Lorraine Maddison
Welcome to our guide on how to say “recession” in Portuguese! Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to express economic downturns or recessions is vital. Recession, or “recessão” in Portuguese, holds significant importance in economic discussions. In this guide, we will not only cover the formal and informal ways of saying “recession” in Portuguese but also provide you with regional variations, helpful tips, and plenty of examples. Let’s dive right in!
Formal Ways to Say “Recession” in Portuguese
When it comes to formal settings and discussions, here are some commonly used terms for “recession” in Portuguese:
- Recessão: This is the most widely used and standard term to describe a recession in Portuguese. It accurately conveys the concept of an economic downturn.
- Crise econômica: Literally translating to “economic crisis,” this term encompasses the broader concept of economic instability and can be used interchangeably with “recessão.”
- Desaceleração econômica: This phrase translates to “economic slowdown” and is commonly used to describe a period of reduced economic growth or activity that may lead to a recession.
Informal and Colloquial Ways to Say “Recession” in Portuguese
Informal language is often used in everyday conversations and allows for a more casual and relaxed approach. Here are a few informal variations of “recession” in Portuguese:
- Crise: In informal contexts, “crise” is a widely used term to signify a crisis or recession. It’s a shorter and more colloquial way to refer to an economic downturn.
- Marola: This term, which literally means “swell” or “ripple,” is used informally to describe a smaller and less severe economic downturn, often with a hint of sarcasm or irony.
- Vacas magras: Translated as “lean cows” or “thin cows,” this phrase is a metaphorical way of referring to tough times, such as a recession or economic difficulties.
Regional Variations and Other Tips
While the formal and informal terms listed above are applicable throughout most Portuguese-speaking countries, it’s important to note that there might be slight regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation. Here are a few variations:
Brazilian Portuguese: In Brazil, you may come across the term “baixa” to describe a recession. While less common in other Portuguese-speaking regions, it can still be understood due to the context.
Now that you have learned various ways to say “recession” in Portuguese, let’s see how these terms can be used in practical examples:
Examples:
- Formal: Devido à recessão econômica, muitas empresas tiveram que fechar suas portas. (Due to the economic recession, many companies had to close down.)
- Informal: Estamos passando por uma crise terrível no momento. (We are going through a terrible crisis at the moment.)
- Informal: As vacas magras chegaram, e agora temos que apertar o cinto. (The lean cows have arrived, and now we have to tighten our belts.)
Remember to adapt your vocabulary and tone based on the context and formality of the situation. Understanding the nuances of how to say “recession” in Portuguese will not only improve your language skills but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions about economics in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Conclusion
With the completion of this guide, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “recession” in Portuguese. Whether you prefer a formal approach with terms like “recessão” or “crise econômica” or a more informal one using phrases like “crise” or “vacas magras,” you can confidently navigate the topic of recessions in Portuguese-speaking environments. Remember to consider regional variations, such as the Brazilian use of “baixa.” By incorporating these terms and examples into your discussions, you’re well on your way to becoming proficient in expressing economic concepts in Portuguese. Boa sorte!
