Learning how to express different emotions and opinions in a foreign language is essential for effective communication. If you’re curious about how to say “ugly” in Brazilian Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express the concept of “ugly” in both formal and informal contexts. While there aren’t many different ways to say “ugly” specifically, we’ll provide you with a range of related terms, synonyms, and even mild alternatives.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Ugly”
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to use polite and less offensive terminology. Here are some phrases you can use:
1.1 Feio
“Feio” is the most common and straightforward translation for “ugly” in Portuguese. It can be used both for people and objects, covering a broad spectrum of appearances. For example:
- Ele é muito feio. (He is very ugly.)
- Aquela pintura é feia. (That painting is ugly.)
1.2 Desagradável
While not a direct translation for “ugly,” “desagradável” can be used to describe an unpleasant or disagreeable appearance:
- Essa pessoa tem uma aparência desagradável. (That person has an unpleasant appearance.)
2. Informal Ways to Say “Ugly”
Informal language often allows for more colorful expressions. Here are some examples of how to say “ugly” informally in Brazilian Portuguese:
2.1 Feioso/Feiaço
“Feioso” and “feiaço” are slang terms derived from “feio,” used to emphasize an appearance that is particularly ugly or unattractive. These words are informally used in casual conversations among friends:
- O que aconteceu com o cabelo dela? Está feiaço! (What happened to her hair? It looks ugly!)
2.2 Horrível
Informally, you can also use the word “horrível” (horrible) to describe something or someone as ugly:
- Aquela roupa que ela está usando é horrível! (That outfit she’s wearing is horrible!)
3. Milder Alternatives
To avoid sounding too negative or offensive, Brazilian Portuguese offers some milder alternatives. While these terms might not directly translate to “ugly,” they convey similar meanings:
3.1 Sem graça
“Sem graça” literally means “without grace” and is often used to describe something or someone as plain or unremarkable in appearance:
- Aquela pessoa é meio sem graça. (That person is kind of plain.)
3.2 Malvestido
“Malvestido” means “badly dressed” and can be used to indirectly express the idea of an unattractive appearance due to poor fashion choices:
- Ele está sempre malvestido. (He is always poorly dressed.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a range of ways to express “ugly” in Brazilian Portuguese, both formally and informally. Remember, language is a tool to facilitate communication, so understanding the context and choosing appropriate terms is crucial. By utilizing the phrases and alternatives provided in this guide, you’ll be able to express your opinions about appearances effectively.
