Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #8,000 más común 10 min de lectura

incompreensivo

Top 8,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos incompreensivo en 30 segundos

Explicación incompreensivo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'incompreensivo' as a way to say 'no understand' about a person's feelings. Imagine you are sad because you lost your toy, and someone says 'Stop crying, it's just a toy.' That person is being 'incompreensivo'. They do not understand your heart. You don't need to use this word in every sentence, but it is good to recognize it when people are talking about being nice or mean. Remember the word 'compreender' (to understand). If you add 'in-' at the beginning, it makes it the opposite. So, 'incompreensivo' is someone who does NOT understand. In A1, we focus on the basic idea: 'Ele não entende meus sentimentos'. Later, you will use 'incompreensivo' to sound more natural. It is an adjective, so it describes a person. 'O pai é incompreensivo'. 'A mãe é incompreensiva'. Just like 'alto' or 'baixo', it changes for boys and girls. It is a useful word for simple stories about families or friends where someone is not being a good friend.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you are starting to describe people's personalities in more detail. 'Incompreensivo' is a great word for this. You can use it to talk about a boss who gives too much work or a teacher who doesn't listen to excuses. It's more specific than just saying 'mau' (bad) or 'chato' (annoying). It tells us *why* they are being difficult: they lack the ability to see things from your perspective. You should practice using it with the verb 'ser' for character traits. 'Meu antigo chefe era muito incompreensivo'. You can also use it with 'estar' for a temporary mood. 'Hoje você está muito incompreensivo, o que aconteceu?'. Notice how the word has five syllables: in-com-pre-en-si-vo. The stress is on the 'si'. This is a common pattern for adjectives ending in '-ivo'. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'incompreensível', which is used for things like difficult books or bad handwriting. Always ask yourself: am I describing a person's attitude (incompreensivo) or a thing that is hard to understand (incompreensível)?

At the B1 level, you can use 'incompreensivo' to express more complex social and emotional frustrations. You might use it in a letter of complaint or when discussing social issues. For example, you could talk about how a government might be 'incompreensivo' regarding the needs of the poor. This shows a higher level of vocabulary because you are applying a personal trait to a large organization. You should also start using adverbs to modify the word, like 'totalmente incompreensivo' or 'bastante incompreensiva'. At B1, you are expected to handle the plural forms correctly without thinking too much: 'Eles foram incompreensivos com o nosso projeto'. You can also use it in the 'Se... fosse...' (If... were...) structures: 'Se ele não fosse tão incompreensivo, nós poderíamos conversar'. This word helps you move away from basic descriptions and into the realm of expressing nuanced opinions about human behavior and social dynamics. It's a key word for discussing conflict resolution.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, 'incompreensivo' becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis of character and society. You can use it to discuss literature or film, analyzing why a protagonist feels isolated. You might say, 'O protagonista vive em um mundo incompreensivo que ignora seu sofrimento'. You should also be aware of the noun form, 'incompreensão', and how it relates to the adjective. At B2, you should be able to use 'incompreensivo' in formal debates, perhaps arguing against 'políticas incompreensivas' in a workplace or legal system. You can also explore the synonym 'intransigente' (intransigent) and explain the difference: 'incompreensivo' suggests a lack of empathy, while 'intransigente' suggests a refusal to change one's mind. Your usage should be fluid, incorporating the word into complex sentences with multiple clauses. For example: 'Apesar de ter sido alertado sobre as dificuldades da equipe, o diretor permaneceu incompreensivo, exigindo resultados imediatos que eram humanamente impossíveis de alcançar'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you use 'incompreensivo' with a high degree of precision, often in philosophical or highly formal contexts. You might discuss the 'olhar incompreensivo da história' (the uncomprehending gaze of history) or other abstract concepts. You understand the subtle implications of using this word versus 'insensível' or 'alheio'. You can use it to describe an 'atitude incompreensiva' as a symptom of a larger systemic failure. In your writing, you might use it to create a specific atmosphere, perhaps in a short story where the environment itself feels 'incompreensivo' to the characters. You are also fully aware of the etymological roots and how they play into the word's meaning in other Romance languages, which helps you avoid 'false friend' traps. Your command of the word allows you to use it in irony or sarcasm, such as saying 'Que belo exemplo de um líder incompreensivo!' to critique someone's poor management skills. You can also use it in the superlative: 'Ele é o homem mais incompreensivo que já conheci'.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, 'incompreensivo' is just one of many tools in your expansive vocabulary. You use it instinctively and can play with its placement and context to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You might use it in a complex academic thesis about 'a natureza incompreensiva da burocracia moderna' or in a poetic sense to describe the 'silêncio incompreensivo das estrelas'. You can navigate the most subtle differences between 'incompreensivo', 'impermeável' (impermeable/unaffected), and 'embotado' (dulled/numb). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You might even use it to discuss the limitations of language itself, where words are 'incompreensivos' tools for expressing the depth of human experience. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know the entire semantic field around it, including archaic or rare related terms, and you can use 'incompreensivo' to add texture and precision to any discourse, whether it's a formal speech, a literary critique, or a deep philosophical discussion.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

