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C1 noun 12 min read

superável

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips superável in 30 Seconds

Explanation superável in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'superável' yet, but you should understand the idea of 'superar' (to overcome). Think of it as 'can do'. When you have a problem, and you can solve it, that problem is 'superável'. For a beginner, we use simple words like 'fácil' (easy) or 'possível' (possible). If you see 'superável', just remember it means 'we can win against this problem'. It is a formal way to say 'tudo bem, nós conseguimos'. You might see this in very simple motivational posters or basic stories about people who work hard. For example, 'O desafio é superável' means 'The challenge is something we can do'. It is important to know that the word does not change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine). It is always 'superável'. If there are many problems, we say 'superáveis'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about obstacles and goals. 'Superável' is a useful word to express that a difficulty is not the end of the world. It comes from the verb 'superar', which you might use when talking about sports or learning. If you are studying for a test and it is hard, you can say 'A prova é difícil, mas é superável' (The test is hard, but it is surmountable). This shows you have a higher vocabulary than just saying 'é possível'. You are starting to describe the *nature* of the problem. Remember the spelling: it ends in '-el'. When you make it plural, like 'problemas', the word becomes 'superáveis'. You should also know its opposite: 'insuperável'. If something is 'insuperável', you cannot do it. If it is 'superável', you can!

At the B1 level, 'superável' becomes part of your toolkit for discussing personal experiences and opinions. You can use it to talk about your journey learning Portuguese. 'A barreira da língua é superável com prática diária' (The language barrier is surmountable with daily practice). This level requires you to move beyond simple adjectives and start using more 'nuanced' terms. 'Superável' implies that effort is required. It is not 'easy', but it is 'doable'. You will hear this word in news reports about the economy or in professional environments. It is a 'growth mindset' word. When you use it, you sound more confident and sophisticated. You can also start pairing it with adverbs like 'totalmente superável' (totally surmountable) or 'facilmente superável' (easily surmountable).

At the B2 level, you should use 'superável' in formal writing and debates. It is an excellent word for essays where you need to analyze a problem and propose a solution. Instead of saying 'podemos resolver o problema', you can write 'o problema é perfeitamente superável através de medidas governamentais'. This shows a command of academic register. At this level, you should also be aware of the subtle difference between 'superável' and 'contornável' (avoidable/bypassable). 'Superável' means you go *through* and *over* the problem, whereas 'contornável' means you find a way *around* it. You might also use it in a professional context during a job interview to describe how you view challenges: 'Para mim, qualquer obstáculo técnico é superável com pesquisa e dedicação'.

At the C1 level, you are expected to use 'superável' with precision and in abstract contexts. You understand that 'superável' isn't just about physical objects but about ontological and psychological states. You can use it to discuss complex social issues, such as 'A desigualdade social é um desafio histórico, porém superável mediante reformas estruturais'. You should be comfortable with the plural form 'superáveis' and the phonetic stress on the penult (su-pe-RÁ-vel). At this level, you can also use the word to critique literature or philosophy, discussing whether a character's flaws are 'superáveis' or if they lead to a tragic end. You also recognize the word in legal or bureaucratic 'juridiquês', such as 'irregularidades superáveis', which refers to minor errors that don't invalidate a process.

At the C2 level, 'superável' is a word you use to modulate the philosophical weight of your discourse. You might use it in a meta-linguistic way or within highly specialized fields. You understand the etymological connection to the Latin 'superare' and how it relates to concepts of transcendence. In a C2 context, you might discuss the 'finitude humana' and what aspects of our condition are 'superáveis' through technology or art. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as 'Embora a priori a situação pareça de todo insuperável, uma análise mais detida revela matizes de uma realidade perfeitamente superável'. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can distinguish it from rare synonyms like 'transponível' or 'vencível' with absolute clarity, choosing the one that fits the exact 'color' of the sentence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

superável in 30 Seconds

Superável means 'surmountable' or 'overcomeable'. It is an optimistic word used for problems that have solutions.
It is an adjective that does not change for gender (masculine/feminine) but does have a plural form: superáveis.
Commonly used in professional, academic, and psychological contexts to describe obstacles or challenges.
It is the direct opposite of 'insuperável', which means something that cannot be overcome.

