At the A1 level, you should learn 'covarde' as a simple opposite of 'brave'. It describes someone who is afraid to do something. Even though it is a bit more complex than 'medroso' (scared), you will see it in simple stories or cartoons. Remember that 'o homem é covarde' and 'a mulher é covarde' use the same word. You don't need to change the 'e' to 'a'. Think of it as a word for someone who runs away when they should stay. It is an important word for describing characters in basic stories. You can use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) like 'Ele é covarde'. This is the most basic way to use the word. Practice by saying things like 'Eu não sou covarde' (I am not a coward). At this stage, don't worry too much about the deep moral meanings; just think of it as 'not brave'.
At the A2 level, you begin to see 'covarde' used in more daily contexts. You might hear it in a movie or read it in a simple news headline. You should understand that 'covarde' is stronger than 'medroso'. While 'medroso' is just feeling fear, 'covarde' is often used when someone does something bad because they are afraid, like lying to stay out of trouble. You can start using the plural form 'covardes'. For example, 'Eles foram covardes'. You should also notice that 'covarde' can be a noun: 'Ele é um covarde'. This level is about expanding your vocabulary to describe people's personalities more accurately. You can use it to talk about characters in books or people in history who didn't have the courage to do the right thing. It is a very useful word for expressing opinions about behavior.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'covarde' in both formal and informal situations. You will notice it used in more abstract ways, such as 'uma decisão covarde' (a cowardly decision). This shows that the word can describe actions and choices, not just people. You should also learn the related noun 'covardia' (cowardice). At this level, you can start to distinguish between 'covarde' and its synonyms like 'frouxo' (informal) or 'poltrão' (literary). You will see 'covarde' in social media comments and news reports about unfair actions. You should be able to explain why someone is being called 'covarde' using more complex sentences with 'porque' or 'visto que'. For example, 'O governo foi covarde porque não enfrentou a crise'. Understanding the social stigma of the word is important at this stage.
At the B2 level, you should understand the cultural and moral implications of calling someone a 'covarde'. It is a word that touches on the Portuguese and Brazilian values of honor. You will encounter it in literature and sophisticated journalism. You should be able to use it to describe complex social situations, such as political inaction or corporate unethical behavior. You will also see it used in idiomatic expressions or as part of a rhetorical argument. At this level, you should be able to debate whether an action was 'prudente' (prudent) or 'covarde'. You will notice how authors use the word to create character depth. Your usage should be precise, recognizing that 'covarde' often implies an abuse of power or a betrayal of trust. You should also be familiar with the adverb 'covardemente' and how it modifies verbs in a narrative.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'covarde' and its place in the history of the Portuguese language. You can appreciate its use in classical literature, where it might be contrasted with 'fidalguia' (nobility) or 'honra' (honor). You should be able to identify subtle uses of the word, such as irony or sarcasm. In professional or academic writing, you might use 'covarde' to critique a lack of intellectual courage or a failure to uphold principles. You should also be aware of regional variations in how the word is perceived. At this level, you can explore the etymological roots (from Latin 'cauda', meaning tail, referring to an animal with its tail between its legs) and how this history informs its current meaning. Your ability to use the word should reflect a deep understanding of Lusophone social dynamics and moral philosophy.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'covarde'. You can use it in any context, from high-level political analysis to the most informal slang-filled conversations, with perfect timing and tone. You understand the existential weight of 'covardia' in the works of great Portuguese-language writers like Fernando Pessoa or Clarice Lispector. You can use the word to explore themes of human frailty and the moral complexities of the human condition. Your vocabulary includes all possible synonyms and antonyms, and you can explain the historical evolution of the term. You are sensitive to the potentially explosive nature of the word in personal confrontations and use it with absolute precision. At this level, 'covarde' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for profound social and psychological commentary, used to dissect the motives and actions of individuals and societies.

covarde 30초 만에

  • Covarde means 'coward' or 'cowardly' and is used as both a noun and an adjective in Portuguese.
  • It is a 'common of two' adjective, meaning the form stays the same for both masculine and feminine subjects.
  • The word carries a strong moral weight, often implying shame or a betrayal of social and ethical duties.
  • It is distinct from 'medroso' (fearful), as 'covarde' focuses on character failure rather than just the emotion of fear.

