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B1 noun 12 min de lectura

contrariedade

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos contrariedade en 30 segundos

Explicación contrariedade in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn very simple words for problems, like 'problema' or 'coisa ruim' (bad thing). 'Contrariedade' is a bit too advanced for a beginner to use in conversation, but you might see it in a simple story. Think of it as a 'big word' for a 'small problem' that makes you feel a little bit sad or annoyed. For example, if you want ice cream but the shop is closed, that is a 'contrariedade'. It is a feminine word, so you say 'uma contrariedade'. You don't need to use this word yet, but if you hear it, just remember it means something didn't go the way someone wanted. It's like saying 'Oh, what a bummer!' but in a more formal way. Focus on words like 'chateado' (annoyed) first, as they are easier to use in daily life at this stage. However, recognizing the '-dade' ending is helpful because it's a common ending for abstract nouns in Portuguese, similar to '-ty' in English words like 'city' or 'happiness'. Learning to spot these patterns early on will help you build your vocabulary faster as you progress to higher levels of Portuguese.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your feelings and daily life in more detail. 'Contrariedade' is a useful word to know when you want to talk about travel problems or daily hassles. If your train is late or you lose your umbrella, you can say 'Tive uma contrariedade' (I had a setback/annoyance). It's a step up from just saying 'tive um problema'. At this level, you should focus on the plural form, 'contrariedades', because we often talk about the many little things that go wrong. 'A vida tem muitas contrariedades' (Life has many setbacks). You might also hear it in the news. It's important to notice that it is a feminine noun. You would say 'muita contrariedade' (much annoyance) and not 'muito contrariedade'. Practice using it with the verb 'ter' (to have) or 'causar' (to cause). For example: 'A chuva causou muita contrariedade aos turistas' (The rain caused much annoyance to the tourists). This will make your Portuguese sound more natural and less like a basic translation from English. You are moving beyond simple 'good' and 'bad' and starting to use more specific nouns to describe the world around you.

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At the B1 level, 'contrariedade' is a key vocabulary item. You are now expected to express opinions and describe experiences with nuance. This word is perfect for describing the specific type of frustration that comes from being opposed or having your plans thwarted. It’s not just 'anger'; it’s the 'annoyance of opposition.' You should be able to use it in both senses: as a feeling ('Ele mostrou contrariedade') and as an event ('Encontramos algumas contrariedades no projeto'). At this level, you should also start using it with prepositions. For example, 'contrariedade com algo' (annoyance with something). It's also a great word to use in professional emails or more formal letters to describe difficulties without sounding too emotional or aggressive. Instead of saying 'I'm unhappy with this,' you can say 'Esta situação me causa certa contrariedade.' This shows you have a sophisticated grasp of the language. You should also be familiar with the adjective 'contrariado' (annoyed/upset), which is the state a person is in when they experience 'contrariedade.' Understanding the link between these two words will help you navigate more complex social situations in Portuguese-speaking cultures.

At the B2 level, you should use 'contrariedade' with confidence in various contexts, including professional and academic settings. You understand that it can mean 'opposition' in a formal sense, such as 'contrariedade de interesses' (conflict of interests). You should be able to use it to structure arguments, for example, 'Apesar das contrariedades iniciais...' (Despite the initial setbacks...). This level requires you to distinguish 'contrariedade' from similar words like 'revés' (a more serious reversal) or 'óbice' (a formal obstacle). You should also be comfortable with the word in literary contexts, recognizing it as a way to describe a character's internal struggle against fate or external forces. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's register—it’s more formal than 'chateação' but less technical than 'impedimento.' Practice using it in complex sentences with relative clauses, such as: 'A contrariedade que senti ao ver o resultado foi logo superada pela determinação de tentar novamente.' This level of expression is what separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers. You are now using the word not just to label a feeling, but to add texture and precision to your descriptions of events and emotions.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'contrariedade' should be nuanced and precise. You should understand its use in legal and philosophical texts to denote formal contradiction or opposition (e.g., 'em contrariedade com a lei'). You can use the word to discuss abstract concepts, such as the inherent 'contrariedades' of human existence or the political 'contrariedades' faced by a new administration. You should be able to identify and use collocations like 'profunda contrariedade,' 'visível contrariedade,' or 'superar as contrariedades.' At this level, you are also aware of the rhythmic and stylistic impact of the word in a sentence. You might use it to create a specific tone in your writing, perhaps to sound more detached, analytical, or elegantly frustrated. You should also be able to explain the difference between 'contrariedade' and 'contradição' to others, highlighting that the former often involves a personal or emotional element of being 'thwarted,' while the latter is more about logical inconsistency. Your mastery of this word allows you to navigate high-level discussions in Portuguese where subtle differences in meaning are crucial for effective communication and professional success.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete, native-like command of 'contrariedade'. You use it effortlessly in all its registers, from high-level legal discourse to the subtle descriptions of emotional states in creative writing. You understand the word's etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the Romance family, allowing you to appreciate its resonance in Portuguese literature from the classical to the modern era. You can use 'contrariedade' to express irony, understatement, or intense professional displeasure with perfect 'timing' and context. In a C2 context, you might use the word to describe the 'contrariedade' of a philosophical position or the 'contrariedades' of a complex historical period. You are also able to play with the word, perhaps using it in a self-deprecating way to describe your own minor frustrations, or using it to analyze the 'contrariedades' (conflicts) within a piece of music or art. Your understanding is not just linguistic but cultural; you know exactly how much weight the word carries in different Lusophone societies. At this level, 'contrariedade' is just one instrument in your vast linguistic orchestra, used with precision to achieve exactly the right effect in any communicative situation.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

