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A2 verb 11 min read

ter orgulho

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ter orgulho in 30 Seconds

Explanation ter orgulho in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'ter orgulho' as a simple way to express a strong positive feeling about someone or something. You should focus on the present tense 'Eu tenho' and the preposition 'de'. At this stage, it's a fixed phrase you use to say you are happy for a friend or family member. It is one of the first emotional expressions you learn after 'gostar' (to like) and 'amar' (to love). You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet; just focus on saying 'Eu tenho orgulho de você' (I am proud of you) or 'Ele tem orgulho da casa' (He is proud of the house). It is a very useful phrase for basic social interactions and for building positive relationships with native speakers. You will mostly hear it in family contexts or simple praise. The grammar is straightforward: Subject + Verb Ter + Orgulho + De + Object. Remember to merge 'de' with 'o' to make 'do' and 'de' with 'a' to make 'da'. This level is all about building the foundation of this emotional connection in your vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ter orgulho' more frequently and in more varied contexts. You can now use it in the past tense to talk about things that happened before, like 'Eu tive orgulho da minha nota' (I was proud of my grade). You also start to use it with other people, like 'Nós temos orgulho de morar aqui' (We are proud to live here). At this level, you should be comfortable using the expression with verbs in the infinitive form, such as 'ter orgulho de aprender' (to be proud of learning). You are also learning to add intensity to the expression using words like 'muito' or 'bastante'. This allows you to show different levels of emotion. You will notice this expression in simple news stories or social media posts. The focus at A2 is on expanding the range of subjects and objects you can connect with this feeling. You are moving beyond just 'you' and 'me' to talk about teams, cities, and collective achievements. It is a key phrase for giving and receiving compliments in everyday Portuguese life.

By the B1 level, you are expected to use 'ter orgulho' with more grammatical complexity, including the subjunctive mood. For example, 'Espero que você tenha orgulho do que fez' (I hope you are proud of what you did). You also begin to distinguish between 'ter orgulho' and the more formal 'orgulhar-se'. You can use the expression to talk about abstract concepts like heritage, culture, and personal values. You might participate in discussions where you explain *why* you have pride in something, using connectors like 'porque' or 'visto que'. At B1, you also understand the subtle difference between positive pride and negative pride (arrogance), and you can use the context to clarify your meaning. You are able to use the conditional tense: 'Eu teria orgulho de trabalhar naquela empresa' (I would be proud to work at that company). Your vocabulary is growing to include related words like 'orgulhosamente' (proudly). This level is about nuance and being able to explain the reasons behind the emotion in a more structured way.

At the B2 level, 'ter orgulho' becomes a tool for more sophisticated expression. You can use it in professional environments to discuss company culture or project successes with confidence. You understand idiomatic uses and can identify when the word 'orgulho' is being used ironically or to describe someone's flaw (hubris). You can handle complex sentence structures, such as 'O fato de ele ter orgulho das suas origens é o que o torna um grande líder' (The fact that he is proud of his origins is what makes him a great leader). At this stage, you are also familiar with synonyms like 'prezar' or 'enaltecer' which can sometimes replace the sentiment in formal writing. You can discuss national identity and the social implications of pride in a country's history. You are comfortable using the expression in all tenses, including the compound tenses like 'Tenho tido muito orgulho do progresso da equipe' (I have been feeling very proud of the team's progress). This level requires you to use the expression naturally in debates and more formal presentations.

At the C1 level, your use of 'ter orgulho' is near-native. You understand the deep cultural connotations of the word in different Lusophone countries. You can use it in literary analysis or high-level academic writing to discuss character motivations or historical movements. You are aware of the philosophical debates surrounding 'orgulho'—the balance between healthy self-esteem and destructive vanity. You can use the expression with subtle irony or in complex rhetorical questions. You might use phrases like 'ferir o orgulho de alguém' (to hurt someone's pride) or 'engolir o orgulho' (to swallow one's pride). Your ability to use the expression is integrated with a wide range of advanced vocabulary, allowing you to describe the *nature* of the pride (e.g., 'orgulho ferido', 'orgulho legítimo', 'orgulho desmedido'). You can write essays or give speeches where 'ter orgulho' is a central theme, exploring its role in social cohesion or individual psychology. At this level, you are not just using the phrase; you are mastering its emotional and social weight.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'ter orgulho' and its place in the Portuguese language's history and evolution. You can identify its Latin roots and how the meaning has shifted over centuries. You use the expression with total spontaneity and can play with its structure for stylistic effect. You are able to understand and use the most obscure synonyms and related idioms. You can engage in high-level discourse about the 'orgulho nacional' and its impact on politics and sociology. You understand how 'ter orgulho' functions in different registers, from the most colloquial street slang to the most elevated poetic language. You can interpret the use of 'orgulho' in classical Portuguese literature, such as the works of Camões or Machado de Assis, where the concept often carries heavy moral weight. At this level, 'ter orgulho' is just one of many tools in your vast linguistic arsenal, used with precision, elegance, and a deep understanding of the cultural soul it represents. You can adapt the expression to any context, ensuring the tone and impact are perfectly aligned with your communicative goals.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ter orgulho in 30 Seconds

