At the A1 level, you can think of desavença as a way to say 'a problem between people'. While you might usually use 'briga' (fight) or 'não gosta' (don't like), 'desavença' is a more 'adult' way to talk about when people are not friends anymore or have a small argument. Imagine two children who don't want to play together because of a toy; that is a small 'desavença'. You don't need to use this word often at A1, but recognizing it will help you understand when people are talking about conflicts in stories or on the news. It is a feminine word, so we say 'a desavença'. It usually happens 'entre' (between) two people. For example: 'A desavença entre João e Maria' (The disagreement between João and Maria). Just remember it means 'disagreement'.
At the A2 level, you should start using desavença to describe social situations more accurately. Instead of just saying 'eles brigaram' (they fought), you can say 'eles tiveram uma desavença' (they had a disagreement). This makes your Portuguese sound more polite and less aggressive. You can use it to talk about family problems, work issues, or even simple disagreements with neighbors. At this level, you should be able to identify that 'desavença' is more about the state of the relationship than a physical fight. You can pair it with simple adjectives like 'pequena' (small) or 'grande' (big). Example: 'Tivemos uma pequena desavença por causa do preço'. This shows you are moving beyond basic vocabulary into more descriptive nouns.
For B1 learners, desavença is an essential word for discussing interpersonal relationships and social issues. You should understand that it implies a lack of 'avença' (agreement). You can use it in more complex sentences, such as 'Espero que essa desavença não afete nosso trabalho' (I hope this disagreement doesn't affect our work). You should also start to distinguish it from 'desentendimento' (misunderstanding). A 'desavença' is often the result of a 'desentendimento'. You can use it in the plural to describe a history of conflict: 'Eles têm muitas desavenças antigas'. This level requires you to use the word in semi-formal contexts, like writing a letter to a landlord or explaining a situation to a supervisor.
At the B2 level, you should use desavença with precision and variety. You can use it to describe political rifts, corporate disputes, or complex social dynamics. You should be comfortable using related verbs like 'surgir', 'mediar', and 'apaziguar'. For example: 'O mediador foi chamado para apaziguar a desavença entre os sindicatos'. You should also understand its use in journalism and literature, where it often describes the root of a narrative conflict. At this level, you are expected to know that 'desavença' is a more formal choice than 'briga' and carries a nuance of 'discord' rather than just a 'shouting match'. You can also use it to discuss abstract concepts, like 'desavenças ideológicas' (ideological disagreements).
At C1, desavença becomes a tool for sophisticated analysis. You can use it to discuss the nuances of historical conflicts, legal disputes, and philosophical differences. You should be able to use it in complex structures, such as 'A desavença, outrora irreconciliável, foi finalmente resolvida através de uma diplomacia árdua'. You understand its synonyms like 'discórdia', 'querela', and 'litígio' and choose the perfect one for the specific register of your speech or writing. You can use 'desavença' to describe subtle frictions in a text, identifying how it contributes to the overall tone. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its etymological roots and its position in the hierarchy of Portuguese formal vocabulary.
For C2 learners, desavença is a word used with complete mastery of its stylistic and cultural implications. You can use it to write academic papers, legal briefs, or high-level literary criticism. You might explore the 'desavença' between different schools of thought or the 'desavenças' that characterize specific periods of Portuguese or Brazilian history. You are aware of its archaic roots and how its usage has evolved. You can use it with high-level idiomatic expressions and in complex rhetorical devices. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a building block for nuanced, persuasive, and elegant communication in any professional or intellectual sphere.

desavença en 30 secondes

  • Desavença means disagreement or dispute in Portuguese.
  • It is a feminine noun: 'a desavença'.
  • It is more formal than 'briga' and implies a rift in a relationship.
  • Commonly used in family, work, and political contexts.
The Portuguese word desavença is a sophisticated and versatile noun that primarily translates to 'disagreement', 'dispute', or 'discord'. At its core, it describes a state of non-agreement or a rift between two or more parties. Unlike the more common and informal word 'briga' (fight), which often implies a physical or loud verbal altercation, desavença suggests a deeper, perhaps more prolonged lack of harmony. It is the kind of word you would use to describe a falling out between business partners, a long-standing family feud, or a diplomatic rift between nations. It carries a weight of formality and psychological depth, indicating that the relationship is currently 'out of sync' or 'misaligned'. In the context of Brazilian or Portuguese society, using this word often elevates the conversation, suggesting that the speaker is looking at the structural or emotional root of the conflict rather than just the surface-level shouting.
Semantic Nuance
While 'conflito' refers to the clash itself, 'desavença' focuses on the lack of 'avença' (agreement). It is the absence of a shared path.