The Portuguese word superável is a high-level adjective used to describe obstacles, difficulties, or limitations that are not permanent or absolute. Rooted in the verb superar (to overcome/surmount), it carries an inherently optimistic or analytical tone. When a speaker identifies something as superável, they are performing a cognitive appraisal that shifts the focus from the problem to the possibility of a solution. It is most frequently encountered in academic, professional, and psychological contexts where the feasibility of a task is being evaluated.

Morphological Breakdown: The word is formed by the radical super- (denoting superiority or going beyond) and the suffix -ável, which is the Portuguese equivalent of the English suffix -able or -ible. This suffix indicates capability, possibility, or worthiness of an action.

In everyday conversation, while people might use simpler terms like possível (possible) or resolvível (solvable), superável adds a layer of formal resilience. It suggests that while the barrier is significant, the human will or technical capacity is greater. For example, in a business meeting, a manager might describe a budget deficit as a dificuldade superável to maintain morale and focus on strategy rather than defeat.

A crise econômica atual é, sem dúvida, um desafio superável se houver união política.

Beyond the literal sense of climbing a physical wall, the term is abstract. It applies to emotions (grief that is superável), technical errors (bugs that are superáveis), and even historical setbacks. It is the antonym of insuperável (insurmountable), a word that denotes the end of the road or an absolute limit. Understanding the nuance between these two is crucial for C1 level proficiency, as it reflects a speaker's ability to modulate certainty and possibility.

Register and Tone: This word sits comfortably in the formal and semi-formal registers. You will find it in newspapers, self-help literature, academic papers, and corporate reports. It is rarely heard in very informal slang-heavy street Portuguese, where someone might just say 'dá para resolver'.

Embora a distância seja grande, ela é superável com o transporte adequado.

From a philosophical standpoint, superável aligns with the concept of 'transcendence'. It implies that the current state is not the final state. This is why it is so prevalent in motivational contexts. It turns a wall into a hurdle. In the context of learning Portuguese, one might say that the complexity of the subjunctive mood is a obstáculo superável with enough practice and immersion.

Semantic Range: 1. Physical: Surmountable heights or distances. 2. Intellectual: Solvable problems. 3. Emotional: Overcomeable trauma or grief. 4. Competitive: Beatable records or opponents.

O recorde mundial de maratona parece superável para a nova geração de atletas.

Todos os traumas de infância são superáveis através da terapia.

A barreira linguística é superável se você praticar todos os dias.

Using superável correctly involves understanding its role as a qualifying adjective that usually follows the noun it modifies. In Portuguese grammar, while some adjectives can precede the noun for stylistic emphasis, superável almost exclusively follows the noun because it provides a specific, objective classification of the noun's nature.

With Linking Verbs (Ser vs. Estar): The choice between ser and estar changes the meaning slightly. Using ser superável implies that the obstacle is inherently surmountable by nature. For example: 'A morte não é superável' (Death is not surmountable). Using estar superável is rarer but might imply that under current conditions, something that was once impossible has become possible.

When constructing complex sentences, superável often pairs with conditional clauses. It is common to see structures like 'X é superável, desde que...' (X is surmountable, provided that...) or 'X é superável, contanto que...' (X is surmountable, as long as...). This reflects the conditional nature of overcoming obstacles; they don't just disappear, they require a specific action or condition to be met.

A desconfiança entre os parceiros é superável mediante um diálogo franco e honesto.

In academic writing, superável is used to critique theories or methodologies. A researcher might state that the limitations of a study are superáveis in future iterations by increasing the sample size. Here, the word serves as a bridge between current failure and future success, maintaining the professional integrity of the work while acknowledging flaws.

