Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #7,000 le plus courant 14 min de lecture

consternação

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces consternação en 30 secondes

Explication consternação in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'consternação' is a very advanced word that you might not need to use yourself, but you might see it in simple news headlines. Think of it as 'very, very sad and surprised.' It's like when something bad happens and everyone says 'Oh no!' at the same time. You can remember it by looking at the English word 'consternation,' which looks almost the same. At this level, just know that if you see this word, something serious and sad has happened. It is much stronger than just being 'triste' (sad). If a soccer team loses a very important game in the last minute, the fans might feel this. It's a big word for a big feeling. Don't worry about using it in your daily 'Hello' and 'How are you?' conversations yet. Just recognize it as a sign of something important and heavy in the news or a story.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more about feelings beyond 'happy' and 'sad.' 'Consternação' is a feminine noun (a consternação) that means a mixture of shock and sadness. You will hear it when people talk about accidents or bad news. For example, 'A notícia causou consternação' (The news caused dismay). You should start to notice that it often comes after the verb 'causar' (to cause). It is a formal word. If you use it, people will think your Portuguese is very good. Remember that it ends in '-ção,' which sounds like a nasal 'sow.' Try to associate it with a 'shocked face.' It's not for small things like losing a pen; it's for big things like a natural disaster or a very sad event in your community. Using it correctly shows you understand that some situations are more serious than others.

As a B1 learner, you should be able to incorporate 'consternação' into your writing, especially when discussing social issues or news. It is a key term for expressing empathy in a formal way. You should understand the common collocations like 'profunda consternação' (deep dismay) and 'clima de consternação' (atmosphere of dismay). It is useful for describing the collective reaction of a group. At this level, you should distinguish it from 'surpresa' (which can be good) and 'tristeza' (which is just general sadness). 'Consternação' implies that the event was unexpected and has left people feeling 'lost' or 'stunned.' When writing a summary of a news article, using this word will make your Portuguese sound much more authentic and sophisticated. Pay attention to the preposition 'diante de' (in the face of) which often follows it: 'consternação diante da tragédia.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'consternação' and how it differs from synonyms like 'estupefação' or 'desalento.' You should be comfortable using it in formal letters, academic essays, or professional reports. It is a 'high-register' word, so you should know when to use it (e.g., in a formal speech) and when to avoid it (e.g., in a casual chat with friends at a bar, where 'choque' or 'fiquei mal' might be more appropriate). You should also be able to recognize it in literature and understand its role in setting a somber tone. At this stage, you should also be aware of the verb form 'consternar,' although it is less common than the noun. You can use phrases like 'vê-se com consternação' to express a formal critical view on a situation. Your ability to use this word correctly reflects a maturing command of Portuguese emotional and social registers.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For C1 learners, 'consternação' is a tool for precise emotional mapping in complex narratives or high-level analysis. You should understand its etymological roots and how it relates to the idea of being 'thrown down' or 'shaken.' You can use it to describe not just a feeling, but a socio-political state—how a nation or a community processes collective trauma. You should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Não obstante a consternação geral, as medidas foram tomadas.' You should also be able to identify the subtle difference between 'consternação' and 'desolação' in a literary text, where the latter implies a more total and permanent state of ruin. At this level, you should be able to discuss the 'clichês' of news reporting where this word often appears and perhaps even use it with a touch of irony or critical distance in sophisticated discourse.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'consternação.' You understand its rhythmic value in a sentence and its rhetorical power in oratory. You can use it to explore the depths of human psychology in creative writing or to provide a nuanced critique of public discourse. You are aware of its historical usage in Portuguese literature, from the classical periods to modernism. You can effortlessly switch between 'consternação' and its most obscure synonyms to achieve the exact tone required for your audience. You understand that the word carries a certain 'gravitas' that can be used to command respect or to signal a shift into a more serious mode of communication. For you, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item, but a part of the cultural fabric of the language, used to navigate the most difficult and profound moments of the human experience in the Lusophone world.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

consternação en 30 secondes

Consternação is a formal Portuguese noun meaning deep dismay or shock caused by unexpected bad news or a tragic event.
It is a feminine noun ('a consternação') and is frequently used in news reporting, literature, and official institutional statements.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'causar' (to cause) and adjectives like 'profunda' (deep), it signifies a heavy emotional weight.
It differs from simple sadness by including an element of shock and is essential for expressing empathy in serious contexts.

The Portuguese word consternação is a profound noun that captures a complex intersection of emotions: shock, deep sadness, dismay, and a sense of being overwhelmed by unexpected bad news. Unlike simple sadness (tristeza), which can be lingering and quiet, or surprise (surpresa), which can be positive, consternação implies a sudden psychological blow that leaves one momentarily paralyzed or deeply troubled. It is the feeling you experience when you hear about a sudden tragedy, a natural disaster, or a deeply disappointing turn of events that you didn't see coming. In the Lusophone world, this word carries a weight of solemnity; it is not used lightly for minor inconveniences like losing your keys. Instead, it is reserved for moments that shake the foundation of one's emotional stability or the collective peace of a community.

Emotional Depth: It represents a state of being 'stunned' by grief or disaster. It combines the elements of fear, sorrow, and confusion.

A morte repentina do artista causou uma onda de consternação em todo o país.

When analyzing the usage of consternação, one must understand its formal register. You will frequently encounter it in journalistic reports, official government statements, and high-level literature. For instance, if a government official expresses their 'consternação' regarding a social crisis, they are signaling to the public that the event is being taken with the utmost seriousness and that it has caused a significant emotional impact on the leadership. It is a word of empathy and gravity. In daily conversation, while less common than 'tristeza', it is used when a speaker wants to emphasize that they are not just sad, but fundamentally shocked and disheartened by a specific event. It is often paired with adjectives like 'profunda' (deep) or 'geral' (general/widespread).

Social Context: Used in eulogies, news headlines about accidents, and formal apologies. It bridges the gap between personal feeling and public expression.

Recebemos com consternação a notícia do encerramento da fábrica.

Furthermore, the word has a visual component in the mind of a native speaker. A person in a state of consternação is often imagined with a pale face, wide eyes, or a hand to the chest—physical manifestations of internal dismay. This imagery is why the word is so powerful in storytelling. Writers use it to quickly establish a shift in mood from normalcy to crisis. It functions as a linguistic marker for a 'turning point' where the characters must now deal with a grim new reality. Understanding this word helps an English speaker navigate not just the vocabulary of Portuguese, but the emotional landscape and cultural etiquette of how Lusophones express serious concern and collective mourning.

Grammatical Note: It is a feminine noun (a consternação). It often follows verbs like 'causar' (to cause), 'gerar' (to generate), or 'sentir' (to feel).

Havia um silêncio de consternação na sala após o anúncio.

O rosto dele refletia uma consternação profunda e sincera.

Não conseguimos esconder nossa consternação diante de tamanha injustiça.

Using consternação correctly requires an understanding of its typical syntactic environments. It is rarely a standalone exclamation like 'Wow!' or 'Oh no!'. Instead, it functions as the object of a feeling or the result of an action. The most common verb-noun pairing is causar consternação (to cause dismay). This is used to describe how an event affects a group of people. For example, 'A nova lei causou consternação entre os trabalhadores.' This implies the law didn't just make them unhappy; it shocked and worried them deeply. Another common structure is estar em consternação or ficar em consternação, describing a state of being. 'A cidade ficou em consternação após o acidente.'

Collocation: Profunda Consternação: The adjective 'profunda' (deep) is the most frequent partner for this noun, emphasizing the intensity of the shock.

Expressamos nossa profunda consternação pelas vítimas do terremoto.

Another important aspect is the use of prepositions. We often say consternação diante de (dismay in the face of) or consternação por/pela (dismay for/at). For instance, 'Sinto uma grande consternação diante da pobreza extrema.' Here, 'diante de' suggests a visual or direct confrontation with a harsh reality. When using 'por', it usually points to the cause or the subjects of the grief: 'Consternação pela perda de um amigo.' It is also useful to note that the word can be used to describe an atmosphere. Phrases like 'um clima de consternação' (an atmosphere of dismay) are common in news reporting to describe the mood in a room or a city after a tragic event.

Verb Pairing: Ver com Consternação: To 'view with dismay' is a formal way to express disapproval mixed with sadness about a situation.

O mundo vê com consternação o avanço da guerra.

In more literary or poetic contexts, consternação can be the subject of the sentence, acting upon people. 'A consternação tomou conta de todos' (Dismay took hold of everyone). This personification gives the emotion a powerful, almost physical presence in the narrative. For students of Portuguese, mastering this word means being able to move beyond basic adjectives like 'triste' (sad) and into the realm of nuanced emotional description. It allows you to describe not just how you feel, but the specific quality of that feeling—the shock, the gravity, and the suddenness. Whether you are writing a formal letter of condolence or reading a complex novel, identifying these patterns will make the word much more accessible and its impact more clear.

Prepositional Use: Sob Consternação: Meaning 'under dismay', used to describe a population or group currently suffering from a collective shock.

A nação ainda vive sob consternação após o atentado.

Sua consternação era visível em seus olhos marejados.

Não há palavras para descrever a consternação da família.

You will encounter consternação in very specific but high-impact environments. The most common place is the nightly news (o telejornal). When a reporter covers a tragedy, such as a plane crash or a major flood, they will inevitably use this word to describe the mood of the survivors or the nation. It is a staple of journalistic vocabulary because it conveys a professional yet empathetic tone. If you are watching Jornal Nacional in Brazil or Telejornal in Portugal, listen for it during segments on international crises or local disasters. It signals to the audience that the event being discussed is of grave importance and has caused widespread emotional distress.

In the News: Headlines often read: 'Morte de líder causa consternação mundial' or 'Comunidade em consternação após incêndio'.

O apresentador leu a nota de consternação enviada pela presidência.

Another frequent context is in official institutional communications. Universities, large corporations, and government bodies issue 'notas de consternação' (notes of dismay/condolence) when a prominent member of their community passes away or when a significant social injustice occurs. These written statements are formal and follow a specific etiquette. Learning this word allows you to understand the official stance of these institutions. In a professional setting, if a project fails spectacularly or a company undergoes massive layoffs, you might hear a manager say, 'É com muita consternação que anuncio estas mudanças.' In this case, the word is used to soften the blow of bad news by showing that the speaker also feels the weight of the situation.

In Literature: Classical and modern authors use it to describe the inner state of characters facing existential crises or sudden loss.

Nas páginas do livro, a consternação da protagonista era quase palpável.

Lastly, you will hear it in religious or spiritual contexts. During sermons or religious ceremonies following a tragedy, a priest or pastor might speak of the 'consternação das almas' (dismay of souls). Here, it takes on a more metaphysical quality, referring to a deep spiritual disturbance. Even if you don't use the word daily in the supermarket, hearing and recognizing it in these diverse contexts—news, corporate life, and spirituality—will significantly deepen your comprehension of Portuguese. It is a 'key' word that unlocks the emotional subtext of many formal interactions in Lusophone societies. When you hear it, you know the atmosphere is serious, the topic is heavy, and the speaker is expressing a high degree of empathy and shock.

Common Domain: Politics: Politicians use it to react to scandals or international tragedies to show they are in sync with the public's feelings.

O parlamento guardou um minuto de silêncio em sinal de consternação.

A notícia foi recebida com consternação por todos os presentes.

Sua consternação não permitia que ele falasse sobre o assunto.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with consternação is using it for trivial situations. In English, 'consternation' can sometimes be used slightly more broadly to mean confusion or annoyance. However, in Portuguese, using consternação because your favorite coffee shop is closed would sound exaggerated or even sarcastic. It is vital to match the weight of the word with the weight of the event. Another mistake is confusing it with confusão (confusion). While consternação involves a level of mental fog due to shock, it is primarily an emotional state of dismay, not a lack of clarity about facts or directions.

Mistake: Overuse: Don't use it for small problems. Use 'chateação' or 'frustração' for minor daily annoyances.

Errado: Sinto consternação porque perdi o ônibus. (Too dramatic)

A second common error involves gender agreement. Since consternação ends in '-ção', it is a feminine noun. Learners often mistakenly use masculine articles or adjectives with it, especially if they are thinking of the English cognate which has no gender. You must always say a consternação, muita consternação, or esta consternação. Furthermore, avoid using it as a verb. While English has 'to consternate' (though rare), Portuguese does not have 'consternar' as a commonly used verb in the same way. We almost always use the noun form with an auxiliary verb like 'causar' or 'sentir'. Saying 'Isso me consterna' is grammatically possible but sounds extremely archaic and stiff compared to 'Isso me causa consternação'.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Surpresa': 'Surpresa' is neutral. 'Consternação' is always negative and heavy.

Correto: A tragédia gerou consternação na vizinhança.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the nasal '-ção'. Many English speakers pronounce it like 'shawn' or 'sow', but it requires a specific nasal 'ow' sound (like the 'ou' in 'out' but through the nose). Getting the pronunciation wrong can make the word unrecognizable in a serious conversation, which is the only time you'd likely be using it. Practice the 'ão' sound repeatedly to ensure that when you do use this high-level word, it carries the intended gravity. Remember, consternação is a word of respect and deep feeling; using it correctly shows that you not only know the language but also respect the emotional weight of the situation you are describing. Avoid the 'drama queen' trap by saving this word for truly significant events.

Mistake: Mixing with 'Apreensão': 'Apreensão' is about worry for the future. 'Consternação' is about a reaction to something that has already happened.

Houve uma consternação geral quando o hospital fechou.

A consternação dele era óbvia para todos no funeral.

Sentimos uma consternação imensa ao ver as imagens da guerra.

While consternação is a powerful word, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the specific shade of emotion you want to convey. If the feeling is more about being stunned or speechless without necessarily being purely sad, you might use estupefação. This word leans more towards 'amazement' or 'astonishment' at something shocking. If the feeling is more about a loss of hope or energy due to bad news, desalento (discouragement/despair) is a better fit. Understanding these nuances helps you describe the human experience with greater precision. For example, a sudden death causes consternação, but a long series of failures might cause desalento.

Consternação vs. Desolação: 'Desolação' is even stronger, suggesting a feeling of being completely 'deserted' or 'ruined' by grief. It is the extreme end of the scale.

A consternação inicial deu lugar a uma profunda desolação.

Another word often confused with consternação is abatimento. While both involve feeling 'down', abatimento is more physical and long-term—it's that feeling of being drained of energy and slumped over. Consternação is more of an immediate reaction to a specific event. If you want to describe a collective shock that is more about fear than sadness, pânico or sobressalto might be appropriate. However, consternação remains the most dignified and formal way to express a shared sense of 'this is a tragedy'. In literary settings, you might also find prostração, which describes being so overcome by dismay that one is physically unable to act.

Synonym: Aflição: 'Aflição' is more about anxiety and distress. It’s a 'busy' kind of worry, whereas 'consternação' is more 'quiet' and heavy.

O silêncio na sala era de pura consternação.

For those looking to expand their emotional vocabulary, comparing consternação with pesar (sorrow/regret) is also useful. Pesar is specifically linked to mourning and death, often used in the phrase 'Meus pêsames' (My condolences). Consternação is broader and can be applied to any shocking negative event. By learning these distinctions, you can tailor your Portuguese to the exact situation. Whether you are expressing empathy to a friend or analyzing a text, having this palette of words—from the sharp shock of estupefação to the heavy weight of consternação and the deep ruin of desolação—will make your communication much more effective and authentic.

Comparison Table: Consternação: Dismay/Shock + Sadness.
Estupefação: Pure Shock/Amazement.
Desalento: Discouragement.
Desolação: Extreme Grief/Ruin.

A consternação foi geral quando os portões se fecharam.

Não confunda consternação com simples aborrecimento.

O sentimento de consternação uniu a todos naquele momento difícil.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In ancient Latin, the verb 'consternare' was often used to describe horses being spooked or startled into a panic. Today, it describes a much more quiet, heavy emotional state in humans.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kõʃ.teɾ.na.ˈsɐ̃w̃/

US /kõs.teɾ.na.ˈsɐ̃w̃/

The stress is on the last syllable: con-ster-na-ÇÃO.

Rime avec

nação coração emoção ação oração estação atenção decisão

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing '-ção' like 'shun' (English style). It must be nasal.
Forgetting the nasal quality of the first 'on'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., on 'na').
Failing to make the 's' sound distinct (either 's' or 'sh' depending on dialect).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate, but requires context to understand the weight.

Écriture 6/5

Requires knowledge of formal registers and correct gender/adjective agreement.

Expression orale 7/5

The nasal '-ção' ending is challenging for English speakers to master correctly.

Écoute 5/5

Distinctive sound, but often spoken quickly in news reports with professional intonation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

tristeza notícia causar surpresa profundo

Apprends ensuite

desolação estupefação abatimento pesar condolências

Avancé

incomensurável inefável prostração atordoamento desalento

Grammaire à connaître

Nasalization of '-ção'

Consterna-ÇÃO (the 'o' is nasalized by the tilde).

Gender of abstract nouns in '-ção'

All nouns ending in '-ção' are feminine (a consternação, a nação, a ação).

Adjective Agreement

Consternação profundA (feminine ending).

Prepositional usage with emotions

Sentir consternação POR algo / Estar EM consternação.

Nominalization of verbs

The verb 'consternar' becomes the noun 'consternação'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

A notícia trouxe muita consternação.

The news brought much dismay.

Feminine noun 'a consternação'.

Todos sentiram uma grande consternação.

Everyone felt a great dismay.

Use 'uma' for the indefinite article.

O silêncio era de consternação.

The silence was of dismay.

Preposition 'de' links the noun to the feeling.

Vi consternação no rosto dele.

I saw dismay on his face.

Direct object of the verb 'ver'.

A cidade está em consternação.

The city is in dismay.

State of being with 'está em'.

Foi um dia de muita consternação.

It was a day of much dismay.

Adjective 'muita' matches feminine 'consternação'.

A sua consternação era visível.

His/her dismay was visible.

Possessive pronoun 'A sua' matches the noun.

Não queremos causar consternação.

We don't want to cause dismay.

Verb 'causar' is very common with this noun.

A morte do professor causou consternação na escola.

The teacher's death caused dismay in the school.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Recebemos a notícia com profunda consternação.

We received the news with deep dismay.

'Com' followed by an adjective and the noun.

Houve um clima de consternação no hospital.

There was an atmosphere of dismay in the hospital.

'Houve' means 'there was'.

Ela não escondeu a sua consternação.

She did not hide her dismay.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

O acidente gerou consternação em todo o bairro.

The accident generated dismay in the whole neighborhood.

Verb 'gerar' is a synonym for 'causar'.

Estamos todos em estado de consternação.

We are all in a state of dismay.

'Estado de' is a common phrase.

A nota oficial expressava consternação.

The official note expressed dismay.

Formal usage in written documents.

Sentimos consternação pelas vítimas do fogo.

We feel dismay for the victims of the fire.

Preposition 'pelas' (por + as) indicates the object of the feeling.

A consternação geral era evidente após o anúncio da crise.

The general dismay was evident after the announcement of the crisis.

Adjective 'geral' follows the noun.

Diante de tamanha consternação, ninguém sabia o que dizer.

In the face of such dismay, no one knew what to say.

Introductory phrase 'Diante de'.

O país mergulhou num período de consternação e luto.

The country plunged into a period of dismay and mourning.

Metaphorical use of 'mergulhar' (to plunge).

É impossível não sentir consternação ao ver as imagens.

It is impossible not to feel dismay upon seeing the images.

Infinitive 'sentir' after 'é impossível'.

A consternação da família foi respeitada pela imprensa.

The family's dismay was respected by the press.

Passive voice construction.

Apesar da consternação, a vida precisava continuar.

Despite the dismay, life needed to continue.

Conjunction 'Apesar de' expressing contrast.

Sua voz tremia de consternação ao contar o que vira.

His voice trembled with dismay while telling what he had seen.

Preposition 'de' indicating cause.

A consternação tomou conta dos corações de todos.

Dismay took hold of everyone's hearts.

Idiomatic expression 'tomar conta de'.

A notícia foi recebida com uma consternação que beirava o pânico.

The news was received with a dismay that bordered on panic.

Relative clause starting with 'que'.

Não houve quem não manifestasse a sua profunda consternação.

There was no one who did not manifest their deep dismay.

Double negative for emphasis ('Não houve quem não...').

A consternação pública forçou o governo a rever a sua posição.

Public dismay forced the government to review its position.

Subject causing a change in state.

O tom de consternação na voz do orador era inegável.

The tone of dismay in the speaker's voice was undeniable.

Noun used as a modifier of 'tom'.

A tragédia deixou um rastro de consternação e perguntas sem resposta.

The tragedy left a trail of dismay and unanswered questions.

Metaphorical 'rastro' (trail/trace).

Pode-se ler a consternação em cada linha daquela carta.

One can read the dismay in every line of that letter.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

A consternação não deve nos impedir de agir com rapidez.

Dismay should not prevent us from acting quickly.

Modal verb 'deve' with 'impedir'.

A cidade, outrora alegre, estava agora mergulhada em consternação.

The city, once cheerful, was now plunged in dismay.

Contrast using 'outrora' (formerly).

A consternação que se seguiu ao desastre foi um marco na história local.

The dismay that followed the disaster was a milestone in local history.

Relative clause with 'se seguiu'.

O autor descreve com mestria a consternação existencial da personagem.

The author masterfully describes the character's existential dismay.

Adjective 'existencial' adds philosophical depth.

A nota de consternação emitida pela ONU foi vista como insuficiente.

The note of dismay issued by the UN was seen as insufficient.

Past participle 'emitida' agreeing with 'nota'.

Sob a capa de uma fria consternação, ele escondia uma fúria imensa.

Under the cloak of a cold dismay, he hid an immense fury.

Metaphorical 'capa' (cloak/cover).

A consternação coletiva pode, por vezes, paralisar as instituições.

Collective dismay can sometimes paralyze institutions.

Adverbial phrase 'por vezes' (sometimes).

Não se tratava apenas de tristeza, mas de uma consternação profunda e paralisante.

It wasn't just sadness, but a deep and paralyzing dismay.

Contrast 'não se tratava apenas de... mas de...'.

A consternação foi o denominador comum entre as diferentes classes sociais.

Dismay was the common denominator among the different social classes.

Abstract noun as a 'denominador comum'.

A sua reação de consternação foi interpretada como um sinal de culpa.

His reaction of dismay was interpreted as a sign of guilt.

Passive voice 'foi interpretada'.

A consternação, enquanto fenômeno social, exige uma análise sociológica profunda.

Dismay, as a social phenomenon, requires a deep sociological analysis.

Appositive phrase 'enquanto fenômeno social'.

O silêncio que se abateu sobre a assembleia era denso, carregado de consternação.

The silence that fell over the assembly was dense, laden with dismay.

Descriptive adjectives 'denso' and 'carregado'.

A consternação não é um estado estático, mas um processo de luto e reavaliação.

Dismay is not a static state, but a process of mourning and reassessment.

Philosophical definition using 'não é... mas...'.

A retórica da consternação é frequentemente utilizada para evitar ações políticas diretas.

The rhetoric of dismay is frequently used to avoid direct political actions.

Critical analysis of language use.

Havia naquelas palavras uma consternação que transcendia o mero pesar individual.

There was in those words a dismay that transcended mere individual sorrow.

Relative clause with 'transcendia'.

A consternação diante do efêmero é um tema recorrente na poesia camoniana.

Dismay in the face of the ephemeral is a recurrent theme in Camões' poetry.

Literary reference to classical Portuguese poetry.

A consternação pode ser o primeiro passo para uma mudança de consciência radical.

Dismay can be the first step toward a radical change of consciousness.

Abstract concept of 'mudança de consciência'.

O país assistiu, entre a consternação e a descrença, ao desmoronamento das suas instituições.

The country watched, between dismay and disbelief, the collapse of its institutions.

Complex sentence with parenthetical 'entre a... e a...'.

Collocations courantes

profunda consternação

causar consternação

nota de consternação

clima de consternação

gerar consternação

visível consternação

sentir consternação

sob consternação

mudo de consternação

geral consternação

Phrases Courantes

Com muita consternação

— A formal way to start a sentence expressing sadness. Used in speeches or letters.

É com muita consternação que anuncio minha partida.

Em sinal de consternação

— Doing something as a symbol of dismay or mourning. Often used for flags or silence.

As bandeiras foram baixadas em sinal de consternação.

Diante da consternação

— In the face of dismay. Used to describe a reaction to a situation.

Diante da consternação, o evento foi cancelado.

Um rastro de consternação

— A trail of dismay. Used to describe the aftermath of a disaster.

O tornado deixou um rastro de consternação.

Sentimento de consternação

— The feeling of dismay. A standard way to name the emotion.

O sentimento de consternação é partilhado por todos.

Expressar consternação

— To formally state that one is dismayed.

O presidente ligou para expressar sua consternação.

Receber com consternação

— To hear news and react with dismay.

Recebemos com consternação a notícia do falecimento.

Onda de consternação

— A wave of dismay. Describes a widespread reaction.

Uma onda de consternação percorreu o país.

Estado de consternação

— A state of being dismayed.

A família permanece em estado de consternação.

Silêncio de consternação

— A silence that comes from being too shocked to speak.

Houve um longo silêncio de consternação.

Souvent confondu avec

consternação vs confusão

Confusão means 'confusion' or 'mess'. Consternação is about shock and dismay, not being confused about facts.

consternação vs constipação

Constipação means 'a cold' (in Portugal) or 'constipation' (rarely, but possible). Do not mix them up!

consternação vs surpresa

Surpresa is neutral and can be good. Consternação is always negative and much heavier.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cair em consternação"

— To suddenly become very dismayed or shocked.

A plateia caiu em consternação com o erro do ator.

Neutral

"Mergulhar em consternação"

— To be deeply and completely overcome by dismay.

A nação mergulhou em consternação após o ataque.

Literary/Journalistic

"Tomar conta de consternação"

— When dismay dominates a person or place.

A consternação tomou conta da cidade inteira.

Neutral

"Ficar de pedra e cal de consternação"

— To be frozen or paralyzed by shock/dismay (rare/creative use).

Ele ficou de pedra e cal de consternação ao ver o estrago.

Informal/Creative

"Ver com olhos de consternação"

— To view a situation through a lens of deep sadness and shock.

O mundo vê a fome com olhos de consternação.

Literary

"Engolir em seco de consternação"

— To swallow hard due to the shock and sadness of a situation.

Ela engoliu em seco de consternação ao ouvir o veredito.

Neutral/Descriptive

"Voz embargada de consternação"

— A voice choked with emotion/dismay.

Com a voz embargada de consternação, ele pediu desculpas.

Formal/Literary

"Rosto lavado em consternação"

— A face clearly showing signs of deep dismay (often implies tears).

Seu rosto estava lavado em consternação.

Literary

"Pôr em consternação"

— To cause a state of dismay in someone else.

A sua atitude pôs toda a família em consternação.

Neutral

"Um grito de consternação"

— A cry that expresses shock and grief.

Ouviu-se um grito de consternação vindo da multidão.

Neutral

Facile à confondre

consternação vs constipação

Similar sound and starting letters.

Consternação is an emotion (dismay). Constipação is a physical condition (a cold in PT-PT, constipation in some contexts).

Sinto consternação pela tragédia, mas tenho uma constipação e preciso de lenços.

consternação vs estupefação

Both involve being shocked.

Estupefação is pure 'stunned' amazement, which can be neutral. Consternação always involves sadness and dismay.

A estupefação foi pelo truque de mágica; a consternação foi pela notícia da guerra.

consternação vs aflição

Both are negative emotions.

Aflição is more like anxiety, panic, or distress. Consternação is a heavier, more somber and shocked sadness.

A aflição é não saber o que fazer; a consternação é saber que algo terrível aconteceu.

consternação vs desalento

Both involve feeling 'down'.

Desalento is specifically losing hope or courage. Consternação is the initial shock and dismay of the bad news.

A consternação foi imediata; o desalento veio depois de semanas de fracasso.

consternação vs pesar

Both used in mourning.

Pesar is the formal word for sorrow/grief, often used in 'condolences'. Consternação adds the element of shock.

Expresso o meu pesar e a minha consternação pela perda súbita.

Structures de phrases

A notícia causou [adjetivo] consternação.

A notícia causou muita consternação.

Recebemos com [adjetivo] consternação a notícia de [evento].

Recebemos com profunda consternação a notícia do acidente.

Houve um clima de consternação em [lugar] após [evento].

Houve um clima de consternação na empresa após os cortes.

Diante da consternação geral, [ação tomada].

Diante da consternação geral, o governo decretou luto nacional.

A consternação que se seguiu a [evento] revelou [consequência].

A consternação que se seguiu à queda do regime revelou as feridas da sociedade.

É com [adjetivo] consternação que [verbo].

É com imensa consternação que informamos o ocorrido.

O rosto de [pessoa] mostrava consternação.

O rosto da mãe mostrava consternação.

A consternação tomou conta de [grupo].

A consternação tomou conta dos moradores.

Famille de mots

Noms

consternação

Verbes

consternar

Adjectifs

consternado

consternadora

Apparenté

estupefação

desalento

desolação

aflição

pesar

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in formal writing and news; rare in casual slang-heavy speech.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'muito consternação'. → Muita consternação.
Consternação is a feminine noun, so the quantifier must also be feminine.
Using it for a broken phone. → Estou chateado/frustrado.
Consternação is too heavy for minor technical problems or inconveniences.
Pronouncing '-ção' as '-shon'. → Nasal '-ção'.
The English 'shun' sound doesn't exist in Portuguese; it must be a nasal diphthong.
Thinking it means 'constipation'. → Prisão de ventre (constipation).
This is a dangerous false friend. Consternação is emotional; physical issues have different names.
Confusing it with 'confusão'. → Consternação.
Confusão is for disorder or lack of clarity. Consternação is for emotional shock.

Astuces

Save it for the Big Moments

Use 'consternação' when you want to show that you recognize the gravity of a situation. It’s a word that carries respect.

Watch the Gender

Always pair it with feminine adjectives. 'Muita consternação', not 'muito consternação'. This is a common mistake for learners.

Nasalize the Ending

The '-ção' is the most important part of the word's sound. Practice it by holding your nose and trying to say 'ow'.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more literary, use 'desalento'. If you want to sound more journalistic, 'consternação' is perfect.

Expressing Sympathy

In a formal email about a tragedy, 'Sinto profunda consternação' is a very polite and empathetic way to start.

Look for the Verbs

When reading news, if you see 'causou' or 'gerou', expect a word like 'consternação' to follow to describe the public's reaction.

Academic Tone

In essays, use this word to discuss the psychological impact of historical events on a population.

Intonation

Native speakers often lower their pitch when saying this word to reflect its somber meaning. Listen for that change.

Global Use

This word works in Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, and Portugal. It is a universal 'high-level' Portuguese word.

Cognate Power

Since it looks like 'consternation', use that as your anchor, but remember it's slightly 'sadder' in Portuguese.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'CON' artist who 'STERS' (stirs) up trouble, leaving everyone in 'NAÇÃO' (a nation/state) of shock. Consternação!

Association visuelle

Imagine a large crowd of people standing in a city square, all looking at a screen with their hands over their mouths in shock. The sky is grey, reflecting the 'consternação'.

Word Web

Tristeza Choque Surpresa Luto Tragédia Notícia Silêncio Profunda

Défi

Try to write a sentence using 'consternação' to describe a historical event you find shocking. Then, try to use the adjective 'consternado' to describe how you would feel in that situation.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'consternatio, -onis', which comes from 'consternare'. The root 'sternere' means 'to spread out' or 'to throw down'.

Sens originel : Originally referred to a sudden fear or alarm that 'throws one down' or causes a stampede/commotion.

It is a Romance word, shared across languages like Spanish (consternación), French (consternation), and Italian (costernazione).

Contexte culturel

This is a very serious word. Never use it in a joking or sarcastic way unless you are sure your audience will understand the irony, as it can be seen as disrespectful to the gravity of the term.

In English, 'consternation' often leans towards 'anxiety' or 'confusion'. In Portuguese, it leans much more towards 'sorrow' and 'shock'.

Used in official notes by the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries). Frequently appears in the lyrics of serious MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) songs. A common term in the works of Machado de Assis to describe social shocks.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

News / Journalism

Causa consternação mundial
Nota de consternação
O país está em consternação
Clima de profunda consternação

Funerals / Mourning

Apresentar consternação à família
Em sinal de consternação
Momento de consternação
Unidos na consternação

Politics / Diplomacy

O governo vê com consternação
Manifestar consternação oficial
Voto de consternação no parlamento
Mensagem de consternação

Literature / Fiction

A consternação da alma
Mudo de consternação
Rosto pálido de consternação
Mergulhado em consternação

Business / Corporate

Receber os resultados com consternação
Gerar consternação entre os acionistas
Anunciar com consternação
Sentimento de consternação na empresa

Amorces de conversation

"Você viu a notícia sobre o acidente? Causou muita consternação na cidade."

"Como você acha que a comunidade vai reagir a essa consternação geral?"

"É difícil esconder a consternação diante de fatos tão tristes, não acha?"

"Você já sentiu uma consternação tão profunda que não conseguiu falar?"

"Por que você acha que essa decisão causou tanta consternação entre os funcionários?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva um momento em que você sentiu uma profunda consternação ao ler as notícias do mundo.

Como a consternação difere da simples tristeza na sua opinião pessoal? Dê exemplos.

Escreva uma carta formal (fictícia) expressando consternação por um evento histórico importante.

Analise como a mídia do seu país expressa o sentimento de consternação coletiva.

Pense em um livro ou filme onde a consternação foi o sentimento principal de uma cena. Descreva-a.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, while common in mourning, it can be used for any shocking negative event, like a natural disaster, a major political scandal, or the unexpected closure of a beloved institution.

It would be considered very exaggerated. Unless the grade is life-changingly bad, use 'tristeza' or 'frustração' instead.

It is always 'a consternação' because it is a feminine noun. All Portuguese nouns ending in '-ção' are feminine.

It is a nasal sound. Imagine saying 'ow' but pushing the air through your nose. It's the same sound as in 'pão' (bread) or 'não' (no).

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

The verb is 'consternar', meaning 'to cause dismay'. For example: 'A notícia consternou a todos.' However, the noun form is more common.

Not really. 'Consternation' in English and 'consternação' in Portuguese are very similar, though the Portuguese version is often used in even more somber, tragic contexts.

You use the adjective form 'consternado' to describe a person. 'Ele está consternado' (He is dismayed/shocked).

No, it is almost never used in slang. It is a high-level, formal word.

It is a formal written statement issued by an organization to express their shock and sadness about a specific event or death.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes