At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'assustar' as a basic vocabulary word meaning 'to scare'. The focus is on recognizing the word in simple sentences and understanding its primary meaning related to fear or surprise. Learners at this stage will typically encounter 'assustar' in the present tense, such as 'O cão assusta o gato' (The dog scares the cat). They learn that it is a regular '-ar' verb, making its conjugation predictable (eu assusto, tu assustas, ele assusta). The concept of reflexive verbs might be introduced briefly, allowing them to say 'Eu assusto-me' (I get scared), but complex grammatical explanations are usually avoided. The primary goal is for the learner to be able to express basic emotions and describe simple, immediate reactions to their environment. Vocabulary exercises often pair 'assustar' with common nouns like animals, loud noises, or the dark. Teachers might use visual aids, like a picture of a surprised face, to solidify the connection between the word and the emotion. At this stage, learners are not expected to understand the nuanced differences between 'assustar' and other words for fear, but rather to use it as a catch-all term for being frightened. Practice involves simple fill-in-the-blank exercises and matching the verb with appropriate subjects and objects. The cultural context is minimal, focusing purely on functional, everyday communication. By the end of A1, a student should confidently recognize 'assustar' when reading simple texts or listening to slow, clear speech, and be able to use it to describe basic scenarios of scaring or being scared.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding and usage of 'assustar' become more sophisticated. They are now expected to use the verb in past tenses, specifically the Pretérito Perfeito (simple past), to narrate events. Sentences like 'O filme assustou-me ontem' (The movie scared me yesterday) become common. The reflexive form, 'assustar-se', is practiced more rigorously, and learners must remember to use the correct reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos). Crucially, A2 learners are taught the preposition 'com' when expressing what caused the fear: 'Eu assustei-me com o barulho' (I got scared by the noise). This helps correct the common mistake of directly translating 'scared of' using the preposition 'de'. Furthermore, the adjectival form 'assustado/a' is introduced, allowing learners to describe states of being: 'A menina está assustada' (The girl is scared). This expands their descriptive capabilities significantly. In terms of context, learners encounter 'assustar' in short stories, anecdotes, and dialogues about personal experiences. They might write short paragraphs about a time they were scared or read a simple news snippet where the word is used. The distinction between 'assustar' (to scare) and 'ter medo' (to be afraid) is explicitly taught to prevent confusion. Exercises at this level include sentence reordering, translating short phrases, and answering comprehension questions based on short audio clips. The goal is to move beyond simple recognition to active, grammatically correct usage in everyday narrative contexts, enabling the learner to share personal stories involving surprise or fear.
At the B1 level, learners achieve a solid intermediate grasp of 'assustar', integrating it into more complex sentence structures and broader contexts. The subjunctive mood is introduced, allowing learners to express doubt, possibility, or emotional reactions. For example, they learn to construct sentences like 'Espero que o cão não te assuste' (I hope the dog doesn't scare you) or 'É possível que a notícia o assuste' (It's possible the news will scare him). This adds a significant layer of nuance to their communication. Additionally, B1 learners explore the use of 'assustar' in the Imperfeito (imperfect past) to describe ongoing or habitual fear in the past: 'Quando eu era criança, o escuro assustava-me' (When I was a child, the dark used to scare me). Vocabulary expansion includes learning common collocations and idiomatic expressions, such as 'dar um susto' (to give a scare) or 'assustar de morte' (to scare to death). The contexts in which they encounter the word become more varied, including opinion pieces, movie reviews, and discussions about societal issues where 'assustar' might be used metaphorically (e.g., 'A inflação assusta os consumidores'). Learners are encouraged to distinguish 'assustar' from milder synonyms like 'surpreender' (to surprise) or stronger ones like 'aterrorizar' (to terrify). Practice involves role-playing scenarios, writing short essays about frightening experiences, and debating topics where fear is a factor. By the end of B1, a student should be comfortable using 'assustar' across multiple tenses and moods, understanding its metaphorical applications, and using it to articulate complex emotional states and hypothetical situations.
Reaching the B2 level signifies a high degree of fluency and confidence in using 'assustar'. Learners at this stage manipulate the verb effortlessly across all tenses and moods, including complex compound tenses. They can easily form sentences like 'Se tu não tivesses gritado, não me terias assustado' (If you hadn't yelled, you wouldn't have scared me), demonstrating mastery of the conditional and past perfect subjunctive. The focus shifts heavily towards the metaphorical and abstract uses of the word. 'Assustar' is no longer just about physical jump-scares; it is used to discuss economic trends, political developments, and psychological states. For instance, a B2 learner might read an article stating, 'Os números do desemprego assustam o governo' (The unemployment numbers scare the government) and fully grasp the implication of political apprehension rather than literal fear. The vocabulary surrounding the verb is enriched with sophisticated adverbs and modifiers, such as 'profundamente assustado' (deeply scared) or 'assustar ligeiramente' (to scare slightly). Learners also delve into the subtle differences between closely related synonyms like 'apavorar', 'intimidar', and 'sobressaltar', choosing the precise word for the desired impact. Listening and reading materials include authentic news broadcasts, complex literature, and fast-paced native conversations where 'assustar' might be embedded in colloquialisms or rapid speech. Exercises involve analyzing the tone of a text, writing detailed critical reviews, and participating in spontaneous, in-depth discussions. A B2 learner uses 'assustar' not just to communicate basic needs, but to express sophisticated opinions, analyze situations, and engage fully in the cultural and intellectual discourse of the Portuguese language.
At the C1 level, the use of 'assustar' is characterized by near-native precision, stylistic flexibility, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Learners do not just use the word correctly; they use it elegantly. They are fully aware of the register, knowing when 'assustar' is appropriate in a formal academic paper versus a casual conversation. In formal writing, they might employ passive constructions, such as 'A população foi assustada pelas medidas drásticas' (The population was frightened by the drastic measures), while in informal speech, they effortlessly use regional slang or idiomatic variations. The comprehension of 'assustar' extends to complex literary texts where the word might carry symbolic or ironic weight. C1 learners can analyze how an author uses 'assustar' to build tension or reveal character psychology. They are also adept at using the verb in highly abstract contexts, discussing existential fears or philosophical concepts. For example, 'O que mais assusta na modernidade é a perda de conexão humana' (What is most frightening about modernity is the loss of human connection). The focus is on idiomatic mastery and the ability to play with the language. They understand subtle cultural references related to fear, such as specific Portuguese urban legends or historical events that 'assustaram' the nation. Practice at this level involves writing persuasive essays, delivering formal presentations, and engaging in complex debates where they must defend their viewpoints using nuanced vocabulary. Errors are rare and usually relate to highly specific stylistic choices rather than grammatical misunderstandings. A C1 learner wields 'assustar' as a precise tool for sophisticated expression.
The C2 level represents mastery of the Portuguese language, and the understanding of 'assustar' at this stage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner possesses an intuitive grasp of the word's etymology, its historical evolution, and its subtle phonetic variations across different Portuguese-speaking regions. They can effortlessly navigate the most complex literary, academic, and technical texts where 'assustar' or its derivatives might appear. At this level, the focus is on the aesthetic and rhetorical power of the word. A C2 speaker knows exactly how to position 'assustar' in a sentence to maximize its impact, whether to create suspense, convey irony, or evoke empathy. They are comfortable with archaic or highly literary uses of the word that might appear in classical Portuguese literature. Furthermore, they can invent new metaphors or play with the word's structure in creative writing. Their vocabulary includes the most obscure synonyms and related terms, and they can articulate the microscopic semantic differences between them. In conversation, they use 'assustar' with perfect timing and intonation, fully integrating it into their personal idiolect. They can analyze the sociolinguistic aspects of the word, discussing how different demographics or cultures express fear. Exercises at this level are largely self-directed, involving reading dense philosophical treatises, writing original literature, or conducting academic research in Portuguese. For a C2 learner, 'assustar' is not just a vocabulary item to be learned, but a dynamic element of the language to be explored, manipulated, and mastered in all its infinite variety.