The word covarde is a powerful and multi-faceted term in the Portuguese language, primarily used to describe a lack of courage or bravery. While its direct English translation is 'coward' or 'cowardly', its usage in Lusophone cultures often carries a heavier moral weight than its English counterpart. In Portuguese, calling someone a covarde isn't just a commentary on their fear; it is often a stinging indictment of their character, suggesting a failure to do what is right when faced with adversity. This word functions both as an adjective and a noun, making it incredibly versatile in everyday conversation, literature, and media. Whether you are discussing a character in a telenovela who refuses to stand up for their family, or a historical figure who retreated in the face of conflict, covarde is the go-to descriptor for those who shrink away from responsibility or danger.

The Moral Dimension
In Brazilian and Portuguese societies, the concept of 'bravura' (bravery) is highly esteemed. Therefore, being labeled a covarde implies that one has violated a social contract of mutual protection or integrity. It is frequently used to describe someone who uses their power to bully those weaker than them, as this is seen as the ultimate form of cowardice—attacking when there is no risk to oneself.
Linguistic Flexibility
Unlike some adjectives that change form based on gender, covarde is a 'uniform' adjective. This means it remains the same whether you are describing a man ('um homem covarde') or a woman ('uma mulher covarde'). This simplifies its use for learners but requires attention to the articles (o/a, um/uma) to specify the subject's gender.

Abandonar os amigos em um momento de necessidade é um ato extremamente covarde.

The term is also prevalent in political discourse. Journalists and commentators often use it to describe policies or leaders who avoid making difficult but necessary decisions. In this context, it moves beyond physical fear and into the realm of intellectual or professional integrity. For example, a politician who refuses to answer a direct question might be called covarde by the opposition, implying they are hiding from the truth. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it spans from the schoolyard to the highest levels of government. It is a word that demands respect and should be used carefully, as it can escalate a simple disagreement into a serious personal affront.

Não seja covarde, diga a verdade para ela agora mesmo!

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in sports commentary. When a team plays too defensively or refuses to take risks to win, fans might complain that the coach is being covarde. This usage highlights the cultural expectation of 'garra' (grit/determination) in Portuguese-speaking cultures. To be covarde is to lack that essential spark of courage that defines a hero or a successful individual. By studying this word, you gain a window into the values of honor, bravery, and social responsibility that are deeply embedded in the Portuguese language.

Usage in Literature
Classic Portuguese literature, from Camões to Machado de Assis, uses covarde to contrast with the idealized 'herói' (hero). It often serves as a catalyst for a character's internal struggle or eventual redemption arc.

O vilão da história era um homem covarde que se escondia atrás de seus capangas.

Using covarde correctly involves understanding its dual role as both an adjective and a noun. When used as an adjective, it modifies a person or an action, describing the quality of lacking courage. When used as a noun, it refers to the person themselves. Because it is a 'common of two genders' adjective, the word form doesn't change, but the surrounding grammar must reflect the gender and number of the subject. For instance, 'os soldados covardes' (the cowardly soldiers) shows the pluralization of the word by adding '-s'. This section will explore the various syntactic structures where covarde appears most frequently.

As a Predicative Adjective
This is the most common usage, where the word follows a linking verb like 'ser' (to be). Example: 'Ele é covarde' (He is a coward/cowardly). Note that in Portuguese, we often omit the article 'um' when using it as a general description of character with the verb 'ser'.
As an Attributive Adjective
Here, it directly modifies a noun. Example: 'Um ataque covarde' (A cowardly attack). When placed after the noun, it provides a standard description. If placed before the noun (though less common for this specific word), it could add a more poetic or emotional emphasis.

Eles foram covardes ao fugir da responsabilidade.

One of the nuances of covarde is its use in exclamations. If you see someone doing something shameful or fearful, you might simply shout 'Covarde!' This functions as a direct address and a sharp insult. In these cases, the word acts as a noun. It is also common to see it used with the diminutive or augmentative suffixes in Brazilian Portuguese to alter the intensity or tone, such as 'covardezinho' (a little coward, often used patronizingly) or 'covardão' (a big coward, used to emphasize the scale of the cowardice).

A atitude covarde do gerente desanimou toda a equipe de vendas.

In more complex sentences, covarde can be modified by adverbs of degree, such as 'muito' (very), 'extremamente' (extremely), or 'bastante' (quite). For example, 'Ele é muito covarde para admitir o erro' (He is too cowardly to admit the mistake). The preposition 'para' is often used here to indicate the action that the person is too cowardly to perform. This structure is essential for expressing the consequences of one's lack of bravery. Additionally, the word can be used in comparative structures: 'Ele é mais covarde do que o irmão' (He is more cowardly than his brother).

