Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| estresse | /isˈtɾɛ.si/ (Brazil) /esˈtɾɛ.si/ (Brazil) |
Brazil |
| stress | /isˈtɾɛ.si/ (Brazil) /esˈtɾɛ.si/ (Brazil) |
Portugal, alternative form |
This noun refers to emotional pressure. While estresse describes the psychological state, the verb estressar is frequently used colloquially to mean getting stressed out or being annoyed. If you are referring to physical or mechanical strain rather than emotional pressure, use the verb tensionar.
Which one should you use?
While estresse refers to emotional pressure, tensionar is used when referring to physical or mechanical strain/tension.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, estresse is the standard spelling. In Portugal, the spelling stress is commonly used.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /isˈtɾɛ.si/. The stress is on the second syllable.
When do people say it?
In Brazil, preocupação can be used to convey stress. When facing a particularly difficult or stressful situation, Brazilians may use the expression barra pesada.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word estresse shares an ancient root with the English word 'stress' and the Latin 'stringō', which means 'to draw tight'.
- While a learner might search for a word for 'pressure', using the word pressão to describe emotional stress can actually imply physical force, making estresse a safer choice for psychology.
- The Portuguese verb estressar has evolved a more colloquial meaning in Brazil, where it is often used to mean 'to be annoyed' or 'to get irritated' rather than just experiencing psychological pressure.
Examples in context
- O que significa "stress"?What does "stress" mean?This example clarifies the meaning of the word stress.Tatoeba #7496916 by Ricardo14, translation #5745890 by CM
- Como você lida com o estresse?How do you handle stress?This example shows how to ask a question using estresse.Tatoeba #1656751 by alexmarcelo, translation #1553494 by CK
- Ela é incapaz de lidar com o estresse.She is unable to cope with stress.This example demonstrates how to describe an inability to cope with estresse.Tatoeba #2444778 by MarlonX19, translation #311014 by CK
- No trabalho, o estresse pode afetar negativamente a saúde.In the workplace, stress can negatively affect one's health.
- Ultimamente tenho sentido uma grande tensão devido às exigências da faculdade.Lately, I have been feeling a lot of stress due to the demands of college.
- A pressão constante no trabalho está me deixando esgotado.The constant pressure at work is leaving me exhausted.
- Estou tão stressada com os preparativos do casamento!I'm so stressed out with the wedding preparations!
- Depois de um dia de trabalho intenso, só consigo dizer que foi uma barra pesada.After a long day of intense work, all I can say is that it was a tough one.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are talking about their busy work week.
- FelipeEstou sentindo muito estresse este mês.I am feeling a lot of stress this month.
- MarianaEu também, Felipe. O trabalho está difícil.Me too, Felipe. Work is difficult.
- FelipePrecisamos de férias para reduzir o estresse.We need a vacation to reduce the stress.
- MarianaCom certeza, Mariana concorda com você!For sure, Mariana agrees with you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stress” translations and entries estresse, stress, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estresse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
