At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives like 'sujo' (dirty). While 'sujamente' is an adverb and usually comes later, it is helpful to understand its root. Imagine a child playing in the mud. If they walk into the house with muddy boots, they are acting 'sujamente' (in a dirty way). At this stage, just focus on the physical aspect. If you see something that is not clean, you know the word 'sujo'. The '-mente' part just tells us *how* an action is being done. It is like adding '-ly' in English. So, 'sujo' is 'dirty' and 'sujamente' is 'dirtily'. You will not use this word often in basic greetings, but it is good to recognize it when talking about cleaning or playing outside. Think of it as a way to describe a messy situation. For example, 'Ele comeu sujamente' (He ate messily). It is a simple concept at this level: action + mess = sujamente.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'sujamente' to describe daily activities that involve a lack of hygiene. You might use it to talk about a kitchen that was not cleaned properly or a pet that came in from the rain. You are now learning to connect sentences. Instead of just saying 'O cachorro está sujo' (The dog is dirty), you can say 'O cachorro entrou sujamente em casa' (The dog entered the house in a dirty manner). This shows you are starting to describe the *process* of things happening. You might also encounter the word in simple stories where a character is messy. It is important to remember that the word doesn't change if the subject is a man or a woman. This makes it easier to use! Just put it after the verb. Practice using it with verbs like 'brincar' (to play), 'comer' (to eat), and 'entrar' (to enter). This will help you sound more descriptive when talking about your day or your surroundings.
At the B1 level, you are ready to explore the metaphorical side of 'sujamente'. This is where the word becomes really useful. You can now use it to describe unfair situations or people who don't follow the rules. If you are talking about a game of cards and someone cheats, they are playing 'sujamente'. If you are discussing a movie where the villain is very mean, you can say they act 'sujamente'. This is also the level where you start to understand the tone of the word. It is a bit more serious than just saying someone is 'bad'. It implies that their actions are 'stained' or 'unclean' in a moral sense. You should practice using it in discussions about sports, work ethics, or social behavior. For example, 'Não é justo ganhar sujamente' (It is not fair to win dirtily/unfairly). This level is all about expressing opinions, and 'sujamente' is a perfect word for expressing a negative opinion about someone's methods. You will notice it more in news articles or intermediate-level reading materials.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'sujamente' in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing corruption, politics, and complex social issues. You understand that 'sujamente' carries a weight of condemnation. In a debate, you might use it to criticize a policy or a business practice. You can also start comparing it with other adverbs like 'desonestamente' (dishonestly) or 'vilmente' (vilely). You understand that 'sujamente' has a more visceral, 'gritty' feel than 'desonestamente'. It paints a picture of the action being 'muddied'. You can also use it in the passive voice: 'A eleição foi sujamente manipulada' (The election was dirtily manipulated). At this stage, your vocabulary is growing, and you can use this word to add variety to your speech. Instead of always using 'mal', you use 'sujamente' to specify that the 'badness' involves a lack of integrity or a 'dirty' approach. You will also see this word in literature to describe the atmosphere of a place or the intentions of a character.
At the C1 level, you are exploring the stylistic and rhythmic qualities of 'sujamente'. You recognize that because it is a long, four-syllable word, it can be used to create emphasis or a specific cadence in your writing. You understand the nuances between 'sujamente' and its synonyms like 'sordidamente' or 'abjetamente'. You can use 'sujamente' to describe not just actions, but also states of being or complex systems. For example, you might write about how a historical event was 'sujamente' recorded, implying that the truth was intentionally obscured by those in power. You are sensitive to the register of the word and know when to use the more common 'de forma suja' versus the more formal 'sujamente'. Your use of the word is precise; you use it to evoke a specific sense of moral revulsion or physical disgust in your reader or listener. You can also use it in abstract philosophical discussions about the nature of 'dirt' and 'purity' in human society.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'sujamente'. You can use it with irony, sarcasm, or profound gravity. You understand its etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You might encounter the word in classical literature or high-level legal and political discourse, where every word is chosen for its historical and emotional resonance. You can play with the word's placement in a sentence to achieve maximum rhetorical effect. You are also aware of regional variations in how the word might be perceived across the Lusophone world—from Brazil to Portugal to Angola. You can use 'sujamente' to critique art, literature, or social structures with a high degree of sophistication. For you, the word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a brushstroke in a complex linguistic painting. You can explain the subtle difference between acting 'sujamente' and acting 'torpemente' to other learners, showing a deep understanding of the 'texture' of the Portuguese language.

Sujamente en 30 secondes

  • Sujamente means 'dirtily' or 'unfairly'.
  • It comes from 'sujo' (dirty) + '-mente' (-ly).
  • It can describe physical mess or moral corruption.
  • Common in news, sports, and formal writing.