Abstract Noun Form
While covarde is the person or the quality, the state of being a coward is 'covardia'. You will often see these used together: 'A sua covardia faz de você um covarde' (Your cowardice makes you a coward).

Não há nada mais covarde do que espalhar mentiras sobre os outros anonimamente.

When writing, pay attention to the context. If you are describing a physical reaction to fear (like trembling), 'medroso' might be more appropriate. If you are describing a moral failure or a lack of character, covarde is the superior choice. Using it in the right context demonstrates a high level of linguistic and cultural competence. For example, 'O menino medroso tinha medo de escuro' (The fearful boy was afraid of the dark) vs 'O traidor foi covarde ao vender os segredos' (The traitor was cowardly for selling the secrets). The latter implies a choice and a moral failing.

You will encounter the word covarde in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the dramatic dialogue of a Brazilian soap opera to the serious reporting of the evening news. It is a word that resonates deeply in Portuguese-speaking cultures because it touches on the fundamental concepts of honor and shame. In the realm of entertainment, telenovelas are a prime source for hearing this word. Characters often use it during climactic confrontations, accusing one another of betrayal or lack of spine. When a villain is finally cornered, the protagonist might hiss, 'Você é um covarde!', providing a satisfying moment of moral superiority for the audience.

News and Media
In journalism, 'covarde' is frequently used to describe crimes that involve an unfair advantage, such as 'um ataque covarde' (a cowardly attack) against an elderly person or a defenseless victim. This usage frames the act not just as illegal, but as morally repugnant and beneath the dignity of a human being.
Sports and Competition
On the football (soccer) pitch or in the stands, fans might yell this at a player who avoids a physical challenge or at a referee who seems intimidated by the home crowd. It’s a common part of the emotional vocabulary of sports, where bravery is a key part of the 'jogo' (game).

A imprensa classificou a agressão como um ato covarde e sem justificativa.

In daily life, the word is used in gossip and interpersonal conflicts. You might hear a friend complaining about a coworker who didn't defend them in a meeting, saying, 'Ele foi muito covarde, ficou quieto o tempo todo.' This highlights the social expectation of solidarity. In schools, while children might use 'medroso' for someone afraid of a bug, they will use covarde for someone who tells on others to avoid getting in trouble themselves. It marks the transition from simple fear to a more complex social betrayal.

No filme, o herói desafia o vilão covarde para um duelo justo.

Social media is another place where covarde is rampant. In the comment sections of news articles or political posts, users often throw this word at public figures or each other. It serves as a shorthand for 'you are not brave enough to face the consequences of your actions.' Because of its intensity, it often signals the end of productive dialogue and the start of a heated argument. Understanding the 'weight' of this word helps you navigate online spaces in Portuguese more safely.

Music and Lyrics
From Samba to MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), many songs tell stories of heartbreak where one partner was 'covarde' for leaving without a word or for not fighting for the relationship. It adds a layer of tragic flaw to the lyrical narrative.

A letra da música fala sobre um amor covarde que não enfrentou os desafios.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word covarde presents a few pitfalls, primarily related to its grammatical gender and its distinction from similar words like 'medroso'. One of the most frequent errors is trying to change the ending of the word to match the gender of the subject (e.g., saying 'covarda' for a woman). While some adjectives in Portuguese follow the o/a pattern, covarde belongs to the group of adjectives ending in '-e' that are invariable for gender. Whether you are talking about 'o menino' or 'a menina', the word remains covarde. Using 'covarda' is a common 'hyper-correction' that identifies the speaker as a non-native.

Confusing 'Covarde' with 'Medroso'
This is the most significant semantic mistake. 'Medroso' simply means 'fearful' or 'afraid'. A child who is afraid of the dark is 'medroso', not 'covarde'. 'Covarde' implies a moral failing or a lack of character. If you call a child 'covarde' for being afraid of a dog, it sounds unnecessarily harsh and linguistically slightly off.
Incorrect Pluralization
Some learners forget that adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify. 'Eles são covarde' is incorrect; it must be 'Eles são covardes'. Because the word ends in a vowel, you simply add 's', but it's a step that is often skipped by beginners.

Errado: Ela é uma mulher covarda.
Correto: Ela é uma mulher covarde.

