Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #5,000 más común 11 min de lectura

traição

Top 5,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos traição en 30 segundos

Explicación traição in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'traição' might be a bit advanced, but it's useful to know because it appears in many stories and songs. You can think of it as meaning 'a very bad thing a friend does.' If a friend tells your secret to someone else, that is a 'traição.' It is a noun, so we say 'a traição' (the betrayal). At this level, just remember that it is the opposite of being a good friend or being loyal. You don't need to know all the complex legal meanings yet, just that it relates to broken trust between people. For example, if a boy says he likes a girl but then talks to another girl secretly, people might call it a 'traição.' It is a sad word. Focus on how it feels: 'A traição é triste' (Betrayal is sad). You will mostly see it in simple sentences about friends or family. Don't worry about the plural 'traições' yet; just focus on the singular form and its meaning of 'doing something bad to someone who trusts you.'

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you are learning more about social relationships and expressing feelings. 'Traição' is a key word for describing problems in friendships or romantic relationships. You should know that it is a feminine noun ('a traição'). You can start using it with simple verbs like 'ter' (to have) or 'ser' (to be). For example: 'Houve uma traição na novela' (There was a betrayal in the soap opera). You might also hear the verb form 'trair' (to betray). At this level, it's important to distinguish between a small lie and a 'traição.' A 'traição' is more serious and usually ends a friendship or a relationship. You can also use it to talk about sports, like when a player moves to a rival team. 'Os adeptos acham que foi uma traição' (The fans think it was a betrayal). Start noticing how the word is used in music lyrics, especially in 'Sertanejo' or 'Fado,' where it is a very common theme. This will help you understand the emotional context of the word in Portuguese-speaking cultures.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'traição' in more complex sentences and understand its different contexts. You should know the plural form 'traições' and be comfortable using it with adjectives like 'inesperada' (unexpected) or 'dolorosa' (painful). At this level, you can discuss the consequences of 'traição,' such as the loss of trust ('perda de confiança') or the end of a partnership. You can also start using it in a professional context, such as 'traição de confiança' (breach of trust) in a business setting. You should be able to explain why something is considered a betrayal: 'Eu considero isso uma traição porque ele prometeu não contar a ninguém' (I consider that a betrayal because he promised not to tell anyone). You will also encounter the word in historical texts about your target language's country, referring to political treachery. Understanding the nuance between 'traição' and 'deslealdade' (disloyalty) becomes important here; 'traição' is usually more active and damaging.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'traição' in both literal and figurative senses. You can use it to talk about abstract concepts like 'traição aos próprios ideais' (betrayal of one's own ideals). You should be familiar with legal and political terms like 'alta traição' (high treason) and understand the gravity of these accusations in a formal context. Your vocabulary should include related words like 'traidor' (traitor) and 'traiçoeiro' (treacherous/deceptive). You can use 'traição' to analyze literature or films, discussing the motivations of characters who commit such acts. You should also be aware of the cultural weight of the word in Lusophone history, such as the role of 'traidores' in various independence movements. In conversation, you can use the word to express strong opinions about ethics and loyalty. Your ability to use the correct prepositions ('traição a' vs. 'traição de') should be improving, allowing for more precise communication.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you should be able to appreciate the philosophical and psychological depths of the word 'traição.' You can discuss 'traição' as a human condition, exploring themes of betrayal in the works of authors like Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis. You should be able to use the word in highly formal contexts, such as legal documents or academic essays, with absolute precision. You can explore the etymology of the word, linking it to the Latin 'traditio' and understanding how the meanings of 'delivery,' 'tradition,' and 'betrayal' are historically intertwined. You should also be able to recognize and use idiomatic expressions involving betrayal with ease. Your understanding of the word should extend to its use in political rhetoric, where 'traição' is often used as a powerful tool for mobilization or vilification. You should be able to navigate the fine lines between 'traição,' 'perfídia,' and 'infidelidade,' choosing the exact word that fits the register and nuance of your discourse.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, your command of 'traição' should be indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word to construct complex arguments about morality, statecraft, and human nature. You are aware of the most obscure and archaic uses of the word and its family. You can detect subtle ironies and metaphors involving 'traição' in the most sophisticated poetry and prose. You understand the profound cultural implications of 'traição' in the collective memory of Portuguese-speaking nations, from the 'Sebaistianismo' in Portugal to the various 'golpes' in Brazilian history. You can discuss the evolution of the concept of 'traição' from the Middle Ages to the modern era, including how changes in social contracts and individual rights have redefined what constitutes a betrayal. Your use of the word is not just linguistically correct but culturally and contextually profound, allowing you to engage in high-level debates and creative writing with complete confidence.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

