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A1 noun #2,000 most common 9 min read

Segundo

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Segundo in 30 Seconds
Explanation Segundo in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'segundo' is one of the first time-related words you learn. You use it to understand basic instructions and tell time. It is essential for simple tasks like following a microwave timer or understanding a countdown. At this stage, you should focus on the fact that it is a masculine noun ('o segundo') and that it represents a very short time. You will mostly use it in phrases like 'um segundo, por favor' (one second, please). You don't need to worry about its other meanings yet; just focus on the clock. Learning this word helps you build a foundation for numbers and daily routines. It is a concrete noun that you can easily visualize with a ticking clock. Practice saying the numbers 1 to 60 followed by 'segundos' to get comfortable with the pronunciation and pluralization. This is the building block of temporal awareness in Portuguese.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'segundo' in more varied sentences. You might describe how long a simple action takes, such as 'Eu corro cem metros em quinze segundos' (I run a hundred meters in fifteen seconds). You also start to encounter 'segundo' as an ordinal number (2nd), and you must learn to distinguish it from the unit of time based on context. You will use it in past tense sentences to describe brief moments: 'Ele parou por um segundo'. You are also introduced to basic prepositions like 'em' and 'por' used with 'segundo'. Your understanding of the word moves from just a label for time to a tool for describing duration in your daily life. You should be able to follow simple recipes that use seconds as a measurement. This level is about expanding the 'where' and 'how' of the word's application in common social situations.
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At the B1 level, you use 'segundo' to add precision to your stories and explanations. You might use it to emphasize urgency or the lack thereof. You start to use idiomatic expressions like 'de um segundo para o outro' (from one second to the next) to describe sudden changes. You also become more proficient at using 'segundo' as a preposition meaning 'according to' (e.g., 'Segundo o jornal...'), which is a major step in your linguistic development. You can now participate in discussions where time is a factor, such as debating the speed of a service or the timing of an event. Your vocabulary expands to include 'milissegundos' in specific contexts. You are expected to use the word accurately in both its noun and prepositional forms without much hesitation. This level bridges the gap between basic time-telling and more complex narrative structures.
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At the B2 level, 'segundo' becomes a versatile tool for nuanced communication. You use it in hypothetical sentences and complex grammatical structures. For example, 'Se eu tivesse mais um segundo, eu teria terminado' (If I had one more second, I would have finished). You understand the subtle difference between 'segundo', 'instante', and 'momento' and can choose the right one for the situation. You are comfortable hearing 'segundo' in fast-paced media like news or sports and can grasp the meaning instantly. You also start to use the word in more formal writing, perhaps in a report where you cite sources using 'segundo' (according to). Your ability to switch between the noun, the ordinal, and the preposition is now fluid. You can also handle the word in the diminutive 'segundinho' to sound more natural in informal Brazilian Portuguese.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'segundo' in all its forms. You can use it in technical, academic, or professional settings with high precision. You might discuss 'frações de segundo' in a scientific or legal context. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages. In your speech, you use 'segundo' to structure complex arguments ('Em segundo lugar...', though this is the ordinal use, it's part of the same word family). You can appreciate the use of the word in high literature and poetry, where it might symbolize the ephemeral nature of human life. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the correct use of abbreviations and scientific notation. You are also aware of regional variations in how time is discussed across the Portuguese-speaking world.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'segundo' is absolute. You can use the word to convey subtle irony, deep philosophical meaning, or extreme technical detail. You are familiar with obscure idioms and literary references involving the word. You can effortlessly navigate complex sentences where 'segundo' might appear multiple times with different meanings (e.g., 'Segundo o segundo juiz, o segundo segundo foi decisivo' - According to the second judge, the second second was decisive). You have a 'feel' for the word that goes beyond rules; you know exactly when 'segundo' provides the right rhythmic beat in a sentence. You can participate in high-level scientific or philosophical debates about the nature of time itself, using 'segundo' as your base unit. Your command of the word reflects a total immersion in the Portuguese language and its cultural nuances.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Segundo in 30 Seconds

  • Segundo is the primary Portuguese word for the unit of time 'second', essential for basic time-telling and measuring short durations in daily life.
  • It is a masculine noun ('o segundo') and its plural form is 'segundos'. It is abbreviated as 's' in formal scientific contexts.
  • The word is a homonym, meaning it also represents the ordinal number 'second' (2nd) and the preposition 'according to' (segundo o...).
  • Commonly used in sports, cooking, and daily conversations to express urgency or precision, often appearing in phrases like 'um segundo, por favor'.

