At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'commoção' often, but you might see it in simple news titles. Think of it as a 'very big feeling' or 'lots of people being sad or excited'. It is like the word 'emotion' but much stronger. For example, if a famous singer visits a school, all the students are excited—that is a 'commoção'. At this level, focus on the fact that it is a feminine noun ('a commoção'). You can compare it to 'muito barulho' (much noise) or 'muita tristeza' (much sadness). It's a word that describes a moment when everything stops because something important happened. Don't worry about using it in your own speech yet; just recognize it as a sign of something important in a text.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'commoção' to describe public events. You should know that it often goes with the verb 'causar' (to cause). For example: 'O filme causou commoção' (The movie caused a stir/emotion). You are learning to describe your environment and the news, so 'commoção' is useful for talking about why a street is closed or why everyone is talking about a certain event. Remember that it is different from 'confusão'. 'Confusão' is usually bad or messy. 'Commoção' is deeper—it means people are moved in their hearts. If you see people crying at a wedding, you can say there is 'muita commoção'. It is a step up from basic vocabulary like 'feliz' or 'triste'.
At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'commoção' and 'emoção'. 'Emoção' is what you feel inside, but 'commoção' is the visible or collective result of that feeling. You can use it to describe social phenomena. For instance, 'A morte do poeta gerou uma commoção nacional.' You should also be aware of the modern spelling 'comoção' and use it in your writing. You can start using adjectives with it, like 'commoção profunda' (deep emotion) or 'commoção geral' (general stir). This word helps you express more complex ideas about society and human reactions, moving beyond simple descriptions of events into the realm of social impact.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'commoção' in formal writing and understand its use in literature. You should be comfortable with its various meanings, including the physical 'commoção cerebral' (concussion) and the social 'commoção popular'. You can use it to argue points about how media affects public sentiment: 'A mídia explorou a commoção do público para ganhar audiência.' You should also recognize it as a 'high-register' word. Using it correctly shows a sophisticated command of Portuguese tone. You can contrast it with 'agitação' or 'alvoroço' to show you understand the emotional weight versus mere physical activity.
At the C1 level, you should master the rhetorical use of 'commoção'. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in atmosphere or the historical impact of events. You understand that 'commoção' can be 'contida' (contained) or 'transbordante' (overflowing). In essays, you might analyze the 'commoção social' as a catalyst for political change. You are also aware of the etymological roots (Latin 'commotio') and how this word relates to 'motion' and 'movement'. Your usage should be precise, distinguishing between the individual psychological state and the collective sociological state. You can use it in complex sentence structures with relative clauses and advanced prepositions.
At the C2 level, 'commoção' is a tool for stylistic precision. You can use it in literary analysis to describe the 'catharsis' or 'pathos' of a work. You understand its place in legal or medical history and can navigate its use in archaic texts without confusion. You might use it metaphorically: 'Houve uma commoção nos alicerces da empresa' (There was a stir in the company's foundations). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its connotations of vibration, instability, and profound human connection. You can use it to describe the 'commoção' of the soul in a philosophical sense, referencing the movement from a state of rest to a state of being profoundly affected by the sublime.

commoção in 30 Sekunden

  • Commoção describes a deep emotional or social stir caused by a significant event.
  • It is often used in news reports to describe the public's reaction to tragedy or triumph.
  • Grammatically, it is a feminine noun and usually follows verbs like 'causar' or 'gerar'.
  • While it can mean 'noise,' its primary focus in Portuguese is on being 'moved' emotionally.

The Portuguese word commoção (modernly spelled as comoção, but often encountered in older texts or specific formal contexts as commoção) is a powerful noun that bridges the gap between physical disturbance and deep emotional impact. At its core, it refers to a state of being moved—either physically, socially, or, most commonly, emotionally. When an English speaker thinks of 'commotion,' they often picture a loud, chaotic scene in a marketplace. While the Portuguese word can mean this, it leans much more heavily into the territory of 'emotional upheaval' or 'deep sympathy.' It is the internal vibration of the soul when faced with something tragic, beautiful, or shocking.