traição en 30 segundos

Traição is a feminine noun meaning betrayal or treason, representing a serious breach of trust in personal, social, or political relationships.
It is commonly used to describe romantic infidelity, political treachery, or the act of a friend going against another friend's interests.
The word is derived from the Latin 'traditio' and is closely linked to the verb 'trair', which means 'to betray'.
In Portuguese culture, it carries heavy moral weight and is a frequent theme in music, literature, and television dramas.

The Portuguese word traição is a powerful and emotionally charged noun that translates primarily to 'betrayal' or 'treason' in English. At its core, it describes the act of breaking a trust, a pledge, or a duty of loyalty. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, this word carries a heavy social and moral weight, often associated with deep personal pain or severe legal consequences. Whether it is a secret shared with a rival, an extramarital affair, or a citizen working against their own country, the word traição encapsulates the violation of a bond that was supposed to be sacred or secure.

Romantic Context: In the context of relationships, traição is the standard term for infidelity or cheating. It implies a breach of the commitment between partners. For example, if someone discovers their spouse has been unfaithful, they would describe the situation as a traição amorosa.
Political and Legal Context: When referring to the state, the term alta traição (high treason) is used to describe crimes against the sovereignty of the nation. This is a formal legal term found in the penal codes of Lusophone countries like Brazil and Portugal.
Social and Interpersonal Context: Among friends or business associates, traição refers to backstabbing or failing to uphold a promise. It is the opposite of lealdade (loyalty). In this sense, it is often linked to the idea of a 'stab in the back' (uma facada nas costas).

A traição de um amigo dói mais do que a de um inimigo.

The betrayal of a friend hurts more than that of an enemy.

Historically, the concept of traição has been central to Portuguese and Brazilian narratives. In Brazil, the figure of Joaquim Silvério dos Reis is often cited as the ultimate example of traição for his role in denouncing the Inconfidência Mineira. In Portugal, historical tales of kings and nobles are rife with conspiracies and traições that shaped the nation's borders and alliances. This historical depth ensures that the word is not just a vocabulary item but a cultural touchstone for understanding honor and shame.

Ele nunca perdoou a traição da sua esposa.

A história está cheia de atos de traição.

Não há nada pior do que uma traição inesperada.

O general foi executado por traição.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in the arts, specifically in 'novelas' (soap operas), where plot twists almost always involve some form of traição. Whether it's a business partner stealing shares or a secret lover, the drama centers on the fallout of these actions. In music, particularly in genres like 'Fado' or 'Sertanejo', the theme of traição is a staple, providing a cathartic outlet for the pain of being betrayed. Understanding this word is essential for anyone wishing to grasp the emotional landscape of Portuguese communication.

Using traição correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its common pairings. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles (a, uma) or possessives (minha, sua). It can function as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or part of a prepositional phrase. Because it is an abstract noun, it often appears with verbs like cometer (to commit), sofrer (to suffer), or descobrir (to discover).

As a Subject: When traição is the subject, it often describes the nature or impact of the act itself. Example: "A traição destruiu a confiança entre eles" (The betrayal destroyed the trust between them).
With the Verb 'Cometer': This is the most common way to say someone betrayed another person or entity. Example: "Ele cometeu uma traição imperdoável" (He committed an unforgivable betrayal).
With the Verb 'Sofrer': This describes the victim's perspective. Example: "Ela sofreu uma grande traição no trabalho" (She suffered a great betrayal at work).

A traição é um tema recorrente na literatura mundial.

In terms of sentence structure, traição is often followed by the preposition de (of) to indicate the source of the betrayal, or contra (against) to indicate the target. For instance, "A traição do segredo" (The betrayal of the secret) or "Traição contra a pátria" (Treason against the homeland). Adjectives are frequently used to modify the noun, such as vil (vile), baixa (lowly), or inesperada (unexpected), which help to qualify the severity of the act.