contrariedade en 30 segundos

Contrariedade means annoyance or a setback caused by something going against your wishes.
It is a feminine noun ('a contrariedade') and is often used in the plural ('contrariedades').
It bridges the gap between an external obstacle and the internal feeling of frustration.
Commonly used in professional, literary, and daily contexts to describe life's hurdles.

The Portuguese word contrariedade is a multifaceted noun that primarily captures the intersection of external obstacles and internal emotional response. At its core, it refers to a situation that goes against one's wishes, plans, or expectations, leading to a sense of frustration or annoyance. Think of it as the 'friction' of life—the things that don't go as planned and the specific type of irritation that arises from those setbacks. It is a B1-level word because while beginners might use simpler terms like 'problema' (problem) or 'tristeza' (sadness), an intermediate learner uses contrariedade to describe the specific nuance of being 'thwarted' or facing 'opposition.'

Emotional State: It describes the feeling of being 'put out' or mildly vexed when things do not go your way. It is less intense than anger but more specific than general unhappiness.

Ele não conseguiu esconder a sua contrariedade ao saber que o voo tinha sido cancelado.

In a second sense, contrariedade refers to the objective obstacle itself. If you are working on a project and the software crashes, that event is a contrariedade. In Portuguese, it is very common to use the plural form, contrariedades, to refer to the 'ups and downs' or the 'trials and tribulations' of daily life or a specific endeavor. It suggests a series of small but persistent hurdles that test one's patience.

Objective Obstacle: An event or circumstance that opposes a plan. For example, a sudden rainstorm during an outdoor wedding is a significant contrariedade.

A vida é cheia de pequenas contrariedades que devemos aprender a superar com paciência.

Culturally, Portuguese speakers might use this word in professional settings to remain polite while expressing that they are unhappy with a decision. Instead of saying 'I am angry,' saying 'Sinto uma certa contrariedade' (I feel a certain annoyance/opposition) sounds more composed and intellectual. It is also a staple in literature and formal journalism to describe political opposition or social setbacks.

Formal Opposition: In legal or formal contexts, it can mean the act of contradicting or opposing an argument or a law.

A nova lei encontrou muita contrariedade por parte dos sindicatos.

To master this word, observe how it bridges the gap between the external world (the obstacle) and the internal world (the feeling). It is the perfect word for the 'annoyance of being blocked.' Whether it's a traffic jam, a rejected proposal, or a broken appliance, if it stands in your way and makes you sigh with irritation, it's a contrariedade.

Apesar das contrariedades iniciais, o projeto foi um sucesso absoluto.

Sua expressão de contrariedade revelava que ele não concordava com o plano.

Using contrariedade effectively requires understanding its grammatical environment. As a noun, it often follows verbs of expression or feeling, such as demonstrar (to demonstrate), sentir (to feel), expressar (to express), or causar (to cause). When you want to say something caused you annoyance, you would say: 'Isso me causou muita contrariedade.' This structure is very common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

With Verbs of Emotion: Verbs like 'esconder' (hide) or 'revelar' (reveal) are often used with contrariedade to describe facial expressions or body language.

Ela tentou disfarçar a sua contrariedade com um sorriso forçado.