The word segundo primarily functions as a noun in Portuguese to denote the fundamental unit of time. In the International System of Units (SI), it is defined by the radiation frequency of the caesium-133 atom, but in daily life, we understand it as the briefest common measurement of our existence. When we speak of a segundo, we are referring to that precise tick of a clock that separates one moment from the next. It is the heartbeat of chronology, the atomic sliver that builds minutes, hours, and days. In the context of Portuguese linguistics, it is a masculine noun, preceded by the article 'o'.

Scientific Definition
The duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
Everyday Usage
A very short period of time, often used hyperbolically to mean 'immediately' or 'right now'.
Mathematical Relation
1/60 of a minute, or 1/3600 of an hour.

Historically, the term derives from the Latin secunda, short for pars minuta secunda, which means 'second small part'. This distinguishes it from the 'first small part' (the minute). In Portuguese, the word carries this heritage of precision. Whether you are timing a race, following a recipe, or waiting for a bus, the segundo is your most granular tool for navigating the temporal world. It is essential to recognize that while it is a precise unit, in conversation, it often loses its rigidity to become a synonym for a 'moment'.

O recorde mundial foi batido por apenas um segundo.

Translation: The world record was broken by just one second.

Espere um segundo, por favor.

Translation: Wait a second, please.

Cada segundo conta nesta operação.

Translation: Every second counts in this operation.

O cronômetro parou no último segundo.

Translation: The stopwatch stopped at the last second.

Faltam apenas dez segundos para o lançamento.

Translation: Only ten seconds left for the launch.

To master the use of segundo, one must appreciate its versatility. It is not just a number on a watch; it is a measure of urgency. In Portuguese culture, much like in many others, the 'segundo' is the currency of the fast-paced modern world. When someone says 'num segundo' (in a second), they are promising speed. When a scientist says 'milissegundo', they are diving into the sub-layers of this word. Understanding this word is the first step toward mastering time-related vocabulary in Portuguese, providing a foundation for more complex temporal expressions.

Using the word segundo correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its various idiomatic applications. As a noun, it follows the standard rules for Portuguese gender and number. You will almost always see it accompanied by masculine articles (o, um, os, uns) or demonstratives (este, esse, aquele). For example, 'o segundo' (the second) or 'um segundo' (a second). When referring to multiple units, it becomes 'segundos'.

Pluralization
The plural is formed by adding 's': 'dois segundos', 'vários segundos'.
Prepositional Phrases
Commonly used with 'em' (in) to form 'em um segundo' (in a second) or 'por' (for) as in 'por alguns segundos'.
Adjectival Modification
It can be modified by adjectives like 'longo' (long), 'curto' (short), or 'eterno' (eternal) to express subjective perception of time.

One of the most important aspects of using segundo is distinguishing it from its homonyms. In Portuguese, 'segundo' can also mean 'second' (the ordinal number) and 'according to' (a preposition). To use the noun form correctly, ensure it is functioning as the object or subject of time. For instance, in 'O segundo passou rápido', it is clearly a noun. In 'Ele foi o segundo colocado', it is an ordinal number. In 'Segundo o médico, estou bem', it is a preposition. This triple-threat nature of the word makes it a frequent point of study for learners.

Eu volto em um segundo.

Usage: Expressing a very short wait.

Ele contou cada segundo da viagem.

Usage: Emphasizing the passage of time.

A luz viaja milhares de quilômetros por segundo.

Usage: Scientific rate or speed.

In more advanced usage, segundo appears in complex temporal clauses. For example, 'no exato segundo em que...' (at the exact second that...). This requires a firm grasp of relative pronouns. Furthermore, in technical fields like music or physics, 'segundo' is used with prefixes: 'milissegundo' (millisecond), 'microssegundo' (microsecond). Mastering these variations allows the speaker to transition from basic A1 communication to technical C1/C2 proficiency. Always remember that while the word is small, its impact on the precision of your Portuguese is immense.

You will encounter the word segundo in a vast array of social and professional contexts across the Lusophone world. From the bustling streets of São Paulo to the quiet cafes of Lisbon, time is a universal language, and the 'segundo' is its smallest common denominator. In sports broadcasting, especially during football matches or Formula 1 races, the word is shouted with intensity as commentators describe narrow margins of victory or the final moments of a game.