Eles foram acusados de traição política.

A traição foi descoberta por acaso.

Ninguém esperava tal traição dele.

When writing, remember that traição can also be used figuratively. In sports, a player leaving a team to join a local rival is often labeled a traição by the fans. In everyday conversation, even small acts like eating someone else's lunch from the office fridge can be jokingly called a traição. This versatility allows the word to span from the most serious crimes to lighthearted social faux pas, provided the element of broken trust is present.

In the real world, you will encounter the word traição in a variety of settings. Its use is not limited to formal literature; it is a staple of news broadcasts, casual gossip, and cultural entertainment. If you are watching a Brazilian 'novela', you are likely to hear it multiple times an episode. The plot lines often revolve around traição conjugal (marital betrayal) or traição familiar (family betrayal), where the emotional weight of the word is used to drive the narrative tension.

News and Media: News reports on political scandals often use traição to describe a politician who votes against their party's line or a whistleblower who reveals government secrets. Phrases like "traição ao partido" (betrayal of the party) are common in political journalism.
Music and Lyrics: In Brazilian 'Sertanejo' music, traição is perhaps the most common theme. Songs about being cheated on or finding out about a partner's double life use the word to evoke sympathy and relatable pain.
Everyday Gossip: In informal settings, people use traição when discussing social dramas. "Você soube da traição?" (Did you hear about the betrayal?) is a common opening for a juicy story about friends or colleagues.

A letra da música fala sobre uma traição dolorosa.

In historical and educational contexts, students learn about traição through the lens of national heroes and villains. In Portugal, the 'Traição de 1383' is a historical reference to the dynastic crisis. In Brazil, the 'Inconfidência Mineira' is taught as a story of idealism met with traição. This ensures that even young children are introduced to the word in a way that emphasizes the importance of loyalty to one's group or nation.

O filme retrata a traição de um espião.

Houve uma traição dentro do conselho de administração.

Finally, you will hear it in religious settings. The story of Judas Iscariot and his traição of Jesus is a foundational narrative in the predominantly Catholic Lusophone world. This religious grounding gives the word a moral weight that transcends simple social errors, placing it in the realm of sin and ultimate moral failure. Thus, when someone uses the word traição, they are often tapping into centuries of religious and moral teaching about the gravity of the act.

Learners of Portuguese often encounter a few specific hurdles when using the word traição. The first and most common mistake is confusing the noun traição with the verb trair (to betray). While they are related, they cannot be used interchangeably. You cannot say "Eu fiz uma trair," you must say "Eu cometi uma traição" or simply "Eu traí."

Gender Confusion: Because the word ends in '-ão', some learners mistakenly assume it is masculine (like 'pão' or 'caminhão'). However, 'traição' is feminine. Using the masculine article 'o' instead of 'a' is a frequent error. Correct: 'A traição'. Incorrect: 'O traição'.
Pluralization: Pluralizing words ending in '-ão' is notoriously difficult because there are three possible endings: '-ões', '-ães', and '-ãos'. For 'traição', the plural is 'traições'. Learners often guess incorrectly, saying 'traiçãos' or 'traiçães'.
Overuse for Minor Issues: While 'traição' can be used figuratively, using it for very minor disagreements can sound overly dramatic. For a small slip-up, 'falha' (failure) or 'erro' (error) might be more appropriate.

Não confunda traição com uma simples mentira.

Another mistake involves the preposition that follows the word. English speakers often want to say "betrayal of" and translate it directly as "traição de." While this is often correct, when talking about the person who was betrayed, Portuguese sometimes uses "traição a" (betrayal to). For example, "traição ao rei" (betrayal to the king). Knowing which preposition to use depends on whether you are emphasizing the source or the target of the act.

A traição aos seus princípios foi o seu maior erro.

Muitas traições ocorrem por ambição.

Finally, be careful with the word tradição (tradition). Because they sound similar and share the same Latin root (traditio), learners sometimes mix them up. Remember: traição is bad (betrayal), while tradição is usually good (tradition). A slip of the tongue here could lead to a very confusing or even offensive sentence, such as saying your family has a 'long betrayal' instead of a 'long tradition'.

