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A2 adjective #4,000 most common 10 min read

respeitado

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips respeitado in 30 Seconds

Explanation respeitado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the basic meaning of respeitado as a way to describe someone important. You likely already know the word 'respeito' (respect). 'Respeitado' is simply the adjective form. Think of it as 'good' or 'important' but with a focus on how other people see them. You will mostly use it with the verb 'ser' (to be). For example: 'Meu pai é respeitado' (My father is respected). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just remember that if you are talking about a woman, you say 'respeitada', and for a man, 'respeitado'. It is a very useful word for describing your family, your teachers, or famous people you like. You might see it in simple stories or hear it when people talk about their bosses. It is a positive word, so you can use it whenever you want to say something nice about someone's reputation. Just remember: it's not about being 'nice' (simpático), it's about being 'important' or 'valued' by others. Focus on the 'o' for men and 'a' for women. This is one of those words that looks like English ('respected'), which makes it easier to remember. Keep your sentences simple and practice saying it out loud to get the rhythm right.

At the A2 level, you can start using respeitado in more detailed sentences. You should be comfortable with gender and number agreement: 'respeitado', 'respeitada', 'respeitados', 'respeitadas'. You can also begin to use adverbs like 'muito' (very) or 'bastante' (quite) to modify it. For example: 'Ela é uma médica muito respeitada no hospital' (She is a very respected doctor in the hospital). Notice how the adjective comes after the noun. You can also use it to describe institutions or groups, like 'uma escola respeitada' (a respected school). At this level, you should be able to understand the word when you hear it in news clips or read it in short articles. It's a great word to use when writing a simple biography or a letter of recommendation. You should also start to distinguish it from 'respeitoso' (polite). Remember, 'respeitado' is what people think of you, and 'respeitoso' is how you act toward others. Practice using the preposition 'por' to say who respects someone: 'O professor é respeitado por todos' (The teacher is respected by everyone). This level is about building confidence in placing the word correctly in a sentence and making sure it matches the person you are talking about.

As a B1 learner, you can use respeitado to express more nuanced opinions and in a wider variety of contexts. You should be able to use it in the passive voice, such as 'O regulamento deve ser respeitado' (The regulation must be respected). Here, it functions more like a past participle. You can also use it in comparisons: 'Ele é o profissional mais respeitado da área' (He is the most respected professional in the field). At this stage, you should understand the social weight the word carries in Portuguese-speaking cultures. It's not just a professional descriptor; it often implies a moral standing. You can use it in formal emails or during work meetings to show deference to a colleague's expertise. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'estimado' or 'admirado' and know when 'respeitado' is the better choice (usually when emphasizing authority or professional success). You can start using it in conditional sentences too: 'Se ele fosse mais respeitado, as pessoas o ouviriam' (If he were more respected, people would listen to him). This level requires you to integrate the word into your active vocabulary for both speaking and writing about professional and social topics.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of respeitado in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'um princípio respeitado' (a respected principle) or 'uma tradição respeitada' (a respected tradition). You can experiment with word order for emphasis, such as 'O respeitado autor descreve...' which sounds more formal and literary than the standard 'O autor respeitado...'. You should also be able to handle complex sentences involving relative clauses: 'A empresa, que é muito respeitada no mercado internacional, decidiu expandir' (The company, which is very respected in the international market, decided to expand). At this level, you should also understand the difference between 'respeitado' and 'respeitável' (respectable). While 'respeitado' means someone is already held in high esteem, 'respeitável' means they are worthy of it or that their behavior is acceptable. You can use 'respeitado' in debates or formal presentations to bolster your arguments. Your understanding of the word should now include its use in various Lusophone countries, recognizing that while the core meaning is the same, the 'vibe' of respect can vary from the more formal Portugal to the slightly more informal but still hierarchy-conscious Brazil.

