esforço
/isˈfoʁ.su/masculine
The Portuguese word for 'effort' is esforço.
Esforço refers to the amount of work involved in achieving something. If you want to say 'to make an effort', you should use the phrase fazer um esforço, which uses the verb 'fazer' (to make or do) rather than a verb meaning 'to exert'. In informal speech, you can use the expression Pôr a mão na massa, which literally means 'putting your hand in the dough', to describe making an effort or the phrase Dar o máximo de si to express giving your all or putting in your best effort.
Meaning: the amount of work involved in achieving something (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Esforço is a masculine noun. The plural form of esforço is esforços.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /isˈfoʁ.su/.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the expression dar o sangue is a more intense version of dar o máximo de si, meaning to put in an extreme effort by 'giving one's blood'.
- In a professional or engineering context, esforço can refer to 'stress' or 'strain' on a physical material, rather than human mental or physical work.
- The phrase fazer um esforço is commonly used in Portuguese to politely ask someone to compromise or 'squeeze in' a favor, even if it is inconvenient.
Examples in context
- Eu aprecio o esforço.I appreciate the effort.This sentence is useful for expressing appreciation for the work done using esforço.Tatoeba #7589627 by Ricardo14, translation #1933622 by CK
- O esforço valeu a pena.The effort paid off.This sentence shows how to say that a specific esforço was worthwhile.Tatoeba #6828707 by Ricardo14, translation #4501362 by CK
- Nada se consegue sem esforço.Nothing is achieved without effort.This sentence highlights that achievement requires esforço.Tatoeba #389302 by brauliobezerra, translation #1607 by Zifre
- O sucesso requer muito esforço e dedicação.Success requires a lot of effort and dedication.
- Ela demonstrou grande empenho em concluir o projeto.She showed great effort in completing the project.
- Não adianta só falar, é preciso pôr a mão na massa.It's not enough to just talk, you have to put in the effort.
- Ele sempre dá o máximo de si no trabalho.He always puts in his best effort at work.
- 67 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are discussing a difficult school project.
- MarianaEste projeto exige muito esforço.This project requires a lot of effort.
- GabrielEu concordo, Mariana. Está difícil.I agree, Mariana. It is difficult.
- MarianaMas o resultado será ótimo.But the result will be great.
- GabrielSim, todo esforço será recompensado.Yes, all effort will be rewarded.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “effort” translations and entries esforço, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