While traição is the most general term for betrayal, Portuguese offers several synonyms and related words that can provide more nuance depending on the situation. Choosing the right alternative can make your speech sound more natural and precise. For example, if you are talking about a lack of loyalty that isn't necessarily a full-blown betrayal, you might use deslealdade.

Deslealdade vs. Traição: 'Deslealdade' (disloyalty) is often seen as a milder form of 'traição'. It suggests a failure to be loyal, whereas 'traição' suggests an active, deceptive act. You might describe a colleague who doesn't support your idea as 'desleal', but a colleague who steals your idea and claims it as theirs has committed a 'traição'.
Infidelidade: This word is almost exclusively used in romantic contexts. While 'traição' can mean cheating, 'infidelidade' is the more formal or clinical term for it. If you want to sound more sophisticated or less emotional, 'infidelidade' is a good choice.
Perfídia: This is a literary and formal term meaning 'perfidiousness' or 'treachery'. It is rarely used in conversation but appears frequently in older literature and poetry to describe a particularly cruel or calculated betrayal.

A sua deslealdade foi o que mais me magoou.

Other alternatives include falsidade (falseness/duplicity) and golpe (blow/scam). Falsidade is used when someone is being two-faced, which often leads to betrayal. Golpe is used when the betrayal involves a financial scam or a sudden, calculated move to take power, such as a 'golpe de estado' (coup d'état). Using these words correctly helps to specify the nature of the betrayal.

A infidelidade conjugal é causa de muitos divórcios.

O vilão da história agiu com muita perfídia.

In summary, while traição is your 'go-to' word for any breach of trust, being aware of deslealdade, infidelidade, and perfídia will allow you to navigate different social and literary contexts with greater ease. Each word carries its own flavor and intensity, allowing you to express exactly how a trust was broken and what the consequences were.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The words 'traição' (betrayal) and 'tradição' (tradition) share the exact same Latin root. The difference is that 'tradition' is the 'handing over' of culture, while 'betrayal' is the 'handing over' of a person or a secret to an enemy.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tɾaɪˈsɐ̃ʊ̃/

US /tɾaɪˈsaʊ̃/

The stress is on the last syllable: trai-ÇÃO.

Rima con

coração nação canção mão pão ação emoção razão

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ção' like 'shawn' or 'tion' in English. It must be nasal.
Forgetting the nasalization entirely, making it sound like 'trai-sao'.
Stress on the first syllable: TRAI-ção (Incorrect).
Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (as in 'red') instead of a tap 'r'.
Treating 'ai' as two separate syllables instead of a diphthong.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know the English 'tradition' or 'betrayal' context.

Escritura 4/5

Hard due to the '-ção' to '-ções' pluralization and the nasal spelling.

Expresión oral 5/5

Difficult due to the specific nasalization required for the 'ão' sound.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with 'tradição' if the listener is not attentive to the 'i'.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

amigo fiel segredo confiar mentira

Aprende después

lealdade perdoar vítima traidor consequência

Avanzado

perfídia aleivosia hermenêutica subversão conspiração

Gramática que debes saber

Nouns ending in -ção are usually feminine.

A traição, a canção, a nação.

Plural of -ção is usually -ções.

Uma traição -> duas traições.

Verbs ending in -ir like 'trair' are third conjugation.

Eu traio, tu trais, ele trai.

Direct object pronouns with 'trair'.

Ele a traiu (He betrayed her).

Preposition 'de' vs 'a' after traição.

A traição do segredo vs A traição ao rei.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

A traição do amigo foi ruim.

The betrayal of the friend was bad.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Não gosto de traição.

I don't like betrayal.

Direct object of the verb 'gostar de'.

Ela chorou por causa da traição.

She cried because of the betrayal.

Used with the phrase 'por causa de'.

A traição é um segredo revelado.

Betrayal is a revealed secret.

Definition-style sentence.

Isso é uma traição?

Is this a betrayal?

Simple question with 'isso'.

A traição dói muito.

Betrayal hurts a lot.

Verb 'doer' (to hurt) in the third person.

Ele perdoou a traição.

He forgave the betrayal.

Past tense of 'perdoar'.

A traição acabou com a amizade.

The betrayal ended the friendship.