assustar 30초 만에

  • Means 'to scare' or 'to startle'.
  • Regular verb ending in '-ar'.
  • Use 'assustar-se com' for 'to get scared by'.
  • Common in daily life and horror contexts.
The Portuguese verb 'assustar' is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates primarily to 'to scare', 'to frighten', or 'to startle' in the English language. Understanding its full semantic range requires a deep dive into both its transitive and reflexive usages, which are essential for mastering Portuguese at any level of proficiency. When we look at the core meaning of 'assustar', we are dealing with the induction of fear, surprise, or apprehension in another living being. This action can be intentional, such as when someone plays a prank on a friend, or unintentional, such as a loud noise startling a passerby on the street. The psychological impact of the action described by 'assustar' can range from a mild, momentary jump to a profound state of terror, depending entirely on the context and the intensity of the stimulus.
Transitive Usage
Used when a subject actively scares an object. For example, 'O barulho assustou o gato' (The noise scared the cat).

O trovão forte conseguiu assustar as crianças que dormiam.

In everyday conversation, 'assustar' is incredibly common. It is a regular verb ending in '-ar', which makes its conjugation straightforward for learners who have already grasped the basic patterns of the Portuguese language. However, the real complexity arises when we introduce the reflexive pronoun. 'Assustar-se' means 'to get scared' or 'to be frightened'. This shift from active to passive experience is a crucial aspect of Romance languages.
Reflexive Usage
Used when the subject experiences the fear themselves. 'Eu assustei-me com o filme' (I got scared by the movie).

