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A2 noun #3,000 most common 12 min read

recurso

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips recurso in 30 Seconds

Explanation recurso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'recurso' as a very basic word for 'help' or 'tool' that you use at school or home. It is a masculine noun, so you say 'o recurso' or 'um recurso'. Even at this early stage, you might hear your teacher talk about 'recursos para estudar', which means things like your book, your pen, or a website that helps you learn Portuguese. You don't need to know all the complex legal or economic meanings yet. Just focus on the idea that a 'recurso' is something you have that helps you do something else. For example, if you have a dictionary, that is a 'recurso'. If you have a computer, that is another 'recurso'. In simple sentences, you can say 'Eu tenho recursos' (I have resources) or 'O recurso é bom' (The resource is good). It is important to remember the plural form 'recursos'. You will often see this on websites or in textbooks. At A1, the most important thing is to recognize the word when you see it in a list of study materials. Don't worry about using it in complicated ways; just understand that it refers to something useful. You might also see it in the context of 'Recursos Humanos' (Human Resources) if you look at a job website, which just means the people who work in a company. Keep it simple and associate 'recurso' with 'useful thing'. This will give you a solid foundation for when you encounter the word in more difficult texts later on. Practice saying the word clearly, with the 're' sound like in 'red' (but slightly more rolled in some accents) and the 'cur' like in 'cook'. The 'so' at the end is like the English word 'so'. It is a common word, so you will see it often!

At the A2 level, you are starting to use 'recurso' in more specific contexts, especially related to work and school. You should understand that 'recurso' is often used with adjectives to describe different types of help. For example, 'recursos financeiros' means money or funds, and 'recursos naturais' means things from nature like water or oil. You might use the word to talk about your own needs: 'Eu preciso de recursos para o meu projeto' (I need resources for my project). You are also learning that 'recurso' can be used in the phrase 'último recurso' (last resort). This is very useful for explaining that you tried everything else first. For instance, 'Como último recurso, liguei para o meu pai' (As a last resort, I called my father). At this level, you should be comfortable using 'recurso' in the plural and making sure your adjectives agree with it. You might also encounter 'recurso' in a technical sense if you use a computer or a smartphone in Portuguese. A 'recurso do sistema' is a system feature or resource. You are moving beyond simple 'things' and starting to see 'recurso' as a category of assets. It is also a good time to learn that 'recurso' can mean a legal appeal, although you might not use that meaning yourself yet. Just being aware of it will help your reading comprehension. Try to notice how 'recurso' is used in short news articles or emails. It is a very versatile word that helps you sound more professional and precise. Instead of just saying 'coisa' (thing), you can now say 'recurso' to describe a tool or a source of help.

By the B1 level, your understanding of 'recurso' should be quite broad. You are now expected to use it in discussions about the environment, the economy, and perhaps even basic legal situations. You should understand the nuance between 'recurso' and 'meio'. While both can mean 'means', 'recurso' usually implies a specific asset that you possess or can access. You can now use phrases like 'esgotar os recursos' (to exhaust resources) or 'aproveitar os recursos' (to make the most of resources). In an academic or professional setting, you might talk about 'recursos didáticos' or 'recursos tecnológicos'. You should also be familiar with the legal meaning of 'recurso' as an 'appeal'. If you hear 'O advogado entrou com um recurso', you know that the lawyer is asking a higher court to change a decision. This is a very common use of the word in Portuguese-speaking news. Furthermore, you can start using 'recurso' in a more abstract way to talk about 'recursos internos' like patience or creativity. For example, 'Ela tem muitos recursos internos para lidar com o estresse' (She has many internal resources to deal with stress). You are also becoming more aware of the prepositions that go with the word, such as 'recurso a' (resorting to). At B1, you should be able to write a short paragraph about the importance of protecting 'recursos naturais' or explain what 'recursos' you need to finish a task at work. Your vocabulary is becoming more specialized, and 'recurso' is a key word that connects many different topics. It is no longer just a 'useful thing' but a vital component of systems and strategies.

At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'recurso' and be able to use it with high precision in both formal and informal contexts. You understand that 'recurso' is central to many idiomatic expressions and technical terms. You can discuss 'alocação de recursos' (resource allocation) in a business meeting or 'gestão de recursos hídricos' (water resource management) in an environmental debate. You are comfortable with the legal terminology, knowing that 'interpor um recurso' is the formal way to say 'to file an appeal'. You also recognize the word in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used to describe 'recursos estilísticos' (stylistic devices) used by an author. Your ability to distinguish 'recurso' from its synonyms like 'fonte', 'meio', and 'bem' is now well-developed. You know that while a 'fonte de energia' is a source of energy, the energy itself is a 'recurso'. You can also use 'recurso' to describe human attributes in a professional way, such as 'recursos humanos' or 'recursos intelectuais'. At this level, you should be able to argue for or against the use of certain 'recursos' in a complex situation, using appropriate adjectives and verbs. You understand that 'recurso' carries a sense of potential and utility. You might also encounter the word in philosophical contexts, discussing the 'limitação dos recursos' of the human mind. Your usage should be fluid and natural, showing that you understand not just the definition of the word, but its cultural and professional weight in the Portuguese-speaking world. You are now using 'recurso' as a tool for complex expression.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'recurso' is near-native. You understand the most subtle nuances of the word and can use it in highly specialized fields like law, advanced economics, or literary criticism. You are aware of the historical etymology of the word, coming from the Latin 'recursus', and how this history informs its modern meanings of 'running back' for help or 'turning to' a source. You can use 'recurso' in complex sentence structures with ease, employing a wide range of collocations like 'recurso extraordinário' (extraordinary appeal in law) or 'recursos escassos' (scarce resources in economics). You are also sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 'recurso' and when a more specific term like 'provimento' or 'agravo' (specific legal appeals) would be more appropriate. In academic writing, you use 'recurso' to describe the methodology or the materials used in a study with perfect precision. You can also analyze how the concept of 'recurso' is used in political discourse to frame issues of scarcity or abundance. Your understanding of 'recursos internos' extends to a deep psychological level, and you can discuss the role of 'recursos cognitivos' in learning or problem-solving. At C1, you don't just use the word; you understand its power as a concept. You can navigate any text, no matter how technical, and correctly identify the specific meaning of 'recurso' intended by the author. You are also able to use the word creatively in your own writing, perhaps using it metaphorically to describe a person's character or a nation's history. Your command of the word is comprehensive and nuanced.

At the C2 level, 'recurso' is a word you use with total mastery and effortless precision. You understand its place in the grand tapestry of the Portuguese language, from its most common everyday uses to its most obscure legal and technical applications. You can engage in high-level debates about 'recursos sistêmicos' in sociology or 'recursos linguísticos' in philology. Your understanding of the word is so deep that you can play with its multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. You are familiar with all the legal intricacies of 'recursos' in different Lusophone jurisdictions, such as the difference between a 'recurso de revista' and a 'recurso de apelação'. You can write professional-level reports on 'sustentabilidade e recursos' or 'estratégia e recursos competitivos' that sound indistinguishable from those written by a native expert. Your usage of 'recurso' in the sense of 'resorting to' something is perfectly timed and contextually appropriate, capturing the exact emotional or logical weight intended. You also understand the word's role in idiomatic expressions that might be rare or regional. At this level, 'recurso' is more than just a word; it is a fundamental concept that you manipulate with ease to express complex ideas about power, potential, law, and life. You are able to explain the nuances of the word to others, including its history, its synonyms, and its various applications across different fields. Your mastery is complete, reflecting a profound connection with the Portuguese language and its diverse cultures.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

recurso in 30 Seconds

Recurso means 'resource' or 'means' in Portuguese.
It is a masculine noun used for tools, money, and nature.
In legal contexts, it specifically translates to an 'appeal'.
Common phrases include 'recursos humanos' and 'último recurso'.

The Portuguese word recurso is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to 'resource' in English. At its core, it refers to any means, source of supply, support, or aid that can be drawn upon by a person or organization to function effectively or achieve a specific goal. In academic settings, it frequently points toward materials like books, digital databases, or tutoring services that facilitate learning. However, the word's utility extends far beyond the classroom into the realms of economics, law, and personal development. When people use this word, they are often identifying a tool or an asset that solves a problem or fulfills a requirement. For instance, a teacher might talk about 'recursos didáticos' (teaching resources), while an environmentalist might discuss 'recursos naturais' (natural resources). The versatility of the word allows it to describe both tangible assets, like money or machinery, and intangible ones, like time, patience, or intellectual capacity. In daily conversation, you might hear it used to describe a person's ingenuity—their 'recurso' to find a solution in a difficult situation. This breadth of meaning makes it one of the most essential nouns for intermediate learners to master, as it appears in formal reports, news broadcasts, and casual discussions alike. Understanding 'recurso' involves recognizing that it is not just a 'thing' you have, but a 'means' to an end. It is the bridge between a problem and its resolution.