Verb 'acabar com' (to end).

Houve uma traição na novela ontem.

There was a betrayal in the soap opera yesterday.

Use of 'haver' (there to be) in the past.

A traição amorosa é muito comum em músicas.

Romantic betrayal is very common in songs.

Adjective 'amorosa' modifying 'traição'.

Eles não esperavam tal traição.

They did not expect such betrayal.

Use of 'tal' (such) for emphasis.

A traição de confiança é difícil de esquecer.

The breach of trust is hard to forget.

Compound noun phrase 'traição de confiança'.

Ela descobriu a traição pelo celular.

She discovered the betrayal through the cell phone.

Preposition 'pelo' (by/through).

O cão nunca comete uma traição.

A dog never commits a betrayal.

Adverb of frequency 'nunca'.

A traição foi o motivo do divórcio.

Betrayal was the reason for the divorce.

Noun as the cause of an event.

Ninguém gosta de sofrer uma traição.

Nobody likes to suffer a betrayal.

Infinitive 'sofrer' after 'gostar de'.

A traição dos seus princípios custou-lhe o emprego.

The betrayal of his principles cost him his job.

Use of indirect object pronoun '-lhe'.

Existem várias formas de traição no mundo dos negócios.

There are several forms of betrayal in the business world.

Plural agreement 'várias formas'.

A traição foi planejada durante meses.

The betrayal was planned for months.

Passive voice 'foi planejada'.

Sentir-se vítima de uma traição é devastador.

Feeling like a victim of a betrayal is devastating.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se'.

A traição política abalou a confiança do povo.

The political betrayal shook the people's trust.

Verb 'abalar' (to shake/weaken).

Ela escreveu um livro sobre a traição que sofreu.

She wrote a book about the betrayal she suffered.

Relative clause 'que sofreu'.

O filme mostra as consequências de uma traição.

The movie shows the consequences of a betrayal.

Plural noun 'consequências'.

Muitas amizades terminam por causa de uma traição boba.

Many friendships end because of a silly betrayal.

Adjective 'boba' (silly/stupid).

O réu foi condenado por alta traição à pátria.

The defendant was convicted of high treason against the homeland.

Legal term 'alta traição'.

A traição de Judas é um tema central na Páscoa.

The betrayal of Judas is a central theme in Easter.

Historical/Religious reference.

Ele sentiu que a mudança de partido era uma traição aos eleitores.

He felt that the change of party was a betrayal of the voters.

Noun clause with 'que'.

A traição corporativa pode levar à falência de uma empresa.

Corporate betrayal can lead to the bankruptcy of a company.

Modal verb 'pode' (can/may).

Não há perdão para uma traição tão deliberada.

There is no forgiveness for such a deliberate betrayal.

Adjective 'deliberada' (intentional).

A traição foi o estopim para a guerra civil.

The betrayal was the fuse for the civil war.

Metaphorical use of 'estopim'.

Sua traição foi descoberta através de documentos vazados.

His betrayal was discovered through leaked documents.

Passive voice with 'através de'.

A traição intelectual é muitas vezes ignorada pela sociedade.

Intellectual betrayal is often ignored by society.

Adverbial phrase 'muitas vezes'.

A traição, sob a ótica maquiavélica, é um instrumento de poder.

Betrayal, from a Machiavellian perspective, is an instrument of power.

Complex prepositional phrase 'sob a ótica'.

O autor explora a traição como uma falha inerente à condição humana.

The author explores betrayal as an inherent flaw in the human condition.

Adjective 'inerente' (inherent).

A traição dos sentidos pode levar a percepções errôneas da realidade.

The betrayal of the senses can lead to erroneous perceptions of reality.

Abstract usage 'traição dos sentidos'.

Houve uma traição sistêmica dos valores democráticos.

There was a systemic betrayal of democratic values.

Adjective 'sistêmica' (systemic).

A narrativa é construída sobre uma sucessão de traições e reviravoltas.

The narrative is built upon a succession of betrayals and twists.

Noun 'reviravoltas' (twists/turns).

A traição de si mesmo é a forma mais amarga de arrependimento.

Betraying oneself is the bitterest form of regret.

Reflexive concept 'traição de si mesmo'.

A traição foi mitigada por um pedido de desculpas público.