Placement and Adverbs: You can intensify the word using adverbs of degree. Common pairings include perfeitamente superável (perfectly surmountable), facilmente superável (easily surmountable), or dificilmente superável (hardly surmountable). Note that 'dificilmente superável' is a sophisticated way of saying something is almost impossible but still within the realm of potential.

Este erro técnico é facilmente superável com uma atualização de software.

In the context of personal narratives, especially in the 'passado' (past tense), the word often appears when reflecting on growth. 'Aquele problema parecia insuperável, mas provou ser superável.' This contrast between appearance and reality is a common rhetorical device in Portuguese storytelling and motivational speaking.

O medo de falar em público é uma barreira superável com exposição gradual.

Negation: While you can say 'não é superável', it is much more natural and common to use the prefix 'in-' to form 'insuperável'. Using 'não é superável' often emphasizes the negation itself, perhaps in a heated debate where someone has just claimed the opposite.

Para o otimista, qualquer montanha é superável.

A falta de recursos financeiros é um limite superável através da criatividade.

You will encounter superável in environments where problems are being diagnosed and solutions are being proposed. One of the primary domains is Politics and Economics. When a government official discusses a national crisis, they will almost always label the difficulties as superáveis to avoid causing panic or appearing incompetent. It is a word of political survival.

In the Media: Newspaper headlines in papers like 'Folha de S.Paulo' or 'Público' use this word to summarize the feasibility of projects. For instance, 'Déficit orçamentário é superável com nova reforma' (Budget deficit is surmountable with new reform). It provides a concise way to convey that a situation is grave but not terminal.

Another significant domain is Psychology and Personal Development. In therapy sessions or self-help books (very popular in Brazil and Portugal), the word is used to refactor the patient's perspective. A therapist might say, 'Essa dor que você sente é superável'. This isn't just a statement of fact; it is a therapeutic intervention designed to instill hope. It separates the person's identity from their temporary suffering.

Na psicologia cognitiva, acredita-se que a maioria das fobias é superável.

In the Corporate World, superável is part of the 'can-do' jargon. During performance reviews, a manager might tell an employee that their weaknesses are superáveis with the right training. It serves as a gentler, more constructive way to provide negative feedback. Instead of saying 'You are bad at X', they say 'X is a surmountable challenge for you'.

Sports Commentary: When a team is losing but showing signs of a comeback, commentators might say 'A vantagem do adversário é superável'. This keeps the audience engaged by suggesting that the game is still alive and the result can be overturned.

A diferença de dois gols no placar ainda é superável neste segundo tempo.

Lastly, in Legal and Administrative contexts, one might hear about 'irregularidades superáveis' (curable or surmountable irregularities). This refers to minor errors in a contract or a bid that do not disqualify the participant but must be corrected. This technical usage is very common in Brazilian bureaucracy ('burocracia').

Academic Lectures: Professors use the word when discussing historical obstacles or scientific hurdles. 'A resistência do ar era considerada uma barreira incalculável, mas provou-se superável com a aerodinâmica moderna.'

O preconceito social é uma barreira estrutural, porém superável através da educação.

A distância entre a teoria e a prática é superável com experiência de campo.

Even advanced learners of Portuguese often stumble when using superável. The most frequent error is related to pluralization. Because the word ends in '-el', many learners try to add an '-s' or '-es' (like 'superávels' or 'superáveles'). The correct plural form is superáveis. The 'l' drops and is replaced by 'is', and the acute accent on the 'a' must be maintained because it is a paroxytone word ending in 'is'.

Confusing with 'Vencível': While 'vencível' (conquerable) and 'superável' are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Vencível' is usually reserved for people, armies, or competitions (an opponent is vencível). 'Superável' is more appropriate for abstract concepts like difficulties, records, or barriers. Calling a person 'superável' sounds like you are literally trying to climb over them rather than defeat them in a game.

