The Portuguese adjective inaudível is a direct cognate of the English word 'inaudible'. Derived from the Latin inaudibilis, it describes a sound that cannot be heard, either because it is too faint, obscured by other noises, or because its frequency falls outside the range of human perception. In a linguistic context, it is a formal and precise term used when the lack of sound is a point of fact rather than just a casual observation. While you might say a TV is 'muito baixo' (very low) in a living room, a technician or a court reporter would use 'inaudível' to describe a segment of a recording where the words cannot be deciphered. It is a word that bridges the gap between physical acoustics and social communication barriers.
- Acoustic Limit
- Refers to sounds below the decibel threshold of the human ear or masked by ambient noise.
- Social Context
- Used when someone whispers so softly that their message fails to reach the listener.
- Technical/Legal
- Standard terminology for corrupt audio files or poor telecommunications signals.
Devido à interferência na linha, a resposta do diretor foi completamente inaudível.
Understanding 'inaudível' requires recognizing its morphological structure: the prefix 'in-' (negation) + 'audível' (audible). In Portuguese, adjectives ending in '-ível' or '-ável' often denote possibility or capability. Therefore, 'inaudível' literally means 'not capable of being heard'. This word is particularly common in literature to describe ghostly whispers or the subtle sounds of nature that escape the untrained ear. It is also a staple in modern digital life, where 'áudio inaudível' is a frequent complaint in virtual meetings. It carries a certain weight of finality; if something is inaudível, the communication has failed at the physical level.
O apito para cães emite um som que é inaudível para os seres humanos.
In professional settings, specifically in transcription services (decupagem), the word is used as a tag [inaudível] to mark gaps in a transcript. This is a crucial distinction for learners: while 'quiet' (silencioso) is an adjective of quality, 'inaudible' (inaudível) is an adjective of state or capacity. You will encounter this word in news reports regarding black box recordings of airplanes or in court proceedings where a witness speaks too softly for the microphone. It is also used metaphorically in poetry to describe 'the inaudible music of the spheres' or 'inaudible sighs' of a broken heart, representing emotions that are felt but not expressed through sound.
Ela murmurou algo inaudível antes de sair da sala apressadamente.
- Frequency
- High in technical, medical, and literary contexts; moderate in daily conversation.
- Register
- Formal to Neutral. In informal settings, people often prefer 'não dá para ouvir' (it can't be heard).
Os morcegos usam ondas sonoras inaudíveis para navegar no escuro.
A distância tornou seus gritos de socorro quase inaudíveis.
Using 'inaudível' correctly involves understanding its placement and the verbs it typically follows. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it modifies, but it is most frequently used with the linking verbs ser (to be - permanent/intrinsic) and tornar-se (to become). Because 'inaudível' describes a state that is often the result of a specific cause (like distance or noise), the verb ficar (to become/stay) is also common. For example, 'A música ficou inaudível quando a chuva começou' (The music became inaudible when the rain started). This indicates a change in state.
- Modifying Nouns
- Placed directly after the noun: 'uma voz inaudível', 'um som inaudível', 'frequências inaudíveis'.
- With Linking Verbs
- 'O discurso foi inaudível do fundo da sala.' (The speech was inaudible from the back of the room.)
A gravação estava tão danificada que a maior parte do diálogo era inaudível.
One of the nuances of Portuguese grammar is the agreement in number. While 'inaudível' does not change for gender (it is the same for masculine and feminine), it must agree in number. 'O som é inaudível' (singular) vs 'Os sons são inaudíveis' (plural). This shift from '-l' to '-is' is a common stumbling block for learners. Additionally, 'inaudível' can be modified by adverbs of degree such as 'quase' (almost), 'completamente' (completely), or 'totalmente' (totally). These combinations help specify exactly how much of the sound is missing.
O ruído das máquinas tornou a nossa conversa inaudível.
In narrative writing, 'inaudível' provides a sensory detail that enhances the atmosphere. Authors use it to emphasize secrecy or the overwhelming power of nature. When writing in Portuguese, consider using 'inaudível' to replace the more repetitive 'não se ouvia'. Instead of 'Ele falou tão baixo que não se ouvia nada', try 'Ele falou em um tom quase inaudível'. This elevates your register from basic to intermediate/advanced. It is also useful in academic writing when discussing acoustics, psychology of perception, or media studies, where precision is paramount.
Certos ultrassons são inaudíveis para o ouvido humano, mas não para os animais.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Ser inaudível (to be naturally quiet), Tornar-se inaudível (to become quiet due to an event), Permanecer inaudível (to remain quiet).
- Adverb Pairings
- Quase inaudível (nearly), Praticamente inaudível (practically), Totalmente inaudível (totally).
A voz do palestrante ficou inaudível quando o microfone falhou.
Mesmo com o aparelho auditivo, alguns sons permaneciam inaudíveis para o paciente.
In the real world, you are most likely to encounter 'inaudível' in professional, technical, or artistic settings. In the realm of television and cinema, specifically in subtitling and closed captioning, 'inaudível' is the standard tag used when the audio is too poor to transcribe. If you watch a Brazilian movie with Portuguese captions, you might see '[fala inaudível]' appear on screen when characters whisper or when there is loud background noise like traffic or an explosion. This is a practical application that every learner should recognize.
- Courtrooms and Law
- Legal transcripts often mark unintelligible testimony as 'inaudível' to ensure the record reflects that the clerk could not hear the words.
- Science and Nature
- Used in documentaries to describe infrasound or ultrasound that humans cannot detect, such as elephant communication or seismic shifts.
Na transcrição do julgamento, várias partes do depoimento foram marcadas como inaudíveis.
Another common place is in the tech world. With the rise of remote work in Brazil and Portugal, 'inaudível' has moved from formal reports into daily Slack or Zoom conversations. A colleague might say, 'Seu áudio está inaudível, tente ajustar o microfone' (Your audio is inaudible, try adjusting the microphone). This is slightly more formal than saying 'não estou te ouvindo', but it is very common in corporate environments where professional language is preferred. It is also used in music reviews to describe a mix where a specific instrument, like the bass or a backing vocal, is buried too deep to be heard.
O engenheiro de som explicou que as frequências baixas eram inaudíveis sem um subwoofer.
In literature, particularly in the works of Brazilian authors like Machado de Assis or Clarice Lispector, the word is used to describe the internal world of characters or the 'silences' between people. An 'inaudible thought' or an 'inaudible movement' adds a layer of mystery and introspection to the prose. In these contexts, 'inaudível' isn't just about sound; it's about the limits of perception. If you are reading a classic Portuguese novel, keep an eye out for this word—it often signals a moment where the physical world fails to capture the complexity of the human experience.
O vento soprava com uma força tal que qualquer outro som se tornava inaudível.
- Podcast/Radio
- Hosts might apologize for an 'inaudible' guest due to connection issues.
- Aviation
- Refers to radio transmissions that fail to break through static.
A respiração da criança era tão leve que parecia quase inaudível.
As instruções do guia foram inaudíveis por causa do barulho da cachoeira.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'inaudível' is confusing it with 'silencioso' (silent) or 'mudo' (mute). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Silencioso' refers to the absence of noise or a person who doesn't talk much. 'Mudo' refers to something that has no sound at all or a person who cannot speak. 'Inaudível' specifically means that the sound exists but cannot be heard or processed by the listener. Using 'inaudível' to describe a quiet library would be technically incorrect; the library is 'silenciosa', not 'inaudível'.
- Mistake: Inaudível vs. Baixo
- 'Baixo' means low volume. You can still hear something that is 'baixo'. If you can't hear it at all, it becomes 'inaudível'.
- Mistake: Inaudível vs. Imperceptível
- 'Imperceptível' is broader and can refer to any sense (sight, touch, etc.). 'Inaudível' is strictly for hearing.
Errado: O filme estava inaudível (se você ainda conseguia ouvir um pouco). Correto: O volume estava baixo.
Another common error is related to the pluralization. Learners often try to say 'inaudíveils' or 'inaudíveis' with the wrong stress. Remember that the stress is on the 'dí' (in-au-DÍ-ve-is). In writing, the accent mark on the 'í' is mandatory to indicate this stress pattern. Forgetting the accent changes the pronunciation and is a grammatical error. Also, avoid using 'inaudível' for abstract concepts like 'an inaudible feeling' unless you are being intentionally poetic. In standard Portuguese, feelings are 'imperceptíveis' or 'indescritíveis', not 'inaudíveis'.
Errado: Os sussurros eram inaudivels. Correto: Os sussurros eram inaudíveis.
Finally, don't confuse 'inaudível' with 'inaudito' (unheard of). 'Inaudito' refers to something extraordinary, shocking, or unprecedented (e.g., 'um sucesso inaudito'). While they share the same Latin root 'audire' (to hear), their meanings have diverged significantly. If you want to say something is 'unheard of', use 'inaudito'. If you want to say you can't hear a sound, use 'inaudível'. Mixing these up can lead to very confusing sentences, such as saying a sound is 'shocking' when you actually meant it couldn't be heard.
Confusão comum: Ele teve um comportamento inaudito (extraordinary) vs. Sua voz era inaudível.
- Agreement Check
- Always match the plural: 'sons inaudíveis'. Never 'sons inaudível'.
- Preposition Usage
- Often used with 'para': 'inaudível para mim', 'inaudível para os humanos'.
O sinal de rádio tornou-se inaudível assim que entramos no túnel.
A palestra foi um desastre porque o som estava inaudível para metade da plateia.
When 'inaudível' feels too formal or doesn't quite fit the specific nuance you're looking for, Portuguese offers several alternatives. The most common informal way to express this is using the phrase 'não dá para ouvir' (one can't hear) or 'imperceptível'. Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to tailor your language to the situation, whether you're at a loud party or writing a technical report.
- Imperceptível
- Broader than inaudível. It means 'unnoticeable'. Use this if the sound is so faint that you're not even sure if it exists. Example: 'Um ruído imperceptível'.
- Abafado
- Muffled. Use this when the sound is blocked by something, like a wall or a pillow. It's not necessarily inaudible, just unclear. Example: 'Vozes abafadas vindas do vizinho'.
- Baixíssimo
- Very low. A more common, everyday way to say the volume is almost at zero. Example: 'O rádio está baixíssimo'.
O som da TV estava tão abafado pela parede que era quase inaudível.
In literary contexts, you might find 'vago' (vague) or 'tênue' (tenuous/faint). 'Tênue' is a beautiful word often used for light or sound that is very delicate and easy to miss. If you want to describe a sound that is difficult to understand rather than difficult to hear, use 'ininteligível' (unintelligible). This is common for people with thick accents, fast speech, or garbled radio transmissions. While 'inaudível' says 'I can't hear the sound waves', 'ininteligível' says 'I hear the sound, but I don't understand the meaning'.
A diferença entre as duas notas musicais era imperceptível para um ouvido não treinado.
For technical writing, 'infra-sônico' or 'ultra-sônico' are more precise terms for sounds outside the human range. However, 'inaudível' remains the best general-purpose adjective for these phenomena in a non-scientific setting. In a casual conversation, if you can't hear someone, just say 'Não estou te ouvindo' or 'Pode repetir? Está muito baixo'. Using 'inaudível' in a bar might sound a bit overly dramatic or robotic, unless you are making a joke about the loud music.
As palavras dele foram ininteligíveis devido ao choro compulsivo.
- Silencioso
- Silent. Use for environments or people. 'Um carro silencioso' (An electric car).
- Sumido
- Literally 'vanished'. Often used for voices that fade out. 'A voz dele ficou sumida no final da frase'.
O som do violão era tênue, mas preenchia o vazio da sala.
O barulho do tráfego tornou o aviso do alto-falante completamente inaudível.
Exemples par niveau
O som da TV é inaudível.
The TV sound is inaudible.
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.
O rádio está inaudível.
The radio is inaudible.
Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.
O seu sussurro é inaudível.
Your whisper is inaudible.
Possessive 'seu' agrees with 'sussurro'.
Não ouço nada, é inaudível.
I hear nothing, it is inaudible.
'É' refers to the sound being discussed.
O apito é inaudível para mim.
The whistle is inaudible to me.
'Para mim' indicates the person who cannot hear.
A música está quase inaudível.
The music is almost inaudible.
'Quase' is an adverb of degree.
O vídeo tem um som inaudível.
The video has an inaudible sound.
'Inaudível' modifies the noun 'som'.
Eles falam de forma inaudível.
They speak in an inaudible way.
'De forma' + adjective is a common way to describe manner.
A voz dela ficou inaudível por causa do vento.
Her voice became inaudible because of the wind.
'Ficou' indicates a change of state.
Os sons da floresta são inaudíveis à noite.
The forest sounds are inaudible at night.
Plural agreement: 'sons' and 'inaudíveis'.
Você está inaudível na chamada de vídeo.
You are inaudible on the video call.
Common phrase in modern Portuguese.
O professor falou em um tom inaudível.
The teacher spoke in an inaudible tone.
'Em um tom' is a prepositional phrase.
Muitas partes do áudio são inaudíveis.
Many parts of the audio are inaudible.
'Muitas partes' is the plural subject.
O barulho do carro tornou o rádio inaudível.
The car noise made the radio inaudible.
'Tornou' is a transitive verb here.
Este som é inaudível para os humanos.
This sound is inaudible to humans.
'Para os' shows the target group.
Eu acho que o microfone está inaudível.
I think the microphone is inaudible.
Informal usage meaning the output is inaudible.
Devido à distância, o grito foi completamente inaudível.
Due to the distance, the shout was completely inaudible.
'Devido à' introduces the cause.
A gravação antiga tornou-se quase inaudível com o tempo.
The old recording became almost inaudible over time.
'Tornou-se' is more formal than 'ficou'.
Ela murmurou uma resposta inaudível e saiu.
She murmured an inaudible answer and left.
Past tense narrative style.
O ruído de fundo faz com que a voz seja inaudível.
The background noise makes the voice inaudible.
Uses the subjunctive 'seja' after 'faz com que'.
Certos instrumentos são inaudíveis nesta mixagem.
Certain instruments are inaudible in this mix.
Technical context.
A respiração dele era tão leve que era inaudível.
His breathing was so light that it was inaudible.
'Tão... que' result clause.
O sinal de socorro permaneceu inaudível para as equipes.
The distress signal remained inaudible to the teams.
'Permaneceu' indicates a continuing state.
Não use tons inaudíveis em sua apresentação.
Do not use inaudible tones in your presentation.
Imperative negative.
O ultrassom opera em frequências inaudíveis ao ouvido humano.
Ultrasound operates at frequencies inaudible to the human ear.
'Ao ouvido' uses the dative 'a' + 'o'.
A interferência tornou a comunicação via rádio inaudível.
The interference rendered the radio communication inaudible.
Formal vocabulary like 'interferência'.
A testemunha falou de forma tão baixa que suas palavras foram inaudíveis.
The witness spoke so softly that her words were inaudible.
Complex sentence with result clause.
O som das ondas tornava qualquer conversa na praia inaudível.
The sound of the waves made any conversation on the beach inaudible.
Imperfect tense for descriptive background.
O segredo foi transmitido através de um sussurro inaudível.
The secret was transmitted through an inaudible whisper.
Passive voice 'foi transmitido'.
A música ambiente era inaudível acima do clamor da festa.
The background music was inaudible above the clamor of the party.
Use of 'clamor' for high register.
O dispositivo emite um sinal inaudível para afastar insetos.
The device emits an inaudible signal to repel insects.
Scientific/Practical context.
Partes do discurso do presidente foram inaudíveis devido ao protesto.
Parts of the president's speech were inaudible due to the protest.
Political/News context.
A sutil modulação de sua voz tornou-se inaudível sob o barulho do tráfego.
The subtle modulation of her voice became inaudible under the traffic noise.
High-level vocabulary: 'modulação', 'sutil'.
O transcrevedor marcou o trecho como inaudível na ata oficial.
The transcriber marked the passage as inaudible in the official minutes.
Professional terminology: 'transcrevedor', 'ata'.
Existem nuances sonoras que são inaudíveis para a maioria das pessoas.
There are sound nuances that are inaudible to most people.
Abstract and precise.
A distância e o eco tornaram a mensagem original inaudível e confusa.
The distance and the echo made the original message inaudible and confusing.
Multiple factors affecting the state.
O compositor utilizou frequências quase inaudíveis para criar tensão.
The composer used nearly inaudible frequencies to create tension.
Artistic/Analytical context.
A batida do coração era tão fraca que se tornava inaudível sem o estetoscópio.
The heartbeat was so weak that it became inaudible without the stethoscope.
Conditional/Resultative structure.
O ruído branco pode tornar certos tons específicos inaudíveis.
White noise can make certain specific tones inaudible.
Technical 'ruído branco'.
Muitas vezes, a verdade é dita em um tom inaudível para quem não quer ouvir.
Often, the truth is told in a tone inaudible to those who do not want to hear.
Metaphorical/Philosophical use.
A cacofonia urbana relega os sons da natureza a um plano inaudível.
Urban cacophony relegates the sounds of nature to an inaudible plane.
Highly sophisticated verb 'relegar'.
O fenômeno acústico resultou em uma zona de sombra onde o som era inaudível.
The acoustic phenomenon resulted in a shadow zone where the sound was inaudible.
Scientific precision.
Sua confissão foi um sussurro inaudível, perdido no vácuo da indiferença alheia.
His confession was an inaudible whisper, lost in the vacuum of others' indifference.
Literary and metaphorical.
O software de restauração falhou em recuperar os diálogos inaudíveis da fita.
The restoration software failed to recover the inaudible dialogues from the tape.
Technical/Modern context.
A magnitude do desastre tornou os gritos de socorro inaudíveis sob o escombro.
The magnitude of the disaster made the cries for help inaudible under the rubble.
Strong, evocative vocabulary.
Certas patologias auditivas tornam inaudíveis apenas as frequências mais agudas.
Certain auditory pathologies make only the highest frequencies inaudible.
Medical/Biological context.
O silêncio não era absoluto, mas composto por miríades de sons inaudíveis.
The silence was not absolute, but composed of myriads of inaudible sounds.
Philosophical/Poetic structure.
A interferência atmosférica deixou a transmissão inaudível para os receptores terrestres.
Atmospheric interference left the transmission inaudible for terrestrial receivers.
Scientific/Technical.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur general
a cerca de
B1Cela signifie 'à environ' ou 'à peu près' en parlant de distance ou de temps futur.
à direita
A2À droite. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
à esquerda
A2À gauche. Utilisé pour indiquer une direction ou un emplacement.
a fim de
A2Afin de; avoir envie de. 'Il étudie afin de réussir.' / 'J'ai envie d'une glace.'
à frente
A2En face de; devant. 'Il est assis à frente de moi.'
a frente
A2À l'avant; devant.
À frente de
A2Devant ou à la tête de. 'La voiture est à frente de la maison' (La voiture est devant la maison).
a tempo
A2À temps, ponctuellement. Utilisé pour indiquer qu'une action se produit avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.
à volta de
A2Autour de. Utilisé pour l'espace (autour de la table) ou les estimations (environ dix euros).
abaixo
A1En dessous de; plus bas que.
