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Portuguese Phrase

Procuro um salário competitivo.

/pɾoˈkuɾu ũ ˈsa.la.ɾju kõ.pe.tiˈvi.tʃu/
Meaning"I am looking for a competitive salary."
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Meaning

The speaker is stating that they are looking for a job that offers a salary that is competitive in the market. It conveys a clear professional expectation without sounding demanding.

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When to use

Use this sentence in job interviews, networking events, or when writing a cover letter to signal that compensation is an important factor in your job search. It works best in a formal or semi‑formal business context.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Procuroumsaláriocompetitivo.

1

Verb ‘procurar’ (present)

‘Procuro’ is the first‑person singular present indicative of ‘procurar’, meaning ‘I look for’ or ‘I am seeking’.

2

Indefinite article ‘um’

‘Um’ introduces a singular, masculine noun that is not previously known to the listener.

3

Adjective placement

In Portuguese the adjective usually follows the noun, so ‘salário competitivo’ (salary competitive). The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun.

🗨In Conversation

A

Você está procurando um novo emprego?

Are you looking for a new job?

Sim, procuro um salário competitivo.

Yes, I’m looking for a competitive salary.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Procuro um salário competitiva.

    The adjective must match the masculine noun ‘salário’, so use ‘competitivo’.

  • Procuro um salário competitivo?

    A question mark changes the meaning; this phrase is a statement, not a question.

  • Procuro um salário muito competitivo.

    ‘Muito’ is redundant here; ‘competitivo’ already conveys the idea of being high.

↔Alternatives

  • Busco um salário competitivo.

    I’m seeking a competitive salary.

  • Almejo um salário competitivo.

    I aim for a competitive salary.

  • Quero um salário que seja competitivo.

    I want a salary that is competitive.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil it is common to discuss salary expectations later in the interview process, after the employer shows interest. Saying ‘procuro um salário competitivo’ is perfectly acceptable in a cover letter or a networking conversation, but in a first‑round interview you might soften it with ‘pretendo um salário compatível com o mercado’ to keep the tone polite and collaborative.