How to Say “Trigger” in Portuguese

Are you interested in expanding your Portuguese vocabulary? Learning how to say “trigger” in Portuguese will enable you to effectively communicate and express yourself in a variety of situations. Whether you’re discussing sensitive topics or just looking to understand and be understood, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “trigger” in Portuguese, as well as some important tips, examples, and regional variations. So let’s dive in and explore the Portuguese equivalents for “trigger”!

Formal Ways to Say “Trigger”

In more formal contexts, where precise and proper vocabulary is required, you can use the following terms to convey the meaning of “trigger” in Portuguese:

• Desencadear: This verb directly translates to “trigger” in English and can be used when referring to an event or situation that sets off a series of reactions or consequences. For example: “O discurso desencadeou uma onda de protestos” (The speech triggered a wave of protests).
• Gatilho: Literally meaning “trigger,” this noun is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in psychology and therapy, when discussing triggers for emotional or psychological responses. An example sentence could be: “As memórias traumáticas são gatilhos para a ansiedade” (Traumatic memories are triggers for anxiety).
• Catalisador: Although not an exact translation, this noun can be used to convey the idea of a trigger when referring to a person or event that initiates significant change or transformation. For instance: “A descoberta científica funcionou como um catalisador para a revolução tecnológica” (The scientific discovery acted as a trigger for the technological revolution).

Informal Ways to Say “Trigger”

In more casual or everyday conversations, you may come across alternative expressions for “trigger” in Portuguese. These may vary depending on the region, but the following are commonly used:

• Bomba: Literally meaning “bomb,” this word is often used colloquially to refer to a trigger, particularly in the sense of causing a surprising or shocking reaction. For example: “A revelação dela foi uma bomba” (Her revelation was a trigger).
• Pavio curto: Translated as “short fuse,” this expression is commonly used informally to describe someone who is easily provoked or triggered. For example, “Ele tem pavio curto quando o assunto é política” (He has a short fuse when it comes to politics).
• Acender o estopim: Literally meaning “light the fuse,” this phrase is used when something triggers a negative or explosive reaction. For instance: “A notícia acendeu o estopim da raiva coletiva” (The news lit the fuse of collective anger).

Tips and Examples

To better understand how to use these terms, here are some additional tips and examples to help you utilize them effectively:

TIP: Remember to adapt the gender and number of the words according to the context in which you are using them.

Let’s look at a few examples of these terms used in sentences:

• Desencadear: “A crise econômica desencadeou um aumento no desemprego” (The economic crisis triggered an increase in unemployment).
• Gatilho: “Cenas violentas em filmes podem ser gatilhos para pessoas sensíveis” (Violent scenes in movies can be triggers for sensitive individuals).
• Catalisador: “A queda na taxa de juros foi o catalisador para o crescimento do mercado imobiliário” (The decrease in interest rates was the trigger for the real estate market growth).

And now, let’s see examples of informal expressions in action:

• Bomba: “A revelação dela foi uma bomba, ninguém estava esperando” (Her revelation was a bomb, nobody was expecting it).
• Pavio curto: “Ele tem pavio curto quando o assunto é futebol” (He has a short fuse when it comes to soccer).
• Acender o estopim: “A demissão acendeu o estopim da revolta dos funcionários” (The firing lit the fuse of the employees’ revolt).

Regional Variations

Portuguese is spoken in multiple countries, and as a result, there may be slight regional variations in vocabulary. However, the terms mentioned above are widely understood and can be used in both Brazil and Portugal without any confusion. It’s worth noting that certain slang expressions may vary between regions, but these provided terms are commonly used across the Portuguese-speaking world.

Now that you’re equipped with both formal and informal ways to say “trigger” in Portuguese, you can confidently engage in various conversations, express your thoughts, and better understand others. Remember to practice using these terms in context to reinforce your learning. Whether you’re having a formal discussion or a casual chat, you’ll have the vocabulary you need to communicate effectively! Boa sorte! (Good luck!)