At the A1 level, students learn desconfortável as a basic descriptor for physical objects. It is often introduced alongside its opposite, 'confortável'. Students at this stage should focus on using it with the verb 'ser' to describe things like chairs, beds, or shoes. The main goal is to understand that it means 'not comfortable'. Because the word is long, beginners might find the pronunciation challenging, but it follows regular Portuguese phonetic rules. At this level, we don't worry too much about complex social uses; the focus is on the physical world. For example, 'A cama é desconfortável' is a perfect A1 sentence. It is also important to recognize the prefix 'des-' as a way to say 'not' or 'un-', which is a useful pattern for many other Portuguese words.
At the A2 level, learners expand the use of desconfortável to describe how they feel. This involves using the verb 'estar' or 'sentir-se'. Instead of just describing a chair, the student can now say 'I feel uncomfortable'. This level also introduces the plural form 'desconfortáveis', which requires learning the rule for adjectives ending in '-el'. A2 students should be able to use the word in simple social contexts, such as saying they are uncomfortable in a crowded place or with a specific person. They should also begin to use simple modifiers like 'muito' (very) or 'um pouco' (a little). Example: 'Eu estou um pouco desconfortável aqui'. This allows for more personalized communication and the ability to express basic physical or emotional needs.
At the B1 level, desconfortável is used to describe more abstract situations and social atmospheres. A B1 learner can talk about an 'uncomfortable silence' or an 'uncomfortable conversation'. They start to distinguish between 'desconfortável' and 'incômodo'. At this stage, students should also be comfortable using the word in different tenses, such as the past ('foi desconfortável') or the future ('será desconfortável'). They can use it to give opinions and describe experiences in more detail. For instance, explaining why a trip was unpleasant: 'A viagem foi longa e o assento era muito desconfortável'. They also learn to use the word with prepositions, like 'desconfortável com' (uncomfortable with).
At the B2 level, students use desconfortável with nuance and precision. They can describe complex social dynamics, such as 'uma posição desconfortável' (an uncomfortable position) in a negotiation or a 'verdade desconfortável' (uncomfortable truth). B2 learners should be able to discuss the word's impact on a story or a news report. They understand the difference between physical discomfort and psychological unease and can explain these differences in Portuguese. They also start to use related terms like the noun 'desconforto' and the adverb 'desconfortavelmente' fluently. At this level, the word is used to express subtle points of view, and the student can handle debates where being 'desconfortável' is part of the subject matter, such as discussing social issues or workplace ethics.
At the C1 level, the learner has a sophisticated grasp of desconfortável. They can use it in highly formal or literary contexts. They might use it to describe an existential state or a profound socio-political tension. A C1 student can analyze how a writer uses 'desconforto' to create a specific mood. They are also aware of regional variations in how the word is used and pronounced across the Lusophone world. They can use the word in idiomatic ways and understand its use in academic texts (e.g., 'o desconforto cognitivo' or cognitive dissonance). At this level, the word is not just a descriptor but a tool for precise and evocative expression in both writing and speaking, allowing the speaker to convey complex emotions and situations with ease.
At the C2 level, mastery of desconfortável is absolute. The speaker uses it with all its subtle connotations and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or high-level rhetoric. They might use it to critique a piece of art, a political policy, or a philosophical argument. A C2 speaker understands the historical etymology and how the word fits into the broader structure of the Portuguese language. They can use it in sarcasm, irony, or deep empathy. They can seamlessly switch between synonyms like 'acanhado', 'constrangido', or 'enfastiado' to provide the exact shade of meaning required. For a C2 learner, the word is a fully integrated part of their expressive repertoire, used with the same flexibility and depth as a native speaker.

desconfortável in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'uncomfortable' in both physical (hard chair) and social (awkward silence) contexts.
  • It is a gender-neutral adjective (ends in -el) for both masculine and feminine nouns.
  • The plural form is 'desconfortáveis', following the regular rule for adjectives ending in -el.
  • Commonly used with the verbs 'ser' (inherent quality) and 'estar' (temporary state/feeling).
The word desconfortável is a versatile adjective in Portuguese that primarily translates to 'uncomfortable' in English. It is composed of the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) and the adjective 'confortável' (comfortable). Its usage spans both physical sensations and emotional or social states, making it an essential term for daily communication.
Physical Discomfort
When an object, environment, or physical state causes a lack of ease. For example, a chair that is too hard, shoes that are too tight, or a room that is too hot. In these cases, the word describes the external stimulus causing the sensation.

