-home' pay that goes into your bank account after Social Security and IRS (income tax) deductions.

In Portugal, most employees receive 14 'ordenados' per year: one for each of the 12 months, plus a 'subsídio de férias' (holiday bonus) and a 'subsídio de Natal' (Christmas bonus).

Yes! As an adjective, it means 'ordered', 'organized', or 'tidy'. For example: 'Ele é um homem muito ordenado' (He is a very organized man). You have to distinguish it from the noun 'salary' using context.

The 'ordenado mínimo nacional' is the legal minimum monthly salary. It is updated annually by the government and is a key topic in Portuguese politics and social discussions.

It is masculine: 'o ordenado'. If you use the feminine 'a ordenada', you are either using an adjective for a feminine noun or referring to a mathematical term (the y-coordinate).

Payday in Portugal usually falls between the 23rd and the last day of the month, depending on the company. It is a very popular day for shopping and dining out!

Generally, yes. Like in many cultures, asking 'Quanto ganhas de ordenado?' is considered a private matter and can be seen as impolite unless you are very close friends or family.

A 'conta ordenado' is a type of bank account where you deposit your monthly salary. Banks often offer special benefits for these accounts, such as no monthly fees or low-interest overdrafts.

No. This is a false friend. 'Ordinary' translates to 'comum' or 'ordinário'. 'Ordenado' specifically means salary or organized.