This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #1,800 most common 14 min read

tendência

Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tendência in 30 Seconds

Explanation tendência in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to build their Portuguese vocabulary. The word 'tendência' is generally considered too advanced for absolute beginners to use actively, as it deals with abstract concepts like trends and inclinations. However, an A1 learner might encounter this word passively, especially if they are interested in shopping, fashion, or social media. They might see it in a magazine headline like 'Tendências de Verão' (Summer Trends) or hear it in a clothing store. At this stage, the primary goal is simply recognition. A learner should understand that when they see 'tendência' in a fashion context, it means 'trend' or what is currently popular. They do not need to worry about the complex grammatical structures or the behavioral meanings of the word. A simple association between 'tendência' and 'moda' (fashion) is sufficient for an A1 student. They might learn to say simple phrases like 'É uma tendência' (It is a trend) by memorizing it as a fixed chunk of language, rather than understanding the underlying grammar. Overall, exposure is key at this level, laying the groundwork for deeper comprehension later.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their ability to describe the world around them expands. They begin to talk about their routines, preferences, and basic observations. At this stage, 'tendência' becomes a more useful tool, primarily in the context of fashion, shopping, and simple popular culture. An A2 learner can start using the word to describe what people are wearing or buying. For example, they might say, 'A tendência agora é usar tênis branco' (The trend now is to wear white sneakers). They can also begin to understand its use in simple news headlines or advertisements. Furthermore, A2 learners can start exploring the behavioral aspect of the word in a very basic way, using it to describe simple habits. They might learn the structure 'ter tendência a' (to have a tendency to) to talk about themselves or their friends, such as 'Eu tenho tendência a dormir tarde' (I have a tendency to sleep late). While they might still make mistakes with prepositions or verb forms, their communicative intent will be clear. The focus at A2 is on practical, everyday usage of the word in familiar contexts.

At the B1 level, learners reach a threshold of independence where they can discuss a wider range of topics, including abstract ideas, opinions, and societal observations. 'Tendência' becomes a core vocabulary word at this stage. B1 learners are expected to use the word confidently in both its primary meanings: as a societal/market trend and as a personal inclination. They can participate in discussions about current events, saying things like, 'Há uma tendência de as pessoas comerem menos carne' (There is a trend of people eating less meat). They should also be comfortable using it to describe personality traits or habits, employing the correct prepositions and infinitive verbs: 'Ele tem tendência a ser pessimista' (He has a tendency to be pessimistic). At this level, learners should also start recognizing and using common collocations, such as 'seguir a tendência' (to follow the trend) or 'tendência de mercado' (market trend). They will encounter the word frequently in news articles, podcasts, and intermediate reading materials. The B1 learner understands the versatility of 'tendência' and can use it to add depth and nuance to their descriptions of the world and the people in it.

Upon reaching the B2 level, learners are capable of understanding and producing complex, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects. Their use of 'tendência' should reflect this advanced proficiency. B2 learners will use the word extensively in professional, academic, and analytical contexts. They can confidently discuss economic graphs, using terms like 'tendência de alta' (upward trend) and 'tendência de baixa' (downward trend). They can analyze societal shifts, discussing 'tendências demográficas' (demographic trends) or 'tendências de consumo' (consumer trends) with ease. In terms of behavior and psychology, a B2 learner can use 'tendência' to discuss nuanced character traits and predispositions, perhaps contrasting it with words like 'hábito' or 'personalidade'. They are expected to have mastered the grammatical structures associated with the word, including the correct use of the crasis (e.g., 'tendência à obesidade') and complex prepositional phrases. At this level, 'tendência' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to structure arguments, analyze data, and express sophisticated opinions about the trajectory of society, business, and human behavior.

