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B2 noun 12 min read

sorteio

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sorteio in 30 Seconds

Explanation sorteio in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that sorteio means a 'drawing' or 'raffle' where you can win a prize. It is related to the word sorte, which means 'luck'. You might hear this word at a party or in a simple advertisement. Think of it as a game where a winner is chosen by chance. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Eu quero ganhar o sorteio' (I want to win the drawing) or 'O sorteio é hoje' (The drawing is today). It is a masculine noun, so always use 'o' or 'um' with it. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just remember it as the word for a 'lucky draw'. At this stage, you might see it on posters for small prizes like a cake or a toy. It's a fun word because it's always about the possibility of winning something for free! Try to remember: Sorte = Luck, Sorteio = The event where luck decides the winner.

At the A2 level, you can start using sorteio in slightly more detailed contexts. You should know that it is often used with the verb fazer (to do/make) or ter (to have). For example, 'A escola vai fazer um sorteio' (The school is going to do a raffle). You should also recognize the word rifa, which is a specific type of 'sorteio' where people buy tickets to help a cause. You might use this word when talking about your hobbies or community events. 'Eu comprei um bilhete para o sorteio da igreja'. You can also describe the prize: 'O sorteio de uma bicicleta'. Notice how we use the preposition 'de' to link the drawing to the prize. It's also common to hear 'sorteio de Natal' (Christmas drawing) during the holidays. Practice saying 'participar do sorteio' (to participate in the drawing) to get used to the contraction of 'de + o'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using sorteio in various social and professional situations. You understand that it implies a random process. You can use verbs like realizar (to carry out) or promover (to promote) instead of just 'fazer'. You might discuss 'sorteios' on social media, which are very common in Brazil and Portugal. 'Você viu o sorteio no Instagram daquela loja?'. You can also use the word to talk about fairness. 'Para ser justo, vamos decidir por sorteio'. This level requires you to distinguish between 'sorteio' (chance) and 'concurso' (competition/skill). You should also be able to understand the results of a drawing, using phrases like 'O resultado do sorteio saiu' (The drawing result is out). You're starting to see 'sorteio' as a tool for decision-making, not just for winning prizes.

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of sorteio. You can use it to talk about complex topics like sports draws (sorteio da Copa), legal procedures (sorteio de jurados), or tax incentives (Nota Fiscal Paulista). You understand the cultural significance of the lottery in Lusophone countries. You can use the word in the passive voice: 'O sorteio foi realizado sob supervisão' (The drawing was conducted under supervision). You also know related terms like extração (for lottery numbers) and bilhete premiado (winning ticket). You can discuss the ethics of 'sorteios' in marketing and whether they are truly fair. Your vocabulary includes collocations like 'sorteio eletrônico' and 'sorteio auditado'. You are able to explain the rules of a 'sorteio' to someone else in Portuguese, using connectors and technical terms appropriately.

At the C1 level, you use sorteio with precision and stylistic variety. You might use it metaphorically or in high-level administrative discussions. You understand the legislative framework governing 'sorteios' (like the 'Lei dos Sorteios' in Brazil). You can use the word to describe the 'lottery of birth' (o sorteio do nascimento) in sociological discussions. You are aware of synonyms like tômbola and the specific registers they belong to. You can write formal reports about the 'transparência do sorteio' or the 'metodologia de sorteio aleatório'. You can identify subtle differences between 'sorteio' and 'escrutínio'. Your speech is natural, incorporating idioms or common expressions related to luck and drawings without hesitation. You might even use it in a literary context to describe the randomness of fate.

At the C2 level, you have mastered sorteio in all its dimensions. You can engage in philosophical debates about the role of 'sorteio' in a meritocratic society versus a random one (stochocracy). You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots and how its usage has shifted with technology (from physical urns to blockchain-based 'sorteios'). You can handle high-pressure situations where a 'sorteio' might be contested legally, using precise terminology. You appreciate the irony or humor in 'sorteios' in literature or film. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, allowing you to use it in any context, from a casual 'Amigo Oculto' to a complex discussion on probability and public policy selection processes. You can even create puns or wordplay involving 'sorte', 'sorteio', and 'sortilégio'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sorteio in 30 Seconds

Sorteio is the Portuguese word for a drawing, raffle, or lottery event.
It is a masculine noun ('o sorteio') and comes from the verb 'sortear'.
It is widely used in sports, social media giveaways, and national lotteries.
The core concept is selection by chance rather than merit or skill.

