Learning how to say “disappear” in Portuguese can be a useful skill when communicating with Portuguese speakers. Whether you plan to travel to Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking country, being able to express this word accurately will help you engage in conversations effectively. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “disappear” in Portuguese. We will also provide tips, examples, and highlight any regional variations as necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Disappear” in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, presentations, or official conversations, it’s important to use the appropriate level of formality. Here are a few options to say “disappear” formally:
1. Desaparecer
“Desaparecer” is the most common and straightforward translation for “to disappear” in Portuguese. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile option. Here’s an example sentence: “O objeto desapareceu misteriosamente.” (The object disappeared mysteriously.)
2. Sumir
Another formal way to say “disappear” is “sumir.” Although it is generally used in more informal settings, it is also acceptable in formal situations. Here’s an example: “A pessoa decidiu sumir sem deixar rastros.” (The person decided to disappear without leaving any traces.)
3. Evaporar
“Evaporar” is a formal term that can be used to convey the sense of something disappearing quickly or completely. This word is often used metaphorically to describe someone or something vanishing unexpectedly. Here’s an example: “As esperanças evaporaram quando receberam a notícia.” (The hopes evaporated when they received the news.)
Informal Ways to Say “Disappear” in Portuguese
Informal situations allow for more casual language usage, including when discussing the concept of disappearance. Here are some informal ways to express “to disappear” in Portuguese:
1. Sumir do mapa
“Sumir do mapa” is a popular colloquial expression that directly translates to “disappear from the map.” It implies a complete and sudden vanishing. This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations. For example: “Ele sumiu do mapa depois da festa.” (He disappeared from the map after the party.)
2. Virar fumaça
In a more figurative sense, you can say “virar fumaça,” which means “to turn into smoke.” It conveys the idea of something or someone disappearing mysteriously or unexpectedly. Here’s an example: “Os sonhos dela viraram fumaça.” (Her dreams turned into smoke.)
3. Escafeder-se
“Escafeder-se” is a playful and informal way to say “to disappear.” It is commonly used in Brazilian Portuguese and suggests a quick and sudden disappearance. Here’s an example: “Ele se escafedeu antes mesmo de pagas a conta.” (He disappeared even before paying the bill.)
Regional Variations
As with any language, there may be regional variations and slang terms to express the concept of disappearing. Here are a few examples:
1. Embuçar
In some regions of Brazil, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the verb “embuçar” is used to mean “to disappear” in a regional slang. For example: “Ele embuçou-se no meio da multidão.” (He disappeared in the middle of the crowd.)
2. Apagar-se
In Portugal, an alternative way to express “to disappear” is by using the verb “apagar-se.” Although it is less common in Brazilian Portuguese, it is widely used in Portugal. Here’s an example: “O homem apagou-se na escuridão.” (The man disappeared into the darkness.)
Conclusion
In summary, there are various ways to say “disappear” in Portuguese, depending on the formality and the region in question. “Desaparecer” and “sumir” are the most widely used in formal contexts, while “sumir do mapa” and “escafeder-se” are more suitable for informal conversations. Remember that language is not always strictly formal or informal, so feel free to adapt these phrases to your specific situation. Learning these variations will help you navigate conversations in Portuguese effectively, allowing you to express yourself with confidence.