A desavença entre os dois sócios levou ao fechamento da empresa após dez anos de sucesso.

In literature, authors use this term to describe the friction between characters that drives the plot. It is not just a momentary anger; it is a condition of the relationship. For instance, in a classic Portuguese novel, a 'desavença familiar' might span generations, involving inheritance disputes or old betrayals. In modern journalism, you will see it used to describe political stalemates where two parties cannot find common ground on a bill or policy.
Register
Semi-formal to Formal. It is perfectly acceptable in professional emails, legal discussions, and serious news reporting.

Infelizmente, uma pequena desavença por causa de dinheiro destruiu uma amizade de infância.

Usage in Media
Often used in headlines to describe 'rifts' in celebrity relationships or 'disputes' in international trade agreements.

Não queremos criar nenhuma desavença durante a reunião de condomínio hoje à noite.

A história do país é marcada por desavenças políticas que impediram o progresso social.

Sempre há uma desavença ou outra quando muitas pessoas trabalham juntas no mesmo projeto.

Understanding 'desavença' also means understanding its emotional weight. It implies a loss of peace. In a spiritual or philosophical context, 'desavença' is the opposite of 'paz' (peace) and 'união' (union). It is the static on the line, the friction in the engine of social interaction. By mastering this word, you move beyond basic Portuguese and start to express the nuances of human relationships with precision and grace.
Using desavença correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the verbs it typically pairs with. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by 'a', 'uma', 'esta', or 'aquela'. The most common verb used with it is 'ter' (to have), as in 'ter uma desavença com alguém'. However, to sound more natural and sophisticated, you should learn to use verbs like 'surgir' (to arise), 'resolver' (to resolve), or 'superar' (to overcome).
Verb Pairings
Surgir uma desavença (A disagreement arises); Resolver uma desavença (To resolve a dispute); Alimentar uma desavença (To fuel a disagreement).

Uma desavença surgiu entre os herdeiros logo após a leitura do testamento.

In the plural form, 'desavenças', it often refers to a series of problems or a general state of conflict. For example, 'Eles têm muitas desavenças' suggests a history of not getting along. You can also use adjectives to modify the intensity: 'pequena desavença' (minor disagreement), 'profunda desavença' (deep rift), or 'antiga desavença' (old feud).
Adjective Modifiers
Pequena (small), constante (constant), política (political), familiar (family-related), irreconciliável (irreconcilable).

Apesar das desavenças do passado, eles decidiram trabalhar juntos novamente.

O mediador tentou apaziguar a desavença entre os dois departamentos da prefeitura.

Qualquer desavença boba pode se tornar um problemão se não for resolvida logo.

Eles vivem em constante desavença por causa da criação dos filhos.

Prepositional Usage
Desavença 'entre' (between) [group], or desavença 'com' (with) [person].
It is also useful in academic or analytical writing. If you are writing an essay about history or sociology in Portuguese, 'desavença' is your go-to word for describing social friction. It allows you to describe conflict without implying that the parties were necessarily shouting or fighting physically. It is a conceptual word, dealing with the state of the relationship. When you say 'Houve uma desavença', you are stating a fact about a relationship's status, which is very useful for maintaining an objective tone in writing. By practicing these patterns, you will find that 'desavença' becomes a natural part of your vocabulary for discussing any kind of friction, from the office to the home.
You will encounter desavença in a variety of contexts, ranging from the daily news to the dramatic arcs of a 'telenovela'. In the news, it is frequently used to describe political disagreements. A journalist might say, 'Há uma desavença interna no partido sobre a nova lei tributária' (There is an internal disagreement in the party regarding the new tax law). This usage highlights that the word is professional and precise. In the workplace, a manager might use it to describe a conflict between team members that needs mediation: 'Precisamos sentar e resolver essa desavença para o bem do projeto'.
Context: Journalism
Used to describe diplomatic rifts, political stalemates, and corporate board disputes.

O jornal noticiou uma desavença diplomática entre o Brasil e a França na semana passada.

In the world of entertainment, specifically Brazilian 'novelas', 'desavença' is a keyword. Plots are often built around a 'desavença familiar' that started decades ago. You might hear a character say, 'Nossa família tem essa desavença há anos, e ninguém mais lembra o porquê'. This usage emphasizes the word's ability to describe long-lasting, deep-seated issues. Even in more casual settings, if someone wants to describe a conflict without being too blunt or 'fofoqueiro' (gossipy), they might use 'desavença' to keep a bit of distance and decorum.
Context: Telenovelas
Used to describe the core conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist's families.