Não te deves assustar com coisas tão pequenas.

The etymology of 'assustar' traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'exsuscĭtare', meaning to awaken or to rouse, which evolved into the idea of being jolted out of a state of calm. This historical context helps explain why 'assustar' often carries the connotation of a sudden, unexpected event rather than a lingering, existential dread. When you use 'assustar', you are usually describing an event that happens quickly.
Emotional Impact
The emotional resonance of the word is immediate and visceral, often accompanied by physical reactions like a racing heart or a gasp.

O objetivo do jogo é assustar os teus amigos no escuro.

Furthermore, the verb can be used in metaphorical contexts. For instance, economic news can 'assustar' investors, meaning it causes apprehension or panic in the market. This broad applicability makes it a versatile tool in both casual and formal discourse.

A inflação alta pode assustar os consumidores este ano.

To truly master 'assustar', one must practice its conjugation across various tenses. In the present tense, it is 'eu assusto, tu assustas, ele assusta, nós assustamos, eles assustam'. In the past perfect, 'eu assustei, tu assustaste, ele assustou'. Notice how the stress falls on different syllables, which is critical for proper pronunciation. The word is deeply embedded in cultural expressions as well.

Ele tentou assustar o cão, mas o cão apenas bocejou.

In conclusion, 'assustar' is much more than a simple translation of 'to scare'. It is a dynamic verb that captures the suddenness of fear, the physical reaction to surprise, and the psychological apprehension of the unknown. By understanding its transitive and reflexive forms, its metaphorical extensions, and its grammatical requirements, learners can significantly enrich their Portuguese vocabulary and express their emotions with greater precision and nuance.
Using the verb 'assustar' correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure, its transitivity, and the specific contexts in which it is most appropriate. As a regular verb ending in '-ar', its conjugation follows the standard rules of Portuguese grammar, making it relatively easy to memorize for beginners. However, the true challenge lies in knowing when to use it actively, passively, or reflexively. Let us begin with the active, transitive use. When 'assustar' is used transitively, it requires a direct object. This means that the subject of the sentence is performing the action of scaring upon someone or something else.
Active Voice
The subject performs the action. 'O fantasma assustou a menina' (The ghost scared the girl).

Eu vou assustar o meu irmão quando ele entrar na sala.

In this structure, the focus is on the instigator of the fear. This is very common in storytelling, jokes, and descriptions of events. Now, let us consider the reflexive use, 'assustar-se'. This is arguably the more common way learners will need to use the word when talking about their own feelings. In Portuguese, emotions are often expressed reflexively, indicating that the subject is experiencing the state internally.
Reflexive Voice
The subject experiences the action. 'Eu assusto-me facilmente' (I get scared easily).

Ela costuma assustar-se com filmes de terror.

For example, you say 'Eu assustei-me com o cão' (I got scared by the dog), not 'Eu assustei-me do cão'. This is a very common mistake for English speakers who try to translate 'scared of' directly. Another important grammatical aspect is the use of the past participle 'assustado'. This functions as an adjective meaning 'scared' or 'frightened'. You use it with the verbs 'estar' (to be, temporarily) or 'ficar' (to become).
Adjectival Use
Using the participle to describe a state. 'Ele está assustado' (He is scared).

O gato ficou muito assustado com os fogos de artifício.

Beyond the basic tenses, 'assustar' is frequently used in the subjunctive mood, especially when expressing doubt, possibility, or emotional reactions to hypothetical situations. For instance, 'Espero que o barulho não o assuste' (I hope the noise doesn't scare him). The subjunctive adds a layer of nuance, showing the speaker's concern or anticipation.

É possível que a notícia vá assustar os mercados financeiros.

In informal contexts, particularly in Brazil, you might hear the diminutive form 'assustadinho' to describe someone who is slightly scared or acting timidly, often used in a teasing or affectionate manner. Understanding these variations and grammatical structures is key to using 'assustar' naturally and effectively. By practicing the active, reflexive, and adjectival forms, learners can confidently navigate conversations involving fear, surprise, and sudden reactions, ensuring their Portuguese sounds authentic and precise.

Não me tentes assustar com essas histórias de fantasmas.

The verb 'assustar' permeates daily Portuguese conversation, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from casual domestic interactions to formal news broadcasts. Because fear and surprise are universal human emotions, the vocabulary used to describe them is naturally ubiquitous. One of the most common places you will hear 'assustar' is in the context of entertainment, specifically regarding movies, books, and video games. Horror is a popular genre, and discussing whether a piece of media was effective at inducing fear naturally involves this verb.
Entertainment Context
Discussing the impact of media. 'Esse filme foi feito para assustar o público' (This movie was made to scare the audience).

