ameaça
/a.meˈa.sɐ/feminine
The English word 'menace' is translated into Portuguese as ameaça.
ameaça is a noun used to describe a perceived threat or danger.
Meaning: perceived threat or danger (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ameaça is a feminine noun. Because of this, any adjectives used to describe it must also be in the feminine form, such as ameaça constante (constant menace).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /a.meˈa.sɐ/.
Did you know?
- In some Portuguese idioms, saying someone is uma ameaça can be a backhanded compliment, implying the person is so skilled or talented that they are a 'threat' to their competitors.
- In Brazil, the word ameaça is often used in the expression ameaça de chuva to describe a sky that looks like it is about to rain, even if no one is being threatened.
- The word ameaça uses the ç (cedilha), a letter that originates from a Roman shorthand for 'ti'. This specific spelling is essential because without the hook, the 'c' would sound like a 'k'.
Examples in context
- O seu rosto ameaçador estava distorcido e maligno.Her face was distorted and malignant with menace.This sentence shows the word ameaça used to describe a malignant face.Tatoeba #10723384 by Cangarejo, translation #10723382 by Cangarejo
- Os níveis crescentes de poluição representam uma ameaça para a saúde pública.The increased pollution levels pose a menace to public health.
- Atenção naquele homem! Ele pode ser um perigo!Watch out for that man! He can be a menace!
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are discussing a security warning at the office.
- GabrielVocê viu o aviso sobre a ameaça de hacker?Did you see the warning about the hacker threat?
- MarianaSim, Gabriel. Devemos trocar nossas senhas agora.Yes, Gabriel. We should change our passwords now.
- GabrielEssa ameaça parece ser bem séria.This threat seems to be quite serious.
- MarianaConcordo, Mariana. Vou avisar a equipe.I agree, Mariana. I will warn the team.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “menace” translations and entries ameaça, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
