Learning how to say cry in Portuguese is essential if you want to communicate effectively with Portuguese speakers. Whether you are learning the language for personal or professional reasons, having a wide vocabulary range is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express the word “cry” in Portuguese, along with various tips and examples to help you use the word accurately and confidently.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Cry in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings or academic settings, using the appropriate term to express “cry” in Portuguese is crucial. Here are a few formal alternatives:
1. Chorar
The most common and formal way to say “cry” in Portuguese is “chorar.” This verb is widely used and understood across Portuguese-speaking countries. Here are a few examples of how to use it correctly in a formal context:
Maria chorou depois de receber a notícia triste.
(Maria cried after receiving the sad news.)
Não chore, é importante se manter forte neste momento difícil.
(Don’t cry, it’s important to stay strong in this difficult moment.)
Informal Ways to Say Cry in Portuguese
In informal settings, such as conversations among friends or family, you may prefer to use more colloquial expressions to convey the idea of crying. Below are a few commonly used informal alternatives:
1. Choramingar
When someone is whimpering or whining, you can use the informal verb “choramingar.” It is often used when someone is complaining or being overly emotional. Here are a couple of examples:
Pare de choramingar por coisas pequenas.
(Stop whining about small things.)
Ela choramingou o dia todo depois da briga com o namorado.
(She cried the whole day after the fight with her boyfriend.)
2. Lágrimas
Another informal way of referring to crying is by using the word “lágrimas,” meaning tears. It can be used as a noun to indicate someone’s act of crying. Here are a few examples:
Ele não aguentou e deixou as lágrimas caírem.
(He couldn’t handle it and let the tears fall.)
As lágrimas rolaram pelo seu rosto enquanto ouvia a história triste.
(Tears rolled down his face as he listened to the sad story.)
Regional Variations
While the aforementioned terms are widely used across Portuguese-speaking countries, it’s important to note that there may be some regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. Below are a couple of examples of regional variations to say cry in Portuguese:
1. Brazil: Chorar as pitangas
In Brazil, one informal way to say cry is by using the expression “chorar as pitangas,” which literally translates to “cry the pitangas.” Pitanga is a type of fruit commonly found in Brazil. This expression adds a local touch to the language while conveying the act of crying. Here’s an example:
Depois de perder o jogo, ele chorou as pitangas.
(After losing the game, he cried his heart out.)
2. Portugal: Llorar
In Portugal, some people may use the term “llorar” to say cry. Although “llorar” is typically a Spanish term, it is also understood among some Portuguese speakers, particularly in border regions. Here’s an example of its usage in Portugal:
Não consegui evitar de llorar ao ouvir a notícia triste.
(I couldn’t help but cry upon hearing the sad news.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say cry in Portuguese is an essential part of expanding your vocabulary and communicating effectively with Portuguese speakers. Remember that “chorar” is the most common and formal way to express cry, while “choramingar” and “lágrimas” are more informal alternatives. Regional variations, such as “chorar as pitangas” in Brazil and “llorar” in Portugal, add a unique touch to the language. By using these terms appropriately and confidently, you will gain a deeper understanding of Portuguese culture and enhance your ability to express emotions in a foreign language.