O realizador sabe exatamente como assustar as pessoas com o silêncio.

Another frequent setting is in domestic life, particularly involving children and pets. Children often play pranks on each other, and parents might use the word when comforting a child who has had a nightmare. Similarly, pets are easily startled by loud noises like thunder or vacuum cleaners, prompting owners to use the word.
Domestic Context
Everyday situations at home. 'Cuidado para não assustar o bebé' (Be careful not to scare the baby).

A trovoada conseguiu assustar o nosso cãozinho ontem à noite.

In the realm of news and journalism, 'assustar' takes on a more metaphorical or societal tone. News anchors and journalists use it to describe the public's reaction to alarming events, such as economic downturns, natural disasters, or rising crime rates. In these cases, it implies a collective sense of apprehension rather than a sudden physical jump.
Journalistic Context
Reporting on societal anxiety. 'Os novos impostos vão assustar os empresários' (The new taxes will scare business owners).

A taxa de desemprego continua a assustar a população local.

You will also encounter 'assustar' in medical or health-related conversations. A sudden symptom or a concerning diagnosis can 'assustar' a patient. Doctors might reassure patients by saying 'Não se assuste' (Don't be alarmed) before explaining a complex but manageable condition.

Os resultados dos exames podem assustar no início, mas há tratamento.

Finally, in casual street interactions, if someone accidentally bumps into another person or approaches them silently from behind, they might apologize by saying 'Desculpe, não o queria assustar' (Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you). This demonstrates the word's utility in managing social friction and expressing politeness after an unintentional surprise.

Aproximei-me devagar para não a assustar enquanto ela lia.

By recognizing these diverse contexts, learners can better anticipate when 'assustar' will be used and understand the subtle shifts in its meaning, from literal jump-scares to broader societal anxieties.
When learning the verb 'assustar', non-native speakers frequently encounter a few specific stumbling blocks. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation habits from English or a misunderstanding of Portuguese reflexive verbs and prepositions. Addressing these common errors is crucial for achieving fluency and sounding natural in conversation. The most prevalent mistake is confusing 'assustar' (to scare) with 'ter medo' (to be afraid). In English, we often use the adjective 'scared' to describe our state ('I am scared'). Learners might try to translate this directly by saying 'Eu sou assustado' or 'Eu assusto', which is incorrect or changes the meaning entirely.
State vs. Action
'Assustar' is the action of scaring. 'Ter medo' is the state of being afraid.

É um erro comum tentar assustar alguém dizendo 'eu assusto de ti' em vez de 'tenho medo de ti'.

To say 'I am scared of spiders', you should say 'Eu tenho medo de aranhas'. If you want to use 'assustar', you must use the reflexive form and the correct preposition: 'Eu assusto-me com aranhas' (Spiders scare me / I get scared by spiders). This brings us to the second major mistake: the preposition.
Preposition Error
Using 'de' instead of 'com' after 'assustar-se'.

Ele costuma assustar-se com o barulho, não 'do' barulho.

Another frequent error involves the omission of the reflexive pronoun when describing one's own reaction. A learner might say 'O filme assustou' meaning 'The movie scared me', but without the object pronoun 'me', the sentence feels incomplete. It should be 'O filme assustou-me' (The movie scared me) or 'Eu assustei-me com o filme' (I got scared by the movie).
Missing Pronouns
Forgetting to indicate who is being scared when using the verb transitively.

Se queres assustar alguém, tens de incluir o pronome: 'assustá-lo'.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'assustar' with 'surpreender' (to surprise). While being scared often involves surprise, not all surprises are scary. If a friend throws you a birthday party, they 'surpreenderam-te' (surprised you). If they jump out of a closet wearing a mask, they 'assustaram-te' (scared you). Using 'assustar' for a pleasant surprise sounds very unnatural.

Uma festa surpresa não te deve assustar, deve fazer-te feliz.

Finally, pronunciation mistakes can occasionally obscure the meaning. The double 's' in 'assustar' must be pronounced as an unvoiced 's' (like in 'snake'), not a 'z' sound. The emphasis is on the penultimate syllable: as-sus-TAR. Mispronouncing the vowels or the stress can make it difficult for native speakers to understand immediately.

Pronunciar corretamente ajuda a não assustar os nativos com sotaques estranhos.