The Portuguese word sorteio refers to the act of drawing lots, a raffle, or a lottery. It is fundamentally rooted in the concept of chance and randomness. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, from Brazil to Portugal, a sorteio is a ubiquitous social and economic phenomenon. It represents the moment when 'sorte' (luck) decides the fate of a prize, a position, or a sequence. You will encounter this word in a vast array of contexts: from high-stakes national lotteries to local community raffles held at church fairs (quermesses), and increasingly in the digital sphere via social media giveaways.

O Contexto Social: In Brazil, the 'sorteio' is often a community event. Whether it is the 'Sorteio da Mega-Sena' which captivates the nation with multimillion-dollar prizes, or a small 'rifa' (raffle) to help a neighbor, the word implies a fair, randomized selection process. It is the mechanism through which people hope to change their financial reality or simply win a small token of appreciation.
O Contexto Esportivo: In sports, specifically football (soccer), 'sorteio' is the technical term for the 'draw'. When fans wait to see which teams will face each other in the World Cup or the Champions League, they are waiting for the 'sorteio dos grupos'. Here, the word carries a weight of anticipation and strategic consequence, as a 'lucky' draw can pave an easier path to the finals.
Marketing Digital: In the modern era, 'sorteio no Instagram' has become a standard marketing tool. Influencers and brands use these drawings to increase engagement. Users are asked to follow, comment, and share for a chance to be selected in the 'sorteio'. This has made the word a daily part of the digital vocabulary for younger generations.

O sorteio dos números da loteria será transmitido ao vivo hoje à noite para todo o país.

The word is masculine ('o sorteio') and its plural is 'sorteios'. It is derived from the verb 'sortear' (to draw/to raffle). While 'loteria' refers to the institution or the game itself, 'sorteio' is the specific event of picking the winner. For instance, you play the 'loteria', but you wait for the 'sorteio' to see if your numbers come up. This distinction is crucial for nuanced communication in Portuguese.

Houve um sorteio para decidir quem começaria a apresentação do projeto na faculdade.

Furthermore, 'sorteio' can be used in academic or administrative settings to ensure impartiality. If there are more applicants than spots for a popular course, a school might conduct a 'sorteio de vagas'. In legal contexts, a 'sorteio de jurados' (jury selection via drawing) ensures a random cross-section of the population. Thus, the word bridges the gap between the excitement of gambling and the cold objectivity of administrative fairness.

Para evitar acusações de favoritismo, o diretor optou por um sorteio público das novas moradias populares.

Sorteio vs. Concurso: It is important to distinguish 'sorteio' from 'concurso'. A 'concurso' usually involves merit, skill, or a competition (like a beauty pageant or a public service exam), whereas a 'sorteio' is purely based on chance. If you win because you are the best, it's a 'concurso'. If you win because your name was pulled from a hat, it's a 'sorteio'.

O regulamento do sorteio está disponível no site oficial da empresa para consulta dos participantes.

Using sorteio correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and its relationship with specific verbs. The most common verb paired with it is 'realizar' (to perform/to carry out). You don't just 'do' a drawing; you 'realize' it. Other common verbs include 'ganhar' (to win), 'participar de' (to participate in), and 'anular' (to cancel/nullify).

Verbs and Actions: When talking about the process, use 'promover um sorteio' or 'organizar um sorteio'. If you are the one hoping for a prize, you 'aguarda o resultado do sorteio'. If the process was unfair, one might say 'o sorteio foi fraudado' (the drawing was rigged).

Eles vão realizar o sorteio de uma viagem para o Caribe entre todos os clientes que compraram este mês.

In a formal or legal sentence, you might see 'sorteio' used to describe the selection of individuals for a duty. For instance, 'O sorteio dos jurados ocorreu à porta fechada' (The drawing of jurors occurred behind closed doors). This highlights the word's versatility beyond mere entertainment or gambling.

A transparência do sorteio é garantida pela presença de auditores independentes durante todo o processo.