At the C1 level, your use of respeitado should be sophisticated and precise. You should be able to use it in high-level academic writing and formal oratory. You can use it to create complex rhetorical structures, such as 'Embora seja um nome respeitado, suas teorias recentes têm sido questionadas' (Although he is a respected name, his recent theories have been questioned). You should also be aware of the word's placement in fixed expressions and idiomatic contexts. You can use it to discuss historical figures or legal precedents with authority. At this level, you should also be able to detect irony or sarcasm if the word is used in an inappropriate context. You should be comfortable using the word in its superlative forms and in combination with other high-level adjectives: 'um eminente e respeitado jurista' (an eminent and respected jurist). Your understanding of the word's etymology (from Latin 'respectus') can help you appreciate its deeper connotations of 'looking back' or 'considering carefully'. You should be able to explain the nuances between 'respeitado' and its closest synonyms like 'consagrado' or 'prestigiado' to lower-level learners, demonstrating your deep linguistic and cultural competence.

At the C2 level, you have mastered respeitado to the point where it is a natural part of your most formal and complex communications. You can use it to navigate the most delicate social and professional situations with ease. You understand the subtle differences in how 'respeitado' is used in legal codes, philosophical treatises, and high-level political discourse. You can use the word to convey authority and gravitas in your own writing and speaking. For instance, you might use it in a keynote speech or a published article: 'A arquitetura institucional deve ser respeitada como o alicerce da nossa democracia' (The institutional architecture must be respected as the foundation of our democracy). You are also capable of using it in literary analysis, discussing how a character's status as 'respeitado' influences the plot and themes of a novel. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise expression of complex social dynamics. You can use it to describe the 'respeitado' status of a language itself or a cultural movement. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to use it with perfect timing, tone, and grammatical accuracy in any context imaginable.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

respeitado in 30 Seconds

Respeitado is an adjective meaning 'respected' or 'esteemed'. It is used to describe people or things with high reputations.
It comes from the verb 'respeitar' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (respeitado/a/os/as).
It is common in professional, academic, and formal social contexts to indicate authority or moral standing.
It is different from 'respeitoso' (showing respect) and 'respeitável' (worthy of respect/respectable).

The Portuguese word respeitado is an adjective derived from the past participle of the verb respeitar (to respect). At its core, it describes a person, institution, or concept that has earned the esteem, admiration, and deference of others due to their qualities, achievements, or character. In Lusophone cultures, the concept of respect is deeply ingrained in social hierarchies and interpersonal relationships, making this word highly significant in both formal and informal contexts. When you describe someone as respeitado, you are not just saying people like them; you are implying a level of authority or moral standing that others acknowledge and uphold. This distinction is crucial for English speakers to grasp, as 'respected' in English can sometimes be used casually, whereas in Portuguese, it often carries a weight of social validation.

Etymological Root: Originating from the Latin 'respectus', the word literally means 'to look back at' or 'to look again'. This suggests that a respected person is someone worth a second look, someone whose presence demands attention and consideration.

In professional settings, a profissional respeitado is one whose expertise is undisputed. In a family setting, an elder might be described as respeitado to indicate their role as a pillar of the community. The word functions across all levels of society, from the way a local baker is regarded by their neighbors to the way a Supreme Court justice is viewed by the nation. It is important to note that respect in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, is often tied to 'honor' and 'dignity'. Therefore, calling someone respeitado is a high compliment that transcends simple popularity.

O professor é muito respeitado por todos os seus alunos e colegas de trabalho.

This sentence illustrates the typical usage: identifying the subject (the teacher), the degree (muito/very), and the source of the respect (students and colleagues). Beyond individuals, abstract concepts can also be respeitados. For instance, 'o direito' (the law) or 'a tradição' (the tradition) must be respected. In these cases, it implies adherence to rules or norms. You will hear this word in political speeches, academic introductions, and eulogies. It is a word that builds bridges between the personal and the public sphere, signifying a shared agreement on the value of a person's contribution to society.

Social Context: In Portugal, respect is often linked to formality and 'vossa excelência', while in Brazil, it might be more closely tied to 'carisma' and professional success, though the core meaning remains identical.

Aquela instituição é respeitada internacionalmente pela sua pesquisa científica.

This highlights how the word scales from individuals to large organizations. Using respeitado correctly shows a learner's grasp of social nuances and their ability to express high-level praise. It is a 'safe' word in the sense that it is never offensive, but it is 'powerful' because it carries the weight of collective opinion.