incompreensivo en 30 segundos

Incompreensivo is an adjective meaning 'uncomprehending' or 'unsympathetic' regarding a person's feelings or situation.
It is the opposite of 'compreensivo' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
It is primarily used for people or institutions that lack empathy, not for things that are hard to understand.
Commonly confused with 'incompreensível', which means 'unintelligible' or 'impossible to understand' in a cognitive sense.

The Portuguese word incompreensivo is an adjective that describes a specific personality trait or a temporary state of mind. At its core, it refers to someone who is unable or unwilling to understand another person's situation, feelings, or point of view. It is the direct opposite of being 'compreensivo' (understanding or sympathetic). When you call someone incompreensivo, you are often highlighting a lack of empathy or a rigid adherence to one's own perspective without considering external factors that might influence someone else's behavior.

Emotional Context: This word is frequently used in the context of interpersonal relationships, such as between partners, parents and children, or employers and employees. It carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person is being unfair or overly harsh.

O chefe foi totalmente incompreensivo quando expliquei que meu carro quebrou.

It is important to distinguish this from cognitive inability. While it can mean 'lacking comprehension' in a literal sense, in modern Portuguese, it almost exclusively refers to a lack of emotional comprehension or tolerance. If a student doesn't understand a math problem, we wouldn't usually call them 'incompreensivo'; we would say they 'não compreendem'. However, if a teacher refuses to help a struggling student because they don't care about the student's difficulties, that teacher is being incompreensivo.

Não seja tão incompreensivo com os erros dos seus amigos; todo mundo falha às vezes.

Social Dynamics: In a social setting, being labeled as incompreensivo can be a serious critique of one's character. it implies a certain level of selfishness or narrow-mindedness. It is often used in arguments to express frustration when one party feels ignored or judged unfairly.

Furthermore, the word can be applied to institutions or systems. For instance, a 'burocracia incompreensiva' (uncomprehending bureaucracy) suggests a system that follows rules blindly without regard for human circumstances. This usage emphasizes the cold, impersonal nature of the entity being described.

A lei, por vezes, parece incompreensiva diante das necessidades básicas do cidadão.

Eles foram incompreensivos durante toda a negociação, o que dificultou o acordo.

Nuance vs. Incompreensível: A very common mistake for learners is confusing 'incompreensivo' with 'incompreensível'. Remember: a person is incompreensivo (lacking empathy), but a complex text is incompreensível (impossible to understand).

Sua atitude incompreensiva deixou todos na sala em silêncio.

Using incompreensivo correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective agreement and placement. Like most adjectives in Portuguese, it usually follows the noun it modifies and must agree in gender and number. For example, 'um homem incompreensivo' (a non-understanding man) versus 'uma mulher incompreensiva' (a non-understanding woman).

Subject-Verb Agreement: When used with the verb 'ser' (to be, for permanent traits) or 'estar' (to be, for temporary states), the adjective reflects how you perceive the person's character or current behavior. 'Ele é incompreensivo' suggests he is generally a non-understanding person, while 'Ele está incompreensivo hoje' suggests he is acting that way specifically today.

As autoridades pareciam incompreensivas perante o protesto dos trabalhadores.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might see the adjective placed before the noun for stylistic emphasis, though this is less common in everyday speech. For example, 'Sua incompreensiva atitude' puts more weight on the negative quality of the attitude than 'Sua atitude incompreensiva'.

Por que você é tão incompreensivo com os problemas alheios?

When talking about groups, remember the plural rules. If a group is mixed gender or all male, use 'incompreensivos'. If the group is exclusively female, use 'incompreensivas'. This is a fundamental rule of Portuguese grammar that applies to this adjective as well.

Sentence Structure Examples: 1. [Subject] + [Verb] + [Adjective]: 'O público foi incompreensivo.' (The audience was uncomprehending.)
2. [Noun] + [Adjective]: 'Um olhar incompreensivo.' (An uncomprehending look.)