A versatile expression meaning 'to be proud,' used in all social levels from family talks to professional feedback in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Grammatically requires the verb 'ter' combined with the noun 'orgulho' and almost always the preposition 'de' to link to the source of pride.
Conveys a positive sense of satisfaction and validation, though the noun 'orgulho' alone can sometimes imply arrogance in specific negative contexts.
Essential for expressing encouragement and recognition, making it a key phrase for building rapport with native Portuguese speakers in any environment.

The Portuguese expression ter orgulho is a cornerstone of emotional vocabulary in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. At its core, it translates to 'to be proud' or 'to have pride.' However, unlike the English adjective 'proud,' the Portuguese version frequently utilizes the verb 'ter' (to have) combined with the noun 'orgulho' (pride), creating a structure that implies a possession of this powerful emotion. It is used to describe the deep sense of satisfaction, pleasure, or admiration one feels toward their own achievements, the accomplishments of others, or even an association with a group, country, or heritage.

Emotional Depth: It represents a positive self-esteem and the validation of effort. When a parent says this to a child, it conveys unconditional support and recognition of the child's growth. It is not merely about vanity; it is about the internal glow that comes from seeing something valuable come to fruition.

Eu tenho muito orgulho da minha trajetória profissional até agora.

In social contexts, 'ter orgulho' is a bridge-builder. It is commonly heard during graduation ceremonies, sports victories, and family gatherings. It serves as a social lubricant that reinforces bonds. In the Lusophone world, expressing pride in one's family is considered a virtuous trait, reflecting a culture that values collective success as much as individual triumph. You will often hear it used with the preposition 'de' (of), which connects the feeling to its source.

Social Validation: Using this phrase indicates that you are paying attention to someone else's journey. It is a form of high praise. In a professional setting, a manager might use it to motivate a team, signaling that their hard work has not gone unnoticed by the leadership.

Os pais têm orgulho dos filhos que estudam com dedicação.

Furthermore, the expression is vital for identity. Phrases like 'ter orgulho de ser brasileiro' or 'ter orgulho das nossas raízes' are common in music, literature, and daily conversation. It anchors a person's sense of belonging. The linguistic structure allows for varying degrees of intensity by adding adverbs like 'muito' (much/very), 'imenso' (immense), or 'enorme' (enormous), allowing the speaker to calibrate the weight of their emotion precisely.

Intensity Variation: By saying 'tenho um orgulho imenso,' you are elevating the sentiment from a simple compliment to a profound declaration of admiration. This flexibility makes it one of the most expressive tools for positive reinforcement in the Portuguese language.

Nós temos orgulho da nossa cultura e das nossas tradições.

Ela sente que tem orgulho de cada pequena vitória conquistada.

Using ter orgulho correctly requires understanding its grammatical partnership with the preposition de. Whenever you are proud *of* something or someone, you must use de, which often contracts with articles (do, da, dos, das). For example, 'ter orgulho do trabalho' (to be proud of the work). The verb 'ter' is conjugated normally according to the subject, making it highly versatile across all tenses.

The Prepositional Link: The connection 'ter orgulho + de' is mandatory when specifying the object of pride. Forgetting the 'de' is a common mistake for English speakers. Think of it as 'having pride *from* or *of* something.'

Eu tenho orgulho de você por nunca desistir dos seus sonhos.

In the present tense, it is a statement of current feeling. 'Eu tenho orgulho' (I am proud). In the past, 'Eu tive orgulho' (I was proud/I felt pride at that moment) or 'Eu tinha orgulho' (I used to be proud). The choice between Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito depends on whether the pride was a specific event or a continuous state. For learners, mastering the present tense 'temos orgulho' (we are proud) is the most immediate way to offer encouragement to friends and colleagues.

Tense Versatility: You can project pride into the future: 'Você vai ter orgulho de si mesmo' (You will be proud of yourself). This is a powerful way to provide encouragement during difficult tasks.

Eles terão muito orgulho quando virem o resultado final do projeto.

When using the expression with verbs, you use the infinitive after the preposition: 'ter orgulho de + [verb]'. For instance, 'Tenho orgulho de falar português' (I am proud to speak Portuguese). This structure is very similar to English but requires the 'de' to remain. You can also use it in the negative to express a lack of pride or disappointment, though 'não ter orgulho' is less common than simply saying 'não estou satisfeito' or using 'ter vergonha' (to be ashamed) for the direct opposite.

