representação in 30 Seconds
- Representação is a versatile Portuguese noun meaning representation, performance, or depicting something visually or conceptually.
- It is a feminine noun (a representação) and is essential for discussing art, law, politics, and theater.
- Commonly used to describe how groups are portrayed in media or how lawyers act for their clients.
- The plural form is 'representações', and it is frequently followed by the preposition 'de'.
The Portuguese word representação is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to "representation" in English. At its core, it refers to the act of making something present, either to the mind through imagination or to the senses through a physical medium like art, acting, or symbols. In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word in a variety of contexts ranging from the simple act of drawing a picture to the complex legal world of acting on someone else's behalf.
- Artistic Context
- It refers to how an object, person, or idea is depicted in a painting, sculpture, or photograph. For example, a painting might be a 'representação fiel da realidade' (a faithful representation of reality).
- Theatrical Context
- In the world of performing arts, it refers to a performance or a play. When actors go on stage, they are engaged in a 'representação teatral'.
- Political and Legal Context
- This is perhaps the most common formal use. It describes the act of a politician representing their constituents or a lawyer representing a client. It involves the power to act or speak for another person or group.
A representação diplomática é essencial para manter as relações entre os dois países.
Furthermore, 'representação' is used in psychology and philosophy to describe the mental images or concepts we form about the world. When you think of a 'chair', the mental image you have is a 'representação mental'. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in academic and professional Portuguese. It is a feminine noun, so it is always preceded by feminine articles or adjectives, such as 'a representação' or 'uma boa representação'.
In social discussions, the word has gained significant traction recently regarding 'representatividade' (representativeness), which is closely linked to 'representação'. People often discuss the 'representação de minorias' (representation of minorities) in media and government. This usage highlights the symbolic importance of seeing oneself reflected in societal structures. Whether you are discussing a movie, a court case, or a political election, 'representação' is the key term to describe the bridge between an entity and its substitute or depiction.
O ator fez uma representação emocionante de Hamlet.
To master this word, you must understand that it is not just about 'showing' something; it is about 'standing in' for something. When a map represents a city, the lines and colors are a 'representação' of the streets and buildings. When a lawyer speaks for you, they are your 'representação legal'. This conceptual link of 'standing in' is the golden thread that connects all its various meanings.
Using representação correctly requires paying attention to the preposition that follows it and the specific context of the sentence. Most commonly, it is followed by the preposition de (of) to indicate what is being represented. For example, 'a representação de um sonho' (the representation of a dream).
- With Adjectives
- Common adjectives include 'fiel' (faithful), 'visual' (visual), 'gráfica' (graphic), 'política' (political), and 'teatral' (theatrical). Example: 'Esta é uma representação gráfica dos lucros'.
A representação visual dos dados facilitou a compreensão do problema.
When talking about legal or official representation, you might use the verb ter (to have) or exercer (to exercise). 'O advogado exerce a representação do réu' (The lawyer exercises the representation of the defendant). In more casual settings, like a school play, you might say 'A representação começa às oito' (The performance starts at eight).
In academic writing, 'representação' is often used to discuss social constructs. You might write about the 'representação da mulher na literatura do século XIX' (representation of women in 19th-century literature). Here, it implies a critical analysis of how a group is portrayed. Note how the word functions as a bridge between the subject and the medium.
Não concordamos com a representação que o filme fez da nossa cidade.
In technical fields like computer science or mathematics, 'representação' refers to how data is stored or shown. 'Representação binária' (binary representation) is a standard term. Whether the context is high-tech or high-art, the word remains the same, proving its incredible flexibility in the Portuguese language. Always ensure that any modifying words agree in gender: 'esta representação' (this representation), 'várias representações' (several representations).
You will hear representação daily if you consume Portuguese media. It is a staple of news broadcasts, cultural critiques, and professional meetings. On the nightly news (Jornal Nacional or similar), reporters often speak about 'representação política' when discussing elections, parliament, or diplomatic missions. If there is a protest, you might hear leaders asking for 'melhor representação' for their community.