Contexto Financeiro: Refere-se ao capital ou fundos disponíveis para um projeto ou investimento específico.

A universidade oferece muitos recursos para os alunos novos.

Contexto Jurídico: Em direito, um recurso é o ato de pedir a revisão de uma decisão judicial a um tribunal superior.

O advogado entrou com um recurso para anular a sentença.

Contexto Tecnológico: Refere-se às capacidades de um software ou hardware, como memória, processamento ou funcionalidades específicas.

Este aplicativo tem um recurso de tradução automática muito útil.

Não temos recursos suficientes para terminar a obra este ano.

A água é o recurso natural mais precioso do planeta.

Furthermore, the term is frequently paired with adjectives that specify the type of asset. 'Recursos humanos' (human resources) is a standard corporate term used worldwide. 'Recursos hídricos' refers to water resources, a term common in environmental science. The word also appears in the phrase 'último recurso', which means 'last resort'. This implies that all other options have been exhausted and this is the final path available. Whether you are discussing a student's need for a dictionary or a nation's need for oil, 'recurso' is the foundational word that describes the means of achieving that survival or success. It carries a connotation of potential; a resource is something that exists to be used. Without the application of effort, a resource remains static. Therefore, 'recurso' is often linked to verbs like 'utilizar' (to use), 'aproveitar' (to make the most of), or 'esgotar' (to exhaust). By understanding these nuances, a learner can navigate Portuguese texts with much greater precision, identifying whether the text is discussing a tool, a legal right, or a natural asset.

Using recurso correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical role and common syntactic patterns. As a masculine noun, it is always preceded by masculine articles like 'o', 'um', 'os', or 'uns'. In the singular, 'o recurso' refers to a specific resource or a legal appeal. In the plural, 'os recursos' often implies a collection of assets or general wealth. One of the most common sentence structures involves the verb 'ter' (to have) or 'haver' (there is/are). For example, 'A escola tem recursos limitados' (The school has limited resources). Notice how the adjective 'limitados' agrees in gender and number with 'recursos'. Another frequent pattern is the use of 'recurso' as the object of a preposition, particularly 'de'. Phrases like 'falta de recursos' (lack of resources) or 'necessidade de recursos' (need for resources) are extremely common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Preposição 'Para': Often used to indicate the purpose of the resource. Ex: 'Recursos para a educação'.

Precisamos de mais recursos para completar o projeto.

Adjetivação: Adjectives usually follow the noun. Ex: 'recursos financeiros', 'recursos naturais', 'recursos renováveis'.

O país é rico em recursos minerais.

Expressões Idiomáticas: 'Sem recurso' can mean 'without help' or 'helpless' depending on the context.

Como último recurso, tive que pedir dinheiro emprestado.

O juiz aceitou o recurso da defesa.

A biblioteca é um recurso fundamental para a pesquisa.

Beyond these basic patterns, 'recurso' is often used in the context of availability. You might say 'não tenho recursos para isso' (I don't have the means for that). This can refer to money, but also to time or emotional energy. In a business setting, you will frequently hear about 'alocação de recursos' (resource allocation), which refers to the strategic distribution of assets to maximize efficiency. In technical writing, 'recurso' might describe a feature of a software, such as 'este novo recurso permite editar vídeos' (this new feature allows video editing). In this sense, 'recurso' is synonymous with 'funcionalidade'. When using 'recurso' in a sentence, consider the level of formality. While 'recurso' is appropriate for all registers, in very informal speech, people might use 'jeito' or 'meio' instead. However, 'recurso' remains the most precise and professional choice. Whether you are writing an essay, giving a presentation, or simply asking for help, mastering the various sentence structures involving 'recurso' will significantly enhance your Portuguese fluency. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in news reports, as this is where the word's diverse meanings are most prominently displayed.

You will encounter the word recurso in a vast array of real-world situations in Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the educational system. From primary school to university, students are constantly reminded to use the 'recursos' available to them, such as libraries, laboratories, and online platforms. Teachers will often distribute 'recursos didáticos' to help students grasp complex concepts. In the workplace, 'recurso' is a staple of professional vocabulary. The department of Human Resources is universally known as 'Recursos Humanos' (often abbreviated as RH). Managers discuss the 'gestão de recursos' (resource management) to ensure that projects are completed within budget and on time. If you work in technology, you will hear software developers talking about 'recursos do sistema' (system resources) like CPU and RAM, or 'novos recursos' (new features) in an application update.

