inovador
/i.no.vaˈdoʁ/
The English word innovative is translated into Portuguese as inovador. Wiktionary also lists inovativo.
Meaning: characterized by the creation of new ideas or things (adj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| inovador | /i.no.vaˈdoʁ/ (Brazil) /i.no.vaˈdoɾ/ (São Paulo) |
| inovativo | /i.no.vaˈt͡ʃi.vu/ (Brazil) /i.nu.vɐˈti.vu/ (Portugal) |
The term describes something characterized by the creation of new ideas or things.
Which one should you use?
inovador is the standard and most common form. In contrast, inovativo is much rarer, more technical or may be considered an anglicism or an error depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form changes to agree with the noun it describes: use inovadora for feminine singular nouns, inovadores for masculine plural nouns and inovadoras for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable: /i.no.vaˈdoʁ/.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese legal history, the root verb inovar was used to describe the act of unilaterally changing the terms of a contract, which was a far more restrictive meaning than today's creative definition.
- Portuguese speakers often use the phrase dar um toque inovador to describe adding a small, creative twist to something rather than inventing something entirely new.
- If you use the term inovativo in a business meeting in Brazil or Portugal, you might sound like you are directly translating from English, as it is often perceived as a way to make a sentence sound more 'modern' or 'international' rather than being linguistically natural.
Examples in context
- Eu não fui suficientemente inovador.I wasn't innovative enough.This sentence is useful for using the masculine singular form inovador.Tatoeba #6135098 by carlosalberto, translation #3330536 by CK
- Estas pessoas estão a trabalhar nos objetivos de formas inovadoras.These people are working on the goals in innovative ways.Tatoeba #12394129 by Cangarejo, translation #12394128 by Cangarejo
- Graças a uma coleção de tecnologias e técnicas inovadoras, dia após dia novas maravilhas do mundo biológico são reveladas.Thanks to a collection of innovative technologies and techniques, day after day new wonders of the biological world are revealed.This sentence is useful for using the feminine plural form inovadoras.Tatoeba #10570189 by carlosalberto, translation #10570192 by carlosalberto
- A empresa lançou um produto inovador no mercado.The company launched an innovative product in the market.
- O artista apresentou uma abordagem criativa e inovadora em sua obra-prima.The artist presented a creative and innovative approach in his masterpiece.
- O novo celular é muito moderno e cheio de recursos inovadores.The new cell phone is very modern and full of innovative features.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are discussing a new product design at work.
- LucasO que você achou do novo projeto?What did you think of the new project?
- JulianaEu achei o conceito muito inovador.I thought the concept was very innovative.
- LucasConcordo, ele resolve o problema de forma simples.I agree, it solves the problem in a simple way.
- JulianaSim, Lucas, é um passo importante para nós.Yes, Lucas, it is an important step for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “innovative” translations and entries inovador, inovativo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
