pavor
The Portuguese word for dread is pavor.
The word pavor refers to intense fear or dread in a formal context. If you want to express the action of anticipating something with fear (the verb 'to dread'), the most natural Portuguese verb is temer.
Meaning: to anticipate with fear (that …) (verb)
Which one should you use?
Pavor and terror imply an overwhelming, paralyzing fear. In contrast, temor is a more moderate form of fear or apprehension. Angústia translates to "anguish" but can also convey a sense of dread.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Note that while pavor is listed as a way to say 'to dread', it is actually a noun meaning 'dread' or 'terror'. To use the verb 'to dread', use temer.
Did you know?
- The expression ficar com o coração na mão is often used when someone is dreading a specific outcome, literally meaning 'to be left with the heart in the hand'.
- While temer is the standard verb for 'to dread', Brazilians often use the expression morrer de medo which literally means 'to die of fear' to express an intense feeling of dread.
- In Portuguese, the word temor is often used in legal or religious contexts to describe a 'respectful fear' or a sense of awe, rather than just a psychological dread.
Examples in context
- Sinto um grande temor de voar de avião.I have a great dread of flying on airplanes.
- Temo que algo ruim aconteça.I dread that something bad will happen.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are talking about an upcoming medical exam.
- GabrielVocê está nervosa para a prova amanhã?Are you nervous for the test tomorrow?
- BeatrizSim, sinto pavor de receber a notícia.Yes, I dread receiving the news.
- GabrielTudo vai ficar bem, Beatriz.Everything will be fine, Beatriz.
- BeatrizEspero que você esteja certo, Gabriel.I hope you are right, Gabriel.
