assustado en 30 secondes
- Assustado means scared or frightened (masculine singular).
- Used to describe a feeling of fear or alarm.
- Agrees in gender and number with the person feeling fear.
- Commonly used with verbs 'estar' and 'ficar'.
Understanding 'Assustado'
The Portuguese word 'assustado' is an adjective that translates directly to 'scared' or 'frightened' in English. It describes a state of feeling fear or alarm. This word is widely used in everyday conversation to express a reaction to something perceived as dangerous, surprising, or unsettling. It's a common adjective to describe how someone feels when they experience a sudden shock or a sustained sense of fear.
'Assustado' is the masculine singular form. If you're referring to a female person, you would use 'assustada'. For plural forms, it becomes 'assustados' (masculine plural) or 'assustadas' (feminine plural). This grammatical variation is crucial for accurate communication in Portuguese. For instance, if a boy is scared, he is 'assustado'. If a girl is scared, she is 'assustada'. A group of boys or a mixed group of boys and girls who are scared would be 'assustados'. A group of only girls who are scared would be 'assustadas'.
The intensity of the fear can vary. 'Assustado' can range from mild surprise and nervousness to intense terror. The context of the sentence or situation usually clarifies the degree of fear being expressed. For example, a child might be 'assustado' by a loud noise, while an adult might be 'assustado' by a dangerous situation. It's a versatile word that captures a fundamental human emotion.
You'll hear 'assustado' used in many different scenarios. Imagine a movie scene where a character suddenly encounters something frightening, or a child who is startled by a sudden bang. In these instances, describing them as 'assustado' is perfectly natural. It can also be used metaphorically, though less commonly, to describe something that appears daunting or intimidating. However, its primary and most frequent use is to denote the emotion of fear.
Consider the nuances. While 'assustado' means scared, the specific reason for the fear can be implied by the surrounding words. Was it a ghost? A sudden event? An animal? The context provides these details. It's important to remember that this adjective modifies a noun, so it must agree in gender and number with the person or thing it describes. This agreement is a fundamental aspect of Portuguese grammar and ensures clarity and correctness in speech and writing.
Learning 'assustado' is a great step in understanding how to express emotions in Portuguese. It's a high-frequency word that will appear often in your learning journey, from beginner dialogues to more complex narratives. Pay attention to its gender and number agreement, and you'll be able to use it confidently in your own sentences.
- Gender and Number
- Masculine Singular: assustado (e.g., O menino está assustado.)
Feminine Singular: assustada (e.g., A menina está assustada.)
Masculine Plural: assustados (e.g., Os meninos estão assustados.)
Feminine Plural: assustadas (e.g., As meninas estão assustadas.)
O cão ficou assustado com o trovão.
Constructing Sentences with 'Assustado'
Using 'assustado' correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and its agreement with the noun it modifies. The most common verb to pair with 'assustado' is 'estar' (to be), which describes a temporary state or condition. This is because fear is often a reaction to a specific event or situation, making it a transient feeling.
For example, if someone sees a spider and feels scared, they would say: 'Eu estou assustado.' (I am scared.) Here, 'assustado' agrees with 'Eu' (I), assuming the speaker is male. If the speaker were female, it would be 'Eu estou assustada.' This demonstrates the gender agreement. When referring to multiple people, the plural form is used: 'Nós estamos assustados.' (We are scared.)
'Assustado' can also be used with the verb 'ficar' (to become or to get), which emphasizes the change in state. For instance, 'O gato ficou assustado com o barulho.' (The cat got scared by the noise.) This highlights the transition from a non-scared state to a scared one. Similar to 'estar', 'ficar' also requires agreement: 'A menina ficou assustada.' (The girl got scared.)
In some contexts, 'ser' (to be) might be used, but this is less common for describing the emotion of being scared and more for inherent characteristics. However, in idiomatic expressions or when describing someone whose nature is timid or easily frightened, 'ser' might appear, though it's rare for the direct emotion. For instance, 'Ele é um menino assustado' could imply he is generally a timid boy, not just scared at that moment.
When 'assustado' describes the state of an object or a situation, it still needs to agree in gender and number. For example, 'O filme foi assustador' (The movie was scary) uses the adjective 'assustador' (masculine singular form of 'assustar', meaning scary), which is derived from the verb 'assustar' (to scare). However, if you're describing something that *is* scary, you'd use 'assustador'. If you're describing something that *became* scary or *is perceived as* scary in a moment, the context might shift. But for the feeling of being scared, 'assustado' is the key word.
Let's look at more sentence structures. You can use prepositions to add more detail: 'Ele olhou para trás, assustado com o som.' (He looked back, scared by the sound.) The phrase 'assustado com' (scared by/with) is very common. Another example: 'A criança estava assustada debaixo da cama.' (The child was scared under the bed.) Here, 'assustada de' (scared of) is used, although 'assustada com' is also possible depending on the specific nuance.
The position of the adjective can also matter. Typically, descriptive adjectives like 'assustado' follow the noun they modify. 'Vi um homem assustado na rua.' (I saw a scared man on the street.) However, in more poetic or emphatic contexts, it could precede the noun, but this is less standard for everyday speech.