No Noticiário: News anchors frequently report on the use of 'recursos públicos' (public funds) and 'recursos naturais'.

O governo anunciou novos recursos para a saúde pública.

No Tribunal: Legal dramas and news reports on trials will always mention 'recursos' when a case moves to a higher court.

O réu ainda tem direito a um recurso no Supremo Tribunal.

No Meio Ambiente: Discussions about sustainability always center on 'recursos renováveis' and 'não renováveis'.

Precisamos preservar os nossos recursos naturais para o futuro.

A empresa está investindo em recursos tecnológicos de ponta.

O recurso à violência nunca é a solução para os conflitos.

Another interesting place you'll hear the word is in the context of personal resilience. Phrases like 'recursos internos' (internal resources) refer to a person's psychological strength, such as patience, courage, or creativity. In the arts, a writer might use a 'recurso estilístico' (stylistic device) to enhance their prose. In the world of finance, 'recursos financeiros' is the formal way to say 'money' or 'capital'. Whether you are listening to a political debate about the allocation of 'recursos federais' or a friend explaining their 'último recurso' to pay the rent, the word is ubiquitous. It is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between technical terminology and everyday life. By paying attention to these different contexts, you will begin to see how 'recurso' functions as a linguistic Swiss Army knife, adaptable to almost any situation involving means, assets, or appeals.

When learning Portuguese, English speakers often encounter a few pitfalls when using the word recurso. The first mistake is gender confusion. Since 'recurso' ends in 'o', it is masculine, but learners sometimes mistakenly associate it with feminine concepts like 'ajuda' (help) or 'ferramenta' (tool) and use feminine articles. Always remember: it is 'o recurso' and 'os recursos'. Another common error is assuming 'recurso' only means 'resource' in the physical or financial sense. As discussed, it also means 'legal appeal'. Forgetting this can lead to total confusion when reading news about court cases. Conversely, don't use 'apelação' for every kind of 'resource'; while 'apelação' is a type of legal 'recurso', 'recurso' is the broader term.

Confusão com 'Recursão': In computer science, 'recursion' is 'recursão', not 'recurso'. A 'recurso' is a resource (like memory), while 'recursão' is the process.

Incorreto: A recurso é importante. Correto: O recurso é importante.

Uso da Preposição: Learners often forget the 'a' after the verb 'recorrer'. It's 'recorrer a um recurso', not 'recorrer um recurso'.

Incorreto: Ele usou o recurso de violência. Correto: Ele usou o recurso à violência.

Pluralização Indevida: In some contexts, 'recurso' should stay singular even if it feels plural in English. 'Recurso financeiro' can refer to the concept of funding.

O projeto parou por falta de recurso (ou falta de recursos).

Incorreto: Eu não tenho os recursos para falar português. Correto: Eu não tenho os meios para falar português (unless referring to tools).

Incorreto: O computador tem muitos recursos de memória. Correto: O computador tem muita memória disponível.

Another subtle mistake is using 'recurso' when you mean 'ingrediente' (ingredient) or 'componente' (component). While a resource can be a component, it usually refers to something external that is utilized. For example, in a recipe, you wouldn't call salt a 'recurso'; it's an 'ingrediente'. However, the money you used to buy the salt is a 'recurso'. Finally, be careful with the English word 'recourse'. While 'recurso' is the translation, the English 'without recourse' (legal term) is often translated as 'sem direito a regresso' or 'sem recurso' depending on the specific legal system. Always check the specific jargon if you are translating legal documents. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your use of 'recurso' will sound much more natural and precise to native ears.

To truly master recurso, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is 'meio' (means). While 'recurso' often implies a specific asset or tool, 'meio' is broader and refers to the way something is achieved. For example, 'meios de transporte' (means of transport) is never 'recursos de transporte'. Another close synonym is 'fonte' (source). You might use 'fonte' when emphasizing the origin of the resource, such as 'fonte de renda' (source of income) versus 'recurso financeiro'. In a legal context, 'apelação' is a specific type of 'recurso'. In a technical context, 'funcionalidade' (functionality) or 'ferramenta' (tool) are often used interchangeably with 'recurso' to describe software features.

Recurso vs. Meio: 'Recurso' is the asset; 'meio' is the method or path. Ex: 'Usei meus recursos (dinheiro) como meio para viajar'.

Ele não tem meios de subsistência.

