When learning a new language, it’s essential to expand your vocabulary beyond the basics. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to say “rotten” in Portuguese. We’ll cover both formal and informal ways, providing you with regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Rotten” in Portuguese
In formal speaking or writing situations, you may need to use more sophisticated vocabulary to express the concept of “rotten.” Here are some formal ways to do so:
1. Podre
The most common and straightforward translation of “rotten” in Portuguese is “podre.” This term can be used in various contexts, from describing decaying food to discussing something decayed or spoiled. For example:
Aquele alimento está podre. (That food is rotten.)
2. Estragado
Another suitable term in formal situations is “estragado.” It denotes something that has gone bad or spoiled. Here’s an example:
Essa fruta está estragada. (This fruit is rotten.)
3. Deteriorado
For more specific instances where you want to convey the notion of deterioration, you can use “deteriorado.” This term is often used to describe items that have decayed or become severely damaged:
O prédio abandonado está totalmente deteriorado. (The abandoned building is completely rotten.)
4. Decomposto
If you want to emphasize the decomposition process, particularly when referring to organic matter, you can opt for “decomposto.” It is commonly used to describe rotting organic materials:
As folhas caídas no chão estão decompostas. (The fallen leaves on the ground are rotten.)
Informal Ways to Say “Rotten” in Portuguese
Now let’s explore some informal ways to express “rotten” in Portuguese. These terms are commonly used in everyday conversations:
1. Podre
As mentioned earlier, “podre” is a versatile term that can be used both formally and informally. In fact, in informal contexts, it becomes even more prevalent. Consider the following example:
Aquele filme foi podre! (That movie was rotten!)
2. Estragado
Similar to the formal use, “estragado” can also be used informally to describe something that has gone bad:
O leite está estragado. (The milk is rotten.)
3. Fedido
If you want to convey the idea of something being not only rotten but also unpleasantly smelly, you can choose the term “fedido.” Here’s an example:
Que cheiro horrível! Essa comida está fedida. (What a terrible smell! This food is rotten.)
4. Ruim
Finally, “ruim” can be used informally to express that something is not only bad but also rotten or spoiled. Take a look at this example:
Não coma isto, está tudo ruim! (Don’t eat this, it’s all rotten!)
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is the official language in multiple countries, it’s important to note that there might be slight regional variations in vocabulary. The terms mentioned above are widely understood and used throughout Portuguese-speaking regions. However, depending on the specific country, you may encounter some minor variations in daily expressions.
For instance, in Brazil, it is common to use the term “estragado” to mean rotten. On the other hand, in Portugal, some individuals may utilize the regional term “apodrecido” instead. Nevertheless, these regional variations are not essential for everyday use, as the previously mentioned terms are widely understood and accepted in both countries.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully expanded your vocabulary by learning several formal and informal ways to say “rotten” in Portuguese. Remember that “podre” and “estragado” are the most widely used terms and can be utilized in both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, “deteriorado” and “decomposto” are more specific terms, emphasizing different aspects of decay.
In informal conversations, you can also use “fedido” and “ruim” to express the same concept. While there may be regional variations in vocabulary, the terms discussed here are well-understood across Portuguese-speaking regions.
Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your Portuguese conversations. Soon enough, you’ll have an extensive vocabulary at your disposal!