The betrayal was mitigated by a public apology.

Verb 'mitigar' (to mitigate/soften).

Analisamos a traição como um fenômeno sociológico complexo.

We analyze betrayal as a complex sociological phenomenon.

Academic tone.

A traição, em sua essência ontológica, rompe a alteridade necessária à convivência.

Betrayal, in its ontological essence, ruptures the alterity necessary for coexistence.

High-level philosophical vocabulary.

A perfídia daquela traição ecoou por gerações na memória coletiva.

The perfidiousness of that betrayal echoed for generations in the collective memory.

Use of 'perfídia' as a synonym.

O bardo versou sobre a traição com uma melancolia quase palpável.

The bard sang of betrayal with an almost palpable melancholy.

Literary verb 'versar' (to write/sing about).

A traição hermenêutica do texto original desvirtuou sua mensagem.

The hermeneutic betrayal of the original text distorted its message.

Specialized academic term 'hermenêutica'.

Não se pode dissociar a traição da fragilidade dos vínculos afetivos modernos.

One cannot dissociate betrayal from the fragility of modern affective bonds.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A traição foi o catalisador de uma metamorfose política sem precedentes.

The betrayal was the catalyst for an unprecedented political metamorphosis.

Metaphorical use of 'catalisador' and 'metamorfose'.

A traição é o reverso tenebroso da moeda da lealdade incondicional.

Betrayal is the dark reverse side of the coin of unconditional loyalty.

Elaborate metaphor.

A traição, conquanto nefasta, revela as fissuras da estrutura social.

Betrayal, although nefarious, reveals the cracks in the social structure.

Conjunction 'conquanto' (although/even though).

Colocaciones comunes

alta traição

traição amorosa

traição de confiança

cometer uma traição

sofrer uma traição

descobrir uma traição

perdoar uma traição

traição política

vítima de traição

traição inesperada

Frases Comunes

Pagar com traição

— To return a favor or kindness with betrayal.

Eu o ajudei tanto, e ele me pagou com traição.

Traição não tem perdão

— A common saying expressing that betrayal is an unforgivable act.

Para mim, traição não tem perdão.

Cheirar a traição

— To suspect that a betrayal is about to happen or has happened.

Essa história toda está cheirando a traição.

Viver uma traição

— To be going through the experience of being betrayed.

Ela está vivendo uma traição difícil.

Cair em traição

— To be caught or trapped by a betrayal.

Ele caiu na traição dos seus próprios sócios.

Traição à pátria

— The specific crime of betraying one's country.

Ele foi acusado de traição à pátria.

Uma facada de traição

— Literally 'a stab of betrayal', used for a sudden, sharp betrayal.

Aquilo foi como uma facada de traição no peito.

O preço da traição

— The consequences or cost one pays for betraying someone.

Ele agora está pagando o preço da traição.

Ato de traição

— A specific instance or action that constitutes betrayal.

Aquele foi um claro ato de traição.

Sombra de traição

— A hint or suspicion that betrayal might exist.

Não havia nem uma sombra de traição entre eles.

Se confunde a menudo con

traição vs tradição

Similar sound, but means 'tradition'. A very common slip for beginners.

traição vs tração

Means 'traction' (like in a car or physics). Missing the 'i'.

traição vs traição (as a verb)

Learners try to use it as a verb. Use 'trair' instead.

Modismos y expresiones

"Dar uma facada nas costas"

— To betray someone who trusts you, often in a secret way.

Ele me deu uma facada nas costas ao contar meu segredo.

Informal

"Pular a cerca"

— Specifically used for romantic infidelity (cheating on a partner).

Dizem que ele andou pulando a cerca ultimamente.

Slang/Informal

"Vender-se por trinta moedas de prata"

— A biblical reference to Judas, meaning to betray someone for personal gain.

Ele se vendeu por trinta moedas de prata ao aceitar aquele suborno.

Literary/Religious

"Dormir com o inimigo"

— To be close to or in a relationship with someone who is betraying you.

Ela não sabia que estava dormindo com o inimigo.

Informal

"Ser um Judas"

— To be a traitor.

Não confie nele, ele é um verdadeiro Judas.

Informal

"Lavar as mãos"

— While from Pilate, it's often used when someone allows a betrayal to happen without intervening.