Recurso vs. Ferramenta: 'Ferramenta' is a physical or digital tool; 'recurso' is the broader category that includes tools, funds, and information.

O martelo é uma ferramenta, mas a madeira é um recurso.

Recurso vs. Bens: 'Bens' usually refers to property or possessions (assets in a balance sheet sense), whereas 'recursos' is more functional.

A empresa vendeu seus bens para obter recursos.

A internet é uma fonte inesgotável de recursos de informação.

Não há outro remédio (figurative for resource/solution) senão aceitar a situação.

Other words like 'auxílio' (aid), 'ajuda' (help), and 'suporte' (support) can sometimes replace 'recurso' in specific contexts. For example, 'recurso financeiro' can be called 'auxílio financeiro' if it is a grant or subsidy. 'Recurso técnico' might be called 'suporte técnico' if it refers to a service. In the realm of psychology, 'estratégias de enfrentamento' (coping strategies) is a more specific term for 'recursos internos'. By learning these alternatives, you can avoid repetition in your writing and speaking, making your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and varied. Understanding the slight differences in meaning between 'recurso', 'meio', 'ferramenta', and 'fonte' will allow you to choose the exact word that fits your intended message. This level of precision is the hallmark of an advanced learner.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally referred to the physical act of running back to a safe place. Over time, it evolved to mean the thing or person you turn to for safety or help, and eventually, any asset or means.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁeˈkuʁ.su/

US /xeˈkuʁ.su/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-CUR-so.

Rhymes With

curso discurso percurso concurso excurso urso dorso remorso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Rolling the initial 'r' like in Spanish (it should be more like an 'h' in many dialects).
Failing to stress the second syllable.
Pronouncing 'cur' like 'car'.
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of its similarity to 'resource' and 'recourse'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of masculine gender and correct prepositions like 'de' or 'a'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the initial 'r' and the unstressed final 'o' can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used in news and formal speech, usually clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ajuda dinheiro livro meio ter

Learn Next

recorrer estratégia investimento jurisprudência sustentabilidade

Advanced

indiferimento insubstituível escabroso parcimônia subsidiário

Grammar to Know

Gender of nouns ending in -o

O recurso (masculine).

Plural of nouns ending in -o

Os recursos (add -s).

Adjective agreement

Recursos financeiros (plural masculine).

Use of preposition 'de' after 'falta'

Falta de recursos.

Use of preposition 'a' with 'recorrer'

Recorrer a um recurso.

Examples by Level

Eu uso um recurso para aprender português.

I use a resource to learn Portuguese.

Use 'um' because 'recurso' is masculine.

O livro é um recurso bom.

The book is a good resource.

The adjective 'bom' follows the noun.

Temos muitos recursos na escola.

We have many resources at school.

Plural 'recursos' matches 'muitos'.

Onde está o recurso de áudio?

Where is the audio resource?

Definite article 'o' for a specific item.

Este recurso é grátis.

This resource is free.

Demonstrative 'este' matches masculine singular.

Não tenho esse recurso.

I don't have that resource.

'Esse' refers to something near the listener.

O recurso ajuda muito.

The resource helps a lot.

The verb 'ajuda' is in the third person singular.

Preciso de um recurso novo.

I need a new resource.

Preposition 'de' is required after 'preciso'.

A biblioteca tem recursos digitais.

The library has digital resources.

Adjective 'digitais' is plural.

Como último recurso, vou pedir ajuda.

As a last resort, I will ask for help.

'Último recurso' is a fixed expression.

O país tem muitos recursos naturais.

The country has many natural resources.

'Naturais' is the plural adjective for 'natural'.

Eles não têm recursos financeiros.

They don't have financial resources.

'Financeiros' agrees with 'recursos'.

O professor deu um recurso extra.

The teacher gave an extra resource.

'Extra' is invariable for gender.

Este site é um ótimo recurso.

This website is a great resource.

'Ótimo' can come before the noun for emphasis.

Precisamos gerir os recursos melhor.

We need to manage resources better.

'Gerir' is the infinitive verb meaning to manage.

O recurso foi muito útil.

The resource was very useful.

Past tense 'foi' of the verb 'ser'.

O advogado apresentou um recurso ao juiz.

The lawyer presented an appeal to the judge.

Here 'recurso' means a legal appeal.

A água é um recurso escasso em algumas regiões.

Water is a scarce resource in some regions.

'Escasso' means scarce or in short supply.

Temos que otimizar o uso dos recursos.

We have to optimize the use of resources.

