recessão
/ʁe.seˈsɐ̃w̃/feminine
Recession is the English phrase for the Portuguese word recessão.
recessão is the standard term for a period of reduced economic activity. You can also use the phrase crise econômica interchangeably to mean economic crisis.
Meaning: period of reduced economic activity (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While recessão is the standard term, you may encounter the metaphorical expression vacas magras (literally meaning 'lean cows' or 'thin cows') to refer to a recession or tough economic times.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun recessão is feminine. Consequently, any adjectives accompanying it must also be in the feminine form, such as in the phrase uma recessão econômica.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁe.seˈsɐ̃w̃/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression vacas magras is a biblical reference to the seven lean cows in Pharaoh's dream in the Book of Genesis.
- In Portuguese, the word recessão can also refer to a physical retreat or the act of receding, not just an economic downturn.
- The phrase vacas magras is often paired with vacas gordas to describe the cycle of boom and bust.
Examples in context
- A economia entrou em recessão.The economy has entered a recession.This sentence shows how to use recessão to describe the economy entering a recession.Tatoeba #956448 by alexmarcelo, translation #237996 by CK
- Estamos em uma profunda recessão.We're in a deep recession.This sentence demonstrates using recessão to describe being in a deep recession.Tatoeba #5944916 by sergiomelo, translation #5077306 by CK
- O banco quebrou durante a recessão.The bank collapsed during the recession.This sentence shows how to use recessão when describing an event occurring during a recession.Tatoeba #11067679 by bill, translation #680535 by Source_VOA
- Devido à recessão econômica, muitas empresas tiveram que fechar suas portas.Due to the economic recession, many companies had to close down.
- As vacas magras chegaram, e agora temos que apertar o cinto.The lean cows have arrived, and now we have to tighten our belts.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are discussing the current job market.
- MarianaEstá difícil conseguir emprego nesta recessão.It is hard to find a job in this recession.
- RodrigoSim, muitas empresas estão cortando custos.Yes, many companies are cutting costs.
- MarianaVocê acha que a recessão vai acabar logo?Do you think the recession will end soon?
- RodrigoEspero que sim, Rodrigo quer mudar de cargo.I hope so, Rodrigo wants to change roles.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recession” translations and entries recessão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