At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the language. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. The use of 'tendência' at this level is highly nuanced and sophisticated. C1 learners will employ the word in complex academic, literary, and professional discourses. They might use it to discuss abstract philosophical concepts, political leanings ('tendência ideológica'), or intricate market analyses. They are comfortable with idiomatic and figurative uses of the word and can easily distinguish it from its close synonyms like 'propensão', 'viés', or 'inclinação', choosing the exact right word for the specific context. A C1 learner might write an essay analyzing the 'tendências macroeconômicas' (macroeconomic trends) of a region or debate the 'tendências comportamentais' (behavioral tendencies) of a specific generation. They understand the subtle connotations of the word—whether it implies a positive evolution, a negative decline, or a neutral statistical observation—and use it to craft persuasive, articulate, and highly precise arguments in both spoken and written Portuguese.

The C2 level represents mastery of the language, where the learner's proficiency is virtually indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. At this pinnacle of language learning, the word 'tendência' is used with absolute precision, elegance, and rhetorical power. C2 learners manipulate the word effortlessly across all possible registers, from highly technical scientific papers to evocative literary prose. They might use it to describe the overarching zeitgeist of an era, the subtle stylistic leanings of an author, or the complex, multi-variable trends in advanced statistical modeling. They are fully aware of the etymological roots of the word and how its historical meaning informs its modern usage. A C2 speaker can play with the concept of 'tendência', perhaps subverting its usual meaning for poetic effect or using it to construct complex, multi-layered metaphors about the human condition or the passage of time. At this level, vocabulary is not just about knowing definitions; it is about wielding words as instruments of profound expression, and 'tendência' is utilized to its absolute fullest potential to articulate the most complex dynamics of change and inclination.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tendência in 30 Seconds

Direction of change.
Fashion or market trend.
Personal habit or inclination.
Statistical movement.

The Portuguese word 'tendência' is a versatile and widely used noun that translates primarily to 'trend' or 'tendency' in English. Understanding its meaning requires exploring its application across various contexts, from fashion and pop culture to economics, statistics, and human behavior. At its core, 'tendência' describes a general direction in which something is developing, changing, or moving over a specific period. It implies a pattern or an inclination that can be observed, measured, or felt within a society, a market, or an individual. When we speak of a 'tendência', we are often referring to the collective movement of a group of people towards a particular style, ideology, or consumer habit. For instance, in the world of fashion, a 'tendência' dictates what colors, fabrics, and silhouettes will be popular in the upcoming season.

A nova tendência do verão são as cores vibrantes.

This usage is incredibly common in magazines, blogs, and social media platforms where influencers and designers discuss what is currently 'in' or 'out'. However, the meaning of 'tendência' extends far beyond the superficial realm of fashion. In economics and finance, it is a critical concept used to describe the upward or downward movement of markets, stock prices, or consumer spending.

Economic Context: In finance, a 'tendência de alta' means an upward trend or bull market, while a 'tendência de baixa' indicates a downward trend or bear market.

Analysts and investors constantly monitor these 'tendências' to make informed decisions. Furthermore, in sociology and demographics, 'tendência' refers to shifts in population behavior, such as migration patterns, birth rates, or changes in societal values.

Existe uma tendência crescente de trabalho remoto.

This illustrates how the word captures the evolution of human organization and lifestyle. Another crucial dimension of 'tendência' is its psychological or behavioral application. In this sense, it translates to 'tendency' or 'inclination', describing a person's natural or habitual predisposition to act in a certain way, feel a certain emotion, or make specific choices. For example, someone might have a tendency to procrastinate, to overthink, or to be optimistic.

Ele tem a tendência de falar muito rápido quando está nervoso.

This behavioral aspect makes the word indispensable in everyday conversations about personality, psychology, and interpersonal relationships.

Behavioral Context: Refers to an innate or acquired habit, often used to explain why someone reacts in a predictable manner under specific circumstances.

The etymology of the word traces back to the Latin 'tendentia', derived from 'tendere', which means to stretch, extend, or aim towards. This historical root perfectly encapsulates the modern usage of the word: a stretching or aiming towards a particular future state or behavior.

A tendência do mercado é de estabilização.