- At the Theater or Cinema
- Critics use the word to evaluate an actor's performance. 'Uma representação magistral' means a masterly performance. You'll see it on posters for plays: 'Representação única' (Single performance).
A representação do sindicato na reunião foi muito firme.
In a business environment, specifically in Brazil or Portugal, 'representação comercial' is a very common term. It refers to a company or individual that acts as an agent or distributor for another brand. If someone says 'Eu trabalho com representação de calçados', they mean they are a sales representative for a shoe brand. This is a very practical, everyday application of the word.
You will also hear it in academic settings, particularly in the humanities. Professors often discuss 'representações sociais'—the collective symbols and ideas that a society shares. In a more casual sense, if you describe a friend's funny imitation of someone, you might say 'Que boa representação!', though 'imitação' is more common for casual mimicry. 'Representação' usually carries a bit more weight and formality.
O museu tem uma vasta coleção de representações de arte sacra.
Finally, in the legal world, any time a document is signed 'por representação', it means someone signed on behalf of another. This is crucial for anyone living in a Lusophone country dealing with bureaucracy. You might need a 'procuração' (power of attorney) to exercise that 'representação'. Understanding this word is essential for navigating everything from a night at the theater to a day at the consulate.
While representação is a cognate of the English word 'representation', learners often make mistakes regarding its gender, its specific nuances in theater, and confusing it with related words like 'representante'.
- Gender Mismatch
- Many learners assume words ending in '-o' are masculine, but words ending in '-ção' are almost always feminine. Saying 'o representação' is a very common error. It must always be 'a representação'.
- Confusing 'Representação' and 'Representante'
- 'Representação' is the concept or the act. 'Representante' is the person who does the representing. You cannot say 'Eu sou a representação da empresa'; you should say 'Eu sou o representante da empresa'.
Errado: O representação foi bom.
Correto: A representação foi boa.
Another mistake is overusing 'representação' when 'atuação' or 'desempenho' might be more natural for an actor's performance. While 'representação' is correct for the act of performing, 'atuação' is more common when praising the quality of the acting itself. For example, 'Sua atuação foi incrível' sounds more natural than 'Sua representação foi incrível' in a casual conversation about a movie.
Finally, English speakers often forget the nasal sound of the '-ção'. It is not 'shon' like in English; it is a nasal 'sown' (like the 's' in 'sun' followed by a nasalized 'ow'). Mispronouncing the ending can make the word hard to understand for native speakers. Practice saying 'são' (like the word for 'are' or 'saint') to get the nasalization right for the suffix of 'representação'.
To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to representação but carry different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you are talking about art, law, or politics, there might be a more precise word to use.
- Atuação vs. Representação
- 'Atuação' specifically refers to the act of acting in a play or movie. While 'representação' can be the play itself, 'atuação' is the skill and action of the actor. 'A atuação dele foi premiada' (His acting was awarded).
- Retrato vs. Representação
- 'Retrato' means 'portrait'. While 'representação' is a broad term for any depiction, 'retratado' or 'retrato' is specifically for images of people or specific descriptions of a situation. 'Este livro é um retrato da pobreza' (This book is a portrait of poverty).
- Procuração vs. Representação
- In legal terms, 'representação' is the state of being represented, but 'procuração' is the actual legal document (Power of Attorney) that grants that right. 'Eu dei a ele uma procuração para minha representação legal'.
A exibição do filme foi cancelada, mas a representação teatral continua.
Other alternatives include figuração (often used for minor roles in films or symbolic figures), demonstração (demonstration/showing), and sinalização (signage/representation via signs). If you want to talk about how something looks, 'imagem' or 'aparência' might be simpler. If you are talking about someone standing in for a boss at a meeting, you might use 'substituição' (substitution) if it is temporary and less formal than 'representação'.