By paying attention to these common pitfalls—distinguishing it from 'ter medo', using the correct preposition 'com', remembering reflexive pronouns, differentiating it from 'surpreender', and mastering the pronunciation—learners can use 'assustar' with confidence and accuracy.
The Portuguese language is rich in vocabulary related to fear, apprehension, and surprise. While 'assustar' is the most common and versatile verb for 'to scare', there are several synonyms and related terms that offer different shades of meaning, intensity, and formality. Expanding your vocabulary to include these similar words will allow you to express yourself with much greater precision and nuance. Let us explore some of the most important alternatives to 'assustar'.
Aterrorizar
To terrify. This is a much stronger word than 'assustar'. It implies inducing a deep, paralyzing fear.

O ditador tentou aterrorizar a população, o que é pior do que apenas assustar.

While a loud noise might 'assustar' you, a life-threatening situation would 'aterrorizar' you. Another related word is 'apavorar', which also translates to 'to terrify' or 'to panic'. It is often used when the fear causes a loss of rational thought or control.
Apavorar
To cause panic or extreme dread. Often used reflexively: apavorar-se (to panic).

A ideia de falar em público pode apavorar algumas pessoas.

On the milder end of the spectrum, we have 'espantar'. This verb can mean 'to frighten away' (like shooing a bird) or 'to amaze/astonish'. It carries a strong element of surprise, sometimes without the negative connotation of fear.
Espantar
To shoo away, to startle, or to amaze. It is less about fear and more about sudden reaction.

Fiz um barulho para espantar os pombos da varanda.

Another interesting synonym is 'intimidar', which means 'to intimidate'. While it involves fear, it is specifically fear induced by a display of power, authority, or aggression, often with the intent to control or deter someone.

O cão de guarda ladrou alto para intimidar o intruso.

Lastly, there is 'sobressaltar', which means 'to startle' or 'to make someone jump'. This is very close to the physical reaction aspect of 'assustar'. When you are deep in thought and someone taps your shoulder, they 'sobressaltam' you.

O toque repentino do telefone conseguiu sobressaltar a velha senhora.

By understanding the distinctions between assustar, aterrorizar, apavorar, espantar, intimidar, and sobressaltar, you can paint a much clearer picture of the specific type of fear or surprise you are trying to convey in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

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Conjugation of regular -ar verbs in the present tense.

Placement of reflexive pronouns in European vs. Brazilian Portuguese.

Using 'estar' vs. 'ficar' with adjectives of emotion.

The use of the preposition 'com' after certain reflexive verbs.

Forming the imperative mood for negative commands (Não assustes!).

수준별 예문

1

O cão vai assustar o gato.

The dog is going to scare the cat.

Present tense, active voice, simple subject and object.

2

Eu não quero assustar a bebé.

I don't want to scare the baby.

Infinitive form used after the auxiliary verb 'querer'.

3

O barulho assusta as crianças.

The noise scares the children.

Present tense, plural object.

4

Ele gosta de assustar os amigos.

He likes to scare his friends.

Infinitive used after the preposition 'de'.

5

A aranha assusta a minha mãe.

The spider scares my mother.

Present tense, singular subject and object.

6

Não me tentes assustar!

Don't try to scare me!

Negative imperative with an object pronoun.

7

O escuro assusta o menino.

The dark scares the boy.

Abstract noun 'escuro' used as the subject.

8

Ela vai assustar o irmão.

She is going to scare her brother.

Future construction with 'ir' + infinitive.

1

O filme de terror assustou-me muito.

The horror movie scared me a lot.

Pretérito Perfeito (simple past) with reflexive pronoun.

2

Eu assustei-me com o trovão forte.

I got scared by the loud thunder.

Reflexive use 'assustar-se' with the preposition 'com'.

3

Ela ficou assustada quando viu o rato.

She became scared when she saw the mouse.

Adjectival use 'assustada' with the verb 'ficar'.

4

Nós assustámos o professor com a surpresa.

We scared the teacher with the surprise.

Past tense, first person plural.

5

Tu assustaste-te com a sombra?

Did you get scared by the shadow?

Question in the past tense using the reflexive form.

6

O cão estava muito assustado ontem.

The dog was very scared yesterday.

Imperfect tense of 'estar' with the adjective 'assustado'.

7

Eles assustaram as aves no parque.

They scared the birds in the park.

Past tense, third person plural.

8

Não te deves assustar com isso.

You shouldn't get scared by that.

Modal verb 'dever' with reflexive infinitive.

1

Espero que a tempestade não assuste os animais.

I hope the storm doesn't scare the animals.

Present subjunctive used after 'espero que'.

2

Quando eu era pequeno, o palhaço assustava-me.

When I was little, the clown used to scare me.

Imperfect tense used for a habitual past action.

3

A notícia do acidente assustou toda a comunidade.

The news of the accident scared the whole community.

Past tense used with a collective noun.