Another mistake involves the use of articles. When using covarde as a noun, English speakers often forget the required article in Portuguese. In English, we might say 'He is coward' (though 'He is a coward' is better), but in Portuguese, 'Ele é covarde' is perfectly fine as an adjective. However, if you want to use it as a noun to emphasize the identity, you must say 'Ele é **um** covarde'. The nuance between 'Ele é covarde' (He is cowardly) and 'Ele é um covarde' (He is a coward) is subtle but important for reaching higher levels of fluency.

Errado: Eles são muito medrosos para lutar na guerra.
Correto: Eles são muito covardes para lutar na guerra.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the register. Covarde is a strong word. Using it in a lighthearted situation might be interpreted as a genuine insult rather than a joke, unless the tone is very clearly ironic. In a professional setting, calling a colleague covarde is likely to result in a visit to HR. It is much more intense than 'shy' or 'hesitant'. Beginners should be wary of using it until they fully grasp the social weight it carries in Lusophone cultures. When in doubt, 'hesitante' (hesitant) or 'receoso' (fearful/apprehensive) are safer alternatives for mild situations.

Preposition Pitfalls
When saying someone was a coward 'about' something, learners often use the wrong preposition. Use 'em' or 'diante de'. Example: 'Ele foi covarde diante do perigo' (He was a coward in the face of danger).

Não confunda ser prudente com ser covarde.

To truly master the concept of covarde, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The Portuguese language offers a rich palette of words to describe fear and lack of courage, each suited to a specific context. By learning these alternatives, you can express yourself more precisely and avoid overusing covarde. Some synonyms are more formal, while others are highly colloquial or even regional. Understanding where covarde sits on this spectrum is key to natural-sounding speech.

Medroso vs. Covarde
As mentioned before, 'medroso' is about the feeling of fear. It is often used for children or animals. 'Covarde' is about the character choice. You can be 'medroso' (feeling fear) but still be 'corajoso' (brave) because you act despite the fear. A 'covarde' is someone who lets the fear dictate a dishonorable action.
Poltrão
This is a more literary and slightly archaic synonym for 'covarde'. You will find it in 19th-century novels. It carries a sense of laziness combined with cowardice—someone who is too 'soft' to be brave.
Frouxo
In Brazil, this is a very common informal synonym. It literally means 'loose' or 'slack'. Calling someone 'frouxo' implies they lack the 'tightness' or 'firmness' of character to stand their ground. It is often used among men as a challenge to their masculinity.

Ele não é apenas medroso; ele é realmente um covarde.

Other alternatives include 'acovardado', which is the past participle of the verb 'acovardar' (to make or become cowardly). Use 'acovardado' when someone is currently in a state of cowardice due to a specific situation: 'Ele ficou acovardado diante da ameaça.' Another interesting term is 'pusilânime', a very formal and academic word that means 'having a small soul' or lacking in spirit. This is the kind of word you would see in a philosophical essay or a high-level legal argument.

O termo pusilânime é usado para descrever uma fraqueza moral extrema.

On the opposite side, we have the antonyms. 'Corajoso' (courageous) is the most direct opposite. 'Valente' (valiant) suggests a more active, fighting type of bravery. 'Destemido' (fearless) describes someone who literally does not feel fear. 'Bravo' can mean brave, but in many contexts in Brazil, it actually means 'angry', so be careful with that one! In Portugal, 'bravo' more frequently retains its original meaning of 'brave'. Understanding these relationships helps you build a mental map of the language.

Comparison Table
  • Covarde: Moral failing, lack of spine (Standard).
  • Medroso: Feeling of fear (Common/Informal).
  • Frouxo: Lack of character/strength (Informal Brazil).
  • Pusilânime: Weak-spirited (Very Formal).

Não seja frouxo, enfrente os seus problemas de cabeça erguida!

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The imagery of a 'tail between the legs' is universal across many European languages, which is why 'coward' in English and 'covarde' in Portuguese share the same root.

발음 가이드

UK /kʊˈvɑː.də/
US /koʊˈvɑːr.deɪ/
The stress is on the second syllable: co-VAR-de.
라임이 맞는 단어
tarde alarde guarde arde balde (approximate) alarde retarde resguarde
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a long 'ee' (like 'ee' in 'bee'). In Brazil, it is often a soft 'ee' or 'ih', but in Portugal, it is almost silent or a neutral 'uh'.
  • Using a hard English 'R'. The Portuguese 'R' in the middle of a word is a single tap of the tongue.
  • Over-stressing the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'o' sound with an 'ah' sound.
  • Nasalizing the 'a' when it shouldn't be.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'coward'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering it doesn't change for gender.

말하기 3/5

The 'r' and final 'e' can be tricky for English speakers.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear in speech due to the stressed 'VAR' syllable.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

medo bravo forte homem mulher

다음에 배울 것

corajoso valente covardia enfrentar fugir

고급

pusilânime temerário intrépido estóico

알아야 할 문법

Adjectives ending in -e are invariable for gender.

O pai covarde / A mãe covarde.

Pluralization of words ending in vowels.

Covarde -> Covardes.

Use of 'ser' for permanent character traits.

Ele é covarde (It is his nature).

Use of 'estar' for temporary states (usually with 'acovardado').

Ele está acovardado agora.

Formation of adverbs with -mente.

Covarde + mente = Covardemente.

수준별 예문

1

O menino não é covarde.

The boy is not a coward.

Simple negative sentence with 'ser'.

2

Você é covarde?

Are you cowardly?

Direct question using the adjective.

3

O gato covarde fugiu do rato.

The cowardly cat ran away from the mouse.

Adjective 'covarde' modifying the noun 'gato'.

4

Ela não gosta de pessoas covardes.

She doesn't like cowardly people.

Plural form 'covardes'.

5

Eu sou corajoso, não sou covarde.

I am brave, I am not a coward.

Contrast between antonyms.

6

O herói não é covarde.

The hero is not a coward.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

7

Um soldado covarde não ajuda.

A cowardly soldier does not help.

Indefinite article with adjective.

8

Não seja covarde, venha aqui!

Don't be a coward, come here!

Imperative negative 'não seja'.

1

Ele foi um covarde ao mentir para a mãe.

He was a coward for lying to his mother.

Using 'covarde' as a noun with 'um'.

2

Aquelas crianças foram covardes com o colega.

Those children were cowardly with their classmate.

Past tense 'foram' with plural adjective.

3

É covarde bater em quem é menor que você.

It is cowardly to hit someone who is smaller than you.

Impersonal 'É' followed by adjective and infinitive.

4

Ninguém gosta de um amigo covarde.

Nobody likes a cowardly friend.

Adjective modifying 'amigo'.

5

O cachorro parece covarde, mas é bravo.

The dog seems cowardly, but it is fierce.

Verb 'parecer' (to seem) used with 'covarde'.

6

Ela disse que ele é um grande covarde.

She said that he is a big coward.

Indirect speech with 'disse que'.

7

Não agite assim, você parece um covarde.

Don't act like that, you look like a coward.

Comparison using 'parece um'.

8

Foi uma atitude covarde deixar a sala agora.

It was a cowardly attitude to leave the room now.

Noun phrase 'atitude covarde'.

1

O político deu uma resposta covarde sobre a corrupção.

The politician gave a cowardly answer about corruption.

Describing a specific abstract noun (resposta).

2

A covardia dele impediu que a verdade fosse revelada.

His cowardice prevented the truth from being revealed.

Using the related noun 'covardia'.

3

Muitos consideram covarde quem não defende seus princípios.

Many consider cowardly those who do not defend their principles.

Verb 'considerar' taking an object and an adjective.

4

Ele agiu de forma covarde durante a discussão.

He acted in a cowardly way during the argument.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma covarde'.

5

Não é prudência, é apenas ser covarde diante do desafio.

It's not prudence, it's just being cowardly in the face of the challenge.

Contrast between 'prudência' and 'covarde'.

6

Os vilões dos filmes costumam ser covardes no final.

Movie villains are usually cowards at the end.

Generalization using 'costumam ser'.

7

Ela se sentiu covarde por não ter ajudado a senhora.

She felt cowardly for not having helped the lady.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se' with adjective.

8

O ataque foi classificado como um ato covarde pela polícia.

The attack was classified as a cowardly act by the police.

Passive voice with 'foi classificado'.

1

A recusa em aceitar a culpa foi vista como um gesto covarde.

The refusal to accept guilt was seen as a cowardly gesture.

Abstract subject with passive construction.

2

Apesar da aparência forte, ele escondia um coração covarde.

Despite his strong appearance, he hid a cowardly heart.

Metaphorical use of 'coração covarde'.

3

Não podemos ser covardes diante das injustiças sociais.

We cannot be cowards in the face of social injustices.

Modal verb 'podemos' in the negative.

4

O autor descreve o personagem como um ser medíocre e covarde.

The author describes the character as a mediocre and cowardly being.

Pairing 'covarde' with another negative adjective.

5

Ela o chamou de covarde na frente de todos os convidados.

She called him a coward in front of all the guests.

Verb 'chamar de' + noun.

6

A estratégia da empresa foi considerada covarde pelos concorrentes.

The company's strategy was considered cowardly by competitors.

Business context usage.

7

É fácil ser valente na internet e covarde na vida real.

It's easy to be brave on the internet and a coward in real life.

Parallel structure comparing internet vs. reality.

8

Ele covardemente evitou o confronto direto com o seu rival.

He cowardly avoided the direct confrontation with his rival.

Using the adverb 'covardemente'.

1

A omissão das autoridades foi um exemplo clássico de silêncio covarde.

The authorities' omission was a classic example of cowardly silence.

Noun phrase with 'silêncio covarde'.

2

A narrativa explora a linha tênue entre a prudência e a atitude covarde.

The narrative explores the fine line between prudence and a cowardly attitude.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

3

Seria covarde da minha parte não admitir que eu estava errado.

It would be cowardly on my part not to admit that I was wrong.

Conditional 'Seria' with 'da minha parte'.

4

O texto critica a postura covarde da intelectualidade perante o regime.

The text criticizes the cowardly stance of the intellectuals towards the regime.

High-level political/social vocabulary.

5

Ele se refugiou em uma neutralidade covarde para não perder privilégios.

He took refuge in a cowardly neutrality so as not to lose privileges.

Complex sentence with 'para não'.

6

A história o julgará como um líder covarde que abandonou seu povo.

History will judge him as a cowardly leader who abandoned his people.

Future tense 'julgará' with 'como'.

7

Sua covarde traição desmoronou anos de confiança mútua.

His cowardly betrayal collapsed years of mutual trust.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

8

Não há nada mais degradante do que o comportamento covarde de um mentor.

There is nothing more degrading than the cowardly behavior of a mentor.

Comparative 'nada mais... do que'.

1

A pusilanimidade é a marca indelével de um espírito covarde.

Pusillanimity is the indelible mark of a cowardly spirit.

Using highly formal synonym 'pusilanimidade'.

2

O protagonista é atormentado pela própria natureza covarde e vacilante.

The protagonist is tormented by his own cowardly and vacillating nature.

Passive voice 'é atormentado' with multiple adjectives.

3

A obra disseca a anatomia de uma traição covarde em tempos de guerra.

The work dissects the anatomy of a cowardly betrayal in times of war.

Metaphorical verb 'disseca'.

4

Ele mascarava sua covarde inação com um discurso de falsa moderação.

He masked his cowardly inaction with a discourse of false moderation.

Imperfect tense 'mascarava' with complex object.

5

O veredito final ecoou a indignação pública contra o réu covarde.

The final verdict echoed public indignation against the cowardly defendant.

Legal and social context.

6

A covarde submissão ao tirano selou o destino daquela nação.

The cowardly submission to the tyrant sealed that nation's fate.

Subject as a noun phrase with adjective.

7

Subjaz a esse comportamento uma covarde incapacidade de enfrentar a realidade.

Underlying this behavior is a cowardly inability to face reality.

Inverted sentence structure with 'Subjaz'.

8

É uma análise covarde que ignora as raízes estruturais do problema.

It is a cowardly analysis that ignores the structural roots of the problem.

Critique of intellectual work.

자주 쓰는 조합

ataque covarde
atitude covarde
gesto covarde
silêncio covarde
crime covarde
resposta covarde
líder covarde
medo covarde
traição covarde
mentira covarde

자주 쓰는 구문

ser um covarde

— To be a coward as a defining trait.

Ele sempre foi um covarde, desde pequeno.

agir como um covarde

— To behave cowardly in a specific instance.

Não aja como um covarde, diga a verdade.

chamar de covarde

— To insult someone by calling them a coward.

Ela o chamou de covarde no meio da rua.

fugir como um covarde

— To run away in a shameful manner.

O ladrão fugiu como um covarde ao ver o cão.

sentir-se covarde

— To feel guilt for a lack of courage.

Eu me sinto covarde por não ter dito nada.

atitude de covarde

— Behavior typical of a coward.

Isso foi atitude de covarde, não de homem.

coisa de covarde

— Something only a coward would do.

Bater em mulher é coisa de covarde.

morrer como um covarde

— To die without honor or bravery.

Ele não queria morrer como um covarde.

esconder-se como um covarde

— To hide due to fear.

Ele se escondeu como um covarde atrás da mesa.

nem corajoso, nem covarde

— Somewhere in the middle (neutral).

