Portuguese Phrase
Quais são os seus objetivos de carreira?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to inquire about someone's professional aspirations and future plans. It asks about the specific aims or targets an individual has set for their professional life. It's a standard question in professional contexts to understand a person's ambition and direction.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a professional setting, such as a job interview, a networking event, or a performance review. It's also suitable for conversations with mentors or career counselors. It helps to understand someone's long-term vision and how they plan to achieve it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quaissãoosseusobjetivosdecarreira?
Quais (Interrogative Pronoun)
'Quais' is the plural form of the interrogative pronoun 'qual' (which/what). It is used here because 'objetivos' (goals) is plural. Always match the number of the pronoun to the noun it refers to.
São (Verb 'Ser')
'São' is the third-person plural conjugation of the verb 'ser' (to be). It is used for permanent characteristics, identities, or, as here, to define or ask about the nature of something. It agrees with the plural subject 'objetivos'.
Os seus (Possessive Adjective)
'Os seus' means 'your' (plural, formal or informal depending on context, but generally polite). 'Os' is the definite article (the) and 'seus' is the possessive adjective. In Brazilian Portuguese, it's common to use the definite article before possessive adjectives.
Objetivos (Noun)
'Objetivos' means 'goals' or 'objectives'. It's a masculine plural noun. Its singular form is 'objetivo'.
De carreira (Prepositional Phrase)
'De carreira' means 'of career' or 'career-related'. The preposition 'de' (of/from) connects 'objetivos' to 'carreira', specifying the type of goals. This is a common construction to form compound nouns or specify attributes.
🗨In Conversation
Olá, João! Fico feliz em te conhecer. Quais são os seus objetivos de carreira?
Hello, João! Nice to meet you. What are your career goals?
Olá! Meu principal objetivo é crescer na área de tecnologia e liderar projetos inovadores.
Hello! My main goal is to grow in the technology field and lead innovative projects.
✕Common Mistakes
Qual é os seus objetivos de carreira?
Use 'Quais são' because 'objetivos' is plural. 'Qual é' is singular.
Quais são seus objetivos de carreira?
While 'seus' without 'os' is sometimes used, the definite article 'os' before 'seus' is more common and grammatically preferred in this context in Brazilian Portuguese.
Quais são os seus objetivos para carreira?
The preposition 'de' is typically used with 'objetivos de carreira' (career goals), not 'para'.
↔Alternatives
O que você busca na sua carreira?
What are you looking for in your career?
Onde você se vê profissionalmente no futuro?
Where do you see yourself professionally in the future?
Quais são suas aspirações profissionais?
What are your professional aspirations?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, discussing career goals is a very common and expected part of professional interactions, particularly during interviews. It's seen as a sign of ambition and foresight. Be prepared to articulate your goals clearly and concisely, showing enthusiasm and a clear path forward. Directness in this question is generally well-received.