Mastering the agreement of 'assustado' with the subject (and thus the verb's conjugation) is paramount. Always consider the gender and number of the person or people experiencing the fear. Practice constructing sentences with different subjects and verbs like 'estar' and 'ficar' to solidify your understanding.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Estar (to be): Describes a current state of being scared.
Ex: O menino está assustado.
Ficar (to become/get): Describes the process of becoming scared.
Ex: Ele ficou assustado com a notícia.
O barulho repentino deixou o bebê assustado.
Real-World Usage of 'Assustado'
You will encounter the word 'assustado' frequently in everyday Portuguese conversations, especially in contexts involving children, animals, or surprising events. It's a fundamental word for expressing a common human emotion.
Children's Stories and Media: In children's books, cartoons, and movies, characters often get scared. You'll hear descriptions like: 'O ursinho ficou assustado com o escuro.' (The little bear got scared by the dark.) or 'A menina estava assustada com o monstro.' (The girl was scared of the monster.) This is a prime environment for encountering the word.
News Reports: When reporting on incidents that cause fear or alarm, journalists use 'assustado'. For example: 'Os moradores ficaram assustados com o terremoto.' (The residents were scared by the earthquake.) or 'O motorista ficou assustado após o acidente.' (The driver was scared after the accident.)
Personal Anecdotes: People often share personal experiences where they felt fear. You might hear friends say: 'Eu fiquei assustado quando ouvi aquele barulho estranho.' (I got scared when I heard that strange noise.) or 'Ele estava assustado com a possibilidade de perder o emprego.' (He was scared by the possibility of losing his job.)
Animal Behavior: Describing the reactions of pets or wildlife commonly involves 'assustado'. For instance: 'O cachorro correu para debaixo da cama, assustado com os fogos de artifício.' (The dog ran under the bed, scared by the fireworks.) or 'Os pássaros ficaram assustados e voaram para longe.' (The birds got scared and flew away.)
Movie and Theater: In dialogues for films, plays, or even describing a performance, 'assustado' is used. An actor might deliver a line like: 'Não me assuste, estou muito assustado!' (Don't scare me, I'm very scared!)
Everyday Interactions: Even in casual settings, the word pops up. If someone is startled by a sudden movement or a jump scare, they might exclaim, 'Nossa, fiquei assustado!' (Wow, I got scared!).
The key is to listen for situations where someone is reacting to something perceived as threatening, surprising, or alarming. The gender and number agreement will also be evident in these real-world examples, helping you internalize the correct forms.
- Common Triggers for Fear
- Loud noises (barulhos altos), unexpected events (eventos inesperados), scary stories (histórias assustadoras), darkness (escuridão), animals (animais), danger (perigo).
O susto deixou o homem visivelmente assustado.
Avoiding Pitfalls with 'Assustado'
While 'assustado' is a straightforward adjective, learners can make a few common mistakes, primarily related to grammatical agreement and choosing the right verb.
1. Incorrect Gender and Number Agreement: This is the most frequent error. Portuguese adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). If you say 'Eu estou assustado' when you are female, it's incorrect. The correct form is 'Eu estou assustada.' Similarly, if a group of women are scared, it's 'Elas estão assustadas,' not 'assustados'.
2. Misusing 'Ser' vs. 'Estar': As mentioned, fear is typically a temporary state, making 'estar' the preferred verb. Using 'ser' can sound unnatural or imply a permanent characteristic of being timid. For example, 'Ele é assustado' might be understood as 'He is a timid person,' but if you mean he is scared *right now*, you must say 'Ele está assustado.'
3. Confusing 'Assustado' with 'Assustador': 'Assustado' means 'scared' (the person feeling fear). 'Assustador' means 'scary' (something that causes fear). So, 'O filme é assustador' (The movie is scary), but 'Eu fiquei assustado com o filme' (I got scared by the movie). Mixing these up leads to incorrect meanings.
4. Overlooking the Cause of Fear: While not strictly an error in using 'assustado' itself, learners might omit the preposition that clarifies *why* someone is scared. Phrases like 'assustado com' (scared with/by) or 'assustado de' (scared of) are important for complete sentences. For instance, 'Ele está assustado' is grammatically correct but less informative than 'Ele está assustado com o barulho.'
5. Incorrect Pluralization: Forgetting to change the ending for plural forms is another common issue. If you are talking about two or more people, you need the plural 'assustados' or 'assustadas'. Saying 'Eles está assustado' instead of 'Eles estão assustados' is a grammatical error.
To avoid these mistakes, always: 1. Identify the gender and number of the subject. 2. Choose the appropriate verb ('estar' for current state, 'ficar' for change of state). 3. Distinguish between 'assustado' (feeling fear) and 'assustador' (causing fear). 4. Practice using the correct prepositions to link the fear to its cause. Consistent practice and reviewing grammar rules will help you master these nuances.
- Common Error Examples
- Incorrect: Ela está assustado.
Correct: Ela está assustada.
Incorrect: O filme é assustado.
Correct: O filme é assustador.
Incorrect: Os meninos é assustado.
Correct: Os meninos estão assustados.
The boy was assustado with the loud noise.