Another vital usage is in the plural form, contrariedades, to describe life's difficulties. In this context, it often pairs with verbs like enfrentar (to face), superar (to overcome), or sofrer (to suffer/undergo). For instance, 'Enfrentamos várias contrariedades durante a viagem' (We faced several setbacks during the trip). This usage highlights the external nature of the word, focusing on the obstacles rather than just the internal feeling.

The Plural 'Setbacks': In the plural, it refers to a series of unfortunate events or obstacles that hinder progress.

O empresário superou todas as contrariedades para abrir sua loja.

In more formal or literary Portuguese, contrariedade can be used to describe the logical contradiction between two ideas. While 'contradição' is more common for this, contrariedade adds a layer of 'being contrary.' You might see this in philosophical or legal texts: 'Houve uma contrariedade de interesses' (There was a conflict/contrariety of interests). This emphasizes that the interests were moving in opposite directions.

Formal Conflict: Used to describe opposing forces, interests, or arguments in a formal debate or legal case.

A contrariedade entre os depoimentos das testemunhas confundiu o juiz.

Finally, consider the adjective form contrariado. While our focus is the noun, knowing the adjective helps reinforce the noun's meaning. If someone is 'contrariado,' they are in a state of 'contrariedade.' You will often hear: 'Ele saiu da sala muito contrariado' (He left the room very annoyed/upset). This connection helps you see the word as part of a larger family of terms dealing with opposition and frustration.

Não deixe que uma pequena contrariedade estrague o seu dia inteiro.

A contrariedade dele era óbvia para todos na reunião.

In the real world of Portuguese speakers, contrariedade is a word that straddles the line between everyday frustration and formal reporting. You are likely to hear it in several distinct contexts. First, in the news or media, journalists use it to describe the reaction of public figures to unfavorable events. If a politician loses a vote, the news might report: 'O ministro expressou sua contrariedade com o resultado' (The minister expressed his annoyance/opposition to the result). It sounds more objective and professional than saying he was 'mad.'

In the Media: Used to describe the formal displeasure or the setbacks faced by public figures, companies, or governments.

O telejornal destacou a contrariedade dos passageiros com o atraso dos trens.

Secondly, in the workplace, contrariedade is the 'safe' word for professional frustration. If a project is delayed or a budget is cut, managers will speak of 'lidar com as contrariedades' (dealing with setbacks). It frames the problem as an external challenge to be overcome, rather than a personal failure. It’s a word of resilience in a corporate environment. If you are in a meeting in Lisbon or São Paulo and things aren't going well, using this word shows you have a high level of linguistic and emotional intelligence.

Professional Context: Refers to project delays, resource shortages, or strategic shifts that cause difficulties for the team.

Precisamos de um plano de contingência para qualquer contrariedade que possa surgir.

Thirdly, you'll find it in literature and soap operas (novelas). In these settings, the word is used to describe the internal turmoil of characters. When a protagonist’s love interest marries someone else, the narrator might describe the 'profunda contrariedade' (deep frustration/grief) that the protagonist feels. It adds a touch of drama and weight to the emotion. It suggests that the character isn't just sad, but that the very fabric of their plans has been torn.

Literature and Drama: Used to elevate the description of a character's emotional state when their desires are thwarted by fate or other characters.

Nas páginas do romance, a contrariedade da heroína era quase palpável.

Finally, in academic or legal discussions, it refers to the logical or legal 'contrariety.' If a lawyer argues that a piece of evidence goes against the law, they might mention the 'contrariedade à lei.' This is the most technical use of the word. So, whether you are watching the news, reading a classic Portuguese novel, or sitting in a business meeting, contrariedade is the go-to word for the friction between what we want and what actually happens.

O advogado apontou a contrariedade fundamental entre as duas cláusulas do contrato.

Ninguém gosta de lidar com contrariedades logo pela manhã.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with contrariedade is treating it as a direct synonym for 'contradiction.' While they share a root, in Portuguese, contradição is used for logical inconsistencies (e.g., 'Your words contradict your actions'), whereas contrariedade is used for the feeling of annoyance or an external setback. If you say 'Houve uma contrariedade no que ele disse,' a native speaker might understand you mean he was annoyed, rather than he was inconsistent. Use contradição for logic and contrariedade for feelings and obstacles.

Contrariedade vs. Contradição: Contrariedade = Annoyance/Setback. Contradição = Logical inconsistency. Don't swap them!

