Greetings, language learners! If you’re interested in expanding your Portuguese vocabulary, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll delve into the various ways to express the term “squeamish” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. We’ll provide you with tips, examples, and even touch on regional variations, if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
The Formal Phrase: “Sensível”
In formal contexts, the closest translation to “squeamish” in Portuguese is “sensível.” This term can be used to describe someone who is easily affected by disturbing or unpleasant things, particularly related to blood, gore, or anything that causes discomfort.
Here’s an example sentence using “sensível”:
Ele é muito sensível e não consegue lidar com cenas violentas nos filmes.
(Translation: “He is very squeamish and can’t handle violent scenes in movies.”)
The Informal Term: “Enjoado”
If you’re looking for a more casual term to express “squeamish” in Portuguese, you can use the word “enjoado.” In informal conversations, this word is commonly used to describe someone who feels nauseated or disgusted easily, often in relation to food or certain smells.
Let’s see “enjoado” in action:
Julia não come carne crua porque se sente enjoada só de pensar nisso.
(Translation: “Julia doesn’t eat raw meat because she gets squeamish just thinking about it.”)
Regional Variations
While “sensível” and “enjoado” are widely understood throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, it’s also interesting to note some regional variations. In different Portuguese-speaking countries, you may encounter unique expressions that convey a similar meaning to “squeamish.”
Brazilian Portuguese:
In Brazil, you might occasionally hear the word “frescurento” to describe someone who is squeamish. It has a slightly playful tone and is commonly used in informal settings. An example sentence could be:
O Gabriel é frescurento, não suporta ver feridas.
(Translation: “Gabriel is squeamish, he can’t stand to see wounds.”)
European Portuguese:
In Portugal, an informal way to express “squeamish” is by using the expression “ficar de estômago virado” (to feel turned stomach). A typical sentence would be:
A Sara fica de estômago virado só de pensar em agulhas.
(Translation: “Sara gets squeamish just thinking about needles.”)
Tips for Learning and Using These Expressions
Now that you know the different ways to say “squeamish” in Portuguese, here are some tips to help you effectively learn and integrate these expressions into your vocabulary:
1. Practice Speaking:
Try to use these expressions in your conversations with native Portuguese speakers. This will not only improve your pronunciation but also increase your confidence in using the terms correctly.
2. Context Matters:
Remember that the appropriate term to use may depend on the specific situation or context. Take note of how native speakers in various situations use these expressions to refine your understanding.
3. Watch Movies and TV Shows:
Expose yourself to Portuguese language media, such as films and TV shows, where you can hear these expressions being used naturally. This will help you grasp the nuances and expand your vocabulary.
In Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now added a useful set of vocabulary to your Portuguese repertoire. By mastering the formal term “sensível” and the informal term “enjoado,” as well as exploring regional variations like “frescurento” and “ficar de estômago virado,” you’re well-equipped to express the concept of “squeamish” in Portuguese. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon you’ll be speaking Portuguese with fluency and confidence!
