desrespeito
/dez.ʁesˈpej.tu/
The Portuguese word for disrespect is desrespeito.
desrespeito is used to express a lack of respect. You can also use grosseria to describe disrespectful behavior specifically characterized by rudeness or coarseness.
Meaning: to show a lack of respect (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix des-, which functions as a negation or reversal, similar to the English prefix 'dis-' in 'disrespect'.
Which one should you use?
While desrespeito is the standard term, other phrases can be used depending on the context: falta de consideração translates to 'lack of consideration' and grosseria specifically refers to rudeness or coarseness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Note that desrespeito is the noun meaning 'disrespect', whereas the verb form 'to disrespect' is desrespeitar.
How do you pronounce it?
/dez.ʁesˈpej.tu/
Did you know?
- Using the expression está me tirando is a common Brazilian slang way to say someone is disrespecting you by mocking you or treating you as if you are foolish.
- In a formal Brazilian legal context, desrespeito to a public official can be a specific crime known as desacato, which carries much heavier weight than a simple social offense.
- While desrespeito is a general term, Brazilians often use the slang term vacilo to describe a specific kind of disrespect that stems from a mistake, a betrayal of trust or a social blunder.
Examples in context
- Interferir em um funeral é um grande ato de desrespeito.Interfering with a funeral is a great show of disrespect.This sentence shows how to use desrespeito in the context of a social offense.Tatoeba #6301210 by heo598, translation #1165803 by marcelostockle
- Ele mostrou completo desrespeito pelos valores da empresa.He showed complete disrespect for the company's values.
- A falta de consideração dele o magoou profundamente.His lack of consideration hurt him deeply.
- Ela agiu com completa desconsideração pelos sentimentos alheios.She acted with complete disrespect for others' feelings.
- Aquele comentário foi um verdadeiro desaforo.That comment was a real disrespect.
- Não tolero a grosseria dele.I don't tolerate his disrespectfulness.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are discussing a conflict at work.
- GabrielAchei que você me desrespeito na reunião.I felt that you disrespected me during the meeting.
- JulianaEu sinto muito, Gabriel, não foi minha intenção.I am sorry, Gabriel, it was not my intention.
- GabrielPrecisamos manter o profissionalismo aqui.We need to maintain professionalism here.
- JulianaVocê tem razão, Juliana concorda com você.You are right, Juliana agrees with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desrespeito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