Understanding these nuances allows you to sound more like a native speaker. While 'representação' is a safe, broad term, choosing 'atuação' for a movie review or 'procuração' for a legal task shows a higher level of fluency. Always consider the 'medium'—is it a stage, a canvas, a courtroom, or a computer screen? This will guide you to the best synonym.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word contains the prefix 're-' (again) and 'praesentare' (to present). So, literally, it means to 'present again'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing '-ção' like 'shon'. It should be a nasal 'sown'.
- Putting the stress on 're-' or 'sen-'. Always stress the 'ção'.
- Ignoring the 'r' sound at the beginning (should be a guttural 'h' sound in many dialects).
- Treating it as a masculine word due to the '-o' at the end of the suffix.
- Forgetting the 'i' sound in 're-pre-sen-ta-ção' (four syllables).
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize as a cognate but requires context to distinguish meanings.
The '-ção' ending and pluralization '-ções' require practice.
Nasalization of the final syllable is challenging for English speakers.
Common in news and formal speech; easy to hear but nuanced.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Feminine nouns ending in -ção
A representação, a nação, a ação.
Pluralization of -ção to -ções
Uma representação, duas representações.
Noun-Adjective agreement
A representação é boa (not bom).
Preposition 'de' for possession/origin
Representação de dados.
Contractions with 'a'
Pela representação (por + a).
Examples by Level
A representação da flor é bonita.
The representation of the flower is beautiful.
Feminine singular noun.
Esta é uma representação da casa.
This is a representation of the house.
Uses the indefinite article 'uma'.
A representação na escola foi legal.
The performance at school was cool.
'Legal' is common slang in Brazil for 'cool'.
Eu vi uma representação de um gato.
I saw a representation of a cat.
Direct object of the verb 'ver'.
O mapa é uma representação da cidade.
The map is a representation of the city.
Shows the concept of 'standing in for'.
Gosto da representação das cores.
I like the representation of the colors.
Contraction 'da' (de + a).
A representação começa agora.
The performance starts now.
Subject of the sentence.
Uma representação simples é melhor.
A simple representation is better.
Adjective 'simples' follows the noun.
A representação teatral foi muito longa.
The theatrical performance was very long.
Adjective 'teatral' modifies the noun.
Precisamos de uma representação gráfica dos dados.
We need a graphic representation of the data.
Common in professional/school settings.
As representações de animais são antigas.
The representations of animals are old.
Plural form 'representações'.
O ator ganhou um prêmio pela representação.
The actor won a prize for the performance.
Contraction 'pela' (por + a).
Esta é a representação oficial do clube.
This is the official representation of the club.
'Oficial' is a common adjective.
Não entendi a representação do mapa.
I didn't understand the representation of the map.
Negative sentence structure.
A representação do sol é amarela.
The representation of the sun is yellow.
Simple subject-predicate structure.
Eles fazem uma representação de Natal.
They are doing a Christmas performance.
Verb 'fazer' used for performing.
O sindicato exige maior representação política.
The union demands greater political representation.
Abstract political usage.
Ele trabalha com representação comercial de vinhos.
He works with commercial representation of wines.
Refers to a sales agent role.
A representação da mulher no cinema está mudando.
The representation of women in cinema is changing.
Social critique context.
Falo em representação do meu diretor.
I speak on behalf of my director.
Idiomatic 'em representação de'.
A representação visual ajudou a vender o projeto.
The visual representation helped sell the project.
Professional context.
O filme é uma representação fiel da história.
The movie is a faithful representation of history.
'Fiel' is a common collocation.
A representação diplomática foi encerrada.
The diplomatic representation was closed.
Refers to an embassy or consulate.
Temos várias representações deste símbolo.
We have several representations of this symbol.
Plural usage with 'várias'.
A representação mental do espaço é complexa.
The mental representation of space is complex.
Psychological/Cognitive context.
O advogado assumiu a representação legal do caso.
The lawyer took over the legal representation of the case.
Formal legal terminology.
Há uma falta de representação de minorias na TV.
There is a lack of representation of minorities on TV.
Social justice context.
A representação artística rompeu com o passado.
The artistic representation broke with the past.
Historical/Artistic analysis.
A representação de dados em nuvem é eficiente.
Data representation in the cloud is efficient.
Technical/IT context.
Sua representação do personagem foi aclamada.
His portrayal of the character was acclaimed.
Focus on acting quality.
O contrato prevê a representação exclusiva.
The contract provides for exclusive representation.
Business law context.
A representação parlamentar deve ser proporcional.
Parliamentary representation must be proportional.
Political science context.
A representação semiótica exige uma análise profunda.
Semiotic representation requires a deep analysis.
Academic/Linguistic context.
Questionamos a representação estereotipada da periferia.
We question the stereotyped representation of the outskirts.
Socio-political critique.
O sistema de representação proporcional é debatido.
The system of proportional representation is debated.
Specific political term.
A representação do 'eu' na literatura moderna é fluida.
The representation of the 'self' in modern literature is fluid.
Literary theory context.
A empresa busca representação em mercados emergentes.
The company seeks representation in emerging markets.
Global business strategy.
A representação cartográfica distorce as massas de terra.
Cartographic representation distorts landmasses.
Scientific/Geography context.
O réu renunciou à sua representação por advogado.
The defendant waived his representation by a lawyer.
Formal legal procedure.
A representação imagética do sagrado varia entre culturas.
The imagery representation of the sacred varies between cultures.
Theological/Anthropological context.
A representação pictórica transcende a mera mímese.
Pictorial representation transcends mere mimesis.
High-level art theory.
A crise de representatividade mina a representação democrática.
The crisis of representativeness undermines democratic representation.
Political philosophy.
Analisa-se a representação discursiva do poder na mídia.
The discursive representation of power in the media is analyzed.
Critical discourse analysis.
A representação sucessória ocorre por estirpe.
Succession representation occurs by lineage.
Specific legal term in inheritance law.
O autor utiliza a representação alegórica da morte.
The author uses the allegorical representation of death.
Literary analysis.
A representação do real é sempre uma construção social.
The representation of the real is always a social construction.
Sociological axiom.
A representação diplomática goza de imunidades específicas.
Diplomatic representation enjoys specific immunities.
International law terminology.
A representação exaustiva do objeto é impossível.
Exhaustive representation of the object is impossible.
Epistemological statement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Lacking a representative or depiction.
Muitas comunidades ainda estão sem representação.
— The legal right to represent someone, often in inheritance.
Os netos têm direito de representação.
— To perform or to file a formal complaint.
O advogado vai fazer uma representação ao juiz.
— Sales representation / agency.
Ele abriu uma empresa de representação de vendas.
— A voting system where seats match the vote share.
O Brasil usa a representação proporcional.
— A representation using symbols.
O fogo é uma representação simbólica da paixão.
— Lobbying or advocacy.
A representação de interesses é comum em Brasília.
— A specific method of representing something.
O sistema de representação de cores é o RGB.
Often Confused With
Apresentação is a presentation (like a slideshow) or an introduction. Representação is a depiction or standing in for someone.
Representante is the person; Representação is the act or concept.
Atuação is the performance quality/action of an actor; Representação is broader.
Idioms & Expressions
— To give substance or life to a performance or idea.
O ator deu corpo a uma representação magnífica.
Literary— A representation that is only for show and lacks substance.
Aquela representação política é apenas de fachada.
Informal— When a facade or act is revealed to be false.
Depois da mentira, a representação dele caiu.
Informal— To keep up an act or a formal status.
Ele tentou manter a representação de homem rico.
Neutral— A representation that meets high standards.
Tivemos uma representação à altura do evento.
Formal— When something is no longer being shown or performed.
A peça já está fora de representação.
Neutral— A very influential or important representation.
A empresa enviou uma representação de peso para a feira.
Informal— In the middle of a performance.
Ele esqueceu a fala em plena representação.
Neutral— A masterfully done representation.
Aquela pintura é uma representação de mestre.
Formal— To live by keeping up appearances or acting.
Muitos influenciadores vivem de representação.
InformalEasily Confused
Both relate to representing.
Representante is a noun for a person (the agent). Representação is the noun for the abstract concept or the act itself.
O representante fez uma ótima representação da empresa.
Similar spelling and prefix.
Apresentação is showing something new or introducing someone. Representação is showing something that already exists or acting as a substitute.
A apresentação do novo produto foi uma boa representação da nossa marca.
Both can involve groups and politics.
Manifestação is a protest or a demonstration of feelings. Representação is the formal act of speaking for others.
A manifestação pedia melhor representação no governo.
Both used in theater.
Encenação refers specifically to the staging and directing of a play. Representação is the performance itself.
A encenação foi moderna, mas a representação dos atores foi clássica.
Both involve visual depictions.
Ilustração is specifically a drawing or example. Representação is the broader concept of how something is shown.
A ilustração é uma representação visual do texto.
Sentence Patterns
A representação de [objeto] é [adjetivo].
A representação da flor é linda.
Eu vi uma representação de [lugar/coisa].
Eu vi uma representação de Paris no museu.
Ele trabalha com representação de [produto].
Ele trabalha com representação de carros.
A representação da [grupo social] na mídia é [adjetivo].
A representação da juventude na mídia é positiva.
O sistema de representação [tipo] garante [resultado].
O sistema de representação proporcional garante a diversidade.
A obra questiona a representação [conceito] do [assunto].
A obra questiona a representação mimética do sofrimento.
Esta é uma representação [adjetivo] de [substantivo].
Esta é uma representação gráfica de lucros.
Solicitamos a representação de [pessoa/entidade].
Solicitamos a representação de um advogado.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high in formal writing, medium-high in daily speech.
-
O representação
→
A representação
The word is feminine. All words ending in -ção are feminine.
-
Eu sou a representação da empresa.
→
Eu sou o representante da empresa.
Use 'representante' for the person and 'representação' for the act or concept.
-
A representação de o filme.
→
A representação do filme.
Always contract 'de + o' into 'do'.
-
As representaçãoes
→
As representações
The plural suffix is -ções, not -çãoes.
-
Fazer uma representação no PowerPoint.
→
Fazer uma apresentação no PowerPoint.
Use 'apresentação' for giving a talk or showing slides.
Tips
Gender Check
Always pair 'representação' with feminine modifiers. 'A representação' is correct; 'O representação' is a common mistake for beginners.
Word Family
Learn 'representante' (person) and 'representar' (verb) together with 'representação' to master the whole concept at once.
The Nasal Sound
Practice the '-ção' sound by humming through your nose while saying 'sown'. It is the most distinct part of the word.
Business Use
In a business context, 'representação' often refers to sales agencies. If someone says they have a 'representação', they likely have a sales business.
Visual Depiction
Use 'representação visual' when talking about maps, charts, or icons. It sounds very professional and clear.
Representatividade
If you are discussing social issues, use the related word 'representatividade' to talk about the quality of being represented.
Plural Rule
Remember: ção -> ções. This applies to hundreds of Portuguese words, so 'representação' is a great way to practice this rule.
Legal Authority
In legal documents, 'representação' implies the power to act for another. It is often linked to a 'procuração' (power of attorney).
Theater vs Film
Use 'representação' more for stage plays. For movies, 'atuação' or 'performance' (loanword) are often preferred by critics.
Formal Writing
In formal essays, 'representação' is a 'power word'. It shows you can handle abstract concepts and semiotics.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'REP' (representative) in a 'STATION' (estação) showing a 'REPRESENTAÇÃO'.
Visual Association
Imagine a theater mask next to a lawyer's gavel and a bar chart.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'representação' in three different ways today: art, politics, and theater.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'repraesentatio', which means 'a placing before' or 'a bringing to mind'.
Original meaning: The act of making something present again or bringing it to the senses.
Romance (Latinate)Cultural Context
Be careful when discussing 'falta de representação' as it can be a politically sensitive topic regarding social equity.