Emotional Agitation
This is the most frequent usage. It describes the collective or individual feeling of being deeply touched or shaken by an event. For example, the death of a national hero causes a 'commoção nacional'. It is not just sadness; it is a profound, shared emotional disturbance that disrupts the normal flow of life.
Public Disturbance
Similar to the English 'commotion,' it can describe a physical stir or a riotous situation. However, in Portuguese, this often implies that the physical disturbance was caused by a strong collective emotion, such as anger or surprise, rather than just random noise.
Medical/Physical Impact
In a more technical or archaic sense, it can refer to a physical shock to the body, such as a 'commoção cerebral' (concussion), where the brain is literally shaken or moved within the skull.

A notícia da tragédia causou uma grande commoção em toda a cidade, deixando as ruas em silêncio absoluto.

Translation: The news of the tragedy caused a great stir/emotional upheaval throughout the city, leaving the streets in absolute silence.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it is a 'high-register' word. You won't usually hear it in a casual conversation about a small surprise. It is reserved for moments that truly 'move' the needle of human experience. It is the word used by news anchors, novelists, and historians to describe the collective heartbeat of a people reacting to a significant event. It carries a weight of sincerity and gravity that words like 'confusão' (confusion) or 'barulho' (noise) lack.

Não consegui conter a commoção ao ver o meu filho receber o diploma de graduação.

Translation: I couldn't contain my emotion/agitation upon seeing my son receive his graduation diploma.

Finally, it is important to distinguish 'commoção' from 'emoção'. While 'emoção' is a general term for any feeling (happiness, sadness, anger), 'commoção' implies a specific type of intense, often overwhelming movement of feelings that usually involves a sense of shock or being profoundly touched. If 'emoção' is the wave, 'commoção' is the surge that floods the shore.

Using commoção correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a feminine noun and its typical collocations. Because it is a noun of state or effect, it often follows verbs of causation or experience. It is almost always preceded by the feminine article 'a' or 'uma'.

With Verbs of Causation
The most common way to use the word is with 'causar' (to cause), 'provocar' (to provoke), or 'gerar' (to generate). Example: 'O discurso do presidente causou uma forte commoção popular.' This indicates that the speech moved the people significantly.
With Verbs of Feeling
When talking about an individual's experience, we use 'sentir' (to feel) or 'estar em' (to be in). For instance: 'Ela sentiu uma commoção profunda ao ler a carta de despedida.' This highlights the internal state of being moved.

Houve uma commoção geral quando o artista entrou inesperadamente no restaurante.

Translation: There was a general stir/excitement when the artist unexpectedly entered the restaurant.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using 'commoção' to describe a loud party or a noisy construction site. While those are 'commotions' in English, in Portuguese, you would use 'barulho' or 'confusão'. 'Commoção' implies that the noise or activity has an emotional or social weight behind it. If a crowd is shouting because they are angry at an injustice, that is 'commoção'. If they are shouting because they are at a football game, it is more likely 'euforia' or 'agitação'.

A commoção nos olhos dela era evidente enquanto ela contava a história da sua família.

Translation: The emotion/agitation in her eyes was evident as she told her family's story.

In writing, 'commoção' acts as a sophisticated tool to set the mood. It signals to the reader that the situation is not ordinary. It suggests that the characters are experiencing something that touches their core. Using it in a sentence like 'O silêncio da sala era interrompido apenas pela commoção contida dos presentes' (The silence of the room was interrupted only by the contained emotion of those present) creates a vivid, somber atmosphere.

In the real world, commoção is a word that thrives in the public sphere. You are most likely to encounter it in media, literature, and formal oratory. It is a 'headline' word—the kind of term editors use to capture the collective mood of a nation or a city after a major event.

In News and Journalism
Journalists use 'commoção' to describe the public's reaction to tragedies, scandals, or monumental achievements. You will hear phrases like 'O acidente causou grande commoção social' (The accident caused great social upheaval/sympathy) on the evening news. It serves as a shorthand for 'everyone is talking about this and everyone is upset/moved'.
In Literature and Poetry
Authors use the word to delve into the interiority of their characters. It describes that moment when a character's composure breaks. 'Sentiu uma commoção súbita ao ver a foto antiga' (He felt a sudden stir of emotion upon seeing the old photo). Here, it emphasizes the visceral, physical nature of feeling.

Houve muita commoção na porta do estádio quando os portões foram fechados prematuramente.

Translation: There was a lot of commotion/agitation at the stadium gate when the gates were closed prematurely.

You might also hear it in academic or medical contexts. In a psychology lecture, 'commoção' might be discussed in the context of collective trauma or emotional contagion. In a hospital, though less common now than in the past, a doctor might refer to a 'commoção cerebral' when discussing a head injury, though 'traumatismo craniano' is more standard in modern clinical settings.

A commoção dos fiéis durante a procissão era visível em cada rosto lacrimejante.

Translation: The emotion/devotion of the faithful during the procession was visible on every tearful face.

In summary, while you might not use 'commoção' to describe your feelings about a slightly overcooked steak, you will hear it whenever the Portuguese-speaking world is collectively 'shaken.' It is a word of the heart and the street, representing the intersection of personal feeling and public life.

Learning commoção can be tricky because of its 'false friend' qualities and its specific register. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

The 'Noise' Trap
English speakers often use 'commoção' whenever they would use 'commotion' (meaning noise or fuss). This is a mistake. If children are playing loudly, it's 'barulho' or 'farra'. If people are arguing about a bill, it's 'confusão' or 'bate-boca'. Use 'commoção' only if there is a significant emotional or social weight involved.
Confusing with 'Emoção'
While related, they aren't interchangeable. 'Emoção' is a single feeling (I felt an emotion). 'Commoção' is a state of being moved or a collective reaction. You 'have' an emotion, but you 'are in' or 'cause' a commoção.
Spelling and Orthography
The modern spelling is comoção (one 'm'). The spelling 'commoção' is archaic or used in very specific old-fashioned contexts. If you are writing a modern exam or email, stick to 'comoção'. However, being aware of the double 'm' is useful for reading older literature.

Errado: Havia muita commoção na cozinha porque o rádio estava alto.
Correto: Havia muito barulho na cozinha porque o rádio estava alto.

Explanation: 'Commoção' is too heavy for just radio noise.

Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. We say 'commoção por algo' (emotion because of something) or 'commoção perante algo' (emotion in the face of something). Using 'commoção de' is usually reserved for describing the type of commotion (e.g., 'commoção de espírito').

Errado: Senti uma commoção de felicidade.
Correto: Senti uma emoção de felicidade.

Explanation: Happiness is an 'emoção'. 'Commoção' usually implies something more disruptive or somber.

Finally, watch out for the plural. 'Commoções' exists but is rare. Because the word describes a general state or a specific event's impact, it is almost always used in the singular. Using the plural can sound overly dramatic or poetic in a way that might not fit your intended meaning.

Portuguese is rich with words that describe feelings and disturbances. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the context of the situation.

Commoção vs. Emoção
Emoção is the general term for any feeling. Commoção is a specific type of intense, disruptive feeling, often shared by many. You can have a 'small emotion,' but a 'small commotion' is an oxymoron in Portuguese.
Commoção vs. Alvoroço
Alvoroço is closer to the English 'commotion' in the sense of a physical stir or excitement. It's what happens in a classroom when the teacher says there's no homework. Commoção is what happens when the teacher says they are moving to another country.
Commoção vs. Agitação
Agitação is more neutral and physical. It refers to movement, like the agitation of water or a political protest. Commoção adds the layer of deep internal feeling to that movement.

O alvoroço das crianças era alegre, mas a commoção dos pais era de preocupação.

Translation: The children's stir was joyful, but the parents' agitation was one of concern.

Other alternatives include perturbação (disturbance/unsettling), which is often used for mental states, and abalo (shock/shake), which is common in news reports regarding earthquakes or financial markets ('abalo financeiro'). Use 'abalo' when the focus is on the structural impact, and 'commoção' when the focus is on the human heart.

Houve uma comoção cerebral após o acidente, mas o jogador já está bem.

Translation: There was a concussion after the accident, but the player is already well.

In a nutshell, 'commoção' is the 'big' word. It’s the word for the history books and the heart-to-heart. By choosing it over its simpler synonyms, you signal that you are discussing something of true significance.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word share the same root as 'motion' and 'movie'. In Portuguese, it emphasizes the 'moving' of the heart.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kʊ.mu.ˈsɐ̃w̃/
US /koʊ.moʊ.ˈsɐ̃ʊ̃/
The stress is on the final syllable: com-mo-ÇÃO.
Reimt sich auf
coração nação emoção ação estação canção razão visão
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'ão' like a simple 'o' or 'an'.
  • Stress on the first or second syllable instead of the last.
  • Making the 'ss' sound like a 'z'.
  • Failing to nasalize the final vowel.
  • Pronouncing the 'm' too heavily before the 'o'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'commotion'.

Schreiben 4/5

Difficult to spell correctly (modern vs old) and use in the right emotional context.

Sprechen 5/5

The nasal 'ão' is always a challenge for English speakers.

Hören 3/5

Easy to hear in news broadcasts once you know the sound.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

emoção causar notícia povo sentir

Als Nächstes lernen

comover sensibilizar impacto repercussão alvoroço

Fortgeschritten

catarse ontológico efervescência consternação estupefação

Wichtige Grammatik

Nasalization of 'ão'

Commoção, ação, coração.

Feminine noun agreement

A commoção profunda.

Past participle as adjective

O povo estava comovido (moved).

Verbs of influence

Isso fez com que houvesse commoção.

Prepositional objects

Commoção perante a injustiça.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

A notícia causou commoção.

The news caused a stir.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

2

Houve muita commoção na rua.

There was much commotion in the street.

Use of 'Houve' (there was).

3

A commoção foi grande.

The emotion/stir was great.

Feminine noun with 'A'.

4

Senti uma commoção.

I felt a stir of emotion.

First person singular 'Senti'.

5

O bebê causou commoção na família.

The baby caused a stir in the family.

Direct object 'commoção'.

6

Não gosto de commoção.

I don't like commotion/agitation.

Negative sentence.

7

A escola está em commoção.

The school is in a stir.

Preposition 'em'.

8

Que commoção!

What a stir!

Exclamatory phrase.

1

A chegada do cantor causou uma grande commoção.

The singer's arrival caused a huge stir.

Adjective 'grande' modifying the noun.

2

Todos sentiram a commoção do momento.

Everyone felt the emotion of the moment.

Verb 'sentir' in the past tense.

3

A cidade viveu dias de commoção.

The city lived through days of upheaval/emotion.

Noun as a state of being.

4

Houve commoção geral com a notícia.

There was general stir with the news.

Adjective 'geral'.

5

Ela não conseguiu esconder a sua commoção.

She couldn't hide her emotion.

Infinitive 'esconder' after 'conseguiu'.

6

O vídeo provocou commoção nas redes sociais.

The video provoked a stir on social media.

Verb 'provocar'.

7

A commoção tomou conta do estádio.

The emotion took over the stadium.

Idiomatic 'tomar conta de'.

8

A pequena vila nunca viu tal commoção.

The small village had never seen such a stir.

Use of 'tal' for emphasis.

1

A commoção nacional foi inevitável após o desastre.

National upheaval was inevitable after the disaster.

Adjective 'nacional' and 'inevitável'.

2

Ele falou com visível commoção sobre o passado.

