Utilitário

Utilitário is a term used in Portuguese as both an adjective and a noun. Derived from the Latin utilis, meaning useful, it conveys practicality and usefulness. In general language, utilitário describes something designed for practical use rather than aesthetics, and can denote utilitarian design, tools, or approaches focused on function.

As a masculine noun, utilitário can refer to a type of vehicle: a light commercial vehicle used to transport goods or provide services, such as vans, pickups, or small trucks. In Brazil and Portugal, veículo utilitário or simply utilitário is common in automotive classifications. These vehicles are typically distinct from passenger cars and are optimized for cargo space and durability. In everyday speech, one might say “comprei um utilitário para fazer entregas” or “empresa de utilitários” to describe a delivery van or small truck.

In computing and technology, utilitário refers to a software utility—small programs that perform maintenance or configuration tasks. Examples include disk utilities, backup utilities, and system diagnostic tools. Phrases like “utilitário de disco” or “utilitários do sistema” are common in Portuguese-language manuals and interfaces.

The term also appears in design and product discourse to describe practical, no-frills functionality, sometimes contrasted with design more focused on form. In regional use, the exact connotation can vary: in some contexts, utilitário emphasizes cargo-capacity and reliability; in others, it highlights the tool-like, efficient character of equipment or software.