saudade
/sawˈda.d͡ʒi/
saudade is the Portuguese word for saudade (phrase).
In Portuguese, you do not 'miss' someone using a verb like in English. Instead, you 'have saudades' of them (ter saudades de alguém). The phrase matar a saudade is used when you finally see someone or do something you have been longing for, effectively 'extinguishing' the feeling of longing.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the singular saudade is used, it is very common to use the plural form saudades when expressing that you miss someone or something.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /sawˈda.dʒi/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Some linguists suggest the word may be linked to the Arabic word sawdāʔ, which refers to 'black bile' and the concept of melancholy.
Examples in context
- Não há uma palavra para "saudade" em inglês. Eles dizem "I miss you" que literalmente significa "eu te perdi".There's no word for "saudade" in English. They say "I miss you", which literally means "I lost you".This sentence is useful for noting that English lacks a single word for saudade and instead uses phrases like 'I miss you'.Tatoeba #7225999 by Ricardo14, translation #9464553 by Nylez
- Estou com muita saudade de você.I miss you so much.
- Sinto saudade daquela época.I feel nostalgic for that time.
- A saudade é um sentimento profundo.Saudade is a deep feeling.
- Tô com saudade de você, mano!I miss you, bro!
- Tô com saudade de casa.I'm missing home.
- Sinto muita saudade da minha infância.I feel a lot of saudade for my childhood.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a trip they took together a year ago.
- GabrielEstou com muita saudade daquela praia.I have a lot of saudade for that beach.
- CamilaEu também, Gabriel. Foi maravilhoso.Me too, Gabriel. It was wonderful.
- GabrielPrecisamos voltar para lá logo.We need to go back there soon.
- CamilaCom certeza, vamos planejar isso.Definitely, let's plan that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry saudade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saudade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