The Portuguese adverb sujamente is a fascinating linguistic tool that bridges the gap between physical reality and abstract morality. At its core, it is derived from the adjective sujo (dirty), which traces its roots back to the Latin sucidus, meaning 'juicy' or 'greasy.' While the literal meaning involves performing an action in a way that creates or involves physical filth, its most common contemporary usage is metaphorical, describing actions that are underhanded, dishonest, or morally corrupt. In the lusophone world, when you say someone acted sujamente, you are often accusing them of violating the unspoken rules of fair play or social decency.

Literal Usage
This refers to the physical state of being unclean. For example, a child eating with their hands covered in mud is eating sujamente. It describes the 'how' of an action regarding hygiene and cleanliness.

A criança espalhou a tinta sujamente pelo tapete novo da sala.

Beyond the physical, the word thrives in the realm of ethics. In sports, politics, and business, sujamente describes the 'low blows' or the 'dirty tricks' that individuals use to gain an advantage. It is a word that carries a heavy emotional weight, often implying a sense of betrayal or a lack of character. When a politician wins an election by spreading lies, the public might say they campaigned sujamente. This dual nature makes the word essential for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple descriptions into the nuances of human behavior and social judgment.

Moral Usage
Acting with a lack of integrity. It is synonymous with 'unfairly' or 'dishonestly' but with a stronger connotation of 'filth' or 'taint' on one's reputation.

O empresário agiu sujamente para eliminar a concorrência no mercado local.

Understanding the context is key. While in English you might simply say 'dirtily,' this word is rarely used in English for moral failings (we prefer 'unfairly' or 'dishonestly'). Therefore, when translating sujamente, you must consider if the speaker is talking about a messy kitchen or a rigged election. This versatility is what makes it a powerful addition to your Portuguese vocabulary, allowing you to describe both a toddler's mealtime and a corporate scandal with the same linguistic root.

Register and Tone
The word is moderately formal. It is frequently found in journalism, literature, and formal debates. Using it in everyday speech shows a high level of command over Portuguese adverbial structures.

Eles jogaram sujamente durante a partida de futebol, cometendo faltas graves.

A oficina estava sujamente organizada, com óleo por todas as ferramentas.

A política foi sujamente manipulada pelos interesses privados da elite.

Integrating sujamente into your sentences requires an understanding of Portuguese adverb placement. Typically, adverbs of manner like this one follow the verb they modify. This provides a direct and clear description of the action. However, for stylistic emphasis, particularly in literature or emotive speech, it can occasionally be placed at the beginning of a clause. This 'fronting' alerts the listener that the manner of the action is the most important part of the information being conveyed.

Standard Placement
Verbo + Sujamente. This is the most common way to use the word. It sounds natural and is the safest bet for learners. Example: 'Ele agiu sujamente.'

O competidor tentou vencer sujamente, escondendo as evidências de sua trapaça.

When using sujamente in complex sentences with auxiliary verbs (like 'ter' or 'haver' in perfect tenses), the adverb usually follows the main verb (the participle). For example, 'Ele tem agido sujamente' (He has been acting dirtily/unfairly). This keeps the focus on the behavior itself. It is also important to note that because sujamente is a long word (four syllables), it carries a certain rhythm. In Portuguese poetry or prose, this rhythm is used to slow down the sentence, forcing the reader to dwell on the unpleasant nature of the action described.

Comparative and Superlative
To say 'more dirtily', use 'mais sujamente'. For 'the most dirtily', use 'o mais sujamente possível'.

Ninguém agiu mais sujamente do que o vilão daquela novela famosa.

Another interesting aspect is its use in passive constructions. 'O crime foi sujamente planejado' (The crime was dirtily/vilely planned). Here, the adverb modifies the state of the planning, adding a layer of moral condemnation to the description of the event. For English speakers, it is helpful to think of sujamente as a synonym for 'sordidly' or 'grubbily' when the context is moral, and 'filthily' when the context is physical. This helps in choosing the right emotional register when translating your thoughts from English to Portuguese.

Modifier of Adjectives
While rare, it can modify adjectives to mean 'in a dirty way'. Example: 'Um quarto sujamente decorado' (A dirtily/messily decorated room).

Aquelas ferramentas foram sujamente abandonadas na chuva por semanas.

O dinheiro foi ganho sujamente através de esquemas de lavagem de dinheiro.

Não podemos permitir que eles vençam sujamente esta competição tão importante.

In the real world, you are most likely to encounter sujamente in specific environments where ethics and behavior are under scrutiny. One of the primary domains is investigative journalism. When reporters uncover corruption scandals, they often use this adverb to describe the methods used by those in power. You will hear it on news broadcasts like Jornal Nacional in Brazil or Telejornal in Portugal, especially during segments focusing on white-collar crime or political maneuvering. It provides a sharp, critical edge to the reporting, signaling to the audience that the actions described are not just illegal, but fundamentally 'dirty'.

News and Media
Used to describe scandals, corruption, and unethical political strategies. It highlights the 'sordid' nature of the news story.

A reportagem revelou como os fundos foram sujamente desviados para contas no exterior.

