Are you looking to expand your Portuguese vocabulary by learning how to express the emotion of disgust? Whether you’re planning a trip to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to communicate with Portuguese speakers in your community, understanding different ways to say “disgusted” can be both helpful and insightful. In this guide, we’ll explore formal and informal ways to express disgust in Portuguese, while also providing tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say Disgusted:
In formal contexts, such as business settings or when speaking to someone of higher authority, it is important to use a more polite and refined vocabulary. The following expressions can be used to convey disgust in a formal manner:
- Nojo – Literally translated as “disgust,” this is the most straightforward term to express feeling disgusted. It is widely used in all Portuguese-speaking countries and is suitable for formal occasions. For example, you can say: “Sinto muito nojo dessa situação” (I feel very disgusted about this situation).
- Repugnância – This word carries a stronger sense of repulsion or revulsion. Although it may not be used as frequently as “nojo,” it provides a more intense expression of disgust. For instance: “Demonstraram uma repugnância pela ideia” (They showed repugnance towards the idea).
- Desaprovação – This term, meaning “disapproval,” is commonly used to express a formal sense of disgust or disapproval. It suggests not only disgust but also a negative judgment towards someone or something. An example sentence could be: “A plateia expressou sua desaprovação com vaias” (The audience expressed their disapproval with boos).
Informal Ways to Say Disgusted:
In casual or informal conversations among friends, family, or peers, the Portuguese language offers several colloquial expressions to convey feelings of disgust. These expressions are used in everyday language and provide a more authentic and communal way to express such emotions:
- Eca! – This is an interjection widely used by Portuguese speakers to convey disgust. It is equivalent to the English expression “Ew!” or “Yuck!” and can be used in various situations. For example: “Eca! Não acredito que comi isso!” (Ew! I can’t believe I ate that!)
- Nojento(a) – This is the Portuguese equivalent of “disgusting” or “gross” in English. It can be used to describe a wide range of unpleasant things or situations, and it’s a common word used informally among friends. For instance: “Que comida nojenta!” (What disgusting food!)
- Revoltante – Meaning “revolting” or “offensive,” this term is commonly used to express strong feelings of disgust or outrage. It is a more expressive word, suitable for situations where a more intense form of disgust needs to be conveyed. For example: “A atitude dele é revoltante!” (His attitude is revolting!)
Regional Variations:
Although Portuguese is spoken in several countries, the basic expressions to convey disgust do not have significant regional variations. However, some countries may have colloquial terms or phrases specific to their region. Here are a few examples:
In Brazil, you may come across the term “nojinho,” which is a diminutive variation of “nojo.” It is commonly used when expressing a milder form of disgust or to make the expression sound more playful. For example, “Estou com nojinho dessa comida” (I feel a little disgusted by this food).
Tips for Practicing:
Learning new vocabulary can be challenging, but with consistent practice, it becomes easier to integrate new expressions into your everyday conversations. Here are some tips to help you in your learning process:
- Immerse Yourself: Surround yourself with Portuguese media, such as movies, TV shows, or radio programs, to familiarize yourself with the language and its expressions. This exposure will enhance your understanding and usage of words related to disgust.
- Use Language Learning Apps: Utilize language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise to practice vocabulary and expressions related to emotions, including words for disgust.
- Practice with Native Speakers: Find language exchange partners or join language meetup groups in your area to practice speaking Portuguese with native speakers. They can help correct your pronunciation and provide real-life examples of how to express disgust in appropriate contexts.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, and every step forward brings you closer to fluency. With patience, dedication, and the right resources, you’ll soon be able to express your emotions, including disgust, confidently in Portuguese.
