Whether you’re a language enthusiast or planning a trip to a Portuguese-speaking country, learning how to express concepts like “scary” in Portuguese is essential. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “scary” in Portuguese, with relevant tips and examples. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Scary” in Portuguese
1. Assustador: This is the most straightforward translation of “scary” in Portuguese. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice. For example:
Movie dialogue: O filme de terror foi realmente assustador! (The horror movie was truly scary!)
2. Aterrador: This formal term is often used to emphasize the terrifying nature of something. It adds a slightly stronger sense of fear. For example:
News report: As consequências do desastre foram verdadeiramente aterradoras. (The consequences of the disaster were truly terrifying.)
3. Medonho: This term has a more archaic feel to it, but it can still be used formally to convey a sense of dread. For example:
Book review: O romance gótico é repleto de eventos medonhos e misteriosos. (The Gothic novel is full of dread-filled and mysterious events.)
Informal Ways to Say “Scary” in Portuguese
4. Assustador de arrepiar: This informal phrase is often used to describe something so scary that it gives you the chills. For example:
Conversation between friends: Aquele filme de terror foi assustador de arrepiar! (That horror movie was spine-chillingly scary!)
5. Bruxaria: In a colloquial sense, the word “bruxaria” (witchcraft) is sometimes used to refer to something eerie or spooky. For example:
Talking about a haunted house: Aquela casa abandonada parece cheia de bruxaria. (That abandoned house seems filled with witchcraft.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries and regions, which can result in subtle variations in the way “scary” is expressed. However, the terms mentioned above are mostly universal. Let’s take a look at a regional variation from Brazil:
Regional Variation: Brazil
6. Sinistro: This Brazilian term, often used informally, is equivalent to “scary” or “eerie.” It has gained popularity among younger generations. For example:
Text message: A festa naquela casa abandonada era sinistra! (The party at that abandoned house was scary/eerie!)
Now that you have some key phrases at your disposal for talking about scary things in Portuguese, let’s recap with a few tips:
Tips for Expressing Scary Things in Portuguese
- Context matters: It’s essential to consider the context in which you want to express something as “scary” in Portuguese. This will help you choose the most appropriate term.
- Tone of voice: Pay attention to your tone of voice when using these words. It can intensify or downplay the level of scariness you want to convey.
- Practice: Try using these words in conversations with native speakers or during language practice sessions to improve your pronunciation and fluency.
Remember, advancing your language skills takes time and practice, so don’t worry if it feels challenging at first. With dedication and effort, you’ll soon become proficient at expressing scary concepts in Portuguese!
That’s all for now! We hope this guide provides you with the necessary knowledge to express “scary” in both formal and informal contexts in Portuguese. Enjoy your language learning journey and embrace the excitement of mastering a new vocabulary!