Whether we are analyzing a graph showing climate change, discussing the latest viral dance on the internet, or observing a friend's recurring habits, 'tendência' is the linguistic tool we use to describe the trajectory of change. It is a word that inherently implies movement, evolution, and the passage of time. By mastering the various nuances of 'tendência', learners of Portuguese can significantly enrich their vocabulary, enabling them to participate in complex discussions about society, economics, fashion, and human psychology with greater fluency and precision.

Statistical Context: In data analysis, a trend line or 'linha de tendência' visually represents the overall direction of the data points, ignoring short-term fluctuations.

Os gráficos mostram uma tendência de aquecimento global.

In summary, 'tendência' is not just a translation for 'trend'; it is a comprehensive concept that captures the essence of directional change and behavioral inclination across multiple disciplines and everyday life scenarios.

Using the word 'tendência' correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its collocations, prepositions, and the specific verbs that frequently accompany it. Because 'tendência' can mean both a societal trend and a personal inclination, the grammatical structures surrounding it often shift depending on the intended meaning. Let us first examine how to use 'tendência' when referring to a personal habit or behavioral inclination. In this context, the most common verb to use is 'ter' (to have). The structure is typically 'ter (uma) tendência a' or 'ter (uma) tendência para', followed by an infinitive verb or a noun.

Eu tenho a tendência de acordar cedo.

Both 'a' and 'para' are acceptable prepositions here, though 'a' is slightly more common in everyday spoken Brazilian Portuguese, while 'para' might be seen in more formal or written contexts.

Preposition Usage: Use 'tendência a' or 'tendência para' when describing an inclination toward an action or state. Example: tendência à depressão (tendency towards depression).

When using the preposition 'a' followed by a feminine noun, remember to use the crasis (crase): 'tendência à'. Now, let us shift to the usage of 'tendência' as a societal, economic, or fashion trend. Here, the verbs change. You don't usually 'have' a trend; rather, trends are created, followed, or observed. Common verbs include 'seguir' (to follow), 'ditar' (to dictate/set), 'lançar' (to launch/start), and 'observar' (to observe).

Os influenciadores digitais costumam ditar a tendência da moda.

If you want to say that someone is fashionable or up-to-date, you might say they are 'seguindo as tendências' (following the trends).

Setting Trends: The phrase 'ditar a tendência' or 'lançar tendência' is the direct equivalent of 'to set a trend' in English.

In business and economics, 'tendência' is often accompanied by adjectives that describe its direction or strength. You will frequently encounter phrases like 'tendência de alta' (upward trend), 'tendência de baixa' (downward trend), 'tendência de crescimento' (growth trend), or 'tendência de mercado' (market trend).

As ações da empresa mostram uma forte tendência de alta.

In these contexts, the word is treated as a measurable metric. You might also hear 'inverter a tendência' (to reverse the trend), which is a crucial concept in financial analysis. Furthermore, 'tendência' can be used to describe the general theme or leaning of a piece of art, literature, or political movement. For instance, a political party might have a 'tendência conservadora' (conservative leaning) or a 'tendência liberal' (liberal leaning).

O novo governo tem uma tendência mais progressista.

When writing or speaking in Portuguese, it is important to match the adjective to the feminine noun 'tendência'. Therefore, it is always 'uma tendência clara', 'uma nova tendência', or 'uma forte tendência'.

Adjective Agreement: Always ensure that adjectives modifying 'tendência' are in the feminine singular or plural form, such as 'tendências modernas'.

As tendências atuais indicam uma mudança de comportamento.

By mastering these collocations and grammatical structures, learners can seamlessly integrate 'tendência' into their vocabulary, whether they are discussing their personal habits, analyzing the stock market, or chatting about the latest fashion crazes.

The word 'tendência' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese language, appearing across a wide spectrum of media, professional environments, and casual conversations. Its versatility means that a learner will encounter it in vastly different contexts, each highlighting a specific nuance of the word. One of the most prominent places you will hear 'tendência' is in the fashion and beauty industry. Open any Brazilian or Portuguese fashion magazine, such as Vogue Brasil or Elle, or scroll through the Instagram feed of a fashion influencer, and the word will appear repeatedly.

