How to Say “Unmarried” in Portuguese: A Comprehensive Guide

When learning a new language, it’s essential to grasp the nuances of everyday vocabulary. Knowing how to express concepts like the word “unmarried” allows you to navigate different situations with ease. In this guide, we will cover various ways to say “unmarried” in Portuguese, including formal and informal expressions. While regional variations may exist, we’ll focus on common terms used across Portuguese-speaking countries. Let’s dive in!

Formal Expressions for “Unmarried” in Portuguese

Formal language is typically used in professional or formal settings, such as business meetings, academic environments, or official documents. Here are some formal ways to convey the concept of “unmarried” in Portuguese:

1. Solteiro(a): This is the standard and most commonly used term for “unmarried” in Portuguese. It can apply to both genders, with solteiro for males and solteira for females. For example, you may say, “Ela é solteira” (She is unmarried) or “Ele é solteiro” (He is unmarried).
2. Não casado(a): Another formal way to express “unmarried” is by using the term não casado(a), which literally translates to “not married.” While commonly used in legal or bureaucratic contexts, it may sound a bit more impersonal than the previous option. For instance, you could say, “Ela não é casada” (She is not married) or “Ele não é casado” (He is not married).
3. Desimpedido(a): Although less common, the term desimpedido(a) can also be used to convey the idea of being “unmarried” in an official context. However, it is important to note that this term has a broader meaning, encompassing more than just marital status. It implies a lack of romantic commitment or obligations. An example sentence would be, “Ele está desimpedido” (He is unmarried/uncommitted).

Informal Expressions for “Unmarried” in Portuguese

Informal language is used in casual conversations among friends, family, or acquaintances. It’s essential to understand these terms to communicate naturally with Portuguese speakers. Here are some informal expressions you can use to refer to someone as “unmarried” in Portuguese:

1. Encalhado(a): This colloquial term, which translates to “stuck or grounded,” is often humorously used to refer to someone who is single and not in a romantic relationship. While it may tone down the formality, it’s important to use it among friends or in informal settings to avoid sounding impolite. For example, you could say, “Ele está encalhado” (He is unmarried/single).
2. Solteirão/Solteirona: These terms reflect a more relaxed and playful way of referring to unmarried individuals. Solteirão is used for males, while Solteirona is used for females. Both can be translated as “confirmed bachelor” or “spinster.” However, be cautious about using these terms as they can carry a hint of negativity or stereotype, so it’s better to use them with close friends who appreciate humor. For instance, you might say, “O João é um solteirão” (João is an unmarried confirmed bachelor).
3. Livre/Livremente: This term conveys the idea of being “free” or “available” in an informal context. While it doesn’t explicitly mean “unmarried,” it implies a lack of commitment. It can be used both for males (livre) and females (livremente). For example, you could say, “Ele está livre para sair” (He is available to go out) or “Ela vive livremente” (She lives freely). The meaning becomes clear in the given context.

Examples and Tips

Here’s a list of example sentences that demonstrate how to use the previously mentioned expressions:

• Formal:

“Eu sou solteiro há muitos anos.” (I have been unmarried for many years.)

“Eles são desimpedidos e podem viajar quando quiserem.” (They are unmarried/uncommitted and can travel whenever they want.)

“Ela não está casada no momento.” (She is not married at the moment.)

Informal:

“Meu amigo está encalhado há muito tempo!” (My friend has been single for a long time!)

“A Maria é uma solteirona assumida e está feliz assim.” (Maria is a confirmed spinster and is happy that way.)

“Ele está livre para sair conosco hoje à noite.” (He is available to go out with us tonight.)

Now that you’re equipped with both formal and informal expressions for “unmarried” in Portuguese, you’ll be able to convey this concept appropriately in various situations. Remember to adapt your language as per the context and the relationship with the person you are speaking to. Practice using these expressions in your everyday conversations to improve your fluency and cultural understanding. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)