Another common mistake is the misuse of the preposition. Learners often ask, 'Superável para quê?' or 'Superável de quê?'. Usually, superável doesn't require a prepositional complement because the context of what is being overcome is the noun it modifies. However, if you need to specify the means, use por or mediante. Example: 'Um obstáculo superável por meios legais' (An obstacle surmountable by legal means).

Errado: Estes problemas são superávels. Correto: Estes problemas são superáveis.

Learners also tend to overuse the word in informal settings. If you tell a friend that their broken phone is a 'dificuldade superável', you might sound overly dramatic or like a textbook. In casual Portuguese, it is better to say 'isso tem conserto' (that can be fixed) or 'dá para resolver'. Save superável for situations that have a certain weight or gravitas.

Adjective vs. Noun: While the prompt mentions 'noun', in 99% of cases, 'superável' is an adjective. Using it as a noun (e.g., 'O superável é o meu foco') is grammatically possible through substantivation (adding an article), but it is very poetic and rare. Avoid this unless you are writing philosophy or high literature.

Não confunda superável (surmountable) com suportável (bearable). Você pode suportar algo que não pode superar.

Finally, watch out for the spelling of the root. Some learners influenced by English might try to write 'supperável' with two 'p's. Portuguese almost never doubles consonants like 'p', 'b', 't', or 'd'. It is always a single 'p'.

A timidez é superável, mas a falta de caráter não.

Os desafios técnicos deste projeto são superáveis com a equipe certa.

To truly master superável, you must know its neighbors in the semantic field. Depending on the context, you might want to swap it for a word that is more specific or carries a different emotional weight.

Transponível: This is the closest academic synonym. It comes from 'transpor' (to cross over/transpose). Use transponível when talking about physical barriers, borders, or logical hurdles in a sequence. 'Uma barreira geográfica transponível'.
Vencível: As mentioned before, vencível relates to 'vencer' (to win/defeat). It implies a contest. If you are talking about an enemy or a competitive challenge, vencível is more powerful than superável.
Contornável: From 'contornar' (to go around/bypass). This is a very useful alternative in business. A problema contornável is one you don't necessarily have to solve head-on; you can just find a way around it. It suggests pragmatism.

In a more formal or literary setting, you might encounter exuperável, though it is extremely rare and archaic. On the other end of the spectrum, resolvível is the go-to word for technical or mathematical problems. You 'resolve' a bug, you don't 'superar' it, although the bug could be a dificuldade superável for the project as a whole.

Comparação: 'O obstáculo é superável' (We can get over it) vs. 'O obstáculo é contornável' (We can go around it).

When discussing human emotions, ultrapassável is sometimes used, but it sounds slightly more physical, like overtaking a car on the highway. Superável remains the most elegant choice for internal growth and resilience.

A distância entre nós é transponível com um simples telefonema.

Este erro é contornável, não precisamos parar a produção.

A crise é superável, mas exige sacrifícios de todos.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'super' means 'above'. This is the same root found in 'supermarket' and 'superman', showing that 'superável' literally means 'above-able'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /su.pɛˈɾa.vɛw/

US /su.pɛˈɾa.vɛl/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'rá'.

Rhymes With

Amável Insuperável Variável Improvável Saudável Aceitável Notável Vulnerável

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'super' (syoo-per).
Stressing the last syllable (supera-VEL).
Pronouncing the 'v' as a 'b'.
Making the final 'l' sound like a hard 'l' in Brazilian Portuguese (it should be a 'w' sound).
Missing the accent on the 'á' when writing.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'super' and '-able'.

Writing 7/5

The accent on 'á' and the plural 'superáveis' can be tricky.

Speaking 6/5

The 'r' tap and the 'v' sound require C1 level precision.

Listening 5/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Superar Possível Difícil Problema Barreira

Learn Next

Insuperável Transponível Vicissitude Resiliência Obstáculo

Advanced

Exuperável Inexpugnável Invencível Inevitável Inexorável

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -el

Superável -> Superáveis, Amável -> Amáveis

Prefix 'in-' for negation

Superável -> Insuperável

Accentuation of paroxytones

Su-pe-rá-vel (ends in L, stress on penult)

Gender neutrality of -el adjectives

O caminho superável / A estrada superável

Substantivation of adjectives

O superável (the surmountable thing)

Examples by Level

O problema é superável.

The problem is surmountable.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective.

Esta tarefa é superável.

This task is surmountable.

Feminine noun 'tarefa' uses the same adjective form 'superável'.

O desafio não é grande, é superável.

The challenge is not big, it is surmountable.

Contrast using 'não' and 'é'.

Com ajuda, tudo é superável.

With help, everything is surmountable.

Use of 'tudo' (everything).

A dor é superável.

The pain is surmountable.

Abstract noun 'dor'.

O medo é superável.

The fear is surmountable.

Common abstract noun.

A subida é superável.

The climb is surmountable.

Physical context.

Sua dúvida é superável.

Your doubt is surmountable.

Possessive 'sua'.

Os obstáculos são superáveis com esforço.

The obstacles are surmountable with effort.

Plural form 'superáveis'.

A distância entre as cidades é superável.

The distance between the cities is surmountable.

Nouns connected by 'entre'.

A dificuldade inicial foi superável.

The initial difficulty was surmountable.

Past tense 'foi'.

Eu acredito que esse erro é superável.

I believe that this error is surmountable.

Indirect speech with 'que'.

As barreiras linguísticas são superáveis.

The language barriers are surmountable.

Plural feminine noun 'barreiras'.

O cansaço é superável se descansarmos.

The tiredness is surmountable if we rest.

Conditional 'se'.

Sua tristeza é superável, não chore.

Your sadness is surmountable, don't cry.

Imperative 'não chore'.

O limite de tempo é superável.

The time limit is surmountable.

Compound noun 'limite de tempo'.

A crise econômica é superável se houver investimento.

The economic crisis is surmountable if there is investment.

Conditional with future subjunctive 'houver'.

Muitos traumas são superáveis através da terapia.

Many traumas are surmountable through therapy.

Prepositional phrase 'através de'.

O recorde atual parece superável para o campeão.

The current record seems surmountable to the champion.

Linking verb 'parece'.

Nenhuma montanha é insuperável, todas são superáveis.

No mountain is insurmountable, all are surmountable.

Contrast with antonym 'insuperável'.

A falta de experiência é uma falha superável.

The lack of experience is a surmountable flaw.

Noun phrase 'falta de experiência'.

Este conflito familiar é superável com diálogo.

This family conflict is surmountable with dialogue.

Demonstrative 'este'.

O atraso no projeto é superável se trabalharmos mais.

The delay in the project is surmountable if we work more.

Future subjunctive 'trabalharmos'.

A timidez é superável com a prática da oratória.

Shyness is surmountable with the practice of public speaking.

Abstract noun 'timidez'.

As divergências políticas são superáveis em prol do bem comum.

Political differences are surmountable for the sake of the common good.

Expression 'em prol de'.

O déficit orçamentário é considerado superável pelos analistas.

The budget deficit is considered surmountable by analysts.

Passive voice construction.

A resistência à mudança é um obstáculo superável nas empresas.

Resistance to change is a surmountable obstacle in companies.

Preposition 'à' indicating target of resistance.

Embora difícil, a meta de vendas é perfeitamente superável.

Although difficult, the sales goal is perfectly surmountable.

Concessive 'embora'.

A desigualdade social é superável através de políticas públicas.

Social inequality is surmountable through public policies.

Formal sociological context.

Os limites físicos do corpo humano são muitas vezes superáveis.

The physical limits of the human body are often surmountable.

Adverbial phrase 'muitas vezes'.

