formidável
/foʁ.miˈda.vew/
The English phrase "terrific" can be translated into Portuguese as formidável. If unsure, use formidável. Wiktionary also lists estupendo.
Meaning: extremely good (adj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| formidável | /foʁ.miˈda.vew/ (Brazil) /foɾ.miˈda.vew/ (São Paulo) |
| estupendo | /is.tuˈpẽ.du/ (Brazil) /es.tuˈpẽ.du/ (Brazil) |
Both formidável and estupendo are used to describe something that is extremely good.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression Show de bola is more commonly used in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective estupendo changes its ending to estupenda to agree with feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /foʁ.miˈda.vew/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word estupendo shares the same linguistic ancestor as the English word 'stupid', as both derive from the Latin concept of being 'stunned' or 'struck senseless'.
- While an English speaker might say 'That's terrific!', a Brazilian might simply say Que massa! to express the same enthusiastic sentiment in an informal way.
- In Portuguese, the word formidável can also be used to describe something truly formidable or intimidating, such as an opponent in a sport.
Examples in context
- És um escritor formidável.You're a terrific writer.This sentence shows how to use formidável to describe a writer.Tatoeba #6177157 by bill, translation #5296315 by CK
- Formidável!Terrific!This sentence shows how to use formidável as an exclamation.Tatoeba #11912840 by carlosalberto, translation #52022 by Zifre
- O jantar estava excelenteThe dinner was terrific
- A apresentação do artista foi fantásticaThe artist's performance was terrific
- Que notícia maravilhosa!What terrific news!
- O filme foi surpreendenteThe movie was terrific
- A festa ontem à noite foi show de bola!Last night's party was terrific!
- A viagem foi demais!The trip was terrific!
- O novo álbum dessa banda é legal pra caramba!The new album by this band is really terrific!
- A apresentação de dança foi fantástica! Os bailarinos eram excelentes e o público adorou.The dance performance was terrific! The dancers were excellent, and the audience loved it.
- O novo restaurante na cidade é demais! A comida é maravilhosa e o ambiente é excelente.The new restaurant in town is terrific! The food is marvelous, and the atmosphere is excellent.
- O resultado desse projeto foi formidável.The result of this project was terrific.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are discussing a recent art exhibition.
- GabrielA exposição de arte é formidável.The art exhibition is terrific.
- JulianaSim, Gabriel, eu também adorei.Yes, Gabriel, I loved it too.
- GabrielAs cores que ela usou são incríveis.The colors she used are incredible.
- JulianaVocê tem um ótimo gosto, Gabriel.You have great taste, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “terrific” translations and entries formidável, estupendo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estupendo, formidável, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