Diante da traição, ele simplesmente lavou as mãos.

Common

"Trocar seis por meia dúzia"

— Sometimes used when a betrayal leads to no real gain, just a different bad situation.

A traição dele foi trocar seis por meia dúzia.

Informal

"Fazer jogo duplo"

— To act as a double agent or to betray both sides by pretending to support both.

Ele foi pego fazendo jogo duplo e traição.

Neutral

"Cuspir no prato que comeu"

— To betray or show ingratitude toward someone who helped you.

Trair o chefe que o promoveu é cuspir no prato que comeu.

Informal

"Armar uma cilada"

— To set a trap, often involving a betrayal of trust to lure someone in.

A traição foi parte de uma cilada bem armada.

Common

Fácil de confundir

traição vs traidor

Both relate to betrayal.

Traição is the act (noun), traidor is the person (noun/adjective).

A traição foi feita pelo traidor.

traição vs traiçoeiro

Similar root.

Traiçoeiro is an adjective meaning treacherous or deceptive.

O caminho era traiçoeiro.

traição vs infidelidade

Often used as synonyms.

Infidelidade is specifically about faith or romantic loyalty; traição is broader.

A infidelidade dele foi uma traição.

traição vs deslealdade

Similar meaning.

Deslealdade is often a passive lack of loyalty; traição is an active breach.

Sua deslealdade levou à traição final.

traição vs mentira

Both involve deception.

A mentira (lie) is a false statement; a traição (betrayal) is a broken trust.

Uma mentira pode ser o início de uma traição.

Patrones de oraciones

A traição é [adjective].

A traição é ruim.

Eu não gosto de [noun].

Eu não gosto de traição.

Ele cometeu uma traição contra [person].

Ele cometeu uma traição contra o irmão.

A traição foi causada por [reason].

A traição foi causada por ganância.

Apesar da traição, eles [action].

Apesar da traição, eles continuaram amigos.

Não se pode ignorar a traição de [concept].

Não se pode ignorar a traição de valores.

A traição é vista como [abstract concept].

A traição é vista como a antítese da honra.

Sob a máscara da amizade, escondia-se a traição.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

traição (betrayal)

traidor (traitor)

traidora (female traitor)

Verbos

trair (to betray)

Adjetivos

traiçoeiro (treacherous/deceptive)

traído (betrayed)

traidor (traitorous)

Relacionado

fidelidade

lealdade

engano

mentira

conspiração

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life, media, and literature.

Errores comunes

O traição → A traição
The word is feminine, even though it ends in -ão. This is a common error for Spanish and English speakers.
Eu fiz uma trair → Eu cometi uma traição
Don't use the verb 'trair' as a noun. Use 'traição' for the noun and 'cometer' as the action verb.
Traiçãos → Traições
The plural of words ending in -ção is almost always -ções. 'Traiçãos' is not a word.
Traição de país → Traição à pátria
While 'traição de país' is understandable, the fixed expression for treason is 'traição à pátria' or 'alta traição'.
Tradição (when meaning betrayal) → Traição
Confusing these two words because of their similar sound and shared Latin root.

Consejos

Feminine Agreement

Always remember 'traição' is feminine. Say 'a traição' and 'uma traição'. If you use an adjective, it must be feminine: 'traição amarga'.

The Nasal Sound

To master 'ção', try saying 'sang' without touching the back of your throat with your tongue at the end. Let the air escape through your nose.

Traição vs. Tradição

Keep them straight! 'Trai-' (like 'trair') is betrayal. 'Tradi-' (like 'tradition') is tradition. One is a stab, the other is a gift.

The Weight of the Word

In Portuguese, 'traição' is a very heavy word. Don't use it for small things like a friend forgetting to call you back, or you'll sound too dramatic.

Plural Pattern

Most words ending in '-ção' follow the same plural pattern: '-ções'. Learning 'traições' helps you with 'nações', 'estações', and 'ações'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'novela' or 'música', the 'traição' mentioned is almost certainly about a romantic affair.

Verbs to Use

Combine 'traição' with 'cometer' (to commit) for the person doing it, and 'sofrer' (to suffer) for the person receiving it.

