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A2 adjective #3,500 most common 14 min read

sincero

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sincero in 30 Seconds

Explanation sincero in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'sincero' as a basic descriptive word for people's character. It is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe yourself and others. You should focus on the simple masculine form 'sincero' and the feminine form 'sincera'. At this stage, you use it in basic sentences with the verb 'ser', such as 'Eu sou sincero' (I am sincere). It's important to understand that it translates directly to 'sincere' or 'honest'. You might use it when meeting new people to describe your personality or when talking about your family. The goal at A1 is simply to recognize the word and use it in short, present-tense sentences. You should also learn the phrase 'Para ser sincero' as a fixed expression to start a sentence, even if you don't fully understand the grammar behind it yet. Practice saying 'Ele é sincero' and 'Ela é sincera' to get used to the gender agreement, which is a core part of Portuguese grammar. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet; just think of it as a positive trait that means someone tells the truth and is a good person. This word will help you build your basic vocabulary for describing human traits, alongside words like 'feliz' (happy), 'triste' (sad), and 'bom' (good). Remembering the English cognate 'sincere' makes this an easy word for English speakers to acquire early on.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sincero' in more varied contexts and with different tenses. You should be comfortable using the plural forms 'sinceros' and 'sinceras'. You might use it to describe feelings or actions, not just people. For example, 'um sorriso sincero' (a sincere smile) or 'uma desculpa sincera' (a sincere apology). You will also start to see it used with the verb 'estar' to describe temporary behavior: 'Ele está sendo sincero hoje' (He is being sincere today). At this level, you should also be introduced to the adverb 'sinceramente' (honestly/sincerely). You might use it to answer questions like 'Você gosta de café?' with 'Sinceramente, não'. This adds a layer of naturalness to your speech. You should also be able to compare people using 'sincero', such as 'Minha irmã é mais sincera do que meu irmão'. The A2 learner should also be aware of the difference between 'sincero' and 'honesto' in basic terms, knowing that 'sincero' is more about feelings and 'honesto' is more about rules or money. You can start to use it in simple past tense sentences like 'Ele foi muito sincero comigo ontem'. This level is about expanding the reach of the word from just a personality label to a descriptive tool for social interactions and basic emotional expressions.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'sincero' to express opinions and handle more complex social situations. You should be able to use it in the subjunctive mood, which is common when expressing desires or doubts: 'Eu espero que ele seja sincero' (I hope he is sincere). This is a significant jump in grammatical complexity. You will also encounter 'sincero' in more formal writing, such as emails or letters. You should understand the nuance of using 'sincero' to provide constructive feedback or to navigate disagreements. For instance, 'Sendo sincero, eu acho que o projeto precisa de mais tempo'. You should also learn common collocations like 'desejo sincero' or 'interesse sincero'. At B1, you start to perceive the cultural importance of sincerity in Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly how it relates to 'educação' (politeness). You might discuss topics like 'the importance of being sincere in a friendship' in your speaking practice. You should also be able to use the absolute superlative 'sinceríssimo' to add emphasis to your statements. This level is where the word becomes a tool for more nuanced communication, allowing you to express not just facts, but your stance and emotional alignment with those facts. You will also start to notice 'sincero' in media, like news reports or interviews, and understand its role in public discourse.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'sincero' and its various shades of meaning. You can use it fluently in complex sentences and understand its use in idiomatic expressions or more abstract contexts. You should be able to distinguish between 'sincero', 'franco', and 'genuíno' and choose the most appropriate word based on the context. For example, you might use 'franco' in a business negotiation to indicate directness, but 'sincero' in a personal letter to indicate deep emotion. You should also be able to use the word in the conditional tense: 'Eu seria mais sincero se tivesse a oportunidade'. At this level, you can participate in debates about ethics and honesty, using 'sincero' to describe the motivations of public figures or characters in literature. You will also recognize the use of 'sincero' in literary texts, where it might be used to describe the tone of a poem or the internal state of a protagonist. You should be aware of the social consequences of being 'sincero demais' (too sincere) and how to mitigate this with 'gentileza' (kindness). Your use of 'sinceramente' will become more varied, using it for emphasis, disbelief, or to introduce a serious point. The B2 learner uses 'sincero' not just as a word, but as a concept to navigate the subtleties of Portuguese interpersonal dynamics.