'Otimizar' is a common verb in professional settings.

Ela possui muitos recursos intelectuais.

She possesses many intellectual resources.

Refers to abstract mental capabilities.

O governo cortou os recursos para a pesquisa.

The government cut resources for research.

'Cortar recursos' means to reduce funding.

Não houve outro recurso senão aceitar.

There was no other choice but to accept.

Here 'recurso' means choice or alternative.

A empresa investe em recursos humanos.

The company invests in human resources.

'Recursos humanos' refers to the workforce.

O recurso à força deve ser evitado.

Resorting to force must be avoided.

'Recurso à' means turning to or resorting to.

A alocação de recursos será decidida amanhã.

The resource allocation will be decided tomorrow.

'Alocação' is a formal term for distribution.

O tribunal negou o recurso da defesa.

The court denied the defense's appeal.

'Negar o recurso' is a standard legal phrase.

Precisamos explorar novos recursos energéticos.

We need to explore new energy resources.

'Energéticos' refers to energy types.

A falta de recursos compromete o projeto.

The lack of resources compromises the project.

'Comprometer' means to put at risk.

O autor utiliza diversos recursos estilísticos.

The author uses various stylistic devices.

Refers to literary techniques.

Os recursos minerais são a base da economia local.

Mineral resources are the basis of the local economy.

'Minerais' is the plural of 'mineral'.

Ele agiu sem qualquer recurso à lógica.

He acted without any recourse to logic.

Used figuratively for reasoning.

O software tem recursos de segurança avançados.

The software has advanced security features.

Here 'recursos' means features.

Interpor um recurso extraordinário é um processo complexo.

Filing an extraordinary appeal is a complex process.

'Interpor' is the technical verb for filing a legal appeal.

A escassez de recursos impõe escolhas difíceis.

The scarcity of resources imposes difficult choices.

'Escassez' is the noun for 'scarce'.

O desenvolvimento sustentável requer a gestão de recursos finitos.

Sustainable development requires the management of finite resources.

'Finitos' means limited/not infinite.

O orador lançou mão de todos os recursos retóricos.

The speaker made use of all rhetorical devices.

'Lançar mão de' is an idiom meaning 'to use'.

A mobilização de recursos foi rápida e eficaz.

The resource mobilization was quick and effective.

'Mobilização' refers to gathering assets.

O sistema jurídico prevê vários tipos de recursos.

The legal system provides for various types of appeals.

'Prever' here means 'to provide for' or 'to specify'.

A resiliência depende dos nossos recursos psicológicos.

Resilience depends on our psychological resources.

Refers to mental and emotional strength.

Houve um desperdício flagrante de recursos públicos.

There was a blatant waste of public resources.

'Flagrante' means obvious or blatant.

A hermenêutica jurídica analisa a admissibilidade do recurso.

Legal hermeneutics analyzes the admissibility of the appeal.

Very formal and technical legal language.

A dialética entre recursos e necessidades é eterna.

The dialectic between resources and needs is eternal.

Philosophical usage of 'dialética'.

O esgotamento dos recursos hídricos é uma ameaça existencial.

The depletion of water resources is an existential threat.

'Esgotamento' means total exhaustion.

A sofisticação dos recursos tecnológicos oblitera o passado.

The sophistication of technological resources obliterates the past.

'Obliterar' means to wipe out or erase.

O recurso à ironia é uma marca da sua prosa.

The resort to irony is a hallmark of his prose.

Literary analysis context.

A gestão parcimoniosa dos recursos garantiu a sobrevivência.

The parsimonious management of resources ensured survival.

'Parcimoniosa' means very careful or frugal.

A ubiquidade dos recursos digitais transformou a sociedade.

The ubiquity of digital resources transformed society.

'Ubiquidade' means being everywhere.

A interposição do recurso suspendeu a execução da pena.

The filing of the appeal suspended the execution of the sentence.

Technical legal effect of an appeal.

Common Collocations

recursos humanos

recursos naturais

recursos financeiros

último recurso

recurso didático

recurso tecnológico

interpor recurso

recursos renováveis

falta de recursos

recurso estilístico

Common Phrases

sem recurso

— Having no other option or being helpless.

Ele ficou sem recurso diante do problema.

recurso a

— The act of turning to something for help.

O recurso à mentira é inaceitável.

esgotar os recursos

— To use up everything available.

Eles esgotaram todos os recursos para salvar a empresa.

alocação de recursos

— The strategic distribution of assets.