Nuance vs. Respeitoso: Do not confuse 'respeitado' (the one who is respected) with 'respeitoso' (the one who shows respect). A person can be 'respeitoso' without being 'respeitado'.

O líder mais respeitado da comunidade falou durante o evento.

This demonstrates the word as a superlative indicator of status.

Seu trabalho é respeitado em todo o mundo.

This shows its use in validating someone's output or effort.

Using respeitado requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective agreement rules. Because it is a past participle functioning as an adjective, it must change its ending to match the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun it modifies. For a masculine singular noun like o médico, we use respeitado. For a feminine singular noun like a médica, we use respeitada. For plurals, we use respeitados and respeitadas.

Agreement Examples: Os cientistas são respeitados. As opiniões são respeitadas. O autor é respeitado. A autora é respeitada.

The position of the adjective is typically after the noun in Portuguese. While placing it before the noun (o respeitado professor) is possible and adds a literary or emphatic touch, the standard position is after (o professor respeitado).

Ele se tornou um homem respeitado após anos de dedicação.

In this sentence, the adjective follows 'homem'. Another common structure involves the verb ser (to be) or tornar-se (to become). Because respect is usually seen as a permanent or long-term quality, ser is used more often than estar. To say 'Ele está respeitado' would imply a temporary state, which is rare for this word.

Ela sempre quis ser uma profissional respeitada.

This uses the feminine form to match 'profissional' (referring to a woman).

Prepositional Usage: We often follow 'respeitado' with the preposition 'por' (by) to indicate who is doing the respecting: 'Respeitado por todos' (Respected by all).

Este é o método mais respeitado para aprender línguas.

Here, it modifies 'método' (masculine singular).

Comparison: Tão respeitado quanto (as respected as). Mais respeitado que (more respected than).

Aquelas leis antigas ainda são respeitadas pela população.

This uses feminine plural for 'leis'.

Nenhum outro autor é tão respeitado nesta área.

This highlights its use in comparisons.

You will encounter respeitado in a variety of real-world scenarios across the Portuguese-speaking world. In the media, news anchors often use it to introduce experts or public figures. For example, during a news segment about the economy, they might say, 'Ouviremos agora um respeitado economista' (We will now hear from a respected economist). This immediately establishes the credibility of the speaker. In the academic world, the word is ubiquitous. Professors use it to refer to seminal works or esteemed colleagues in citations and lectures. If you are reading a Portuguese textbook or research paper, you will see phrases like 'de acordo com o respeitado autor' (according to the respected author).

O jornal é respeitado por sua imparcialidade.

In this context, it refers to the reputation of a media outlet. In professional environments, such as LinkedIn profiles or corporate bios, respeitado is a key descriptor. A company might describe itself as 'uma das mais respeitadas no setor' (one of the most respected in the sector) to build trust with clients.

Political Discourse: Politicians use the word to frame their allies as legitimate and their policies as widely accepted. 'Nossa proposta é respeitada por especialistas' (Our proposal is respected by experts).

In social and religious contexts, respect for elders is a fundamental value. You might hear someone say at a community gathering, 'Ele é um ancião muito respeitado aqui' (He is a very respected elder here). This usage emphasizes moral authority and life experience.

O veredito do juiz foi respeitado por ambas as partes.

This legal context shows the word applied to decisions.

Pop Culture: In music or film reviews, an artist might be called 'um nome respeitado no cinema nacional'.

Ele é respeitado não apenas pelo que faz, mas por quem é.

This highlights personal character.

Seu legado será sempre respeitado.

This is common in eulogies or historical discussions.

Daily Conversations: Even in casual talk, if someone is describing a good boss, they might say 'Ele é um cara muito respeitado na empresa'.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with respeitado is failing to adjust for gender and number. In English, 'respected' is static, but in Portuguese, it must dance with the noun. Saying 'A professora é respeitado' is a clear grammatical error that sounds jarring to native ears. Always check the gender of the person or thing you are describing. Another common pitfall is the confusion between respeitado and respeitoso. While they share the same root, their meanings are directional. Respeitado is passive (the one being respected), while respeitoso is active (the one showing respect). If you say 'O aluno é respeitado', you mean the student is highly regarded. If you say 'O aluno é respeitoso', you mean the student behaves politely.

