[The emancipatory perspective of health literacy in Brazil: contributions from the Freirean thought to knowledge translation regarding a global concept].

This article seeks to reveal the potential for applying key principles of Freirean pedagogy for the effective translation of knowledge and practices associated with the concept of health literacy followed worldwide, based on a critical and emancipatory perspective. It starts from the observation that the process of adopting the concept in Brazil has been more utilitarian than critical, with initiatives predominantly focused on the translation and use of instruments to assess health literacy among population groups. In doing so, this approach has overlooked the academic contributions, practical actors, and social movements in various regions of the country, regarding the application of principles and values of Paulo Freire's thought for the emancipatory promotion of health for individuals and population groups. Based on the identification of Freirean thought's core principles, as reflected in the vast international literature on health literacy, the article highlights possible contributions of Paulo Freire's thought and pedagogy to the consolidation of knowledge and practices for promoting health literacy in Brazil, in its critical and emancipatory perspective. Finally, it argues that health literacy must be considered a key element for promoting autonomy and empowerment among individuals and population groups, enabling them to recognize their fundamental right to health and their role as citizens. This empowers them to interact with other community members, engage in initiatives for individual and collective health promotion, and engage in dialogue with representations of social structures within their territory or community.