Ele não era nem corajoso, nem covarde, apenas comum.

자주 혼동되는 단어

covarde vs medroso

Medroso is just feeling fear; covarde is a lack of moral courage.

covarde vs tímido

Tímido is being shy, which is not the same as being a coward.

covarde vs prudente

Prudente is being careful; a coward avoids things they should face.

관용어 및 표현

"enfiar o rabo entre as pernas"

— To retreat in fear like a dog, acting like a coward.

Depois da bronca, ele enfiou o rabo entre as pernas e saiu.

informal
"dar para trás"

— To back out of a commitment due to fear.

Ele prometeu ajudar, mas na hora deu para trás.

informal
"amarelar"

— To 'turn yellow', i.e., to chicken out or act cowardly.

Ele ia pular de paraquedas, mas amarelou no último segundo.

slang (Brazil)
"fugir da raia"

— To avoid a challenge or responsibility.

Você não pode fugir da raia agora que o problema apareceu.

informal
"ser um bosta"

— Extremely vulgar way to call someone a coward or worthless.

Aquele cara é um bosta, não defende ninguém.

slang (vulgar)
"não ter peito"

— To not have the 'chest' (courage) to do something.

Ele não tem peito para me enfrentar pessoalmente.

informal
"tremer nas bases"

— To shake at the foundations (to be terrified/cowardly).

Ele tremeu nas bases quando o diretor o chamou.

informal
"fazer feio"

— To perform poorly or cowardly in a situation.

Não faça feio na frente dos nossos convidados.

informal
"ser um zero à esquerda"

— To be useless, often implying a lack of courage to act.

Nessa crise, ele se mostrou um zero à esquerda.

informal
"pedir arrego"

— To beg for mercy or surrender cowardly.

O lutador pediu arrego logo no primeiro round.

slang (Brazil)

혼동하기 쉬운

covarde vs covardia

It's the noun form.

Covarde is the person/adjective; covardia is the act/state.

A sua covardia me assusta.

covarde vs acovardado

Similar meaning.

Acovardado implies the person was made fearful by a specific event.

Ele ficou acovardado após a ameaça.

covarde vs frouxo

Often used as a synonym.

Frouxo is much more informal and can be more offensive in Brazil.

Aquele cara é muito frouxo.

covarde vs receoso

Both involve fear.

Receoso is being apprehensive or cautious, not necessarily cowardly.

Estou receoso sobre o novo projeto.

covarde vs temerário

Sounds like 'temor' (fear).

Temerário actually means reckless or overly bold (the opposite of cowardly!).

Sua ação temerária quase nos matou.

문장 패턴

A1

[Subject] + ser + covarde.

Ele é covarde.

A2

[Subject] + ser + um/uma + covarde.

Ela é uma covarde.

B1

Foi + [noun] + covarde + [infinitive].

Foi atitude covarde fugir.

B2

[Subject] + agir + de forma + covarde.

O governo agiu de forma covarde.

C1

Não há nada mais + [adjective] + do que + [noun] + covarde.

Não há nada mais triste do que um silêncio covarde.

C2

Subjaz a + [noun] + uma + [adjective] + covarde.

Subjaz a essa lei uma intenção covarde.

B1

[Subject] + ser + muito + covarde + para + [verb].

Ele é muito covarde para lutar.

A2

Não seja + covarde!

Não seja covarde!

어휘 가족

명사

covardia
acovardamento

동사

acovardar
acovardar-se

형용사

covarde
acovardado

관련

medo
pavor
receio
temor
pusilanimidade

사용법

frequency

High, especially in media and emotional discussions.

자주 하는 실수
  • Ela é covarda. Ela é covarde.

    The adjective does not change for gender.

  • Eles são covarde. Eles são covardes.

    Adjectives must agree in number with the noun.

  • Calling a child 'covarde' for being afraid of the dark. Use 'medroso'.

    'Covarde' is too strong and implies a moral failing inappropriate for a child's natural fears.

  • Using 'covardemente' as a noun. Use 'covardia'.

    'Covardemente' is an adverb; 'covardia' is the noun for cowardice.

  • Pronouncing it 'co-var-dee'. Pronounce it 'co-var-deh' (or 'co-var-dih' in some Brazilian accents).

    The final 'e' should not be a long English 'ee'.

Gender Neutrality

Remember that 'covarde' works for both genders. Don't try to change the ending.

Intensity

Use 'covarde' sparingly as it is a very strong personal attack.

