Learning how to express different concepts in a foreign language is essential to becoming fully proficient. Whether you’re traveling to Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking country, knowing how to say “ugly” in Portuguese may come in handy in various situations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different formal and informal ways to express this concept, while providing regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Ugly” in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, it is important to use more polite expressions to convey the idea of “ugly.” Here are some commonly used terms:
1. Feio
The most straightforward and widely used term for “ugly” in Portuguese is “feio.” This word can be used to describe someone’s physical appearance, an object, or even an action. For example:
Ele tem um rosto feio. (He has an ugly face.)
Essa pintura está muito feia. (This painting is very ugly.)
A atitude dele foi muito feia. (His behavior was very ugly.)
2. Desagradável
Another formal way to express “ugly” is by using the term “desagradável.” While it can also be translated as “unpleasant” or “disagreeable,” it can be employed to describe something visually unattractive. For instance:
A decoração deste quarto é bastante desagradável. (The decoration of this room is quite ugly.)
Aquela paisagem é realmente desagradável aos olhos. (That landscape is really ugly to look at.)
Informal Ways to Say “Ugly” in Portuguese
Informal vocabulary is commonly used among friends or in casual settings. Here are a few phrases you can employ to say “ugly” more informally:
1. Feioso/a
“Feioso/a” is an informal term derived from “feio” and is popularly used to describe someone or something as “ugly” in an affectionate or slightly teasing manner. It is often used when referring to physical appearance. Examples include:
Aquele cachorro é tão feioso, mas é tão fofo ao mesmo tempo. (That dog is so ugly, but so cute at the same time.)
Ela estava usando uma blusa feiosa. (She was wearing an ugly shirt.)
2. Horrível
The term “horrível” translates to “horrible,” but it can also be applied to denote something visually unattractive. While still informal, it is frequently used in everyday conversation. Take a look at these examples:
O novo corte de cabelo dele ficou horrível. (His new haircut looks horrible.)
Eu não gostei do vestido dela, achei horrível. (I didn’t like her dress, I found it ugly.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in diverse countries, and regional variations may exist. While the terms previously mentioned are widely understood, it’s worth noting that some regions have their own expressions for “ugly.” Here are a couple of examples:
1. Brazil: Feio de Doer
In Brazil, an alternative expression is “feio de doer.” This is a more colloquial way of saying something is extremely ugly or unattractive. It is commonly used to emphasize the degree of ugliness. For example:
Aquele ator é feio de doer, não entendo o porquê de ser tão famoso. (That actor is extremely ugly, I don’t understand why he’s so famous.)
Esse carro antigo está feio de doer. (This old car is extremely ugly.)
2. Portugal: Medonho
In Portugal, “medonho” is occasionally used to express “ugly.” Although it can also mean “terrifying” or “hideous,” it serves as an informal, yet expressive way of describing something as ugly, especially in colloquial conversation:
Ele tem umas roupas medonhas. (He has some really ugly clothes.)
Aquele prédio novo ficou medonho. (That new building looks hideous.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to express “ugly” in Portuguese. By mastering both formal and informal terms, you can adapt your language use to different situations and regions. Remember to use proper judgement when selecting the appropriate term based on context and setting. Keep practicing and expanding your Portuguese vocabulary, and you’ll soon become more confident in your language skills. Happy learning!