A alocação de recursos foi feita de forma justa.

recurso de apelação

— A specific legal request for a higher court review.

O recurso de apelação foi aceito ontem.

ter recurso

— To have the means or ability to do something.

Você tem recurso para pagar a dívida?

recurso hídrico

— Water-related resources.

A gestão de recursos hídricos é vital.

recurso mineral

— Resources like gold, iron, or oil.

O Brasil exporta muitos recursos minerais.

recurso de sistema

— Computing assets like RAM or CPU.

O jogo consome muitos recursos de sistema.

recurso linguístico

— Language tools used for communication.

A gíria é um recurso linguístico interessante.

Often Confused With

recurso vs recursão

Recursão is the mathematical/computational process (recursion); recurso is the asset (resource).

recurso vs curso

Curso is a course or path; recurso is an aid or appeal.

recurso vs socorro

Socorro is immediate help in danger; recurso is a planned means of aid.

Idioms & Expressions

"como último recurso"

— When all other options have failed.

Como último recurso, ele vendeu a casa.

neutral

"não ter recurso"

— To be completely stuck or out of options.

Desta vez, parece que não temos recurso.

informal

"lançar mão de recursos"

— To use every possible means to achieve a goal.

O governo lançou mão de recursos extraordinários.

formal

"recurso de emergência"

— Something used only in a crisis.

Este dinheiro é um recurso de emergência.

neutral

"chegar ao fim dos recursos"

— To reach the limit of what is possible.

Chegamos ao fim dos nossos recursos financeiros.

neutral

"recurso da imaginação"

— Using one's creativity to solve a problem.

Ela usou o recurso da imaginação para decorar a sala.

neutral

"sem direito a recurso"

— A final decision that cannot be changed.

A expulsão foi definitiva, sem direito a recurso.

formal

"recurso de mestre"

— A very clever or expert solution.

Aquela jogada foi um recurso de mestre.

informal

"ficar sem recurso"

— To become stranded or helpless.

Ficamos sem recurso no meio da estrada.

neutral

"recurso de última hora"

— A solution found at the very last moment.

Foi um recurso de última hora, mas funcionou.

neutral

Easily Confused

recurso vs recursão

Similar sound and both relate to 'recur'.

Recurso is a noun for a thing/tool. Recursão is a noun for a process where something calls itself.

O algoritmo usa recursão, mas consome muito recurso.

recurso vs apelação

Both can mean a legal appeal.

Recurso is the general term for any challenge to a court decision. Apelação is a specific type of recurso.

A apelação é um dos tipos de recurso previstos na lei.

recurso vs meio

Both translate to 'means'.

Meio is the method or way. Recurso is the asset or tool used within that method.

O dinheiro é o recurso, e a compra é o meio.

recurso vs fonte

Both describe where things come from.

Fonte is the origin point. Recurso is the thing that is actually used.

A fonte é o rio, a água é o recurso.

recurso vs ferramenta

Both describe useful things.

Ferramenta is usually a discrete tool. Recurso is a broader category of assets.

O computador é a ferramenta, a internet é o recurso.

Sentence Patterns

O [recurso] é [adjetivo].

O recurso é útil.

Eu preciso de [recursos] para [verbo].

Eu preciso de recursos para estudar.

Não temos [recursos] suficientes para [substantivo].

Não temos recursos suficientes para a obra.

O [substantivo] entrou com um [recurso] contra a decisão.

O advogado entrou com um recurso contra a decisão.

A gestão de [recursos] exige [substantivo].

A gestão de recursos exige planejamento.

O [recurso] à [substantivo] tornou-se inevitável.

O recurso à violência tornou-se inevitável.

Como [último recurso], eu [verbo].

Como último recurso, eu liguei para ele.

Este [substantivo] tem muitos [recursos].

Este celular tem muitos recursos.

Word Family

Nouns

recurso

recorrente

recursividade

Verbs

recorrer

Adjectives

recursivo

recursal

socorro

corrida

percurso

concurso

discurso

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in formal writing, medium in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'a recurso'. → O recurso.
'Recurso' is a masculine noun.
Translating 'resource' as 'resort'. → Recurso.
'Resort' in English can mean 'recurso', but you cannot use 'resort' as a Portuguese word.
Confusing 'recurso' with 'recursão'. → O computador tem poucos recursos.
'Recursão' is the specific programming concept of recursion.
Saying 'recurso para violência'. → Recurso à violência.
The phrase 'recurso a' requires the preposition 'a'.
Using 'recurso' for food ingredients. → Ingrediente.
'Recurso' is for assets or tools, not the components of a recipe.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'recurso' with masculine articles and adjectives. 'O recurso financeiro' is correct, never 'a recurso'.

