conforme em 30 segundos
- Conforme means 'according to' or 'as'.
- It is used to show agreement or proportionality.
- It can be a conjunction (linking clauses) or a preposition (before nouns).
- It is common in formal, legal, and instructional Portuguese.
The Portuguese word conforme is a versatile linguistic bridge that primarily functions as a conjunction or a preposition. At its core, it expresses the idea of conformity, agreement, or proportion. When you use conforme, you are signaling that one action or state is happening in a way that aligns with another rule, expectation, or observation. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying 'in a way that matches' or 'following the pattern of'.
- Primary Function
- Acts as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a clause of conformity.
- Semantic Range
- Covers 'according to', 'as', 'depending on', and 'consistent with'.
- Grammatical Flexibility
- Can be followed by a noun phrase, a verb in the indicative, or a verb in the subjunctive.
"Tudo aconteceu conforme o planejado pela equipe." (Everything happened as planned by the team.)
In everyday Portuguese, conforme is ubiquitous. It appears in legal documents to cite laws, in weather reports to describe changing conditions, and in casual conversations to express that something depends on circumstances. For instance, if someone asks if you are going to the beach, you might reply, "Conforme o tempo" (Depending on the weather). This highlights its role as a conditional marker that links the outcome to a specific variable.
"Conforme você cresce, suas responsabilidades aumentam." (As you grow, your responsibilities increase.)
"Os preços variam conforme a estação do ano." (Prices vary according to the season.)
- As a Preposition
- Used before nouns to mean 'according to' (e.g., conforme a lei).
- As an Adjective
- Used to describe something that is in agreement or resigned (e.g., Ele está conforme com a decisão).
"Faça conforme as instruções do manual." (Do it according to the manual's instructions.)
"Conforme discutimos ontem, o projeto será adiado." (As we discussed yesterday, the project will be postponed.)
Using conforme correctly requires understanding its position in a sentence and the grammatical structures it triggers. It is most frequently used to introduce a subordinate clause of manner or conformity. Unlike 'como', which can be used for comparisons, conforme specifically denotes that the action of the main clause is performed in a way that is consistent with the subordinate clause.
- Positioning
- It can appear at the start of a sentence for emphasis or in the middle to link two ideas.
- Verb Moods
- Use the Indicative for facts (conforme ele disse) and the Subjunctive for future possibilities (conforme ele decidir).
"Pagaremos conforme o trabalho for sendo entregue." (We will pay as the work is delivered.)
When used as a preposition, it does not require a verb. You simply place it before the noun that serves as the reference point. This is very common in professional writing. For example, in an email, you might write: "Conforme nossa conversa..." (As per our conversation...). It sets a professional tone and establishes a clear link to previous interactions.
"Ajuste o brilho conforme sua necessidade." (Adjust the brightness according to your needs.)
You will encounter conforme in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly formal to the moderately casual. In the legal and bureaucratic sphere, it is the standard word for referencing laws, articles, or regulations. Lawyers and officials rarely say 'segundo a lei'; they almost always use 'conforme a lei' or 'de conformidade com'.
"O réu agiu conforme o previsto no Código Civil." (The defendant acted according to what is provided in the Civil Code.)
In journalism and news reporting, it is used to attribute information or describe evolving situations. You'll hear news anchors say, "Conforme as últimas notícias..." (According to the latest news...). It provides a sense of objectivity and evidence-based reporting. In business environments, it is the go-to word for project updates and meeting minutes.
"Adicione o sal conforme o gosto." (Add salt according to taste.)
One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing conforme with como. While they can sometimes be interchangeable, 'como' is much broader and often used for simple comparisons or causes. Conforme is strictly for conformity. Saying "Ele é conforme o pai" (He is according to his father) is incorrect if you mean "He is like his father" (Ele é como o pai).
- Mistake 1: Comparison
- Using it to compare physical traits instead of 'como'.
- Mistake 2: Prepositional Overuse
- Adding 'a' unnecessarily (e.g., *conforme a o plano* instead of 'conforme o plano').
"Errado: Conforme eu sou alto... Certo: Como eu sou alto..." (Wrong: According to I am tall... Right: Since I am tall...)
Another mistake is failing to use the Future Subjunctive when the action hasn't happened yet. If you say "Eu farei conforme você diz", it implies a general habit. If you mean a specific future action, you must say "Eu farei conforme você disser".
Portuguese has several synonyms for conforme, each with a slightly different nuance or register. Understanding these will help you sound more natural and precise.
- Segundo
- The most common informal alternative. Used for quoting people or sources.
- Consoante
- Very formal, often used in literature or high-level legal texts.
- De acordo com
- A multi-word equivalent that is extremely common in both speech and writing.
"Segundo o médico, devo descansar." (According to the doctor, I must rest.)
While conforme implies a dynamic alignment (as things happen), 'de acordo com' often implies a static agreement with a fact or rule. 'Consoante' is almost exclusively used in written Portuguese to avoid repeating conforme in the same paragraph.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
Subordinating conjunctions
Future Subjunctive mood
Prepositional phrases
Proportional clauses
Adverbial clauses of conformity
Exemplos por nível
Faça conforme o modelo.
Do it according to the model.
Conforme + Noun (Prepositional use)
Conforme o mapa, o banco é aqui.
According to the map, the bank is here.
Simple attribution of information.
Tudo está conforme o plano.
Everything is according to the plan.
Expressing state of agreement.
Cozinho conforme a receita.
I cook according to the recipe.
Following instructions.
Conforme o dia, eu saio.
Depending on the day, I go out.
Expressing conditionality.
O preço é conforme a cor.
The price is according to the color.
Linking price to a variable.
Aja conforme as regras.
Act according to the rules.
Imperative + Conforme.
Conforme prometido, aqui está.
As promised, here it is.
Referring to a past agreement.
Conforme eu ando, fico cansado.
As I walk, I get tired.
Proportionality with Present Indicative.
Eles trabalham conforme podem.
They work as they can.
Conjunction linking two clauses.
Conforme o tempo passa, eu aprendo.
As time passes, I learn.
Describing a process over time.
Tudo aconteceu conforme você disse.
Everything happened as you said.
Confirming a prediction.
Conforme o combinado, o pagamento é hoje.
As agreed, the payment is today.
Referring to a previous arrangement.
A planta cresce conforme a luz.
The plant grows according to the light.
Biological dependency.
Conforme a música toca, eles dançam.
As the music plays, they dance.
Simultaneous actions.
Faça conforme eu estou fazendo.
Do it as I am doing.
Imitation of action.
Conforme discutimos, o projeto mudou.
As we discussed, the project has changed.
Professional reference to discussion.
Pagaremos conforme o serviço for feito.
We will pay as the service is done.
Future Subjunctive (for feito).
Conforme as leis mudam, nós nos adaptamos.
As laws change, we adapt.
Describing social adaptation.
Ele agiu conforme sua consciência.
He acted according to his conscience.
Abstract prepositional use.
Conforme o esperado, o filme foi um sucesso.
As expected, the movie was a success.
Confirming expectations.
Ajuste o som conforme sua preferência.
Adjust the sound according to your preference.
Giving user-centric instructions.
Conforme você for lendo, marque as dúvidas.
As you read, mark your doubts.
Continuous action in the future.
Os lucros variam conforme o mercado.
Profits vary according to the market.
Economic dependency.
Conforme prevê o contrato, haverá multa.
As the contract provides, there will be a fine.
Formal legal citation.
A temperatura cai conforme subimos a montanha.
The temperature drops as we climb the mountain.
Scientific proportionality.
Conforme as evidências sugerem, o crime foi planejado.
As the evidence suggests, the crime was planned.
Analytical attribution.
Ele se sente conforme o ambiente em que está.
He feels according to the environment he is in.
Psychological state dependency.
Conforme as metas forem batidas, daremos bônus.
As goals are met, we will give bonuses.
Conditional future structure.
O texto foi escrito conforme as normas da ABNT.
The text was written according to ABNT standards.
Compliance with standards.
Conforme se pode notar, a situação é grave.
As can be noted, the situation is serious.
Passive voice with 'se'.
Eles reagiram conforme a gravidade do fato.
They reacted according to the gravity of the fact.
Proportional reaction.
Conforme a tese defendida, a economia é cíclica.
According to the defended thesis, the economy is cyclical.
Academic discourse.
A obra foi restaurada conforme os padrões originais.
The work was restored according to original standards.
Technical precision.
Conforme as circunstâncias permitirem, viajaremos.
As circumstances allow, we will travel.
Future Subjunctive with 'permitir'.
Ele vive conforme seus princípios éticos.
He lives according to his ethical principles.
Moral alignment.
Conforme se depreende do texto, o autor é pessimista.
As can be inferred from the text, the author is pessimistic.
Literary analysis.
A dosagem deve ser ajustada conforme a resposta do paciente.
The dosage must be adjusted according to the patient's response.
Medical protocol.
Conforme o tempo urge, as decisões tornam-se críticas.
As time presses, decisions become critical.
Elevated vocabulary ('urge').
Tudo se deu conforme os desígnios do destino.
Everything happened according to the designs of fate.
Philosophical/Literary tone.
Conforme sobejamente demonstrado, a hipótese é nula.
As amply demonstrated, the hypothesis is null.
Highly formal adverb 'sobejamente'.
O veredito foi proferido conforme os ditames da justiça.
The verdict was delivered according to the dictates of justice.
Legal jargon ('ditames').
Conforme a fênix renasce das cinzas, a cidade se reergueu.
As the phoenix rises from the ashes, the city rebuilt itself.
Metaphorical usage.
Agiremos conforme o que ditar a prudência.
We will act according to what prudence dictates.
Personification of 'prudência'.
Conforme o entardecer se alonga, as sombras crescem.
As the dusk lengthens, the shadows grow.
Poetic description.
O estilo varia conforme a idiossincrasia do autor.
The style varies according to the author's idiosyncrasy.
Advanced vocabulary ('idiossincrasia').
Conforme o preconizado, a intervenção foi um sucesso.
As recommended/advocated, the intervention was a success.
Formal participle 'preconizado'.
Ele se mantém conforme, apesar das adversidades.
He remains resigned/compliant, despite adversities.
Adjective use meaning 'resigned'.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Imperative of the verb 'confirmar' (to confirm).
Used for comparisons and causes, not just conformity.
More formal synonym, or a consonant in the alphabet.
Padrões de frases
Como usar
Rare but possible: 'Os documentos estão conformes' (The documents are in order/match).
Segundo is more for 'who said it', Conforme is more for 'how it matches'.
- Using 'conforme' for physical similarity (use 'como').
- Forgetting the future subjunctive for future events.
- Adding 'a' before a masculine noun (conforme o, not conforme ao).
- Confusing 'conforme' with 'confirme' (the verb).
- Using it to express cause (use 'já que' or 'visto que').
Dicas
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the future subjunctive after 'conforme' for future events.
Professionalism
Use 'conforme' in business emails to sound more professional.
Synonym Swap
Try using 'consoante' in formal essays to avoid repetition.
Natural Flow
In casual talk, 'segundo' is often faster to say.
Context Clues
If you hear 'conforme', look for a rule or a pattern being followed.
Punctuation
If 'conforme' starts a long sentence, use a comma after the clause.
Adaptability
Remember the 'dançar conforme a música' mindset in Brazil.
Not a Comparison
Don't use it to say someone looks like someone else.
The Bridge
Imagine 'conforme' as a bridge between a rule and an action.
Adjective Use
Use 'conformes' to describe matching documents or parts.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Latin 'conformis'
Contexto cultural
Brazil's civil law system relies heavily on 'conforme' to link specific actions to codified statutes.
Using 'conforme' in emails shows you are organized and respectful of previous agreements.
The word is key to the concept of 'jogo de cintura' (flexibility).
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"Você prefere planejar tudo ou agir conforme o momento?"
"Conforme o que você sabe, qual é o melhor restaurante aqui?"
"Você costuma cozinhar conforme a receita ou inventa?"
"Como você se sente conforme o clima muda?"
"Conforme discutimos antes, você ainda quer viajar?"
Temas para diário
Descreva como sua rotina muda conforme as estações do ano.
Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve que 'dançar conforme a música'.
Como seus pensamentos mudam conforme você envelhece?
Liste cinco coisas que você faz conforme as regras.
Reflita sobre como você age conforme a pressão do trabalho.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, 'conforme' is for agreement or proportionality. Use 'porque' or 'como' for cause.
It is more formal than 'segundo', but it is used in daily life for instructions and dependencies.
No, as a conjunction or preposition, it is invariable. Only as an adjective can it become 'conformes' (plural).
'Dançar conforme a música' is the most famous one.
Yes, e.g., 'Fiz tudo conforme.' (I did everything accordingly.)
Neither is better; 'de acordo com' is slightly more common in speech, 'conforme' in writing.
Yes, if the action is in the future or uncertain (e.g., conforme ele vier).
Yes, very often (e.g., Conforme o preço, eu compro).
Yes, it is equally common in both variants of Portuguese.
The opposite is 'contrário a' or 'em desacordo com'.
Teste-se 180 perguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'conforme' when you want to show that one action is being guided by another rule, instruction, or changing situation. It is the professional and precise way to say 'as' or 'according to'.
- Conforme means 'according to' or 'as'.
- It is used to show agreement or proportionality.
- It can be a conjunction (linking clauses) or a preposition (before nouns).
- It is common in formal, legal, and instructional Portuguese.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the future subjunctive after 'conforme' for future events.
Professionalism
Use 'conforme' in business emails to sound more professional.
Synonym Swap
Try using 'consoante' in formal essays to avoid repetition.
Natural Flow
In casual talk, 'segundo' is often faster to say.
Conteúdo relacionado
Esta palavra em outros idiomas
Gramática relacionada
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de general
a cerca de
B1Significa 'aproximadamente' ou 'a uma distância de' em contextos espaciais ou temporais futuros.
à direita
A2Para o lado direito ou no lado direito.
à esquerda
A2À esquerda. Usado para dar direções ou descrever uma localização.
a fim de
A2Com o propósito de; ter vontade de. 'Estuda a fim de passar.' / 'Estou a fim de pizza.'
à frente
A2Na parte anterior; em posição de destaque ou liderança.
a frente
A2Na parte anterior; adiante.
À frente de
A2Na parte anterior de algo ou em posição de liderança. 'O carro está à frente da casa'.
a tempo
A2A tempo, pontualmente. Indica que algo acontece dentro do prazo necessário ou antes que seja tarde demais.
à volta de
A2Em redor de; aproximadamente; acerca de.
abaixo
A1Em lugar inferior a; na parte de baixo.
