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A2 noun #2,500 most common 11 min read

segmento

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips segmento in 30 Seconds
Explanation segmento in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Portuguese. You might not use the word 'segmento' very often in your daily conversations, as it is a bit formal. Instead, you will mostly use words like 'parte' (part) or 'pedaço' (piece). However, you might see 'segmento' in your Portuguese textbook or hear your teacher use it when talking about a 'segmento' of a lesson or a 'segmento' of a line in a basic math context. It is a good word to recognize because it looks and sounds very similar to the English word 'segment'. If you see a text that says 'um segmento da cidade' (a segment of the city), you can easily guess that it means a part of the city. Focus on recognizing the word when you read it, but do not worry too much about using it perfectly in your own speaking yet. Just remember: segmento = part.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to understand more details in Portuguese. You will encounter the word 'segmento' more frequently, especially if you are reading simple news articles or watching educational videos. You will learn that 'segmento' is a masculine noun, so you say 'o segmento' or 'um segmento'. You might hear it used to describe parts of a TV show: 'o próximo segmento do programa' (the next segment of the program). You will also see it in basic business or shopping contexts, like 'segmento de roupas' (clothing segment). It is important at this level to start using 'segmento' when you want to sound a little more formal than just saying 'parte'. Practice using it with the preposition 'de', as in 'segmento de mercado' (market segment). This will help you sound more natural and improve your vocabulary for reading comprehension.
At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of Portuguese. The word 'segmento' becomes an active part of your vocabulary, particularly if you are discussing business, society, or media. You should be comfortable using phrases like 'segmento da população' (segment of the population) or 'segmento de mercado' (market segment). You will notice that 'segmento' is often used in news reports to categorize groups of people or industries. For example, 'O segmento de turismo cresceu este ano' (The tourism segment grew this year). At this stage, it is crucial to learn the difference between 'segmento' (a part/segment) and 'seguimento' (continuation). Making this distinction shows that you have a solid grasp of Portuguese vocabulary and spelling. You should also start using adjectives with 'segmento', such as 'segmento importante' (important segment) or 'segmento específico' (specific segment), to add detail to your descriptions.
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At the B2 level, your Portuguese is fluent and you can handle complex topics. 'Segmento' is now a key tool in your vocabulary for expressing precise ideas in professional, academic, and analytical contexts. You will use it to discuss demographics, market trends, and structural divisions. You are expected to know collocations like 'atuar no segmento' (to operate in the segment), 'liderar o segmento' (to lead the segment), and 'segmento-alvo' (target segment). You will frequently encounter 'segmento' in articles from newspapers like Folha de S.Paulo or Expresso, where journalists analyze economic sectors or societal shifts. You should be able to effortlessly switch between 'segmento', 'setor', and 'nicho' depending on the exact nuance you want to convey. Furthermore, you will understand its use in more abstract contexts, such as 'segmentos da sociedade civil' (segments of civil society), demonstrating your ability to engage in high-level discussions about politics and sociology.
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At the C1 level, you possess an advanced, near-native command of Portuguese. Your use of 'segmento' is sophisticated and highly context-aware. You understand its application in specialized fields such as linguistics (segmentos fonéticos), biology (segmentos de DNA), and advanced mathematics. You can read complex academic papers or corporate annual reports and instantly grasp the specific implications of how a 'segmento' is defined within that text. You are also adept at using derived forms and related concepts, such as the verb 'segmentar' (to segment) and the noun 'segmentação' (segmentation). You can engage in deep debates about 'segmentação de mercado' or 'segmentação social', using the vocabulary with absolute precision. At this level, you are acutely aware of register; you know exactly when 'segmento' elevates the discourse and when it might sound overly pedantic in a casual conversation, adjusting your speech accordingly.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of Portuguese is comprehensive and nuanced. You manipulate the word 'segmento' with the same ease and stylistic flair as a highly educated native speaker. You can play with its meaning in literary or rhetorical contexts, using it metaphorically to describe fragmented realities or abstract divisions in philosophical discourse. You are fully aware of the etymological roots of the word (from Latin 'segmentum', meaning a piece cut off) and how this underlying concept of 'cutting' or 'dividing' informs its usage across all disciplines. You can effortlessly correct others on the 'segmento' vs. 'seguimento' error, explaining the morphological and semantic reasons behind the distinction. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis, drafting a complex legal document, or delivering a keynote speech on macroeconomics, 'segmento' is deployed flawlessly as part of a rich, expansive, and highly articulate Portuguese vocabulary.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

segmento in 30 Seconds

  • A distinct part of a whole.
  • Used heavily in business and math.
  • Means 'segment' or 'section'.
  • Do not confuse with 'seguimento'.
The word 'segmento' in Portuguese is a direct cognate of the English word 'segment', and it functions in very much the same way across various contexts. At its core, a 'segmento' refers to one of the parts into which something is or can be divided. It implies a clear division, a specific portion, or a distinct section of a larger whole. Understanding 'segmento' requires looking at its application in geometry, business, linguistics, and everyday language. In geometry, a 'segmento de reta' is a line segment, a part of a line that is bounded by two distinct end points. This is often the first time a Portuguese speaker encounters the word in a formal educational setting.

O professor desenhou um segmento de reta no quadro negro para ilustrar o conceito de geometria básica.

Moving beyond mathematics, 'segmento' is heavily used in business and marketing to describe a 'market segment' (segmento de mercado). This refers to a group of people who share one or more common characteristics, lumped together for marketing purposes.
Business Context
In corporate environments, understanding your 'segmento' is crucial for product development and targeted advertising.
Furthermore, in biology or anatomy, 'segmento' can refer to the distinct parts of an organism's body, such as the segments of an insect or an annelid worm.

Cada segmento do corpo da minhoca tem uma função específica.

In media and broadcasting, a 'segmento' is a specific part of a television or radio program. For instance, a news broadcast might have a segment dedicated to sports and another to weather.
Media Usage
Television producers carefully plan each 'segmento' to maintain viewer engagement and optimize commercial breaks.

O próximo segmento do programa abordará as mudanças climáticas.

Linguistically, a 'segmento' can refer to any discrete unit that can be identified, either physically or auditorily, in the stream of speech, such as a consonant or a vowel. The versatility of 'segmento' makes it a high-frequency word in academic, professional, and technical registers. It is less common in highly informal, colloquial speech, where words like 'parte' or 'pedaço' might be preferred, but it is universally understood.

A empresa decidiu focar em um segmento mais jovem da população.

Demographics
Demographic studies frequently divide populations into segments based on age, income, or education level.

Este segmento da estrada está em obras e precisa de reparos urgentes.

To fully master 'segmento', learners should pay attention to its collocations, such as 'segmento de mercado', 'segmento de reta', and 'segmento de público'. Recognizing these fixed phrases will significantly enhance fluency and comprehension in both reading and listening tasks.
Using 'segmento' correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its grammatical properties and the specific contexts where it sounds natural. 'Segmento' is a masculine noun, so it must be preceded by masculine articles (o, um, os, uns) and accompanied by masculine adjectives (e.g., um segmento importante, o novo segmento).

Eles criaram um segmento exclusivo para clientes VIP.

One of the most common ways to use 'segmento' is with the preposition 'de' to specify what the segment belongs to. For example, 'segmento de mercado' (market segment), 'segmento de reta' (line segment), or 'segmento da população' (segment of the population).
Prepositional Phrases
The construction 'segmento + de + noun' is the standard way to attribute the part to its whole.
You will frequently encounter 'segmento' as the object of verbs that imply division, analysis, or targeting. Common verbs used with 'segmento' include 'dividir' (to divide), 'analisar' (to analyze), 'atingir' (to reach/target), 'focar' (to focus), and 'explorar' (to explore).

Precisamos dividir o projeto em segmentos menores para facilitar a gestão.

Action Verbs
Using verbs like 'focar' with 'segmento' (focar em um segmento) is standard in strategic planning discussions.

A campanha publicitária conseguiu atingir o segmento desejado com grande eficácia.

In plural form, 'segmentos' is used to discuss multiple parts simultaneously. For instance, a company might operate in 'vários segmentos' (several segments). It is also important to note the use of adjectives with 'segmento'. Adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese, so you will see phrases like 'segmento automotivo' (automotive segment), 'segmento financeiro' (financial segment), or 'segmento corporativo' (corporate segment).

O segmento de tecnologia foi o que mais cresceu no último trimestre.

Adjectival Modification
Adjectives define the specific nature of the segment, turning a general term into a highly specific industry identifier.

Atuamos no segmento varejista há mais de vinte anos.

When writing formal reports or academic papers, 'segmento' is an excellent vocabulary choice to demonstrate precision. Instead of saying 'uma parte das pessoas' (a part of the people), saying 'um segmento da população' elevates the register of your Portuguese significantly. Practice combining 'segmento' with different industry adjectives and action verbs to build a robust professional vocabulary.
The word 'segmento' is ubiquitous in Portuguese, appearing across a wide array of contexts, from the classroom to the boardroom, and even in everyday media consumption. One of the earliest places a native speaker or a learner might encounter this word is in a mathematics classroom. Geometry lessons introduce the 'segmento de reta' (line segment) as a fundamental concept.

Para resolver o problema, trace um segmento do ponto A ao ponto B.

Educational Context
Math textbooks and teachers use 'segmento' to describe precise geometric boundaries.
Beyond school, the business world is arguably the most common environment for 'segmento'. If you watch business news channels, read financial newspapers like Valor Econômico, or attend corporate meetings in Brazil or Portugal, 'segmento' is inescapable. Executives talk about 'segmentos de mercado' (market segments), 'segmentos de atuação' (areas of operation), and 'segmentos de clientes' (customer segments).

Nossa estratégia é dominar o segmento de luxo no Brasil.

Corporate Jargon
Marketing professionals constantly analyze 'segmentos' to tailor their campaigns and maximize return on investment.

O relatório indica uma queda nas vendas do segmento de eletrônicos.

You will also hear 'segmento' in the entertainment and media industries. Television hosts might refer to the next part of their show as a 'segmento'. Podcasts often divide their episodes into different 'segmentos' or quadros. In scientific and medical contexts, 'segmento' is used to describe parts of the anatomy or DNA. A doctor might discuss a 'segmento da coluna vertebral' (segment of the spine), or a biologist might study a 'segmento de DNA' (DNA segment).

A ressonância magnética mostrou uma lesão em um segmento da medula espinhal.

Scientific Usage
Precision is key in science, and 'segmento' provides the exact terminology needed to isolate specific parts of a complex system.

Os cientistas isolaram um segmento do gene responsável pela mutação.

Finally, in public administration and urban planning, officials might talk about a 'segmento da rodovia' (highway segment) when discussing infrastructure projects or traffic reports. By tuning into these various channels—business news, educational content, medical documentaries, and urban reports—you will quickly become familiar with the diverse applications of 'segmento'.
When learning and using the word 'segmento', both non-native learners and native Portuguese speakers frequently stumble over a few specific pitfalls. The absolute most common and critical mistake is confusing 'segmento' with 'seguimento'. This is a classic homophone-like error (paronyms, to be exact) that plagues even formal writing in Brazil and Portugal. 'Segmento' means a part, a section, or a division. 'Seguimento', derived from the verb 'seguir' (to follow), means continuation, follow-up, or course.

INCORRECT: Vamos dar segmento à reunião. CORRECT: Vamos dar seguimento à reunião.

The Golden Rule
If you can replace the word with 'continuation', use 'seguimento'. If you can replace it with 'part' or 'fraction', use 'segmento'.
Another common mistake for English speakers is assuming 'segmento' can be used exactly like the English word 'segment' in every single colloquial context. While they are cognates, in casual Portuguese, using 'segmento' to refer to a piece of a pie or a slice of pizza sounds incredibly robotic and overly formal.

AWKWARD: Eu comi um segmento do bolo. NATURAL: Eu comi um pedaço do bolo.

Register Awareness
Reserve 'segmento' for abstract, technical, business, or geometric divisions. Use 'pedaço' or 'fatia' for physical food items.

O segmento de reta foi desenhado incorretamente pelo aluno.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the 'gm' consonant cluster. In Brazilian Portuguese, there is a strong tendency to insert an epenthetic vowel (a phantom 'i' sound) between the 'g' and the 'm', pronouncing it as 'se-gui-men-to'. While this is common in rapid, informal speech, in formal settings, it is better to try and pronounce the 'g' as a mute consonant, moving directly to the 'm' (seg-men-to).

A empresa atua no segmento de moda feminina.

Preposition Errors
Do not use 'sobre' or 'para' when defining the type of segment. Always use 'de' (e.g., segmento de mercado, not segmento para mercado).

Eles investiram pesado neste segmento da indústria.

By being hyper-aware of the 'segmento' vs. 'seguimento' distinction, choosing the right register (avoiding it for food or casual physical pieces), and mastering the preposition 'de', you will use this word flawlessly.
The Portuguese language offers a rich vocabulary for expressing the concept of parts, divisions, and sections. Understanding the nuances between 'segmento' and its synonyms will greatly enhance your precision and fluency. The most direct synonyms for 'segmento' are 'parte' (part), 'seção' (section), 'setor' (sector), 'fração' (fraction), and 'porção' (portion). While they share overlapping meanings, their usage contexts differ significantly. 'Parte' is the most general and versatile word. It can replace 'segmento' in almost any non-technical context, but it lacks the specificity and professional tone of 'segmento'.

Uma grande parte (ou segmento) da população não tem acesso à internet.

Parte vs. Segmento
'Parte' is everyday language. 'Segmento' implies a more analytical or formal division.
'Seção' (section) is very close to 'segmento', but it often implies a physical or organizational division, such as a section of a supermarket, a section of a newspaper, or a department in a company.

A notícia foi publicada na seção de economia, focando no segmento industrial.

'Setor' (sector) is heavily used in economics and business, often interchangeably with 'segmento'. However, 'setor' usually refers to a broader category (e.g., o setor de serviços - the service sector), while 'segmento' can refer to a more specific niche within that sector (e.g., o segmento de fast-food - the fast-food segment).
Setor vs. Segmento
Think of 'setor' as the macro level and 'segmento' as the micro level within business analysis.

O setor automotivo está em crise, mas o segmento de carros elétricos continua crescendo.

'Fração' (fraction) is used when emphasizing a mathematical or proportional part of a whole, often implying a small amount. 'Porção' (portion) is typically used for food, land, or abstract quantities distributed among people.

Apenas uma fração dos eleitores apoia este segmento político.

Nicho
'Nicho' (niche) is a highly specialized 'segmento'. All niches are segments, but not all segments are small enough to be niches.

Eles encontraram um nicho lucrativo dentro do segmento de turismo de aventura.

By mastering these subtle distinctions, you can choose the exact word needed to convey your message, whether you are analyzing a market, describing a physical division, or simply talking about a piece of a larger whole.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Preposition 'de' for possession/type (segmento de mercado)

Masculine noun agreement (o segmento, um segmento)

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'o' (segmentos)

Paronyms and homophones (segmento vs seguimento)

Adjective placement (segmento importante vs importante segmento)

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Examples by Level

1

Esta é uma parte, ou segmento, do livro.

This is a part, or segment, of the book.

Basic use as a synonym for 'parte'.

2

O segmento da linha é reto.

The line segment is straight.

Used in basic geometry.

3

Eu gosto deste segmento do filme.

I like this segment of the movie.

Used to describe a part of media.

4

O segmento A é maior que o B.

Segment A is bigger than B.

Comparing two parts.

5

Este segmento é para crianças.

This segment is for children.

Indicating target audience.

6

O segmento vermelho é meu.

The red segment is mine.

Describing a physical part of a diagram.

7

Falta um segmento aqui.

A segment is missing here.

Indicating absence of a part.

8

Qual segmento você prefere?

Which segment do you prefer?

Asking for a preference among parts.

1

O segmento de mercado jovem é muito importante.

The youth market segment is very important.

Using 'de' to specify the type of segment.

2

Vamos assistir ao próximo segmento do jornal.

Let's watch the next segment of the news.

Media context, part of a broadcast.

3

A loja abriu um novo segmento de sapatos.

The store opened a new shoe segment.

Business context, department or category.

4

Desenhe um segmento de reta no seu caderno.

Draw a line segment in your notebook.

School context, geometry instruction.

5

Este segmento da estrada está fechado.

This segment of the road is closed.

Describing a physical part of infrastructure.

6

O segmento de tecnologia cresce rápido.

The technology segment grows fast.

Basic economic or industry description.

7

Eles dividiram o trabalho em três segmentos.

They divided the work into three segments.

Using 'dividir em' with plural 'segmentos'.

8

Cada segmento tem dez minutos.

Each segment has ten minutes.

Relating segment to a unit of time.

1

A empresa decidiu focar no segmento de luxo para aumentar os lucros.

The company decided to focus on the luxury segment to increase profits.

Business strategy vocabulary ('focar no segmento').

2

Uma grande parcela deste segmento da população vive nas cidades.

A large portion of this segment of the population lives in cities.

Demographic description ('segmento da população').

3

O apresentador introduziu um novo segmento de humor no programa.

The host introduced a new comedy segment on the show.

Media production terminology.

4

Precisamos analisar os dados de cada segmento separadamente.

We need to analyze the data from each segment separately.

Analytical context, plural usage.

5

O segmento automotivo sofreu uma queda nas vendas este ano.

The automotive segment suffered a drop in sales this year.

Industry-specific adjective ('automotivo').

6

Não confunda segmento, que é uma parte, com seguimento, que é continuação.

Do not confuse segment, which is a part, with seguimento, which is continuation.

Explicit correction of the common paronym mistake.

7

Eles atuam no segmento de alimentação saudável há cinco anos.

They have been operating in the healthy food segment for five years.

Using 'atuar no' (to operate in).

8

O relatório divide os consumidores em quatro segmentos principais.

The report divides consumers into four main segments.

Categorization and reporting.

1

A segmentação de mercado permitiu atingir um segmento altamente específico e lucrativo.

Market segmentation allowed reaching a highly specific and profitable segment.

Advanced business vocabulary, linking noun and process.

2

Certos segmentos da sociedade civil organizaram protestos contra a nova lei.

Certain segments of civil society organized protests against the new law.

Sociopolitical context ('segmentos da sociedade civil').

3

O biólogo examinou o segmento do DNA responsável pela pigmentação.

The biologist examined the DNA segment responsible for pigmentation.

Scientific and genetic terminology.

4

A estratégia visa consolidar a liderança da marca no segmento corporativo.

The strategy aims to consolidate the brand's leadership in the corporate segment.

Corporate strategy jargon ('consolidar a liderança').

5

Apesar da crise, o segmento imobiliário demonstrou notável resiliência.

Despite the crisis, the real estate segment demonstrated notable resilience.

Economic analysis ('segmento imobiliário').

6

O discurso foi adaptado para ressoar com o segmento mais conservador do eleitorado.

The speech was adapted to resonate with the most conservative segment of the electorate.

Political analysis and audience targeting.

7

Na linguística, um fone é considerado o menor segmento sonoro da fala.

In linguistics, a phone is considered the smallest sound segment of speech.

Academic/linguistic definition.

8

A rodovia foi privatizada e este segmento agora possui pedágio.

The highway was privatized and this segment now has a toll.

Infrastructure and public administration.

1

A hipersegmentação permite que as campanhas de marketing digital atinjam micro-segmentos com precisão cirúrgica.

Hyper-segmentation allows digital marketing campaigns to reach micro-segments with surgical precision.

Use of prefixes ('micro-segmentos') and advanced marketing concepts.

2

A análise morfológica revelou que o segmento afixal altera substancialmente a semântica do vocábulo.

The morphological analysis revealed that the affixal segment substantially alters the semantics of the word.

Highly specialized linguistic terminology.

3

O relatório de conjuntura econômica aponta para uma retração assimétrica entre os diversos segmentos industriais.

The economic outlook report points to an asymmetrical retraction among the various industrial segments.

Formal economic reporting and abstract analysis.

4

A jurisprudência atual tende a proteger os segmentos mais vulneráveis nas relações de consumo.

Current jurisprudence tends to protect the most vulnerable segments in consumer relations.

Legal register and consumer protection context.

5

A falha estrutural foi localizada em um segmento crítico da fuselagem da aeronave.

The structural failure was located in a critical segment of the aircraft's fuselage.

Engineering and technical precision.

6

A obra literária é dividida em segmentos narrativos não lineares que desafiam a percepção temporal do leitor.

The literary work is divided into non-linear narrative segments that challenge the reader's temporal perception.

Literary criticism and structural analysis.

7

A segmentação hepática é um conhecimento anatômico fundamental para a realização de ressecções cirúrgicas seguras.

Hepatic segmentation is fundamental anatomical knowledge for performing safe surgical resections.

Advanced medical/anatomical context.

8

A startup disruptiva encontrou um oceano azul ao focar em um segmento de mercado até então negligenciado pelos oligopólios.

The disruptive startup found a blue ocean by focusing on a market segment hitherto neglected by oligopolies.

Advanced business strategy and startup jargon.

1

A exegese do texto sagrado exige a contextualização histórica de cada segmento perícopo para evitar anacronismos.

The exegesis of the sacred text requires the historical contextualization of each pericope segment to avoid anachronisms.

Theological/academic register with highly specialized vocabulary.

2

Na topologia, a demonstração de que o segmento de reta é um conjunto conexo é um corolário elementar dos axiomas de ordem.

In topology, the proof that the line segment is a connected set is an elementary corollary of the order axioms.

Advanced pure mathematics and formal logic.

3

A balcanização do debate público reflete a polarização de segmentos sociais que habitam câmaras de eco epistêmicas.

The balkanization of public debate reflects the polarization of social segments that inhabit epistemic echo chambers.

Sociological and political philosophy discourse.

4

A prosódia do falante nativo revela sutilezas na duração dos segmentos vocálicos que escapam à percepção do aprendiz.

The native speaker's prosody reveals subtleties in the duration of vocalic segments that escape the learner's perception.

Advanced phonetics and language acquisition theory.

5

O modelo de precificação de ativos requer a calibração do prêmio de risco específico para cada segmento da curva de juros.

The asset pricing model requires the calibration of the specific risk premium for each segment of the yield curve.

Quantitative finance and econometric modeling.

6

A ontologia da obra de arte contemporânea frequentemente questiona a integridade do objeto, privilegiando o segmento em detrimento do todo.

The ontology of the contemporary artwork frequently questions the integrity of the object, privileging the segment to the detriment of the whole.

Art history and aesthetic philosophy.

7

A hermenêutica jurídica moderna repudia a interpretação isolada de um segmento normativo, exigindo uma leitura sistemática do ordenamento.

Modern legal hermeneutics repudiates the isolated interpretation of a normative segment, demanding a systematic reading of the legal system.

Advanced legal theory and constitutional law.

8

A estratigrafia da bacia sedimentar revela segmentos deposicionais que registram flutuações eustáticas de alta frequência.

The stratigraphy of the sedimentary basin reveals depositional segments that record high-frequency eustatic fluctuations.

Geology and earth sciences academic register.

Common Collocations

segmento de mercado
segmento de reta
segmento da população
segmento de luxo
segmento corporativo
atuar no segmento
liderar o segmento
segmento automotivo
segmento financeiro
segmento de público

Common Phrases

dividir em segmentos
focar em um segmento
atingir o segmento
analisar o segmento
segmento de atuação
segmento de negócios
segmento da sociedade
segmento de clientes
segmento de tecnologia
segmento de varejo

Often Confused With

segmento vs seguimento

segmento vs seção

segmento vs setor

Idioms & Expressions

"(No specific idioms use 'segmento' as the core word, it is primarily literal/technical)"
"fatia do mercado (related concept)"
"parte do leão (related concept)"
"pedra angular (related concept)"
"ponto de corte (related concept)"
"divisor de águas (related concept)"
"fio da meada (related concept)"
"ponto de partida (related concept)"
"linha de frente (related concept)"
"espinha dorsal (related concept)"

Easily Confused

segmento vs

segmento vs

segmento vs

segmento vs

segmento vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

formality

Moderate to High. Suitable for professional, academic, and journalistic contexts.

frequency

High in specific domains (business, math), moderate in everyday casual speech.

regionalisms

Universally understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries without significant regional variation in meaning.

Common Mistakes
  • Confusing 'segmento' (part) with 'seguimento' (continuation).
  • Using 'segmento' to refer to physical pieces of food (like a slice of cake).
  • Pronouncing it as 'se-gui-men-to' in formal settings instead of 'seg-men-to'.
  • Using the feminine article 'a' instead of the masculine 'o' (a segmento - incorrect).
  • Forgetting the preposition 'de' when specifying the type of segment (segmento mercado - incorrect).

Tips

Segmento vs Seguimento

Never confuse these two. Segmento = part. Seguimento = continuation. Write this rule down!

The 'GM' Cluster

Practice saying 'seg' and 'mento' to avoid adding an extra 'i' sound in the middle.

Business Collocations

Memorize 'segmento de mercado'. It is the most common way you will hear this word in professional settings.

Avoid for Food

Do not use 'segmento' for a slice of pizza. Use 'pedaço' or 'fatia'.

Preposition 'De'

Always link 'segmento' to its whole using 'de' (e.g., segmento do livro).

Synonyms Context

Use 'setor' for macro-economy and 'segmento' for micro-economy niches.

Formal Writing

Using 'segmento da sociedade' instead of 'parte das pessoas' makes your writing sound much more advanced.

News Broadcasts

Listen to Brazilian or Portuguese news; you will hear 'segmento' used to describe parts of the broadcast or economy.

Math Class

If you study math in Portuguese, 'segmento de reta' is essential vocabulary for geometry.

Masculine Agreement

Always remember it is 'O segmento', not 'A segmento'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

A SEGMENT of a tomato is a SEGMENTO.

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Used by TV presenters to transition between different parts of a show.

First encountered in elementary geometry classes in Brazil and Portugal.

Highly used in Brazilian startups and corporate environments to define target audiences.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Qual segmento de mercado sua empresa atende?"

"Você assistiu àquele segmento do jornal ontem?"

"Como podemos dividir este projeto em segmentos menores?"

"Qual é o segmento que mais cresce na economia atual?"

"Você acha que esse segmento da população está sendo ignorado?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um segmento de mercado que você acha interessante e por quê.

Escreva sobre um segmento de um livro ou filme que mudou sua perspectiva.

Como você explicaria a diferença entre 'segmento' e 'seguimento' para um amigo?

Analise um segmento da sociedade que precisa de mais atenção governamental.

Desenhe e descreva um segmento de reta e sua importância na geometria.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Segmento' means a part, section, or division of something (like a market segment). 'Seguimento' means continuation, follow-up, or course (like giving continuation to a project). This is the most common mistake native speakers make. Always remember: segment = part; seguimento = continuation.

'Segmento' is a masculine noun. You must use masculine articles and adjectives with it. For example, 'o segmento', 'um segmento', 'segmento novo'.

It is pronounced seg-MEN-to. The stress is on the second syllable 'men'. Try to pronounce the 'g' and 'm' together without adding a vowel sound between them, though in casual Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear 'se-gui-men-to'.

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange and overly formal. For food, it is much more natural to use 'pedaço' (piece) or 'fatia' (slice). Save 'segmento' for abstract, business, or geometric parts.

It translates to 'market segment'. It refers to a specific group of consumers or a specific part of an industry that a business targets with its products or services.

Yes, 'segmento' is used identically in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. The meaning, spelling, and general contexts of use are the same.

The plural is 'segmentos'. You simply add an 's' to the end of the word. For example, 'vários segmentos' (several segments).

No, 'segmento' is a noun. However, there is a related verb, 'segmentar', which means 'to segment' or 'to divide into segments'.

The preposition 'de' is most commonly used after 'segmento' to specify what it is a part of. For example, 'segmento de reta' (line segment) or 'segmento da população' (segment of the population).

It is considered a standard word, but it leans towards formal, technical, or professional registers. It is perfectly normal in a business meeting or a news report, but might sound a bit stiff in very casual chat.

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