Exploring Synonyms and Related Terms
While 'assustado' is the most common word for 'scared', Portuguese offers several other words and phrases that convey similar meanings, often with slightly different nuances or registers. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise expression.
- 'Assustado' vs. 'Amedrontado'
- 'Amedrontado' (masculine singular) is a close synonym for 'assustado'. It also means 'scared' or 'frightened'. Often, 'amedrontado' can imply a slightly deeper or more prolonged sense of fear, perhaps induced by intimidation or a serious threat. While interchangeable in many contexts, 'assustado' is generally more common for sudden frights or general fear, whereas 'amedrontado' might be used for someone who is intimidated or fearful due to a specific oppressive situation or person. Both require gender and number agreement (amedrontada, amedrontados, amedrontadas).
- 'Assustado' vs. 'Aterrorizado'
- 'Aterrorizado' (masculine singular) signifies a much stronger level of fear – terror. If 'assustado' is like being startled or worried, 'aterrorizado' is being terrified. This word is used for extreme fear, often in situations of genuine danger or horror. For example, someone who witnessed a violent crime might be 'aterrorizado', whereas someone who heard a loud bang might simply be 'assustado'. It also requires agreement (aterrorizada, aterrorizados, aterrorizadas).
- 'Assustado' vs. 'Envergonhado'
- 'Envergonhado' (masculine singular) means 'embarrassed' or 'ashamed'. This is a common point of confusion for learners because both 'assustado' and 'envergonhado' can describe a reaction to a situation, but the emotion is completely different. One is fear, the other is social discomfort. A person might be 'assustado' by a ghost, but 'envergonhado' if they trip in front of others.
- 'Assustado' vs. 'Preocupado'
- 'Preocupado' (masculine singular) means 'worried'. Worry is a form of anxiety about the future or about potential problems, which can sometimes overlap with fear, but it's generally less intense and more focused on anticipation than immediate reaction. Someone might be 'preocupado' about an upcoming exam, and if they imagine failing, they might become 'assustado' about the consequences.
- 'Assustado' vs. 'Apavorado'
- 'Apavorado' (masculine singular) is another strong synonym for being terrified, similar to 'aterrorizado'. It denotes extreme fear and panic. It's used for situations that inspire great dread and shock.
- Phrasal Alternatives
- You can also express being scared using phrases like 'ter medo de' (to have fear of). For example, 'Eu tenho medo de aranhas' (I am afraid of spiders). If someone is scared at a particular moment, they might say 'Estou com medo' (I am with fear), which is similar to 'estar assustado'.
When choosing a word, consider the intensity of the emotion and the specific context. 'Assustado' is your go-to for general fear, while 'amedrontado' implies a slightly more subdued or intimidated fear, and 'aterrorizado' or 'apavorado' are for extreme terror.
O filme de terror deixou a plateia assustada.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The verb 'assustar' has been in Portuguese since at least the 13th century. Its roots trace back to the Latin 'exterrēre', meaning 'to frighten greatly' or 'to frighten away'. The prefix 'ex-' implies something coming from outside, and 'terrēre' relates to terror.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's' sound instead of 'sh'.
- Incorrectly stressing the final syllable instead of the second-to-last.
- Adding an extra vowel sound after the final 'o', making it sound like 'doo-uh'.
Niveau de difficulté
At the A2 CEFR level, understanding 'assustado' in simple sentences is expected. Recognizing its gender and number agreement and its common use with 'estar' and 'ficar' is key. Texts might include basic descriptions of emotions.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Agreement of Adjectives
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For 'assustado', this means changing the ending: assustado (m. sg.), assustada (f. sg.), assustados (m. pl.), assustadas (f. pl.).
Use of 'Estar' for Temporary States
The verb 'estar' is used to describe temporary conditions or emotions. Since fear is usually a temporary state, 'estar assustado' is very common. Example: 'Eu estou assustado agora.'
Use of 'Ficar' for Change of State
'Ficar' often indicates a change from one state to another. 'Ficar assustado' means to become scared. Example: 'O barulho o fez ficar assustado.'
Prepositions with Adjectives
Adjectives often combine with prepositions to specify the cause or object of the feeling. 'Assustado com' (scared by) and 'assustado de' (scared of) are common. Example: 'Ele está assustado com a notícia.'
Past Participles as Adjectives
'Assustado' is the past participle of the verb 'assustar' used as an adjective. This is common for expressing states resulting from an action. Example: 'O susto o deixou assustado.'
Exemples par niveau
O cão está assustado.
The dog is scared.
Basic sentence structure with 'estar' and the adjective 'assustado' agreeing with the masculine singular noun 'cão'.
A menina ficou assustada.
The girl got scared.
'Assustada' is the feminine singular form, agreeing with 'menina'. 'Ficar' indicates a change of state.
Eu estou assustado.
I am scared. (male speaker)
First-person singular, masculine form. 'Estou' is the first-person singular of 'estar'.
O barulho foi assustador.
The noise was scary.
'Assustador' is the adjective form meaning 'scary', derived from the verb 'assustar'.
Não fique assustado.
Don't get scared.
Imperative mood, negative form. 'Assustado' agrees with the implied subject 'você' (singular, informal).