4

Se gritares, vais assustar o bebé que está a dormir.

If you yell, you will scare the sleeping baby.

Future subjunctive 'gritares' in a conditional sentence.

5

Ela assustou-se tanto que deixou cair os pratos.

She got so scared that she dropped the plates.

Reflexive past tense combined with a consequence clause.

6

É normal assustar-se com mudanças tão repentinas.

It's normal to get scared by such sudden changes.

Impersonal infinitive construction.

7

O mercado financeiro assustou-se com a inflação.

The financial market got scared by the inflation.

Metaphorical use of the reflexive verb.

8

Eles tentaram não a assustar com os detalhes médicos.

They tried not to scare her with the medical details.

Negative infinitive with an object pronoun.

1

Se me tivesses avisado, a surpresa não me teria assustado.

If you had warned me, the surprise wouldn't have scared me.

Past perfect subjunctive and conditional perfect.

2

O que mais me assusta é a incerteza do futuro.

What scares me the most is the uncertainty of the future.

Abstract subject causing the action.

3

Apesar de estar assustada, ela enfrentou o desafio com coragem.

Despite being scared, she faced the challenge with courage.

Concessive clause with 'apesar de' and the adjectival form.

4

Os especialistas temem que a nova variante possa assustar a população.

Experts fear the new variant might scare the population.

Present subjunctive 'possa' expressing possibility.

5

Ele tem um aspeto que assusta qualquer um que se aproxime.

He has a look that scares anyone who approaches.

Relative clause with subjunctive 'aproxime'.

6

A rapidez com que o fogo se espalhou assustou os bombeiros.

The speed at which the fire spread scared the firefighters.

Complex sentence structure with a relative clause.

7

Não é intenção do governo assustar os investidores estrangeiros.

It is not the government's intention to scare foreign investors.

Formal register using 'intenção de'.

8

Assustar-se com a própria sombra é sinal de grande ansiedade.

Getting scared by one's own shadow is a sign of great anxiety.

Idiomatic expression used as the subject of the sentence.

1

A magnitude da crise económica assustou até os analistas mais otimistas.

The magnitude of the economic crisis scared even the most optimistic analysts.

Use of 'até' (even) for emphasis in a formal context.

2

Foi uma revelação que, longe de apaziguar, acabou por assustar ainda mais a opinião pública.

It was a revelation that, far from appeasing, ended up scaring public opinion even more.

Complex syntax with 'longe de' and 'acabou por'.

3

O autor utiliza o silêncio narrativo como uma ferramenta para assustar o leitor subtilmente.

The author uses narrative silence as a tool to subtly scare the reader.

Academic/literary register.

4

Por mais que tentassem dissimular, a perspetiva de falência assustava-os profundamente.

As much as they tried to hide it, the prospect of bankruptcy scared them deeply.

Concessive subjunctive 'tentassem' with an adverbial modifier.

5

A brutalidade do ataque assustou a nação, precipitando uma mudança na lei.

The brutality of the attack scared the nation, precipitating a change in the law.

Gerund 'precipitando' indicating consequence.

6

É imperativo que esta retórica alarmista não assuste os mercados emergentes.

It is imperative that this alarmist rhetoric does not scare emerging markets.

Formal subjunctive trigger 'É imperativo que'.

7

Ele descreveu a experiência com um distanciamento que, paradoxalmente, me assustou.

He described the experience with a detachment that, paradoxically, scared me.

Use of adverbs like 'paradoxalmente' to add nuance.

8

A facilidade com que a desinformação se propaga é, sem dúvida, o que mais assusta na era digital.

The ease with which disinformation spreads is, without a doubt, what scares most in the digital age.

Abstract philosophical observation.

1

A vacuidade do seu olhar assustou-me mais do que qualquer ameaça verbal poderia ter feito.

The emptiness of his gaze scared me more than any verbal threat could have done.

Highly literary vocabulary ('vacuidade') and complex comparative structure.

2

O que assusta não é a efemeridade da vida, mas a inexorabilidade do esquecimento.

What is frightening is not the ephemerality of life, but the inexorability of oblivion.

Philosophical discourse using advanced abstract nouns.

3

A sua capacidade de dissimulação era tal que chegava a assustar os seus próprios aliados.

His capacity for dissimulation was such that it even scared his own allies.

Use of 'chegava a' to indicate an extreme degree.

4

A obra prima de Goya assusta precisamente por capturar a essência da loucura humana.

Goya's masterpiece frightens precisely because it captures the essence of human madness.

Artistic critique register.

5

Conquanto a premissa inicial não assuste, o desfecho da narrativa é de um negrume aterrador.

Although the initial premise doesn't frighten, the narrative's conclusion is of a terrifying darkness.

