Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to say “disturb” in Portuguese can be useful in a variety of situations. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to express this word, focusing on European Portuguese, the most widely spoken variation. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, where respect and politeness are essential, you can use the following expressions to convey the meaning of “disturb” in Portuguese:
1. Incomodar – This word is commonly used and understood throughout Portugal. It is a versatile verb that can be used in various contexts to express both physical and emotional disturbance. Here are a few usage examples:
– Desculpe, posso incomodar um momento? Preciso fazer uma pergunta. (Excuse me, can I disturb you for a moment? I have a question.)
– Lamento incomodar, mas o ruído está me atrapalhando bastante. (I’m sorry to disturb, but the noise is bothering me a lot.)
2. Perturbar – This verb is slightly more formal than “incomodar” and is often used in professional settings or when a higher level of disturbance is implied. Here’s an example of its usage:
– A reunião foi perturbada pelos constantes telefonemas. (The meeting was disturbed by the constant phone calls.)
Informal Expressions
For informal or casual situations, such as conversations with friends or family, you can opt for more relaxed expressions to convey the meaning of “disturb” in Portuguese:
1. Chatear – This verb is commonly used in informal conversations to express annoyance or disturbance. It is mostly used in Portugal, but may not be as widely understood in other Portuguese-speaking countries. Usage examples include:
– Não quero chatear-te, mas precisamos conversar sobre isso. (I don’t want to disturb you, but we need to talk about this.)
– Ele sempre me chateia com suas brincadeiras sem graça. (He always disturbs me with his unfunny jokes.)
2. Atormentar – Although this verb translates to “torment” in English, it is also used in a less extreme sense to express a certain level of disturbance. It is primarily used in Brazil. Here’s an example:
– Você não pode atormentar o seu irmão o tempo todo. (You can’t disturb your brother all the time.)
Regional Variations
While the previously mentioned expressions are generally understood across Portuguese-speaking countries, it’s essential to be aware of regional variations that exist. Here are a few variations:
1. Importunar – This verb is more commonly used in Brazil and may not be as widely understood in Portugal. It conveys a sense of bothering or annoying someone. Example usage:
– Eu não quero importunar você, mas preciso pedir um favor. (I don’t want to disturb you, but I need to ask for a favor.)
2. Inquietar – This verb, commonly used in Brazil, has a broader sense of disturbance, ranging from physical to emotional discomfort. Usage example:
– A notícia inquieta os moradores da região. (The news disturbs the residents of the region.)
Tips for Learning
Learning new vocabulary can sometimes be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the word “disturb” in Portuguese:
- Practice speaking: Find opportunities to use these expressions in conversations with native speakers or language exchange partners.
- Listen to podcasts or watch movies in Portuguese: Exposing yourself to authentic content will help familiarize you with different contexts and usages of the word.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards with the word “disturb” and its Portuguese translations to strengthen your vocabulary.
- Read Portuguese literature: Reading books or articles in Portuguese will expose you to different writing styles and help solidify your understanding of the word.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, and it’s perfectly normal to make mistakes along the way. Embrace those mistakes as opportunities for growth and keep practicing regularly to improve your skills!
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “disturb” in Portuguese, go ahead and confidently use these expressions in your conversations. Best of luck with your language learning!
