estou cansado
/isˈto(w) kɐ̃ˈsa.du/word by word
The English phrase "I am tired" is translated into Portuguese as estou cansado.
You use this phrase to state that you have no energy or that you need to rest. If you want to increase the intensity of your statement, you can use the adverbs muito (very) or extremamente (extremely).
Which one should you use?
While estou cansado refers to general physical or mental exhaustion, if you specifically mean that you are sleepy, you should use estou com sono instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the verb estar, which is the correct choice for describing temporary states such as being tired, rather than the verb ser which is used for permanent characteristics. The adjective must also agree with your gender: use estou cansado if you are male and estou cansada if you are female.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /isˈto(w) kɐ̃ˈsa.du/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While estou cansado means you lack energy, the word cansado can also mean 'stale' when referring to food or air that is no longer fresh.
- To say you are 'dead tired', Portuguese speakers often use the expression estou morto, which literally translates to 'I am dead'.
- The verb estou is derived from the Latin word stō, meaning 'i stand'.
Examples in context
- Estou cansado de ler.I am tired of reading.The first example shows how to use estou cansado to express being tired of a specific activity.Tatoeba #3660195 by ajdavidl, translation #259749 by CK
- Estou cansado de ouvir o Tom.I am tired of listening to Tom.The second example demonstrates using estou cansado to express being tired of a person.Tatoeba #1779429 by alexmarcelo, translation #1779238 by Amastan
- Não, obrigado. Eu estou cansado.No, thanks. I am tired.The third example shows how to use estou cansado to decline an offer due to exhaustion.Tatoeba #4773417 by KimiP, translation #456509 by lukaszpp
- Estou cansadoI am tired
- Estou muito cansada! Trabalhei incansavelmente o dia todoI am very tired! I worked tirelessly all day
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Camila are at home in the evening.
- RodrigoEstou cansado hoje.I am tired today.
- CamilaEu também estou cansada.I am tired too.
- RodrigoVamos dormir cedo?Shall we sleep early?
- CamilaSim, vamos.Yes, let's.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (estou, cansado) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cansado, estou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
