desenrascanço
/dɨzɛ̃ʁɐʃˈkɐ̃su/
o (masc.) a (fem.)
Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.
Forms
- plural
- os desenrascanços
Meaning
-
the resourceful knack for improvising a solution to a problem with whatever is at hand (especially European Portuguese)
-
Os portugueses são conhecidos pelo seu desenrascanço.
The Portuguese are known for their knack for improvising a way out of any problem.
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Similar words
Similar in other languages
French
débrouillard is the French word for the same resourceful, always-finds-a-way quality that Portuguese names desenrascanço — both describe someone who gets out of a tight spot with whatever's on hand.
Usage notes
Often cited as one of the hardest Portuguese words to translate — it names a whole cultural attitude of resourceful improvisation, not just one action.
Practice
1 What does desenrascanço mean?
the resourceful knack for improvising a solution to a problem with whatever is at hand (especially European Portuguese)
2 Fill the gap: Os portugueses são conhecidos pelo seu ___.
Full sentence: Os portugueses são conhecidos pelo seu desenrascanço. (The Portuguese are known for their knack for improvising a way out of any problem.)
3 Which fingerprint chart matches desenrascanço?
desenrascanço: neutral register, academic frequency, general domain, neutral connotation.
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