Sports commentary is another fertile ground for this word. During a heated football match (soccer), if a player commits a series of cynical fouls or tries to deceive the referee through diving, the commentator or the fans might exclaim that they are playing sujamente. This usage is visceral and immediate, reflecting the passion and the sense of justice inherent in sports culture. In this context, it is the opposite of 'fair play'. You might also hear it in post-match interviews where a coach might complain that the opposing team won sujamente, implying that the victory was undeserved due to the tactics used.

Sports and Games
Refers to cheating, unsportsmanlike conduct, or intentional fouls meant to injure or impede an opponent unfairly.

A torcida vaiou o jogador que tentou ganhar o pênalti agindo sujamente.

In literature and soap operas (telenovelas), sujamente is a staple for describing the actions of the antagonist. Villains in these stories don't just act; they act sujamente to ruin the lives of the protagonists. Whether it's through blackmail, forgery, or social sabotage, the word perfectly encapsulates the 'greasy' nature of their schemes. Finally, in literal contexts, you might hear it in a professional kitchen or a hospital setting where cleanliness is paramount. A health inspector might note that food was sujamente handled, which in this case, carries legal and safety implications rather than just moral ones.

Professional Standards
Used in inspections or technical reports to describe a failure to maintain hygiene or procedural purity.

A cozinha do restaurante estava sujamente mantida, resultando em sua interdição imediata.

Os documentos foram sujamente alterados para incriminar o inocente.

Ele falou sujamente sobre sua ex-esposa durante a audiência no tribunal.

For English speakers, the most frequent error when using sujamente is a misunderstanding of its emotional register. In English, 'dirtily' is quite rare and often sounds awkward. Learners often try to use sujamente where they should use mal (badly) or errado (wrongly). For example, if someone plays a piano piece with many mistakes, they are playing mal, not sujamente. You only use sujamente if they are playing in a way that is literally covered in grime or if they are cheating in a piano competition (metaphorical dirt).

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Mal'
Using 'sujamente' for general poor performance. Correct: 'Ele joga mal.' Incorrect: 'Ele joga sujamente' (unless he is cheating).

Não diga que ele cozinhou sujamente só porque a comida estava ruim; use 'mal'.

Another common pitfall is over-applying the literal sense. While sujamente is technically correct for physical dirt, native speakers often find it too formal for everyday household situations. If you tell your roommate they are living sujamente, it sounds like a line from a Victorian novel. In a casual setting, you would say 'Você é muito sujo' or 'Sua casa está uma porcaria'. Reserve sujamente for when you want to emphasize the *manner* of an action or when the context is professional or moral. Using it too casually can make you sound detached or overly dramatic.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Suffix '-mente'
Sometimes learners forget that '-mente' adverbs are invariable. They might try to change it to 'sujamentas' for plural subjects. This is a grammatical error.

Eles agiram sujamente (nunca use 'sujamentes' ou 'sujamentas').

Finally, beware of the 'false friend' trap. While 'sujamente' sounds a bit like 'surely' in English due to the ending, they have absolutely no connection. Furthermore, some learners confuse it with sozinha (alone) because of the 's' and the 'j' sound in some dialects. Always remember that sujamente is tied to sujeira (dirt). If there is no 'dirt' involved—be it on the hands or on the soul—you are likely using the wrong word. Focus on the core concept of 'uncleanliness' to guide your usage and you will avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake 3: Pronunciation of the 'J'
English speakers often pronounce the 'j' like the 'dg' in 'judge'. In Portuguese, it is a soft 'zh' sound, like the 's' in 'pleasure'.

A mancha foi sujamente removida, deixando um rastro ainda pior no tecido.

O político foi criticado por ter vencido sujamente o debate televisivo.

O óleo vazou sujamente pelo motor do carro antigo do meu avô.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know not just sujamente, but also its 'cousins'—the words that share its semantic space but offer different shades of meaning. The most direct alternative is imundamente. While sujamente is dirty, imundamente is filthy. It comes from 'imundo' (vile/filthy) and is used when the level of dirt or moral depravity is extreme. If sujamente is a white-collar crime, imundamente is a crime against humanity. Understanding this hierarchy of intensity helps you choose the word that fits the gravity of the situation.

Imundamente vs. Sujamente
'Imundamente' is much stronger and more visceral. It suggests something that is repulsive or disgusting, whereas 'sujamente' can be more subtle.

O local estava imundamente contaminado, ao contrário do escritório apenas sujamente bagunçado.

Another key alternative is desonestamente (dishonestly). This is the word you use when you want to focus strictly on the lack of truth or integrity, removing the 'dirty' imagery. While sujamente implies a certain 'grubbiness' to the action, desonestamente is more clinical and legalistic. In a court of law, a lawyer might prefer desonestamente, but a novelist would choose sujamente to paint a more vivid picture of the character's soul. Then there is porcamente, which literally means 'pig-ishly'. This is the go-to word for describing something done with zero care, in a sloppy or gross manner.