A desconfiança do mercado é superável com transparência.

The market's distrust is surmountable with transparency.

Genitive 'do mercado'.

Erros de percurso são superáveis se mantivermos o foco.

Errors along the way are surmountable if we keep focus.

Future subjunctive 'mantivermos'.

A finitude da vida não é superável, mas o medo dela sim.

The finitude of life is not surmountable, but the fear of it is.

Philosophical contrast.

As lacunas no conhecimento científico são superáveis pela pesquisa.

Gaps in scientific knowledge are surmountable through research.

Technical plural 'lacunas'.

A polarização ideológica é superável mediante o debate racional.

Ideological polarization is surmountable through rational debate.

Formal preposition 'mediante'.

Trata-se de uma irregularidade formal perfeitamente superável.

It is a perfectly surmountable formal irregularity.

Impersonal 'trata-se de'.

A obsolescência programada é um desafio técnico superável.

Planned obsolescence is a surmountable technical challenge.

Academic terminology.

A crise de identidade é superável através do autoconhecimento.

The identity crisis is surmountable through self-knowledge.

Psychological abstract noun.

As barreiras alfandegárias são superáveis com acordos bilaterais.

Customs barriers are surmountable with bilateral agreements.

Geopolitical context.

A entropia social parece ser um destino, mas é superável pela ordem.

Social entropy seems to be a destiny, but it is surmountable by order.

Abstract philosophical comparison.

A contingência do ser é superável pela transcendência da obra.

The contingency of being is surmountable through the transcendence of the work.

Existentialist terminology.

A opacidade do texto clássico é superável por uma exegese rigorosa.

The opacity of the classical text is surmountable by rigorous exegesis.

Literary criticism vocabulary.

Consideramos que as vicissitudes históricas são inerentes, porém superáveis.

We consider historical vicissitudes to be inherent, yet surmountable.

High-level vocabulary 'vicissitudes'.

A dicotomia entre mente e corpo é uma barreira superável na neurociência.

The dichotomy between mind and body is a surmountable barrier in neuroscience.

Scientific debate context.

A precariedade da condição humana é superável pela solidariedade universal.

The precariousness of the human condition is surmountable by universal solidarity.

Humanistic discourse.

A inércia institucional é superável apenas por uma ruptura paradigmática.

Institutional inertia is surmountable only by a paradigmatic rupture.

Sociological analysis.

O solipsismo é uma armadilha filosófica superável pelo reconhecimento do Outro.

Solipsism is a surmountable philosophical trap through the recognition of the Other.

Philosophical concept 'solipsismo'.

A aparente imutabilidade das leis naturais é superável pela física quântica.

The apparent immutability of natural laws is surmountable by quantum physics.

Scientific theory context.

Common Collocations

Obstáculo superável

Dificuldade superável

Desafio superável

Barreira superável

Problema superável

Limite superável

Crise superável

Trauma superável

Diferença superável

Falha superável

Common Phrases

Tudo é superável

— A common motivational phrase meaning everything can be overcome.

Mantenha a calma, tudo é superável.

Dificuldade perfeitamente superável

— Emphasizes that the problem is not a big deal.

Esta é uma dificuldade perfeitamente superável.

Obstáculo dificilmente superável

— Suggests that overcoming it will be extremely hard but possible.

Enfrentamos um obstáculo dificilmente superável.

Meta superável

— Refers to a goal that can be reached.

Nossa meta de vendas é superável este mês.

Distância superável

— Refers to a gap (physical or metaphorical) that can be closed.

A distância entre nós é superável.

Diferença superável

— Often used in sports to mean a score can be caught up.

A diferença no placar é superável.

Erro superável

— A mistake that can be corrected.

Foi um erro superável, não se preocupe.

Barreira linguística superável

— The idea that language learning is possible.

A barreira linguística é superável com imersão.

Crise superável

— A situation that can be stabilized.

A crise na empresa é superável.