When using the word in a causal sense, such as choosing who goes first in a game, you might say: 'Vamos fazer um sorteio para ver quem começa?'. Even though 'fazer' (to do/make) is more informal than 'realizar', it is perfectly acceptable in daily conversation. You can also use 'por sorteio' as an adverbial phrase meaning 'by lot'.

Os grupos de trabalho foram definidos por sorteio, o que gerou algumas reclamações entre os alunos.

Compound Meanings: 'Sorteio eletrônico' refers to a digital or computerized drawing. 'Sorteio beneficente' is a charity raffle. 'Sorteio de brindes' is a giveaway of small gifts or promotional items. These qualifiers help specify the nature of the event.

Não ganhei nada no sorteio de Natal da empresa, mas fiquei feliz pelo meu colega que ganhou a cesta.

Finally, in sports journalism, you will often hear: 'O sorteio da Copa do Mundo colocou o Brasil em um grupo difícil'. Here, 'sorteio' acts as the subject that dictates the future of the competition. It is a powerful noun that implies a lack of human agency—it is the 'balls' in the urn or the 'software' that decides.

O juiz determinou que o sorteio fosse refeito devido a uma falha técnica no sistema.

In Brazil and Portugal, sorteio is a word that rings out in public squares, television studios, and across social media feeds. If you are walking through a busy commercial street like Rua 25 de Março in São Paulo, you might hear a shopkeeper shouting through a megaphone: 'Compre acima de cinquenta reais e participe do nosso sorteio!'. This is a classic marketing tactic to draw in customers.

Television and Radio: Every week, millions of Brazilians tune in to watch the 'Sorteio da Mega-Sena' or the 'Tele Sena'. The hosts often use high-energy language, shouting 'Vamos ao sorteio!' (Let's go to the drawing!) to build excitement. The word is synonymous with hope and the possibility of a better life.
Social Media: If you follow any Portuguese-speaking 'influenciadores', your feed is likely full of 'FOTO OFICIAL DO SORTEIO'. These digital drawings have become a cultural staple, often involving complex rules like tagging three friends or sharing a post to a story. The 'sorteio' is the carrot used to grow digital audiences.

Atenção, pessoal! O sorteio do iPhone 15 será realizado ao vivo nos meus stories às 20h.

In a more formal setting, such as a university or a government building, you might see signs for 'Sorteio de Isenção de Taxa' (Drawing for Fee Waivers) or 'Sorteio de Vagas para Creches' (Drawing for Daycare Spots). In these contexts, the word represents a fair solution to the problem of limited resources. It is heard in the hushed, anxious tones of parents waiting to see if their child's name is called.

Durante a festa junina, o ponto alto da noite é sempre o sorteio do balaio de comidas típicas.

You also hear it in sports bars. When the UEFA Champions League draw happens, fans crowd around the TV, debating the 'sorteio'. Phrases like 'Que sorteio difícil!' (What a difficult draw!) or 'Tivemos sorte no sorteio' (We got lucky in the draw) are common refrains among football enthusiasts across the Lusophone world.

O apresentador girou o globo e anunciou: 'O primeiro número do sorteio de hoje é o vinte e sete!'

Workplace Context: In offices, you'll hear it during the holidays for the 'Amigo Oculto' (Secret Santa). The 'sorteio dos nomes' is the ritual that kicks off the gift exchange. Someone will inevitably ask: 'Quando vamos fazer o sorteio do Amigo Oculto?'.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing sorteio with 'sorte'. While they are related, 'sorte' is the abstract noun for 'luck' (feminine: a sorte), whereas 'sorteio' is the concrete noun for the 'drawing' or 'raffle' (masculine: o sorteio). You cannot say 'Eu ganhei o sorte' when you mean you won the drawing; you must say 'Eu ganhei o sorteio'. Conversely, you don't 'have a drawing' when you mean you are lucky; you 'tem sorte'.

Gender Confusion: Because 'sorte' is feminine, learners often mistakenly apply the feminine gender to 'sorteio'. Remember that nouns ending in '-eio' are almost universally masculine in Portuguese (e.g., o passeio, o recheio, o sorteio). Always say 'um sorteio' and 'o sorteio'.

Errado: A sorteio foi justa.
Correto: O sorteio foi justo.

Another common error is using 'sorteio' when 'concurso' is more appropriate. As mentioned before, a 'sorteio' is random. If you are entering a competition where you have to write an essay or take a test, that is a 'concurso'. Using 'sorteio' in that context might imply that the winner was chosen randomly, which could be insulting to the winner's skills!

