Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| traição | /tɾa.iˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /tɾajˈsɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
| crime de lesa-pátria | masculine | |
| lesa-pátria | feminine |
traição is the standard term for treason, but it also serves as the general word for any act of betrayal or treachery within personal relationships. For a colloquial way to describe selling someone out, you can use the phrase vender alguém.
Which one should you use?
While traição is the standard and general term for both treason and personal betrayal, crime de lesa-pátria and lesa-pátria refer specifically to the crime of treason against the state. The verb form related to these nouns is trair, which means to betray, to commit treason or to be unfaithful in a relationship.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
traição is a standard term, while crime de lesa-pátria is a highly formal, legalistic and archaic way to describe treason against the fatherland. For informal situations involving betrayal, the colloquial phrase vender alguém can be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun traição is feminine and requires feminine articles or adjectives, such as uma traição terrível.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the third syllable: /tɾa.iˈsɐ̃w̃/.
Did you know?
- The term traição is a doublet of the word tradição, which means 'tradition' in English. While they sound similar and share a root, one refers to handing something over as a betrayal and the other to handing something down as heritage.
- The formal term lesa-pátria implies that the traitor has not just broken a law, but has actually 'wounded' or 'injured' the nation.
- In Portuguese, the word trair describes both the crime of treason against a state and the act of cheating in a romantic relationship.
Examples in context
- Isso soa como traição para mim.That sounds like treason to me.This sentence uses traição to express a personal feeling of betrayal.Tatoeba #5892363 by Ricardo14, translation #4984303 by CK
- A verdade é traição no império da mentira.Truth is treason in the empire of lies.This sentence uses traição in a metaphorical or philosophical context.Tatoeba #9726320 by carlosalberto, translation #9726183 by soliloquist
- Ajudar e estimular o inimigo é considerado traição.Aiding and abetting the enemy is considered treason.This sentence uses traição to describe aiding an enemy.Tatoeba #899708 by alexmarcelo, translation #669567 by darinmex
- Ele cometeu traição contra o seu paísHe committed treason against his country
- A traiçoeirice dele deixou todos chocadosHis treachery left everyone shocked
- Ele nos deu uma apunhalada nas costasHe stabbed us in the back
- Ele o vendeu por dinheiro, foi uma traiçãoHe sold him out for money, it was a betrayal
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are discussing a historical movie.
- BeatrizO general foi condenado por traição.The general was convicted of treason.
- LucasEle realmente vendeu segredos ao inimigo?Did he actually sell secrets to the enemy?
- BeatrizSim, isso é um ato de traição grave.Yes, that is a serious act of treason.
- LucasAgora eu entendo por que ele foi preso.Now I understand why he was arrested.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “treason” translations and entries traição, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crime, de, traição, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