Ele viu um fantasma assustado.
He saw a scared ghost.
Here, 'assustado' describes the ghost. This is a less common usage, implying the ghost itself is fearful.
Os gatos estão assustados.
The cats are scared.
Plural masculine form 'assustados' agreeing with 'gatos'.
A noite estava assustadora.
The night was scary.
'Assustadora' is the feminine singular form of 'assustador', agreeing with 'noite'.
O menino ficou assustado com o trovão.
The boy got scared by the thunder.
Uses 'ficar' to show the change of state and 'com' to indicate the cause of fear.
Ela estava assustada com a sombra na parede.
She was scared by the shadow on the wall.
'Assustada' (feminine singular) agrees with 'ela'. 'Com' specifies the source of fear.
Os cachorros ficaram assustados com os fogos de artifício.
The dogs got scared by the fireworks.
'Assustados' (masculine plural) agrees with 'cachorros'. 'Com' indicates the cause.
Ele se sentiu assustado na floresta escura.
He felt scared in the dark forest.
Uses the reflexive verb 'sentir-se' (to feel oneself) combined with 'assustado'.
A notícia o deixou assustado.
The news left him scared.
'Deixar' (to leave) is used here to describe the effect of the news on him. 'Assustado' agrees with 'ele'.
As crianças estavam assustadas de ficar sozinhas.
The children were scared of being alone.
'Assustadas' (feminine plural) agrees with 'crianças'. 'De' is used here to indicate the reason for being scared.
Não fique assustado, é apenas um filme.
Don't be scared, it's just a movie.
Imperative negative command. 'Assustado' agrees with the implied subject 'você'.
O barulho repentino me deixou assustado.
The sudden noise left me scared.
'Me' is the direct object pronoun. 'Assustado' agrees with the implied subject 'eu' (male speaker).
O homem parecia assustado com a situação inesperada.
The man seemed scared by the unexpected situation.
'Parecer' (to seem) is used, followed by the adjective 'assustado' agreeing with 'homem'.
Ela ficou amedrontada com a ameaça do agressor.
She became frightened by the aggressor's threat.
Uses the synonym 'amedrontada' (feminine singular) which implies a slightly deeper fear due to intimidation.
Os turistas ficaram assustados com a possibilidade de um assalto.
The tourists were scared by the possibility of a robbery.
'Assustados' (masculine plural) agrees with 'turistas'. 'Com' introduces the cause of fear.
A criança chorou, assustada com o escuro do quarto.
The child cried, scared by the darkness of the room.
A participial phrase is used: 'assustada' (feminine singular) modifies 'criança'.
Ele admitiu que estava assustado com a entrevista de emprego.
He admitted that he was scared about the job interview.
Uses 'admitir que' (to admit that) and 'estar assustado com' to express fear about a future event.
As autoridades ficaram apreensivas, mas não assustadas.
The authorities became apprehensive, but not scared.
Contrasts 'assustado' with 'apreensivo' (apprehensive), showing a nuanced emotional state.
O silêncio na casa o deixou profundamente assustado.
The silence in the house left him deeply scared.
Adverb 'profundamente' (deeply) intensifies the feeling of being scared.
Apesar do susto, ele não ficou assustado por muito tempo.
Despite the scare, he wasn't scared for long.
Uses the noun 'susto' (scare) and contrasts the temporary nature of being 'assustado'.
Ele se sentiu acuado e assustado diante da pressão exercida.
He felt cornered and scared by the pressure exerted.
Combines 'assustado' with 'acuar-se' (to feel cornered), describing a complex emotional response.
Apesar de sua bravura aparente, ele estava secretamente assustado.
Despite his apparent bravery, he was secretly scared.
Contrasts outward appearance ('bravura aparente') with inner feeling ('secretamente assustado').
O clima de incerteza deixou todos os funcionários apreensivos e, em alguns casos, assustados.
The climate of uncertainty left all employees apprehensive and, in some cases, scared.
Describes a collective emotional state influenced by external factors, using 'assustados' in plural.
A reação exagerada da criança a um pequeno inseto era notavelmente assustada.
The child's exaggerated reaction to a small insect was notably fearful.
Uses 'notavelmente' (notably) to describe the degree of fear. 'Assustada' agrees with 'reação' (feminine singular, implied subject of being fearful).
Ele tentou manter a calma, mas o olhar do interrogador o deixou visivelmente assustado.
He tried to remain calm, but the interrogator's gaze left him visibly scared.
'Visivelmente' (visibly) modifies 'assustado', indicating an observable fear.
A notícia do colapso financeiro a deixou apavorada, não apenas assustada.
The news of the financial collapse left her terrified, not just scared.
Differentiates between 'assustada' and the stronger 'apavorada' (terrified).
O silêncio sepulcral na sala de autópsia o fez sentir-se verdadeiramente assustado.
The deathly silence in the autopsy room made him feel truly scared.
Uses descriptive language ('silêncio sepulcral') and 'verdadeiramente' (truly) to emphasize the feeling of being scared.
Ele se viu encurralado, assustado e sem saber como reagir à situação.
He found himself cornered, scared, and not knowing how to react to the situation.