Erro comum: 'Isso é uma contrariedade lógica' (Correct: 'Isso é uma contradição lógica').

Another mistake is regarding gender. Because it ends in '-dade', many learners mistakenly think it might be masculine because of the 'e' sound at the end, or they simply forget. It is always feminine: a contrariedade, muita contrariedade, as contrariedades. Matching the adjectives is crucial. You should say 'uma pequena contrariedade,' never 'um pequeno contrariedade.'

Gender Agreement: Always use feminine articles and adjectives. 'A contrariedade foi grande' (The setback was big).

A contrariedade inesperada mudou nossos planos para o fim de semana.

Learners also sometimes confuse contrariedade with contraste. While a 'contraste' is a difference between two things (like black and white), a contrariedade is a conflict or an annoyance. If you want to say 'The contrast between the two cities is huge,' do not use contrariedade. Use it only when there is a sense of 'going against' someone's will or a plan.

Contrariedade vs. Contraste: Contraste = Difference/Comparison. Contrariedade = Annoyance/Opposition.

Apesar da contrariedade inicial, ele acabou aceitando a proposta.

Finally, avoid overusing the word for very minor, silly things in informal settings. While not 'wrong,' saying 'Tive uma contrariedade porque acabou o leite' (I had a setback because the milk ran out) might sound a bit overly dramatic or 'posh' to a Brazilian friend. In that case, 'que chato' or 'que droga' might be more natural. Save contrariedade for when you want to be precise, professional, or express a more significant hurdle.

Evite o uso excessivo em situações triviais para não parecer excessivamente formal ou dramático.

O silêncio dele era um sinal claro de sua contrariedade.

When you want to expand your vocabulary beyond contrariedade, it's helpful to look at words that share its semantic space but offer different shades of meaning. The most common alternative is aborrecimento. While contrariedade implies an obstacle that causes annoyance, aborrecimento is more focused on the feeling of being bored or annoyed. You can have an 'aborrecimento' without an 'obstacle,' but a 'contrariedade' almost always stems from a specific conflict with your plans.

Contrariedade vs. Aborrecimento: Contrariedade: Annoyance from a setback. Aborrecimento: General annoyance or boredom.

Perder as chaves foi uma contrariedade; a espera no banco foi um aborrecimento.

Another strong alternative is obstáculo (obstacle). This word is purely objective. If a tree falls across the road, it is an obstáculo. It only becomes a contrariedade when you consider how it affects the person trying to drive down that road and the resulting frustration. Use obstáculo when you want to focus on the physical or logistical barrier, and contrariedade when you want to include the human element of annoyance.

Contrariedade vs. Obstáculo: Obstáculo: The thing in the way. Contrariedade: The situation of being blocked and the annoyance it causes.

O rio era um obstáculo natural; atravessá-lo sem barco foi uma grande contrariedade.

In formal contexts, oposição (opposition) is a close relative. While contrariedade can mean the state of being opposed, oposição is more active. If you 'express contrariedade,' you are showing you are unhappy. If you 'express oposição,' you are actively fighting against something. Contrariedade is often the internal state that leads to the external action of oposição.

Contrariedade vs. Oposição: Contrariedade: Feeling of being against something. Oposição: The act of being against something.

Sua contrariedade era visível, mas ele não ofereceu oposição formal ao projeto.

Finally, consider desgosto (displeasure/sorrow). This is much stronger and more emotional. A contrariedade is an annoyance; a desgosto is a deep disappointment or grief. If your favorite team loses a game, it's a contrariedade. If you lose a loved one, it's a desgosto. Choosing between these words allows you to accurately calibrate the 'emotional temperature' of your Portuguese.

Não confunda uma simples contrariedade passageira com um desgosto profundo.

A vida recompensa aqueles que sabem lidar com as contrariedades sem perder o entusiasmo.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The suffix '-dade' is the Portuguese equivalent of the Latin '-tas', which became '-ty' in English. This is why many Portuguese words ending in '-dade' look like English words ending in '-ty' (e.g., universidade/university).

Guía de pronunciación

UK /kɒn.tɹə.ɹi.ˈæ.də.di/

US /kɑn.tɹə.ɹi.ˈæ.də.di/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable 'da'.

Rima con

felicidade cidade verdade liberdade saudade amizade unidade variedade

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'n' as a full English 'n' instead of nasalizing the 'o'.
Treating the 'r' as an English 'r' instead of a single tap.
Misplacing the stress on the 'e' or 'ri'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'contrary'.

Escritura 4/5

Requires correct gender and plural agreement.

Expresión oral 4/5

Nasal vowels and tapped 'r' can be tricky.

Escucha 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

contrário problema sentir causar oposição

Aprende después

obstáculo revés óbice impedimento aborrecimento

Avanzado

antinomia paradoxo dicotomia vicissitude

Gramática que debes saber

Feminine nouns ending in -dade

A contrariedade, a felicidade, a cidade.

Preposition 'com' after feelings

Sinto contrariedade COM o resultado.

Pluralization of words ending in -de

Contrariedade -> Contrariedades.

Position of adjectives

Uma contrariedade INESPERADA (Adjective usually follows noun).

Contractions with 'por'

Pela contrariedade (por + a).

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Ejemplos por nivel

A pequena contrariedade não é um problema.

The small annoyance is not a problem.

Notice 'pequena' (small) is feminine to match 'contrariedade'.

Ela sente uma contrariedade.

She feels an annoyance.

Use 'uma' because the noun is feminine.

O café frio é uma contrariedade.

Cold coffee is an annoyance.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Não gosto de contrariedade.

I don't like annoyance.

Direct object of the verb 'gostar de'.

A contrariedade passou rápido.

The annoyance passed quickly.

Verb 'passar' in the past tense.

É só uma contrariedade.

It's just an annoyance.

Using 'só' to minimize the problem.

Sinto muito pela contrariedade.

I'm very sorry for the annoyance.

'Pela' is the contraction of 'por' + 'a'.

A vida tem contrariedade.

Life has annoyance.

Abstract usage of the noun.

Tivemos uma contrariedade com o carro hoje.

We had a setback with the car today.

'Com o carro' specifies the source of the setback.

O atraso do trem foi uma grande contrariedade.

The train delay was a big annoyance.

'Grande' is an adjective that works for both genders.

Ela não gosta de pequenas contrariedades.

She doesn't like small setbacks.

Plural form 'contrariedades'.

O mau tempo causou contrariedade aos turistas.

The bad weather caused annoyance to the tourists.

Verb 'causar' requires an indirect object 'aos turistas'.

Espero que não haja nenhuma contrariedade na viagem.

I hope there isn't any setback on the trip.

Subjunctive mood 'haja' after 'espero que'.

Ele aceitou a contrariedade com paciência.

He accepted the setback with patience.

Adverbial phrase 'com paciência'.

A contrariedade de perder o ônibus é comum.

The annoyance of missing the bus is common.

'De perder' is an infinitive phrase acting as a modifier.

Tive muitas contrariedades esta semana.

I had many setbacks this week.

'Muitas' matches the feminine plural noun.

Ele demonstrou sua contrariedade ao ouvir a notícia.

He showed his annoyance upon hearing the news.

'Ao ouvir' means 'upon hearing' or 'when he heard'.

Apesar das contrariedades, o evento foi um sucesso.

Despite the setbacks, the event was a success.

'Apesar de' is a common prepositional phrase for contrast.

Sinto uma certa contrariedade com essa decisão.

I feel a certain annoyance with this decision.

'Certa' adds a layer of nuance, meaning 'a certain' or 'some'.

As contrariedades da vida nos tornam mais fortes.

Life's setbacks make us stronger.

Subject-verb agreement: 'contrariedades... tornam'.

Não deixe que uma contrariedade estrague o seu dia.

Don't let a setback ruin your day.

Imperative 'não deixe' followed by the subjunctive 'estrague'.

Houve uma contrariedade de planos no último momento.

There was a conflict of plans at the last moment.

'De planos' indicates what the conflict is about.

Ela falou com um tom de contrariedade.

She spoke with a tone of annoyance.

'Tom de' is a common collocation for describing voice.

Superar as contrariedades é parte do processo de aprendizagem.

Overcoming setbacks is part of the learning process.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive 'superar' as a subject.

A empresa enfrentou várias contrariedades financeiras este ano.

The company faced several financial setbacks this year.

Adjective 'financeiras' matches the feminine plural noun.

Sua contrariedade era visível, embora ele tentasse disfarçar.

His annoyance was visible, although he tried to hide it.

'Embora' triggers the imperfect subjunctive 'tentasse'.

O projeto seguiu adiante, sem grandes contrariedades.

The project moved forward without major setbacks.

'Sem' indicates the absence of something.

A contrariedade ao novo regulamento foi imediata.

