postura
/posˈtu.ɾɐ/feminine
The English word 'stance' can be translated into Portuguese as postura or posição.
Meaning: opinion or point of view (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| postura | /posˈtu.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /poʃˈtu.ɾɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
feminine |
| posição | /po.ziˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /pu.ziˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
In Portuguese, 'stance' can refer to an opinion or point of view. To express the specific act of 'taking a stance' on an issue, Portuguese speakers use the idiomatic phrase tomar uma posição.
Which one should you use?
While both words can describe an opinion, they are often used in different contexts. posição is the more common term when referring specifically to a formal or intellectual position on a topic. On the other hand, postura is more frequently used to describe a person's physical posture or their behavioral attitude/conduct.
How do you pronounce it?
The word postura is pronounced /posˈtu.ɾɐ/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While postura refers to one's 'stance' or conduct, it is also the specific technical term for the 'zoning laws' and urban planning regulations in Brazilian cities.
- In a heated argument, calling someone's opinion postura can actually be a slang insult, implying the person is being pretentious or 'acting' a certain way.
- The word posição is used to describe a 'stance' in sports, but in Brazil it is also the common way to refer to a 'job title' or 'role' within a company.
Examples in context
- Mudei minha posição sobre isso.I've changed my stance on that.This sentence shows the use of posição to express a change in stance.Tatoeba #8904081 by JGEN, translation #8903713 by CK
- Defenderei minha postura custe o que custar.I will defend my stance whatever it takes.This sentence demonstrates how to use postura when talking about defending a stance.Tatoeba #1357383 by alexmarcelo, translation #12549529 by laetitiamg
- A minha posição é a favor da reforma educacional.My stance is in favor of educational reform.
- A atitude da empresa em relação à sustentabilidade é exemplar.The company's stance towards sustainability is exemplary.
- Qual é a sua opinião sobre esse assunto?What is your stance/opinion on this matter?
- A postura do governo em relação aos impostos é questionável.The government's stance on taxes is questionable.
- O meu posicionamento sobre política é independente.My stance on politics is independent.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new company policy.
- RodrigoQual é a sua postura sobre o novo projeto?What is your stance on the new project?
- BeatrizEu mantenho uma postura muito cautelosa.I am maintaining a very cautious stance.
- RodrigoEntendo, mas o diretor quer uma resposta rápida.I understand, but the director wants a quick answer.
- BeatrizEu preciso de tempo para analisar os riscos.I need time to analyze the risks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stance” translations and entries postura, posição, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