No capítulo de hoje, a desavença entre as protagonistas chega ao seu ponto máximo.

A desavença no local de trabalho prejudica a produtividade de toda a equipe.

O juiz sugeriu uma conciliação para pôr fim àquela desavença jurídica.

Eles tiveram uma desavença boba no trânsito, mas nada grave aconteceu.

Context: Legal/Corporate
Used in contracts or mediation documents to describe 'disputes' that need arbitration.
Finally, in religious or ethical discussions, 'desavença' is used as a counterpoint to 'caridade' (charity) or 'comunhão' (communion). It represents the breakdown of the ideal social order. Whether you are reading a high-brow newspaper like 'Folha de S.Paulo' or watching a dramatic series on 'Globo', 'desavença' is a word that will frequently cross your path, serving as a marker for conflict and the complexity of human interaction.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using desavença is confusing it with words that look similar but have entirely different meanings. For example, some learners might confuse it with 'desventura' (misfortune) because of the shared prefix and similar sound. However, a 'desavença' is a social conflict, while a 'desventura' is a stroke of bad luck. Another common error is using the masculine article 'o' instead of the correct feminine article 'a'. Remember: it is 'a desavença', never 'o desavença'.
False Friend Alert
Don't confuse 'desavença' (dispute) with 'desventura' (misfortune) or 'desvantagem' (disadvantage).

Errado: O desavença entre eles foi grande. | Correto: A desavença entre eles foi grande.

Another mistake is overusing 'desavença' in very casual, heated situations where 'briga' would be more appropriate. If two people are actively yelling at each other in the street, calling it a 'desavença' might sound overly clinical or even sarcastic. Use 'briga' for the heat of the moment and 'desavença' for the underlying conflict. Furthermore, learners often forget the nasal sound of the 'en' in 'desavença'. It is not 'de-za-ven-sa' with a hard 'n', but rather a nasalized vowel: /de.za.ˈvẽ.sɐ/.
Pronunciation Trap
The 's' between 'e' and 'a' is pronounced like a 'z'. The 'ç' is a soft 's' sound. The 'en' is nasal.

Não diga 'desavença' quando alguém apenas derruba café em você; isso é um 'acidente' ou 'incidente', não uma 'desavença'.

Evite usar 'desavença' para descrever uma simples diferença de opinião em uma conversa amigável. Use 'divergência' em vez disso.

Cuidado com o plural: 'desavenças' segue a regra normal, mas a pronúncia nasal deve ser mantida.

Não confunda com o verbo 'desavir-se', que é o ato de entrar em desavença, embora sejam da mesma família.

Summary of Errors
1. Wrong gender (o vs a). 2. Confusion with 'desventura'. 3. Mispronunciation of the nasal 'en'. 4. Using it for minor, non-relational accidents.
Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more authentic and precise. Always pay attention to the context: if the situation is serious, formal, or involves a long-term relationship, 'desavença' is likely the right choice.
To truly master desavença, you must understand how it relates to its synonyms and which one to choose based on the context. The most common alternative is 'desentendimento' (misunderstanding). While 'desavença' implies a rift, 'desentendimento' often suggests that the conflict arose from a lack of clear communication. If you want to emphasize that the parties simply don't understand each other, use 'desentendimento'. If you want to emphasize the resulting discord, use 'desavença'.
Desavença vs. Desentendimento
Desavença: Focuses on the state of discord. Desentendimento: Focuses on the cause (miscommunication).

Houve um desentendimento sobre o horário, mas não houve nenhuma desavença entre nós.

Another powerful synonym is 'discórdia'. This word is even more formal and often carries a poetic or biblical weight. It refers to a lack of 'coração' (heart) or harmony. 'Conflito' is a more general term that can apply to anything from an armed war to an inner psychological struggle. 'Rixa' is a specific type of 'desavença' that is usually violent or very aggressive, often used in police reports. 'Litígio' is the legal term for a 'desavença' that has gone to court.
Other Alternatives
Divergência (divergence of opinion), Altercação (heated argument), Pendência (unresolved issue/dispute), Querela (formal complaint/quarrel).

A discórdia foi plantada por boatos maldosos espalhados na vizinhança.

Eles têm uma pendência financeira que gerou uma grande desavença.

Houve uma altercação na assembleia, mas a desavença foi resolvida logo depois.

A rixa entre as gangues locais é uma desavença que a polícia tenta conter há meses.

