perturbação
/peʁ.tuʁ.baˈsɐ̃w̃/
The English word "disruption" is translated into Portuguese as perturbação.
perturbação can mean a physical or systemic disruption, and it is also frequently used to describe mental or emotional disturbance/agitation.
Meaning: interruption (noun)
Which one should you use?
Both perturbação and interrupção are formal translations for "disruption".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, perturbação can be used informally in everyday conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /peʁ.tuʁ.baˈsɐ̃w̃/.
Did you know?
- In legal or police reports in Brazil, perturbação do sossego is a specific legal term for 'disturbing the peace', often used for loud music or noise complaints.
- While perturbação means 'disruption', the verb perturbar can be used as a slang way to say someone is 'tripping' or acting crazy in certain Brazilian social circles.
- While perturbação is a formal noun, its verbal form perturbar is often used colloquially in Portugal to describe someone who is being a 'nuisance' or 'annoying'.
Examples in context
- Alguns economistas, no entanto, pintam um quadro mais sombrio alertando que a perturbação dos mercados e do comércio regionais é considerável.Some economists, however, paint a gloomier picture, warning that the disruption to regional markets and trading is considerable.This sentence shows how perturbação can be used to describe the disruption of markets and trade.Tatoeba #11842945 by Cangarejo, translation #11842942 by Cangarejo
- Houve uma perturbação no cronogramaThere's been a disruption in the schedule
- Os protestos causaram uma desordem na cidadeThe protests caused a disruption in the city
- A queda de energia causou uma interrupção na reuniãoThe power outage caused a disruption in the meeting
- Houve uma confusão no concerto devido a problemas técnicosThere was a disruption at the concert due to technical issues
- As crianças fizeram uma bagunça na sala de aulaThe kids created a disruption in the classroom
- A greve causou uma perturbação nos transportes públicosThe strike caused a disruption in public transportation
- O problema técnico levou a uma interrupção na conferênciaThe technical problem led to a disruption in the conference
- A tempestade de chuva causou uma bagunça completa nas ruasThe rainstorm created a complete disruption on the streets
- Houve uma perturbação no sinal da televisão.There was an interruption in the television signal.
- A perturbação do sono é prejudicial à saúde.The disruption of sleep is harmful to health.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Camila are talking about their flight delay.
- GabrielHouve uma perturbação no voo de hoje.There was a disruption in today's flight.
- CamilaVocê sabe qual é o motivo, Gabriel?Do you know what the reason is, Gabriel?
- GabrielDisseram que foi por causa do clima.They said it was because of the weather.
- CamilaEspero que a Camila chegue logo.I hope Camila arrives soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perturbação, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