Esta bota é a maior tendência do inverno europeu.

In this context, it is used to describe the styles, colors, and garments that are currently popular or predicted to become popular. Fashion shows, beauty blogs, and retail advertisements heavily rely on this term to drive consumer interest.

Media & Entertainment: Entertainment news often discusses 'tendências' in music, movies, and pop culture, such as viral TikTok dances or popular streaming genres.

Beyond fashion, 'tendência' is a staple in the corporate and financial worlds. If you watch a business news channel like CNN Brasil or read the economic section of a newspaper like Valor Econômico, you will constantly hear analysts discussing market trends.

A tendência da inflação é de queda para o próximo trimestre.

Here, the word is stripped of its glamorous connotations and is used as a clinical, statistical term to describe the trajectory of prices, interest rates, or consumer confidence. Similarly, in the technology sector, 'tendência' is used to describe emerging technologies and shifts in user behavior, such as the trend towards artificial intelligence or cloud computing.

Tech Industry: Tech blogs and podcasts frequently discuss 'tendências tecnológicas' to predict what the next big innovation will be.

You will also hear 'tendência' in academic and scientific discourse. Sociologists, psychologists, and researchers use the term to describe behavioral patterns within a population.

O estudo revelou uma tendência preocupante entre os jovens.

For example, a study might reveal a tendency towards increased anxiety among teenagers, or a demographic shift showing a tendency towards urbanization. In these contexts, the word conveys a sense of objective observation and data-driven analysis. Finally, in everyday casual conversation, you will hear people use 'tendência' to describe personal habits or the predictable behavior of friends and family.

Minha mãe tem a tendência de guardar coisas velhas.

It is a polite and somewhat analytical way of pointing out someone's quirks or recurring actions.

Everyday Conversations: Used informally to describe someone's predictable habits, often with a tone of mild amusement or frustration.

Ele tem tendência a se atrasar para tudo.

Whether you are reading a high-fashion editorial, analyzing a stock portfolio, studying a sociological report, or just gossiping with a friend about someone's chronic lateness, 'tendência' is a word that will undoubtedly cross your path, making it an essential vocabulary item for any serious learner of Portuguese.

While 'tendência' is a relatively straightforward word for English speakers to grasp due to its cognate status with 'tendency', there are several common pitfalls and grammatical errors that learners frequently make. One of the most prevalent mistakes involves the incorrect use of prepositions when describing a personal habit or inclination. English speakers often try to translate 'tendency of doing something' directly, leading to awkward phrasing.

INCORRECT: Ele tem uma tendência de fazendo isso.

In Portuguese, you must use the infinitive form of the verb, not the gerund. The correct structure is 'ter tendência a [infinitive]' or 'ter tendência de [infinitive]'.

Verb Form Error: Never use the gerund (e.g., fazendo, comendo) after 'tendência a/de'. Always use the infinitive (fazer, comer).

CORRECT: Ele tem a tendência de fazer isso.

Another common mistake is confusing 'tendência' with 'moda' (fashion). While 'tendência' can refer to a fashion trend, 'moda' is specifically about the clothing, style, or the state of being popular. You can say 'estar na moda' (to be in fashion), but you cannot say 'estar na tendência'.

Moda vs. Tendência: 'Moda' is the established current state. 'Tendência' is the movement toward a future state.

Learners also struggle with the gender of the word. 'Tendência' is a feminine noun, ending in '-ência', which is a typical feminine suffix in Portuguese. Therefore, any articles or adjectives modifying it must also be feminine.

INCORRECT: O novo tendência é muito popular.

It must always be 'a nova tendência'. Additionally, learners sometimes misuse the word when talking about statistical probabilities. While 'tendência' implies a likelihood, it is not a direct synonym for 'probabilidade' (probability) or 'chance' (chance).

CORRECT: Há uma alta probabilidade de chuva, seguindo a tendência climática.

Finally, pronunciation can be a stumbling block. The circumflex accent on the 'e' (tên) indicates a closed vowel sound, and the stress falls on this syllable. English speakers often pronounce it with an open 'e' or stress the wrong syllable.

Pronunciation Error: Ensure the stress is on the 'dên' syllable, and the 'e' is pronounced with a closed, nasal quality due to the following 'n'.

A pronúncia correta de tendência requer atenção ao acento circunflexo.

By paying attention to these common mistakes—specifically regarding prepositions, verb forms, noun gender, semantic nuances, and pronunciation—learners can use 'tendência' with the accuracy and confidence of a native speaker.

Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of 'tendência' involves exploring several synonyms and related terms that offer slightly different shades of meaning. While 'tendência' is an excellent all-purpose word, knowing its alternatives allows for more precise and expressive communication. One of the most common related words is 'moda' (fashion/trend). As discussed previously, 'moda' refers specifically to what is currently popular, especially in clothing and lifestyle.

Essa roupa está na moda, é uma forte tendência.

Moda: Use 'moda' when referring to the current state of popularity, rather than the directional movement toward it.

Another excellent synonym, particularly in behavioral contexts, is 'inclinação' (inclination). This word is often used interchangeably with 'tendência' when describing a person's natural predisposition or preference.

Ele tem uma inclinação natural para as artes, uma verdadeira tendência criativa.

'Inclinação' sounds slightly more formal and is often used in psychological or academic descriptions of character. For example, a doctor might discuss a patient's 'propensão a doenças cardíacas' (propensity for heart disease).

Propensão: A highly formal synonym, often used in medical, scientific, or academic writing to indicate a vulnerability or strong likelihood.

In the context of direction or movement, the word 'rumo' (course/direction) can sometimes overlap with 'tendência'. If you are talking about the direction the economy is taking, you might say 'o rumo da economia' instead of 'a tendência da economia'.

O rumo dos negócios segue a tendência do mercado global.

However, 'rumo' implies a more definitive path, whereas 'tendência' implies a general leaning. Another interesting related term is 'viés' (bias). While 'viés' primarily means a prejudice or cognitive bias, in statistical terms, it can describe a systematic deviation that resembles a trend.

Viés: Used to describe a skewed direction or a cognitive bias, rather than a neutral trend.

Finally, the word 'hábito' (habit) is related to the behavioral aspect of 'tendência'. If a tendency is repeated enough, it becomes a habit.

Sua tendência de roer as unhas virou um mau hábito.

Compreender a diferença entre uma tendência passageira e um hábito duradouro é essencial.

By understanding the subtle differences between 'tendência', 'moda', 'inclinação', 'propensão', 'rumo', 'viés', and 'hábito', learners can articulate complex ideas about society, behavior, and direction with much greater nuance and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Use of the crasis (crase) before feminine nouns: tendência à.

Infinitive verbs after prepositions: tendência a fazer.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns: uma nova tendência.

Pluralization of words ending in -ência: tendências.

Difference between 'ter' (to have a tendency) and 'ser' (to be a trend).

Examples by Level

A cor rosa é a nova tendência.

The color pink is the new trend.

Basic subject-verb-complement structure.

Eu gosto dessa tendência.

I like this trend.

Using 'gostar de' with the demonstrative 'dessa'.

O que é tendência agora?

What is a trend now?

Simple question format.

Esta música é tendência.

This song is a trend.

Using 'tendência' as an adjective-like complement.

Sigo a tendência da moda.

I follow the fashion trend.

First-person present tense of 'seguir'.

A tendência é usar botas.

The trend is to wear boots.

'Tendência' followed by the verb 'ser' and an infinitive.

Vejo a tendência na TV.

I see the trend on TV.

Simple present tense of 'ver'.

É uma tendência de verão.

It is a summer trend.

Using 'de' to specify the type of trend.

As redes sociais criam muitas tendências.

Social networks create many trends.

Plural form 'tendências'.

Ela tem tendência a falar alto.

She has a tendency to speak loudly.

Structure 'ter tendência a' + infinitive.

Qual é a tendência para o inverno?

What is the trend for winter?

Using 'para' to indicate a future season.

Muitos jovens seguem essa tendência.

Many young people follow this trend.

Subject-verb agreement with a plural subject.

A tendência dos preços é subir.

The trend of prices is to go up.

Using 'tendência' to describe a direction.

Eu não gosto de seguir tendências.

I don't like to follow trends.

Negative sentence with an infinitive verb.

A tendência de maquiagem mudou.

The makeup trend changed.

Past tense (perfeito) of the verb 'mudar'.

Ele tem uma tendência natural para a música.

He has a natural tendency for music.

Using 'para' followed by a noun.

Existe uma tendência crescente de trabalho remoto nas empresas.

There is a growing trend of remote work in companies.

Using the adjective 'crescente' to modify 'tendência'.

Os analistas observam uma tendência de alta no mercado financeiro.

Analysts observe an upward trend in the financial market.

Common financial collocation 'tendência de alta'.

Ela tem a tendência de procrastinar quando está estressada.

She has the tendency to procrastinate when she is stressed.

Complex sentence linking a behavioral tendency to a condition.

A nova tendência de consumo foca na sustentabilidade.

The new consumption trend focuses on sustainability.

Using 'focar em' with a specific type of trend.

É importante analisar a tendência antes de investir dinheiro.

It is important to analyze the trend before investing money.

Infinitive phrase used as the subject of the sentence.

A tendência demográfica mostra um envelhecimento da população.

The demographic trend shows an aging of the population.

Using a specific adjective 'demográfica' to categorize the trend.

Ele contrariou a tendência e abriu um negócio físico.

He went against the trend and opened a physical business.

Using the verb 'contrariar' (to go against).

As tendências da moda são cíclicas e sempre retornam.

Fashion trends are cyclical and always return.

Using adjectives to describe the nature of trends.

A linha de tendência no gráfico indica uma estabilização das vendas.

The trendline on the graph indicates a stabilization of sales.

Specific statistical term 'linha de tendência'.

Há uma forte tendência à polarização no atual cenário político.

There is a strong tendency towards polarization in the current political scenario.

Mandatory use of the crasis 'à' before a feminine noun.

O viés cognitivo explica nossa tendência de ignorar fatos contrários.

Cognitive bias explains our tendency to ignore contrary facts.

Connecting psychological concepts with 'tendência de' + infinitive.

As macrotendências globais apontam para a digitalização total dos serviços.

Global macro-trends point to the total digitization of services.

Use of the prefix 'macro' to form 'macrotendências'.

Inverter a tendência de queda exigirá medidas econômicas drásticas.

Reversing the downward trend will require drastic economic measures.

Infinitive phrase 'inverter a tendência' acting as the subject.

O estudo revelou uma tendência estatisticamente significativa entre os jovens.

The study revealed a statistically significant trend among young people.

Using adverbs to modify adjectives describing the trend.

A arquitetura moderna tem uma tendência minimalista, priorizando a função.

Modern architecture has a minimalist tendency, prioritizing function.

Using a gerund 'priorizando' to explain the tendency.

Apesar das flutuações diárias, a tendência de longo prazo permanece positiva.

Despite daily fluctuations, the long-term trend remains positive.

Contrasting short-term events with a 'tendência de longo prazo'.

A propensão ao risco é uma tendência comportamental inata em certos indivíduos.

Risk propensity is an innate behavioral tendency in certain individuals.

Using advanced vocabulary ('propensão', 'inata') alongside 'tendência'.

O relatório mitiga as preocupações ao contextualizar a tendência inflacionária.

The report mitigates concerns by contextualizing the inflationary trend.

Using 'tendência' as an adjective 'inflacionária'.

Observa-se uma tendência subjacente de descontentamento nas entrelinhas do discurso.

An underlying tendency of discontent is observed between the lines of the speech.

Passive voice 'Observa-se' and advanced adjective 'subjacente'.

A vanguarda artística frequentemente antecipa tendências socioculturais complexas.