Use of the rare concessive conjunction 'conquanto'.

6

A frieza dos números estatísticos assusta, despindo a tragédia de qualquer rosto humano.

The coldness of the statistical numbers frightens, stripping the tragedy of any human face.

Metaphorical use of 'despindo' (stripping) with a gerund.

7

É uma perspetiva que assusta os puristas da linguagem, mas que reflete a evolução natural do idioma.

It is a prospect that scares language purists, but which reflects the natural evolution of the language.

Sociolinguistic commentary.

8

Ele proferiu as palavras com uma calma letal, concebida milimetricamente para assustar o adversário.

He uttered the words with a lethal calm, meticulously designed to scare his opponent.

Advanced adverbs ('milimetricamente') and literary phrasing.

자주 쓰는 조합

assustar alguém
assustar-se com
ficar assustado
parecer assustado
assustar de morte
assustar facilmente
não se assuste
assustar o público
assustar os mercados
tentar assustar

자주 혼동되는 단어

assustar vs ter medo (to be afraid)

assustar vs surpreender (to surprise)

assustar vs espantar (to amaze/shoo away)

혼동하기 쉬운

assustar vs

assustar vs

assustar vs

assustar vs

assustar vs

문장 패턴

사용법

note

While 'assustar' is the standard verb, native speakers frequently use the noun phrase 'dar um susto' (to give a scare) or 'apanhar um susto' (to get a scare) in everyday conversation.

자주 하는 실수
  • Saying 'Eu sou assustado' instead of 'Eu tenho medo' or 'Eu estou assustado'.
  • Using the preposition 'de' instead of 'com' (e.g., 'assustar-se do cão' instead of 'assustar-se com o cão').
  • Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when describing one's own reaction (e.g., 'O filme assustou' instead of 'O filme assustou-me').
  • Confusing 'assustar' (to scare) with 'surpreender' (to surprise) in positive contexts.
  • Mispronouncing the double 's' as a 'z' sound.

Reflexive Pronouns

Always remember to use reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos) when talking about getting scared. 'Eu assusto' means 'I scare (someone else)'. 'Eu assusto-me' means 'I get scared'.

The Preposition 'Com'

Burn this into your memory: 'assustar-se COM'. Never translate 'scared OF' as 'assustar-se de'. It is always 'com'. Eu assusto-me com o escuro.

Stress the Last Syllable

Because it is an infinitive ending in '-ar', the stress falls on the final syllable: as-sus-TAR. Misplacing the stress can make it hard for natives to understand you.

Estar vs. Ficar

Use 'estar assustado' to describe a current state of fear. Use 'ficar assustado' to describe the transition or reaction (becoming scared) right after an event.

Que Susto!

Learn the phrase 'Que susto!'. It translates to 'What a scare!' and is the most natural thing to say when someone startles you unexpectedly.

Assustador vs. Assustado

Do not confuse the adjectives. 'Assustador' means scary (the thing causing fear, like a movie). 'Assustado' means scared (the person feeling the fear).

Expressing Emotion

Portuguese speakers tend to be expressive. Don't be afraid to use 'assustar' even for minor startles, like dropping a spoon loudly. It's perfectly natural.

Negative Imperative

When telling someone not to scare you, use the subjunctive form for the negative imperative: 'Não me assustes!' (informal) or 'Não me assuste!' (formal).

Level Up Your Vocab

Once you master 'assustar', try using 'aterrorizar' for extreme fear or 'sobressaltar' for a sudden physical jump. It will make your Portuguese sound much more advanced.

Listen for the Pronoun

In fast speech, the reflexive pronoun might blend into the verb. Listen carefully for the 'me' or 'se' to know if the person is scaring someone or getting scared themselves.

암기하기

기억법

Imagine a SUSpicious STAR falling from the sky and SCARING everyone. A-SUS-TAR = to scare.

어원

Vulgar Latin

문화적 맥락

Brazilians frequently use the diminutive 'assustadinho' to tease someone who is easily scared.

Used often when telling stories about the 'Mula sem cabeça' or 'Bicho-Papão' to children.

In Portugal, 'apanhar um susto' (to catch a scare) is a very common idiom.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"Qual foi o filme que mais te assustou até hoje?"

"Costumas assustar-te facilmente com barulhos?"

"Alguma vez pregaste um susto a alguém?"

"O que é que te assusta mais no futuro?"

"Tens medo de aranhas ou elas não te assustam?"

일기 주제

Escreve sobre uma vez em que te assustaste muito. O que aconteceu?

O que é que te assustava quando eras criança, mas já não assusta?

Achas que é divertido assustar as outras pessoas? Porquê?

Descreve o filme mais assustador que já viste.

Como é que o teu corpo reage quando te assustas?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

'Assustar' is an action verb meaning 'to scare' or 'to startle'. It describes the event that causes the fear. 'Ter medo' translates to 'to have fear' or 'to be afraid', describing the ongoing state of feeling fear. For example, a dog scares you (O cão assusta-te), so you are afraid of the dog (Tens medo do cão). One is the cause, the other is the result.

You cannot translate 'I am scared of' directly with 'assustar'. Instead, you must use the reflexive form and say 'Spiders scare me' or 'I get scared by spiders'. In Portuguese, this is 'Eu assusto-me com aranhas'. Notice the use of the reflexive pronoun 'me' and the preposition 'com'.

Yes, 'assustar' is a completely regular verb ending in '-ar'. It follows the standard conjugation patterns for all tenses. For example, in the present tense it is: eu assusto, tu assustas, ele assusta, nós assustamos, eles assustam. This makes it very easy for learners to memorize and use.

While being scared often involves an element of surprise, 'assustar' always carries a negative connotation of fear or alarm. If you want to talk about a pleasant or neutral surprise, like a surprise party, you should use the verb 'surpreender'. Using 'assustar' for a good surprise sounds unnatural.

When you use the reflexive form 'assustar-se' to indicate what caused the fear, you must always use the preposition 'com' (with). For example, 'Ela assustou-se com o barulho' (She got scared by the noise). Do not use 'de' (of), which is a common mistake for English speakers.

To use it as an adjective, you use the past participle form, which is 'assustado' (masculine) or 'assustada' (feminine). You pair this with the verbs 'estar' (to be) or 'ficar' (to become). For example, 'O menino está assustado' (The boy is scared) or 'A menina ficou assustada' (The girl became scared).

The noun form is 'o susto', which means 'a scare' or 'a fright'. It is very common in Portuguese to use expressions with this noun instead of the verb. For example, 'dar um susto' means 'to give a scare', and 'apanhar um susto' means 'to get a scare'.

The core meaning is exactly the same. However, in Brazil, it is more common to place the reflexive pronoun before the verb in casual speech (e.g., 'Eu me assustei'). In Portugal, the pronoun usually follows the verb (e.g., 'Eu assustei-me'). Also, Brazilians use 'dar um susto' very frequently.

The emphasis is on the last syllable: as-sus-TAR. The double 's' in the middle is pronounced like the 's' in 'snake' (unvoiced). In European Portuguese, the first 's' sound (before the consonant) is often pronounced like a 'sh', sounding a bit like 'ash-shus-tar'.

Yes, absolutely. 'Assustar' is frequently used metaphorically to describe apprehension or anxiety about abstract things like the economy, the future, or political news. For example, 'A inflação assusta os consumidores' (Inflation scares consumers).

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a simple sentence saying the dog scares the cat using 'assustar'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I don't want to scare the baby.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence saying you got scared by the thunder yesterday.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The movie scared me a lot.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the imperfect tense to say the dark used to scare you.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I hope the noise doesn't scare the animals.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a complex sentence using the past perfect subjunctive with 'assustar'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'What scares me the most is the uncertainty of the future.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence describing how an economic crisis scared investors.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The brutality of the attack scared the nation.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a literary sentence using 'assustar' to describe an existential fear.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The emptiness of his gaze scared me.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'He scares his friends.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'She became scared.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'They got scared by the news.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'Despite being scared, she went.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'It is imperative that this does not scare the market.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'His capacity for dissimulation scared his allies.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'The spider scares me.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write: 'Did you get scared?'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The dog scares the cat' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I don't want to scare the baby.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I got scared by the thunder.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The movie scared me.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I hope it doesn't scare the animals.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The dark used to scare me.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'What scares me most is the future.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Despite being scared, she went.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The crisis scared the analysts.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The brutality of the attack scared the nation.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The emptiness of his gaze scared me.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The coldness of the numbers frightens.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Don't scare me!'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'She became scared.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'They got scared by the news.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'If you had warned me, I wouldn't have been scared.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It is imperative that this does not scare the market.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'His capacity for dissimulation scared his allies.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'The spider scares my mother.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Did you get scared by the shadow?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O cão assusta o gato.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Não me tentes assustar!'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Eu assustei-me com o trovão.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'A menina ficou assustada.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Espero que não assuste os animais.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O palhaço assustava-me.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O que mais me assusta é a incerteza.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Apesar de estar assustada, ela foi.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'A crise assustou os analistas.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'A brutalidade do ataque assustou a nação.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'A vacuidade do seu olhar assustou-me.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'A frieza dos números assusta.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O barulho assusta as crianças.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O filme assustou-me muito.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'O mercado assustou-se com a inflação.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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