If you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you need to communicate that something is broken in Portuguese, this guide is here to help! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “broken” in Portuguese. We’ll also provide tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Broken”
When speaking formally in Portuguese, it’s essential to use the appropriate words and expressions. Here are some formal ways to say “broken”:
- Quebrado: This is the most common formal term for “broken” in Portuguese. For example, you can say “O objeto está quebrado” meaning “The object is broken.”
- Inutilizado: This word implies that something is not only “broken” but also unusable. For instance, you can say “A máquina está inutilizada” to convey that “The machine is broken and can’t be used.”
- Deteriorado: This term is often used to describe something that is broken or damaged due to wear and tear. For instance, you can say “A pintura está deteriorada” meaning “The painting is deteriorated.”
- Estragado: Although “estragado” is primarily used to mean “spoiled” or “ruined,” it can also be used to describe something that is broken. For example, you can say “A janela está estragada” indicating that “The window is broken.”
Informal Ways to Say “Broken”
When communicating in a more informal setting or with friends, family, or colleagues, you can use these expressions to convey that something is “broken” in Portuguese:
- Bichado: This term is often used informally to describe something that is broken or damaged. For example, you can say “O telefone está bichado” which means “The phone is broken.”
- Ferrado: This word, which literally means “screwed” or “screwed up,” is commonly used colloquially in Brazil to indicate that something is broken. For instance, you can say “A televisão está ferrada” to convey “The TV is broken.”
- Pifado: This is another informal way of saying that something is not working or broken. For example, you can say “O computador pifou” to indicate that “The computer broke down.”
- Arrebentado: This term is frequently used in Brazilian Portuguese to describe something that is broken or damaged. For instance, you can say “A caneta está arrebentada” meaning “The pen is broken.”
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in several countries, and there are regional variations in vocabulary. Here are a few regional variations for saying “broken”:
In Portugal, they often use the word “partido” instead of “quebrado” to mean “broken.” For example, you can say “O vidro está partido,” which means “The glass is broken.”
While these regional variations exist, it’s important to note that the terms mentioned earlier are generally understood across Portuguese-speaking regions.
Examples and Usage Tips
To provide you with a better understanding, here are some examples and usage tips when talking about something that is broken in Portuguese:
- Example 1:
English: “The vase is broken.”
Portuguese: “O vaso está quebrado.”
Tips: “Quebrado” is the most common way to express “broken” in Portuguese and can be used for various objects.
- Example 2:
English: “My car broke down.”
Portuguese: “Meu carro pifou.”
Tips: “Pifar” is an informal Brazilian term meaning “to break down” or “to stop working.” It’s commonly used when referring to vehicles.
- Example 3:
English: “The toy is ruined.”
Portuguese: “O brinquedo está estragado.”
Tips: “Estragado” can be used to indicate not only that something is broken but also that it’s ruined or spoiled.
Remember, context is crucial when choosing the appropriate term for “broken” in Portuguese. Pay attention to formal or informal situations and the specific regional variations if relevant.
With this comprehensive guide at your disposal, you are now equipped with various formal and informal ways to express “broken” in Portuguese. Practice these expressions, use them when needed, and enjoy communicating effectively in Portuguese!