The artistic avant-garde frequently anticipates complex sociocultural trends.

Using 'tendências' as the direct object of 'antecipa'.

A tendência à obsolescência programada levanta sérios questionamentos éticos.

The tendency towards planned obsolescence raises serious ethical questions.

Crasis usage 'à' with a complex abstract noun 'obsolescência'.

O algoritmo foi calibrado para identificar microtendências no comportamento do usuário.

The algorithm was calibrated to identify micro-trends in user behavior.

Use of the prefix 'micro' to form 'microtendências'.

A tendência hegemônica do mercado sufoca o surgimento de iniciativas independentes.

The hegemonic tendency of the market suffocates the emergence of independent initiatives.

Using 'hegemônica' to describe a dominant trend.

É imperativo discernir entre uma flutuação anômala e uma tendência secular.

It is imperative to discern between an anomalous fluctuation and a secular trend.

Using 'tendência secular' (a long-term, non-cyclical trend).

A ontologia da modernidade líquida pressupõe uma tendência à efemeridade das relações.

The ontology of liquid modernity presupposes a tendency towards the ephemerality of relationships.

Highly academic phrasing using sociological concepts.

O autor disseca a tendência atávica da humanidade para o conflito tribal.

The author dissects humanity's atavistic tendency for tribal conflict.

Literary use of 'atávica' to describe a deep-rooted tendency.

A análise econométrica corrobora a hipótese de uma tendência assintótica no crescimento.

The econometric analysis corroborates the hypothesis of an asymptotic trend in growth.

Technical statistical terminology 'tendência assintótica'.

A dialética histórica revela uma tendência inexorável à síntese dos opostos.

Historical dialectics reveal an inexorable tendency towards the synthesis of opposites.

Philosophical context using 'inexorável'.

A jurisprudência recente denota uma tendência garantista nas cortes superiores.

Recent jurisprudence denotes a guarantor tendency in the superior courts.

Legal terminology 'tendência garantista'.

A exegese do texto sagrado aponta para uma tendência escatológica subjacente.

The exegesis of the sacred text points to an underlying eschatological tendency.

Theological context using 'escatológica'.

A tendência entrópica do universo dita a irreversibilidade da flecha do tempo.

The entropic tendency of the universe dictates the irreversibility of the arrow of time.

Physics context using 'entrópica'.

O romance captura a melancolia de uma geração definida por sua tendência à inércia.

The novel captures the melancholy of a generation defined by its tendency towards inertia.

Literary critique style phrasing.

Common Collocations

tendência de alta

tendência de baixa

seguir a tendência

ditar a tendência

linha de tendência

tendência de mercado

ter tendência a

tendência natural

forte tendência

nova tendência

Common Phrases

estar na tendência

inverter a tendência

tendência do momento

tendência de crescimento

tendência de queda

tendência secular

tendência de longo prazo

tendência de curto prazo

tendência comportamental

tendência global

Often Confused With

tendência vs moda

tendência vs hábito

tendência vs probabilidade

Idioms & Expressions

"ir contra a tendência"

"nadar contra a tendência"

"pegar a tendência"

"surfar na tendência"

"estar à frente da tendência"

"marcar tendência"

"criar tendência"

"ser tendência"

"virar tendência"

"acompanhar a tendência"

Easily Confused

tendência vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

regionalisms

Universally understood across all Portuguese-speaking regions with no significant semantic variations.

context warnings

Do not use 'tendência' to mean a mathematical probability (chance). Use 'probabilidade' instead.

Common Mistakes

Using the gerund instead of the infinitive after 'tendência a/de'.
Treating 'tendência' as a masculine noun ('o tendência').
Confusing 'tendência' (the movement) with 'moda' (the current state).
Using 'tendência' to mean a mathematical probability or percentage chance.
Mispronouncing the stressed syllable, placing it on 'ci' instead of 'dên'.

Tips

Use the Infinitive

When describing a habit, always follow 'tendência a' or 'tendência de' with an infinitive verb, never a gerund. Say 'tendência a falar' not 'tendência a falando'.