A series of adjectives and phrases describing a state of helplessness and fear.
O espectador, imerso na atmosfera do filme, sentiu-se genuinamente assustado com as reviravoltas inesperadas.
The viewer, immersed in the film's atmosphere, felt genuinely scared by the unexpected twists.
Complex sentence structure with participial phrase ('imerso na atmosfera') and adverb ('genuinamente') modifying the feeling of being scared.
Apesar de sua formação em psicologia, ele não conseguia disfarçar o quão assustado estava com o comportamento errático do paciente.
Despite his psychology background, he couldn't hide how scared he was by the patient's erratic behavior.
Uses 'quão assustado estava' (how scared he was) to express the degree of fear, contrasting it with his professional background.
O silêncio que se seguiu à pergunta deixou o interrogado visivelmente acuado e assustado.
The silence that followed the question left the interrogated person visibly cornered and scared.
Employs a subordinate clause ('que se seguiu à pergunta') and describes a nuanced emotional state ('acuado e assustado').
A fragilidade da situação o deixou em um estado de apreensão constante, um medo que beirava o assustado.
The fragility of the situation left him in a state of constant apprehension, a fear that bordered on scared.
Uses figurative language ('medo que beirava o assustado') to describe a subtle but persistent fear.
Apesar de sua reputação de destemido, o alpinista confessou ter ficado assustado com a avalanche repentina.
Despite his reputation as fearless, the mountaineer confessed to having been scared by the sudden avalanche.
Contrasts reputation ('destemido') with actual experience ('ficado assustado'), using the perfect infinitive 'ter ficado'.
O ambiente opressor e a falta de comunicação criaram um clima em que todos se sentiam, em maior ou menor grau, assustados.
The oppressive atmosphere and lack of communication created a climate where everyone felt, to a greater or lesser extent, scared.
Describes a widespread feeling of fear within a group, using 'em maior ou menor grau' (to a greater or lesser extent).
A história de fantasmas, contada com detalhes vívidos, deixou as crianças genuinamente assustadas.
The ghost story, told with vivid details, left the children genuinely scared.
Uses an adverbial phrase ('contada com detalhes vívidos') to describe the storytelling and 'genuinamente assustadas' for the children's reaction.
O homem, vendo-se encurralado pelas circunstâncias, experimentou um terror que o fez sentir-se completamente assustado.
The man, finding himself cornered by circumstances, experienced a terror that made him feel completely scared.
Uses a participial phrase ('vendo-se encurralado') and emphasizes the intensity of fear with 'terror' and 'completamente assustado'.
A atmosfera de suspense que o diretor construiu meticulosamente deixou o público em um estado de apreensão palpável, beirando o pânico, mas contendo-se em um medo mais contido, o de estar genuinamente assustado.
The atmosphere of suspense that the director meticulously built left the audience in a state of palpable apprehension, bordering on panic, but contained within a more subdued fear, that of being genuinely scared.
Highly complex sentence with multiple clauses, sophisticated vocabulary ('meticulosamente', 'palpável', 'apreensão'), and nuanced description of fear.
O receio de que a crise econômica se aprofundasse o assombrava, transformando o medo inicial em uma angústia quase paralisante, um estado em que ele se sentia perpetuamente assustado.
The fear that the economic crisis would deepen haunted him, transforming the initial fear into an almost paralyzing anguish, a state in which he felt perpetually scared.
Employs advanced vocabulary ('receio', 'assombrava', 'angústia paralisante', 'perpetuamente') to describe a profound and ongoing state of fear.
Diante da imensidão do universo e da insignificância da existência humana, o filósofo confessou sentir um temor cósmico, uma vertigem existencial que o deixava assustado com a própria condição.
Faced with the immensity of the universe and the insignificance of human existence, the philosopher confessed to feeling a cosmic dread, an existential vertigo that left him scared of his own condition.
Uses philosophical concepts ('temor cósmico', 'vertigem existencial') to describe a profound and abstract form of fear.
O desenrolar dos eventos, cada vez mais sombrios e imprevisíveis, corroía sua confiança, deixando-o em um estado de alerta constante, um assustado latente pronto para explodir.
The unfolding of events, increasingly dark and unpredictable, eroded his confidence, leaving him in a state of constant alert, a latent scared person ready to explode.
Metaphorical language ('corroía sua confiança', 'assustado latente') to describe a deeply ingrained and volatile fear.
Ela, que sempre fora considerada destemida, revelou em terapia que, em momentos de solidão extrema, sentia-se assustada pela própria sombra, um medo irracional e profundo.
She, who had always been considered fearless, revealed in therapy that, in moments of extreme solitude, she felt scared by her own shadow, an irrational and deep fear.
Highlights a contrast between public perception and private reality, using 'irracional e profundo' to qualify the fear.
O eco das notícias sobre a instabilidade política ressoava em sua mente, alimentando um temor persistente que o deixava assustado com o futuro de sua nação.
The echo of news about political instability resonated in his mind, fueling a persistent dread that left him scared for his nation's future.
Uses evocative language ('eco das notícias', 'ressoava em sua mente', 'temor persistente') to describe a nationalistic fear.
