triste
/ˈtɾis.t͡ʃi/
The English word 'sad' is translated into Portuguese as triste.
triste is the most straightforward translation for feeling sorrow.
Meaning: feeling sorrow (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective triste is gender-neutral, meaning it remains the same whether it describes a male or a female. To make the word plural, add an 's' to form tristes.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if someone says que tristeza, they are not always expressing genuine sorrow, but may be using it as an exaggerated way to say 'how ridiculous' or 'how shameful'.
- Portuguese speakers sometimes use the phrase estou na fossa to describe being so triste that they are in a deep emotional depression, literally saying they are 'in the pit'.
- The word tristeza is central to the concept of saudade, a unique Portuguese word for a deep, nostalgic longing that is both sad and hopeful.
Examples in context
- Isso não é triste?Isn't that sad?This sentence shows how to use triste in a question.Tatoeba #4837838 by Ricardo14, translation #2248700 by CK
- Isso é muito triste.That's really sad.This sentence demonstrates the use of triste with an intensifier.Tatoeba #1373045 by tulio, translation #42804 by CK
- O Tom estava triste.Tom was sad.This sentence shows how to use triste to describe a person's state.Tatoeba #2594766 by alexmarcelo, translation #2239842 by CK
- Estou muito triste com a perda do meu amigo.I am very sad about the loss of my friend.
- Nunca me senti tão desgostosa em toda a minha vida.I've never felt so sad in my entire life.
- Ela estava cabisbaixa depois de receber a notícia.She was sad after receiving the news.
- Estou aflita com a situação financeira atual.I'm distressed about the current financial situation.
- 235 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Gabriel are talking about a movie they just finished.
- JulianaO filme foi muito triste.The movie was very sad.
- GabrielEu também fiquei triste.I became sad too.
- JulianaO final foi de chorar.The end made me cry.
- GabrielSim, é uma história triste.Yes, it is a sad story.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sad” translations and entries triste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
