perturbador
/peʁ.tuʁ.baˈdoʁ/
The Portuguese word for "distracting" is perturbador.
perturbador is used to describe something that causes a distraction or interferes with the ability to concentrate or focus.
Meaning: causing a distraction, interfering with the ability to concentrate or focus (adj)
Which one should you use?
While perturbador can mean "distracting", it often carries a stronger connotation of being "disturbing" or "disruptive" to one's peace or mental state. If you want to describe a person who is currently unable to focus, use distraído instead of perturbador.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use perturbadora for feminine nouns. For multiple masculine or mixed-gender nouns, the masculine plural form is perturbadores, which is created by adding the suffix -es.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable: /peʁ.tuʁ.baˈdoʁ/.
Did you know?
- In a legal or formal context, perturbador can describe someone committing a 'disturbance of the peace', known as perturbação do sossego. This transforms the word from a simple description of focus into a specific legal offense.
- Portuguese speakers often use the verb distrair to mean 'to entertain'. While an English speaker might find a loud noise 'distracting', a Portuguese speaker might say a movie distrai them, meaning it keeps them amused.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the root perturbar is sometimes used colloquially to mean 'to annoy' or 'to pester'. Saying não me perturbe is a common way to tell someone to stop bothering you.
Examples in context
- As luzes piscantes são perturbadorasThe flashing lights are distracting
- Estou tentando estudar, mas o barulho da obra é muito distraente!I'm trying to study, but the noise from the construction is very distracting!
- Esta televisão enorme é perturbadora para a minha concentração.This huge TV is distracting to my concentration.
- O barulho é muito perturbador.The noise is very distracting/disturbing.
- O som da obra é muito perturbador.The sound of the construction is very distracting.
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are trying to study in a noisy cafe.
- CamilaFelipe, esse som ambiente está perturbador.Felipe, this ambient sound is distracting.
- FelipeEu concordo, não consigo me concentrar.I agree, I can't concentrate.
- CamilaVamos procurar um lugar mais calmo?Shall we look for a quieter place?
- FelipeSim, vamos embora agora.Yes, let's leave now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perturbador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