Verb Integration: Connecting pride to an action: 'Tenho orgulho de ter ajudado aquela comunidade.' This highlights the accomplishment itself rather than just a person or thing.

Nós não temos orgulho de como a situação foi resolvida ontem.

O professor tem orgulho dos seus alunos mais esforçados.

Finally, 'ter orgulho' can be used reflexively in a slightly different form: 'orgulhar-se de.' While 'ter orgulho' is more common in spoken, everyday Portuguese, 'orgulhar-se' is slightly more formal or literary. For an A2 learner, sticking to 'ter orgulho' is safer and sounds more natural in conversation. It allows you to express deep emotion without sounding overly stiff or academic.

You will encounter ter orgulho in a vast array of real-life situations, ranging from intimate family moments to national broadcasts. In the domestic sphere, it is the standard way for parents to express love and approval. During 'festas de aniversário' (birthday parties) or 'jantares de família' (family dinners), a toast might include a phrase like 'Tenho muito orgulho em todos vocês.' It is a word that carries warmth and sincerity, often accompanied by a hug or a pat on the back.

The Family Dynamic: In Lusophone cultures, family achievements are shared. When one member succeeds, the whole family 'tem orgulho.' It is a collective emotion that reinforces the family unit's strength.

Minha avó sempre diz que tem orgulho da nossa honestidade.

In the professional world, particularly in Brazil, 'ter orgulho' is frequently used in corporate branding and internal communications. Companies often use slogans like 'Temos orgulho de ser daqui' (We are proud to be from here) to foster a sense of local identity and loyalty. During performance reviews, a manager might say, 'Tenho orgulho da sua evolução este ano,' which serves as a powerful motivator. It transitions the relationship from a purely transactional one to one based on mutual respect and recognition.

Corporate Identity: Businesses use this phrase to connect with the community. It humanizes the brand by suggesting that the company itself is capable of feeling the human emotion of pride in its work and its people.

A empresa tem orgulho de apoiar projetos sociais locais.

In media and entertainment, especially in sports commentary, 'ter orgulho' is ubiquitous. When the national football team plays, commentators will say, 'O Brasil tem orgulho desses jogadores' (Brazil is proud of these players), regardless of the final score, as long as the effort was there. In music, particularly in genres like Samba or Fado, the lyrics often revolve around having pride in one's neighborhood ('ter orgulho do meu bairro') or one's history of struggle and survival.

Sports and Media: The phrase becomes a rallying cry. It transforms an individual feeling into a national sentiment, uniting millions of people under a shared sense of accomplishment.

Todo o país tem orgulho da medalha de ouro conquistada.

Eu tenho orgulho de onde eu vim e de tudo o que aprendi.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with ter orgulho is treating it like an adjective instead of a noun-verb combination. In English, we say 'I am proud.' A literal translation often leads students to say 'Eu sou orgulho' or 'Eu estou orgulho,' both of which are incorrect. You must remember that in Portuguese, you 'have' pride. Correct: 'Eu tenho orgulho.'

The 'To Be' vs 'To Have' Trap: Because English uses the verb 'to be' (proud), learners often default to 'ser' or 'estar.' Always visualize yourself 'possessing' the pride like an object you carry.

Incorreto: Eu ~~sou~~ orgulho de você.
Correto: Eu tenho orgulho de você.

Another significant pitfall is the omission of the preposition de. In English, we are proud 'of' something, so this should be intuitive, but learners often forget to contract the preposition with the following article. Saying 'Tenho orgulho o meu filho' is grammatically broken. It must be 'Tenho orgulho do (de + o) meu filho.' Without the preposition, the sentence loses its logical connection, making it difficult for native speakers to process quickly.

Preposition Neglect: Always pair 'ter orgulho' with 'de.' If there is a person or object following, that 'de' is your essential connector. Think of it as a fixed phrase: 'ter-orgulho-de.'

Incorreto: Tenho orgulho ~~meu trabalho~~.
Correto: Tenho orgulho do meu trabalho.

Confusing 'orgulho' with 'orgulhoso' is also common. 'Orgulhoso' is the adjective (proud). While you can say 'Eu estou orgulhoso,' 'ter orgulho' is much more common for expressing deep-seated, long-term feelings. 'Estou orgulhoso' can sometimes imply a temporary state or even a slightly arrogant stance depending on the tone. Using 'ter orgulho' is generally perceived as more heartfelt and humble.

Noun vs Adjective Confusion: Learners often mix the two. Remember: 'Tenho orgulho' (I have pride) vs 'Estou orgulhoso' (I am proud). The first is the standard, most versatile way to express the feeling.

Eles têm orgulho da vitória (Common)
Eles estão orgulhosos da vitória (Less common/More specific).

