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A2 noun 12 min de lectura

angústia

Ejemplos
Explicación angústia in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should understand that 'angústia' is a word for a very strong feeling of sadness or being worried. It is like feeling 'very sad' or 'very upset' in your heart. While you might not use it every day, you will see it in stories or hear it in songs. It is a feminine word, so we say 'a angústia'. Think of it as a step up from 'tristeza' (sadness). When you see someone crying or looking very worried, they might be feeling 'angústia'. It is an important word because it helps you understand how people feel in Portuguese-speaking cultures, where emotions are often expressed deeply. You can remember it by thinking of the English word 'anguish', which looks very similar. At this level, focus on recognizing the word and knowing it's a negative, strong emotion. Don't worry about the complex philosophical meanings yet; just know it's about feeling bad in a deep way.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'angústia' to describe more specific feelings. You should know that it often feels like a 'tightness' in the chest. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Eu sinto angústia' (I feel anguish) or 'Ele tem muita angústia' (He has a lot of anguish). You should also learn the adjective 'angustiado' (for a man) and 'angustiada' (for a woman). For example, 'Estou angustiada com a prova' (I am distressed about the exam). This level is about moving beyond basic sadness and using more descriptive words for your emotions. You will also start to see how the word is used with prepositions like 'de' (of). 'A angústia de esperar' (The anguish of waiting) is a common phrase. Understanding this word helps you communicate your feelings more clearly to your Portuguese-speaking friends. It shows that you are learning more than just the most basic vocabulary.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'angústia' in various contexts, including more abstract ones. You can use it to talk about life's difficulties, social problems, or deep personal struggles. You should understand that 'angústia' is not just about a specific event, but can be a general state of being. You will encounter this word in news reports, movies, and more complex literature. At this stage, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'aflição' and 'agonia' and know when to choose 'angústia' instead. For example, 'angústia' is better for internal, psychological pain, while 'aflição' is better for external, urgent problems. You can also start using common expressions like 'Que angústia!' to express sympathy or reaction to a stressful situation. Your ability to use this word correctly will make your Portuguese sound more natural and emotionally intelligent.
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At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance between 'angústia' and other related terms like 'ansiedade' or 'melancolia'. You can discuss the word's role in Portuguese culture, such as its presence in Fado music or Brazilian literature. You should be able to write and speak about complex emotional topics using the word 'angústia' and its derivatives. You will recognize it in formal speeches and academic texts. At this level, you can also explore the philosophical side of the word, understanding that it can refer to the 'existential anguish' that comes with freedom and choice. You should be able to explain why a character in a book feels 'angústia' and how it affects their actions. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to describe the different shades of this emotion, from a mild sense of 'desassossego' to a profound, life-altering 'angústia'.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep and sophisticated understanding of 'angústia'. You can appreciate its use in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa or the prose of Clarice Lispector. You understand the subtle differences in how the word is used in Portugal versus Brazil. You can use the word in academic discussions about psychology, philosophy, or sociology. You are aware of the word's etymology and how its meaning has evolved over time. You can use 'angústia' as a powerful rhetorical tool in your writing and speaking. You understand its connection to the concept of 'saudade' and how both words are integral to the Lusophone identity. At this level, you can also identify when the word is being used ironically or metaphorically. Your mastery of the word 'angústia' reflects your high level of cultural and linguistic competence.
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At the C2 level, you use 'angústia' with the precision and flair of a native speaker. You are familiar with its use in the most challenging literary texts and philosophical treatises. You can discuss the differences between 'angústia' and the German 'Angst' or the French 'angoisse' in a comparative literature context. You understand the word's historical development from Latin to modern Portuguese. You can use 'angústia' to convey extremely subtle emotional states in creative writing. You are also aware of how the word is used in very specific technical fields, such as psychoanalysis. For you, 'angústia' is not just a vocabulary word, but a complex concept that you can manipulate and explore in all its depth. Your command of this word is a testament to your near-native proficiency in the Portuguese language and your deep understanding of its cultural nuances.
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Ejemplos
A palavra angústia is a profound and multi-layered term in the Portuguese language, serving as a cornerstone for expressing deep emotional and psychological states. At its most fundamental level, it translates to 'anguish' or 'distress' in English, but its usage in Portuguese-speaking cultures often carries a weight that transcends simple sadness. It describes a state of severe mental or physical pain, a sense of constriction, or an overwhelming feeling of anxiety about the unknown. When a speaker uses this word, they are usually indicating a feeling that is felt internally, often described as a 'tightness in the chest' or a 'suffocation of the soul'. This physical dimension is crucial to understanding the word; it is not just a thought, but a visceral experience. In the context of daily life, people use it to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges, the pain of a broken heart, or the existential dread that comes from uncertainty. For example, a student might feel angústia when thinking about their professional future, or a parent might feel it when their child is in danger. It is a word that commands respect and empathy because it suggests a level of suffering that is difficult to articulate.
Emotional Depth
Angústia represents a complex mix of fear, sadness, and powerlessness. It is more intense than 'tristeza' (sadness) and more internal than 'aflição' (affliction).

Sentir uma angústia profunda no peito é comum em momentos de grande perda.

Furthermore, the word is frequently found in Portuguese literature and music, particularly in Fado, where it is used to evoke a sense of fate and inescapable sorrow. It is a word that connects the physical sensation of breathing with the emotional weight of living. Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'angustia', which means 'narrowness' or 'straits'. This etymology perfectly captures the essence of the word: the feeling that one's world or throat is narrowing, making it hard to move or breathe. In clinical settings, psychologists use it to describe a specific type of anxiety that is more focused on the present moment's suffering rather than future-oriented worries.
Physical Manifestation
The word is often associated with a 'nó na garganta' (knot in the throat) or an 'aperto no coração' (tightness in the heart).

A angústia de não saber a verdade era pior do que a própria notícia.

In social contexts, expressing angústia is a way of seeking deep connection and understanding from others. It is not a word used lightly in casual conversation; rather, it is reserved for moments of genuine vulnerability. When someone says 'Estou angustiado', they are signaling that they are in a state of distress that requires more than just a quick fix or a cheerful distraction. It is a call for presence and shared humanity.
Usage Context
Used in clinical psychology, literature, poetry, and intimate personal conversations about mental health.

Muitos poetas escreveram sobre a angústia da existência humana.

Finally, understanding angústia involves recognizing its philosophical roots. It is the term used in Portuguese translations of existentialist works by Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Sartre to denote the fundamental anxiety of being free and responsible for one's own life. Thus, while it is an A2 word in terms of frequency, its conceptual depth is C2.

A liberdade traz consigo uma certa dose de angústia.

Não aguento mais essa angústia constante.

Using angústia correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a feminine noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verbs used with angústia are 'sentir' (to feel), 'ter' (to have), 'causar' (to cause), and 'provocar' (to provoke). Because angústia is an abstract noun, it is often preceded by the definite article 'a' or an indefinite article like 'uma'. For instance, 'A angústia que sinto é inexplicável' (The anguish I feel is inexplicable). Note how the adjective 'inexplicável' agrees with the feminine noun.
Common Verb Pairings
Sentir angústia (to feel), Ter angústia (to have), Viver em angústia (to live in), Superar a angústia (to overcome).

Ela sentiu uma angústia súbita ao ver o acidente.

When describing the cause of the anguish, the preposition 'de' is almost always used. 'A angústia de esperar' (The anguish of waiting), 'A angústia de perder alguém' (The anguish of losing someone). This structure is very productive and can be used in almost any context involving emotional pain. In more formal or literary contexts, you might see the word used as a subject: 'A angústia tomou conta de sua mente' (Anguish took over her mind). Here, the noun is personified, acting as an agent of change.
Prepositional Phrases
Angústia de + [verb/noun]: Angústia de separação, angústia de morte, angústia de falhar.

Viver com angústia é como carregar um peso invisível todos os dias.

To express that someone is currently in a state of anguish, you can use the adjective form 'angustiado' (for men) or 'angustiada' (for women). 'Ele está angustiado' (He is distressed). This is often more common in spoken language than the noun form. However, the noun angústia is preferred when discussing the concept itself or describing the specific feeling in the chest.
Adjective vs. Noun
Use 'angustiado/a' for the state of a person, and 'angústia' for the feeling itself.

A angústia existencial é um tema recorrente na filosofia moderna.

In complex sentences, angústia can be the object of prepositions like 'com' or 'sem'. 'Ele falou com angústia na voz' (He spoke with anguish in his voice). 'Ela viveu anos sem angústia' (She lived years without anguish). These constructions help add nuance to descriptions of character and mood. Furthermore, in Brazil, you might hear the phrase 'dar uma angústia', which means 'to cause a feeling of anguish'. 'Isso me dá uma angústia só de pensar' (It gives me anguish just thinking about it). This is a very natural way to express that something is bothering you deeply.

A angústia da separação é difícil para as crianças pequenas.

Não deixe que a angústia paralise suas ações.

You will encounter the word angústia in a variety of settings, ranging from high art to everyday emotional expression. One of the most prominent places is in Portuguese Fado music. Fado is known for its melancholy themes, and angústia is often used to describe the singer's internal state as they sing about 'saudade' (longing), 'destino' (fate), and 'perda' (loss). In this context, the word carries a poetic and tragic weight. Similarly, in Brazilian popular music (MPB), songwriters like Chico Buarque or Caetano Veloso often use the word to describe the social and political angústia felt during difficult historical periods, such as the military dictatorship.
Cultural Mediums
Fado (Portugal), MPB (Brazil), Classic Literature (Machado de Assis, Fernando Pessoa), and Psychological Podcasts.

O fadista cantava com uma angústia que emocionava a todos.

In literature, angústia is a central theme in the works of existentialist writers. Fernando Pessoa, the famous Portuguese poet, frequently explored the angústia of identity and the multiplicity of the self. In Brazil, Graciliano Ramos wrote a famous novel titled 'Angústia', which provides a gritty, psychological look at a man's mental decline in a suffocating social environment. Reading these works will give you a deep appreciation for the word's capacity to describe the human condition. In modern media, you will hear it on talk shows, podcasts, and news segments discussing mental health. As society becomes more open about emotional struggles, angústia has moved from the realm of poetry into the realm of public health.
Modern Media
Mental health awareness campaigns in Portugal and Brazil often use this word to validate people's feelings of deep distress.

O livro de Graciliano Ramos, intitulado Angústia, é um clássico da literatura brasileira.

In everyday life, you might hear a friend say 'Que angústia!' when they are watching a suspenseful movie or waiting for important news. In this sense, it's used somewhat more informally to describe a state of high tension. It's also common in religious contexts, where angústia is described as a trial that one must go through with faith. Whether in a church, a psychiatrist's office, or a fado house, the word remains a powerful tool for expressing the more difficult parts of being human.
Social Contexts
Waiting for medical results, watching a close sports match, or during a difficult family conversation.

A angústia tomou conta da torcida nos minutos finais do jogo.

Ela desabafou toda a sua angústia com a melhor amiga.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with angústia is confusing it with 'ansiedade' (anxiety). While related, they are not identical. 'Ansiedade' usually refers to a future-oriented worry about something that might happen, whereas angústia is often a more present, heavy, and physical feeling of suffering. Using 'ansiedade' when you mean 'angústia' can make your Portuguese sound a bit clinical or superficial if you are trying to express a deep, soulful pain. Another common error is gender-related. Since 'angústia' ends in 'a', it is a feminine noun, but beginners often forget and use masculine articles or adjectives. Remember: it is always 'a angústia', 'muita angústia', and 'essa angústia'.
Mistake 1: Gender Error
Incorrect: *O angústia era grande.* Correct: A angústia era grande.

Não sinta muita angústia por coisas pequenas.

Spelling is another area where learners struggle. The word has an accent on the 'u' (angústia). Forgetting this accent changes the pronunciation and is a common orthographic error. Without the accent, the stress would fall on the 'ti', which is incorrect. The stress is on the second syllable: an-GÚS-tia. Additionally, English speakers sometimes try to translate 'anguished' directly as 'angustiado' in every context. While 'angustiado' is a perfectly good word, sometimes Portuguese speakers prefer 'aflito' (afflicted/worried) for less severe situations. Using angústia for minor inconveniences can sound overly dramatic.
Mistake 2: Over-dramatization
Using 'angústia' for losing your keys. Use 'chateação' or 'preocupação' instead.

Estou com uma angústia terrível (Correct for deep pain).

Finally, a subtle mistake is the preposition choice. English speakers might say 'angústia sobre' (anguish about), but in Portuguese, 'angústia de' or 'angústia por' are much more natural. 'A angústia de não saber' is better than 'A angústia sobre não saber'. Paying attention to these small details will make your Portuguese sound much more native and sophisticated.
Mistake 3: Preposition Choice
Avoid 'sobre'. Use 'de' for the source and 'por' for the cause/reason.

Sua angústia pela perda do emprego era evidente.

A angústia de um pai é imensurável.

While angústia is a powerful word, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can help you be more precise depending on the intensity and nature of the emotion you are describing. 'Aflição' is a common alternative; it often refers to a more immediate, urgent worry or distress, like the feeling you get when you can't find your passport right before a flight. 'Agonia' is even more intense than angústia and is often associated with physical pain or the moments preceding death. It suggests a struggle or a fight against suffering.
Angústia vs. Aflição
Angústia is deep, internal, and often existential. Aflição is more immediate, visible, and often related to a specific problem.

Ele estava em aflição porque o ônibus estava atrasado.

Another related word is 'ansiedade' (anxiety), which, as mentioned before, is more about future uncertainty. 'Sofrimento' (suffering) is a broader term that can include angústia but also physical pain and general hardship. If you want to describe a milder form of emotional discomfort, you might use 'desassossego' (unrest/disquiet). This word was made famous by Fernando Pessoa's 'Livro do Desassossego' (The Book of Disquiet) and describes a state of being unsettled or uneasy without the full weight of angústia.
Angústia vs. Desassossego
Angústia is a heavy, painful weight. Desassossego is a lack of peace, a restless mind.

O desassossego da cidade grande me impede de dormir.

In Brazilian Portuguese, you might also hear the slang 'perrengue', which refers to a difficult situation or a struggle, but it's much more informal and usually refers to physical or logistical problems rather than deep emotional angústia. Finally, 'tristeza' (sadness) is the most basic term. It's the 'bread and butter' of negative emotions, but it lacks the physical constriction and the existential depth that angústia provides. By choosing angústia, you are signaling a more profound level of experience.
Summary of Alternatives
Tristeza (mild), Aflição (urgent), Desassossego (restless), Angústia (deep/physical), Agonia (extreme).

A tristeza passa, mas a angústia parece eterna.

Não confunda angústia com simples preocupação.

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

Eu sinto uma angústia no coração.

I feel an anguish in the heart.

'Angústia' is a feminine noun, so we use 'uma'.

2

A angústia é muito forte.

The anguish is very strong.

'Forte' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.

3

Não chore, a angústia vai passar.

Don't cry, the anguish will pass.

'Vai passar' is the future tense using 'ir' + infinitive.

4

Ela tem angústia de ficar sozinha.

She has anguish about being alone.

'De' is the preposition used to show the cause.

5

O menino sente angústia na escola.

The boy feels anguish at school.

'Sente' is the third person singular of the verb 'sentir'.

6

Sua angústia é visível.

Your anguish is visible.

'Sua' is a possessive pronoun agreeing with 'angústia'.

7

A angústia dói muito.

Anguish hurts a lot.

'Dói' is the verb 'doer' (to hurt).

8

Muita angústia não é bom.

A lot of anguish is not good.

'Muita' agrees with the feminine noun 'angústia'.

1

Estou angustiado com o resultado do exame.

I (male) am distressed about the exam result.

'Angustiado' is the adjective form for a male subject.

2

A angústia de esperar é terrível.

The anguish of waiting is terrible.

'De esperar' uses the infinitive as a noun phrase.

3

Sentimos uma angústia profunda hoje.

We feel a deep anguish today.

'Profunda' is an adjective agreeing with 'angústia'.

4

Por que você tem tanta angústia?

Why do you have so much anguish?

'Tanta' is used for feminine nouns.

5

A angústia no peito me impede de dormir.

The anguish in the chest prevents me from sleeping.

'Impede' is the verb 'impedir' (to prevent).

6

Ela vive com uma angústia constante.

She lives with a constant anguish.

'Constante' is an adjective for both genders.

7

A angústia dele era óbvia para todos.

His anguish was obvious to everyone.

'Dele' means 'his'.

8

Não deixe a angústia tomar conta de você.

Don't let anguish take over you.

'Tomar conta de' is a phrasal verb meaning 'to take over'.

1

A angústia existencial é um sentimento comum.

Existential anguish is a common feeling.

'Existencial' is a more advanced adjective.

2

O fado expressa a angústia do povo português.

Fado expresses the anguish of the Portuguese people.

'Do' is the contraction of 'de' + 'o'.

3

Superar a angústia requer tempo e paciência.

Overcoming anguish requires time and patience.

'Requer' is a more formal verb for 'requires'.

4

A angústia que ela sentia era indescritível.

The anguish she felt was indescribable.

'Indescritível' is an advanced adjective.

5

Muitas vezes, a angústia vem da incerteza.

Often, anguish comes from uncertainty.

'Vem' is the verb 'vir' (to come).

6

É difícil lidar com a angústia da perda.

It is hard to deal with the anguish of loss.

'Lidar com' means 'to deal with'.

7

A angústia pode ser um sinal de que algo precisa mudar.

Anguish can be a sign that something needs to change.

'Pode ser' expresses possibility.

8

Ele escreveu um poema sobre sua angústia interior.

He wrote a poem about his inner anguish.

'Interior' refers to the inside/mind.

1

A angústia é o preço que pagamos pela liberdade.

Anguish is the price we pay for freedom.

A philosophical statement using 'preço' metaphorically.

2

O romance explora a angústia psicológica do protagonista.

The novel explores the psychological anguish of the protagonist.

'Explora' is used in an analytical context.

3

Não devemos confundir angústia com medo.

We should not confuse anguish with fear.

'Confundir' is a common verb in comparative contexts.

4

A angústia de não ser compreendido é dolorosa.

The anguish of not being understood is painful.

'Ser compreendido' is the passive voice.

5

A sociedade moderna gera muita angústia nas pessoas.

Modern society generates a lot of anguish in people.

'Gera' means 'generates' or 'produces'.

6

A angústia pode ser transformada em arte.

Anguish can be transformed into art.

'Transformada' agrees with 'angústia'.

7

Sua angústia era um reflexo da crise econômica.

His anguish was a reflection of the economic crisis.

'Reflexo' is used metaphorically.

8

O silêncio dele escondia uma angústia profunda.

His silence hid a deep anguish.

'Escondia' is the imperfect tense of 'esconder'.

1

A angústia, no sentido kierkegaardiano, é inerente ao ser.

Anguish, in the Kierkegaardian sense, is inherent to being.

Highly academic and philosophical usage.

2

A narrativa é permeada por uma angústia latente.

The narrative is permeated by a latent anguish.

'Permeada' and 'latente' are C1 level adjectives.

3

Há uma angústia surda que atravessa as gerações.

There is a silent/deaf anguish that crosses generations.

'Surda' here means 'silent' or 'unexpressed'.

4

O autor disseca a angústia da condição humana.

The author dissects the anguish of the human condition.

'Disseca' is used metaphorically for deep analysis.

5

A angústia de influência pode paralisar um jovem artista.

The anxiety of influence can paralyze a young artist.

Reference to Harold Bloom's literary theory.

6

A angústia metafísica é o tema central desta obra.

Metaphysical anguish is the central theme of this work.

'Metafísica' refers to philosophical questions beyond the physical.

7

Ela canalizou sua angústia para o ativismo social.

She channeled her anguish into social activism.

'Canalizou' means to direct energy/emotion.

8

A angústia de estar 'entre mundos' é comum em imigrantes.

The anguish of being 'between worlds' is common in immigrants.

A sociological observation.

1

A angústia é a síncope da alma diante do infinito.

Anguish is the syncope of the soul before the infinite.

Highly poetic and metaphorical C2 structure.

2

O desvelamento do ser traz consigo a angústia originária.

The unveiling of being brings with it the original anguish.

Heideggerian philosophical terminology.

3

A angústia não é um afeto, mas um estado ontológico.

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