Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “interesting” in Portuguese! Whether you’re planning to travel to a Portuguese-speaking country, want to impress your Portuguese-speaking friends, or simply have an interest in the language, knowing how to express “interesting” is a valuable skill. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to say “interesting” in Portuguese, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Interesting” in Portuguese
1. “Interessante” – This is the most straightforward and commonly used translation for “interesting” in Portuguese. It is widely understood and accepted in all Portuguese-speaking countries. For example:
O filme que assisti ontem foi muito interessante.
The movie I watched yesterday was very interesting.
2. “Cativante” – This word conveys a sense of captivation or being mesmerized by something. While slightly less common than “interessante,” it can be used interchangeably in most contexts. Here’s an example:
Ela tem uma voz cativante.
She has a captivating voice.
3. “Atrativo” – This term refers to something that is attractive or appealing, often used to describe objects, places, or situations. It implies that the subject has qualities that catch one’s attention. For instance:
Esta cidade tem muitos pontos turísticos atrativos.
This city has many attractive tourist spots.
Informal Ways to Say “Interesting” in Portuguese
1. “Legal” – This is a popular and informal way to say “interesting” in Brazilian Portuguese. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations and among friends. Take a look at this example:
O livro que eu li foi muito legal!
The book I read was really interesting!
2. “Maneiro” – This word, mainly used in Brazil, signifies that something is cool or interesting. It is more prevalent in informal settings or younger generations. Here’s an example:
Aquele filme de ação é muito maneiro!
That action movie is really interesting!
3. “Bacana” – This term is widely used in both Portugal and Brazil to express that something is amusing or interesting. It has a positive connotation and can be utilized in different contexts. For instance:
A exposição de arte está muito bacana!
The art exhibition is very interesting!
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is the official language of multiple countries, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and more, there are some regional variations when it comes to expressing “interesting.” We’ve already covered some of the variations used in Brazil and Portugal, but let’s explore a few more below:
In Mozambique:
Interessantíssimo
In Angola:
Fixe
In Cape Verde:
Morabeza
These regional variations are used in specific contexts within their respective countries and might not be as widely recognized in other Portuguese-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “interesting” in Portuguese. Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently express your thoughts or engage in conversations about fascinating topics in Portuguese. Remember to adapt your word choice based on the level of formality and the regional variations relevant to your situation. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to incorporate these expressions into your daily conversations or language learning endeavors. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