Este sofá é extremamente desconfortável para as costas.

Social and Psychological Discomfort
This refers to feelings of awkwardness, embarrassment, or anxiety in social situations. If you are in a meeting where everyone is arguing, or if you are asked a personal question by a stranger, you might feel 'desconfortável'. It describes the internal emotional state of the person.

Eu me senti muito desconfortável com aquele comentário grosseiro.

Nuance vs. Incômodo
While 'desconfortável' describes the state or the object, 'incômodo' (annoying/bothersome) is often used for things that actively disturb your peace. You might sit in a 'desconfortável' chair, but a loud noise is 'incômodo'.

O silêncio na sala estava ficando desconfortável.

Sapatos novos costumam ser desconfortáveis no primeiro dia.

Understanding 'desconfortável' allows you to express both physical needs (like asking for a better seat) and complex social boundaries (like expressing that a conversation topic is inappropriate). It is a foundational word for emotional intelligence in Portuguese.
Using desconfortável correctly involves understanding its placement, its plural form, and the verbs it commonly pairs with. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it modifies, but it can also follow linking verbs like 'ser' (to be - permanent/inherent) and 'estar' (to be - temporary/state).
With the Verb 'Estar'
Use 'estar' when referring to a temporary feeling or a state that might change. This is the most common way to describe how a person feels in a specific moment. Example: 'Eu estou desconfortável nesta roupa' (I am uncomfortable in these clothes).

Ela está desconfortável com a situação no trabalho.

With the Verb 'Ser'
Use 'ser' when describing an inherent quality of an object. If a chair is poorly designed and always hurts your back, it 'é desconfortável'. Example: 'Este banco de madeira é desconfortável' (This wooden bench is uncomfortable).

Viagens longas de ônibus são sempre desconfortáveis.

Describing Abstract Concepts
You can use 'desconfortável' to describe situations, truths, or silences. 'Uma verdade desconfortável' (An uncomfortable truth) is a common collocation. It implies something that is difficult to face or accept.

Houve um silêncio desconfortável após a pergunta.

Eles enfrentaram uma posição desconfortável durante a negociação.

In summary, remember that 'desconfortável' is gender-neutral but must agree in number with the noun it describes. Its placement usually follows the noun, and it works with both 'ser' and 'estar' to distinguish between permanent traits and temporary states.
You will encounter desconfortável in a variety of real-world contexts, from medical consultations to social commentary.
At the Doctor's Office
Doctors often ask if a certain position or procedure is 'desconfortável'. They might say: 'Isso é um pouco desconfortável, mas não deve doer' (This is a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt). It's a key word for patient-doctor communication.

O exame foi um pouco desconfortável, mas necessário.

In Customer Reviews
If you read reviews for hotels or furniture on sites like Amazon or Booking.com in Portuguese, you'll see this word constantly. 'A cama era muito desconfortável' (The bed was very uncomfortable) is a classic complaint.

Muitos clientes reclamaram que o banco da espera é desconfortável.

In Media and News
Journalists use 'uma situação desconfortável' to describe political scandals or diplomatic tensions. It's a way to describe a problem without using overly aggressive language. You'll hear it in interviews when a guest is asked a question they don't want to answer.

O político ficou em uma posição desconfortável perante a imprensa.

É desconfortável admitir que estávamos errados.