English speakers use 'representation' similarly, but 'performance' is often a better translation for theatrical contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Theater
- Peça de teatro
- Entrar em cena
- Representação magistral
- Palco
Politics
- Voto proporcional
- Câmara dos Deputados
- Representação do povo
- Eleição
Law
- Representação legal
- Advogado constituído
- Procuração
- Poderes
Business
- Representante comercial
- Vendas
- Contrato de representação
- Marca
Art
- Representação visual
- Estilo
- Obra de arte
- Pintura
Conversation Starters
"O que você achou da representação daquele ator no filme?"
"Você acha que os jovens têm boa representação na política hoje?"
"Como é a representação da cultura brasileira no seu país?"
"Você prefere uma representação fiel da realidade ou algo mais abstrato?"
"Qual é a melhor representação artística que você já viu?"
Journal Prompts
Escreva sobre uma representação teatral que mudou sua forma de pensar.
Descreva a representação da sua cidade em um mapa imaginário.
Reflita sobre a importância da representação de minorias na mídia.
Como a representação de dados pode ajudar a resolver problemas mundiais?
Descreva uma representação mental que você usa para aprender português.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in Portuguese, words ending in '-ção' are feminine. You should always use 'a', 'uma', 'esta', or 'minha' with it. For example: 'A representação foi excelente'.
No, for a PowerPoint or a formal talk, you should use 'apresentação'. 'Representação' would imply you are acting or symbolizing something else.
It is a business arrangement where a person or company (the representative) sells products or services on behalf of another company. It is very common in Brazil and Portugal.
The plural of 'representação' is 'representações'. The '-ção' changes to '-ções'. This is a standard rule for most nouns with this ending.
Yes, 'representação' is the standard term for the act of performing in a play. However, 'atuação' is more common when talking about the quality of the acting in films.
It means 'on behalf of' or 'representing'. For example, 'Eu assino em representação da minha mãe' means 'I am signing on behalf of my mother'.
Yes, it is extremely common in news, school, law, and art. It is a word you will see every day in a Portuguese-speaking country.
It can, but 'representação' is more formal. If you are imitating a friend to be funny, use 'imitação'. If an actor is portraying a historical figure, use 'representação'.
Yes, 'representação gráfica' is the term for a chart or graph. 'Representação numérica' is how numbers are shown.
It is a political system where the number of seats a party gets in parliament is proportional to the number of votes they received.
Test Yourself 99 questions
Escreva uma frase simples com 'representação' e 'flor'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Descreva o que é um mapa usando a palavra 'representação'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Diga 'A representação' em voz alta.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
O que você ouviu? (Áudio: A representação)
/ 99 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'representação' is a vital cognate that extends beyond just 'showing' something; it fundamentally means to 'stand in' for something else, whether it is an actor on a stage, a lawyer in court, or a symbol on a map. Example: 'A representação política é a base da democracia' (Political representation is the basis of democracy).
- Representação is a versatile Portuguese noun meaning representation, performance, or depicting something visually or conceptually.
- It is a feminine noun (a representação) and is essential for discussing art, law, politics, and theater.
- Commonly used to describe how groups are portrayed in media or how lawyers act for their clients.
- The plural form is 'representações', and it is frequently followed by the preposition 'de'.
Gender Check
Always pair 'representação' with feminine modifiers. 'A representação' is correct; 'O representação' is a common mistake for beginners.
Word Family
Learn 'representante' (person) and 'representar' (verb) together with 'representação' to master the whole concept at once.
The Nasal Sound
Practice the '-ção' sound by humming through your nose while saying 'sown'. It is the most distinct part of the word.
Business Use
In a business context, 'representação' often refers to sales agencies. If someone says they have a 'representação', they likely have a sales business.
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More academic words
a despeito de
A2Despite; in spite of.
a fim
A2In order to; for the purpose of. (Followed by 'de')
a saber
A2Namely; that is to say.
a título de exemplo
A2By way of example; for example.
abordagem
A2A way of dealing with something; an approach.
abordar
B1To deal with (a matter or problem); to approach a topic.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abreviatura
B1A shortened form of a word or phrase.
abstração
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstracto
B1Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