Ela deu um suspiro incompreensivo e saiu da sala sem dizer nada.

In negative sentences, 'incompreensivo' remains powerful. 'Ele não é incompreensivo' (He is not uncomprehending) is a way to defend someone's character, suggesting they actually do have empathy. This double negative is common in polite defense of someone's actions.

Nossos pais podem ser incompreensivos às vezes, mas eles nos amam.

Adverbial Modification: You can modify the intensity of the adjective using adverbs like 'muito' (very), 'bastante' (quite), 'extremamente' (extremely), or 'totalmente' (totally).

Não achei que ele seria tão extremamente incompreensivo com o atraso.

You are likely to encounter incompreensivo in several distinct environments, ranging from highly emotional personal conversations to formal academic or legal critiques. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'flavor' of the word in real-world Portuguese.

In Personal Relationships: This is the most common place to hear the word. It appears in soap operas (telenovelas), movies, and daily life when people argue. A character might shout, 'Você é um marido incompreensivo!' to express that their partner doesn't understand their emotional needs. It's a word used to voice disappointment and a sense of being misunderstood.

Na novela, a filha reclamava que a mãe era incompreensiva com seus sonhos de ser artista.

In the workplace, the word is used to describe management styles. If a company has a rigid policy that doesn't allow for family emergencies, employees might describe the human resources department as 'incompreensiva'. Here, the word takes on a tone of institutional coldness.

O mercado financeiro costuma ser incompreensivo com as oscilações sociais.

In Literature and Journalism: Journalists use 'incompreensivo' to criticize political figures who seem out of touch with the reality of the population. An editorial might describe a politician's stance as 'incompreensivo diante da crise'. In literature, authors use it to build character depth, showing a character's internal struggle with a world that doesn't sympathize with them.

Psychology and educational texts also employ the term. A psychologist might talk about an 'ambiente familiar incompreensivo' (an uncomprehending family environment) to explain why a patient feels isolated. This usage is more clinical but still focuses on the lack of emotional support.

O texto acadêmico descrevia o sistema penal como incompreensivo em relação às minorias.

Muitos jovens sentem que o mundo adulto é incompreensivo e hostil.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In legal arguments, a lawyer might argue that a previous ruling was 'incompreensivo' regarding the specific evidence presented, meaning the judge failed to properly weigh the human or situational context of the case.

The most frequent and significant mistake learners make with incompreensivo is confusing it with its close relative, incompreensível. While they look similar and share the same root, their meanings and grammatical functions are entirely different. This confusion can lead to sentences that sound very strange to a native speaker.

Incompreensivo vs. Incompreensível

Incompreensivo: Describes a PERSON or an ENTITY that does not show empathy or understanding. (e.g., An 'incompreensivo' father).
Incompreensível: Describes a THING or a SITUATION that cannot be understood or is unintelligible. (e.g., An 'incompreensível' handwriting).

Errado: O livro é muito incompreensivo. (Wrong: The book is very 'unsympathetic'?)
Correto: O livro é muito incompreensível. (Correct: The book is very unintelligible.)

Another common error involves gender agreement. Because 'incompreensivo' ends in '-o', English speakers sometimes forget to change it to '-a' when referring to women or feminine nouns. This is a basic rule but easy to slip up on when you're focused on the meaning of the word.

Errado: Minha mãe é incompreensivo.
Correto: Minha mãe é incompreensiva.

Preposition Pitfalls: Learners often struggle with which preposition to use after the adjective. While 'com' is the most common and versatile, using 'de' (of) is usually incorrect in this context. You are uncomprehending 'with' someone or 'towards' a situation.

A subtle mistake is using 'incompreensivo' when you actually mean 'ignorante' (ignorant). 'Incompreensivo' implies you have the information but lack the heart to accept it. 'Ignorante' means you simply don't have the information. If you tell someone they are 'incompreensivos' about a scientific fact, it sounds like you're accusing them of being mean-spirited about the fact, rather than just lacking knowledge.

Não confunda a falta de conhecimento com uma postura incompreensiva.

Ele não é incompreensivo; ele apenas não conhece os detalhes do caso.

To truly master the use of incompreensivo, it is helpful to know its synonyms and how they differ in intensity and register. Depending on the situation, one of these alternatives might be more precise.

Insensível vs. Incompreensivo: 'Insensível' (insensitive) is very close but focuses more on the lack of feeling or emotion. 'Incompreensivo' focuses on the lack of mental flexibility to accept another's reality. You can be 'insensível' because you don't feel anything, or 'incompreensivo' because you refuse to see the logic in someone else's struggle.

