Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vantagem | /vɐ̃ˈta.ʒẽj̃/ (Brazil) /vɐ̃ˈta.ʒɐ̃j̃/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| vantajoso | /vɐ̃.taˈʒo.zu/ (Brazil) /vɐ̃.tɐˈʒo.zu/ (Portugal) |
Vantagem is a feminine noun used to describe any condition, circumstance, opportunity or means that is particularly favorable to success. To express the act of taking advantage of a situation or a person, use the verbal phrase tirar vantagem de. Depending on the context, you might use synonyms such as benefício (benefit), privilégio (privilege) or ganho (gain or profit).
Which one should you use?
Use the noun vantagem to refer to the concept of an advantage itself. In contrast, use the adjective vantajoso to describe something as being advantageous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the colloquial term trunfo is used to express an advantage or a trump card.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of the noun vantagem is vantajoso. This adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so it becomes vantajosa when modifying a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɐ̃ˈta.ʒẽj̃/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
When do people say it?
In Brazil, the idiomatic phrase ter uma carta na manga is used to express having an advantage, similar to the English expression "to have an ace up your sleeve".
Did you know?
- While 'advantage' is a neutral noun in English, the Portuguese phrase tirar vantagem de can often carry a negative, predatory connotation, implying that someone is exploiting or taking unfair advantage of a person.
- The word vantagem entered the Portuguese language as a loanword from the French word avantage.
- The expression tirar vantagem de uses the verb tirar, which literally means 'to pull out' or 'to take away'.
Examples in context
- Ele tirou vantagem de mim.He took advantage of me.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to describe taking advantage of a person.Tatoeba #5473002 by ToinhoAlam, translation #2282924 by Hybrid
- O Tom tirou vantagem disso.Tom took advantage of this.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to describe taking advantage of a situation.Tatoeba #7235245 by Ricardo14, translation #5741357 by CM
- Não há nenhuma vantagem nisso.There's no advantage in this.This sentence shows how to express that no advantage exists in a certain matter.Tatoeba #5501950 by carlosalberto, translation #13342197 by rul
- A vantagem de estudar é adquirir conhecimento.The advantage of studying is acquiring knowledge.
- A principal vantagem desse produto é a durabilidade.The main advantage of this product is its durability.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are discussing a new job offer.
- LucasO salário é bom, mas qual é a vantagem?The salary is good, but what is the advantage?
- JulianaA maior vantagem é o horário flexível.The biggest advantage is the flexible schedule.
- LucasIsso é uma vantagem real para você.That is a real advantage for you.
- JulianaSim, eu vou aceitar a proposta.Yes, I am going to accept the offer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “advantage” translations and entries vantagem, vantajoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vantagem, vantajoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