Confusion with 'Estimado': Learners often use 'estimado' and 'respeitado' interchangeably. While similar, 'estimado' is closer to 'dear' or 'esteemed' in an affectionate way, whereas 'respeitado' implies authority or professional recognition.

Incorreto: Ela é um médico respeitado. (Should be: Ela é uma médica respeitada.)

This illustrates the gender agreement error. A subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. While 'respeitado por' is standard, some learners mistakenly use 'de' or 'com'.

Incorreto: Ele é respeitado de todos. (Correto: Ele é respeitado por todos.)

Another error is using the word in the wrong register. While respeitado is versatile, using it for something trivial, like a brand of soda, might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic unless it's a very famous brand. It's best reserved for people, institutions, and serious concepts.

Agreement with Neutral Nouns: When referring to a mixed-gender group, always use the masculine plural 'respeitados'.

Os professores (homens e mulheres) são respeitados.

Incorreto: O limite foi respeitoso. (Correto: O limite foi respeitado.)

This mistake confuses the showing of respect with the state of being respected.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it's helpful to know synonyms and alternatives to respeitado. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

Admirado: This means 'admired'. While respect often comes from authority or skill, admiration is more emotional and can be based on talent or personality. A singer might be 'admirado' but not necessarily 'respeitado' in a formal sense.

Estimado: Meaning 'esteemed' or 'dear'. It is often used in formal correspondence, like 'Estimado colega'. It carries a sense of affection that 'respeitado' lacks.

Prestigiado: Meaning 'prestigious'. This is almost always used for institutions, events, or positions. A 'prêmio prestigiado' is a high-status award. It implies social standing and exclusivity.

Ele é um autor consagrado pela crítica.

'Consagrado' is a powerful alternative, meaning 'established' or 'consecrated', usually after a long and successful career.

Acatado: This is more formal and often refers to decisions or orders that are obeyed. 'A decisão foi acatada' (The decision was complied with/respected).

O cientista é venerado por seus seguidores.

'Venerado' (venerated) is much stronger than 'respeitado' and implies a near-religious level of devotion.

A sua opinião é muito considerada nesta empresa.

'Considerada' means 'taken into account' or 'highly thought of'. It's a gentler way of expressing respect for someone's input.

Renomado: Meaning 'renowned'. This focuses on fame and widespread recognition for excellence.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your praise to the specific situation and level of formality required.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The idea behind 'looking back' was that something important or impressive enough would make you turn your head to look at it again.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁes.pej.ˈta.du/

US /hes.pej.ˈta.du/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'ta'.

Rhymes With

amado cansado falado estado passado obrigado cuidado dado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'R' like an English 'R' (it should be guttural or like an 'H').
Making the 'e' too open (like 'eh').
Forgetting the slight 'i' sound in 'pej'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'o' instead of a soft 'u'.
Placing the stress on the last syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English word 'respected'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The initial 'R' and the 'ej' diphthong can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

respeito ser muito homem mulher

Learn Next

respeitoso respeitável admirado prestigiado autoridade

Advanced

jurisprudência erudição consecução legitimidade

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

O professor respeitado / A professora respeitada.

Passive Voice with Past Participle

O limite foi respeitado pela equipe.

Use of 'Por' as Agent of Passive

Ele é respeitado por todos.

Placement after Noun

Um homem respeitado (Standard) vs Um respeitado homem (Formal).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Eles são profissionais respeitados.

Examples by Level

O meu avô é um homem respeitado.

My grandfather is a respected man.

Masculine singular agreement with 'homem'.

A professora é muito respeitada.

The teacher is very respected.

Feminine singular agreement with 'professora'.

Eles são médicos respeitados.

They are respected doctors.

Masculine plural agreement for a mixed or masculine group.

O pai dele é respeitado no trabalho.

His father is respected at work.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Você é um aluno respeitado.

You are a respected student.

Agreement with the masculine noun 'aluno'.

Ela quer ser respeitada.

She wants to be respected.