Cognate Advantage

Rely on the English word 'tendency'. The spelling, pronunciation, and dual meanings (trend/inclination) are incredibly similar, making this an easy word to master.

Nasal Vowels

Practice the nasal sounds. Both the first 'en' and the stressed 'ên' require air to pass through your nose. Pinch your nose while saying it to feel the vibration.

Feminine Agreement

Always double-check your adjectives. It is a common mistake to write 'o novo tendência'. It must always be 'a nova tendência'.

Financial Vocabulary

If you work in business, memorize the collocations 'tendência de alta' (upward trend) and 'tendência de baixa' (downward trend) as they are essential.

Fashion Context

In Brazil, the word is heavily associated with fashion and influencers. Using it in casual conversation about clothes will make you sound very natural.

The Crasis Rule

Pay attention to the crasis (à). If you say someone has a tendency toward violence (violência, a feminine noun), it must be written as 'tendência à violência'.

Vary Your Vocabulary

To sound more advanced, try swapping 'tendência' for 'propensão' or 'inclinação' when discussing psychology or personal habits.

Listen to the News

Watch Brazilian economic news segments. You will hear 'tendência' used repeatedly in a formal, statistical context, which helps solidify its meaning.

Polite Criticism

Use 'ter tendência a' as a polite way to point out a flaw. Saying 'ele tem tendência a se atrasar' is softer than saying 'ele está sempre atrasado'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'tendency' in English; it sounds almost identical and means the exact same thing. A 'tendency' is a 'tendência'.

Word Origin

Cultural Context

Highly used in social media and fashion contexts by digital influencers.

Used similarly, but perhaps with a slightly more formal tone in everyday news.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Qual você acha que será a próxima grande tendência da moda?"

"Você tem tendência a ser otimista ou pessimista?"

"Como você avalia a tendência atual da economia do país?"

"Você costuma seguir as tendências das redes sociais?"

"Qual tendência tecnológica mais te assusta?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma tendência de moda que você seguiu no passado e hoje acha engraçada.

Descreva uma tendência de comportamento que você observa na sua geração.

Você tem alguma tendência ou hábito que gostaria de mudar? Explique.

Como as tendências da internet afetam a saúde mental dos jovens?

Analise uma tendência de mercado na sua área profissional.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. In Portuguese, 'tendência' perfectly encapsulates both the English concept of a societal or market 'trend' and a personal behavioral 'tendency'. The context of the sentence will make it clear which meaning is intended.

Both are correct and widely used. 'Ter tendência a [infinitive]' is slightly more common in everyday speech, while 'ter tendência de [infinitive]' is also perfectly acceptable. For example, 'tendência a chorar' and 'tendência de chorar' are both correct.

It is a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'a tendência', 'uma tendência', 'nova tendência', or 'tendência clara'.

There isn't a single direct noun translation. Instead, Portuguese uses a verb phrase: 'quem dita a tendência' (who dictates the trend) or 'lançador de tendências' (launcher of trends).

'Moda' refers to the current state of what is popular, the established fashion. 'Tendência' refers to the direction things are moving, the emerging style before it becomes fully established as the norm.

Yes. 'Tendência' is a neutral word. You can have a 'tendência de alta' (positive economic trend) or a 'tendência à depressão' (negative personal tendency).

It translates to 'market trend'. It is a very common phrase in business and economics to describe the general direction in which a specific market is moving.

The circumflex accent indicates a closed vowel sound. Because it is followed by an 'n', it becomes a closed, nasal 'e', similar to the 'en' in the French word 'en' or the English word 'pain' but more nasalized.

If the word following 'tendência a' is a feminine noun that requires a definite article, you must use the crasis (à). For example, 'tendência à obesidade'. If it's a verb, use just 'a' (tendência a comer).

It is the direct translation of 'trendline', used in statistics and data analysis to show the general direction of data points on a graph.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence describing a current fashion trend using 'tendência'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'tendência' with a descriptive context.