Meaning of Década in Brazilian Portuguese

Let’s learn the meaning of Década in Brazilian Portuguese. The word “década” refers to a period of ten years, commonly used when discussing historical events, cultural trends, or personal milestones. In Brazil, understanding this term can provide deeper insights into conversations about changes and developments over time within the country’s dynamic society and rich history.

What is the Meaning of Década in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word “década” refers to a period of ten years. It is commonly used in historical contexts or when discussing timeframes that span across multiple years. For example, one might refer to significant events that happened during a specific década like the 1980s (a década de 80) or discuss trends and changes over several decades. The term helps encapsulate discussions about eras and long-term developments within Brazil’s rich cultural, social, political landscapes as well as global influences throughout distinct periods marked by each decade.

Used in a Sentence:

A década de 80 foi marcante para a cultura pop brasileira. – The 1980s were remarkable for Brazilian pop culture.

Nesta última década, o Brasil viu grandes avanços tecnológicos. – In the last decade, Brazil has seen great technological advances.

Esperamos que a próxima década traga mais prosperidade ao país. – We hope that the next decade brings more prosperity to the country.

What is the Etymlogy of Década

The term “década” in Brazilian Portuguese originates from the Latin word “decas,” which translates to a group or set of ten. This root is derived from “deca-,” based on Greek ‘deka,’ meaning ten. Historically, this etymology reflects its use to denote any collection or series consisting of ten units, including years. In modern usage within Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking cultures, it specifically refers to a period of ten consecutive years—a decade—mirroring its foundational numerical significance.

Is there any Cultural Significance to Década in Brazilian Portuguese?

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word “década” carries significant cultural weight beyond its literal meaning of a ten-year period. It often evokes nostalgia and is commonly used to reference distinct eras in Brazil’s rich history, each marked by unique social movements, political changes, or artistic developments. For instance, referring to “a década de 80” (the 1980s) might conjure images of economic challenges juxtaposed with vibrant musical revolutions like rock brasileiro and axé. Each decade encapsulates a specific mood or set of values that resonate deeply within the collective memory of Brazilians—making “década” not just a measure of time but also an emblematic reflection on the nation’s evolving identity.

How do you Pronounce Década in Brazilian Portuguese?

To pronounce “década” in Brazilian Portuguese, start by saying the first syllable as ‘deh’, similar to the English word “deck,” but with a softer and shorter ‘e’ sound. The second syllable is pronounced like ‘cah,’ akin to how you would say “car” without fully pronouncing the ‘r’ at the end. Finally, finish with ‘da,’ which sounds almost like “duh.” Put it all together smoothly: deh-ca-da, emphasizing slightly on the first syllable for correct intonation. Remember that pronunciation can vary subtly depending on regional accents within Brazil.

Synonyms and Antonyms

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word “década” refers to a period of ten years. Synonyms for “década” include “dez anos” and “período de dez anos,” both literally translating to ‘ten years’ or ‘period of ten years.’ These terms can be used interchangeably when discussing time spans in decades. On the other hand, antonyms would involve phrases that denote shorter or longer periods such as “ano,” which means year; “século,” meaning century; and even more specific durations like “mês” (month) or “dia” (day). Understanding these synonyms and antonyms helps provide clearer context on how Brazilians discuss different lengths of time relative to décadas.

What is Década in Different Languages?

The term “década” in Brazilian Portuguese translates directly to “decade” in English, referring to a period of ten years. This concept is similarly expressed across various languages with slight variations: In Spanish, it’s also called “década,” while French speakers use the word “décennie.” German language refers to this as “Jahrzehnt,” and Italian uses the term “decennio.” Each variation retains the root meaning related to a span or cycle of ten years, illustrating how certain time-related concepts are universally recognized but adapted linguistically according to cultural nuances.

Collocations Using Década in Brazilian Portuguese

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word “década” is frequently used in various collocations that help to specify time periods and historical contexts. Common phrases include “década de 80” (the ’80s), which refers to the cultural or political climate of that decade. Another example is “uma década atrás” meaning a decade ago, often used when reflecting on changes over time. Additionally, expressions like “ao longo da última década,” translating to throughout the last decade, are utilized for discussing developments or trends observed within a ten-year span. These collocations not only enrich conversations but also provide clarity about temporal references during discussions.

What are some Mnemonics to use to Remember the Meaning of Década in Brazilian Portuguese?

To easily remember the meaning of “década” in Brazilian Portuguese, which translates to “decade” in English (a period of ten years), you can use a simple mnemonic: think about “Dec” as it appears at the beginning of both words. Just like December is the tenth month counting from March (in ancient Roman calendars), década refers to a span involving ten units – but instead of months, we’re talking about years. This association with ‘ten’ helps anchor its definition firmly in your memory whenever you come across this term.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the word “década” in Brazilian Portuguese simply means a period of ten years. Understanding terms like this is crucial as you delve deeper into learning and appreciating not only the language but also the rich cultural nuances that come with it. Each new word adds another layer to your understanding and fluency in Brazilian Portuguese. So keep exploring, practicing, and expanding your vocabulary—each step forward opens up even more exciting avenues for communication and connection within this vibrant culture!