Ele foi insensível à dor dela, mas incompreensivo com as razões do seu choro.

Another strong alternative is 'intolerante' (intolerant). This word is much stronger and suggests a proactive rejection of other views or behaviors. While an 'incompreensivo' person might just shrug and say 'I don't get why you're sad,' an 'intolerante' person might say 'You shouldn't be allowed to feel that way.'

A sociedade pode ser muito intolerante com quem é diferente.

Formal Alternatives: In formal writing, you might use 'intransigente' (uncompromising/intransigent) or 'inflexível' (inflexible). These words are excellent for professional contexts where 'incompreensivo' might sound a bit too emotional or personal.

On the informal side, Brazilians often use the expression 'sem noção' (literally 'without notion/clue') to describe someone being inconsiderate or uncomprehending of social norms. While not a direct synonym, it covers the ground of someone failing to 'get it' in a social situation.

Cara, que atitude sem noção! Ele foi totalmente incompreensivo.

Sempre tente ser mais compreensivo do que incompreensivo.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'prehendere' is the same as in 'prehensile' (like a monkey's tail), meaning the original idea of understanding was literally 'grabbing' an idea with your mind.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ĩ.kõ.pɾe.ẽ.ˈsi.vu/

US /ĩ.kõ.pɾe.ẽ.ˈsi.vu/

The primary stress falls on the penultimate syllable: in-com-pre-en-SI-vo.

Rima con

passivo ativo decisivo incentivo objetivo substantivo vivo cativo

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'n' or 'm' fully instead of nasalizing the vowel.
Putting the stress on the last syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English 'incomprehensible'.
Skipping the second 'e' in 'preen'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'o' instead of a weak 'u'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'comprender', but long word.

Escritura 4/5

Spelling 'preen' and 'sivo' can be tricky for beginners.

Expresión oral 4/5

Nasal vowels and five syllables require practice.

Escucha 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'incompreensível'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

compreender entender pessoa sentir com

Aprende después

incompreensível empatia intolerante flexibilidade sensibilidade

Avanzado

intransigência hermenêutica alteridade psique dogmatismo

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Gender Agreement

Ele é incompreensivo / Ela é incompreensiva.

Adjective Number Agreement

Eles são incompreensivos / Elas são incompreensivas.

Nasal Vowels

The 'in' and 'com' in 'incompreensivo' are nasalized.

Placement of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'Um homem incompreensivo'.

Use of 'com' with adjectives of attitude

Incompreensivo com alguém.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

O meu irmão é muito incompreensivo.

My brother is very uncomprehending.

The word 'incompreensivo' matches 'irmão' (masculine singular).

Ela é uma amiga incompreensiva.

She is an uncomprehending friend.

The word 'incompreensiva' matches 'amiga' (feminine singular).

Eles não são incompreensivos.

They are not uncomprehending.

Plural masculine form 'incompreensivos' for a group.

O pai foi incompreensivo com o filho.

The father was uncomprehending with the son.

Use 'com' to say 'with' whom the person is being uncomprehending.

Você é incompreensivo?

Are you uncomprehending?

A simple question using the adjective.

A professora não é incompreensiva.

The teacher is not uncomprehending.

Negative sentence using 'não' before the verb.

Um chefe incompreensivo é ruim.

An uncomprehending boss is bad.

Adjective follows the noun 'chefe'.

Nós somos compreensivos, não incompreensivos.

We are understanding, not uncomprehending.

Contrast between the word and its antonym.

O gerente foi incompreensivo com o meu atraso.

The manager was uncomprehending about my being late.

Past tense 'foi' (was) showing a specific instance.

Não seja tão incompreensivo com ela.

Don't be so uncomprehending with her.

Imperative 'não seja' (don't be).

As pessoas podem ser incompreensivas às vezes.

People can be uncomprehending sometimes.

Plural feminine 'incompreensivas' because 'pessoas' is feminine.

Eu achei ele um pouco incompreensivo ontem.

I found him a bit uncomprehending yesterday.

Use of 'um pouco' to soften the adjective.

Sua atitude incompreensiva me deixou triste.

Your uncomprehending attitude made me sad.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'atitude'.

Por que eles são tão incompreensivos conosco?

Why are they so uncomprehending with us?

Use of 'conosco' (with us).

Ela sempre foi uma pessoa incompreensiva.

She has always been an uncomprehending person.

Using 'sempre' with 'foi' to describe a constant trait.