Não confunda: ter orgulho (to feel pride) com ser uma pessoa orgulhosa (to be conceited).

While ter orgulho is the most frequent way to express pride, the Portuguese language offers several alternatives that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on whether you want to sound more formal, more emotional, or more specific about the source of your satisfaction, you might choose a different expression. Understanding these synonyms helps you move from basic A2 communication to a more sophisticated B1 or B2 level.

Orgulhar-se de: This is the pronominal verb form. It is more formal and often used in writing or serious speeches. Instead of saying 'Eu tenho orgulho,' you say 'Eu me orgulho' (Brazil) or 'Orgulho-me' (Portugal). It feels more deliberate and weighty.
Estar satisfeito com: This translates to 'to be satisfied with.' It is a milder version of pride. It is less emotional and more about meeting a standard or expectation. Use this in business contexts when 'orgulho' might feel too personal.
Vangloriar-se: This is a negative alternative. It means 'to boast' or 'to brag.' While 'ter orgulho' is a quiet, internal feeling or a sincere compliment, 'vangloriar-se' is the outward, annoying display of that pride.

Ele se orgulha de suas raízes humildes. (More formal/Reflexive)

Another interesting alternative is 'sentir-se honrado' (to feel honored). This is often used when the pride comes from an external recognition, like receiving an award or being invited to a prestigious event. It shifts the focus from your own achievement to the respect others have shown you. For a very casual, Brazilian way to express a similar sentiment, you might hear 'ficar todo bobo' (to be all silly/smitten with pride), usually used when someone is showing off pictures of their newborn baby or a new car.

Comparison Table

Ter orgulho: Standard, emotional, sincere.
Estar orgulhoso: Adjective form, can be temporary.
Ter satisfação: More formal, focused on results.
Ufanar-se: Very formal/literary, often used for nationalistic pride.

Sinto uma grande satisfação em ver este projeto concluído. (Professional alternative)

Não quero me vangloriar, mas eu fiz o melhor tempo da prova. (Negative connotation)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Despite its current positive use, in medieval literature, 'orgulho' was often listed as one of the seven deadly sins (pride/superbia), showing how the word's social value has shifted from a religious vice to a personal virtue over centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɛɾ oɾˈɡu.ʎu/

US /ˈtɛʁ oʁˈɡu.ʎu/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'orgulho' (GU).

Rhymes With

entulho mergulho barulho pedregulho bagulho bagulho embrulho desembrulho

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lh' as a simple 'l'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' in 'orgulho' as a strong 'oh' instead of 'oo'.
Failing to flap the 'r' in European Portuguese.
Stress on the first syllable (OR-gulho) instead of the second.
Making the 'e' in 'ter' too closed.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it uses a very common verb 'ter'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the preposition 'de' and its contractions (do/da).

Speaking 3/5

The 'lh' sound in 'orgulho' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clearly audible, though the final 'o' varies by region.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ter de muito filho trabalho

Learn Next

orgulhar-se satisfação honra vergonha vaidade

Advanced

ufanismo soberba altivez dignidade autoestima

Grammar to Know

Contractions with 'de'

de + o = do; de + a = da; de + este = deste.

Verb 'Ter' Conjugation

Eu tenho, Tu tens, Ele tem, Nós temos, Eles têm.

Preposition before Infinitives

Tenho orgulho *de* falar (I am proud to speak).

Subjunctive after emotional expressions

Fico feliz que você *tenha* orgulho.

Placement of 'muito'

Tenho *muito* orgulho (Adverb modifies the noun phrase).

Examples by Level

Eu tenho orgulho de você.

I am proud of you.

Simple present tense of 'ter'.

Ela tem orgulho do filho.

She is proud of her son.

Contraction of 'de + o' = 'do'.

Nós temos orgulho da nossa casa.

We are proud of our house.

Contraction of 'de + a' = 'da'.

Você tem orgulho do seu trabalho?

Are you proud of your work?

Question form using 'ter'.

Eles têm orgulho da escola.

They are proud of the school.

Third person plural 'têm' with a circumflex accent.

Meu pai tem muito orgulho de mim.

My father is very proud of me.

Adding 'muito' for intensity.

Eu não tenho orgulho disso.

I am not proud of that.

Negative form using 'não'.

Ela tem orgulho do seu jardim.

She is proud of her garden.

Possessive 'seu' used with 'do'.

Eu tive muito orgulho de falar português hoje.

I was very proud to speak Portuguese today.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense) of 'ter'.

Nós tínhamos orgulho do nosso time antigo.

We used to be proud of our old team.

Pretérito Imperfeito (continuous past) of 'ter'.

Você vai ter orgulho quando terminar o curso.

You will be proud when you finish the course.

Future structure using 'ir + ter'.

Ela tem orgulho de ser uma boa cozinheira.

She is proud of being a good cook.

Using 'ter orgulho de' followed by an infinitive verb.

Eles têm orgulho de ajudar os vizinhos.

They are proud of helping the neighbors.

Plural subject with an infinitive action.

Tenho orgulho de morar nesta cidade linda.

I am proud to live in this beautiful city.

Subject pronoun omitted (common in Portuguese).

O professor tem orgulho do progresso dos alunos.

The teacher is proud of the students' progress.

Using 'dos' (de + os) for plural masculine object.

Sempre tive orgulho das minhas raízes.

I have always been proud of my roots.

Using 'sempre' (always) with the past tense.

É importante que você tenha orgulho do seu esforço.

It is important that you are proud of your effort.

Present Subjunctive 'tenha' after 'É importante que'.

Se eu ganhasse o prêmio, teria muito orgulho.

If I won the prize, I would be very proud.

Conditional 'teria' used in a hypothetical situation.

Ela se sente feliz por ter orgulho da sua profissão.

She feels happy for being proud of her profession.

Personal infinitive structure 'por ter'.

Eles não querem que ninguém tenha orgulho da violência.

They don't want anyone to be proud of violence.

Negative subjunctive construction.

Mesmo sem dinheiro, ele tinha orgulho da sua dignidade.

Even without money, he was proud of his dignity.

Contrast using 'mesmo sem'.

Temos orgulho de que nossa empresa seja sustentável.

We are proud that our company is sustainable.

Subjunctive 'seja' after 'orgulho de que'.

Você deveria ter orgulho de ter chegado tão longe.

You should be proud of having come so far.

Modal verb 'deveria' + compound infinitive.

O povo tem orgulho de sua história de resistência.

The people are proud of their history of resistance.

Collective noun 'o povo' as subject.

A instituição tem orgulho de fomentar a pesquisa científica.

The institution is proud to promote scientific research.

Formal register with the verb 'fomentar'.

Ter orgulho do próprio país não significa ser cego aos seus problemas.

Being proud of one's own country doesn't mean being blind to its problems.

Infinitive as a subject 'Ter orgulho... não significa'.

Ela tem tido muito orgulho da forma como lidou com a crise.

She has been very proud of the way she handled the crisis.

Present Perfect Continuous 'tem tido'.

Muitos artistas têm orgulho de expressar a realidade das favelas.

Many artists are proud to express the reality of the slums.

Plural agreement with 'muitos artistas'.

Não há nada de errado em ter orgulho das suas conquistas pessoais.

There is nothing wrong with being proud of your personal achievements.

Impersonal 'há' construction.

Ele tem orgulho de ter sido o primeiro da família a ir para a universidade.

He is proud of having been the first in his family to go to university.

Compound past infinitive 'ter sido'.

O treinador disse que tinha orgulho da garra demonstrada pelos jogadores.

The coach said he was proud of the grit shown by the players.

Reported speech using 'disse que tinha'.

Temos orgulho de oferecer um serviço de excelência aos nossos clientes.

We are proud to offer a service of excellence to our customers.

Professional business register.

É um orgulho legítimo que decorre de anos de abnegação.

It is a legitimate pride that stems from years of self-denial.

Advanced vocabulary 'legítimo', 'decorre', 'abnegação'.

Raramente vi alguém ter tanto orgulho de algo tão insignificante.

I have rarely seen someone be so proud of something so insignificant.

Adverbial start 'Raramente' with infinitive 'ter'.

O autor expressa o orgulho de pertencer a uma linhagem de poetas esquecidos.

The author expresses the pride of belonging to a lineage of forgotten poets.

Literary context and structure.

Ter orgulho excessivo pode, por vezes, obscurecer o julgamento crítico.

Having excessive pride can, at times, cloud critical judgment.

Abstract philosophical subject.

A comunidade tem orgulho de ter preservado o dialeto local contra as pressões externas.

The community is proud of having preserved the local dialect against external pressures.

Complex prepositional phrase 'contra as pressões'.

Sinto que ter orgulho do que fazemos é o combustível para a inovação.

I feel that being proud of what we do is the fuel for innovation.

Metaphorical use of 'combustível'.

Ele engoliu o orgulho e admitiu que precisava de ajuda.

He swallowed his pride and admitted he needed help.

Idiomatic expression 'engolir o orgulho'.

A nação tem orgulho de sua resiliência perante as adversidades históricas.

The nation is proud of its resilience in the face of historical adversities.

Formal academic tone.

A dialética entre ter orgulho e manter a humildade permeia toda a obra do filósofo.

The dialectic between having pride and maintaining humility permeates the philosopher's entire work.

High-level academic vocabulary 'dialética', 'permeia'.

Não obstante o seu sucesso, ele jamais deixou que o orgulho lhe subisse à cabeça.

Notwithstanding his success, he never let pride go to his head.

Conjunction 'Não obstante' and idiom 'subir à cabeça'.

O orgulho de que falas assemelha-se mais à vaidade do que à dignidade.

The pride you speak of resembles vanity more than dignity.

Second person singular 'falas' (Portugal) and formal comparison.

Ter orgulho na própria ancestralidade é um ato de resistência em tempos de globalização desenfreada.

Taking pride in one's ancestry is an act of resistance in times of unbridled globalization.

Complex sociopolitical commentary.

A personagem é consumida por um orgulho desmedido que a leva à ruína inevitável.

The character is consumed by an inordinate pride that leads her to inevitable ruin.

Passive voice 'é consumida' and literary 'desmedido'.

Resta-nos apenas ter orgulho de termos tentado, ainda que tenhamos falhado no propósito final.

All that remains for us is to be proud of having tried, even though we failed in the final purpose.

Impersonal 'Resta-nos' and multiple subjunctive uses.

O orgulho ferido é muitas vezes o catalisador de conflitos diplomáticos prolongados.

Wounded pride is often the catalyst for prolonged diplomatic conflicts.

Metaphorical 'catalisador' and political register.

Subjaz a este comportamento um orgulho ferrenho, forjado em décadas de isolamento.

Underlying this behavior is a fierce pride, forged in decades of isolation.

Advanced verb 'Subjaz' and participle 'forjado'.

Common Collocations

ter muito orgulho

ter orgulho próprio

ter orgulho ferido

ter orgulho legítimo

ter orgulho imenso

ter orgulho bobo

ter orgulho de ser

não ter orgulho

ter orgulho da família

sentir um certo orgulho

Common Phrases

É um orgulho!

— Used as an exclamation to say something is a source of great pride. Often said to children or about achievements.

Você passou no teste? É um orgulho!

Com muito orgulho

— Doing something while feeling very proud. Often used when stating one's origin or profession.

Sou professor com muito orgulho.

Cheio de orgulho

— To be completely filled with the emotion of pride. Describes a visible state.

O pai ficou cheio de orgulho na formatura.

Motivo de orgulho

— A reason or cause for feeling proud. Used for people or things.

Este hospital é um motivo de orgulho para a cidade.

Orgulho da mamãe/papai

— A common affectionate phrase for children. Similar to 'Mommy's/Daddy's pride and joy.'

Vem cá, meu orgulho da mamãe!

Pelo meu orgulho

— Doing something because of one's own pride or self-respect. Sometimes implies stubborness.

Não aceitei o dinheiro pelo meu orgulho.

Bater no peito com orgulho

— To show pride very openly and confidently. A physical metaphor.

Ele bate no peito com orgulho ao falar do seu país.

Orgulho de pertencer

— A common corporate or social phrase about the joy of being part of a group.

Nossos funcionários têm orgulho de pertencer a esta equipe.

Ferir o orgulho

— To say or do something that makes someone feel less important or capable.

A crítica feriu o orgulho do jovem escritor.

Deixar o orgulho de lado

— To stop being stubborn or arrogant in order to resolve a situation.

Você precisa deixar o orgulho de lado e pedir ajuda.

Often Confused With

ter orgulho vs ser orgulhoso

This often means 'to be arrogant' or 'to be a conceited person,' whereas 'ter orgulho' is the positive feeling of pride.

ter orgulho vs ter vergonha

The direct antonym. Learners sometimes mix them up when trying to express strong emotions.

ter orgulho vs vaidade

Vaidade (vanity) is focused on appearance and others' opinions, while orgulho is more about internal satisfaction.

Idioms & Expressions

"Engolir o orgulho"

— To accept something humiliating or to apologize when you don't want to for the sake of a larger goal.

Tive que engolir o orgulho e trabalhar com meu rival.

Informal/Neutral

"O orgulho precede a queda"

— A classic proverb suggesting that being too arrogant will lead to failure.

Cuidado, pois o orgulho precede a queda.

Formal/Proverbial

"Subir o orgulho à cabeça"

— When success makes someone become arrogant or conceited.

O sucesso subiu o orgulho à cabeça dele.

Informal

"Ferido no seu orgulho"

— To be deeply offended or hurt in one's self-esteem.

Ele sentiu-se ferido no seu orgulho após o comentário.

Neutral

"Orgulho de pavão"

— Refers to someone who is very vain and shows off, like a peacock.

Ele tem um orgulho de pavão que ninguém suporta.

Informal

"Não caber em si de orgulho"

— To be so proud that you cannot contain the emotion.

Ela não cabia em si de orgulho ao ver a filha no palco.

Neutral/Expressive

"Com o orgulho nas nuvens"

— To be extremely proud, sometimes to an unrealistic degree.

Depois da promoção, ele ficou com o orgulho nas nuvens.

Informal

"Orgulho bobo"

— Pride over something small or unnecessary that prevents progress.

Pare com esse orgulho bobo e ligue para ela.

Informal

"Lavar o orgulho"

— To regain one's dignity or self-respect after a failure.

A vitória de hoje lavou o orgulho da equipe.

Informal/Sports

"Pôr o orgulho no bolso"

— Similar to 'engolir o orgulho'; to hide one's pride to get something done.

Às vezes é preciso pôr o orgulho no bolso para aprender.

Informal

Easily Confused

ter orgulho vs Orgulho vs. Soberba

Both translate to types of pride.

Orgulho is generally positive (satisfaction in effort), while Soberba is always negative (thinking you are better than everyone else).

Ele tem orgulho do trabalho, mas sua soberba afasta os amigos.

ter orgulho vs Orgulho vs. Honra

They are related to self-worth.

Orgulho is a feeling; Honra is a social status or a moral code.

Tenho orgulho de manter a minha honra intacta.

ter orgulho vs Orgulhoso vs. Satisfeito

Both express happiness with a result.

Orgulhoso is more emotional and personal; Satisfeito is more about meeting a requirement.

Estou satisfeito com o preço, mas orgulhoso do produto.

ter orgulho vs Orgulho vs. Vaidade

Both involve self-valuation.

Orgulho is 'I am happy with what I did'; Vaidade is 'I want you to see how great I am'.

O seu orgulho é por mérito, mas sua vaidade é excessiva.

ter orgulho vs Ter orgulho vs. Dar orgulho

Direction of the emotion.

Ter orgulho is the person feeling it; Dar orgulho is the person causing the feeling in someone else.

Eu tenho orgulho de você porque você me dá muito orgulho.

Sentence Patterns

Eu tenho orgulho de [Pessoa].

Eu tenho orgulho de você.

Nós temos orgulho de [Verbo Infinitivo].

Nós temos orgulho de trabalhar aqui.

Espero que você tenha orgulho de [Substantivo].

Espero que você tenha orgulho do seu caminho.

[Sujeito] tem orgulho de ter [Particípio].

Ele tem orgulho de ter vencido o desafio.

Não há como não ter orgulho de [Conceito].

Não há como não ter orgulho de tamanha dedicação.

[Pessoa] não tem orgulho de [Coisa].

Ela não tem orgulho do erro.

Se eu fosse você, teria orgulho de [Pessoa].

Se eu fosse você, teria orgulho de seu irmão.

Subjaz ao seu discurso um profundo ter orgulho de [Abstração].

Subjaz ao seu discurso um profundo ter orgulho de sua herança.

Word Family

Nouns

orgulho (pride)

orgulhoso (proud person)

Verbs

orgulhar (to make proud)

orgulhar-se (to be proud of oneself)

Adjectives

orgulhoso (proud)

desorgulhoso (unproud - rare)

dignidade

autoestima

satisfação

honra

vaidade

How to Use It

frequency

High: Used daily in personal and media contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu sou orgulho de você. → Eu tenho orgulho de você.
You cannot 'be' a noun (pride). You must 'have' pride. Use the verb 'ter'.
Tenho orgulho o meu trabalho. → Tenho orgulho do meu trabalho.
You forgot the preposition 'de' and its contraction with the article 'o'.
Ela está muito orgulho. → Ela está muito orgulhosa.
When using the verb 'estar', you must use the adjective 'orgulhosa', not the noun 'orgulho'.
Tenho orgulho para você. → Tenho orgulho de você.
The correct preposition for this expression is always 'de' (or sometimes 'em' in Portugal), never 'para'.
Eles tem orgulho. → Eles têm orgulho.
In the third person plural, the verb 'ter' requires a circumflex accent: 'têm'.

Tips

Watch the Contractions

Remember that 'de' + 'o' = 'do'. Don't say 'Tenho orgulho de o meu filho.' Say 'Tenho orgulho do meu filho.' It makes a huge difference in sounding natural.

Shared Success

Don't be afraid to tell Portuguese speakers you are proud of them. It is a very common and appreciated way to show support in Lusophone cultures.

Noun vs Adjective

Keep 'orgulho' (noun) for 'ter' and 'orgulhoso' (adjective) for 'ser/estar'. Mixing them up is the #1 learner mistake.

The LH Sound

If you struggle with 'lh', try saying 'li' as in 'million' very quickly. It's the closest sound in English to the Portuguese 'lh'.

Formal Writing

When writing a professional email, use 'Sinto orgulho' or 'Orgulho-me' to elevate your register.

Self-Pride

Saying 'Tenho orgulho de mim' is perfectly healthy in Portuguese. It doesn't sound as 'braggy' as it might in some other cultures.

Preposition 'Em'

In Portugal, you might hear 'Tenho orgulho EM você.' Both 'de' and 'em' are used, but 'de' is more universal across all countries.

Link to 'Ter'

Associate 'Ter' with 'To Hold'. You are holding onto that feeling of pride like a treasure.

Regional Variations

Listen to how the 'r' changes. In Lisbon, it's a tap; in Rio, it's a breath. Both are correct!

Exclamations

Use 'Que orgulho!' as a quick reaction when someone tells you good news. It's short, easy, and very native-sounding.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TER' as 'To Earn Respect' and 'ORGULHO' sounding like 'OR-GO-LOW' - don't let your pride go low, keep it high because you 'have' (ter) it!

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on top of a mountain (achievement) holding a golden trophy (orgulho) in their hands (ter).

Word Web

Sucesso Filhos País Trabalho Esforço Vitória Honra Dignidade

Challenge

Write three sentences about things you have done this year using 'Tenho orgulho de...'. Then, tell a friend one thing you are proud of them for using 'Tenho orgulho de você por...'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Portuguese and Galician 'orgullo', which has roots in the Germanic word 'urguol', meaning 'distinguished' or 'excellent'. It entered Ibero-Romance languages through Catalan or Occitan influence during the Middle Ages.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to being of high status or having an excellent character, often associated with nobility.

Indo-European > Germanic > Romance influence.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound 'orgulhoso' (arrogant) when talking about money or status; focus on effort and relationships to keep the sentiment positive.

English speakers often say 'I am proud,' but Portuguese speakers 'have pride.' This shift from 'being' to 'having' is a major conceptual difference.

The song 'Orgulho de ser Brasileiro' by various artists. Machado de Assis's literature often explores the darker side of human pride. The phrase 'Com muito orgulho, com muito amor' is a famous chant by Brazilian sports fans.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

Tenho orgulho dos meus filhos.
Meus pais têm orgulho de mim.
É o orgulho da família.
Sinta orgulho dos seus pais.

Work

Tenho orgulho do projeto.
Temos orgulho da nossa equipe.
Ele tem orgulho da sua carreira.
Sinta orgulho do seu esforço.

Sports

Tenho orgulho do meu time.
O país tem orgulho dos atletas.
Eles têm orgulho da vitória.
Bater no peito com orgulho.

Education

Tenho orgulho de me formar.
O professor tem orgulho da turma.
Tenha orgulho do que aprendeu.
É um orgulho ser seu aluno.

National Identity

Tenho orgulho da minha terra.
Orgulho de ser português.
Orgulho da nossa bandeira.
Temos orgulho da nossa língua.

Conversation Starters

"Do que você mais tem orgulho na sua vida?"

"Você tem orgulho da cidade onde você nasceu?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você teve orgulho de alguém?"

"Você acha importante ter orgulho do próprio trabalho?"

"Seus pais têm orgulho das suas escolhas?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma conquista da qual você tem muito orgulho e por quê.

Descreva uma pessoa de quem você tem orgulho e quais qualidades ela possui.

Como o sentimento de 'ter orgulho' motiva você a continuar aprendendo português?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ter orgulho e ser uma pessoa arrogante.

O que significa para você 'ter orgulho das suas raízes'?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, if you are specifying what you are proud of, you must use 'de'. For example, 'Tenho orgulho de você.' If you just say 'Eu tenho orgulho' as a standalone sentence, you don't need it, but it's rare.

Absolutely. It is universally understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, although the pronunciation and some small prepositional preferences (like 'em' instead of 'de' in some PT-PT contexts) might vary.

No. This is a common mistake. You must say 'Tenho orgulho' (I have pride) or 'Estou orgulhoso' (I am proud). 'Orgulho' is a noun, not an adjective.

In some contexts, yes. If someone has 'muito orgulho' and refuses to apologize, it's seen as a character flaw (stubbornness). However, the phrase 'ter orgulho de alguém' is always positive.

You can say 'Tenho orgulho de mim mesmo' or 'Tenho orgulho de mim mesma' depending on your gender.

'Ter orgulho' is more common in daily speech. 'Orgulhar-se' is more formal and used in writing or official speeches. Both mean the same thing.

Yes! You can have pride in your country, your favorite sports team, or your friend's success. It doesn't have to be your own achievement.

Add adverbs like 'muito', 'imenso', 'enorme', or 'profundo'. Example: 'Tenho um profundo orgulho da nossa história.'

In Brazil, people might say 'Tô com um orgulho danado' or simply 'Que orgulho!' as an exclamation.

The most common opposite is 'ter vergonha' (to be ashamed). For example, 'Tenho vergonha do que ele fez' vs 'Tenho orgulho do que ele fez.'