Porcamente vs. Sujamente
'Porcamente' focuses on sloppiness and lack of hygiene. 'Sujamente' focuses more on the presence of 'dirt' or the 'unfairness' of an act.

O trabalho foi feito porcamente, com erros básicos por todo o relatório final.

For those looking for more literary or formal synonyms, torpemente (vilely/basely) and vilmente (vilely) are excellent choices. These words elevate the discourse, suggesting a deep-seated wickedness. If someone betrays a lifelong friend, they have acted vilmente. Sujamente remains the most versatile of the bunch, sitting comfortably between the casual 'porcamente' and the high-literary 'torpemente'. By learning these distinctions, you can tailor your Portuguese to the specific context, ensuring your message is not just understood, but felt with the intended intensity.

Vilmente vs. Sujamente
'Vilmente' is used for acts that are cowardly or despicable. 'Sujamente' is broader and can include simple cheating or physical mess.

Ele traiu a confiança da família vilmente por causa de dinheiro.

A cidade foi sujamente explorada pelas indústrias poluidoras durante décadas.

O segredo foi sujamente vendido para a imprensa sensacionalista da capital.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The suffix '-mente' originally meant 'with a [adjective] mind'. So 'sujamente' literally meant 'with a dirty mind' or 'with a dirty disposition'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /su.ʒɐˈmẽ.tɨ/
US /su.ʒaˈmẽ.tʃi/
The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'men'.
Rime avec
Limpamente Claramente Fortemente Rapidamente Infelizmente Certamente Lentamente Geralmente
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'j' like the English 'j' in 'jump'. It should be 'zh'.
  • Forgetting to nasalize the 'en' in 'mente'.
  • Stressing the first syllable 'su' instead of 'men'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly like 'ay'.
  • Making the 'u' sound too much like 'uh' instead of 'oo'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'sujo', but requires context to distinguish literal vs. moral meaning.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of adverb formation and appropriate register.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'j' and nasal 'en' can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with other '-mente' adverbs.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Sujo Limpo Mente Agir Jogar

Apprends ensuite

Imundamente Desonestamente Sordidamente Integridade Ética

Avancé

Macular Enxovalhar Pusilanimidade Torpeza Abjeção

Grammaire à connaître

Adverb Formation with -mente

Sujo (masculine adjective) -> Suja (feminine) + mente = Sujamente.

Adverbial Invariability

Eles agiram sujamente (The adverb doesn't change for plural).

Placement after the Verb

Ele come sujamente (Standard placement).

Placement for Emphasis

Sujamente, ele planejou o roubo (Fronting for dramatic effect).

Comparative of Adverbs

Ele joga mais sujamente do que o irmão.

Exemples par niveau

1

O menino comeu o bolo sujamente.

The boy ate the cake dirtily/messily.

The adverb 'sujamente' follows the verb 'comeu'.

2

Ela brincou sujamente na terra.

She played dirtily in the dirt/mud.

Adverbs of manner often go after the verb in Portuguese.

3

O gato entrou sujamente em casa.

The cat entered the house dirtily (with dirty paws).

Notice 'sujamente' doesn't change for the feminine 'gata'.

4

Eles pintaram o papel sujamente.

They painted the paper messily/dirtily.

Even with a plural subject 'eles', 'sujamente' remains the same.

5

O carro correu sujamente pela lama.

The car ran dirtily through the mud.

Describes the manner of the action 'correu'.

6

Você está agindo sujamente hoje.

You are acting dirtily/messily today.

Present continuous construction: está + agindo.

7

O bebê tocou o vidro sujamente.

The baby touched the glass dirtily (with sticky hands).

Simple past tense 'tocou'.

8

Nós caminhamos sujamente pela rua.

We walked dirtily through the street.

The adverb modifies the verb 'caminhamos'.

1

O mecânico trabalhou sujamente no motor.

The mechanic worked dirtily on the engine.

Common use of 'sujamente' for physical labor.

2

A cozinha foi deixada sujamente após o jantar.

The kitchen was left dirtily (in a dirty state) after dinner.

Passive voice construction with 'foi deixada'.

3

Eles jogaram futebol sujamente no campo úmido.

They played football dirtily on the damp field.

Refers to physical dirt from the field.

4

Ela limpou o chão sujamente, deixando manchas.

She cleaned the floor dirtily, leaving stains.

Ironical use: cleaning in a way that remains dirty.

5

O artista usou as cores sujamente na tela.

The artist used the colors dirtily/messily on the canvas.

Describes the technique or manner of painting.

6

Os sapatos foram sujamente guardados no armário.

The shoes were dirtily stored in the closet.

Modifies the past participle 'guardados'.

7

O porco vive sujamente no seu cercado.

The pig lives dirtily in its pen.

Literal description of an animal's habit.

8

A criança escreveu sujamente no caderno.

The child wrote dirtily/messily in the notebook.

Refers to the visual messiness of the writing.

1

O político agiu sujamente para ganhar votos.

The politician acted dirtily/unfairly to win votes.

Transition to metaphorical/moral meaning.

2

Não jogue sujamente se quiser o meu respeito.

Don't play dirty if you want my respect.

Imperative form 'não jogue'.

3

Eles tentaram vencer a competição sujamente.

They tried to win the competition dirtily/by cheating.

Infinitive 'vencer' followed by the adverb.

4

A empresa tratou os funcionários sujamente.

The company treated the employees dirtily/unfairly.

Describes unfair treatment in a professional context.

5

O segredo foi sujamente revelado pelo jornal.

The secret was dirtily revealed by the newspaper.

Implies the revelation was unethical or mean-spirited.

6

Ele falou sujamente sobre o seu antigo sócio.

He spoke dirtily (bad-mouthed) about his former partner.

Refers to 'dirty' talk or slander.

7

A partida foi ganha sujamente com um gol irregular.

The match was won dirtily with an irregular goal.

Passive voice combined with a specific cause.

8

Ela sentiu que foi sujamente enganada por ele.

She felt that she was dirtily/cruelly deceived by him.

Describes the manner of the deception.

1

O esquema de corrupção operava sujamente há anos.

The corruption scheme had been operating dirtily for years.

Imperfect tense 'operava' implies a continuous past action.

2

A mídia manipulou a notícia sujamente.

The media manipulated the news dirtily/unethically.

Focuses on the unethical nature of the manipulation.

3

É um negócio que cresceu sujamente, sem ética.

It is a business that grew dirtily, without ethics.

Relative clause 'que cresceu sujamente'.

4

O advogado tentou influenciar o júri sujamente.

The lawyer tried to influence the jury dirtily/unfairly.

Describes legal misconduct.

5

Sujamente, ele roubou a ideia da sua colega.

Dirtily/Unfairly, he stole his colleague's idea.

Adverb at the beginning for emphasis.

6

A reputação dele foi sujamente manchada pelos boatos.

His reputation was dirtily tarnished by the rumors.

Metaphorical use of 'manchada' (stained) with 'sujamente'.

7

Eles lidaram sujamente com a crise ambiental.

They dealt dirtily/unethically with the environmental crisis.

Describes a failure of responsibility and ethics.

8

A herança foi sujamente disputada entre os irmãos.

The inheritance was dirtily disputed among the siblings.

Refers to an ugly, unethical family conflict.

1

A narrativa histórica foi sujamente alterada pelo regime.

The historical narrative was dirtily altered by the regime.

Refers to high-level ideological manipulation.

2

O filósofo criticou a forma como o poder é exercido sujamente.

The philosopher criticized the way power is exercised dirtily.

Abstract discussion of power dynamics.

3

A evidência foi sujamente plantada na cena do crime.

The evidence was dirtily planted at the crime scene.

Specific legal/procedural corruption.

4

Ela percebeu que o jogo político é jogado sujamente nos bastidores.

She realized that the political game is played dirtily behind the scenes.

Passive voice with 'é jogado'.

5

O autor descreve sujamente a decadência da aristocracia.

The author dirtily/vividly describes the decadence of the aristocracy.

Describes a literary style that focuses on the 'gritty' truth.

6

A investigação foi sujamente interrompida por ordens superiores.

The investigation was dirtily/unjustly interrupted by superior orders.

Implies a cover-up.

7

Os dados foram sujamente manipulados para favorecer a empresa.

The data were dirtily manipulated to favor the company.

Refers to scientific or statistical fraud.

8

Ele agiu sujamente ao trair a confiança de toda uma nação.

He acted dirtily by betraying the trust of an entire nation.

High-stakes moral condemnation.

1

A ontologia do ser foi sujamente maculada por ideologias espúrias.

The ontology of being was dirtily tainted by spurious ideologies.

Highly academic and philosophical usage.

2

Sujamente, a verdade sucumbiu aos interesses da plutocracia.

Dirtily/Vilely, the truth succumbed to the interests of the plutocracy.

Rhetorical fronting of the adverb.

3

O tecido social está sujamente esgarçado pela corrupção sistêmica.

The social fabric is dirtily frayed by systemic corruption.

Metaphorical use of 'esgarçado' (frayed).

4

A retórica do orador era sujamente populista e enganadora.

The speaker's rhetoric was dirtily populist and deceptive.

Critique of political discourse.

5

O processo judicial foi sujamente conduzido, ferindo o Estado de Direito.

The judicial process was dirtily conducted, harming the Rule of Law.

Legal and constitutional context.

6

A herança cultural foi sujamente apropriada por fins comerciais.

The cultural heritage was dirtily appropriated for commercial ends.

Refers to cultural exploitation.

7

Eles conspiraram sujamente para silenciar as vozes dissidentes.

They conspired dirtily to silence dissenting voices.

Refers to political repression.

8

A beleza do pântano reside na forma como ele se revela sujamente puro.

The beauty of the swamp lies in how it reveals itself as dirtily pure.

Oxymoronic and poetic usage.

Collocations courantes

Agir sujamente
Jogar sujamente
Ganhar sujamente
Trabalhar sujamente
Vencer sujamente
Manipular sujamente
Lidar sujamente
Tratar sujamente
Planejar sujamente
Viver sujamente

Phrases Courantes

Não jogue sujamente.

— A command telling someone not to cheat or be unfair.

Seja honesto, não jogue sujamente.

Ele agiu sujamente.

— A statement accusing someone of unethical behavior.

Todos sabem que ele agiu sujamente naquele negócio.

Vencer sujamente não é vencer.

— A moral proverb suggesting that victory through cheating is invalid.

Lembre-se: vencer sujamente não é vencer de verdade.

Tudo foi feito sujamente.

— Describing a process where every step was corrupt or messy.

Desde o início, tudo foi feito sujamente.

Lavar o que foi feito sujamente.

— Metaphorical phrase about trying to fix a corrupt situation.

Vai ser difícil lavar o que foi feito sujamente pelo governo anterior.

Sujamente envolvido.

— Being involved in something in a corrupt or messy way.

Ele está sujamente envolvido no escândalo das joias.

Mãos agindo sujamente.

— Poetic way to describe corrupt hands or actions.

Vimos mãos agindo sujamente para mudar o resultado.

Caminho trilhado sujamente.

— A career or path achieved through unethical means.

Seu sucesso é um caminho trilhado sujamente.

Falar sujamente de alguém.

— To slander or speak ill of someone in an unfair way.

Não é certo falar sujamente de quem não está presente.

Sujamente obtido.

— Something gained through illegal or unethical methods.

O lucro foi sujamente obtido através de exploração.

Souvent confondu avec

Sujamente vs Mal

'Mal' means badly. Use 'sujamente' only if there is a 'dirty' or 'unfair' element.

Sujamente vs Sojinha

A common mishearing of 'sozinha' (alone) by beginners.

Sujamente vs Imundamente

'Imundamente' is much stronger and describes extreme filth.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Jogar sujo"

— The base idiom for 'sujamente'. It means to cheat or use unfair tactics.

Eles estão jogando sujo nesta campanha.

Common
"Lavar a roupa suja"

— To discuss private or scandalous matters in public.

Eles foram à TV para lavar a roupa suja.

Common
"Mãos sujas"

— To be guilty of something or involved in corruption.

Ele tem as mãos sujas de sangue.

Metaphorical
"Pau sujo"

— Slang for someone who is untrustworthy or has a bad character.

Não confie nele, ele é um pau sujo.

Slang (Brazil)
"Estar na lama"

— To be in a 'dirty' or miserable situation, often due to one's own actions.

Depois do escândalo, o político está na lama.

Informal
"Fazer jogo sujo"

— To engage in unethical competition.

A empresa fez jogo sujo para quebrar a concorrência.

Business
"Sujo falando do mal lavado"

— The pot calling the kettle black (one 'dirty' person criticizing another).

Ele criticou a minha ética? É o sujo falando do mal lavado!

Proverb
"Limpar a sujeira"

— To fix the mess or corruption caused by others.

O novo diretor teve que limpar a sujeira da gestão anterior.

Professional
"Entrar numa fria/suja"

— To get involved in a bad or corrupt deal.

Ele entrou numa suja ao aceitar aquele suborno.

Informal
"Jogar lama"

— To slander or 'throw mud' at someone's reputation.

Eles tentaram jogar lama no candidato da oposição.

Political

Facile à confondre

Sujamente vs Sujo

Adjective vs. Adverb.

Sujo describes a noun (The boy is dirty); Sujamente describes an action (The boy ate dirtily).

O sapato sujo (adj) / Ele caminhou sujamente (adv).

Sujamente vs Porcamente

Similar meaning of 'messily'.

Porcamente is more informal and emphasizes sloppiness or pig-like behavior.

Ele limpou a mesa porcamente.

Sujamente vs Desonestamente

Used for 'playing dirty'.

Desonestamente is more neutral; sujamente adds a visceral sense of 'dirt'.

Ele mentiu desonestamente.

Sujamente vs Limpamente

Antonym.

Limpamente is the exact opposite (cleanly/fairly).

Ele venceu a luta limpamente.

Sujamente vs Sordidamente

Synonym in moral contexts.

Sordidamente is more formal and implies a more wretched or mean condition.

Eles conspiraram sordidamente.

Structures de phrases

A1

O [sujeito] [verbo] sujamente.

O bebê come sujamente.

A2

[Verbo no passado] sujamente.

Ele trabalhou sujamente ontem.

B1

Não [imperativo] sujamente.

Não jogue sujamente.

B2

Foi [particípio] sujamente.

A eleição foi vencida sujamente.

C1

Sujamente, [oração principal].

Sujamente, a prova foi alterada.

C2

[Sujeito] é sujamente [adjetivo].

O sistema é sujamente corrupto.

B1

Agir sujamente para [infinitivo].

Agir sujamente para ganhar dinheiro.

B2

Tratar alguém sujamente.

Eles trataram o estagiário sujamente.

Famille de mots

Noms

Sujeira (Dirt/Filth)
Sujo (Dirty person/thing)
Sujidade (Dirtiness - technical)

Verbes

Sujar (To dirty/To soil)
Sujar-se (To get oneself dirty)

Adjectifs

Sujo (Dirty)
Sujinho (A little dirty)
Sujão (Very dirty person)

Apparenté

Imundície
Mancha
Poluição
Corrupção
Malandragem

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in media, sports, and literature; moderate in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'sujamente' for general poor quality. Mal

    If a singer is out of tune, they sing 'mal'. They only sing 'sujamente' if they are cheating or literally covered in dirt.

  • Changing to 'sujamentas' for feminine subjects. Sujamente

    Adverbs ending in '-mente' are invariable. They never change for gender.

  • Using 'sujamente' to mean 'badly' in a test. Mal / Errado

    Unless you are cheating, you don't do a test 'sujamente'. You do it 'mal'.

  • Pronouncing 'j' like 'h' (Spanish style). Zh sound

    Portuguese 'j' is never like the Spanish 'j' or the English 'h'. It's always like 'pleasure'.

  • Placing the adverb before the verb in simple sentences. After the verb

    While possible for emphasis, 'Ele sujamente agiu' sounds awkward. 'Ele agiu sujamente' is standard.

Astuces

Adverb Formation

To form 'sujamente', start with the feminine form of the adjective 'sujo', which is 'suja', and then add '-mente'.

Sports Context

In football, if a player is intentionally fouling others, use 'sujamente' to describe their playstyle.

Moral vs. Physical

Always check the context. If it's about a kitchen, it's physical. If it's about an election, it's moral.

Switching it up

Use 'imundamente' if you want to sound even more shocked or disgusted by the dirtiness.

The Soft J

Make sure your 'j' sounds like a buzzing 'zh' and not a hard 'j' like 'juice'.

Literary Effect

Use 'sujamente' at the start of a sentence for a more dramatic or accusatory tone.

No plural

Never add an 's' to 'sujamente'. It stays the same even if 'they' are the ones acting that way.

Word Family

Connect it to 'sujeira' (dirt) in your mind to remember the meaning easily.

Regional Differences

In Brazil, you'll hear the '-te' at the end as 'chee', while in Portugal it's a very short 'te'.

Journalism

This is a great word for writing about scandals or unethical behaviors in professional reports.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'SUper JOker' (SUJO) who plays 'SUJAMENTE' (dirtily) by hiding cards in his sleeve.

Association visuelle

Imagine a politician in a clean white suit stepping into a deep mud puddle. The mud is the 'sujeira' and his walk is 'sujamente'.

Word Web

Sujo Sujar Sujeira Imundo Mente Desonesto Corrupto Trapaça

Défi

Try to write a sentence using 'sujamente' to describe a sports foul and another to describe a messy room.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Portuguese adjective 'sujo', which comes from the Latin 'sucidus'. The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin 'mens, mentis', meaning 'mind' or 'disposition'.

Sens originel : In Latin, 'sucidus' meant juicy, greasy, or moist. Over time, it evolved in Vulgar Latin to mean filthy or dirty.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

Calling someone's actions 'sujamente' is a strong accusation of lack of integrity. Use with caution in professional settings.

English speakers might use 'dirty' as an adjective ('dirty player'), but rarely use 'dirtily'. 'Sujamente' fills this gap.

The phrase 'Jogar sujo' is common in Brazilian sports commentary. Telenovela villains are frequently described as acting 'sujamente'. Political slogans often promise to 'limpar a sujeira' (clean the mess).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics

  • Campanha feita sujamente
  • Votos obtidos sujamente
  • Corrupção agindo sujamente
  • Manipular a opinião sujamente

Sports

  • Falta cometida sujamente
  • Ganhar o jogo sujamente
  • Tática de jogar sujamente
  • Atleta que age sujamente

Hygiene

  • Cozinha mantida sujamente
  • Comer sujamente
  • Trabalhar sujamente com óleo
  • Ambiente sujamente cuidado

Business

  • Concorrência agindo sujamente
  • Lucro obtido sujamente
  • Negociação feita sujamente
  • Tratar clientes sujamente

Personal Relationships

  • Trair sujamente
  • Menti sujamente
  • Enganar sujamente o parceiro
  • Falar sujamente dos amigos

Amorces de conversation

"Você acha que é possível vencer na política sem agir sujamente?"

"Já viu algum jogador de futebol jogar sujamente em campo?"

"O que você faz quando alguém trata você sujamente no trabalho?"

"Você prefere uma casa sujamente bagunçada ou um escritório desorganizado?"

"Como você reage a notícias sobre dinheiro obtido sujamente?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva uma situação em que você viu alguém agir sujamente e como você se sentiu.

Reflexão: A vitória vale a pena se for conquistada sujamente?

Escreva sobre um personagem de um livro que sempre joga sujamente.

Como a sociedade pode impedir que as pessoas ajam sujamente em posições de poder?

Descreva um dia em que você trabalhou sujamente (fisicamente) e o que você aprendeu.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. In fact, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean 'unfairly' or 'dishonestly', especially in sports and politics.

It is moderately common. People often use 'jogar sujo' or 'de um jeito sujo' in casual talk, but 'sujamente' is standard in news and writing.

Not usually. You would use 'com cheiro ruim' or 'fedorentamente' (rare). 'Sujamente' describes the *manner* of an action.

'Porcamente' is more informal and implies a lack of care or effort (sloppy). 'Sujamente' implies the presence of dirt or a lack of ethics.

Yes, in many contexts, but with a stronger connotation of 'filth' or 'taint' on the action.

In Brazil, it sounds like 'MEN-chee'. In Portugal, it sounds like 'MEN-teh' (with a neutral 'e').

No. Adverbs in Portuguese are invariable; they never change for gender or number.

It is 'sujamente'. There are no accents in this word.

You can say 'O quarto foi sujamente arrumado' (The room was messily/dirtily organized), but 'O quarto está sujo' is more common.

Yes, adverbs ending in '-mente' generally have a more formal or literary tone than alternative adverbial phrases.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'sujamente' to describe a politician.

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writing

Describe a messy kitchen using 'sujamente'.

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writing

Use 'sujamente' in a sentence about a football match.

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writing

Explain the difference between 'sujo' and 'sujamente'.

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writing

Write a sentence about a child playing in the mud with 'sujamente'.

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writing

Use 'sujamente' in a formal business context.

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writing

Translate: 'He has been acting dirtily lately.'

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writing

Write a short dialogue using 'sujamente'.

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writing

Use 'sujamente' at the beginning of a sentence.

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writing

Combine 'sujamente' with the verb 'tratar'.

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writing

Describe a crime scene using 'sujamente'.

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writing

Use 'sujamente' to describe how someone eats.

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writing

Create a sentence using 'mais sujamente do que'.

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Write about a betrayal using 'sujamente'.

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Use 'sujamente' in a sentence about a health inspection.

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writing

Write a sentence with 'sujamente' and 'corrupção'.

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writing

Translate: 'They manipulated the results dirtily.'

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writing

Use 'sujamente' to describe an artist's technique.

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writing

Write a sentence about a messy room with 'sujamente'.

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writing

Explain why 'sujamente' is used in sports.

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speaking

Pronounce: Su-ja-men-te

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speaking

Say: 'Ele agiu sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Não jogue sujamente.'

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speaking

Explain in Portuguese: O que significa 'jogar sujamente'?

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speaking

Say: 'A cozinha está sujamente mantida.'

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speaking

Say: 'A notícia foi sujamente manipulada.'

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speaking

Describe a person who acts 'sujamente' in three words.

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speaking

Say: 'Sujamente, ele roubou a ideia.'

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speaking

Pronounce the rhyme: 'Limpamente, sujamente, claramente.'

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speaking

Say: 'O bebê comeu o bolo sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'A eleição foi vencida sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Eles conspiraram sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'O óleo vazou sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Ela foi sujamente enganada.'

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speaking

Explain the etymology of 'sujamente' in Portuguese.

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speaking

Say: 'O historiador agiu sujamente.'

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speaking

Say: 'Não fale sujamente de mim.'

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speaking

Say: 'O sistema é sujamente corrupto.'

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speaking

Say: 'A mancha foi sujamente removida.'

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speaking

Say: 'Eles vivem sujamente.'

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listening

Listen to the word: 'Sujamente'. How many syllables do you hear?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Ele agiu sujamente.' Which word is the adverb?

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listening

Listen to: 'Não jogue sujamente.' Is the speaker happy or angry/serious?

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listening

Listen to: 'A cozinha foi sujamente deixada.' What is the topic?

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listening

Listen to: 'O político agiu sujamente.' Does this imply he is honest?

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listening

Listen to: 'Sujamente, ele venceu.' Where is the stress in the first word?

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listening

Listen to the 'j' sound in 'sujamente'. Is it like 'judge' or 'pleasure'?

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listening

Listen to: 'Eles trataram o estagiário sujamente.' How was the intern treated?

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listening

Listen to: 'O segredo foi sujamente revelado.' Was the revelation ethical?

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listening

Listen to: 'O bebê engatinhou sujamente.' Is the baby clean?

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listening

Listen to: 'A evidência foi sujamente plantada.' What happened to the evidence?

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listening

Listen to: 'Eles vivem sujamente.' Is this a positive lifestyle?

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listening

Listen to: 'O lucro foi sujamente obtido.' How was the profit made?

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listening

Listen to: 'A reputação foi sujamente manchada.' What happened to the reputation?

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listening

Listen to the rhyme: 'Limpamente, sujamente'. Are they antonyms?

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/ 200 correct

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