Passivo

Passivo is a term used in Portuguese to denote what an individual or organization owes to others. It contrasts with ativo, which denotes what is owned. The term is used in accounting, finance, law, and linguistics.

In accounting and finance, passivos are obligations arising from past events that are expected to result in an outflow of resources. They are usually categorized as passivo circulante (current liabilities, due within one year) and passivo não circulante (non-current liabilities). Examples include loans, accounts payable, taxes payable, and provisions. In the balance sheet, the basic equation is ativos = passivos + patrimônio líquido (equity). Management aims to ensure liquidity and solvency to meet obligations.

In linguistics, passivo refers to the passive voice, where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the doer. In Portuguese, passive constructions can be formed with the verb ser plus participle, or with the impersonal passive se. Example: "A carta foi escrita" (The letter was written). The agent may be omitted or introduced by a phrase such as "por alguém".

Other uses include legal and contractual contexts, where passivo can mean contingent liabilities (passivos contingentes) or potential obligations. In corporate reporting, passivos appear on the balance sheet alongside ativos and patrimônio líquido, reflecting the company's financial obligations.