He spoke with visible emotion about the past.

Adverbial phrase 'com visível commoção'.

3

A commoção popular forçou o governo a agir.

The popular stir/unrest forced the government to act.

Subject causing an action.

4

Apesar da commoção, o evento continuou.

Despite the stir, the event continued.

Conjunction 'Apesar de'.

5

A commoção cerebral requer repouso absoluto.

A concussion requires absolute rest.

Medical context.

6

O reencontro dos irmãos gerou muita commoção.

The brothers' reunion generated much emotion.

Verb 'gerar'.

7

Ela descreveu a cena com uma commoção profunda.

She described the scene with deep emotion.

Prepositional phrase.

8

A commoção nos olhos dele dizia tudo.

The agitation in his eyes said it all.

Metaphorical usage.

1

A commoção gerada pela peça de teatro foi inesperada.

The stir generated by the play was unexpected.

Passive participle 'gerada' agreeing with 'commoção'.

2

O país inteiro entrou em um estado de commoção.

The whole country entered a state of upheaval.

Noun phrase 'estado de commoção'.

3

A commoção não deve ser confundida com a simples curiosidade.

Stir/emotion should not be confused with simple curiosity.

Passive voice 'ser confundida'.

4

Havia uma commoção latente sob a superfície da calma.

There was a latent stir beneath the surface of calm.

Adjective 'latente'.

5

A commoção dos mercados financeiros afetou o câmbio.

The stir in financial markets affected the exchange rate.

Financial context.

6

O orador usou a commoção da plateia a seu favor.

The speaker used the audience's emotion to his advantage.

Possessive 'da plateia'.

7

A commoção é um reflexo da nossa humanidade.

The stir/emotion is a reflection of our humanity.

Philosophical statement.

8

Sua voz tremia de commoção ao ler o testamento.

His voice trembled with emotion while reading the will.

Preposition 'de' indicating cause.

1

A commoção social é amiúde o prelúdio de reformas políticas.

Social upheaval is often the prelude to political reforms.

Use of 'amiúde' (often).

2

O autor explora a commoção como um elemento estético.

The author explores emotion/stir as an aesthetic element.

Abstract noun usage.

3

A commoção cerebral pode ter efeitos a longo prazo.

Concussion can have long-term effects.

Scientific register.

4

A commoção foi tal que o protocolo foi ignorado.

The stir was such that the protocol was ignored.

Consecutive clause 'tal que'.

5

Observava-se uma commoção surda entre os operários.

A muffled stir was observed among the workers.

Passive reflexive 'Observava-se'.

6

A commoção transcendia as fronteiras ideológicas.

The emotion/stir transcended ideological borders.

High-level verb 'transcendia'.

7

Não houve commoção que não fosse justificada pela tragédia.

There was no stir that wasn't justified by the tragedy.

Double negative for emphasis.

8

A commoção é a vibração da alma perante o sublime.

Emotion is the vibration of the soul before the sublime.

Metaphorical definition.

1

A commoção, nesse contexto, transmuta-se em ação coletiva.

The stir, in this context, transmutes into collective action.

Pronominal verb 'transmuta-se'.

2

O poema evoca uma commoção telúrica e ancestral.

The poem evokes an earth-shattering and ancestral emotion.

Sophisticated adjectives 'telúrica' and 'ancestral'.

3

A commoção não é senão o eco de um abalo ontológico.

The stir is nothing but the echo of an ontological shock.

Philosophical register 'ontológico'.

4

Sob a égide da commoção, as leis foram alteradas.

Under the aegis of public stir, the laws were changed.

Idiomatic 'Sob a égide de'.

5

A commoção é o estuário onde desaguam as dores do mundo.

The stir is the estuary where the world's pains flow into.

Complex metaphor.

6

Fenomenologicamente, a commoção precede a reflexão.

Phenomenologically, the stir precedes reflection.

Academic adverb.

7

A commoção visceral do público validou a obra.

The audience's visceral emotion validated the work.

Adjective 'visceral'.

8

Raras vezes se viu tamanha commoção em solo pátrio.

Rarely has such a stir been seen on national soil.

Inverted syntax for formal emphasis.

Häufige Kollokationen

causar commoção
commoção cerebral
commoção nacional
grande commoção
visível commoção
gerar commoção
commoção popular
estado de commoção
profunda commoção
commoção geral

Häufige Phrasen

Sob forte commoção

— Under strong emotion/agitation. Often used in funeral reports.

O corpo foi enterrado sob forte commoção.

Sem qualquer commoção

— Without any stir or feeling. Used to describe a cold reaction.

Ele ouviu a sentença sem qualquer commoção.

Muita commoção por pouco

— A lot of fuss over nothing. Similar to 'much ado about nothing'.

Houve muita commoção por pouco motivo.

Causar commoção pública

— To cause a public stir or outrage.

A decisão causou commoção pública.

Voz embargada pela commoção

— Voice choked with emotion.

Com a voz embargada pela commoção, ele agradeceu.

Commoção de espírito

— A spiritual or mental stir/upheaval.

A meditação trouxe uma commoção de espírito.

Clima de commoção

— An atmosphere of emotion/stir.

O clima de commoção era palpável.

Ponto de commoção

— A point of high emotion or agitation.

Chegamos ao ponto de commoção total.

Evitar a commoção

— To avoid the stir or emotional scene.

Eles saíram cedo para evitar a commoção.

Sentir a commoção

— To feel the stir/emotion personally.

Você consegue sentir a commoção aqui?

Wird oft verwechselt mit

commoção vs promoção

Sounds similar but means 'promotion' or 'sale'.

commoção vs comunicação

Both end in 'ção', but this means 'communication'.

commoção vs confusão

Means 'confusion' or 'mess', often lacks the emotional depth of 'commoção'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Dar o que falar"

— To give people something to talk about, causing a commoção.

A festa deu o que falar.

Informal
"Cair o Carmo e a Trindade"

— To cause a huge stir or disaster (Portuguese idiom).

Se ele souber, vai cair o Carmo e a Trindade.

Informal
"Ficar com os nervos à flor da pele"

— To be very emotional or agitated.

Ela está com os nervos à flor da pele.

Neutral
"Fazer um escarcéu"

— To make a huge, unnecessary commotion.

Não precisa fazer um escarcéu por isso.

Informal
"Mover montanhas"

— To cause a great stir or effort based on emotion.

A commoção moveu montanhas para ajudar.

Neutral
"De partir o coração"

— Heartbreaking, causing great commoção.

Uma cena de partir o coração.

Neutral
"Botar a boca no trombone"

— To protest loudly, causing a stir.

Ela botou a boca no trombone.

Slang
"Estar em polvorosa"

— To be in a state of high excitement or stir.

A cidade está em polvorosa.

Neutral
"Ficar de queixo caído"

— To be shocked, leading to commoção.

O público ficou de queixo caído.

Informal
"Tirar o fôlego"

— To take one's breath away, causing emotion.

Uma beleza de tirar o fôlego.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

commoção vs Emoção

Both deal with feelings.

Emoção is the internal feeling; commoção is the disruptive state or collective reaction.

Senti uma emoção, mas a sala estava em commoção.

commoção vs Barulho

English 'commotion' often means noise.

Barulho is just sound; commoção is meaningful disturbance.

O barulho do rádio não é uma commoção.

commoção vs Agitação

Both involve movement.

Agitação is physical or political; commoção is emotional.

A agitação das ondas vs a commoção do adeus.

commoção vs Alvoroço

Both mean a stir.

Alvoroço is usually lighthearted or chaotic excitement; commoção is serious.

Alvoroço no recreio vs commoção no funeral.

commoção vs Abalo

Both mean shock.

Abalo is structural or sudden; commoção is the human reaction to it.

O abalo sísmico causou commoção.

Satzmuster

A1

A [noun] causou commoção.

A festa causou commoção.

A2

Houve muita commoção em [place].

Houve muita commoção em Lisboa.

B1

Sentir uma [adj] commoção ao [verb].

Senti uma profunda commoção ao ver o mar.

B2

Apesar da commoção, [clause].

Apesar da commoção, ele manteve a calma.

C1

Uma commoção que [verb] o país.

Uma commoção que abalou o país.

C2

Sob a égide da commoção, [clause].

Sob a égide da commoção, as massas agiram.

B1

Não conter a commoção.

Ele não conteve a commoção.

A2

Que grande commoção!

Que grande commoção no aeroporto!

Wortfamilie

Substantive

commoção
comovente

Verben

comover
comover-se

Adjektive

comovido
comocional (rare)
comovente

Verwandt

emoção
moção
movimento
motivo
motor

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in journalism and literature; moderate in daily speech.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using it for 'loud noise' (barulho). Havia muito barulho.

    Commoção is emotional agitation.

  • Spelling it 'commocão'. Comoção.

    The 'ss' or double 'm' is either 's' or 'm' in modern spelling.

  • Using 'o commoção'. A comoção.

    It's a feminine noun.

  • Saying 'commoção de felicidade'. Emoção de felicidade.

    Commoção usually implies a disturbance.

  • Confusing with 'promoção'. Comoção.

    One is a sale, the other is a stir.

Tipps

Cognate Alert

Don't assume it's exactly like 'commotion'. It's more about hearts than ears.

Gender Matters

Always 'a comoção'. Adjectives must end in 'a' or be neutral.

News Language

Use it in essays to describe public sentiment; it sounds very professional.

Shared Grief

Understand that 'comoção' is a key part of public life in Lusophone cultures.

Nasal Power

Practice your 'ão' sound daily to say this word naturally.

Wait for the Moment

Save this word for big things. Don't waste it on a dropped ice cream.

Look for the 'M'

If you see 'commoção' in an old book, it's the same word as 'comoção'.

Collocation King

Memorize 'causar comoção'—it's the most natural way to use it.

TV News

Watch 'Jornal Nacional' or 'Telejornal' to hear it in its natural habitat.

Head Injuries

Remember 'comoção cerebral' if you are studying medical Portuguese.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Common Motion'. When everyone is in 'motion' because of a 'common' feeling, it's a 'commoção'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large crowd of people all putting their hands over their hearts at the same time.

Word Web

Heart Crowd News Tears Shock Movement Public Sincere

Herausforderung

Try to use 'commoção' in a sentence about your favorite movie ending.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'commotio, -onis', which means a violent motion, agitation, or disturbance.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A physical shaking or moving together.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using it for minor events; it can sound sarcastic if the situation isn't actually moving.

English 'commotion' is often negative or neutral noise. Portuguese 'commoção' is often positive or somber emotion.

Amália Rodrigues' funeral (Portugal) Ayrton Senna's death (Brazil) The tragedy of Chapecoense (Brazil)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Funerals/Tragedies

  • Meus pêsames
  • Forte commoção
  • Luto oficial
  • Tristeza profunda

Celebrity Sightings

  • Autógrafo
  • Fãs em delírio
  • Alvoroço
  • Multidão

News Reports

  • Urgente
  • Impacto social
  • Repercussão
  • Segundo fontes

Medical/Injuries

  • Pronto-socorro
  • Exame
  • Repouso
  • Sintomas

Family Reunions

  • Saudades
  • Lágrimas
  • Abraço
  • Reencontro

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você já viu algum evento que causou uma grande commoção na sua cidade?"

"Qual foi o filme que te causou a maior commoção ultimamente?"

"Você acha que as redes sociais aumentam a commoção das pessoas?"

"Como você reage quando há muita commoção ao seu redor?"

"Você prefere ambientes calmos ou com um pouco de commoção?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva um momento da sua infância que causou uma commoção na sua família.

Escreva sobre uma notícia internacional que gerou uma commoção global recente.

Como a commoção de um público pode mudar o rumo de uma história?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre sentir uma emoção privada e participar de uma commoção pública.

Descreva uma cena em um mercado movimentado usando a palavra commoção.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

In modern Portuguese, it is spelled 'comoção'. However, 'commoção' is found in older texts and some very formal documents. For learners, use 'comoção'.

Not really. Use 'festa animada' or 'farra'. 'Commoção' implies something more significant or emotional happened.

It can be both, but it is more frequently associated with somber or shocking events like tragedies or surprises.

You say 'comoção cerebral', though 'traumatismo craniano' is also very common.

The plural is 'comoções'.

Yes, especially in the news. You will hear it almost every day if you watch Portuguese TV.

Yes, it is used in all Lusophone countries with the same meaning.

The noun is 'comoção', and the related verb is 'comover' (to move/touch someone).

It refers to a state where the entire country is emotionally moved by an event.

It sounds better to say 'Estou comovido' (I am moved) or 'Senti uma comoção'.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence using 'commoção' about a famous person.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a scene in a hospital using 'commoção cerebral'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain the difference between 'emoção' and 'commoção' in Portuguese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a news headline using 'commoção nacional'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How would you describe a stir at a wedding?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a short paragraph about a historical event that caused commoção.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'commoção' to describe a market crash.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Create a dialogue between two people reacting to a surprise using the word.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the feeling of seeing a long-lost friend using 'commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a formal complaint about a public disturbance using 'commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write five adjectives that can describe 'commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Summarize a movie that caused you great commoção.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe a protest using 'commoção popular'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence about a baby causing commoção in a family.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explain why 'commoção' is a feminine noun in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a poem snippet containing the word 'commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe the atmosphere of a city during a festival using 'commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'commoção' in a sentence about a science discovery.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sob forte commoção'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

How do you feel during a 'commoção geral'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce 'commoção' clearly focusing on the nasal 'ão'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'A notícia causou uma grande commoção'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Tell a story about a time you felt a 'commoção'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain to a friend what 'commoção cerebral' means in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Debate: Should news media focus so much on 'commoção'?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a historical event and use the word 'commoção nacional'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Houve muita commoção na porta do estádio'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use 'commoção' in a sentence about a surprise party.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'commoção' and 'barulho' aloud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Read a news headline containing 'commoção' with a serious tone.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Ask someone if they saw the 'commoção' in the city center.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a movie ending that caused 'commoção' in the cinema.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'Ela não conseguiu conter a sua commoção'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Discuss the 'commoção' of the markets during a crisis.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Use 'commoção' to describe a scientific breakthrough.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'O clima de commoção era palpável'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe a religious procession using 'commoção'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say: 'A commoção é a vibração da alma'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Talk about a 'commoção' in your family history.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say the plural form 'commoções' three times quickly.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the word: 'commoção'. Transcribe it.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a sentence: 'A commoção foi geral'. What was general?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identify the word 'commoção' in a short news clip.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a doctor's diagnosis: 'Foi uma commoção cerebral'. What happened?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Distinguish between 'comoção' and 'promoção' in a recording.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Sob forte commoção, o corpo foi enterrado'. Where was the person?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a poem. Does it mention 'commoção'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Houve um alvoroço'. Is this the same as 'commoção'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to a crowd noise and a reporter saying 'commoção'. Describe the scene.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'A commoção dos mercados afetou o dólar'. What was affected?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the stress in the word. Is it at the end?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'Sentiu uma profunda commoção'. How deep was it?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'A commoção popular é imparável'. Is it stoppable?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen: 'O vídeo gerou commoção'. Where was the video?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen to the plural 'commoções'. Transcribe it.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

War das hilfreich?
Noch keine Kommentare. Sei der Erste, der seine Gedanken teilt!