A obra de arte, com sua representação perturbadora da condição humana, evocava no observador um sentimento de melancolia profunda e um medo quase existencial, um ser assustado perante o abismo.
The artwork, with its disturbing representation of the human condition, evoked in the observer a feeling of deep melancholy and an almost existential fear, a scared being facing the abyss.
Analyzes the impact of art on emotions, using sophisticated terms like 'perturbadora', 'melancolia profunda', and 'medo existencial'.
Ele se viu em uma encruzilhada existencial, onde a incerteza do caminho a seguir o assustava mais do que qualquer perigo concreto, um assustado inerente à própria busca por significado.
He found himself at an existential crossroads, where the uncertainty of the path ahead scared him more than any concrete danger, a scaredness inherent in the very search for meaning.
Explores the fear associated with existential uncertainty and the search for meaning, using 'encruzilhada existencial' and 'assustado inerente'.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— I am scared. (Used by a male speaker or when gender is unspecified/mixed).
Estou assustado com o filme que estamos vendo.
— Scared to death. (An idiom for extreme fear).
Ele estava assustado de morte com a ideia de voar.
Souvent confondu avec
'Assustador' means 'scary' (causing fear), while 'assustado' means 'scared' (feeling fear). They are related but describe different aspects of fear. Example: 'O filme é assustador' (The movie is scary), but 'Eu fiquei assustado com o filme' (I got scared by the movie).
'Envergonhado' means 'embarrassed'. It's crucial not to confuse this emotion with fear ('assustado'). Someone might be embarrassed by a mistake or scared by a loud noise.
'Amedrontado' is a synonym for 'assustado', but it can sometimes imply a deeper or more intimidated fear. While largely interchangeable, 'assustado' is more common for general frights.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Extremely scared; terrified. This idiom emphasizes the highest level of fear, as if one's life is in danger.
Quando o carro derrapou na estrada gelada, ficamos assustados de morte.
Informal— To be startled or have a fright. While not directly using 'assustado', it describes the event that causes someone to become 'assustado'.
Eu levei um susto quando a porta abriu de repente.
Informal— To die of fear. Similar to 'assustado de morte', this idiom signifies extreme terror.
Ela estava morrendo de medo de falar em público.
Informal— To have a nagging suspicion or doubt that causes unease, making someone a bit worried or slightly scared.
Aquele comentário estranho dele me deixou com a pulga atrás da orelha.
Informal— To be extremely scared or shocked; to have one's hair stand on end.
A história de terror que ele contou me deixou de cabelo em pé.
Informal— To have a shiver, often from fear, cold, or excitement. It can be a physical manifestation of being scared.
Quando ouvi o som estranho, tive um calafrio.
Neutral— Literally 'to freeze the blood in the veins'. This idiom describes a feeling of intense fear or dread.
A visão do perigo iminente fez o sangue gelar nas suas veias.
Figurative/Literary— To shatter someone's nerves; to make someone extremely nervous or scared.
A espera longa e incerta pôs os nervos dele em frangalhos.
Figurative— To turn pale. Often a physical reaction to being very scared or shocked.
Ele ficou pálido ao ver o acidente.
Descriptive— Shivering to the bone; extremely scared or disturbed.
A cena do filme o deixou arrepiado até a medula.
FigurativeFacile à confondre
Similar root and meaning to 'assustador'.
'Assustado' is the adjective describing the person who *feels* fear (e.g., 'He is scared'). 'Assustador' is the adjective describing something that *causes* fear (e.g., 'The movie is scary'). They are different grammatical forms and have distinct meanings.
O palhaço assustou as crianças. As crianças ficaram assustadas. O filme de terror era assustador.
Can be confused with emotions related to social discomfort or worry.
'Assustado' specifically denotes fear or fright. 'Envergonhado' means embarrassed, and 'preocupado' means worried. While all describe negative emotional states, the cause and intensity differ significantly. Fear is a reaction to perceived danger; embarrassment is social discomfort; worry is anxiety about future events.
Ele ficou assustado com o barulho. Ele ficou envergonhado quando tropeçou. Ele está preocupado com a prova.
Similar meaning to other synonyms for fear.
'Assustado' is the most common and general term for 'scared'. 'Amedrontado' implies a slightly deeper or more intimidated fear. 'Aterrorizado' and 'apavorado' mean terrified, indicating extreme fear. Choosing the right word depends on the intensity of the emotion.
O susto o deixou assustado. A ameaça o deixou amedrontado. O desastre o deixou aterrorizado.
Grammatical agreement can be tricky.
As an adjective, 'assustado' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means it changes form: 'assustado' (masc. sing.), 'assustada' (fem. sing.), 'assustados' (masc. pl.), 'assustadas' (fem. pl.). Incorrect agreement is a common error.
O menino está assustado. A menina está assustada. Os meninos estão assustados. As meninas estão assustadas.
Confusion with the verb 'assustar'.
'Assustado' is the past participle of the verb 'assustar' (to scare), used here as an adjective describing the state of being scared. The verb 'assustar' is the action of causing fear (e.g., 'O palhaço assustou o menino'). 'Assustado' is the resulting state of the boy ('O menino ficou assustado').