Register Comparison
Briga (Informal) < Desentendimento (Neutral) < Desavença (Semi-formal) < Discórdia (Formal/Literary).
Choosing the right word demonstrates your level of fluency. If you say 'desavença' when a Portuguese speaker expects 'briga', you might sound a bit like a book, but you will certainly be understood. However, using 'desavença' in a business meeting to describe a conflict with a client shows that you have a nuanced command of the language and respect for the professional setting. Practice identifying these synonyms in your reading and listening to see how native speakers balance these different shades of meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'avença' comes from the Latin 'adventia', which also gives us the word 'adventure'. So, a 'desavença' is literally a 'non-coming-together'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dɛ.zɐ.ˈvẽ.sɐ/
US /deɪ.zə.ˈveɪn.sə/
The stress is on the third syllable: de-za-VEN-ça.
Rime avec
presença doença crença diferença sentença recompensa licença despensa
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 's' as 's' instead of 'z'. It should be /z/ because it's between vowels.
  • Forgetting the nasal sound of 'en'. It shouldn't sound like 'pen', but more like a nasal 'eh'.
  • Pronouncing 'ça' as 'ka'. The cedilla (ç) always makes an 's' sound.
  • Stress on the wrong syllable, like DE-za-ven-ça.
  • Confusing the nasal 'en' with a full 'n' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize once learned.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct gender and nasal spelling.

Expression orale 5/5

Nasal 'en' and 'z' sound of 's' can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually helps identification.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

briga acordo amigo entre com

Apprends ensuite

desentendimento discórdia conflito conciliação mediador

Avancé

querela litígio dissensão cisma altercação

Grammaire à connaître

Nasal vowels

The 'en' in desavença is nasal, like 'vẽ'.

S between vowels

The 's' sounds like 'z' because it is between 'e' and 'a'.

Feminine nouns ending in -a

A desavença, a presença, a diferença.

Preposition 'entre'

Used to show conflict between two parties: desavença entre eles.

Preposition 'com'

Used to show conflict with someone: desavença com o pai.

Exemples par niveau

1

Eles tiveram uma desavença por causa de um jogo.

They had a disagreement because of a game.

Uses 'tiveram' (past of ter) + 'uma desavença'.

2

A desavença começou ontem.

The disagreement started yesterday.

Feminine noun 'a desavença' as the subject.

3

Não gosto de desavenças.

I don't like disagreements.

Plural form 'desavenças' after a verb of preference.

4

Houve uma pequena desavença na escola.

There was a small disagreement at school.

Uses 'houve' (there was) + 'uma pequena desavença'.

5

A desavença entre eles é chata.

The disagreement between them is annoying.

Adjective 'chata' agrees with the feminine 'desavença'.

6

Por que você teve essa desavença?

Why did you have this disagreement?

Interrogative sentence using 'essa desavença'.

7

Minha mãe não quer desavença em casa.

My mother doesn't want disagreement at home.

Direct object 'desavença' without an article (general sense).

8

Eles são amigos apesar da desavença.

They are friends despite the disagreement.

Uses the prepositional phrase 'apesar da' (despite the).

1

Uma desavença boba separou os dois amigos.

A silly disagreement separated the two friends.

Adjective 'boba' (silly) modifying 'desavença'.

2

Eles resolveram a desavença rapidamente.

They resolved the disagreement quickly.

Verb 'resolver' (to resolve) used with the noun.

3

A desavença familiar durou muitos anos.

The family disagreement lasted many years.

Compound adjective 'familiar' modifying 'desavença'.

4

Não quero criar nenhuma desavença com você.

I don't want to create any disagreement with you.

Uses 'nenhuma' (any/none) + 'desavença' + 'com'.

5

A desavença foi por causa de dinheiro.

The disagreement was because of money.

Identifies the cause using 'por causa de'.

6

Surgiu uma desavença durante a reunião.

A disagreement arose during the meeting.

Verb 'surgir' (to arise) in the past tense.

7

Eles estão em desavença há semanas.

They have been in disagreement for weeks.

Uses the expression 'estar em desavença'.

8

Tente evitar qualquer desavença no trabalho.

Try to avoid any disagreement at work.

Imperative 'tente' + 'evitar'.

1

A desavença política impediu a votação do projeto.

The political disagreement prevented the voting on the project.

Formal context using 'política' and 'impediu'.

2

Precisamos superar essa desavença para progredir.

We need to overcome this disagreement to progress.

Verb 'superar' (to overcome) + 'desavença'.

3

A desavença entre os vizinhos foi parar no tribunal.

The disagreement between the neighbors ended up in court.