Feminine singular form after the verb 'ser'.

O diretor é respeitado por todos.

The director is respected by everyone.

Use of 'por' (by) to indicate the agent.

O nome dele é respeitado aqui.

His name is respected here.

Agreement with 'nome' (masculine singular).

Esta é uma empresa muito respeitada no Brasil.

This is a very respected company in Brazil.

Feminine singular agreement with 'empresa'.

O autor do livro é bastante respeitado.

The author of the book is quite respected.

Use of 'bastante' as an intensifier.

As decisões do juiz são sempre respeitadas.

The judge's decisions are always respected.

Feminine plural agreement with 'decisões'.

Ele se tornou um profissional respeitado.

He became a respected professional.

Used with the verb 'tornar-se' (to become).

Nós trabalhamos com um cientista respeitado.

We work with a respected scientist.

Prepositional phrase 'com um...'

A opinião dela é respeitada na equipe.

Her opinion is respected in the team.

Agreement with 'opinião' (feminine singular).

Eles moram em um bairro respeitado.

They live in a respected neighborhood.

Agreement with 'bairro' (masculine singular).

Aquelas leis são respeitadas pela população.

Those laws are respected by the population.

Feminine plural agreement with 'leis'.

Para ser respeitado, é preciso respeitar os outros.

To be respected, one must respect others.

Infinitive use of 'ser respeitado' as a subject.

O médico, muito respeitado na sua área, deu uma palestra.

The doctor, very respected in his field, gave a lecture.

Appositive phrase using the adjective.

Nenhum outro líder é tão respeitado quanto ele.

No other leader is as respected as he is.

Comparison using 'tão... quanto'.

A instituição é respeitada internacionalmente.

The institution is respected internationally.

Adverb 'internacionalmente' modifying the state.

O veredito final deve ser respeitado por todos os cidadãos.

The final verdict must be respected by all citizens.

Passive voice with 'deve ser'.

Ela é a arquiteta mais respeitada da cidade.

She is the most respected architect in the city.

Superlative construction 'a mais...'

O silêncio foi respeitado durante a cerimônia.

The silence was respected during the ceremony.

Agreement with 'silêncio' (masculine singular).

Sempre foi um homem respeitado por sua integridade.

He was always a man respected for his integrity.

Use of 'por' to indicate the reason for respect.

O respeitado professor publicou um novo artigo científico.

The respected professor published a new scientific article.

Adjective placed before the noun for formal emphasis.

Embora jovem, ele já é um mestre respeitado.

Although young, he is already a respected master.

Concessive clause 'Embora jovem'.

A liberdade de expressão é um direito respeitado em democracias.

Freedom of expression is a respected right in democracies.

Agreement with 'direito' (masculine singular).

As normas de segurança foram rigorosamente respeitadas.

Safety standards were strictly respected.

Adverb 'rigorosamente' modifying the participle.

Trata-se de uma das vozes mais respeitadas da literatura atual.

It is one of the most respected voices in current literature.

Superlative 'uma das... mais respeitadas'.

O acordo, respeitado por ambas as partes, trouxe paz.

The agreement, respected by both parties, brought peace.

Parenthetical adjective phrase.

Ele é respeitado não apenas pelo seu talento, mas pelo seu caráter.

He is respected not only for his talent but for his character.

Correlative conjunction 'não apenas... mas'.

A tradição local é respeitada há séculos.

Local tradition has been respected for centuries.

Use of 'há' to indicate duration.

A jurisprudência deste tribunal é respeitada em todo o país.

The case law of this court is respected throughout the country.

Formal legal terminology.

Ele é um diplomata respeitado, capaz de mediar conflitos complexos.

He is a respected diplomat, capable of mediating complex conflicts.

Complex sentence with an adjective and a subordinate clause.

O legado do artista permanece respeitado pela crítica contemporânea.

The artist's legacy remains respected by contemporary critics.

Use of 'permanece' (remains) as a linking verb.

A autonomia universitária deve ser plenamente respeitada pelo Estado.

University autonomy must be fully respected by the State.

Passive voice with a modal verb 'deve'.

Seu posicionamento ético tornou-o um dos membros mais respeitados.

