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A2 adjective Neutral #6,000 am häufigsten 2 Min. Lesezeit

covarde

/koˈvaɾdɨ/
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Overview

The Portuguese word 'covarde' directly translates to 'coward' or 'cowardly' in English, and it carries a similar negative connotation. It describes an individual who lacks courage, particularly in the face of danger, difficulty, or pain. This term can be applied to a person's general character, indicating a persistent tendency to avoid confrontation or risk, or it can describe a specific act performed out of fear rather than bravery.

Etymologically, 'covarde' has roots in the Latin 'caudam' meaning 'tail,' specifically referring to an animal that turns its tail and runs away in fear. This imagery aptly captures the essence of the word: retreating from a challenge rather than facing it head-on. In a broader sense, 'covarde' implies a failure of moral fortitude. It suggests that one prioritizes personal safety or comfort over principles, duty, or the well-being of others.

The word can be used as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it modifies a person or an action, as in 'um homem covarde' (a cowardly man) or 'uma atitude covarde' (a cowardly attitude). As a noun, it refers to the person themselves: 'Ele é um covarde' (He is a coward). The intensity of the term can vary depending on context. In casual conversation, it might be used to describe someone who is simply timid. However, in more serious situations, particularly those involving moral judgment or acts of betrayal, 'covarde' can be a deeply insulting and condemnatory label.

Culturally, the concept of courage and its opposite, cowardice, are significant in many societies, including Portuguese-speaking ones. Bravery is often lauded as a virtue, while cowardice is seen as a flaw that can lead to negative consequences, both for the individual and for the community. The term 'covarde' can be used in literature, media, and everyday speech to express disapproval of actions perceived as weak, unprincipled, or lacking in resolve.

Beispiele

1

Ele foi um covarde ao fugir da luta.

describing someone's action

He was a coward for running away from the fight.

Häufige Kollokationen

atitude covarde
ação covarde
homem covarde
mulher covarde

Wird oft verwechselt mit

covarde vs. cobarde
only ONE LETTER different ('v' vs 'b')

Grammatikmuster

feminine: covarde plural: covardes feminine plural: covardes

So verwendest du es

Nutzungshinweise

'Covarde' can be used as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it modifies a person or action, e.g., 'Ele é um homem covarde' (He is a cowardly man) or 'Foi uma atitude covarde' (It was a cowardly attitude). As a noun, it refers to a person who is a coward, e.g., 'Ele é um covarde' (He is a coward). The feminine form is 'covarde' for both adjective and noun (e.g., 'Ela é uma mulher covarde', 'Ela é uma covarde'). It's important to note that while 'covarde' directly translates to 'cowardly' or 'coward,' its emotional impact can be quite intense. It's often used in heated arguments or to express strong disapproval. Less formal or milder ways to describe a lack of courage might involve phrases like 'medroso' (fearful) or 'tímido' (shy), though these do not carry the same moral judgment as 'covarde.' Using 'covarde' can be perceived as accusatory and confrontational, so it should be used with awareness of its strong implications.

Häufige Fehler

Some might confuse 'covarde' with words that sound similar but have different meanings, such as 'verde' (green) or 'tarde' (late). The key is the 'cova-' prefix, which doesn't directly translate to anything helpful, but the full word's sound and meaning are distinct. Another mistake is misgendering; 'covarde' is invariable, meaning it doesn't change for masculine or feminine subjects (e.g., 'o homem covarde' and 'a mulher covarde'). Always remember it ends in '-e' and maintains that form.

Tipps

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Synonyms for 'covarde':

medroso, frouxo, acovardado, cobarde (alternative spelling, less common in Portugal).
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Common mistakes to avoid:

While 'covarde' literally means 'coward', ensure context when using it. It can be a strong insult. Avoid using it lightly in formal settings or when referring to someone's general character unless absolutely certain it's appropriate. Also, don't confuse it with 'cobarde', which is an older or less common spelling in some regions.
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When to use 'covarde':

Use 'covarde' when describing someone who explicitly lacks courage in a specific situation, or whose actions are driven by fear rather than bravery. For example, 'Ele agiu de forma covarde ao abandonar os amigos' (He acted cowardly by abandoning his friends). It can also be used as a noun: 'Um covarde não enfrenta seus medos' (A coward doesn't face their fears).

Wortherkunft

From Old Portuguese 'covarde', from Vulgar Latin *'cōwardis', from Latin 'cauda' (tail), + Germanic suffix '-ard'. The sense evolved from 'one who turns tail' or 'one whose tail hangs down', implying fear.

Kultureller Kontext

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, the word 'covarde' (coward) carries a strong negative connotation, similar to English. It's often used to describe someone who lacks courage in the face of danger, challenge, or moral obligation. Historically, courage has been a highly valued trait in many Portuguese-speaking societies, particularly in contexts of exploration, war, or standing up against injustice. Therefore, being labeled 'covarde' can be a significant insult, implying a failure to meet societal expectations of bravery and honor. The concept of 'covardia' (cowardice) can extend beyond physical fear to moral weakness, such as someone who doesn't take responsibility for their actions or backs down from a difficult truth. It's a word that evokes a sense of shame and dishonor, and its use is generally reserved for situations where someone's lack of courage is perceived as particularly egregious or impactful.

Merkhilfe

Visualize a 'cow' (vaca in Portuguese) that is 'ardent' (ardente) about running away from everything. A 'coward' flees like a scared cow.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

4 Fragen
The word 'covarde' in Portuguese translates to 'coward' or 'cowardly' in English. It describes someone who lacks courage or is easily intimidated. It can also be used as an adjective to describe an action or behavior that demonstrates a lack of bravery.
Certainly! Here are a few examples: 'Ele foi muito covarde por não defender seu amigo' (He was very cowardly for not defending his friend). 'Não seja um covarde e enfrente seus medos' (Don't be a coward and face your fears). 'Sua atitude covarde o impediu de tentar algo novo' (His cowardly attitude prevented him from trying something new). 'É um ato covarde atacar alguém pelas costas' (It's a cowardly act to attack someone from behind).
Yes, there are several synonyms for 'covarde' that convey a similar meaning. Some common ones include 'medroso' (fearful), 'tímido' (shy), 'pusilânime' (pusillanimous), 'fraco' (weak), and 'cobarde' (another spelling of 'covarde' that is less common). The choice of synonym often depends on the specific nuance you want to express.
The antonyms for 'covarde' would be words that describe bravery, courage, or strength. Some common antonyms include 'corajoso' (courageous), 'bravo' (brave), 'destemido' (fearless), 'valente' (valiant), and 'ousado' (daring). These words represent the opposite of lacking courage and instead emphasize a willingness to face challenges.

Teste dich selbst

fill blank

O homem não enfrentou o desafio e mostrou-se um ______.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
fill blank

Foi um ato ______ fugir da briga.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
fill blank

A atitude ______ dele o fez perder o respeito de todos.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

Ergebnis: /3

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