Indicates a progression to a legal level.

4

Houve uma desavença de opiniões sobre o novo logo.

There was a disagreement of opinions about the new logo.

Uses 'desavença de opiniões' (disagreement of opinions).

5

Eles alimentam essa desavença há gerações.

They have been fueling this disagreement for generations.

Verb 'alimentar' (to fuel/feed) used metaphorically.

6

A desavença foi motivada por um mal-entendido.

The disagreement was motivated by a misunderstanding.

Passive voice 'foi motivada por'.

7

É difícil trabalhar em um ambiente de desavença.

It is difficult to work in an environment of disagreement.

Uses 'ambiente de' (environment of).

8

A desavença foi resolvida com a ajuda de um mediador.

The disagreement was resolved with the help of a mediator.

Introduces the concept of a 'mediador'.

1

A desavença diplomática resultou no fechamento da embaixada.

The diplomatic rift resulted in the closing of the embassy.

High-level vocabulary: 'diplomática', 'resultou'.

2

Sua desavença com a diretoria é de conhecimento público.

His disagreement with the board is public knowledge.

Uses the phrase 'de conhecimento público'.

3

A desavença interna ameaça a estabilidade do governo.

The internal disagreement threatens the government's stability.

Abstract concept: 'ameaça a estabilidade'.

4

Não podemos permitir que desavenças pessoais interfiram nos negócios.

We cannot allow personal disagreements to interfere in business.

Subjunctive 'interfiram' after 'permitir que'.

5

A desavença entre as duas empresas é irreconciliável.

The disagreement between the two companies is irreconcilable.

Sophisticated adjective: 'irreconciliável'.

6

A desavença foi amplificada pelas redes sociais.

The disagreement was amplified by social media.

Modern context: 'amplificada pelas redes sociais'.

7

Apesar das desavenças, o grupo conseguiu entregar o relatório.

Despite the disagreements, the group managed to deliver the report.

Concessive clause 'Apesar das'.

8

A desavença teve origem em uma disputa de patentes.

The disagreement originated from a patent dispute.

Uses 'teve origem em' (originated from).

1

A desavença histórica entre as duas nações moldou a geopolítica regional.

The historical rift between the two nations shaped regional geopolitics.

Academic tone: 'moldou a geopolítica'.

2

O autor explora a desavença entre o indivíduo e a sociedade.

The author explores the disagreement between the individual and society.

Literary analysis context.

3

A desavença jurisprudencial causou incerteza no mercado financeiro.

The jurisprudential disagreement caused uncertainty in the financial market.

Legal/Financial terminology: 'jurisprudencial'.

4

Foi uma desavença de cariz ideológico que fragmentou o movimento.

It was an ideological disagreement that fragmented the movement.

Uses 'de cariz' (of a [certain] nature).

5

A desavença, embora latente, raramente emergia em público.

The disagreement, though latent, rarely emerged in public.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'latente', 'emergia'.

6

A mediação foi ineficaz para sanar a desavença profunda entre as partes.

Mediation was ineffective in healing the deep rift between the parties.

Uses 'sanar' (to heal/remedy).

7

A desavença em torno da herança revelou o lado obscuro da família.

The disagreement over the inheritance revealed the family's dark side.

Metaphorical use of 'lado obscuro'.

8

Surgiram desavenças quanto à interpretação do texto constitucional.

Disagreements arose regarding the interpretation of the constitutional text.

Formal structure 'quanto à' (regarding).

1

A desavença visceral que os separa é fruto de décadas de ressentimento acumulado.

The visceral rift that separates them is the fruit of decades of accumulated resentment.

Intense adjective 'visceral' and 'ressentimento acumulado'.

2

A desavença hermenêutica entre os críticos gerou um debate acalorado.

The hermeneutic disagreement among critics generated a heated debate.

Very formal: 'hermenêutica' (interpretative).

3

O tratado visava mitigar as desavenças comerciais que assolavam o bloco.

The treaty aimed to mitigate the commercial disputes that were plaguing the bloc.

Formal verbs: 'mitigar', 'assolavam'.

4

A desavença, longe de ser meramente superficial, atingia os alicerces da instituição.

The disagreement, far from being merely superficial, reached the foundations of the institution.

Metaphorical 'alicerces' (foundations).

5

Não se tratava de uma mera desavença, mas de uma ruptura paradigmática.

It wasn't a mere disagreement, but a paradigmatic rupture.

Philosophical concept: 'ruptura paradigmática'.

6

As desavenças intestinas no seio do partido levaram à sua dissolução.

The internal rifts within the party led to its dissolution.

Uses 'intestinas' (internal/civil) and 'no seio de' (within).

7

A desavença foi o catalisador para uma série de mudanças drásticas na gestão.

The disagreement was the catalyst for a series of drastic changes in management.

Scientific metaphor: 'catalisador'.

8

É imperativo que as desavenças sejam postas de lado em prol do bem comum.

It is imperative that disagreements be set aside for the sake of the common good.

Uses 'em prol de' (for the sake of) and passive subjunctive.

Collocations courantes

ter uma desavença
resolver uma desavença
pequena desavença
desavença familiar
surgir uma desavença
superar uma desavença
desavença política
alimentar uma desavença
causar uma desavença
apaziguar uma desavença

Phrases Courantes

Pôr fim a uma desavença

— To stop or end a disagreement permanently.

Eles decidiram pôr fim à desavença de anos.

Estar em desavença com alguém

— To be currently experiencing a conflict with someone.

Estou em desavença com meu irmão no momento.

Uma desavença passageira

— A disagreement that doesn't last long.

Não se preocupe, foi apenas uma desavença passageira.

Motivo de desavença

— The reason why a conflict started.

A limpeza da casa é o principal motivo de desavença.

Evitar desavenças

— To act in a way that prevents conflicts from happening.

Eu prefiro ficar calado para evitar desavenças.

Desavenças irreconciliáveis

— Conflicts that cannot be fixed or resolved.

O casal se separou por desavenças irreconciliáveis.

Antigas desavenças

— Conflicts that happened a long time ago but still matter.

Eles trouxeram à tona antigas desavenças durante o jantar.

Desavença de interesses

— When two parties want different things that conflict.

Houve uma desavença de interesses entre o autor e a editora.

Sem desavenças

— Without any conflict; smoothly.

A reunião correu bem, sem desavenças.

Clima de desavença

— A tense atmosphere where conflict is present.

Havia um clima de desavença no ar.

Souvent confondu avec

desavença vs desventura

Means misfortune or bad luck, not a disagreement.

desavença vs desvantagem

Means disadvantage, which is a structural inequality, not necessarily a social conflict.

desavença vs descendência

Means lineage or descendants; sounds slightly similar but unrelated.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Lavar a roupa suja"

— To discuss private disagreements or scandals in public or openly. Relates to resolving desavenças.

Eles começaram a lavar a roupa suja na frente de todos.

Informal
"Pôr os pontos nos is"

— To clarify a situation and resolve any misunderstandings or desavenças.

Precisamos conversar para pôr os pontos nos is.

Neutral
"Estar de mal"

— To not be on speaking terms due to a desavença (mostly used by children or in informal contexts).

A Ana está de mal com a Paula.

Informal
"Enterrar o machado de guerra"

— To end a long-standing desavença and make peace.

Depois de anos, eles finalmente enterraram o machado de guerra.

Neutral
"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To admit one was wrong in a desavença or to give in.

Ele é muito orgulhoso e nunca dá o braço a torcer.

Informal
"Ficar de bico"

— To pout or be sulky after a desavença.

Ela ficou de bico o dia todo por causa da desavença.

Informal
"Falar na lata"

— To speak directly and bluntly, which can sometimes cause a desavença.

Ele falou na lata o que pensava e gerou uma desavença.

Informal
"Virar as costas"

— To ignore someone or stop helping them due to a desavença.

Ele virou as costas para o amigo após a desavença.

Informal
"Fazer as pazes"

— To reconcile after a desavença.

Eles brigaram, mas já fizeram as pazes.

Neutral
"Passar uma borracha"

— To forget past desavenças and start over.

Vamos passar uma borracha no que aconteceu e recomeçar.

Informal

Facile à confondre

desavença vs briga

Both mean conflict.

Briga is informal and often physical/loud. Desavença is formal and relational.

Houve uma briga na rua, mas a desavença entre eles é antiga.

desavença vs desentendimento

Very close synonyms.

Desentendimento implies a mistake in communication. Desavença implies a rift in the relationship.

Um desentendimento bobo gerou uma desavença de anos.

desavença vs atrito

Both imply tension.

Atrito is small, constant friction. Desavença can be a single large event or a state of being.

O atrito diário causou uma desavença irreconciliável.

desavença vs conflito

Both mean clash.

Conflito is more general and can be external or internal. Desavença is usually interpersonal.

O conflito interno dele causou desavenças com a família.

desavença vs rixa

Both mean feud.

Rixa is specifically aggressive, often violent or involving groups (gangs, families).

A rixa entre as torcidas é uma desavença perigosa.

Structures de phrases

A1

Eu tenho uma desavença.

Eu tenho uma desavença com ele.

A2

Eles tiveram uma desavença [adjective].

Eles tiveram uma desavença boba.

B1

A desavença entre [A] e [B] é [adjective].

A desavença entre os irmãos é antiga.

B2

Surgiu uma desavença por causa de [noun].

Surgiu uma desavença por causa de dinheiro.

C1

Apesar das desavenças, [clause].

Apesar das desavenças, eles assinaram o contrato.

C2

A desavença foi o catalisador para [noun].

A desavença foi o catalisador para a renúncia.

All

Não quero desavença.

Não quero nenhuma desavença aqui.

All

Resolver a desavença.

Precisamos resolver a desavença.

Famille de mots

Noms

avença (agreement)
desavença (disagreement)

Verbes

desavir-se (to fall out/disagree)
avir-se (to come to an agreement)

Adjectifs

desavindo (at odds/disagreed)

Apparenté

acordo
conflito
discórdia
entendimento
paz

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Moderately high in written and formal spoken Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes
  • O desavença A desavença

    The word is feminine. Using the masculine article is a common error for English speakers.

  • Desventura Desavença

    Confusing 'disagreement' with 'misfortune' due to the similar prefix.

  • Pronouncing 'ça' as 'ka' Pronouncing 'ça' as 'sa'

    The 'ç' (cedilla) always represents a soft 's' sound in Portuguese.

  • Using it for objects Using it for people/groups

    You cannot have a 'desavença' with your computer; that would be a 'problema' or 'defeito'.

  • Hard 'n' sound Nasal 'en'

    English speakers often pronounce the 'n' fully, but it should be a nasalized vowel.

Astuces

Level Up

Use 'desavença' instead of 'briga' in your next Portuguese writing assignment to instantly sound more advanced.

Gender Check

Remember: A desavença. If you say 'o desavença', native speakers will immediately know you are a beginner.

Nasal Power

Practice nasalizing the 'en'. If you say it like 'den', it will sound wrong. Think 'vẽ'.

Professionalism

In a workplace, always refer to conflicts as 'desavenças' or 'desentendimentos' to maintain decorum.

Adjective Pairing

Combine it with 'boba' for minor things or 'profunda' for serious issues to add nuance.

Telenovela Talk

When watching a Brazilian soap opera, listen for the word 'desavença'—it usually signals a major plot point.

Avenue Trick

Recall that 'avença' is like an avenue. 'Desavença' means you are off the path of agreement.

News Keywords

In political news, 'desavença' is a key indicator that a coalition or party is having internal trouble.

Formal Transition

Use 'Apesar das desavenças' to start a sentence that shows cooperation despite past problems.

Softening Conflict

If you need to admit to a fight, calling it a 'pequena desavença' makes it sound less aggressive.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of an 'Avenue' (avença). If two people are on the same avenue, they agree. If they are 'DES-avença', they have left the avenue and gone in different directions.

Association visuelle

Imagine two puzzle pieces that are slightly melted and cannot fit together anymore. That friction and gap is the 'desavença'.

Word Web

conflito briga fofoca dinheiro herança política família trabalho

Défi

Try to use 'desavença' in a sentence describing a plot of a movie you recently watched.

Origine du mot

From the Portuguese prefix 'des-' (negation) and the noun 'avença' (agreement).

Sens originel : The state of not being in agreement or contract.

Romance (Latin roots: dis- + adventia).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using this word to describe personal matters of others, as it can sound like you are intruding on their private conflicts.

English speakers might use 'feud' or 'rift' for a 'desavença familiar', and 'dispute' or 'disagreement' for a 'desavença profissional'.

The 'desavença' between the families in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (translated as 'rixa' or 'desavença' in Portuguese). Historical 'desavenças' between Portugal and Spain over colonial borders. The 'desavença' between classic Brazilian musicians during the Tropicália movement.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Family

  • desavença familiar
  • briga por herança
  • resolver problemas
  • fazer as pazes

Work

  • conflito de interesses
  • desavença profissional
  • trabalho em equipe
  • mediação de conflitos

Politics

  • desavença partidária
  • crise diplomática
  • divergência ideológica
  • impasse político

Law

  • litígio judicial
  • resolver a pendência
  • acordo entre as partes
  • causa da desavença

Friendship

  • pequena desavença
  • mal-entendido
  • pedir desculpas
  • voltar a ser amigos

Amorces de conversation

"Você já teve alguma desavença séria com um vizinho?"

"Como você costuma resolver uma desavença no trabalho?"

"Você acha que desavenças familiares são inevitáveis?"

"Qual foi a desavença mais boba que você já teve?"

"Você prefere evitar desavenças ou enfrentar os problemas de frente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma desavença que você resolveu recentemente e como se sentiu.

Descreva uma desavença entre personagens de um livro que você gosta.

Como o mundo seria diferente se não houvesse desavenças políticas?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre uma briga passageira e uma desavença profunda.

Escreva um diálogo entre duas pessoas tentando resolver uma desavença por dinheiro.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You should always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'a desavença' or 'uma desavença boba'.

It's better to use 'briga' or 'luta' for a physical fight. 'Desavença' refers more to the state of disagreement or the social rift between people.

Yes, it is very common in news, literature, and formal conversations in Brazil, as well as in other Portuguese-speaking countries.

It is a nasal vowel. It sounds similar to the 'en' in the French word 'enfant' or the 'en' in the Portuguese word 'tempo'. You don't fully pronounce the 'n'.

The most direct opposites are 'acordo' (agreement) and 'harmonia' (harmony). 'Avença' is technically the opposite but is rarely used in modern speech.

Choose 'desavença' when you are in a formal setting, writing a professional email, or describing a long-term conflict rather than a single instance of yelling.

Usually, 'desavença' is interpersonal. For an internal conflict, use 'conflito interno' or 'dilema'.

Yes, it generally describes a negative state of affairs (a disagreement), although resolving one is seen as positive.

Not necessarily. Many 'desavenças' are resolved. However, it often implies something more significant than a 5-minute argument.

Both are correct. Use 'entre' for 'between [two people/groups]' and 'com' for 'with [someone]'.

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'desavença' and 'dinheiro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The family disagreement lasted for years.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'pequena desavença' in the office.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

How would you tell a friend you don't want any trouble? (Use desavença).

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Describe a political rift using 'desavença política'.

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writing

Use the verb 'resolver' with 'desavença'.

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural 'desavenças'.

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writing

Translate: 'Despite the disagreements, they work together.'

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writing

Create a sentence with 'surgir' and 'desavença'.

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writing

Use 'desavença' in a formal context about a contract.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'desavença boba'.

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writing

Translate: 'I hope this disagreement ends soon.'

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writing

Describe a 'desavença histórica'.

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writing

Use 'desavença' to describe a soap opera plot.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'superar' and 'desavenças'.

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writing

Translate: 'There is a rift in the party.'

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writing

Use 'desavença' in a sentence with 'vizinho'.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'evitar desavenças'.

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writing

Use 'desavença' with the adjective 'irreconciliável'.

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writing

Translate: 'The mediator resolved the dispute.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'A desavença' out loud. Focus on the nasal 'en'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a story about a 'desavença boba' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Eles tiveram uma desavença por causa de dinheiro.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'briga' and 'desavença' in Portuguese.

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speaking

Say: 'Precisamos resolver essa desavença agora.'

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speaking

Pronounce 'desavenças familiares' correctly.

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speaking

Say: 'Apesar das desavenças, somos amigos.'

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speaking

Talk about a political 'desavença' you heard in the news.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Surgiu uma desavença inesperada.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe how to 'apaziguar uma desavença'.

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speaking

Say: 'Não quero nenhuma desavença com meus vizinhos.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Practice the nasal sound in 'presença' and 'desavença'.

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speaking

Say: 'A desavença foi resolvida pelo mediador.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about why 'dinheiro' causes so many 'desavenças'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Eles vivem em constante desavença.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Foi apenas uma pequena desavença boba.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce 'irreconciliável' followed by 'desavença'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'A desavença diplomática é grave.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say: 'Espero que não haja nenhuma desavença na festa.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain 'pôr fim a uma desavença' in your own words.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the word: 'A [desavença] entre eles é antiga.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'Houve uma desavença [boba].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the verb: '[Resolver] a desavença é importante.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'A [discórdia] gera desavenças.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the plural: 'Eles têm muitas [desavenças].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the context: 'A desavença [familiar] acabou.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'Surgiu uma desavença [política].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'A desavença foi por causa de [dinheiro].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify the connector: '[Apesar] das desavenças, eles se amam.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'O [mediador] resolveu tudo.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'Não quero [nenhuma] desavença.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'A desavença é [irreconciliável].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'Eles vivem em [constante] desavença.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'A desavença [diplomática] é notícia.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen and identify: 'A desavença começou [ontem].'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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