The opposition to the new regulation was immediate.

Here, it means 'opposition' rather than just 'annoyance'.

Lidar com as contrariedades do dia a dia exige resiliência.

Dealing with daily setbacks requires resilience.

'Dia a dia' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'daily'.

Ele expressou sua profunda contrariedade com o veredito.

He expressed his deep annoyance with the verdict.

'Profunda' emphasizes the intensity of the feeling.

Qualquer contrariedade mínima o deixava irritado.

Any minimal setback made him irritated.

'Mínima' emphasizes how small the setback was.

As contrariedades diplomáticas atrasaram o acordo.

The diplomatic setbacks delayed the agreement.

'Atrasaram' is the past tense of 'atrasar' (to delay).

A contrariedade de interesses impediu a fusão das empresas.

The conflict of interests prevented the merger of the companies.

Formal usage meaning 'conflict' or 'clash'.

O autor descreve a contrariedade existencial do protagonista.

The author describes the protagonist's existential frustration.

Literary and abstract usage.

Houve uma clara contrariedade entre os depoimentos das testemunhas.

There was a clear contradiction between the witnesses' testimonies.

In formal contexts, it can overlap with 'contradiction'.

Apesar de toda a contrariedade, ela manteve a compostura.

Despite all the annoyance, she maintained her composure.

'Toda a' emphasizes the entirety of the feeling.

A contrariedade à lei resultou na anulação do contrato.

The opposition to the law resulted in the annulment of the contract.

Legal context meaning 'being contrary to'.

O filósofo discute a contrariedade como motor da mudança social.

The philosopher discusses opposition as a motor for social change.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Sua expressão de contrariedade era um comentário silencioso sobre a situação.

Her expression of annoyance was a silent commentary on the situation.

Metaphorical use of 'comentário silencioso'.

As sucessivas contrariedades minaram a confiança da equipe.

The successive setbacks undermined the team's confidence.

'Minaram' is a strong verb meaning 'undermined' or 'eroded'.

A contrariedade intrínseca à condição humana é um tema recorrente na obra.

The frustration intrinsic to the human condition is a recurring theme in the work.

'Intrínseca' is a high-level adjective meaning 'inherent'.

O diplomata navegou pelas contrariedades geopolíticas com maestria.

The diplomat navigated the geopolitical setbacks with mastery.

Metaphorical use of 'navegar' (to navigate).

A petição foi indeferida por contrariedade aos preceitos constitucionais.

The petition was denied for being contrary to constitutional precepts.

Highly technical legal language.

Sua vida foi uma sucessão de contrariedades superadas por uma vontade férrea.

His life was a succession of setbacks overcome by an iron will.

'Vontade férrea' is an idiom for a very strong will.

A contrariedade entre a teoria e a prática tornou-se evidente.

The conflict between theory and practice became evident.

Common academic phrase.

O riso dele continha uma ponta de contrariedade amarga.

His laughter contained a hint of bitter annoyance.

'Ponta de' means 'a hint of' or 'a touch of'.

As contrariedades do destino são muitas vezes imprevisíveis.

The setbacks of fate are often unpredictable.

Poetic/philosophical personification of 'destino'.

Ela analisou a contrariedade dos argumentos com rigor lógico.

She analyzed the opposition of the arguments with logical rigor.

'Rigor lógico' is a high-level collocation.

Colocaciones comunes

profunda contrariedade

visível contrariedade

pequenas contrariedades

expressar contrariedade

causar contrariedade

superar contrariedades

contrariedade de interesses

esconder a contrariedade

apesar das contrariedades

sentir contrariedade

Frases Comunes

Apesar das contrariedades

— Used to introduce a positive outcome after listing difficulties.

Apesar das contrariedades, chegamos a tempo.

Lidar com contrariedades

— To manage or cope with setbacks or annoyances.

Ele sabe lidar com as contrariedades da profissão.

Sem qualquer contrariedade

— Smoothly, without any problems or opposition.

A reunião transcorreu sem qualquer contrariedade.

Demonstrar contrariedade

— To show that one is annoyed or against something.

O chefe demonstrou contrariedade com os novos prazos.

Pequenas contrariedades diárias

— The minor frustrations of everyday life.

Não se estresse com as pequenas contrariedades diárias.

Uma sucessão de contrariedades

— One problem after another.

A viagem foi uma sucessão de contrariedades.

Contrariedade à lei

— Something that goes against legal principles.

Isso constitui uma contrariedade à lei vigente.

Com um ar de contrariedade

— With an expression that shows annoyance.

Ele olhou para o relógio com um ar de contrariedade.

Causa de contrariedade

— The reason why someone is annoyed or blocked.

A falta de verba foi a principal causa de contrariedade.

Vencer as contrariedades

— To overcome the obstacles or frustrations.

Eles conseguiram vencer as contrariedades e venceram o jogo.

Se confunde a menudo con

contrariedade vs contradição

Means logical inconsistency, not necessarily an annoyance or setback.

contrariedade vs contraste

Means a difference between two things, not a conflict or annoyance.

contrariedade vs contrário

This is usually an adjective (opposite) or a noun meaning 'the opposite'.

Modismos y expresiones

"dar de frente com uma contrariedade"

— To suddenly encounter a major setback.

No meio da obra, demos de frente com uma contrariedade estrutural.

colloquial

"engolir a contrariedade"

— To suppress one's annoyance and keep going.

Ele teve que engolir a contrariedade e aceitar as ordens.

neutral

"estar de contrariedade com a vida"

— To be in a phase where everything seems to go wrong.

Parece que ele está de contrariedade com a vida ultimamente.

informal

"fazer cara de contrariedade"

— To make a face that shows you are annoyed.

Não faça cara de contrariedade na frente dos convidados.

neutral

"viver sob contrariedade"

— To live in a state of constant opposition or difficulty.

O artista viveu sob contrariedade durante a ditadura.

formal

"uma tempestade de contrariedades"

— A large number of problems happening at once.

A empresa enfrenta uma tempestade de contrariedades este mês.

metaphorical

"morder a língua de contrariedade"

— To be so annoyed that you have to physically stop yourself from speaking.

Ela mordeu a língua de contrariedade ao ouvir o insulto.

informal

"contrariedade de estimação"

— A recurring problem that one has become 'fond' of or used to.

Aquele computador lento é a minha contrariedade de estimação.

humorous

"nadar contra a contrariedade"

— To struggle against constant opposition.

Ele passou a carreira nadando contra a contrariedade dos colegas.

metaphorical

"pôr de lado a contrariedade"

— To ignore the annoyance and focus on the task.

Vamos pôr de lado a contrariedade e focar na solução.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

contrariedade vs Contradição

Similar root and sound.

Contradição is logical; Contrariedade is emotional or situational.

Sua fala é uma contradição; sua atitude me causa contrariedade.

contrariedade vs Aborrecimento

Both mean annoyance.

Aborrecimento is broader; Contrariedade implies a specific obstacle.

O tédio é um aborrecimento; a multa é uma contrariedade.

contrariedade vs Obstáculo

Both refer to problems.

Obstáculo is the thing; Contrariedade is the situation/feeling.

A pedra é um obstáculo; tropeçar nela é uma contrariedade.

contrariedade vs Revés

Both mean setback.

Revés is more serious and formal, like a defeat.

A derrota nas eleições foi um duro revés.

contrariedade vs Desgosto

Both mean unhappiness.

Desgosto is much deeper, often related to grief or extreme disappointment.

Perder o emprego foi uma contrariedade; perder o pai foi um desgosto.

Patrones de oraciones

Tive uma contrariedade com [coisa].

Tive uma contrariedade com o meu celular.

Apesar da contrariedade, [resultado positivo].

Apesar da contrariedade, terminamos o projeto.

Isso causou muita contrariedade a [pessoa].

Isso causou muita contrariedade ao diretor.

[Pessoa] não escondeu sua contrariedade.

O jogador não escondeu sua contrariedade ao ser substituído.

Houve uma contrariedade de [interesses/planos].

Houve uma contrariedade de interesses na negociação.

Em contrariedade com [lei/regra]...

Em contrariedade com as normas, ele agiu sozinho.

Uma sucessão de contrariedades [verbo].

Uma sucessão de contrariedades atrasou o lançamento.

A contrariedade intrínseca a [conceito]...

A contrariedade intrínseca à burocracia estatal é frustrante.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

contrariedade

contrário

contradição

Verbos

contrariar

Adjetivos

contrário

contrariado

Relacionado

oposição

obstáculo

aborrecimento

revés

desgosto

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in professional and written Portuguese; moderate in daily speech.