O sistema é incompreensivo com os pequenos erros.

The system is uncomprehending of small mistakes.

Applying the adjective to an abstract noun 'sistema'.

Se o diretor fosse menos incompreensivo, o clima seria melhor.

If the director were less uncomprehending, the atmosphere would be better.

Imperfect subjunctive 'fosse' used in a conditional sentence.

Fiquei surpreso com o modo incompreensivo como ele reagiu.

I was surprised by the uncomprehending way he reacted.

Adjective modifying the masculine noun 'modo'.

É difícil lidar com pais incompreensivos durante a adolescência.

It is difficult to deal with uncomprehending parents during adolescence.

Plural masculine 'incompreensivos' for a mixed-gender pair of parents.

A empresa mostrou-se incompreensiva perante a crise do funcionário.

The company showed itself to be uncomprehending in the face of the employee's crisis.

Reflexive verb 'mostrou-se' used with the adjective.

Muitos consideram essa lei incompreensiva e injusta.

Many consider this law uncomprehending and unfair.

Coordinating two adjectives: 'incompreensiva' and 'injusta'.

Não quero parecer incompreensivo, mas regras são regras.

I don't want to seem uncomprehending, but rules are rules.

The verb 'parecer' (to seem/look like).

Sua resposta foi fria e incompreensiva.

Your response was cold and uncomprehending.

A sociedade é muitas vezes incompreensiva com as doenças mentais.

Society is often uncomprehending of mental illnesses.

'Sociedade' is feminine, so 'incompreensiva'.

A crítica literária foi incompreensiva com o novo estilo do autor.

The literary criticism was uncomprehending of the author's new style.

'Crítica' refers here to the review/body of critics.

Ele adotou uma postura incompreensiva que bloqueou qualquer diálogo.

He adopted an uncomprehending stance that blocked any dialogue.

Relative clause 'que bloqueou...' modifying 'postura'.

Ser incompreensivo é uma forma de exercer poder sobre os outros.

Being uncomprehending is a way of exercising power over others.

Infinitive 'Ser' used as a noun/subject.

As instituições tendem a ser incompreensivas com a individualidade.

Institutions tend to be uncomprehending of individuality.

Verb 'tender a' (to tend to).

O público, incompreensivo, vaiou a performance experimental.

The audience, uncomprehending, booed the experimental performance.

Appositive use of the adjective, set off by commas.

A história é muitas vezes incompreensiva com os vencidos.

History is often uncomprehending of the defeated.

'Os vencidos' (the defeated/losers).

Sua recusa incompreensiva em ajudar causou muita revolta.

His uncomprehending refusal to help caused much outrage.

Adjective modifying the noun 'recusa'.

Vivemos em uma era incompreensiva quanto às nuances do debate.

We live in an uncomprehending era regarding the nuances of debate.

Use of 'quanto a' (regarding/as for).

A obra de Kafka retrata um mundo burocrático e incompreensivo.

Kafka's work portrays a bureaucratic and uncomprehending world.

Literary analysis context.

Havia um quê de incompreensivo no seu olhar gélido.

There was a hint of the uncomprehending in his icy gaze.

Substantive use of the adjective with 'um quê de'.

A gestão incompreensiva dos recursos levou à falência da empresa.

The uncomprehending management of resources led to the company's bankruptcy.

Using the adjective to describe professional mismanagement.

O filósofo criticou a razão pura como sendo incompreensiva à vida.

The philosopher criticized pure reason as being uncomprehending of life.

Abstract philosophical application.

Sua prosa, embora bela, era incompreensiva para a maioria dos leitores.

His prose, though beautiful, was uncomprehending (lacking empathy) for most readers.

Note: Here it suggests the prose doesn't connect with/understand the reader.

A atitude incompreensiva do Estado gerou um vácuo social.

The uncomprehending attitude of the State generated a social vacuum.

Political/Sociological register.

Ele se manteve incompreensivo, apesar de todos os apelos emocionais.

He remained uncomprehending, despite all the emotional appeals.

Verb 'manter-se' (to remain/stay).

O destino mostrou-se incompreensivo com as suas súplicas.

Fate proved uncomprehending of his pleas.

Personification of 'O destino'.

A hermenêutica do texto revela uma camada incompreensiva da psique.

The hermeneutics of the text reveals an uncomprehending layer of the psyche.

Highly academic/specialized context.

O autor utiliza o silêncio como metáfora para um universo incompreensivo.

The author uses silence as a metaphor for an uncomprehending universe.

Literary theory context.