Fobia superável

— A fear that can be cured.

O medo de voar é uma fobia superável.

Often Confused With

superável vs Suportável

Means 'bearable'. You can bear something without overcoming it.

superável vs Vencível

Means 'beatable'. Usually used for people or competitions, not abstract problems.

superável vs Superado

This is the past participle. 'O problema foi superado' (past) vs 'O problema é superável' (potential).

Idioms & Expressions

"Nada é insuperável"

— Everything can be dealt with; there is always a way.

Lembre-se: nada é insuperável.

Motivational

"O céu é o limite"

— There are no limits (the opposite of things being superável, implying infinite growth).

Para quem tem garra, o céu é o limite.

Informal

"Dar a volta por cima"

— To overcome a major setback (the action of making something superável).

Ele faliu, mas deu a volta por cima.

Colloquial

"Águas passadas não movem moinhos"

— The past is over (implies past problems are superáveis because they are gone).

Esqueça isso, águas passadas não movem moinhos.

Proverb

"O que não mata, engorda"

— What doesn't kill you makes you stronger (challenges are superáveis and beneficial).

O trabalho foi duro, mas o que não mata, engorda.

Slang

"Não há mal que sempre dure"

— No bad situation lasts forever (all evil is superável).

Tenha paciência, não há mal que sempre dure.

Proverb

"Bater no teto"

— To reach a limit that might not be superável.

A empresa bateu no teto de crescimento.

Business

"Passar por cima"

— To ignore or overcome an obstacle aggressively.

Ele passou por cima de todos os problemas.

Colloquial

"Fazer do limão uma limonada"

— To turn a problem into an advantage (making the negative superável).

Ela fez do limão uma limonada com a demissão.

Colloquial

"Vencer barreiras"

— To overcome obstacles (the literal action related to superável).

Estamos aqui para vencer barreiras.

Formal

Easily Confused

superável vs Provável

Similar suffix and length.

Provável means likely, superável means surmountable.

É provável que o problema seja superável.

superável vs Saudável

Similar ending.

Saudável means healthy.

Manter uma mente saudável torna os problemas superáveis.

superável vs Variável

Similar ending.

Variável means variable.

O tempo é uma variável superável.

superável vs Vulnerável

Similar ending.

Vulnerável means vulnerable.

O sistema está vulnerável, mas o erro é superável.

superável vs Amável

Similar ending.

Amável means lovely/kind.

Ele é um homem amável que vê tudo como superável.

Sentence Patterns

O [substantivo] é superável.

O medo é superável.

Os [substantivos] são superáveis.

Os problemas são superáveis.

É um [substantivo] superável com [recurso].

É um desafio superável com estudo.

Embora seja [adjetivo], é superável.

Embora seja difícil, é superável.

Trata-se de uma [substantivo] perfeitamente superável.

Trata-se de uma falha perfeitamente superável.

[Substantivo] é superável mediante [ação].

A crise é superável mediante reformas.

A [substantivo] não é senão uma barreira superável.

A finitude não é senão uma barreira superável pela arte.

Dada a natureza do problema, ele se mostra superável.

Word Family

Nouns

Superação (overcoming)

Superador (one who overcomes)

Verbs

Superar (to overcome)

Sobrepujar (to surpass)

Adjectives

Superável

Insuperável

Superado (overcome/outdated)

Superior

Supremo

Superfície

Superavit

Superlativo

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, professional contexts, and psychology.

Common Mistakes

Os problemas são superávels. → Os problemas são superáveis.
Adjectives ending in -el form the plural with -eis.
O medo é superávil. → O medo é superável.
The suffix is -ável, not -ávil.
Um desafio insuperável. → Um desafio superável.
Don't confuse the word with its opposite if you mean it CAN be overcome.
Eu superável o problema. → Eu superei o problema.
Don't confuse the adjective 'superável' with the verb 'superar'.
A barreira é superável de vencer. → A barreira é superável.
'Superável' already implies the action of overcoming; you don't need 'de vencer'.