Não confunda: Se você ganhou por mérito, foi um concurso. Se ganhou por acaso, foi um sorteio.

Learners also struggle with the preposition. It is 'sorteio de algo' (drawing OF something). For example, 'sorteio de prêmios', not 'sorteio para prêmios'. However, you can say 'sorteio para decidir algo' (drawing TO decide something). Getting the preposition right makes your Portuguese sound much more natural.

Errado: Eu participei no sorteio.
Correto: Eu participei do sorteio. (Participar pede a preposição 'de').

Lastly, don't confuse 'sorteio' with 'rifa'. While all 'rifas' are 'sorteios', not all 'sorteios' are 'rifas'. A 'rifa' specifically involves selling tickets to raise money. A 'sorteio' can be free, like a giveaway on Instagram or a random selection for a jury. Using 'rifa' for a free giveaway sounds slightly odd and overly specific.

False Cognate Alert?: There aren't many direct false cognates for 'sorteio' in English, but the root 'sort' can be misleading. In English, 'sort' usually means to categorize. In Portuguese, 'sortear' (the verb) means to draw lots. If you want to say 'sort the laundry', you use 'separar' or 'classificar', not 'sortear'.

While sorteio is the most common term for a drawing, several other words can be used depending on the context, formality, and the specific type of event being described. Understanding these nuances will help you reach a C1/C2 level of fluency.

Rifa: As mentioned, a 'rifa' is a raffle, usually for a charitable cause or to raise funds. It specifically implies the sale of numbered tickets. 'Vou comprar uma rifa para ajudar a escola' (I'm going to buy a raffle ticket to help the school).
Loteria: This refers to the large-scale, often state-run gambling games. While a 'sorteio' is the event, 'loteria' is the system. 'Ele joga na loteria toda semana' (He plays the lottery every week).
Tômbola: More common in Portugal than in Brazil, a 'tômbola' is a type of raffle often found at fairs where prizes are won by drawing numbered tickets from a revolving drum. It has a slightly more traditional or old-fashioned feel.

A extração dos números da loteria federal acontece todos os sábados.

In very formal or technical contexts, you might hear the word 'extração' (extraction). This is commonly used in the context of national lotteries to describe the physical act of drawing the balls from the machine. 'A extração foi supervisionada por um auditor'. It sounds more clinical and official than 'sorteio'.

O pleito para a escolha do novo representante será decidido por sorteio em caso de empate.

For a 'giveaway' in a commercial sense, you might also hear 'promoção' (promotion) or 'brinde' (gift/freebie). However, 'sorteio' remains the specific term if the gift is given via a random draw. If everyone gets a gift, it's a 'distribuição de brindes'; if only one person wins after a draw, it's a 'sorteio de brindes'.

Sinônimos e Antônimos: Sinônimos: Rifa, extração, tômbola, concurso (em sentido lato), lance de sorte.
Antônimos: Escolha direta, nomeação, seleção por mérito, designação, indicação.

Lastly, consider 'escrutínio'. While it usually means 'scrutiny' or 'ballot/voting', in some very specific legal contexts, it might be used alongside 'sorteio' to describe the checking of the drawing process. However, for 99% of situations, 'sorteio' is your best and most natural choice.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 'sorte' (lots) were often small stones or pieces of wood used for divination. This is why we still 'throw' or 'draw' lots today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /sɔːˈteɪ.uː/

US /soɾ.ˈtej.u/

The stress is on the second syllable: sor-TEI-o.

Rhymes With

passeio recheio meio receio creio alheio cheio veio

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'sor-te-o' without the 'i' sound.
Stressing the first syllable (SOR-tei-o) instead of the second.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong English 'O' instead of a soft 'u'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'sorte'. Common in news and ads.

Writing 3/5

The '-eio' ending can be tricky for beginners to spell correctly.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct diphthong pronunciation of 'ei'.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sorte ganhar jogo número prêmio

Learn Next

apostas probabilidade concurso vencedor bilhete

Advanced

estocástico aleatoriedade escrutínio lisura auditado

Grammar to Know

Contraction of 'de' + 'o'

O resultado DO (de+o) sorteio.

