corrupção
/ko.ʁupˈsɐ̃w̃/feminine
The English word corruption is translated into Portuguese as corrupção.
corrupção refers to seeking bribes.
Meaning: seeking bribes (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you can use Maracutaia to refer to corruption or the popular informal word Mutreta. In Portugal, the colloquial expression esquemas is used to mean schemes or scams.
How does it change in a sentence?
corrupção is a feminine noun and is used with feminine articles such as a. The related verb form is corromper, meaning to corrupt.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of corrupção is /ko.ʁupˈsɐ̃w̃/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers sometimes use the phrase jeitinho brasileiro to describe a way of solving problems. While not always corrupção, it refers to a social flexibility that can slide into corruption depending on the context.
- The Latin root of corrupção contains rumpō, which means 'to break'. This suggests that the original conceptualization of corruption was the act of 'breaking' a rule or a moral bond.
- The Portuguese verb corromper is used for both the moral corruption of a person and the physical decay of something.
Examples in context
- A corrupção ainda é comum.Corruption is still common.This sentence shows how to use corrupção to say that it is still common.Tatoeba #11582480 by ajdavidl, translation #4494134 by CK
- A corrupção do melhor é a pior.The corruption of the best is the worst.This sentence uses corrupção to illustrate a proverb about the corruption of the best.Tatoeba #6391944 by anthrax26, translation #5275194 by CarpeLanam
- Na política impera a corrupção.Corruption reigns in politics.This sentence uses corrupção to state that it reigns in politics.Tatoeba #13421851 by carlosalberto, translation #13421884 by carlosalberto
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are discussing a news report about a local official.
- FelipeA notícia fala sobre muita corrupção na prefeitura.The news talks about a lot of corruption at the city hall.
- BeatrizÉ triste ver essa corrupção afetando o povo.It is sad to see this corruption affecting the people.
- FelipeVocê acha que haverá punição para ele?Do you think he will be punished?
- BeatrizEspero que a justiça trate a corrupção com rigor.I hope justice treats the corruption strictly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “corruption” translations and entries corrupção, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries corrupção, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