At the C1 level, your use of 'sincero' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the deep etymological roots (even the folk etymology of 'sine cera') and how it has evolved in the Portuguese language. You can use it in highly formal, academic, or professional settings with precision. You might use it in a legal or philosophical discussion about the nature of truth and sincerity. You are familiar with literary references where 'sinceridade' is a central theme. You can catch the subtle irony or sarcasm when someone uses 'sincero' in a way that implies the opposite. For example, 'Ele é tão "sincero" que ninguém acredita nele'. Your vocabulary includes rare or sophisticated synonyms like 'probo' or 'lisura'. You can write complex essays or reports where 'sinceridade' is analyzed as a social or organizational value. You also understand regional variations in how sincerity is expressed across the Lusophone world—from the directness of a Lisbon native to the often more roundabout but emotionally intense sincerity of a person from the Brazilian Northeast. At C1, the word 'sincero' is part of a rich tapestry of language that you use to express the finest shades of meaning and intent.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'sincero' and its conceptual underpinnings. You can analyze the word's role in the history of Portuguese literature, from the troubadours to modernism. You understand how the concept of 'sinceridade' has been shaped by Catholic values and later by Enlightenment thought in the Portuguese-speaking world. You can use the word in puns, wordplay, and complex rhetorical structures. You are able to interpret the most subtle non-verbal cues that accompany the word 'sincero' in different cultures, such as the specific intonation used in Rio de Janeiro versus Porto. You might lead workshops or give presentations in Portuguese where you discuss 'sinceridade corporativa' or 'a ética da sinceridade'. You can effortlessly switch between extremely formal registers and regional slangs that relate to the concept of being truthful. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and philosophical. You can appreciate the nuances of 'sincero' in the works of authors like Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis, where the tension between the public mask and the sincere self is a recurring motif. At this level, 'sincero' is a tool you use with total creative freedom and absolute precision.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sincero in 30 Seconds

Sincero means 'sincere' or 'honest' and describes people or things that are genuine and truthful.
It must agree in gender (sincero/sincera) and number (sinceros/sinceras) with the noun it modifies.
The adverb form is 'sinceramente', often used to mean 'honestly' or 'truly' at the start of a sentence.
It is a core virtue in Portuguese culture, though being 'too sincere' can sometimes be seen as rude.

The Portuguese word sincero is a foundational adjective that every learner must master to express authenticity and truthfulness. At its core, it translates to 'sincere' or 'honest' in English, but its cultural weight in Portuguese-speaking societies often carries a deeper connotation of emotional transparency and lack of pretense. When you describe someone as sincero, you are not just saying they tell the truth; you are implying that their external actions perfectly align with their internal feelings. This word is essential for building trust in both personal and professional relationships across Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique.

Emotional Authenticity: In the context of relationships, being sincero involves a level of vulnerability. It is used to describe a person who does not hide their intentions or mask their personality with social facades. For example, a 'sincero' friend is one who will tell you the difficult truth rather than a pleasant lie.

Ele foi muito sincero ao falar sobre seus sentimentos durante a conversa de ontem à noite.

The usage of sincero extends into the realm of formal communication as well. In professional settings, a 'sincere apology' (um pedido de desculpas sincero) or a 'sincere effort' (um esforço sincero) denotes a commitment that goes beyond mere obligation. It suggests that the person involved is acting out of a genuine desire to rectify a situation or achieve a goal. This distinction is vital in Portuguese, where social graces often involve 'polite lies' (mentirinhas brancas); calling someone sincero elevates them above these standard social scripts.

Artistic and Abstract Use: Beyond people, sincero can describe abstract concepts like art, music, or literature. An 'obra sincera' is a work of art that feels genuine and unforced, reflecting the artist's true vision rather than commercial trends. This nuance is common in literary criticism and artistic discussions.

A letra daquela música é tão sincera que chega a emocionar quem ouve pela primeira vez.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the superlative form, sinceríssimo, to emphasize extreme honesty. This is frequently heard in debates or when someone is trying to convince others of their absolute truthfulness. In such cases, it serves as a rhetorical device to bridge the gap between speaker and listener, fostering a sense of shared reality and trust. Whether you are writing a letter, having a coffee with a friend, or negotiating a contract, knowing when and how to deploy sincero allows you to navigate the intricate social dynamics of the Portuguese-speaking world with grace and precision.

Social Implications: In Brazil, the concept of 'sinceridade' is sometimes balanced against 'educação' (politeness). While being sincero is a virtue, being sincero demais (too sincere) can sometimes be perceived as 'grosseria' (rudeness). Learning this balance is key to cultural fluency.

O seu feedback foi sincero, mas ele tentou ser o mais gentil possível para não ofender ninguém.

Eu quero um relacionamento sincero, sem segredos ou mentiras desnecessárias entre nós dois.

Ele deu um sorriso sincero ao ver o presente que ganhou de seus amigos.

Using sincero correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese grammar rules concerning adjectives. As an adjective, sincero must always agree with the noun it describes in both gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). This is a fundamental aspect of the Portuguese language that English speakers often find challenging because English adjectives do not change form. For instance, 'a sincere man' is um homem sincero, while 'a sincere woman' is uma mulher sincera. If you are talking about multiple people, it becomes homens sinceros or mulheres sinceras.

Positioning the Adjective: In Portuguese, adjectives usually come after the noun. Placing sincero after the noun is the standard, neutral way to use it. For example, 'uma opinião sincera' (a sincere opinion). However, placing it before the noun, such as 'uma sincera opinião', can add a layer of poetic or formal emphasis, though this is less common in everyday speech.

Ela deu uma resposta sincera para a pergunta difícil do professor.

Another important grammatical structure involves the verb 'ser' (to be). Since sincerity is often viewed as a stable personality trait or a defining characteristic of a statement, 'ser' is the most common verb used with sincero. For example, 'Ele é sincero' (He is a sincere person). If you want to describe how someone is being at a specific moment, you might use 'está sendo', as in 'Ele está sendo sincero agora' (He is being sincere right now). This distinction between permanent traits and temporary states is crucial in Portuguese.

Comparisons and Superlatives: To compare sincerity, use 'mais... do que' (more... than). For example, 'Maria é mais sincera do que João'. To express the highest degree of sincerity, you can use 'o mais sincero' (the most sincere) or the absolute superlative 'sinceríssimo'.

Para ser sincero, eu não gostei muito do filme que assistimos ontem.

In writing, sincero is often used in closing remarks of letters or emails, although 'atenciosamente' is more standard for business. Phrases like 'Com os meus mais sinceros cumprimentos' (With my most sincere regards) are used in very formal correspondence. In everyday texting, you might see 'Sinceramente,' used as an adverb to mean 'Honestly,' often expressing disbelief or exasperation, similar to the English 'Honestly!'. Understanding these variations ensures that your Portuguese sounds natural and contextually appropriate.

Adverbial Form: The adverbial form is 'sinceramente'. It is created by taking the feminine form 'sincera' and adding the suffix '-mente'. This is used to describe how an action is performed: 'Ele falou sinceramente sobre o problema'.

Meus sinceros agradecimentos a todos que ajudaram na organização do evento.

Nós precisamos de um diálogo sincero para resolver este conflito familiar.

Aquelas palavras sinceras mudaram a minha percepção sobre a situação toda.

You will encounter the word sincero in a vast array of daily situations in Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the context of advice and friendship. Friends often preface difficult truths with 'Vou ser sincero com você...' (I'm going to be sincere with you...). This serves as a social buffer, signaling that what follows is meant to be helpful, even if it is hard to hear. In Brazil, this is part of the 'jeitinho' of handling social friction—softening the blow of honesty by framing it as a virtuous act of sincerity.

Media and Entertainment: In Brazilian telenovelas or Portuguese dramas, characters often demand sincerity from one another during climactic scenes. Phrases like 'Eu só quero que você seja sincero!' (I just want you to be sincere!) are staples of dramatic dialogue. It highlights the cultural value placed on emotional transparency as a resolution to conflict.

No reality show, o participante foi criticado por não ser sincero com seus aliados.

In the workplace, sincero appears during performance reviews or feedback sessions. Managers might ask for 'um feedback sincero' from their employees to improve the company culture. Here, the word bridges the gap between the hierarchical structure and the need for genuine communication. It is also used in marketing and advertising; brands often try to project a 'sincere image' to build consumer loyalty, using slogans that emphasize their 'compromisso sincero' (sincere commitment) to quality or sustainability.

Social Media and Internet Slang: On platforms like Instagram or Twitter (X), you might see the hashtag #Sincero or #Sinceridade. It's often used when someone posts a 'hot take' or an unpopular opinion. In Brazil, there is a famous meme character called 'Sincerão', used to represent someone who speaks the truth without filters, often in a humorous or blunt way.

Sinceramente, eu não entendo por que as pessoas ainda usam esse tipo de roupa, é muito sincero.

In religious or spiritual contexts, sincero is used to describe prayer or repentance. A 'oração sincera' (sincere prayer) is one that comes from the heart, rather than just being recited by rote. This usage underscores the word's connection to the internal, spiritual state of a person. Whether in a church in Luanda or a temple in Lisbon, the call for sincerity in one's faith is a universal theme. Finally, you will hear it in the news when politicians are questioned. Journalists often ask if a politician's promises are 'sinceros' or just 'promessas de campanha' (campaign promises), reflecting the public's skepticism and the constant search for authenticity in the political sphere.

News and Politics: Political commentators often analyze the 'sinceridade' of a candidate's speech. If a speech feels 'pouco sincero' (not very sincere), it can damage a candidate's reputation significantly.

O jornalista questionou se o pedido de desculpas do ministro foi realmente sincero.

Ela foi sincera ao admitir que não tinha lido o relatório antes da reunião.

Precisamos de um compromisso sincero com a preservação do meio ambiente.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using sincero is failing to apply gender and number agreement. In English, 'sincere' stays the same regardless of who or what it describes. In Portuguese, saying 'Ela é sincero' is a glaring error that immediately marks you as a beginner. You must say 'Ela é sincera'. Similarly, when referring to a group of people, you must use 'sinceros' or 'sinceras'. This requires a mental shift to always check the noun's gender and quantity before choosing the adjective's form.

Confusion with 'Honesto': While 'sincero' and 'honesto' are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Honesto' often refers to moral integrity, following the law, or not stealing. 'Sincero' refers to the truthfulness of one's feelings and words. For example, a politician might be 'honesto' (doesn't take bribes) but not 'sincero' (doesn't say what he truly thinks).

Não confunda ser sincero com ser grosseiro; a verdade deve ser dita com educação.

Another common pitfall is the use of 'sinceramente' as a filler word. In English, we often start sentences with 'Honestly...' just to add emphasis. In Portuguese, 'Sinceramente' can be used this way, but it often carries a stronger tone of exasperation or genuine disbelief. If you use it too frequently, you might come across as frustrated or overly dramatic. It is better to use 'Para ser sincero' (To be sincere) if you just want to provide a personal opinion or a minor truth.

Preposition Errors: When you want to say you are being sincere 'about' something, the correct preposition is usually 'com' (with) or 'em relação a' (in relation to). For example, 'Ele foi sincero com ela' (He was sincere with her) or 'Ele foi sincero sobre o que aconteceu'. Using 'de' or 'para' in the wrong context is a common mistake.

Muitas pessoas acham que estão sendo sinceras quando, na verdade, estão apenas sendo rudes.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'franco'. While it means 'frank' or 'candid', it can sometimes imply a level of bluntness that 'sincero' does not. If you want to emphasize that your words are coming from the heart, 'sincero' is the safer and more emotive choice. Overusing 'franco' can make you sound a bit too clinical or detached. Mastering these subtle differences will help you avoid social awkwardness and communicate your intentions more effectively in Portuguese.

Spelling and Pronunciation: English speakers sometimes misspell it as 'sincéro' with an accent. In Portuguese, 'sincero' does not have a written accent because the stress naturally falls on the penultimate syllable 'ce'. Also, ensure the 'r' is a soft flap (like the 'tt' in 'better'), not the English 'r'.

Ele não foi sincero o suficiente para admitir o seu erro na frente de todos.

A sua preocupação com o projeto parece ser sincera e muito bem-vinda.

Espero que estejamos sendo sinceros uns com os outros durante esta negociação.

To expand your Portuguese vocabulary beyond sincero, it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms, each of which carries a slightly different nuance. These alternatives allow you to be more precise in your descriptions of people and actions. While sincero is the most versatile word, knowing when to use honesto, franco, verdadeiro, or genuíno will significantly enhance your fluency and ability to express complex ideas.

Honesto vs. Sincero: Honesto: Refers to integrity and adherence to moral principles. An 'honesto' person doesn't steal or cheat.
Sincero: Refers to the expression of true thoughts and feelings. A person can be 'honesto' in their actions but not 'sincero' in their communication.

Ele é um homem honesto, mas raramente é sincero sobre o que realmente sente.

Another excellent alternative is franco. This word is closer to the English 'frank' or 'candid'. It suggests a directness that might be slightly more blunt than sincero. If someone asks for your 'franca opinião', they are giving you permission to be direct, even if the truth is unpleasant. On the other hand, verdadeiro literally means 'true' or 'real'. While it can describe a person ('um amigo verdadeiro'), it is more often used to describe things that are not fake ('um diamante verdadeiro').

Franco vs. Direto: Franco: Implies openness and lack of concealment.
Direto: Implies getting straight to the point without wasting time. Someone can be 'direto' without necessarily being 'sincero' if they are just being efficient but not truthful.

Seja franco comigo: você acha que esta ideia vai funcionar na prática?

In more informal settings, you might hear the word papo-reto (straight talk) in Brazil, which is a slang term for being extremely direct and honest. While not a direct synonym for sincero, it captures the spirit of being truthful without filters. Conversely, if you want to describe someone who is the opposite of sincero, you can use falso (fake), hipócrita (hypocritical), or mentiroso (liar). Understanding these antonyms is just as important as knowing the synonyms, as it helps you define the boundaries of what sincerity means in Portuguese culture.

Leal and Fiel: These words mean 'loyal' and 'faithful'. While a 'sincero' person is truthful, a 'leal' person is someone you can count on. Sincerity is often a component of loyalty, but they are distinct virtues in the Lusophone world.

Ela é uma amiga muito leal, e sua sinceridade é o que eu mais valorizo nela.

O artista buscou uma expressão genuína de sua dor através da pintura.

Um verdadeiro líder é aquele que é sincero com sua equipe nos momentos de crise.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

A popular but false folk etymology claims it comes from 'sine cera' (without wax), referring to Greek sculptors who would hide flaws in statues with wax; a 'sincere' statue was one without wax. Linguists have debunked this, but it's a famous story!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sĩˈse.ɾu/

US /sĩˈse.ɾʊ/

The stress is on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: sin-CE-ro.

Rhymes With

tempero espero zero severo quero fero bezerro (approximate) exagero

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a light tap).
Not nasalizing the first 'i' (sin).
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' (it is always an 's' sound before 'e' or 'i').
Forgetting to change the ending to 'a' for feminine nouns.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'sincere'.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement endings.

Speaking 2/5

The flapped 'r' and nasal 'in' require some practice for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

verdade amigo falar bom ser

Learn Next

honesto franco leal verdadeiro mentira

Advanced

probo lisura dissimulado íntegro retidão

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

O homem é sincero. A mulher é sincera.

Number Agreement

Eles são sinceros. Elas são sinceras.

Adverb Formation

Sincera + mente = Sinceramente.

Ser vs Estar

Ele é sincero (trait). Ele está sendo sincero (state).

Absolute Superlative

Sincero -> Sinceríssimo.

Examples by Level

Eu sou um homem muito sincero.

I am a very sincere man.

Simple subject + verb 'ser' + adjective agreement.

Ela é uma amiga sincera.

She is a sincere friend.

Feminine agreement: 'amiga' and 'sincera'.

Você é sincero com sua mãe?

Are you sincere with your mother?

Question form using the adjective 'sincero'.

O meu irmão não é muito sincero.

My brother is not very sincere.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

Nós somos alunos sinceros.

We are sincere students.

Plural agreement: 'alunos' and 'sinceros'.

Para ser sincero, eu gosto de você.

To be sincere, I like you.

Fixed phrase 'Para ser sincero'.

Ele tem um olhar sincero.

He has a sincere look.

Adjective modifying the noun 'olhar'.

Elas são sempre sinceras.

They (feminine) are always sincere.

Feminine plural agreement: 'elas' and 'sinceras'.

Eu quero uma resposta sincera agora.

I want a sincere answer now.

Noun 'resposta' is feminine, so 'sincera'.

Ele deu um abraço sincero no pai.

He gave his father a sincere hug.

Adjective 'sincero' modifying the masculine noun 'abraço'.

Sinceramente, eu não sei onde ele está.

Honestly, I don't know where he is.

Adverb 'sinceramente' starting the sentence.

Eles foram sinceros sobre o problema.

They were sincere about the problem.

Preposition 'sobre' used after the adjective.

Ela foi sincera ao pedir desculpas.

She was sincere when apologizing.

Use of 'ao' + infinitive to indicate timing.

Seus elogios parecem muito sinceros.

Your compliments seem very sincere.

Verb 'parecer' used with the adjective.

Nós precisamos ser sinceros um com o outro.

We need to be sincere with each other.

Reciprocal expression 'um com o outro'.

O filme foi um relato sincero da guerra.

The movie was a sincere account of the war.

Adjective used in a more abstract context.

Eu duvido que ele esteja sendo sincero.

I doubt that he is being sincere.

Present subjunctive 'esteja' after 'duvido que'.

Agradeço seu interesse sincero em me ajudar.

I appreciate your sincere interest in helping me.

Formal verb 'agradecer' with an adjective.

Foi um gesto sincero de amizade.

It was a sincere gesture of friendship.

Noun phrase 'gesto sincero de amizade'.

Sendo sincera, eu preferia não ir à festa.

Being sincere (f.), I would prefer not to go to the party.

Gerund 'sendo' with feminine adjective 'sincera'.

Ele expressou seus mais sinceros sentimentos.

He expressed his most sincere feelings.

Superlative 'mais sinceros' in a formal context.

A empresa fez um esforço sincero para mudar.

The company made a sincere effort to change.

Adjective modifying the abstract noun 'esforço'.

Espero que vocês sejam sinceros na entrevista.

I hope you all are sincere in the interview.

Subjunctive 'sejam' after 'espero que'.

Ela é uma pessoa sinceríssima, às vezes até demais.

She is a very sincere person, sometimes even too much.

Absolute superlative 'sinceríssima'.

A sinceridade dele foi o que mais me impressionou.

His sincerity was what impressed me the most.

Noun form 'sinceridade' as the subject.

Ele falou com uma franqueza e um tom sincero.

He spoke with a frankness and a sincere tone.

Pairing 'franqueza' (noun) and 'sincero' (adjective).

Se eu fosse você, seria mais sincero com ela.

If I were you, I would be more sincere with her.

Conditional 'seria' in an 'if' clause.

O autor buscou um diálogo sincero com o leitor.

The author sought a sincere dialogue with the reader.

Metaphorical use of 'diálogo sincero'.

Apesar de sinceras, suas palavras magoaram.

Despite being sincere, her words hurt.

Concessive clause with 'apesar de'.

Não há nada mais valioso do que um elogio sincero.

There is nothing more valuable than a sincere compliment.

Comparative structure 'mais... do que'.

Ele agiu movido por um desejo sincero de justiça.

He acted moved by a sincere desire for justice.

Passive structure 'movido por'.

Sinceramente, não vejo outra saída para este impasse.

Honestly, I don't see another way out of this deadlock.

Adverbial usage to introduce a strong opinion.

A obra de arte é uma manifestação sincera do seu eu.

The work of art is a sincere manifestation of his/her self.

Philosophical use of 'manifestação sincera'.

A retórica política muitas vezes carece de um tom sincero.

Political rhetoric often lacks a sincere tone.

Formal vocabulary like 'retórica' and 'carece'.

Exigimos um compromisso sincero com a transparência pública.

We demand a sincere commitment to public transparency.

Strong verb 'exigir' with a complex object.

O arrependimento sincero é o primeiro passo para o perdão.

Sincere repentance is the first step toward forgiveness.

Abstract noun 'arrependimento' as subject.

Ela analisou a situação com um olhar crítico e sincero.

She analyzed the situation with a critical and sincere eye.

Double adjective 'crítico e sincero'.

Muitos confundem a sinceridade com a falta de tato.

Many confuse sincerity with a lack of tact.

Complex social observation using the noun form.

O texto é um convite sincero à reflexão sobre a ética.

The text is a sincere invitation to reflect on ethics.

Metaphorical 'convite sincero'.

Sinceramente, a proposta carece de fundamentos sólidos.

Honestly, the proposal lacks solid foundations.

Adverbial use in a high-level professional context.

A busca pela expressão sincera é a tônica da sua poesia.

The search for sincere expression is the keynote of his/her poetry.

Sophisticated literary analysis.

Houve um embate entre a conveniência e o impulso sincero.

There was a clash between convenience and the sincere impulse.

Abstract conflict description.

A sinceridade, em sua forma mais pura, pode ser desarmante.

Sincerity, in its purest form, can be disarming.

Philosophical statement with parenthetical phrase.

Ele destilou sua dor em versos de uma sinceridade atroz.

He distilled his pain into verses of an atrocious sincerity.

Strong, evocative adjectives 'destilou' and 'atroz'.

O diplomata manteve um discurso sincero sob pressão.

The diplomat maintained a sincere discourse under pressure.

Formal 'discurso' and 'manteve'.

A amizade deles era pautada por uma sinceridade inabalável.

Their friendship was guided by an unwavering sincerity.

Passive 'pautada por' and adjective 'inabalável'.

Sinceramente, a vacuidade dos seus argumentos é notável.

Honestly, the vacuity of your arguments is notable.

High-level vocabulary 'vacuidade'.

A sinceridade é o alicerce de qualquer sociedade democrática.

Sincerity is the foundation of any democratic society.

Metaphorical 'alicerce'.

Common Collocations

sorriso sincero

desculpa sincera

opinião sincera

desejo sincero

elogio sincero

olhar sincero

arrependimento sincero

esforço sincero

interesse sincero

agradecimento sincero

Common Phrases

Para ser sincero...

— Used to introduce an honest, sometimes difficult, opinion. Equivalent to 'To be honest...'

Para ser sincero, eu não gostei da comida.

Sinceramente falando...

— Used to emphasize that the speaker is telling the truth. Equivalent to 'Speaking sincerely...'

Sinceramente falando, acho que você deve aceitar o emprego.

Um papo sincero

— A heart-to-heart talk or a serious, honest conversation.

Precisamos ter um papo sincero sobre o nosso futuro.

Pessoa sincera

— A person who is known for being truthful and genuine.

Ela é uma pessoa sincera e nunca mente.

Vou ser sincero com você

— A common way to preface a honest critique or confession.

Vou ser sincero com você: essa roupa não ficou boa.

Meus sinceros pêsames

— The standard formal way to offer condolences. Equivalent to 'My sincere condolences'.

Meus sinceros pêsames pela perda de seu avô.

Sinceros votos

— Used in formal well-wishing, like for weddings or holidays.

Enviamos nossos sinceros votos de felicidade ao casal.

Feedback sincero

— Honest feedback, often requested in professional or creative contexts.

Obrigado pelo seu feedback sincero sobre o meu livro.

Gesto sincero

— An action that is done with genuine intent and no hidden agenda.

Foi um gesto sincero de carinho.

Sinceramente!

— An exclamation of disbelief or frustration. Equivalent to 'Honestly!' or 'Really!'

Sinceramente! Você esqueceu as chaves de novo?

Often Confused With

sincero vs honesto

Honesto is about rules and integrity; Sincero is about feelings and truth-telling.

sincero vs franco

Franco is blunt and direct; Sincero is heartfelt and truthful.

sincero vs verdadeiro

Verdadeiro means 'true' or 'real' (not fake); Sincero is a human trait of being honest.

Idioms & Expressions

"Abrir o coração"

— To speak very sincerely and emotionally about one's feelings.

Ele abriu o coração e foi muito sincero sobre seus medos.

informal/emotional

"Papo reto"

— Direct, honest talk without 'beating around the bush'. Common in Brazil.

Aqui é papo reto: ou você trabalha, ou sai da equipe.

slang

"Sem papas na língua"

— To speak very sincerely and directly, often without worrying about being polite.

Ela não tem papas na língua e é sempre muito sincera.

informal

"Pôr as cartas na mesa"

— To be completely sincere about one's intentions or plans.

Vamos pôr as cartas na mesa e ser sinceros sobre o contrato.

neutral

"Falar na cara"

— To tell the truth directly to someone's face.

Eu prefiro que você fale na cara do que pelas costas.

informal

"Jogo limpo"

— To act sincerely and fairly, without cheating.

Sempre joguei limpo e fui sincero nos negócios.

neutral

"Abrir o jogo"

— To reveal the truth or one's sincere intentions after hiding them.

Depois de muita pressão, ele finalmente abriu o jogo.

informal

"Lavar a alma"

— To have a very sincere conversation that makes one feel relieved.

Aquela conversa sincera serviu para lavar a alma.

informal

"Preto no branco"

— To be clear and sincere, leaving no room for doubt.

Quero tudo preto no branco, com total sinceridade.

neutral

"Dar a real"

— To tell the sincere, sometimes harsh truth. Very common in Brazil.

Vou te dar a real: você precisa estudar mais.

slang

Easily Confused

sincero vs sério

Sounds slightly similar and both describe a serious demeanor.

Sério means 'serious' or 'grave'. Sincero means 'truthful'. A person can be sincere but funny, or serious but a liar.

Ele é um homem sério, mas não é sincero.

sincero vs severo

Rhymes with sincero.

Severo means 'severe' or 'harsh'. Sincero means 'sincere'. Sincerity is a virtue; severity is a strictness.

O professor é severo, mas foi sincero sobre as notas.

sincero vs seguro

Starts with 's' and relates to trust.

Seguro means 'safe' or 'secure'. Sincero means 'honest'. You feel 'seguro' with a 'sincero' friend.

Sinto-me seguro com um amigo sincero.

sincero vs simples

Both are positive traits starting with 's'.

Simples means 'simple' or 'humble'. Sincero means 'honest'. One is about lifestyle/complexity, the other about truth.

Ele é uma pessoa simples e muito sincera.

sincero vs sensato

Starts with 's' and relates to character.

Sensato means 'sensible' or 'wise'. Sincero means 'honest'. A person can be sincere but not sensible.

Foi sincero, mas não foi sensato dizer aquilo.

Sentence Patterns

Eu sou [adjective].

Eu sou sincero.

[Noun] + [verb] + sincero/a.

A resposta foi sincera.

Para ser sincero/a, [phrase].

Para ser sincero, eu não sei.

Espero que [subjunctive].

Espero que ele seja sincero.

Sendo sincero/a, [conditional].

Sendo sincero, eu não faria isso.

Mais [adjective] do que...

Ele é mais sincero do que parece.

[Noun] pautado por [noun phrase].

Um governo pautado por um diálogo sincero.

A [noun] de uma [noun] [adjective].

A expressão de uma sinceridade atroz.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High. It is one of the top 1000 most common words in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Ela é sincero. → Ela é sincera.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the subject/noun. 'Ela' is feminine.
Eu sou muito sinceramente. → Eu sou muito sincero.
Don't use the adverb (sinceramente) where an adjective (sincero) is needed to describe a person.
Ele é um honesto amigo. → Ele é um amigo sincero.
While 'honesto' is okay, 'sincero' is much more common for describing the quality of a friendship.
Para ser sincero de você... → Para ser sincero com você...
The correct preposition to use with 'sincero' when referring to a person is 'com' (with).
Sincéro (with accent). → Sincero (no accent).
Portuguese words ending in 'o' with stress on the penultimate syllable do not take an accent.

Tips

Gender Matching

Always look at the noun first. If it ends in 'a', 'sincero' must become 'sincera'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.

The Adverb Trick

To make 'honestly', take the feminine 'sincera' and add 'mente'. This works for many Portuguese adjectives!

Polite Honesty

In Brazil, if you need to be very sincere about something negative, start with 'Com todo o respeito' (With all due respect).

The Soft R

The 'r' in sincero is very soft. If you struggle, try saying 'sin-say-do' quickly; the 'd' sound is close to the flapped Portuguese 'r'.

Formal Closings

In very formal letters, 'Meus sinceros cumprimentos' is a classier way to say goodbye than just 'Atenciosamente'.

Building Trust

Using 'sincero' to describe your intentions helps build trust quickly in Lusophone business cultures.

The Augmentative

Learn 'sincerão'. It's a fun, common word in Brazil for that friend who always tells it like it is.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the 'sin' sound. It's not 'sin' like in English; your nose should vibrate slightly when you say it.

Cognate Power

Since 'sincero' looks like 'sincere', focus your energy on learning its plural and feminine variations instead of the meaning.

Poetic Placement

If you want to sound more poetic in writing, try putting 'sincero' before the noun: 'Seu sincero olhar' instead of 'Seu olhar sincero'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'Sincere'. They look almost identical! Just add an 'o' for a boy and an 'a' for a girl. Sincer-O, Sincer-A.

Visual Association

Imagine a clear glass of water. It is pure and you can see right through it. That is 'sincero'—no hidden dirt or wax.

Word Web

Verdade Amizade Coração Fala Olhar Honestidade Transparência Genuíno

Challenge

Try to use 'Para ser sincero' or 'Para ser sincera' three times today when giving your opinion in Portuguese.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'sincerus', meaning 'pure', 'clean', or 'unmixed'. It originally referred to things that were natural and not adulterated.

Original meaning: Pure, genuine, unadulterated.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

Be careful when being 'sincero' about someone's appearance or family in Brazil; it can be taken as an insult rather than a virtue if not handled with care.

English speakers might find Portuguese sincerity more emotionally expressive. While 'To be honest' is a common filler in English, 'Sinceramente' in Portuguese often carries more weight.

The song 'Sinceramente' by various artists (e.g., Jane Duboc, Cachorro Grande). The 'Sincerão' segment in the Brazilian reality show Big Brother Brasil. Fernando Pessoa's poems often explore the lack of sincerity in the human soul.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving feedback

Vou ser sincero...
Na minha sincera opinião...
Para ser sincero com você...
Feedback sincero

Apologizing

Um pedido de desculpas sincero
Sinto muito, sou sincero
Espero que aceite meu sincero perdão
Arrependimento sincero

Friendship

Um amigo sincero
Sinceridade na amizade
Seja sincero comigo
Nós somos sinceros

Formal Correspondence

Sinceros cumprimentos
Sinceros agradecimentos
Sinceros votos de...
Com toda a sinceridade

Disbelief/Exasperation

Sinceramente!
Mas sinceramente, hein?
Eu, sinceramente, não acredito
Sinceramente, que absurdo!

Conversation Starters

"Você se considera uma pessoa muito sincera no dia a dia?"

"Você acha que é sempre bom ser sincero, ou às vezes é melhor mentir?"

"Qual foi a última vez que alguém foi sincero demais com você?"

"Como você reage quando recebe uma opinião sincera mas negativa?"

"Você prefere amigos sinceros ou amigos que são sempre educados?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma situação em que ser sincero foi difícil, mas necessário para você.

Descreva as qualidades de um amigo sincero e por que essa característica é importante.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser sincero e ser grosseiro no seu ambiente de trabalho.

Como você se sente quando alguém não é sincero com você? Descreva suas emoções.

O que significa para você ter um 'diálogo sincero' com a sua própria consciência?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun. Use 'sincero' for masculine (o amigo sincero) and 'sincera' for feminine (a amiga sincera).

While often used as synonyms, 'honesto' usually refers to moral integrity (not stealing/cheating), while 'sincero' refers to being truthful about your feelings and thoughts.

The most common way is 'Para ser sincero' (if you are male) or 'Para ser sincera' (if you are female).

It is neutral and can be used in any context, from talking to a child to writing a formal business letter.

It means 'Honestly' or 'Truly'. Depending on the tone, it can also express frustration, like 'Honestly, I can't believe it!'

Usually no. It's for people, feelings, or actions. However, you can use 'genuíno' or 'verdadeiro' for objects (e.g., a genuine diamond).

In Brazil, 'sincerão' is used for someone who is very honest, and 'papo reto' is used for very direct, honest talk.

No, it is spelled without any written accents. The stress is on the 'ce' syllable.

Add an 's': 'sinceros' for masculine plural and 'sinceras' for feminine plural.

It's a humorous Portuguese word combining 'sinceridade' and 'suicídio'. It refers to when someone is so honest that they cause problems for themselves.