centro social

[SEN-tru so-see-AHL]
nounmasculinepl: centros sociais
social center
1. A public or community facility designed to provide social services, recreational activities, and cultural programs to members of a community, typically serving disadvantaged or underserved populations
The neighborhood centro social offers free after-school programs for children.
O centro social do bairro oferece programas gratuitos de contraturno para crianças.
2. A meeting place or facility where community members gather for social, educational, or recreational purposes
The centro social hosted a cultural festival last weekend.
O centro social sediou um festival cultural no fim de semana passado.
3. A community organization or institution focused on social welfare, education, and community development
The centro social provides job training and literacy classes.
O centro social oferece treinamento profissional e aulas de alfabetização.
In Brazil, centros sociais are vital community institutions, especially in periferias (peripheral neighborhoods) and favelas. They often serve as safe spaces for youth development, cultural preservation, and social integration. Many are run by NGOs, government agencies, or community organizations. In Rio de Janeiro, some are closely tied to samba culture and Carnival traditions. These centers are considered essential infrastructure for social mobility and community cohesion in underserved areas.
NYC Slang
community center
Synonyms / Sinônimos
centro comunitárioespaço socialequipamento socialinstituição social
Antonyms / Antônimos
isolamento socialsegregação

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
centro social
Standard usage throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
centro social
Commonly used; also may refer to samba schools' social centers
São Paulo
centro social
Standard usage; frequently associated with NGOs and community programs
Portugal
centro social
Used similarly; part of formal social welfare infrastructure

Related Words

comunidadeserviço socialassistência socialatividade recreativaprograma socialbem-estar

Related Idioms & Phrases

ser o coração do bairro (to be the heart of the neighborhood)
abrir as portas da comunidade (to open the doors to the community)
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