O fantasma assusta as pessoas. As pessoas ficam assustadas com o fantasma.
Structures de phrases
Subject + estar + assustado/a.
O menino está assustado.
Subject + ficar + assustado/a.
A menina ficou assustada.
Subject + estar + assustado/a/os/as + com + Noun.
Eles estão assustados com o barulho.
Subject + deixar + Object Pronoun + assustado/a.
A notícia o deixou assustado.
Subject + sentir-se + assustado/a/os/as.
Nós nos sentimos assustados.
Imperative (negative) + ficar + assustado/a.
Não fique assustado, por favor.
Subject + parecer + assustado/a/os/as.
Os animais pareciam assustados.
Participial phrase (assustado/a/os/as) + Subject + Verb.
Assustada com a sombra, ela gritou.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
-
Incorrect gender/number agreement.
→
Ela está assustada.
The adjective must agree with the subject. 'Ela' (she) is feminine singular, so 'assustada' must be used.
-
Confusing 'assustado' (scared) with 'assustador' (scary).
→
O filme é assustador, e me deixou assustado.
'Assustador' describes the cause of fear, while 'assustado' describes the person feeling fear. The movie is scary, and it made me scared.
-
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar' or 'ficar' for temporary fear.
→
Eu estou assustado com o barulho.
Fear is usually a temporary state, so 'estar' or 'ficar' are preferred over 'ser', which denotes permanent characteristics. 'Eu sou assustado' would imply being a generally timid person.
-
Forgetting the preposition or using the wrong one.
→
Ele está assustado com o resultado.
The preposition 'com' is commonly used to indicate the cause of fear. While 'de' is also possible in some contexts, 'com' is very frequent.
-
Using the singular form for plural subjects.
→
As crianças estão assustadas.
When referring to multiple people, the adjective must be in the plural form. 'Crianças' is plural feminine, so 'assustadas' is required.
Astuces
Master Gender and Number
Always pay attention to the gender and number of the noun 'assustado' modifies. Remember: assustado (m. sg.), assustada (f. sg.), assustados (m. pl.), assustadas (f. pl.). This is fundamental for correct Portuguese.
Distinguish 'Assustado' from 'Assustador'
Don't confuse 'assustado' (scared - the feeling) with 'assustador' (scary - the cause). They sound similar but have different roles. Think: 'The movie is scary (assustador), and it made me scared (assustado)'.
Use with 'Estar' and 'Ficar'
The most common verbs to pair with 'assustado' are 'estar' (to be, for a current state) and 'ficar' (to become, for a change of state). Practice sentences like 'Eu estou assustado' and 'Ele ficou assustado'.
Listen for Triggers
When you hear 'assustado', try to identify what caused the fear. It's often followed by prepositions like 'com' (with/by) or 'de' (of), linking the emotion to its source.
Create Your Own Sentences
Write sentences describing different scenarios where someone might be 'assustado'. Use different subjects and ensure correct agreement. This active practice is key to memorization.
Focus on Stress
The stress in 'assustado' falls on the second-to-last syllable: 'as-sus-TA-do'. Practice saying it aloud to get the rhythm right.
Compare Intensities
Understand that 'assustado' is general fear. For stronger fear, consider 'aterrorizado' or 'apavorado'. For milder apprehension, 'preocupado' might be more suitable.
Learn Idiomatic Expressions
Familiarize yourself with phrases like 'assustado de morte' (scared to death) to understand how 'assustado' is used in more colorful, informal contexts.
Active Listening
When watching movies or listening to music in Portuguese, actively listen for 'assustado' and try to predict what might have happened to make the character feel that way.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Practice role-playing situations where characters might be 'assustado', such as encountering a spider, hearing a loud noise, or watching a scary movie.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a scary ghost (a 'Susto'!) that makes you feel 'assustado'. The 'a-su' part sounds a bit like 'ah, suuucks!' when you're scared. So, 'Ah, suuucks! I'm assustado!'
Association visuelle
Picture a person with wide eyes and trembling hands, looking at a shadowy figure. Their expression is one of pure fear, embodying the word 'assustado'.
Word Web
Défi
Try describing three different things that might make someone feel 'assustado' in Portuguese. For example, 'Um barulho alto pode deixar uma pessoa assustada.' (A loud noise can make a person scared.)
Origine du mot
The word 'assustado' comes from the verb 'assustar', which itself originates from the Latin word 'exterrus' or 'extritus', meaning 'outside' or 'driven out'. The idea is that something external or startling drives out one's peace or composure, leading to fear.
Sens originel : To make someone startled or afraid.
Romance language, derived from Latin.Contexte culturel
When discussing fear, be mindful of the intensity. Using 'assustado' for a mild fright is appropriate, but for extreme terror, 'aterrorizado' or 'apavorado' might be more fitting. Avoid trivializing genuine fear.
In English-speaking cultures, similar words like 'scared', 'frightened', 'afraid', and 'terrified' are used. The nuances in intensity and context are comparable.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing a child's reaction to something scary.
- O menino ficou assustado com o escuro.
- A menina estava assustada com o cachorro grande.
- Não fique assustado, é só um brinquedo.