A rigidez dogmática torna o clero incompreensivo às mudanças seculares.

Dogmatic rigidity makes the clergy uncomprehending of secular changes.

Complex sentence with multiple abstract nouns.

Sua análise, embora técnica, peca por ser incompreensiva à realidade fática.

His analysis, although technical, fails by being uncomprehending of factual reality.

Use of 'peca por' (fails due to/is flawed by).

A face incompreensiva da justiça é o que mais assusta o cidadão comum.

The uncomprehending face of justice is what most scares the average citizen.

Metaphorical use.

O discurso político tornou-se incompreensivo, focado apenas em retórica.

Political discourse has become uncomprehending, focused only on rhetoric.

Critique of modern communication.

A natureza, em sua majestade incompreensiva, ignora os dramas humanos.

Nature, in its uncomprehending majesty, ignores human dramas.

Philosophical personification of nature.

A dialética entre o ser compreensivo e o incompreensivo define a moral.

The dialectic between the understanding and the uncomprehending being defines morality.

Use of adjectives as substantive concepts.

Colocaciones comunes

chefe incompreensivo

olhar incompreensivo

atitude incompreensiva

totalmente incompreensivo

pais incompreensivos

sistema incompreensivo

ser incompreensivo com

tornar-se incompreensivo

mundo incompreensivo

gesto incompreensivo

Frases Comunes

Não seja incompreensivo.

— A common plea asking someone to show more empathy or flexibility.

Não seja incompreensivo, eu realmente tive um imprevisto.

Ele é um muro incompreensivo.

— A metaphor suggesting someone is completely closed off to understanding.

Tentar falar com ele é como falar com um muro incompreensivo.

Incompreensivo com a dor alheia.

— Describing someone who doesn't care about the suffering of others.

É triste ver alguém tão incompreensivo com a dor alheia.

Modo incompreensivo de agir.

— Referring to a specific way of behaving that lacks empathy.

Esse seu modo incompreensivo de agir vai afastar as pessoas.

Sentir-se diante de alguém incompreensivo.

— Describing the feeling of facing someone who won't listen.

Senti-me impotente diante de um funcionário tão incompreensivo.

Um lado incompreensivo da personalidade.

— Referring to a specific trait within a person's character.

Ele tem um lado incompreensivo que raramente mostra.

Sociedade incompreensiva.

— A general critique of social lack of empathy.

Vivemos em uma sociedade incompreensiva com as minorias.

Ser incompreensivo por natureza.

— Suggesting that the lack of empathy is an innate trait.

Algumas pessoas parecem ser incompreensivas por natureza.

Dar uma resposta incompreensiva.

— Providing a reply that ignores the other person's context.

Ela deu uma resposta incompreensiva ao meu pedido de ajuda.

Atuar de forma incompreensiva.

— To act in a way that shows no understanding.

O governo atuou de forma incompreensiva durante a greve.

Se confunde a menudo con

incompreensivo vs incompreensível

This means 'impossible to understand'. People are incompreensivos, math is incompreensível.

incompreensivo vs descompreensivo

This is not a standard word in Portuguese. Use 'incompreensivo'.

incompreensivo vs incompreendido

This means 'misunderstood' (the victim). 'Incompreensivo' is the one doing the not-understanding (the actor).

Modismos y expresiones

"fazer ouvidos de mercador"

— To ignore what someone is saying, often used when someone is being incompreensivo.

Eu expliquei o problema, mas ele fez ouvidos de mercador.

informal

"dar com a cara na porta"

— To be rejected or ignored, often by someone incompreensivo.

Tentei pedir um aumento, mas dei com a cara na porta.

informal

"coração de pedra"

— To have a heart of stone; to be extremely incompreensivo and cold.

Aquele homem tem um coração de pedra, é totalmente incompreensivo.

neutral

"falar para as paredes"

— To talk to the walls; to speak to someone who isn't listening or understanding.

Explicar isso para ele é como falar para as paredes.

informal

"não estar nem aí"

— To not care at all; a common state for someone being incompreensivo.

Eu estava chorando e ele não estava nem aí.

slang

"fechar os olhos para"

— To close one's eyes to something; to ignore a reality.

Eles fecham os olhos para a pobreza, são muito incompreensivos.

neutral

"bater o pé"

— To insist on something stubbornly, often in an incompreensivo way.

Ele bateu o pé e disse que não mudaria a regra.

informal

"lavar as mãos"

— To wash one's hands of a situation; to refuse responsibility or empathy.