Sports Commentary
'Faltam apenas cinco segundos para o fim do jogo!' (Only five seconds left until the end of the game!)
Kitchen & Cooking
'Aqueça no micro-ondas por trinta segundos.' (Heat in the microwave for thirty seconds.)
Public Transport
'O próximo trem chega em sessenta segundos.' (The next train arrives in sixty seconds.)

In the workplace, segundo is used to manage expectations and deadlines. A manager might ask for a task to be completed 'em um segundo', or a colleague might ask for 'um segundo da sua atenção' (a second of your attention). In news reports, you will hear it in the context of statistics or rapid events: 'O acidente ocorreu em frações de segundo' (The accident occurred in fractions of a second). This highlights the word's role in describing high-stakes or high-speed situations.

Atenção: a contagem regressiva começa em dez segundos.

Context: NASA-style launch or event start.

Espere só um segundo enquanto eu pego as chaves.

Context: Daily informal interaction.

Finally, in literature and music, segundo is often used to evoke emotion or philosophical reflection on the fleeting nature of life. Songs often mention 'cada segundo ao seu lado' (every second by your side), emphasizing romantic devotion. In poetry, the 'segundo' represents the 'agora' (now), the thin line between the past and the future. By listening for this word in various media—from podcasts to soap operas (telenovelas)—you will begin to sense its rhythmic importance in the Portuguese language.

While segundo is an A1 level word, its multiple meanings lead to frequent errors even among intermediate learners. The most common mistake is failing to distinguish between the noun (time), the ordinal number (2nd), and the preposition (according to). Because they share the exact same spelling and pronunciation, learners often get confused when translating from their native language.

Gender Confusion
Learners sometimes use 'segunda' when they mean 'second' (time). 'Segunda' is the feminine ordinal or the word for 'Monday'. Time is always masculine: 'um segundo'.
Preposition Misuse
Using 'segundo' to mean 'according to' is correct, but learners often forget this and try to use 'de acordo com' exclusively. While both are right, 'segundo' is very common in journalism.
Pluralization of Abbreviations
Writing '5 segs' or '5 seg.' is common but technically incorrect in formal SI notation, which should be '5 s'.

Another mistake involves the subjective use of time. In English, we say 'Wait a second'. In Portuguese, we say 'Espere um segundo'. However, learners often over-translate and say 'Espere por um segundo', which is grammatically okay but less natural than simply 'Espere um segundo'. Additionally, confusing 'segundo' with 'instante' or 'momento' can lead to slight nuances being lost, although they are often interchangeable in casual speech.

Errado: Eu cheguei na segunda posição do relógio.

Correto: Eu cheguei no segundo exato.

Note: 'Segunda' would imply Monday or a feminine noun.

Lastly, be careful with the expression 'segundo a segundo' (second by second). Some learners try to say 'segundo por segundo', which is less common. Understanding these subtle traps will help you sound more like a native speaker. The key is to always look at the words surrounding 'segundo'. If it follows a number, it's likely time. If it precedes a noun, it's likely an ordinal. If it starts a sentence followed by a source, it's 'according to'.

To truly enrich your vocabulary, you must look at the words that orbit segundo. While 'segundo' is the precise unit, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related terms that convey different shades of duration and urgency. Understanding these will allow you to be more expressive and less repetitive in your speech and writing.

Instante
Refers to an even shorter, more abstract point in time. 'Num instante' feels faster than 'num segundo'.
Momento
A more general term for a brief period. It is less precise than 'segundo'.
Minuto
The next unit up. Often used hyperbolically like 'segundo' (e.g., 'Só um minuto').
Ápice
The very peak or a tiny point in time, often used in formal or literary contexts.

In technical contexts, you might use 'frações' (fractions) or 'milissegundos'. In poetic contexts, you might use 'piscar de olhos' (blink of an eye). Comparing 'segundo' to 'instante' is particularly useful. While 'segundo' is measurable, 'instante' is felt. If you are at a doctor's office, they might say 'um segundo' to mean they are coming, but 'um instante' sounds slightly more formal and patient.

Isso aconteceu num piscar de olhos.

Idiom: Faster than a second.

Aguarde um momento, por favor.

Comparison: More formal than 'segundo'.

By diversifying your use of these terms, you can match the 'register' of your conversation. Use 'segundo' for precision, 'momento' for politeness, and 'instante' for speed. This nuanced approach to vocabulary is what separates a basic learner from a proficient speaker. As you progress, try to replace 'segundo' with these synonyms in your journal entries or speaking practice to see how it changes the tone of your sentences.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Masculine noun endings in -o

Pluralization with -s

Preposition 'em' + article 'um'

Ordinal numbers

Prepositions of source

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Examples by Level

1

Um segundo, por favor.

One second, please.

Basic noun usage with a number.

2

O relógio marca cada segundo.

The clock marks every second.

Subject-verb-object structure.

3

Espere dez segundos.

Wait ten seconds.

Imperative verb followed by time.

4

Eu conto um segundo.

I count one second.

Simple present tense.

5

O segundo é curto.

The second is short.

Noun with an adjective.

6

Faltam dois segundos.

Two seconds are left.

Verb 'faltar' indicating remaining time.

7

Ele correu por um segundo.

He ran for a second.

Preposition 'por' indicating duration.

8

O segundo passou.

The second passed.

Past tense 'passou'.

1

Eu volto em um segundo.

I'll be back in a second.

Future intent with 'em um segundo'.

2

O vídeo dura trinta segundos.

The video lasts thirty seconds.

Verb 'durar' for duration.

3

Ela parou por alguns segundos.

She stopped for a few seconds.

Plural 'segundos' with 'alguns'.

4

O cronômetro conta os segundos.

The stopwatch counts the seconds.

Definite article 'os' with plural noun.

5

Preciso de um segundo da sua atenção.

I need a second of your attention.

Idiomatic request for time.

6

O sinal mudou em um segundo.

The signal changed in a second.

Describing a rapid change.

7

Ele esperou cada segundo na fila.

He waited every second in the line.

Emphasis using 'cada'.

8

Não perca nem um segundo.

Don't lose even a second.

Negative imperative with 'nem'.

1

De um segundo para o outro, tudo mudou.

From one second to the next, everything changed.

Idiomatic expression for sudden change.

2

Segundo o relógio, estamos atrasados.

According to the clock, we are late.

Using 'segundo' as a preposition (according to).

3

A batida durou apenas um segundo.

The beat lasted only a second.

Focus on a single unit of time.

4

Ele calculou o tempo em segundos.

He calculated the time in seconds.

Prepositional phrase 'em segundos'.

5

Cada segundo é precioso na vida.

Every second is precious in life.

Abstract use of the noun.

6

O recorde foi quebrado por um segundo.

The record was broken by one second.

Passive voice with time measurement.

7

Espere um segundo enquanto eu verifico.

Wait a second while I check.

Complex sentence with 'enquanto'.

8

Os segundos pareciam horas naquela sala.

The seconds seemed like hours in that room.

Simile comparing units of time.

1

A luz percorre uma distância enorme por segundo.

Light travels an enormous distance per second.

Scientific rate 'por segundo'.

2

Ela hesitou por um segundo antes de responder.

She hesitated for a second before answering.

Describing psychological timing.

3

O sistema atualiza a cada segundo.

The system updates every second.

Frequency expression 'a cada'.

4

Não hesitaria nem por um segundo.

I wouldn't hesitate for even a second.

Conditional mood with negation.

5

O acidente aconteceu em frações de segundo.

The accident happened in fractions of a second.

Advanced phrase 'frações de segundo'.

6

Segundo as estatísticas, o tempo médio é baixo.

According to statistics, the average time is low.

Prepositional use in formal context.

7

Ele aproveitou cada segundo da sua liberdade.

He enjoyed every second of his freedom.

Metaphorical use of time units.

8

O cronômetro parou no exato segundo da chegada.

The stopwatch stopped at the exact second of arrival.

Adjective 'exato' modifying the noun.

1

A precisão do relógio atômico é de um segundo em milhões de anos.

The precision of the atomic clock is one second in millions of years.

Technical scientific description.

2

A vida pode mudar radicalmente em um único segundo.

Life can change radically in a single second.

Philosophical observation.

3

Segundo o autor, o tempo é uma ilusão.

According to the author, time is an illusion.

Citing an intellectual source.

4

O processador executa bilhões de instruções por segundo.

The processor executes billions of instructions per second.

Computing terminology.

5

Cada segundo de atraso custa caro à empresa.

Every second of delay is costly to the company.

Business/Economic context.

6

A percepção de um segundo varia conforme o estado emocional.

The perception of a second varies according to the emotional state.

Psychological/Scientific register.

7

Ele analisou o fenômeno segundo a segundo.

He analyzed the phenomenon second by second.

Adverbial phrase for detailed analysis.

8

O segundo plano da pintura é tão importante quanto o primeiro.

The background (second plane) of the painting is as important as the foreground.

Ordinal use in an artistic context.

1

A efemeridade da existência reside no segundo que foge.

The ephemerality of existence resides in the second that flees.

Highly literary/poetic style.

2

Segundo a teoria da relatividade, o segundo não é absoluto.

According to the theory of relativity, the second is not absolute.

Advanced scientific/philosophical use.

3

O maestro exigia que a nota durasse o segundo exato.

The conductor demanded that the note last the exact second.

Artistic precision.

4

Num segundo de lucidez, ele compreendeu tudo.

In a second of lucidity, he understood everything.

Abstract noun phrase.

5

A transição ocorreu em milésimos de segundo.

The transition occurred in thousandths of a second.

Extremely precise measurement.

6

Ele viveu aquele segundo como se fosse uma eternidade.

He lived that second as if it were an eternity.

Subjunctive mood with temporal comparison.

7

O segundo fôlego veio no momento mais crítico.

The second wind came at the most critical moment.

Idiomatic use of 'segundo' (ordinal).

8

A análise foi feita segundo critérios rigorosíssimos.

The analysis was made according to very rigorous criteria.

Formal prepositional use with superlative.

Common Collocations

um segundo
cada segundo
por segundo
em segundos
último segundo
frações de segundo
meio segundo
segundo exato
vários segundos
poucos segundos

Common Phrases

Só um segundo
Num segundo
De um segundo para o outro
A cada segundo
Segundo a segundo
Em um segundo
Por um segundo
O segundo seguinte
No último segundo
Ganhar um segundo

Often Confused With

Segundo vs Segunda

Segundo vs Instante

Segundo vs Momento

Idioms & Expressions

"Num piscar de olhos"
"Em cima da hora"
"Contra o relógio"
"Tempo é dinheiro"
"Matar o tempo"
"Dar um tempo"
"Perder tempo"
"Fazer hora"
"No bico da cegonha"
"Aos quarenta e cinco do segundo tempo"

Easily Confused

Segundo vs

Segundo vs

Segundo vs

Segundo vs

Segundo vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

diminutive

Segundinho is very common in Brazil.

homonym alert

Be careful! Segundo can mean 2nd, According to, or Second (time).

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'segunda' for time.
  • Adding a dot to the abbreviation 's'.
  • Confusing 'segundo' (according to) with 'de acordo'.
  • Using 'por' when 'em' is more natural for 'in a second'.
  • Mispronouncing the nasal 'un'.

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always use masculine articles with the time unit 'segundo'.

Homonyms

Remember the three meanings: time, 2nd, and according to.

Nasal Vowel

The 'un' in segundo is a nasal vowel. Practice by blocking your nose.

Brazilian Diminutives

Use 'segundinho' to sound more friendly in Brazil.

Precision

Use 'segundo' when you need to be exact, 'momento' for general time.

Abbreviations

In scientific papers, use 's' without a dot.

Context Clues

If you hear a number before it, it's almost always time.

Buying Time

'Só um segundo' is a great filler phrase while you think.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'secundus' helps link it to 'second' in English.

Daily Practice

Try counting your daily tasks in seconds to practice numbers.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Second' in English. They look almost identical! Just add an 'o' at the end for Portuguese.

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Common use of 'segundinho' to minimize wait times.

Crucial in football commentary ('segundo tempo').

More formal use in professional settings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Você tem um segundo?"

"Quantos segundos faltam?"

"Isso demora quantos segundos?"

"Pode esperar um segundo?"

"Você viu o último segundo do jogo?"

Journal Prompts

O que você faria se tivesse um segundo extra hoje?

Descreva um momento que durou apenas um segundo mas foi importante.

Como você se sente quando cada segundo conta?

Escreva sobre a importância da precisão de um segundo.

O que muda na sua vida de um segundo para o outro?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always masculine when referring to time: 'o segundo'.

The official SI abbreviation is 's', but 'seg.' is used informally.

Yes, it is a very common preposition in Portuguese.

It is the same word: 'segundo' (masculine) or 'segunda' (feminine).

It is the diminutive form, very common in informal Brazilian Portuguese.

Há sessenta segundos em um minuto.

Yes, it becomes 'segundos'.

Yes, it is essential for timing and referring to the 'second half' (segundo tempo).

Yes, especially when citing someone: 'Segundo ele...'.

It makes the preceding 'u' nasal, rather than being a hard 'n'.

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