Masculine nouns in -eio

O sorteio, o passeio, o recreio.

Preposition 'por' for means

Escolhido POR sorteio.

Future with 'ir'

Amanhã VAI HAVER um sorteio.

Subjunctive for uncertainty

Espero que eu GANHE o sorteio.

Examples by Level

O sorteio é amanhã.

The drawing is tomorrow.

Subject + Verb + Adverb.

Eu quero o prêmio do sorteio.

I want the drawing prize.

Using 'do' (de + o) to show possession.

Quem ganhou o sorteio?

Who won the drawing?

Interrogative pronoun 'Quem'.

Este é um sorteio grátis.

This is a free drawing.

Adjective 'grátis' follows the noun.

O sorteio tem muitos prêmios.

The drawing has many prizes.

Verb 'ter' in the third person singular.

Eu tenho um bilhete para o sorteio.

I have a ticket for the drawing.

Preposition 'para' + 'o'.

O sorteio é de uma bicicleta.

The drawing is for a bicycle.

Using 'de' to indicate the object of the drawing.

Boa sorte no sorteio!

Good luck in the drawing!

Common expression 'Boa sorte'.

Nós vamos fazer um sorteio na festa.

We are going to do a drawing at the party.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Eles compraram rifas para o sorteio beneficente.

They bought raffle tickets for the charity drawing.

Plural noun 'rifas'.

O sorteio acontece toda semana na TV.

The drawing happens every week on TV.

Verb 'acontecer' in the present tense.

Você precisa se inscrever para o sorteio.

You need to sign up for the drawing.

Reflexive verb 'inscrever-se'.

O ganhador do sorteio será anunciado logo.

The winner of the drawing will be announced soon.

Passive voice 'será anunciado'.

Não esqueça o seu número do sorteio.

Don't forget your drawing number.

Imperative negative 'Não esqueça'.

O sorteio foi muito rápido.

The drawing was very fast.

Preterite of 'ser' + adverb 'muito'.

Haverá um sorteio de brindes no final da aula.

There will be a giveaway drawing at the end of the class.

Future of 'haver' (there will be).

O sorteio dos grupos da Copa será hoje à tarde.

The drawing for the World Cup groups will be this afternoon.

Noun phrase 'sorteio dos grupos'.

Para participar do sorteio, siga as instruções na legenda.

To participate in the drawing, follow the instructions in the caption.

Infinitive 'participar' followed by 'do'.

O sorteio foi realizado de forma transparente e justa.

The drawing was carried out in a transparent and fair manner.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma...'

Infelizmente, eu nunca tenho sorte nesses sorteios.

Unfortunately, I never have luck in these drawings.

Adverb 'Infelizmente' at the start.

O regulamento do sorteio proíbe a participação de funcionários.

The drawing rules prohibit the participation of employees.

Verb 'proibir' + direct object.

Eles decidiram a ordem das apresentações por sorteio.

They decided the order of presentations by drawing lots.

Phrase 'por sorteio' (by lot).

O sorteio eletrônico é mais rápido que o manual.

The electronic drawing is faster than the manual one.

Comparative 'mais... que'.

O prêmio acumulado do sorteio atraiu muitos apostadores.

The drawing's accumulated prize attracted many bettors.

Past participle 'acumulado' as an adjective.

O sorteio dos jurados é um passo crucial no processo legal.

The drawing of jurors is a crucial step in the legal process.

Noun as a subject in a complex sentence.

Houve uma polêmica sobre a validade do sorteio de ontem.

There was a controversy about the validity of yesterday's drawing.

Noun 'validade' + 'do sorteio'.

A empresa promoveu um sorteio para fidelizar seus clientes.

The company promoted a drawing to build loyalty among its customers.

Verb 'fidelizar' (to build loyalty).

O sorteio foi transmitido ao vivo pelas redes sociais.

The drawing was broadcast live on social media.

Passive voice with 'pelas' (by the).

Caso haja empate, o vencedor será escolhido por sorteio.

In case of a tie, the winner will be chosen by drawing lots.

Conditional 'Caso haja' (In case there is).

O sorteio da loteria federal é auditado por órgãos competentes.

The federal lottery drawing is audited by competent bodies.

Adjective 'competentes' modifying 'órgãos'.

Muitos consideram o sorteio uma forma democrática de distribuição.

Many consider the drawing a democratic form of distribution.

Verb 'considerar' + object + complement.

O sorteio de vagas para a creche gerou longas filas.

The drawing for daycare spots generated long lines.

Compound subject 'O sorteio de vagas'.

A lisura do sorteio foi questionada pelos participantes insatisfeitos.

The integrity of the drawing was questioned by dissatisfied participants.

Abstract noun 'lisura' (integrity/fairness).

O sorteio, embora aleatório, nem sempre é percebido como justo.

The drawing, although random, is not always perceived as fair.

Concessive clause 'embora aleatório'.

A metodologia do sorteio deve ser explicitada no edital.

The drawing methodology must be explained in the official notice.

Passive voice with 'deve ser'.

O sorteio de nomes para cargos públicos era comum na Grécia Antiga.

The drawing of names for public offices was common in Ancient Greece.

Historical context usage.

A aleatoriedade intrínseca ao sorteio garante a imparcialidade.

The randomness intrinsic to the drawing guarantees impartiality.

Adjective 'intrínseca' + preposition 'ao'.

O sorteio foi anulado devido a indícios de manipulação no sistema.

The drawing was annulled due to signs of system manipulation.

Causal phrase 'devido a'.

O sorteio de brindes serve como um gatilho mental de escassez.

The giveaway drawing serves as a psychological trigger of scarcity.

Marketing terminology 'gatilho mental'.

A extração mecânica no sorteio evita erros humanos de contagem.

The mechanical extraction in the drawing avoids human counting errors.

Technical adjective 'mecânica'.

O sorteio, sob a ótica da estocástica, é um evento puramente probabilístico.

The drawing, from a stochastic perspective, is a purely probabilistic event.

Academic register 'sob a ótica da...'

A vida, por vezes, assemelha-se a um sorteio cujos prêmios são arbitrários.

Life, at times, resembles a drawing whose prizes are arbitrary.

Relative pronoun 'cujos' (whose).

O sorteio de jurados visa mitigar vieses cognitivos no veredito final.

The drawing of jurors aims to mitigate cognitive biases in the final verdict.

Verb 'mitigar' (to mitigate).

A implementação de um sorteio algorítmico requer criptografia robusta.

The implementation of an algorithmic drawing requires robust cryptography.

Technical vocabulary 'algorítmico', 'criptografia'.

Houve um clamor popular para que o sorteio fosse refeito publicamente.

There was a popular outcry for the drawing to be redone publicly.

Subjunctive 'fosse refeito' after 'para que'.

O sorteio de terras no período colonial moldou a demografia da região.

The drawing of lands in the colonial period shaped the region's demography.

Historical analysis usage.

A futilidade de esperar pelo sorteio é um tema recorrente na obra do autor.

The futility of waiting for the drawing is a recurring theme in the author's work.

Literary analysis register.

A legitimidade do sorteio repousa na inquestionável neutralidade do processo.

The legitimacy of the drawing rests on the unquestionable neutrality of the process.

Formal verb 'repousa' (rests/lies).

Common Collocations

Realizar um sorteio

Ganhar no sorteio

Sorteio de prêmios

Sorteio eletrônico

Resultado do sorteio

Participar do sorteio

Sorteio de vagas

Anular o sorteio

Sorteio da Copa

Regulamento do sorteio

Common Phrases

Vamos fazer um sorteio?

— Suggesting a random draw to decide something.

Não sabemos quem vai primeiro. Vamos fazer um sorteio?

Foi por sorteio.

— Explaining that an outcome was decided by chance.

Eu não escolhi esse grupo; foi por sorteio.

O sorteio está acumulado.

— The lottery prize has not been won and has grown larger.

A Mega-Sena está acumulada para o próximo sorteio.

Sorteio de brindes.

— A giveaway of promotional items.

No final do evento, teremos um sorteio de brindes.

Aguardando o sorteio.

— Waiting for the results of a draw.

Estou aqui aguardando o sorteio da rifa.

Sorteio auditado.

— A drawing that has been officially checked for fairness.

Este é um sorteio auditado pela Caixa Econômica.

Sorteio beneficente.

— A drawing held for charity.

Participe do nosso sorteio beneficente para o hospital.

Números do sorteio.

— The specific numbers picked in a draw.

Quais foram os números do sorteio de ontem?

Sorteio ao vivo.

— A drawing happening in real-time on TV or internet.

Não perca o sorteio ao vivo às oito da noite.

Regras do sorteio.

— The guidelines for participating in a draw.

As regras do sorteio são muito simples.

Often Confused With

sorteio vs Sorte

Sorte is luck (abstract); Sorteio is the drawing (event).

sorteio vs Concurso

Concurso involves skill/merit; Sorteio involves chance.

sorteio vs Aposta

Aposta is the bet you make; Sorteio is the process of choosing the winner.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cair no sorteio"

— To be selected by chance for something, often something undesirable.

Caí no sorteio para trabalhar no feriado.

Informal

"Sorteio de cartas marcadas"

— A rigged drawing where the winner is predetermined.

Aquele concurso foi um sorteio de cartas marcadas.

Informal/Cynical

"Dar sorte no sorteio"

— To be lucky during a specific drawing.

Espero dar sorte no sorteio da cesta hoje.

Common

"Sorteio da vida"

— The random circumstances one is born into.

Onde nascemos é apenas o sorteio da vida.

Philosophical

"Ficar de fora do sorteio"

— To be ineligible or excluded from a drawing.

Se não pagar a taxa, vai ficar de fora do sorteio.

Common

"Girar o globo do sorteio"

— To start the drawing process (literally or figuratively).

É hora de girar o globo do sorteio e ver quem ganha.

Descriptive

"Sorteio de consolação"

— A secondary draw for those who didn't win the main prize.

Houve um sorteio de consolação para quem ficou até o fim.

Common

"Ser o premiado do sorteio"

— To be the lucky winner, often used sarcastically for someone picked for a task.

Você foi o premiado do sorteio para lavar a louça!

Humorous

"Sorteio relâmpago"

— A very quick, unannounced giveaway.

Faremos um sorteio relâmpago nos próximos cinco minutos.

Marketing

"Mão santa no sorteio"

— A 'holy hand' or a lucky person who picks the winning ticket.

Chame a vovó para tirar o papel; ela tem mão santa no sorteio.

Informal/Superstitious

Easily Confused

sorteio vs Sortimento

Similar root.

Sortimento means an assortment or variety of things.

A loja tem um grande sortimento de roupas.

sorteio vs Sortilégio

Similar root.

Sortilégio means a spell, enchantment, or magic.

Ela caiu sob um estranho sortilégio.

sorteio vs Soterrar

Phonetic similarity.

Soterrar means to bury or submerge.

A lama soterrou as casas.

sorteio vs Sorteado

Participle form.

Sorteado is the person or thing that was chosen in the draw.

O número sorteado foi o dez.

sorteio vs Sortear

Verb form.

Sortear is the action of drawing lots.

Vamos sortear os nomes agora.

Sentence Patterns

O sorteio é [Adjective].

O sorteio é legal.

Eu quero participar do sorteio de [Noun].

Eu quero participar do sorteio de doces.

O sorteio vai ser realizado [Time/Place].

O sorteio vai ser realizado no auditório.

Apesar do sorteio ser aleatório, [Contrast].

Apesar do sorteio ser aleatório, ele pareceu injusto.

A lisura do sorteio é fundamental para [Goal].

A lisura do sorteio é fundamental para a confiança do público.

Sob a égide da imparcialidade, procedeu-se ao sorteio.

Sob a égide da imparcialidade, procedeu-se ao sorteio dos lotes.

Quem for sorteado ganhará [Prize].

Quem for sorteado ganhará uma viagem.

Não houve sorteio hoje.

Não houve sorteio hoje por causa do feriado.

Word Family

Nouns

sorte

sorteio

sortudo

sortuda

sortilégio

Verbs

sortear

assortir

Adjectives

sorteado

sorteada

sortudo

loteria

rifa

acaso

probabilidade

destino

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

A sorteio → O sorteio
The word is masculine.
Eu ganhei o sorte → Eu ganhei o sorteio
'Sorte' is luck; 'Sorteio' is the event.
Participar no sorteio → Participar do sorteio
The verb 'participar' takes 'de'.
Fazer um sorteo → Fazer um sorteio
Missing the 'i' in the spelling and pronunciation.
Sorteio de mérito → Concurso de mérito
Sorteio is by definition random, not based on merit.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always use masculine articles and adjectives. It's 'um sorteio justo', not 'uma sorteio justa'.

Sorte vs. Sorteio

Remember: 'Sorte' is what you HAVE; 'Sorteio' is what you PARTICIPATE in.

Instagram Giveaways

If you see 'Sorteio' on Instagram, it's a giveaway. Read the 'regras' carefully!

The 'i' is Key

Don't say 'sorteo'. Make sure to pronounce the 'i' clearly as a diphthong.

Sports Context

Use 'sorteio' when talking about tournament brackets or groups.

Legal Terms

In law, use 'sorteio de jurados' for jury selection.

Plural Form

Just add an 's' to make it 'sorteios'. Simple!

Cair no Sorteio

Use this when you are 'unlucky' enough to be picked for a task.

Participar DE

Always say 'participar DO sorteio'. 'Participar' requires the preposition 'de'.

Concurso Distinction

If there's a test, it's a 'concurso'. If it's a hat, it's a 'sorteio'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'sort' + 'ei' + 'o'. You 'sort' the people to find the 'one' (o) who wins. Or: 'Sorte' is luck, 'Sorteio' is the Luck-Show.

Visual Association

Imagine a glass bowl filled with colorful balls, and a hand reaching in to pull one out. The bowl is labeled 'O SORTEIO'.

Word Web

Sorte Prêmio Rifa Bilhete Ganhador Aleatório Loteria Urna

Challenge

Try to find three 'sorteios' on Instagram today and write down the rules for each using the word 'sorteio' in a sentence.

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese verb 'sortear', which comes from the Latin 'sortiarius', from 'sors, sortis', meaning 'lot', 'fate', or 'share'.

Original meaning: The act of casting lots to determine a divine will or a fair division of property.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'sorteios' in a religious context, as some groups may view gambling-like activities negatively, though 'rifas' for charity are usually accepted.

In English, we distinguish between a 'raffle' (charity/tickets) and a 'draw' (sports/random). In Portuguese, 'sorteio' covers both.

Mega-Sena (National Brazilian Lottery) Tele Sena (Popular Brazilian coupon lottery) Sorteio da UEFA Champions League

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Lottery

Conferir o sorteio
Números sorteados
Prêmio acumulado
Bilhete da sorte

Social Media

Regras do sorteio
Marcar amigos no sorteio
Compartilhar o sorteio
Ganhador do sorteio

Sports

Sorteio das chaves
Sorteio dos grupos
Cabeça de chave
Pote do sorteio

Office/School

Sorteio de nomes
Decidir por sorteio
Sorteio de tarefas
Amigo oculto

Charity

Rifa e sorteio
Bilhete premiado
Sorteio beneficente
Doação para o sorteio

Conversation Starters

"Você já ganhou algum prêmio em um sorteio?"

"O que você faria se ganhasse o sorteio da Mega-Sena hoje?"

"Você acha que sorteios no Instagram são realmente justos?"

"Como foi o sorteio do Amigo Oculto na sua empresa este ano?"

"Você prefere decidir as coisas na conversa ou por sorteio?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve muita sorte em um sorteio ou jogo.

Quais são os prós e contras de usar um sorteio para decidir vagas em escolas?

Descreva o clima de expectativa durante um grande sorteio nacional.

Se você organizasse um sorteio, qual seria o prêmio e quais seriam as regras?

Reflexão: A vida é um sorteio ou nós criamos nosso próprio destino?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it can be used for any random selection, like choosing which team starts with the ball in soccer or picking names for a jury.

The plural is 'sorteios'. Example: 'Haverá dois sorteios hoje'.

Usually, we use 'cara ou coroa' for a coin toss, but you could technically call it a 'sorteio' because it's a random decision.

A 'rifa' is a type of 'sorteio' where people buy tickets. All 'rifas' are 'sorteios', but not all 'sorteios' are 'rifas'.

You say 'ganhar no sorteio' or 'ganhar a rifa'.

It is always masculine: 'o sorteio'.

It's a giveaway of small promotional gifts, common at corporate events.

No, 'sorteio' is a noun. The verb is 'sortear'.

It's the most famous 'sorteio' (lottery) in Brazil.

You can say 'sorteio' or 'extração' depending on the context.