O gerente lavou as mãos e foi incompreensivo com o problema.

neutral

"estar com a macaca"

— To be in a very bad mood and thus likely to be incompreensivo.

Cuidado com o chefe hoje, ele está com a macaca.

slang (Brazil)

"dar de ombros"

— To shrug; to show indifference or lack of understanding.

Contei minha história e ele apenas deu de ombros.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

incompreensivo vs incompreensível

Similar spelling and root.

'Incompreensivo' describes a person's lack of empathy. 'Incompreensível' describes an object or idea that is hard to grasp.

Ele é incompreensivo (He is mean); O texto é incompreensível (The text is hard).

incompreensivo vs insensível

Both describe a lack of empathy.

'Insensível' is about lack of feeling/emotion. 'Incompreensivo' is about lack of mental/moral understanding.

Um médico insensível; Um juiz incompreensivo.

incompreensivo vs intolerante

Both involve a lack of acceptance.

'Intolerante' is stronger and implies active rejection. 'Incompreensivo' can be a passive failure to empathize.

Ele é intolerante com religiões; Ele foi incompreensivo com meu choro.

incompreensivo vs ignorante

Both involve 'not knowing' something.

'Ignorante' is about lack of information. 'Incompreensivo' is about lack of emotional insight.

Ele é ignorante sobre história; Ele é incompreensivo com o meu medo.

incompreensivo vs incompreendido

They are two sides of the same coin.

'Incompreendido' is the person who feels nobody understands them. 'Incompreensivo' is the person who refuses to understand others.

O artista incompreendido; O crítico incompreensivo.

Patrones de oraciones

[Nome] é incompreensivo.

O Pedro é incompreensivo.

Não seja [adjetivo] com [pessoa].

Não seja incompreensivo com sua irmã.

Eu acho que [sujeito] foi muito incompreensivo.

Eu acho que o professor foi muito incompreensivo.

Apesar de [verbo], ele continuou incompreensivo.

Apesar de eu explicar tudo, ele continuou incompreensivo.

Uma postura [adjetivo] perante [substantivo].

Uma postura incompreensiva perante a dor do próximo.

O quê de [adjetivo] em [substantivo].

O quê de incompreensivo em seu olhar.

A natureza [adjetivo] de [conceito].

A natureza incompreensiva da própria existência.

Revelar-se [adjetivo] diante de [situação].

A lei revelou-se incompreensiva diante da tragédia.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

compreensão (understanding)

incompreensão (lack of understanding)

compreensibilidade (understandability)

Verbos

compreender (to understand)

descompreender (to misunderstand/rare)

Adjetivos

compreensivo (understanding)

compreensível (understandable)

incompreensível (unintelligible)

Relacionado

percepção

empatia

tolerância

inteligência

sentimento

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Common in emotional or critical contexts; rare in technical scientific writing.

Errores comunes

O livro é incompreensivo. → O livro é incompreensível.
You are describing an object (a book), so you must use the '-ível' suffix which denotes capability of being understood. '-ivo' describes a person's behavior.
Ela é muito incompreensivo. → Ela é muito incompreensiva.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify. 'Ela' is feminine, so the adjective must end in '-a'.
Ele é incompreensivo de meus problemas. → Ele é incompreensivo com os meus problemas.
The correct preposition to use with 'incompreensivo' when referring to the object of the lack of understanding is 'com' or 'perante'.
Eles são incompreensivels. → Eles são incompreensivos.
Learners often mix up the plural of '-ivo' and '-ível'. The plural of 'incompreensivo' is simply 'incompreensivos'.
Eu não incompreensivo você. → Eu não compreendo você / Você é incompreensivo.
Learners sometimes use the adjective as a verb. 'Incompreensivo' is a description, not an action. Use the verb 'compreender' for the action.

Consejos

Gender Agreement

Always check the gender of the subject. Use 'incompreensiva' for females and 'incompreensivo' for males. This is a common error for English speakers.

The 'Ivo' vs 'Ivel' Rule

Remember: -ivo is for people's traits (active), -ível is for things' qualities (passive). People are incompreensivos, tasks are incompreensíveis.

Stress the 'SI'

The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'si'. Don't stress the 'com' or the 'pre'. Say: in-com-pre-en-SI-vo.

Use with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Use 'ser' if they are always that way (character). Use 'estar' if they are just acting that way right now (mood).

Formal Writing

In a formal business email, 'intransigente' might sound more professional than 'incompreensivo'.

The 'In' Prefix

Think of 'In' as 'No'. In-compreensivo = No-comprehension (of your feelings).

Listen for Prepositions

If you hear 'com' after a long word starting with 'in-', it's a good sign it's 'incompreensivo'.

Nasalization

If you struggle with nasal vowels, try humming 'm' while saying the vowel 'i' for 'in' and 'o' for 'com'.

Social Weight

Calling a family member 'incompreensivo' is a strong statement. Use it carefully in social situations.

Build the Family

Learn 'compreender', 'compreensão', and 'compreensivo' together to anchor the word in your memory.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'IN' (not) + 'COMPREHENSIVE' (covering everything). An incompreensivo person does NOT cover your feelings in their thoughts.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person with a brick wall in front of their heart, refusing to look at a crying friend.

Word Web

Pessoa Sentimento Frieza Rígido Falta de Empatia Julgamento Conflito Relação

Desafío

Try to find three examples in a news article or a movie where someone is being 'incompreensivo'. Write them down in Portuguese.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'in-' (not) + 'comprehensivus', from 'comprehendere' (to grasp/include/understand).

Significado original: Originally meant 'not including' or 'not containing', but evolved to refer to the mental/emotional act of grasping meaning.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using this word to describe someone to their face, as it is a direct criticism of their character and empathy.

English speakers often use 'unsympathetic' or 'un-understanding' (though the latter is less common). 'Incompreensivo' is closer to 'lacking empathy'.

The character of the father in many 'Coming of Age' stories in Brazilian cinema. Kafkaesque bureaucracy (Burocracia incompreensiva). The song 'Incompreensão' by various Brazilian artists touching on the theme of being misunderstood.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Family Arguments

Você é incompreensivo comigo.
Pais incompreensivos.
Não seja assim tão incompreensiva.
Falta de compreensão familiar.

Workplace Conflict

Chefe incompreensivo.
Regras incompreensivas.
Gestão sem empatia.
Incompreensivo com o erro.

Social Criticism

Sociedade incompreensiva.
Mundo frio e incompreensivo.
Sistema injusto.
Falta de sensibilidade social.

Psychology

Ambiente incompreensivo.
Traço de personalidade.
Bloqueio emocional.
Falta de escuta ativa.

Literature

Personagem incompreensivo.
Destino incompreensivo.
Narrativa de isolamento.
Conflito de gerações.

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que as pessoas hoje em dia estão mais incompreensivas?"

"Como você lida com um chefe que é totalmente incompreensivo?"

"Você já teve um amigo que foi incompreensivo com um problema seu?"

"Na sua opinião, por que alguns pais são tão incompreensivos com os filhos?"

"Qual é a melhor maneira de reagir a um comentário incompreensivo?"

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre uma vez que alguém foi incompreensivo com você. Como você se sentiu?

Descreva as qualidades de uma pessoa compreensiva e compare com uma incompreensiva.

Você acha que a tecnologia está nos tornando mais incompreensivos com os outros?

Pense em um personagem de livro que é incompreensivo. Por que ele age assim?

Como podemos ser menos incompreensivos no nosso dia a dia?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, that is a common mistake. For a book that is hard to understand, you should use 'incompreensível'. 'Incompreensivo' is only for people, attitudes, or institutions that lack empathy or flexibility.

The feminine form is 'incompreensiva'. For example, 'Ela é uma mulher incompreensiva'. Always remember to match the gender of the noun you are describing.

It is a neutral word. You can use it in everyday conversation with friends, but it is also perfectly acceptable in formal writing, news, and literature. It's very versatile.

The most common preposition is 'com'. For example, 'Ele foi incompreensivo COMIGO' (He was uncomprehending with me). You can also use 'perante' in more formal contexts.

Yes, although they are similar. 'Insensível' means 'insensitive' or 'numb' to feelings. 'Incompreensivo' specifically means lacking the capacity or will to understand someone else's situation or logic.

To pronounce the 'in' and 'com' correctly, let the air go through your nose. Don't let your tongue touch the top of your mouth for the 'n' or 'm'. It's like the 'an' in 'pancake' but more nasal.

Yes, you can say 'O incompreensivo' to mean 'The uncomprehending person', but it is more commonly used as an adjective. The actual noun for the concept is 'incompreensão'.

It is used equally in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The meaning and usage are identical across the Lusophone world, though the accent will differ.

The direct opposite is 'compreensivo', which means 'understanding' or 'sympathetic'. It's a very positive trait to have!

It is always 'incompreensivo'. In Portuguese, the prefix 'in-' is used for negation (like 'un-' or 'in-' in English). 'En-' is used for other purposes.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas