Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #7,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

consternado

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces consternado en 30 secondes

Explication consternado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about emotions. While 'consternado' is a bit advanced, you can think of it as a 'very, very sad' word. At this level, you should focus on the fact that it is a feeling. You might not use it yourself yet, but you might see it in a simple story. Imagine you are very sad because you lost your favorite toy. That feeling of being shocked and sad is 'consternado'. Remember that if you are a boy, you say 'consternado', and if you are a girl, you say 'consternada'. It is always used with 'estou' (I am) or 'fiquei' (I became). It is not a word for small problems. It is for big, sad surprises. For example, if a king in a fairy tale hears bad news, he is 'consternado'. Practice saying the word slowly: con-ster-na-do. Notice the 'on' sound is like the 'on' in 'long'. The 'r' is very soft. Even at A1, knowing a 'big' word like this helps you understand that Portuguese has many ways to talk about feelings, just like English does. Don't worry about using it in every sentence; just remember it means a very strong, sad shock.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'consternado' in specific contexts, especially when talking about news or serious events. You should understand that it is more formal than 'triste'. At this level, you are learning to describe your reactions to things that happen. If you hear about a big storm on the news, you can say, 'Eu fiquei consternado com a notícia.' This shows you have a better vocabulary than just using 'triste' all the time. You should also be careful with gender agreement. If you are talking about a group of people, use 'consternados'. You are also learning the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'. Since feelings change, we always use 'estar' or 'ficar' with 'consternado'. You might see this word in short news articles or hear it in a weather report about a disaster. It's a great word to use to show you care about someone's bad news. It makes you sound more polite and empathetic. Try to use it in your writing exercises when a character in a story hears something shocking. It's a step up from basic vocabulary and helps you express more complex human emotions.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'consternado' in both written and spoken Portuguese. You understand that this word carries a specific 'weight' and is used for serious situations. You can start to distinguish it from similar words like 'chocado' (shocked) or 'surpreso' (surprised). At this level, you are likely reading longer texts, and you will see 'consternado' used to describe public reactions to political or social events. You should also be able to use the noun form, 'consternação'. For example: 'Houve muita consternação após o anúncio.' You are becoming more aware of the 'register' of words—that is, which words are formal and which are informal. 'Consternado' is definitely on the more formal side. You can use it in a letter of condolence or a formal email. You should also be able to use it with intensifiers like 'muito', 'bastante', or 'profundamente'. For instance, 'Estamos profundamente consternados com a perda.' This level is about nuance, and 'consternado' is a perfect word to practice that. It shows you can describe not just the emotion, but the gravity of the situation that caused it.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'consternado' and be able to use it in complex sentence structures. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to being 'stunned' or 'paralyzed' by news. You can use it to describe not only people but also the 'atmosphere' of a place (e.g., 'O ambiente na sala era de consternação'). You are also able to use the adverb 'consternadamente' to describe how someone is acting or speaking. At this level, you should be able to compare 'consternado' with more literary synonyms like 'desolado' or 'abatido'. You can explain why a journalist chose 'consternado' instead of 'triste' in a specific article. You are also more aware of regional differences; for example, how the word might be used in a Brazilian vs. a Portuguese context (though the meaning is the same, the frequency of use in different media might vary). You can use 'consternado' in debates or discussions about social issues to express your reaction to tragic events. Your goal at B2 is to use the word with total confidence and correct grammatical agreement every time, recognizing it as a key term for expressing deep, respectful dismay.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you use 'consternado' with the same ease and precision as a native speaker. You are aware of its poetic and literary potential. You can use it to create specific moods in your writing. You understand the subtle difference between 'consternação' and 'comoção' (commotion/emotional stirring). You can use the word in high-level academic or professional settings without hesitation. At this level, you might explore the word's presence in classical Portuguese literature, analyzing how authors like Eça de Queirós or Machado de Assis used it to describe their characters' internal lives. You can also use it in complex conditional sentences: 'Se eu não soubesse da verdade, não estaria tão consternado.' You understand how the word functions in various rhetorical devices. Your use of 'consternado' is part of a broad and sophisticated emotional vocabulary that allows you to express fine gradations of feeling. You are also sensitive to the 'overuse' of the word in some media contexts and can choose alternatives when you want to avoid clichés. You are a master of the word's emotional resonance and social implications.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'consternado' is profound and instinctive. You can use it to discuss the philosophy of emotion or the linguistics of sorrow. You are aware of the word's history and its evolution within the Portuguese language. You can use it with perfect naturalness in any context, from the most formal diplomatic correspondence to deep, philosophical discussions. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, perhaps using it ironically or in unexpected ways to achieve a specific effect. You understand its place within the entire system of the Portuguese language and how it relates to other concepts like 'piedade', 'misericórdia', or 'melancolia'. For you, 'consternado' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precise and powerful communication. You can distinguish between the 'consternação' of a single person and the collective 'consternação' of a nation, and you can articulate the differences in how these states are expressed. You have reached a level of fluency where the word is an integral part of your expressive capability, used with elegance and complete mastery.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

consternado en 30 secondes

Consternado describes a high-intensity emotional state of shock and dismay, typically triggered by tragic or very serious news.
It is a formal adjective that must agree in gender and number with the person it describes (o/a/os/as).
Frequently used with 'estar' or 'ficar', it is common in news reports and official statements of condolence.
It is much stronger than 'triste' and implies a sense of disbelief and deep distress.

The Portuguese adjective consternado (and its feminine form consternada) is a powerful emotional descriptor used to convey a state of deep dismay, distress, or shock. While it is often translated as 'consternated' in English, it carries a much more common and resonant weight in Portuguese everyday formal discourse, news reporting, and literature. When someone is consternado, they aren't just sad; they are paralyzed by a sense of profound grief or disbelief caused by an external event. It is the feeling you get when you hear about a sudden tragedy, a natural disaster, or the passing of a respected figure.

Emotional Intensity: This word sits high on the intensity scale, surpassing 'triste' (sad) and 'chateado' (upset/annoyed). It implies a level of gravity that demands respect and silence.

O país inteiro ficou consternado com a notícia do acidente aéreo.

Social Context: You will frequently encounter this word in official statements from government bodies or organizations expressing condolences. It provides a formal way to acknowledge collective pain.

A diretoria da empresa está consternada com a perda de seu fundador.

Physicality: Etymologically, the word relates to being 'strewn' or 'thrown down.' When you are consternado, you might feel physically heavy or unable to act immediately due to the shock.

Ele olhou para as ruínas da sua casa, visivelmente consternado.

As testemunhas do crime permaneceram consternadas diante da violência.

Não há como não se sentir consternado com tamanha injustiça.

Understanding 'consternado' requires recognizing its position in the hierarchy of sadness. While 'tristeza' is a general term for sadness, 'consternação' (the noun form) is specifically linked to an event that disrupts the peace of mind. It is often paired with verbs of state like 'estar' (to be) or 'ficar' (to become). For example, 'Eu estou consternado' suggests a current state, whereas 'Eu fiquei consternado' emphasizes the transition into that state upon hearing news. This word is an essential tool for intermediate learners who wish to express complex emotions with precision, moving beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of nuanced human experience. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Lisbon or watching a news broadcast in São Paulo, 'consternado' will appear as the go-to term for describing a community's reaction to tragedy. It bridges the gap between personal feeling and public expression, making it a versatile and indispensable part of the Portuguese lexicon.

Using consternado correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties as an adjective and its semantic placement in different contexts. Because it describes a temporary emotional state resulting from an event, it is almost exclusively used with the verbs estar, ficar, permanecer, or parecer.

With the Verb 'Ficar': This is the most common pairing when describing the reaction to a specific piece of news. It translates to 'became dismayed' or 'was struck with distress.'

Ao ouvir o veredito, o réu ficou visivelmente consternado.

Agreement Rules: Remember that the ending changes. Masculine: -o / -os. Feminine: -a / -as. This is a fundamental rule for all Portuguese adjectives.

As famílias das vítimas estão consternadas e aguardam por respostas.

Adverbial Use: To describe how someone does something while in this state, use the adverbial form: 'consternadamente'.

Ela falou consternadamente sobre a destruição da floresta.

O professor, consternado, interrompeu a aula para dar a notícia.

Estamos todos muito consternados com o que aconteceu ontem.

In sentence construction, 'consternado' often precedes a prepositional phrase starting with 'com' (with) or 'por' (by/for), which identifies the cause of the dismay. For example, 'consternado com a tragédia' (dismayed by the tragedy). It can also be used as a standalone adjective in a narrative to set the mood of a character. 'Consternado, ele saiu da sala' (Dismayed, he left the room). When writing, pay attention to the emotional arc; 'consternado' is usually the climax of an emotional reaction. It is the moment where words fail and the gravity of a situation sets in. In academic or journalistic writing, it adds a layer of human empathy to the reporting of facts. By using this word, you signal to your audience that the subject matter is not just informative, but emotionally significant. It is a word that demands a pause, a breath, and a moment of reflection. Whether you are describing a single person's reaction or a whole city's mood, 'consternado' provides the linguistic depth needed to convey the weight of human sorrow and shock.

In the Lusophone world, consternado is a staple of formal communication. You will hear it most frequently in television news broadcasts during the reporting of significant negative events. News anchors use it to describe the public mood or the reaction of officials. For instance, during a national day of mourning, the word will be repeated across various media outlets.

News Media: Journalists use 'consternado' to maintain a professional yet empathetic tone when covering disasters or deaths of public figures.

O âncora do jornal parecia consternado ao anunciar a tragédia.

Literature and Cinema: In novels and film scripts, it is used to describe a character's internal state after a plot twist or a personal loss, adding a layer of sophisticated emotional description.

Na cena final, o protagonista caminha pela chuva, visivelmente consternado.

Official Statements: When a company or a government office issues a press release about a sad event, 'consternado' is the standard adjective used to express their collective feeling.

A prefeitura emitiu uma nota dizendo estar consternada com o ocorrido.

Muitos torcedores ficaram consternados com a derrota inesperada do time.

O orador fez uma pausa, claramente consternado pela lembrança.

Beyond these formal settings, you might hear it in deep personal conversations between friends when discussing serious life events. It is not a word for a 'bad day' at work; it is a word for a 'life-altering' moment. In religious contexts, such as during a sermon or a funeral service, the word helps to articulate the spiritual and emotional weight of mortality and loss. In educational settings, a teacher might use it when discussing historical tragedies like the Holocaust or the destruction of Pompeii to elicit a sense of gravity from the students. Ultimately, 'consternado' is a word that lives in the space where the personal meets the universal. It allows speakers to connect through shared shock and empathy, making it a vital component of the social fabric in Portuguese-speaking cultures. Whether in the bustling streets of Luanda or the quiet villages of the Algarve, 'consternado' remains a universally understood signal of deep, respectful sorrow.

Learning to use consternado involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with words that have similar English cognates but different meanings or intensities in Portuguese.

Confusing with 'Chateado': 'Chateado' means upset, annoyed, or slightly sad. If you use 'consternado' to describe being annoyed that your coffee is cold, you will sound overly dramatic or even ridiculous.

Errado: Estou consternado porque perdi o ônibus. (Too dramatic!)

Gender and Number Agreement: English speakers often forget to change the ending of the adjective. Remember: 'Ele está consternado', but 'Ela está consternada'.

Correto: Elas ficaram consternadas com o resultado.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar': 'Consternado' is a state, not a trait. You are not a 'consternado person' by nature; you are in a state of consternation due to an event.

Errado: Ele é consternado. Correto: Ele está consternado.

Não confunda consternado com apenas 'surpreso'. A surpresa pode ser boa.

Cuidado para não usar a palavra em contextos de alegria irônica.

Another mistake is the pronunciation of the 'r'. In many Portuguese dialects, the 'r' in 'consternado' is a soft flap (like the 'tt' in 'better' in US English) or a guttural sound depending on the region. English speakers sometimes over-emphasize the 'r' in a way that sounds unnatural. Additionally, ensure the nasal 'on' at the beginning is clear; 'con-' should not sound like 'cone'. Finally, remember that 'consternado' implies a certain level of helplessness. If you are angry and want to take action, words like 'indignado' (outraged) might be more appropriate. 'Consternado' is more about the internal shock and sorrow. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will use the word with the gravity and precision it requires, avoiding awkward social misunderstandings and demonstrating a high level of linguistic competence.

To truly master the use of consternado, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and near-synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different shade of meaning.

Desolado vs. Consternado: 'Desolado' implies a feeling of being 'deserted' or 'empty' with grief. It is even more personal and intense than 'consternado'.

A mãe ficou desolada com a partida do filho.

Chocado vs. Consternado: 'Chocado' (shocked) is more about the suddenness of the event. 'Consternado' includes the shock but adds a layer of deep, lingering distress.

Fiquei chocado com o preço, mas consternado com o acidente.

Aflito vs. Consternado: 'Aflito' (afflicted/anxious) implies a sense of worry and urgency. 'Consternado' is more static—you are stunned by what has already happened.

Ele estava aflito procurando as chaves, mas ficou consternado ao saber do roubo.

O público permaneceu estupefato (speechless) e consternado.

Ela parecia prostrada de tanta consternação.

Other alternatives include 'perplexo' (perplexed), which focuses on the confusion of the event, and 'entristecido' (saddened), which is a softer, more general term. 'Atordoado' (stunned/dazed) describes the mental fog that often accompanies consternation. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the sadness, the shock, the confusion, or the physical exhaustion of the emotion. 'Consternado' is the perfect middle ground for a formal, serious, and deeply empathetic expression of dismay. By building a web of these related terms, you can navigate the emotional landscape of the Portuguese language with much greater finesse. You will be able to distinguish between the 'chateação' of a missed flight and the 'consternação' of a national crisis, ensuring that your words always match the gravity of the situation and the expectations of your listeners.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'sternere' is the same one that gives us the English word 'stratosphere' and 'street' (via the idea of a paved/spread-out path).

Guide de prononciation

UK /kõʃ.tɛɾ.ˈna.du/

US /kõs.teɾ.ˈna.du/

The stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'na'.

Rime avec

abandonado apaixonado cansado delicado engraçado fechado gelado molhado

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'con' like 'cone' instead of making it nasal.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
Forgetting to change the final 'o' to 'a' for female subjects.
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'ster' like a long 'ee'. It should be an open or semi-closed 'eh'.
Making the 's' too loud; it should flow into the 't'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news, so you will see it often once you start reading media.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement and appropriate context.

Expression orale 4/5

The nasal 'on' and the soft 'r' require practice for a natural sound.

Écoute 3/5

Easily recognizable due to its distinct sound and formal context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

triste surpreso notícia ficar estar

Apprends ensuite

desolado indignado perplexo comoção pêsames

Avancé

luto condolências infortúnio calamidade abatimento

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

O homem consternado vs. A mulher consternada.

State vs. Trait (Estar vs. Ser)

Ele está consternado (now) vs. Ele é triste (personality).

Prepositional Cause

Consternado COM a notícia (with the news).

Nasal Vowels

The 'on' in 'consternado' must be nasalized.

Adverb Formation

Adjective 'consternado' -> Adverb 'consternadamente'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

O menino está consternado porque perdeu o brinquedo.

The boy is dismayed because he lost the toy.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary feeling.

Ela está consternada com o fim do livro.

She is dismayed by the end of the book.

Feminine agreement: 'consternada'.

Nós estamos consternados.

We are dismayed.

Plural agreement: 'consternados'.

Você parece consternado.

You look dismayed.

Uses 'parecer' (to seem).

O rei ficou consternado com a notícia.

The king became dismayed with the news.

Uses 'ficar' for a change of state.

As meninas estão consternadas.

The girls are dismayed.

Feminine plural agreement.

Eu não estou consternado, estou apenas triste.

I am not dismayed, I am just sad.

Contrast between two levels of sadness.

Ele ficou consternado ontem.

He became dismayed yesterday.

Past tense of 'ficar'.

Fiquei consternado ao ver o acidente na TV.

I was dismayed to see the accident on TV.

Common use with 'ao ver' (upon seeing).

A cidade está consternada com a chuva forte.

The city is dismayed by the heavy rain.

City as a collective noun (feminine).

Eles ficaram consternados com o resultado do jogo.

They were dismayed by the game's result.

Masculine plural agreement.

Minha mãe está consternada com a morte do vizinho.

My mother is dismayed by the neighbor's death.

Preposition 'com' indicates the cause.

O professor parecia consternado com os erros dos alunos.

The teacher seemed dismayed with the students' errors.

Shows a more formal context.

Ficamos todos consternados com a notícia do incêndio.

We were all dismayed by the news of the fire.

Use of 'todos' for emphasis.

Ela não quis falar, pois estava muito consternada.

She didn't want to talk because she was very dismayed.

Shows 'consternado' as a reason for silence.

O mundo ficou consternado com a tragédia.

The world was dismayed by the tragedy.

Metaphorical use of 'o mundo'.

A comunidade acadêmica está consternada com o falecimento do reitor.

The academic community is dismayed by the rector's passing.

Formal community context.

O presidente declarou estar profundamente consternado.

The president declared to be deeply dismayed.

Use of 'profundamente' as an intensifier.

A notícia deixou a todos consternados e sem palavras.

The news left everyone dismayed and speechless.

Use of 'deixar' (to leave/make) + object + adjective.

É impossível não ficar consternado diante de tamanha injustiça.

It is impossible not to be dismayed in the face of such injustice.

Impersonal 'é impossível'.

Ela escreveu uma carta dizendo o quanto estava consternada.

She wrote a letter saying how much she was dismayed.

Indirect speech.

O público saiu do teatro visivelmente consternado.

The audience left the theater visibly dismayed.

Adverb 'visivelmente' modifying the state.

A empresa emitiu uma nota oficial: 'Estamos consternados'.

The company issued an official note: 'We are dismayed'.

Direct quote in formal register.

Apesar de consternado, ele tentou manter a calma.

Despite being dismayed, he tried to stay calm.

Concessive clause with 'apesar de'.

A população local permanece consternada enquanto aguarda por notícias dos desaparecidos.

The local population remains dismayed while waiting for news of the missing.

Use of 'permanecer' for a continuous state.

O tom de voz do repórter era de quem estava genuinamente consternado.

The reporter's tone of voice was that of someone who was genuinely dismayed.

Complex noun phrase structure.

Muitos ficaram consternados com a demolição do prédio histórico.

Many were dismayed by the demolition of the historic building.

Cultural/heritage context.

A reação consternada da plateia foi imediata após o anúncio do cancelamento.

The audience's dismayed reaction was immediate after the cancellation announcement.

Adjective modifying 'reação'.

Ele reagiu consternadamente ao saber da traição do amigo.

He reacted with dismay upon learning of his friend's betrayal.

Use of the adverb 'consternadamente'.

A magnitude do desastre deixou os socorristas visivelmente consternados.

The magnitude of the disaster left the rescuers visibly dismayed.

Abstract subject 'magnitude'.

Não se pode ignorar o clima consternado que tomou conta da empresa.

One cannot ignore the dismayed atmosphere that took over the company.

Passive voice with 'se'.

Ela se sentiu consternada por não ter podido ajudar mais.

She felt dismayed for not having been able to help more.

Reflexive 'sentir-se'.

A obra do autor reflete um espírito consternado com as mazelas da sociedade moderna.

The author's work reflects a spirit dismayed by the ills of modern society.

Literary analysis context.

Diante do abismo moral da situação, ele permaneceu em um silêncio consternado.

Faced with the moral abyss of the situation, he remained in a dismayed silence.

Metaphorical language ('abismo moral').

A consternação era palpável nos corredores do hospital após o erro médico.

The dismay was palpable in the hospital corridors after the medical error.

Noun form 'consternação'.

O diplomata, embora consternado, manteve a etiqueta exigida pelo protocolo.

The diplomat, though dismayed, maintained the etiquette required by protocol.

Use of 'embora' for contrast.

É uma visão consternada da história, focada apenas nas tragédias e perdas.

It is a dismayed view of history, focused only on tragedies and losses.

Adjective modifying an abstract concept ('visão').

A notícia da falência deixou os investidores não apenas preocupados, mas consternados.

The news of the bankruptcy left investors not just worried, but dismayed.

Comparison of intensity ('não apenas... mas').

O poema termina com um verso consternado sobre a transitoriedade da vida.

The poem ends with a dismayed verse about the transience of life.

Literary context.

Ela olhou para o desastre ambiental com um olhar consternado e impotente.

She looked at the environmental disaster with a dismayed and helpless gaze.

Pairing adjectives for emotional depth.

Sua prosa, frequentemente consternada, disseca a falibilidade humana com precisão cirúrgica.

His prose, frequently dismayed, dissects human fallibility with surgical precision.

Advanced literary criticism.

A consternação que se seguiu ao golpe de estado foi um prenúncio de tempos sombrios.

The dismay that followed the coup d'état was a harbinger of dark times.

Historical/political analysis.

O filósofo argumenta que o homem moderno vive em um estado de espírito perenemente consternado.

The philosopher argues that modern man lives in a perennially dismayed state of mind.

Philosophical discourse.

Não houve quem não saísse daquela exposição com o coração consternado pela crueza das imagens.

There was no one who didn't leave that exhibition with a heart dismayed by the rawness of the images.

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

A narrativa é entrecortada por momentos de uma consternação quase mística diante do inexplicável.

The narrative is interspersed with moments of an almost mystical dismay before the inexplicable.

Highly abstract and descriptive.

Ainda que consternados pela magnitude da tarefa, os voluntários não recuaram.

Even though dismayed by the magnitude of the task, the volunteers did not back down.

Advanced concessive structure ('Ainda que').

Sua reação, um misto de surpresa e consternação, revelou muito sobre seu caráter.

His reaction, a mix of surprise and dismay, revealed much about his character.

Apposition used for characterization.

O silêncio consternado que se instalou na sala era mais eloquente do que qualquer discurso.

The dismayed silence that settled in the room was more eloquent than any speech.

Metaphorical use of 'eloquente'.

Collocations courantes

profundamente consternado

visivelmente consternado

ficar consternado com

estar consternado por

olhar consternado

silêncio consternado

clima consternado

povo consternado

sentir-se consternado

permanecer consternado

Phrases Courantes

Estou consternado.

— I am dismayed. Used to express personal sympathy or shock.

Sinto muito, estou consternado com o que ouvi.

Fiquei consternada.

— I became dismayed. Used by a female speaker to describe her reaction.

Fiquei consternada ao saber da notícia.

O país está consternado.

— The country is dismayed. A common news headline for national tragedies.

O país está consternado com a queda do avião.

Nota de consternação.

— A message of dismay/condolences. Common in official press releases.

A universidade emitiu uma nota de consternação.

Um olhar consternado.

— A dismayed look. Used in descriptions and narratives.

Ele me deu um olhar consternado e saiu.

Consternados com a perda.

— Dismayed by the loss. Standard phrase for funerals or deaths.

Estamos todos consternados com a perda do nosso colega.

Visivelmente consternado.

— Visibly dismayed. Used when someone's face shows their shock.

O jogador saiu de campo visivelmente consternado.

Profunda consternação.

— Deep dismay. The noun form used to describe the collective feeling.

A morte do artista causou profunda consternação.

Em estado de consternação.

— In a state of dismay. Describes a person or place.

A família ainda está em estado de consternação.

Manifestar consternação.

— To express dismay. Formal way of saying someone spoke about their sadness.

Vários líderes mundiais manifestaram consternação.

Souvent confondu avec

consternado vs constipado

In Portugal, this means having a cold. In Brazil, it means constipation. It has no relation to being dismayed.

consternado vs contente

Sounds slightly similar but is the opposite (happy/content).

consternado vs concentrado

Means concentrated or focused. Don't confuse the 'con-' start.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cair o queixo"

— To have one's jaw drop. An informal way to describe the shock that leads to being consternado.

O meu queixo caiu quando vi o estrago.

informal

"Ficar sem chão"

— To feel like the floor has been taken away. Describes the feeling of total loss often associated with being consternado.

Ela ficou sem chão com a notícia.

informal

"De queixo caído"

— Stunned/with jaw dropped. Similar to 'cair o queixo'.

Ficamos de queixo caído com o anúncio.

informal

"Ficar de pedra e cal"

— To be rooted to the spot. Can describe the paralysis of a consternado person.

Ele ficou de pedra e cal ao ouvir o veredito.

neutral

"Perder a fala"

— To lose one's speech. A common physical reaction to being consternado.

Ela perdeu a fala de tão consternada.

neutral

"Estar em choque"

— To be in shock. The most common synonym for 'estar consternado' in daily speech.

Estamos todos em choque.

neutral

"Ficar passado"

— To be shocked/stunned. Very common slang in Brazil for light to medium consternation.

Fiquei passada com a fofoca!

slang

"Estar de cara"

— To be stunned/unbelieving. Brazilian slang for a lower level of consternation.

Tô de cara com esse resultado.

slang

"Sentir o golpe"

— To feel the blow. Describes reacting to a piece of bad news.

Ele sentiu o golpe e ficou consternado.

neutral

"Ficar nas nuvens (opposite)"

— To be in the clouds (very happy). The opposite of the grounded weight of consternation.

Ele está nas nuvens, nada consternado.

informal

Facile à confondre

consternado vs chateado

Both describe negative feelings.

'Chateado' is for minor annoyances or being upset. 'Consternado' is for deep shock and tragedy.

Estou chateado porque perdi a chave; estou consternado porque perdi um amigo.

consternado vs surpreso

Both involve an element of surprise.

'Surpreso' can be good or bad. 'Consternado' is always negative and much heavier.

Fiquei surpreso com o presente; fiquei consternado com o roubo.

consternado vs triste

Both are about sadness.

'Triste' is a general term. 'Consternado' is specifically about being shocked and dismayed by an event.

Hoje estou um pouco triste; o país está consternado com o desastre.

consternado vs indignado

Both are reactions to bad news.

'Indignado' focuses on anger and injustice. 'Consternado' focuses on shock and sorrow.

Estou indignado com a corrupção; estou consternado com a pobreza.

consternado vs perplexo

Both involve being stunned.

'Perplexo' emphasizes confusion and lack of understanding. 'Consternado' emphasizes the emotional pain of the shock.

Fiquei perplexo com o enigma; fiquei consternado com o crime.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] está consternado.

Ele está consternado.

[Subject] ficou consternado com [Noun].

Ela ficou consternada com a notícia.

É impossível não ficar consternado diante de [Situation].

É impossível não ficar consternado diante da tragédia.

Apesar de [Adjective], [Subject] estava consternado.

Apesar de calmo, ele estava consternado.

O clima de [Noun] deixou todos consternados.

O clima de incerteza deixou todos consternados.

[Noun] é entrecortado por momentos de [Noun] consternada.

O livro é entrecortado por momentos de tristeza consternada.

[Subject] parecia visivelmente consternado.

O médico parecia visivelmente consternado.

Estamos todos consternados por [Reason].

Estamos todos consternados por sua partida.

Famille de mots

Noms

consternação (dismay/consternation)

Verbes

consternar (to dismay/to cause distress)

Adjectifs

consternado

consternada

consternador (that which causes dismay)

Apparenté

tristeza

choque

desolação

aflição

perplexidade

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in written media and formal speech; rare in casual slang.

Erreurs courantes

Eu sou consternado. → Eu estou consternado.
You should use 'estar' because being dismayed is a temporary state, not a permanent character trait.
Ela ficou consternado. → Ela ficou consternada.
The adjective must agree with the feminine subject 'ela'.
Estou consternado porque perdi minha caneta. → Estou chateado porque perdi minha caneta.
Losing a pen is not serious enough for 'consternado'. It sounds too dramatic.
Fiquei constipado com a notícia. → Fiquei consternado com a notícia.
'Constipado' means having a cold or being constipated, not being dismayed.
Eles ficaram consternado. → Eles ficaram consternados.
The adjective must be plural to match the subject 'eles'.

Astuces

Match the Intensity

Only use 'consternado' when the situation is truly serious. It's a 'heavy' word that carries a lot of emotional weight.

Gender Agreement

Always check if you need 'consternado' (male) or 'consternada' (female). This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Nasal Vowels

The first syllable 'con' is nasal. Practice by saying 'on' while slightly closing your nose.

Noun Form

Learn 'consternação' alongside the adjective to describe the feeling of a whole group or place.

Watch the News

TV news is the best place to hear this word used naturally in Portuguese.

Formal Condolences

If you need to write a message of sympathy, 'consternado' is the perfect word to include.

Tone of Voice

Notice how the tone of voice changes when people use this word; it's usually lower and more solemn.

Avoid Clichés

While 'profundamente consternado' is common, try 'visivelmente consternado' for a slightly different nuance.

Social Empathy

Using this word correctly helps you integrate better into Portuguese-speaking social circles by showing empathy.

Word Families

Connect it to 'consternar' and 'consternadamente' to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'STERN' look that makes you feel 'CON'-fused and sad. CON-STERN-ADO.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in the middle of a 'STERN' (back of a ship) looking at a 'CON'-stellation while feeling deeply shocked by a storm.

Word Web

Sadness Shock Formal News Tragedy Estar Ficar Condolences

Défi

Try to find three news headlines today that could be described as making someone 'consternado'. Write them down in Portuguese.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'consternatus', which is the past participle of 'consternare'. This verb is formed by 'con-' (together) and 'sternere' (to spread out, to throw down, to flatten).

Sens originel : The original sense was to be 'thrown down' or 'terrified' by an overwhelming force or news.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexte culturel

Always use this word with a serious tone. Using it lightheartedly can be seen as insensitive or mocking of genuine grief.

English speakers might find 'consternated' archaic, but in Portuguese, 'consternado' is very much alive and common in media.

Commonly used in 'Jornal Nacional' (Brazil) or 'Telejornal' (Portugal) during tragedies. Appears in the works of Machado de Assis to describe social embarrassment or shock. Often found in official government decrees of mourning.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Funeral or Death

Meus pêsames, estou consternado.
A família está consternada.
Uma perda que nos deixa consternados.
Estamos todos consternados.

Natural Disasters

O país está consternado com a enchente.
Visão consternada da destruição.
Ficamos consternados com as vítimas.
Assistindo consternados às notícias.

Serious Mistakes

O diretor ficou consternado com o erro.
Uma falha que nos deixa consternados.
Parecia consternado ao pedir desculpas.
Expressão consternada após o fracasso.

Historical Events

Um relato consternado da guerra.
O mundo ficou consternado com o evento.
Historiadores consternados pelos fatos.
O clima era de consternação geral.

Personal Betrayal

Ficou consternada com a mentira.
Olhou-o de forma consternada.
Sentiu-se consternado pela traição.
Um silêncio consternado entre os dois.

Amorces de conversation

"Você ficou consternado com a notícia de ontem?"

"Como você reage quando vê algo que te deixa consternado?"

"Você acha que o povo brasileiro fica consternado facilmente?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você se sentiu realmente consternado?"

"Você prefere usar a palavra 'triste' ou 'consternado' para situações sérias?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre um evento histórico que te deixa consternado até hoje.

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que consolar alguém que estava consternado.

Como a palavra 'consternado' difere de 'triste' no seu entendimento pessoal?

Imagine que você é um repórter. Escreva uma nota sobre um evento que deixou a cidade consternada.

Reflita sobre a importância de palavras formais como 'consternado' para expressar sentimentos profundos.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it's best to avoid it for minor inconveniences. If you use it because you missed a bus, people will think you are being sarcastic or dramatic. Stick to 'chateado' or 'triste' for small things.

The feminine form is 'consternada'. You must use this if the subject is a woman. For example: 'Ela ficou consternada'.

It is used equally in both countries, especially in formal contexts like the news, government statements, and literature. The pronunciation of the 's' and 'r' will differ, but the meaning and usage are identical.

The most common way is to say 'profundamente consternado'. This is a very standard collocation in Portuguese.

In daily casual conversation, it's less common than 'triste' or 'em choque'. However, in any formal or serious setting, it is the standard word to use.

No, 'consternado' is strictly for negative events that cause distress or dismay. For positive surprises, use 'maravilhado' or 'encantado'.

The noun form is 'consternação'. For example: 'A notícia causou muita consternação'.

Yes, 'consternar'. For example: 'A notícia consternou a todos' (The news dismayed everyone).

Yes, using 'consternado' in a situation of loss is considered very polite and shows that you have a sophisticated grasp of the language and social etiquette.

There isn't a single direct opposite, but words like 'alegre', 'indiferente', or 'satisfeito' can serve as antonyms depending on the context.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes