insubstituível
/ĩ.subs.t͡ʃi.tuˈi.vew/
The English phrase irreplaceable is insubstituível in Portuguese.
The word is an adjective used to describe something that cannot be replaced.
Meaning: that cannot be replaced (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word uses the prefix in-, which functions as a negation similar to the English prefixes 'un-' or 'ir-' in 'irreplaceable'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you may use insubstituível to convey the concept of irreplaceable. You may also use the phrase impossível de substituir in Brazil to convey the same concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective insubstituível must agree in number with the noun it modifies. It changes to insubstituíveis for plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 5th syllable: /ĩ.subs.tʃi.tuˈi.vew/.
Did you know?
- While insubstituível describes a person's value, Portuguese speakers often use the term saudade to describe the specific emotional void left by someone who is irreplaceable.
- When using 'insubstituível' for people, it can sound quite heavy or dramatic, almost as if you are describing a lost legend.
- In legal Portuguese, the concept of being irreplaceable is often linked to the term imprescindível, which means 'indispensable' and is used more frequently in formal contracts than insubstituível.
Examples in context
- Eu sei que Tom é insubstituível.I know that Tom is irreplaceable.This sentence is useful for stating that a person is irreplaceable using insubstituível.Tatoeba #11080027 by bill, translation #6247962 by CK
- O tempo que passamos juntos é insubstituível.The time we've spent together is irreplaceable.This sentence is useful for describing time spent together as irreplaceable using insubstituível.Tatoeba #1701005 by alexmarcelo, translation #1699462 by marcelostockle
- Os livros de xadrez eram algo insubstituível para ele.Chess books were something irreplaceable for him.This sentence is useful for describing how certain objects were irreplaceable using insubstituível.Tatoeba #10688832 by carlosalberto, translation #10688833 by carlosalberto
- A minha avó é insubstituível na minha vidaMy grandmother is irreplaceable in my life
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are discussing a sentimental item in a photo album.
- GabrielEsta foto da nossa viagem é insubstituível.This photo of our trip is irreplaceable.
- MarianaSim, Gabriel, ela é muito especial.Yes, Gabriel, it is very special.
- GabrielEu nunca poderia perder esse registro.I could never lose this record.
- MarianaEu concordo plenamente com você.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “irreplaceable” translations and entries insubstituível, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