Expand Your Adjectives

Learn 'recurso' with common adjectives like 'natural', 'financeiro', and 'didático' to sound more natural.

Legal Context

If you see 'recurso' in a news headline about a trial, it almost certainly means 'appeal'.

Software Features

When using an app in Portuguese, look for 'recursos' to find the list of features.

Human Resources

Remember 'RH' is the standard abbreviation for 'Recursos Humanos' in Brazil.

Last Resort

Use 'como último recurso' when explaining a difficult decision you had to make.

The Final O

Soften the final 'o' into a 'u' sound to sound like a native Brazilian speaker.

Professional Tone

Using 'recurso' instead of 'coisa' or 'ajuda' will instantly make your Portuguese writing sound more formal.

Sustainability

When talking about nature, always use 'recursos naturais' to discuss conservation.

Academic Aid

Label your study materials as 'recursos de estudo' to organize your learning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'resource' (recurso) as something you 'recur' (turn back) to when you are in trouble. It’s your backup plan.

Visual Association

Imagine a library (academic recurso) or a stack of money (financial recurso) inside a large letter 'R'.

Word Web

dinheiro ajuda livro tribunal natureza água ferramenta apoio

Challenge

Try to name three 'recursos' you use every day to learn Portuguese. Write them down using the word 'recurso' in a sentence for each.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'recursus', which is the past participle of 'recurrere'.

Original meaning: The original Latin meaning was 'to run back' or 'to return'.

Romance (Italic branch of Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'falta de recursos' in a social context, as it can be a sensitive topic regarding poverty and inequality.

English speakers might find the legal meaning of 'appeal' surprising, as they usually use 'resource' for assets and 'appeal' for court cases.

The 'Código de Processo Civil' (Civil Procedure Code) in Brazil and Portugal, which details all types of legal 'recursos'. Environmental reports by the UN often translated into Portuguese focusing on 'recursos hídricos'. Business textbooks in Portuguese-speaking universities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Educação

recursos didáticos
recursos de aprendizagem
biblioteca como recurso
usar recursos online

Trabalho

recursos humanos
gestão de recursos
recursos financeiros da empresa
otimização de recursos

Direito

entrar com recurso
recurso negado
direito a recurso
interpor um recurso

Meio Ambiente

recursos naturais
recursos hídricos
preservação de recursos
recursos escassos

Tecnologia

recursos de hardware
novos recursos do app
recurso de segurança
consumo de recursos

Conversation Starters

"Quais são os recursos que você mais usa para estudar?"

"Você acha que o seu país cuida bem dos recursos naturais?"

"Qual seria o seu último recurso se você perdesse o emprego?"

"O que você sabe sobre o departamento de Recursos Humanos?"

"Você já precisou usar um recurso legal no tribunal?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um recurso tecnológico que mudou a sua vida recentemente.

Descreva os recursos naturais mais importantes da sua região e como eles são usados.

Pense em uma situação difícil. Quais foram os seus recursos internos para superá-la?

Se você fosse o diretor de uma escola, como você usaria os recursos financeiros?

Escreva um pequeno diálogo entre um advogado e um cliente sobre um recurso judicial.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, although 'recursos financeiros' is common, 'recurso' can mean any helpful tool, natural material, or even a legal appeal. For example, 'recursos naturais' refers to water or oil, not money.

It is always masculine: 'o recurso'. Even if you are talking about something feminine like 'ajuda', the word 'recurso' remains masculine.

'Recurso' usually refers to the asset or tool itself, while 'meio' refers to the way or method of doing something. For example, 'dinheiro' is a 'recurso' that serves as a 'meio' to buy a house.

You say 'recursos humanos'. In Brazil, it is often abbreviated as 'RH'.

Yes, 'recurso' is frequently used to describe functionalities or features in apps and software, such as 'novos recursos' (new features).

It means 'last resort'. It is the final option you take when everything else has failed.

In law, a 'recurso' is a formal request to a higher court to review and change a decision made by a lower court.

Yes, it is very common in news, business, education, and daily life. It is a high-frequency word.

It is pronounced re-CUR-so, with the stress on the middle syllable. The final 'o' sounds like a soft 'u'.

Yes, in a formal or conceptual way. 'Este livro é um ótimo recurso' means 'This book is a great help/resource'.