Reacting to sudden noises or events.
- Que barulho foi esse? Fiquei assustado!
- O trovão me deixou assustado.
- O susto me deixou assustado.
Talking about animals' behavior.
- O gato está assustado com o aspirador de pó.
- Os pássaros ficaram assustados e voaram.
- Meu cachorro fica assustado com fogos de artifício.
Expressing fear in movies or stories.
- Esse filme é muito assustador, fiquei assustado.
- A história me deixou assustado.
- Não gosto de filmes que me deixam assustado.
Personal feelings of fear or apprehension.
- Estou assustado com o futuro.
- Ele parecia assustado com a entrevista.
- Eu não quero ficar assustado.
Amorces de conversation
"What is something that usually makes you feel 'assustado'?"
"Can you recall a time you were very 'assustado' as a child?"
"If you heard a strange noise at night, would you get 'assustado'?"
"What kind of movies or stories tend to make people feel 'assustado'?"
"How do you comfort someone who is feeling 'assustado'?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a situation where you felt 'assustado'. What triggered the fear, and how did you react?
Write about a time you had to overcome being 'assustado' to do something important.
Imagine a character who is normally brave but suddenly becomes 'assustado' by something unexpected. Write a short scene.
Reflect on the difference between being 'assustado' and being 'preocupado'. When might one turn into the other?
What are some strategies you use to help yourself or others feel less 'assustado'?
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Assustado' is an adjective describing someone who *feels* fear (scared). 'Assustador' is an adjective describing something that *causes* fear (scary). For example, 'O filme é assustador' (The movie is scary), but 'Eu fiquei assustado com o filme' (I got scared by the movie).
You need to match the adjective's gender to the noun it describes. 'Assustado' is masculine singular (e.g., 'o menino está assustado'). 'Assustada' is feminine singular (e.g., 'a menina está assustada').
Yes, there are plural forms. 'Assustados' is used for masculine plural nouns (e.g., 'os meninos estão assustados'), and 'assustadas' is used for feminine plural nouns (e.g., 'as meninas estão assustadas').
The most common verbs are 'estar' (to be) and 'ficar' (to become/get). 'Estar assustado' describes a current state of fear (e.g., 'Eu estou assustado'), while 'ficar assustado' describes the process of becoming scared (e.g., 'Ele ficou assustado com o barulho').
While 'assustado' primarily describes people or animals feeling fear, the related adjective 'assustador' (scary) is used for things or situations that cause fear. For example, 'A casa é assustadora' (The house is scary), not 'A casa é assustada'.
Yes, for extreme fear, you can use 'aterrorizado' (terrified) or 'apavorado' (panicked/terrified). 'Amedrontado' is a close synonym, sometimes implying a more intimidated fear.
'Assustado de morte' is an idiom meaning 'scared to death' or extremely terrified. It's an informal way to express intense fear.
If you are male, you say 'Eu estou assustado'. If you are female, you say 'Eu estou assustada'.
Both are used to indicate the cause of fear. 'Assustado com' is generally more common and versatile (e.g., 'assustado com o barulho'). 'Assustado de' is also used, particularly for abstract fears or specific phobias (e.g., 'assustado de altura' - scared of heights).
Yes, 'assustado' is a very common word in Portuguese and is frequently used in everyday conversation, making it essential for learners.
Teste-toi 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Assustado is the masculine singular adjective for 'scared' or 'frightened'. Remember to change it to 'assustada' for feminine, 'assustados' for masculine plural, and 'assustadas' for feminine plural. It's typically used with 'estar' or 'ficar' to express a feeling of fear.
- Assustado means scared or frightened (masculine singular).
- Used to describe a feeling of fear or alarm.
- Agrees in gender and number with the person feeling fear.
- Commonly used with verbs 'estar' and 'ficar'.
Master Gender and Number
Always pay attention to the gender and number of the noun 'assustado' modifies. Remember: assustado (m. sg.), assustada (f. sg.), assustados (m. pl.), assustadas (f. pl.). This is fundamental for correct Portuguese.
Distinguish 'Assustado' from 'Assustador'
Don't confuse 'assustado' (scared - the feeling) with 'assustador' (scary - the cause). They sound similar but have different roles. Think: 'The movie is scary (assustador), and it made me scared (assustado)'.
Use with 'Estar' and 'Ficar'
The most common verbs to pair with 'assustado' are 'estar' (to be, for a current state) and 'ficar' (to become, for a change of state). Practice sentences like 'Eu estou assustado' and 'Ele ficou assustado'.
Listen for Triggers
When you hear 'assustado', try to identify what caused the fear. It's often followed by prepositions like 'com' (with/by) or 'de' (of), linking the emotion to its source.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Ébranlé ou bouleversé. Il s'est senti très ébranlé après avoir entendu la nouvelle.
abalar
A2Ébranler ou troubler profondément. La nouvelle a ébranlé sa confiance.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1D'une manière abattue ou découragée. Il exprime un sentiment de défaite profonde et de fatigue physique ou morale.
abatido
A2Il a l'air abattu après l'annonce des résultats.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2Ouvertement; d'une manière qui n'est pas cachée.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