Tips

Plural Rule

Always change -el to -eis for plurals of paroxytones: superável -> superáveis.

Suffix Power

Learn the -ável suffix to unlock hundreds of Portuguese adjectives like amável, aceitável, and provável.

Professionalism

Use 'superável' in emails to sound more professional when discussing project delays.

The Stress

The accent mark is your friend. It tells you exactly where to put the stress: su-pe-RÁ-vel.

Resilience

In Brazil, 'superação' is a national keyword. Using 'superável' aligns you with this cultural value.

Final L

In most Brazilian accents, the final 'l' sounds like a 'u'. Listen for 'superáve-u'.

Spelling

Don't double the 'p'. It's one 'p' in Portuguese, unlike some English words.

Business Context

Pair it with 'mediante' (through/by means of) for a very formal and sophisticated tone.

Latin Roots

Remember 'super' means 'above'. It helps you remember that the word is about rising above a problem.

Daily Practice

Try to identify one 'obstáculo superável' in your day and say it out loud in Portuguese.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Super' (above) + 'Able'. If it's super-able, you are able to go above it!

Visual Association

Imagine a small hurdle on a running track. You can easily jump over it. That hurdle is 'superável'.

Word Web

Superar Obstáculo Meta Vitória Caminho Barreira Sucesso Esforço

Challenge

Write down three things you find difficult in Portuguese. Next to each, write 'É superável' and one way you will overcome it.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'superabilis', which is the adjective form of 'superare' (to overcome, surmount, or rise above).

Original meaning: Capable of being overcome or conquered.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling someone's grief 'superável' too quickly; it might seem insensitive if they aren't ready to move on.

English speakers often use 'surmountable' but it sounds very formal. In Portuguese, 'superável' is slightly more common in mid-level formal speech.

Ayrton Senna's speeches about overcoming limits. The book 'A Hora da Estrela' by Clarice Lispector (themes of overcoming). Brazilian 'novelas' often feature 'superação' arcs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Meetings

Déficit superável
Meta superável
Conflito superável
Risco superável

Psychology

Trauma superável
Medo superável
Fobia superável
Luto superável

Sports

Recorde superável
Vantagem superável
Marca superável
Adversário superável

Legal/Bureaucracy

Irregularidade superável
Falha superável
Vício superável
Erro superável

Academic Writing

Limitação superável
Lacuna superável
Barreira superável
Dificuldade superável

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o medo de falar em público é realmente superável?"

"Qual foi o maior obstáculo superável que você já enfrentou no trabalho?"

"Na sua opinião, a barreira da língua é superável em quanto tempo?"

"Você acredita que todos os traumas de infância são superáveis?"

"Como podemos tornar esse desafio mais superável para a equipe?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você enfrentou uma dificuldade que parecia insuperável, mas provou ser superável.

Quais são os limites da tecnologia? Existe algo que você considera realmente insuperável?

Reflita sobre como a palavra 'superável' muda sua perspectiva sobre seus problemas atuais.

Escreva sobre um recorde mundial que você acha que é superável nos próximos dez anos.

Como a educação pode tornar os problemas sociais mais superáveis em nossa comunidade?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Rarely. You would say a person is 'vencível' (beatable) in a game, but 'superável' is for the obstacles they present.

The plural is 'superáveis'. The 'l' changes to 'is'.

It sounds too formal. Use 'tem conserto' instead.

Yes, the verb is 'superar'.

No, adjectives ending in -el are the same for masculine and feminine nouns.

The opposite is 'insuperável'.

It is a single tap 'r', like the 'tt' in the American English pronunciation of 'better'.

It is common in formal writing and news, less common in casual street talk.

Yes, it is a great word to use when discussing how you handle challenges.

Primarily it is an adjective, but it can be used as a noun in philosophical contexts (e.g., 'o superável').