Errores comunes

O contrariedade → A contrariedade
Nouns ending in '-dade' are always feminine.
Isso é uma contrariedade lógica. → Isso é uma contradição lógica.
Use 'contradição' for logic, 'contrariedade' for annoyance/setbacks.
Sinto contrariedade de você. → Sinto contrariedade com você.
The correct preposition for annoyance with someone/something is 'com'.
Muito contrariedade → Muita contrariedade
Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun.
Ele está contrariedade. → Ele está contrariado.
Use the adjective 'contrariado' to describe a person's state.

Consejos

Learn the Plural

We often face many problems, so 'contrariedades' is used more often than the singular in many contexts.

Check Gender

Always pair it with feminine adjectives: 'muita contrariedade', 'pequena contrariedade'.

Professional Tone

Use it in workplace emails to sound professional while expressing that something isn't right.

Travel Situations

It's the perfect word for flight delays, lost luggage, or bad weather during a trip.

Internal vs External

Remember it can mean the 'thing' that happened or the 'feeling' you have about it.

Use 'Com'

When you are annoyed WITH something, use the preposition 'com': 'Contrariedade com o resultado'.

Literary Feel

It's a great word for creative writing to describe a character's frustration with fate.

Not Just Anger

It's less about 'exploding' and more about the 'friction' of things not working out.

Contrary Plans

Associate it with 'contrary'—when reality is contrary to your plans.

Daily Reflection

At the end of the day, list two 'contrariedades' you had to practice the word.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Contrary' + 'Dad'. Imagine a 'Contrary Dad' who says 'no' to everything you want to do. His opposition is your 'contrariedade'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person trying to walk forward while a strong wind (opposition) blows against them, making them look annoyed.

Word Web

oposição problema irritação obstáculo setback annoyance frustration contrário

Desafío

Try to identify three 'contrariedades' you faced today and describe them using the word in a sentence.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'contrarietas', which stems from 'contrarius' (opposite, contrary). It entered Portuguese through the evolution of Latin into Vulgar Latin and then Old Portuguese.

Significado original: The state of being opposite or in conflict.

Romance (Latin-based).

Contexto cultural

It is a neutral to formal word; it is not offensive, but using it for very trivial things might sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.

English speakers often use 'setback' or 'annoyance'. 'Contrariedade' covers both but feels slightly more formal.

Often used in the lyrics of Fado to describe the setbacks of love and fate. Commonly found in the prose of Machado de Assis to describe social friction. Used in Portuguese news headlines to describe political opposition.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Travel

Atraso no voo
Perda de bagagem
Contrariedade na alfândega
Mudança de itinerário

Work

Corte de orçamento
Prazo apertado
Contrariedade com o chefe
Projeto cancelado

Daily Life

Trânsito parado
Chuva inesperada
Pequenas contrariedades
Mau humor

Legal/Politics

Contrariedade à lei
Oposição ao governo
Conflito de interesses
Veto presidencial

Relationships

Discussão boba
Falta de acordo
Sentir-se contrariado
Diferença de opinião

Inicios de conversación

"Você já teve alguma grande contrariedade em uma viagem?"

"Como você costuma lidar com as pequenas contrariedades do dia a dia?"

"Qual foi a última contrariedade que você enfrentou no trabalho?"

"Você acha que as contrariedades nos tornam pessoas mais fortes?"

"Você prefere ignorar ou confrontar uma contrariedade?"

Temas para diario

Descreva uma situação recente em que você sentiu muita contrariedade. O que aconteceu?

Escreva sobre um objetivo que você alcançou apesar de enfrentar várias contrariedades.

Como a sua reação às contrariedades mudou ao longo dos anos?

Reflexão: Por que as pequenas contrariedades às vezes nos irritam mais do que os grandes problemas?

Imagine um dia perfeito, sem nenhuma contrariedade. Como ele seria?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always feminine: 'a contrariedade'. All Portuguese nouns ending in '-dade' are feminine.

'Problema' is general. 'Contrariedade' specifically implies that something went against your plans and caused annoyance.

Yes, but it sounds a bit more 'educated' or 'refined' than saying 'chateação' or 'problema'.

The plural 'contrariedades' is the most accurate translation for 'setbacks' in most contexts.

Only in very formal, legal, or logical contexts. Usually, 'contradição' is the word for contradiction.

Causar, sentir, expressar, demonstrar, superar, and enfrentar are the most common.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.

Yes, 'contrariado' (annoyed/upset) and 'contrário' (opposite).

Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. Just vibrate the 'o' through your nose.

Yes, it's considered intermediate because it adds precision to describing emotions and situations.

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