be assertive

[/bi əˈsɜːrtɪv/]

verb phrase

ser assertivo

1. to express oneself with confidence and force; to state one's opinions or needs clearly and directly without being aggressive

You need to be assertive in meetings if you want your ideas to be heard.

Você precisa ser assertivo nas reuniões se quiser que suas ideias sejam ouvidas.

2. to stand up for oneself or one's rights in a firm but respectful manner

She learned to be assertive and stopped letting others walk over her.

Ela aprendeu a ser assertiva e deixou de permitir que outros a pisoteassem.

NYC Slang

be real, speak your truth, don't take no L's

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser assertivo/assertiva

Most common usage; emphasizes confidence and directness in communication

São Paulo

ser assertivo/ser firme

Both terms are used; 'ser firme' (be firm) is also common

Portugal

ser assertivo/ser seguro de si

'Ser seguro de si' (be confident in oneself) is often used as an alternative

speak your mind

stand your ground

put your foot down

not back down

voice your opinion

levantar a voz (raise one's voice in Portuguese)

não deixar pisar na sua cabeça (not let others walk over you in Portuguese)

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