Whether you are traveling, shopping, or following the news, 'desconfortável' will appear whenever there is a lack of physical or social harmony. Recognizing it helps you navigate these slightly negative but very common human experiences.
Even though desconfortável is a cognate of 'uncomfortable', English speakers often make specific errors when using it in Portuguese.
Gender Confusion
Many learners try to change the ending to '-o' or '-a' to match the noun. They might say 'uma cadeira desconfortávela'. This is incorrect. Adjectives ending in '-el' are 'uniforme', meaning they have only one form for both masculine and feminine nouns.

Errado: O banco é desconfortávelo. Correto: O banco é desconfortável.

Pluralization Errors
The plural of '-el' is '-eis'. Some learners simply add an 's' to get 'desconfortávels', which is wrong. Remember to drop the 'l' and add 'is', while also changing the accent: 'desconfortáveis'.

Errado: Sapatos desconfortávels. Correto: Sapatos desconfortáveis.

Confusing Noun and Adjective
Learners sometimes use the noun 'desconforto' (discomfort) where they need the adjective. 'Eu estou desconforto' is like saying 'I am discomfort'. You must say 'Eu estou desconfortável' or 'Eu sinto desconforto'.

Errado: A situação foi desconforto. Correto: A situação foi desconfortável.

Correto: Senti um grande desconforto abdominal.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—specifically the gender trap and the pluralization rule—you will sound much more like a native speaker. Pay close attention to the 'l' at the end of the word to refine your accent.
While desconfortável is the most direct translation for 'uncomfortable', Portuguese offers several other words that might be more precise depending on the context.
Incômodo vs. Desconfortável
'Incômodo' can be both a noun and an adjective. As an adjective, it means bothersome or inconvenient. 'Uma pergunta incômoda' is one that bothers you, whereas 'uma pergunta desconfortável' makes you feel awkward. They are often interchangeable, but 'incômodo' implies more of an active disturbance.

O barulho da obra é muito incômodo.

Apertado
When the discomfort is specifically due to a lack of space (like tight clothes or a crowded room), 'apertado' is the better word. 'Este sapato está desconfortável' is general; 'Este sapato está apertado' is specific.

O elevador estava muito apertado.

Inadequado
If something is uncomfortable because it doesn't fit the occasion, 'inadequado' (inappropriate) might be used. 'Sua roupa é inadequada para o frio' means it's uncomfortable because it's not enough for the weather.

Ele se sentiu constrangido com o elogio exagerado.

O assento do avião é bastante estreito.

Choosing the right synonym depends on whether the discomfort is physical (apertado, duro, estreito), social (sem graça, constrangido), or general (incômodo, desagradável). Expanding your vocabulary in this area helps you describe your feelings with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'comfort' originally meant 'to give strength to'. So, being 'desconfortável' literally means being in a state where your strength or ease is taken away.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dɨʃ.kõ.fuɾ.ˈta.vɛl/
US /des.kõ.foɾ.ˈta.vew/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'tá'.
Reimt sich auf
amável estável notável variável sustentável vulnerável adorável lamentável
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the final 'l' like an English 'l' (it should be 'w' in Brazil or a dark 'l' in Portugal).
  • Missing the nasal sound in 'con'.
  • Putting the stress on the first or last syllable.
  • Pronouncing 'des' as 'dez' (it should be a soft 's' or 'sh').
  • Failing to pronounce the 'r' clearly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'comfortable'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the 'des-' prefix and the '-eis' plural.

Sprechen 4/5

The nasal 'on' and the final 'l/w' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 2/5

Usually clear, though the 's' can vary by region.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

confortável conforto ser estar muito

Als Nächstes lernen

incômodo constrangido agradável à vontade desconforto

Fortgeschritten

mal-estar inconveniente acanhamento discrepância ontológico

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjectives ending in -el change to -eis in the plural.

desconfortável -> desconfortáveis

The prefix 'des-' is used to negate adjectives and verbs.

fazer -> desfazer, confortável -> desconfortável

Adjectives that describe states use 'estar', while qualities use 'ser'.

O banco é desconfortável (quality). Eu estou desconfortável (state).

The nasal vowel 'on' is produced by letting air escape through the nose.

des-con-for-tá-vel

Placement: Adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese.

Um silêncio desconfortável.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

A cadeira é desconfortável.

The chair is uncomfortable.

Simple subject + verb 'ser' + adjective.

2

Este sapato é desconfortável.

This shoe is uncomfortable.

Demonstrative 'este' + noun + adjective.

3

O sofá não é desconfortável.

The sofa is not uncomfortable.

Negative construction with 'não'.

4

Minha cama é muito desconfortável.

My bed is very uncomfortable.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective.

5

É um banco desconfortável.

It is an uncomfortable bench.

Noun-adjective order.

6

O carro é desconfortável?

Is the car uncomfortable?

Simple question structure.

7

O chão é desconfortável para dormir.

The floor is uncomfortable for sleeping.

Preposition 'para' + infinitive verb.

8

Eles têm cadeiras desconfortáveis.

They have uncomfortable chairs.

Plural agreement: 'cadeiras desconfortáveis'.

1

Eu estou desconfortável nesta sala.

I am uncomfortable in this room.

Verb 'estar' for a temporary state.

2

Você se sente desconfortável?

Do you feel uncomfortable?

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

3

Nós estamos desconfortáveis com o calor.

We are uncomfortable with the heat.

Plural form 'desconfortáveis' + 'com'.

4

Ela ficou desconfortável com o silêncio.

She became uncomfortable with the silence.

Verb 'ficar' meaning 'to become/get'.

5

Estes sapatos são um pouco desconfortáveis.

These shoes are a bit uncomfortable.

Plural agreement and 'um pouco'.

6

O clima na festa estava desconfortável.

The atmosphere at the party was uncomfortable.

Using 'clima' to mean social atmosphere.

7

Eu não quero ser desconfortável.

I don't want to be uncomfortable.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

8

O médico perguntou: 'Está desconfortável?'

The doctor asked: 'Is it uncomfortable?'

Direct speech in a medical context.

1

Foi uma situação muito desconfortável para todos.

It was a very uncomfortable situation for everyone.

Past tense 'foi' with an abstract noun.

2

Sinto-me desconfortável quando as pessoas discutem.

I feel uncomfortable when people argue.

Complex sentence with 'quando'.

3

O silêncio na reunião tornou-se desconfortável.

The silence in the meeting became uncomfortable.

Verb 'tornar-se' (to become).

4

Não é desconfortável falar sobre dinheiro?

Isn't it uncomfortable to talk about money?

Interrogative negative sentence.

5

Achei o filme um tanto desconfortável.

I found the movie somewhat uncomfortable.

Verb 'achar' meaning 'to find/think'.

6

Ele deu uma risada desconfortável.

He gave an uncomfortable laugh.

Adjective modifying a specific action.

7

A posição dele na empresa é desconfortável.

His position in the company is uncomfortable.

Metaphorical use for job security/status.

8

Ela tentou mudar de assunto porque estava desconfortável.

She tried to change the subject because she was uncomfortable.

Causal clause with 'porque'.

1

A verdade pode ser desconfortável às vezes.

The truth can be uncomfortable sometimes.

Modal verb 'poder' + 'ser'.

2

Havia uma tensão desconfortável no ar.

There was an uncomfortable tension in the air.

Impersonal 'haver' in the past.

3

É desconfortável admitir que cometemos um erro.

It is uncomfortable to admit that we made a mistake.

Impersonal expression 'É [adj] + infinitive'.

4

O autor explora temas desconfortáveis em seu novo livro.

The author explores uncomfortable themes in his new book.

Plural adjective with abstract themes.

5

Eles se viram em uma situação política desconfortável.

They found themselves in an uncomfortable political situation.

Reflexive 'ver-se' (to find oneself).

6

O interrogatório foi longo e desconfortável.

The interrogation was long and uncomfortable.

Compound adjectives.

7

Sinto um desconforto desconfortável com essa proposta.

I feel an uncomfortable discomfort with this proposal. (Note: emphatic)

Emphatic use of noun and adjective.

8

A presença dele tornava o ambiente desconfortável.

His presence made the environment uncomfortable.

Verb 'tornar' + object + adjective.

1

O silêncio que se seguiu foi carregado de um desconforto palpável.

The silence that followed was charged with a palpable discomfort.

Relative clause and sophisticated vocabulary.

2

Abordar questões raciais pode ser desconfortável para muitos.

Addressing racial issues can be uncomfortable for many.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

3

A desigualdade social gera uma realidade desconfortável para a elite.

Social inequality generates an uncomfortable reality for the elite.

Abstract socio-political context.

4

É imperativo confrontar essas verdades desconfortáveis.

It is imperative to confront these uncomfortable truths.

Formal impersonal construction.

5

O filme utiliza o desconforto do espectador como ferramenta narrativa.

The film uses the viewer's discomfort as a narrative tool.

Noun form 'desconforto' in an analytical context.

6

Ele se sentia desconfortável no papel de mediador.

He felt uncomfortable in the role of mediator.

Prepositional phrase 'no papel de'.

7

A discrepância entre o discurso e a prática é desconfortável.

The discrepancy between speech and practice is uncomfortable.

Sophisticated subject structure.

8

Sua honestidade brutal, embora necessária, era desconfortável.

His brutal honesty, although necessary, was uncomfortable.

Concessive clause with 'embora'.

1

A obra provoca um estranhamento desconfortável que desafia o cânone.

The work provokes an uncomfortable estrangement that challenges the canon.

High-level academic/artistic register.

2

Viver sob constante vigilância é uma experiência inerentemente desconfortável.

Living under constant surveillance is an inherently uncomfortable experience.

Adverb 'inerentemente' + adjective.

3

O desconforto ontológico permeia a filosofia existencialista.

Ontological discomfort permeates existentialist philosophy.

Specialized philosophical terminology.

4

A prosa do autor é deliberadamente desconfortável para subverter expectativas.

The author's prose is deliberately uncomfortable to subvert expectations.

Adverb 'deliberadamente' + purpose clause.

5

A coexistência de opostos cria uma harmonia desconfortável.

The coexistence of opposites creates an uncomfortable harmony.

Oxymoronic conceptual phrasing.

6

Ele navegava por aquela situação desconfortável com uma fleuma invejável.

He navigated that uncomfortable situation with an enviable phlegm (composure).

Literary metaphor and rare vocabulary.

7

O silêncio não era apenas ausência de som, mas um vazio desconfortável.

The silence was not just an absence of sound, but an uncomfortable void.

Poetic contrastive structure.

8

A transição para a modernidade foi, para muitos, um processo desconfortável e traumático.

The transition to modernity was, for many, an uncomfortable and traumatic process.

Historical/Sociological analysis.

Häufige Kollokationen

silêncio desconfortável
verdade desconfortável
posição desconfortável
situação desconfortável
roupa desconfortável
clima desconfortável
pergunta desconfortável
assento desconfortável
sensação desconfortável
olhar desconfortável

Häufige Phrasen

sentir-se desconfortável

— To feel uncomfortable emotionally or physically.

Eu me sinto desconfortável falando em público.

ficar desconfortável

— To become uncomfortable due to a change in situation.

Ela ficou desconfortável com a piada.

tornar desconfortável

— To make a situation or object uncomfortable.

O calor tornou a viagem desconfortável.

ser desconfortável

— To be inherently uncomfortable (permanent quality).

Este banco é desconfortável por natureza.

estar desconfortável

— To be uncomfortable in the current moment (temporary state).

Estou desconfortável com estes sapatos novos.

nada desconfortável

— Not uncomfortable at all (often used for emphasis).

A poltrona não era nada desconfortável.

meio desconfortável

— A bit or somewhat uncomfortable.

Achei o clima meio desconfortável.

extremamente desconfortável

— Very or highly uncomfortable.

O voo foi extremamente desconfortável.

visivelmente desconfortável

— Clearly or obviously uncomfortable.

Ele estava visivelmente desconfortável com a atenção.

um tanto desconfortável

— Somewhat or rather uncomfortable.

Foi um momento um tanto desconfortável.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

desconfortável vs desconforto

This is the noun (discomfort). You can say 'Sinto um desconforto', but not 'Eu estou desconforto'.

desconfortável vs incômodo

Can be a noun or adjective. Often used for things that are annoying or inconvenient.

desconfortável vs inconveniente

Means inconvenient. A situation can be inconvenient without being physically uncomfortable.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"pisar em ovos"

— To walk on eggshells; to be in a situation where you feel very uncomfortable and cautious.

Sinto que estou pisando em ovos com meu chefe.

Informal
"saia justa"

— A tight skirt; an idiom for an awkward or uncomfortable situation.

A pergunta me colocou em uma saia justa.

Informal (Brazil)
"ficar sem graça"

— To feel awkward, embarrassed, or uncomfortable.

Fiquei sem graça quando todos olharam para mim.

Informal (Brazil)
"clima de velório"

— A funeral atmosphere; a very uncomfortable, sad, or tense social environment.

Depois da notícia, ficou um clima de velório.

Informal
"estar em brasas"

— To be on hot coals; to be very uncomfortable or anxious.

Estou em brasas esperando o resultado.

Informal
"engolir sapo"

— To swallow a toad; to endure an uncomfortable situation without complaining.

Tive que engolir muito sapo naquele emprego.

Informal
"estar com a pulga atrás da orelha"

— To have a flea behind the ear; to be suspicious or uncomfortable with a situation.

Fiquei com a pulga atrás da orelha com aquela história.

Informal
"não se bicar"

— To not peck each other; used when two people make each other uncomfortable or don't get along.

Eles dois não se bicam.

Informal
"ficar num mato sem cachorro"

— To be in the woods without a dog; to be in a very difficult and uncomfortable spot.

Sem dinheiro e sem carro, fiquei num mato sem cachorro.

Informal
"fazer sala"

— To 'make room'; often used when you have to stay in an uncomfortable social situation to be polite.

Tive que fazer sala para os parentes dela.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

desconfortável vs desconfortado

Looks like the past participle.

'Desconfortado' is rarely used and refers more to a state of being discouraged, while 'desconfortável' is the standard adjective for discomfort.

Ele parecia desconfortado com a notícia (rare usage).

desconfortável vs apertado

Both relate to physical unease.

'Apertado' specifically means tight or cramped.

O ônibus estava muito apertado.

desconfortável vs constrangido

Both used for social awkwardness.

'Constrangido' is more about embarrassment or being forced into a situation.

Fiquei constrangido com o comentário dele.

desconfortável vs enfastiado

Relates to a negative state.

'Enfastiado' means bored or fed up.

Estou enfastiado de tanta espera.

desconfortável vs mal-estar

Describes feeling bad.

'Mal-estar' is a noun meaning malaise or general feeling of illness/unease.

Senti um mal-estar repentino.

Satzmuster

A1

A/O [noun] é desconfortável.

A cadeira é desconfortável.

A2

Eu estou desconfortável em [place/thing].

Eu estou desconfortável neste banco.

A2

Eu me sinto desconfortável com [person/situation].

Eu me sinto desconfortável com ele.

B1

Foi uma [noun] muito desconfortável.

Foi uma viagem muito desconfortável.

B1

O [noun] tornou-se desconfortável.

O silêncio tornou-se desconfortável.

B2

É desconfortável [infinitive verb].

É desconfortável admitir a verdade.

C1

[Abstract subject] é inerentemente desconfortável.

A desigualdade é inerentemente desconfortável.

C2

Apesar de [adj], a situação era desconfortável.

Apesar de luxuosa, a situação era desconfortável.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

desconforto
conforto

Verben

confortar
desconfortar

Adjektive

desconfortável
confortável
desconfortado
confortado

Verwandt

conforto
incômodo
mal-estar
comodidade
bem-estar

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Häufige Fehler
  • O banco é desconfortávelo. O banco é desconfortável.

    Adjectives ending in -el are the same for masculine and feminine nouns.

  • As cadeiras são desconfortávels. As cadeiras são desconfortáveis.

    The plural of -el is -eis, not -els.

  • Eu estou desconforto. Eu estou desconfortável.

    You cannot use the noun 'desconforto' with the verb 'estar' to describe yourself; you need the adjective.

  • Sinto-me desconfortável em ele. Sinto-me desconfortável com ele.

    When feeling uncomfortable with a person, use the preposition 'com'.

  • A situação foi muito desconforto. A situação foi muito desconfortável.

    Again, confusing the noun and the adjective.

Tipps

Plural Rule

Remember that adjectives ending in -el always change to -eis. This applies to 'desconfortável', 'confortável', 'amável', etc.

The Final L

In Brazil, don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'l'. It's a 'u' sound like in 'low'.

Prefix Power

Notice the 'des-' prefix. It's a great way to learn two words at once (confortável/desconfortável).

Polite Discomfort

Use 'Estou um pouco desconfortável' to politely ask for a change in a situation without being rude.

Home Decor

When shopping in a Portuguese-speaking country, always test the furniture and say 'é confortável' or 'é desconfortável' to practice.

At the Doctor

If a doctor asks 'Dói?' (Does it hurt?), you can reply 'Não dói, mas é desconfortável' to be precise.

Nasal Sounds

Focus on the 'on' sound. It's the key to sounding like a native when saying 'desconfortável'.

Accent Mark

Don't forget the accent on the 'á'. It tells you exactly where the stress of the word is.

Incômodo vs Desconfortável

Think of 'incômodo' as 'annoying' and 'desconfortável' as 'not cozy/awkward'.

Physical vs Mental

Link the word to a physical memory (a hard bed) and a mental memory (an awkward date) to anchor it in your mind.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'DES' as 'DESTROY' and 'CONFORTÁVEL' as 'COMFORT'. When you DESTROY COMFORT, you are DESCONFORTÁVEL.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine sitting on a chair made of sharp LEGO bricks. That feeling is 'desconfortável'.

Word Web

cadeira sapato silêncio sentir-se estar situação clima verdade

Herausforderung

Try to identify three things in your room right now that are 'desconfortáveis' and say why in Portuguese.

Wortherkunft

From the Portuguese prefix 'des-' (negation) + 'confortável' (comfortable). 'Confortável' comes from the verb 'confortar'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The root is Latin 'confortare', meaning 'to strengthen much' (from 'com-' intensive + 'fortis' strong).

Romance (Latin-derived).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using it to describe people; it's better to describe the 'situation' or 'feeling' rather than calling a person 'desconfortável' (which isn't common; you'd say they are 'difícil' or 'chato').

English speakers often use 'awkward' for social situations; in Portuguese, 'desconfortável' or 'constrangido' are the best equivalents.

Uma Verdade Inconveniente (An Inconvenient Truth) is translated in some contexts using 'desconfortável'. The concept of 'Zona de Conforto' (Comfort Zone) often discusses the need to be 'desconfortável' to grow. Commonly used in Brazilian 'Novelas' to describe family tensions.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping for Furniture

  • Este sofá é desconfortável?
  • Quero algo menos desconfortável.
  • A cama parece desconfortável.
  • Não compre cadeiras desconfortáveis.

At a Party

  • Estou desconfortável aqui.
  • O clima está desconfortável.
  • Me senti desconfortável com ele.
  • Foi um momento desconfortável.

Medical Appointment

  • Sinto um desconforto aqui.
  • É uma posição desconfortável.
  • O exame é desconfortável?
  • Dói ou é só desconfortável?

Traveling

  • O voo foi desconfortável.
  • O ônibus é muito desconfortável.
  • Hotel com cama desconfortável.
  • Viagem longa e desconfortável.

Workplace

  • Uma reunião desconfortável.
  • Pergunta desconfortável do chefe.
  • Estou numa posição desconfortável.
  • Verdade desconfortável sobre a empresa.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você já ficou em um hotel com uma cama muito desconfortável?"

"O que você faz quando está em uma situação social desconfortável?"

"Você acha que o transporte público na sua cidade é desconfortável?"

"Qual foi o momento mais desconfortável da sua última viagem?"

"Você prefere sapatos bonitos ou sapatos que não sejam desconfortáveis?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma situação em que você se sentiu muito desconfortável e como você lidou com isso.

Quais são as três coisas mais desconfortáveis que você possui e por que você ainda as tem?

Escreva sobre uma 'verdade desconfortável' que você aprendeu recentemente.

Como o ambiente físico (luz, cadeiras, temperatura) afeta sua produtividade quando é desconfortável?

Pense em um filme que você achou desconfortável de assistir. Por que ele causou essa sensação?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is both! It is a 'uniform' adjective, meaning it doesn't change its ending based on gender. 'O homem desconfortável' and 'A mulher desconfortável' are both correct.

Change the ending '-el' to '-eis'. The plural is 'desconfortáveis'. Example: 'Cadeiras desconfortáveis'.

Usually, you describe a person's *feeling* ('Ele está desconfortável') or the *situation* ('A conversa foi desconfortável'). Calling a person 'desconfortável' as a personality trait is not common; you would use 'difícil' or 'chato' instead.

'Desconfortável' is mostly about how you feel or the lack of ease. 'Incômodo' is more about something that is bothersome, annoying, or an inconvenience. A hard chair is 'desconfortável'; a loud neighbor is 'incômodo'.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, people might say 'meio paia' or 'clima pesado' for social discomfort, but there isn't a direct shorter adjective.

No, it often refers to social awkwardness or emotional unease. It can range from a slightly annoying tag on a shirt to a deeply embarrassing social encounter.

It is a nasal vowel. Imagine saying 'own' but without finishing the 'n' sound with your tongue; let the air go through your nose instead.

Use 'ser' for permanent or inherent qualities (e.g., a poorly made chair). Use 'estar' for temporary feelings or states (e.g., how you feel right now in a chair).

It is a neutral word. It's appropriate for everything from medical journals to chatting with friends.

Sometimes, but 'inconveniente' is a better word for that specific meaning. 'Desconfortável' focuses more on the feeling of unease.

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The chair is uncomfortable.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I feel uncomfortable here.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write the plural of: 'sapato desconfortável'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'There was an uncomfortable silence.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'desconfortável' in a sentence about shoes.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'Is the bed uncomfortable?'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'We are uncomfortable with the heat.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sentir-se' and 'desconfortável'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'It is an uncomfortable truth.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The situation became uncomfortable.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence describing an uncomfortable party.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'They have uncomfortable chairs.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I don't want to be uncomfortable.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'muito' and 'desconfortável' in a sentence.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'It was a bit uncomfortable.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write the feminine plural of: 'homem desconfortável'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'uncomfortable position'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I am uncomfortable with his look.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The exam was uncomfortable.'

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'desconfortável' to describe a sofa.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A cadeira é desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Eu me sinto desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Silêncio desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the plural 'desconfortáveis'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Estou desconfortável com isso' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Foi uma situação desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Sapatos desconfortáveis' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'É uma verdade desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'O clima está desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Não fique desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Uma posição desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Sinto um desconforto' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A cama é muito desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Eles estão desconfortáveis' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'O exame foi desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Achei o filme desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Pergunta desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Eu não quero ser desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Fiquei sem graça' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Tensão desconfortável' out loud.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'A cadeira é desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Sinto-me desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Sapatos desconfortáveis.'

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

Listen and write: 'Silêncio desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'O clima está desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Foi uma verdade desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Eles ficaram desconfortáveis.'

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

Listen and write: 'Estou desconfortável aqui.'

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

Listen and write: 'É muito desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Uma situação desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Sinto um leve desconforto.'

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

Listen and write: 'O assento é desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Pergunta desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Não seja desconfortável.'

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

Listen and write: 'Viagem desconfortável.'

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

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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