manchar
/mɐ̃ˈʃa(ʁ)/
The English phrase 'tarnish' is translated into Portuguese as manchar.
The verb manchar is used to express the act of compromising, damaging or sullying something. This applies to both physical objects and abstract concepts. For example, the standard way to say 'to tarnish a reputation' is manchar a reputação. For the noun form of oxidation or discoloration, particularly regarding decorative metal exposed to air, use oxidação.
Meaning: to compromise, damage, soil, or sully (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb manchar literally means 'to stain' or 'to spot'.
Which one should you use?
manchar is versatile as it can refer to a physical stain on clothing or the abstract tarnishing of a person's name or honor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the verb enferrujar can be casually applied to the general idea of tarnishing.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular past tense of manchar is manchou, meaning 'tarnished' or 'stained'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɐ̃ˈʃa(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the word enferrujar, which literally means 'to rust', is used colloquially to describe a skill that has tarnished or faded because it is no longer practiced.
- The word manchar shares its DNA with the English word 'maculate', which describes something spotted or stained.
- In Portuguese, the idea of 'tarnishing' someone's image is often linked to the concept of 'honra' (honor). To manchar a honra is a culturally heavy phrase that carries more weight than a simple loss of reputation.
Examples in context
- A placa de prata foi manchada com o tempo.The silver plate was tarnished over time.
- O escândalo manchou a carreira do político.The scandal tarnished the politician's career.
- Não quero manchar a minha reputação.I don't want to tarnish my reputation.
- Um erro bobo pode manchar a imagem da empresa.A silly mistake can damage the company's image.
- Ele tentou manchar a honra do colega.He tried to sully the colleague's honor.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are discussing a political scandal at a cafe.
- GabrielAquele escândalo pode manchar a carreira dele.That scandal could tarnish his career.
- BeatrizSim, a imagem dele está muito prejudicada.Yes, his image is very compromised.
- GabrielEle precisa agir rápido para se defender.He needs to act fast to defend himself.
- BeatrizEspero que ele consiga limpar o seu nome.I hope he can clear his name.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tarnish” translations and entries manchar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manchar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