His ethical stance made him one of the most respected members.

Use of the clitic pronoun '-o'.

A obra, embora controversa, é respeitada por sua inovação técnica.

The work, though controversial, is respected for its technical innovation.

Concessive clause 'embora controversa'.

Ele é respeitado por sua erudição e clareza de pensamento.

He is respected for his erudition and clarity of thought.

Abstract nouns as the basis for respect.

As fronteiras nacionais devem ser respeitadas segundo o direito internacional.

National borders must be respected according to international law.

Agreement with 'fronteiras' (feminine plural).

A autoridade do monarca, outrora inquestionável, era respeitada por temor.

The monarch's authority, once unquestionable, was respected out of fear.

Historical/literary tone with 'outrora'.

É imperativo que o sigilo profissional seja respeitado nestas circunstâncias.

It is imperative that professional secrecy be respected in these circumstances.

Subjunctive mood 'seja respeitado'.

O respeitado egrégio tribunal proferiu uma decisão histórica.

The respected, distinguished court delivered a historic decision.

Highly formal, archaic-style adjectives.

A soberania dos povos é um princípio respeitado, embora muitas vezes violado.

The sovereignty of peoples is a respected principle, though often violated.

Complex political/philosophical structure.

Sua trajetória, marcada pela retidão, fez dele um ícone respeitado.

His trajectory, marked by righteousness, made him a respected icon.

Participial phrase 'marcada pela retidão'.

A norma culta da língua deve ser respeitada em documentos oficiais.

The standard form of the language must be respected in official documents.

Agreement with 'norma' (feminine singular).

Ele é um dos poucos intelectuais respeitados por ambos os lados do espectro político.

He is one of the few intellectuals respected by both sides of the political spectrum.

Complex prepositional phrase 'por ambos os lados...'

O equilíbrio ecológico é um limite que não tem sido respeitado pelo homem.

Ecological balance is a limit that has not been respected by man.

Present perfect passive 'tem sido respeitado'.

Common Collocations

muito respeitado

internacionalmente respeitado

respeitado por todos

respeitado pela crítica

profissional respeitado

líder respeitado

altamente respeitado

respeitado autor

respeitado membro

ser respeitado

Common Phrases

Fazer-se respeitado

— To make oneself respected or to command respect through actions.

O novo gerente soube fazer-se respeitado desde o primeiro dia.

Digno de ser respeitado

— Worthy of being respected.

Seu esforço é digno de ser respeitado por todos nós.

Ser respeitado como

— To be respected in a specific capacity or role.

Ele é respeitado como um dos maiores especialistas em IA.

Nome respeitado

— A person whose name alone carries weight and respect.

Ela é um nome respeitado na medicina pediátrica.

Círculo respeitado

— A group of people who are held in high esteem.

Ele pertence a um círculo respeitado de intelectuais.

Opinião respeitada

— An opinion that people take seriously.

Sua opinião respeitada mudou o rumo da votação.

Lugar respeitado

— A position or place of honor.

Ele conquistou um lugar respeitado na história do país.

Trabalho respeitado

— Professional work that is acknowledged for its quality.

Seu trabalho respeitado abriu muitas portas na carreira.

Voz respeitada

— A person whose public statements are valued.

Ela é uma voz respeitada na luta pelos direitos humanos.

Respeitado por mérito

— Respected because of one's own achievements.

Ele é respeitado por mérito, não por herança.

Often Confused With

respeitado vs respeitoso

Respeitoso means showing respect (polite), while respeitado means receiving respect (esteemed).

respeitado vs respeitável

Respeitável means worthy of respect or decent, while respeitado means actually held in high esteem.

respeitado vs estimado

Estimado is more affectionate (dear), whereas respeitado is more about authority or skill.

Idioms & Expressions

"Respeitar os cabelos brancos"

— To respect someone's age and experience (literally 'respect the white hairs').

Você deve respeitar os cabelos brancos do seu avô.

informal/traditional

"Impor respeito"

— To command or enforce respect through one's presence or actions.

O uniforme do policial impõe respeito.

neutral

"Faltar com o respeito"

— To be disrespectful.

Não falte com o respeito com seus pais.

neutral

"Dar-se ao respeito"

— To behave in a way that commands respect from others.

Se você quer ser respeitado, precisa dar-se ao respeito.

neutral

"Respeito é bom e eu gosto"

— A common saying meaning 'Respect is good and I like it' (used when someone is being rude).

Ei, abaixe o tom! Respeito é bom e eu gosto.

informal

"Com todo o respeito"

— With all due respect (often used before a disagreement).

Com todo o respeito, discordo da sua opinião.

neutral

"Em sinal de respeito"

— As a sign of respect.

Todos se levantaram em sinal de respeito.

neutral

"Guardar respeito"

— To maintain a respectful distance or attitude.

É importante guardar respeito pelas autoridades.

formal

"Por respeito a"

— Out of respect for.

Fiz isso por respeito à memória de meu pai.

neutral

"Respeitar o próximo"

— To respect others/one's neighbor (often religious/moral).

A base da sociedade é respeitar o próximo.

neutral

Easily Confused

respeitado vs respeitoso

They share the same root and look similar.

Respeitoso is an active quality (you show respect to others). Respeitado is a passive quality (others show respect to you).

O aluno respeitoso é respeitado pelo professor.

respeitado vs respeitável

Both are adjectives about respect.

Respeitável implies a quality of being 'worthy' of respect or simply 'decent/okay'. Respeitado implies a confirmed high status.

Ele tem um lucro respeitável, mas não é um empresário respeitado.

respeitado vs educado

Learners often use 'respeitado' when they mean someone is polite.

Educado means polite or well-mannered. Respeitado means highly regarded.

Ele é muito educado, mas ainda não é respeitado na profissão.

respeitado vs considerado

Both mean people think well of the person.

Considerado is slightly weaker and often means 'taken into account' or 'thought of as'.

Ele é considerado um bom jogador, mas Pelé é respeitado como o melhor.

respeitado vs admirado

Both are positive descriptors.

Admirado is more emotional and can be about talent; respeitado is more about authority and ethics.

O cantor é admirado por sua voz, mas o maestro é respeitado por sua liderança.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] é [respeitado/a].

O médico é respeitado.

[Subject] é um/uma [Noun] muito [respeitado/a].

Ela é uma médica muito respeitada.

[Subject] é respeitado/a por [Agent].

O livro é respeitado por todos os críticos.

O/A respeitado/a [Noun] [Verb]...

O respeitado cientista descobriu a cura.

Embora [Adjective], [Subject] é respeitado/a.

Embora jovem, ele é respeitado.

É fundamental que [Noun] seja respeitado/a.

É fundamental que o sigilo seja respeitado.

Nada é mais respeitado que [Noun].

Nada é mais respeitado que a verdade.

Eles são [respeitados/as].

Os pais são respeitados.

Word Family

Nouns

respeito (respect)

respeitabilidade (respectability)

Verbs

respeitar (to respect)

Adjectives

respeitado (respected)

respeitável (respectable)

respeitoso (respectful)

irrespeitoso (disrespectful)

auto-respeito

desrespeito

respeitador

respeitante

respeitosa

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in professional and news contexts; moderately common in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

A médica é respeitado. → A médica é respeitada.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'médica'.
Ele é um aluno muito respeitoso na cidade. → Ele é um aluno muito respeitado na cidade.
You mean he is held in high esteem (respeitado), not that he is polite (respeitoso).
Eles são respeitado por todos. → Eles são respeitados por todos.
The adjective must be plural to match 'Eles'.
O autor é respeitado de muitos leitores. → O autor é respeitado por muitos leitores.
Use the preposition 'por' to indicate who is doing the respecting.
Eu quero ser um homem respeitável. → Eu quero ser um homem respeitado.
While 'respeitável' is okay, 'respeitado' is better if you mean you want to have a high reputation.

Tips

Gender Check

Always match the ending. A man is respeitado, a woman is respeitada. This is the golden rule for this word.

Don't confuse with Respeitoso

Remember: Respeitado = people respect HIM. Respeitoso = HE respects people. Don't mix them up!

Professional Use

Use this word in your LinkedIn profile or resume to describe your standing in your field: 'Profissional respeitado'.

The Initial R

In most of Brazil, the 'R' at the start sounds like 'H' in 'House'. Practice saying 'Hes-pay-tah-du'.

Respecting Elders

Using this word for older family members is a great way to show you understand Lusophone cultural values.

Formal Writing

Place 'respeitado' before the noun in formal essays to sound more like a native academic.

News Keywords

Watch the news in Portuguese. You will hear this word often when they talk about experts or judges.

Plural Mixed Groups

If you are talking about a group of men and women, always use the masculine plural: respeitados.

Use Prestigiado for Awards

While a person is 'respeitado', an award or an event is often better described as 'prestigiado'.

The 'Re-Look' Rule

Remember the Latin root 'respectus' (to look back). A respected person is someone you look back at because they are important.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Respected' person who is so 'Great' they make you 'RE-SPECT' (spectate/look again) at them.

Visual Association

Imagine a professor in a graduation gown being applauded by a crowd. That is a 'respeitado' person.

Word Web

Honra Admiração Autoridade Status Ética Reputação Prestígio Valor

Challenge

Try to use 'respeitado' in three different sentences today: one about a family member, one about a celebrity, and one about a professional.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'respectus', which is the past participle of 'respicere'.

Original meaning: 'Respicere' literally means 'to look back' (re- 'back' + specere 'to look').

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be aware that calling someone 'respeitado' can sometimes imply they are old, so use it carefully if you only mean they are talented.

The term 'respected' in English is very close, but 'respeitado' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or tied to official status in Portuguese.

Machado de Assis is the most 'respeitado' writer in Brazilian literature. Fernando Pessoa is a 'respeitado' figure in Portuguese poetry. Pelé is a 'respeitado' icon in world sports.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional/Work

Ele é um colega respeitado.
Uma empresa respeitada no setor.
Sua opinião é muito respeitada.
Um líder respeitado pela equipe.

Academic/School

O respeitado autor da teoria.
Uma universidade respeitada.
Um professor muito respeitado.
O método mais respeitado.

Family/Social

Um ancião respeitado na vila.
Ele é respeitado por seus amigos.
Uma família muito respeitada.
Ser respeitado na comunidade.

Legal/Political

Um juiz respeitado.
A lei deve ser respeitada.
Um político respeitado.
O tratado foi respeitado.

Sports/Media

Um atleta respeitado.
Um jornalista respeitado.
O adversário é respeitado.
Um comentarista respeitado.

Conversation Starters

"Quem é o profissional mais respeitado na sua área de atuação?"

"Você acha que é fácil ser um líder respeitado hoje em dia?"

"Quais são as qualidades de uma pessoa que é muito respeitada?"

"Existe algum autor respeitado que você gosta muito de ler?"

"Como uma empresa pode se tornar respeitada no mercado atual?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que você considera muito respeitada e explique por quê.

O que significa para você ser um profissional respeitado no futuro?

Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu que seu trabalho foi respeitado.

Como a definição de 'pessoa respeitada' mudou ao longo das gerações na sua família?

Reflita sobre a importância de as leis serem respeitadas em uma sociedade democrática.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is often used for elders, a young professional can be 'respeitado' if they are exceptionally good at their job. It is about reputation, not age.

Yes, but usually only for things that carry authority or tradition, like a 'respeitado jornal' (respected newspaper) or 'respeitado método' (respected method).

The feminine plural is 'respeitadas'. For example: 'As professoras são respeitadas'.

You say 'o mais respeitado' (masculine) or 'a mais respeitada' (feminine).

It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a casual conversation about a good boss, but it is also perfect for a graduation speech.

'Respeitado' focuses on reputation and skill, while 'honrado' focuses more on a person's honesty and moral integrity.

Yes, as the past participle of 'respeitar'. For example: 'O acordo foi respeitado' (The agreement was respected).

It is always 'respeitado por'. For example: 'Ele é respeitado por todos'.

Yes, if the place has a high reputation, like 'um hospital respeitado' or 'um bairro respeitado'.

In Brazil, people might say someone has 'moral' (Ele tem muita moral) to mean they are respected.