Slang Alternative

In very informal settings with friends, use 'trairagem' to sound more like a native speaker when complaining about a minor betrayal.

High Treason

In formal history or news, 'alta traição' is the term you will see for political crimes against the nation.

The 'I' is the Knife

Think of the 'i' in 'traição' as a knife stabbing the trust. Without the 'i', it's just 'tração' (traction). The 'i' makes it a betrayal.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'TR-AI-ÇÃO'. 'TR' like a TRap, 'AI' like the sound of pain, and 'ÇÃO' like the end of 'shun'. A TRap that causes AI (pain) leads to being SHUNned.

Asociación visual

Imagine a person holding a knife behind their back while smiling and shaking someone's hand. The knife represents the 'traição'.

Word Web

infidelidade mentira Judas segredo quebra de confiança deslealdade perfídia traidor

Desafío

Try to use 'traição' in a sentence about a movie you watched recently. Then, try to use its plural form 'traições' to describe a historical event.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin word 'traditio, -onis', which originally meant 'handing over' or 'delivery'.

Significado original: In Latin, 'traditio' could mean the delivery of an object, the passing down of knowledge (tradition), or the handing over of a person to an enemy (betrayal).

Romance (Latinate).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using this word in personal conversations; it is very strong and can escalate an argument quickly. Use 'deslealdade' or 'falta de consideração' if you want to be less aggressive.

In English, we often distinguish between 'betrayal' (personal) and 'treason' (political). In Portuguese, 'traição' covers both concepts, though 'alta traição' is used for the latter.

A traição de Judas Iscariotes A traição de Joaquim Silvério dos Reis (Inconfidência Mineira) O livro 'Dom Casmurro' de Machado de Assis (the famous debate over Capitu's traição)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Romantic Relationships

Ele a traiu
Houve traição
Infidelidade conjugal
Descobrir uma traição

Politics

Alta traição
Traição ao partido
Voto de traição
Traidor da pátria

Friendship

Traição de amigo
Facada nas costas
Quebra de confiança
Revelar segredo

Literature/Movies

O tema da traição
Reviravolta de traição
O vilão cometeu traição
Personagem traído

History

Atos de traição
Conspiração e traição
Traição histórica
O preço da traição

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que uma traição pode ser perdoada em um relacionamento?"

"Qual é a maior traição que um amigo pode cometer contra outro?"

"Você já assistiu a algum filme onde a traição foi o ponto principal da história?"

"Na sua opinião, por que as pessoas cometem traição mesmo sabendo das consequências?"

"Como você reagiria se descobrisse uma traição no seu ambiente de trabalho?"

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre uma vez que você se sentiu traído por alguém ou por uma situação.

Reflita sobre a diferença entre um erro honesto e uma traição deliberada.

Como a sociedade deve punir atos de alta traição contra o país?

Descreva um personagem fictício que comete uma traição e explique suas motivações.

A lealdade é sempre melhor que a traição, ou existem casos onde trair é necessário?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

In almost all social and moral contexts, yes, it is viewed negatively. However, in literature, a 'traição' might be framed as a necessary act for a greater good, though the word itself remains heavy with negative connotation.

The verb is 'trair'. For example, 'Ele me traiu' (He betrayed me). Remember that the conjugation changes in the present: 'Eu traio'.

Yes, metaphorically. You can say 'A traição da memória' (The betrayal of memory) when you forget something important.

'Traição' is the general term in Portuguese. In English, 'treason' is specifically for crimes against the state. In Portuguese, you specify this as 'alta traição' or 'traição à pátria'.

Yes, very often. When a player or coach leaves for a rival team, fans often call it a 'traição'.

It sounds like 'trai-SOINS'. The 'ões' is a nasal sound similar to the 'on' in the French word 'bon' but with a slight 'y' or 'i' sound before the nasal closure.

Yes, 'trairagem' is a very common informal way to refer to a betrayal or a 'dirty move'.

Usually, we use 'colar' (to glue/cheat) for tests. 'Traição' would be too strong unless you are betraying a pact with a friend not to cheat.

It translates to 'breach of trust'. It is used when someone uses their position of trust to take advantage of another.

Because of the biblical story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus. It is the ultimate cultural symbol of betrayal in Portuguese-speaking countries.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas