Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| atrevido | /a.tɾeˈvi.du/ (Brazil) /ɐ.tɾɨˈvi.du/ (Portugal) |
| espevitado | /is.pe.viˈta.du/ (Brazil) /es.pe.viˈta.du/ (Brazil) |
| ousado | /o(w)ˈza.du/ (Brazil) /o(w)ˈza.du/ (Portugal) |
The terms used for 'sassy' in Portuguese vary based on whether you want to emphasize cheekiness, liveliness or daring behavior.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nuance of 'sassy' you wish to convey. Use atrevido when the boldness is perceived as being cheeky or showing a slight lack of respect. Use espevitado if 'sassy' implies a person has a lively, energetic or spirited personality. Use ousado when referring to someone being daring or taking risks, often in a way that is perceived as positive or impressive.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective atrevido follows standard gender and number agreement. It changes its ending to atrevida for feminine subjects and uses the masculine plural form atrevidos when describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of atrevido is /a.tɾeˈvi.du/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The word atrevido comes from the verb atrever, which shares an ancestor with the English word 'adventure'.
- Depending on the tone of voice, calling someone atrevido can be a flirtatious compliment rather than a criticism of their manners.
- Using ousado to describe a decision or a piece of art is almost always a high compliment, whereas atrevido is more likely to be a social warning.
Examples in context
- Ele tem uma personalidade atrevida.He has a sassy personality.
- Você sempre tem uma resposta espertinha, não é?You always have a sassy answer, don't you?
- Você é muito atrevida, não tem medo de nada!You are so sassy, you're not afraid of anything!
- Ele fez um comentário desaforado, cheio de sarcasmo.He made a sassy comment, full of sarcasm.
- Ele é um menino muito atrevido.He is a very sassy boy.
- Não seja tão atrevido com ela.Don't be so cheeky with her.
- Aquele comentário foi bem atrevido.That comment was quite impudent.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are discussing a funny comment a child made.
- RodrigoVocê viu como ele respondeu?Did you see how he answered?
- BeatrizSim, ele é um menino bem atrevido.Yes, he is a very sassy boy.
- RodrigoEu ri muito daquela resposta.I laughed a lot at that answer.
- BeatrizEle tem muita personalidade!He has a lot of personality!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sassy” translations and entries atrevido, espevitado, ousado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atrevido, ousado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