Noun vs Adjective

It can be both. 'Ele é covarde' (adj) vs 'Ele é um covarde' (noun).

Crime Reports

When you hear 'ataque covarde' in the news, it means an attack on someone defenseless.

Brazilian Slang

Use 'arregão' if you want to sound like a local Brazilian in informal settings.

The Stress

Always stress the middle syllable: co-VAR-de.

Character Building

In stories, use 'covarde' to describe the antagonist's fatal flaw.

Moral Weight

Understand that calling someone a coward in Portuguese is a serious blow to their honor.

Telenovelas

Watch dramatic scenes in soaps to hear how the word is spat out with venom.

Balance

Learn 'corajoso' alongside 'covarde' to have a balanced vocabulary.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'COWard' wearing a 'VARDE' (similar to 'guard') but instead of guarding, he is hiding. Or, think of a 'COW' that is too 'ARD' (hard) to move because it is scared.

시각적 연상

Visualize a dog with its tail tucked between its legs, running away from a tiny kitten.

Word Web

medo fuga shame character weakness betrayal moral insult

챌린지

Try to use 'covarde' and 'covardia' in the same sentence when describing a movie character.

어원

Derived from the Old French 'couard', which comes from 'coue' (tail), from the Latin 'cauda'.

원래 의미: Referring to an animal that retreats with its tail between its legs.

Romance (Latin -> Old French -> Portuguese).

문화적 맥락

Be careful using this word; it is a direct attack on someone's character and can be very offensive.

While 'coward' is an insult in English, 'covarde' in Portuguese often feels more visceral and can imply a lack of 'manliness' or 'integrity' in a more traditional sense.

O Mágico de Oz (The Cowardly Lion is 'O Leão Covarde') Classic Telenovela villains are often labeled 'covardes' Historical accounts of soldiers who deserted.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Personal Relationships

  • Você foi covarde comigo.
  • Não seja covarde, me diga a verdade.
  • Ele é covarde demais para terminar.
  • Uma atitude covarde no namoro.

Sports

  • O time jogou de forma covarde.
  • O juiz foi covarde.
  • Não fuja da dividida, não seja covarde!
  • Estratégia covarde do treinador.

News/Crime

  • Um assassinato covarde.
  • Agressão covarde contra idoso.
  • Ato covarde de vandalismo.
  • O criminoso agiu de forma covarde.

Workplace

  • Um chefe covarde que não assume erros.
  • Colegas covardes que não ajudam.
  • Decisão corporativa covarde.
  • Ele foi covarde na reunião.

Fiction/Stories

  • O vilão covarde fugiu.
  • O herói enfrentou o covarde.
  • Uma história de um homem covarde.
  • O leão covarde buscava coragem.

대화 시작하기

"Você acha que é mais covarde ou mais corajoso no dia a dia?"

"Qual foi o ato mais covarde que você já viu em um filme?"

"Você já se sentiu covarde por não dizer o que pensava?"

"É possível uma pessoa corajosa ter momentos de covarde?"

"Como você reage quando alguém te chama de covarde?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma situação em que você agiu de forma covarde e o que aprendeu com isso.

Escreva sobre um personagem de livro que você considera um covarde.

A covardia é sempre ruim, ou às vezes é uma forma de autoproteção?

Como a sociedade brasileira ou portuguesa vê uma pessoa covarde?

Pense em um momento histórico onde um ato covarde mudou tudo.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'covarde' is an invariable adjective. Use 'a mulher covarde'.

It is not a 'curse word', but it is a very strong and offensive insult.

Medroso is about feeling fear; covarde is about a lack of character or bravery.

You use 'covardemente'.

In Brazil, yes, but 'frouxo' is more informal and slangy.

Simply add an 's': 'covardes'.

Yes, to describe an animal that is unusually fearful or runs away.

Yes, it is common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.

Corajoso or valente.

Yes, 'acovardar-se' means to become or act like a coward.

셀프 테스트 187 질문

writing

Write a sentence in Portuguese using 'covarde' to describe a movie villain.

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

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writing

Explain the difference between 'medroso' and 'covarde' in Portuguese.

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writing

Write a short dialogue where one person calls another a 'covarde'.

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writing

Use the adverb 'covardemente' in a sentence about a historical event.

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writing

Write a sentence using the plural form 'covardes'.

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writing

Describe a 'decisão covarde' you might see in politics.

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writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'She is not a coward, she is just careful.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'covardia' as the subject.

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writing

Use the word 'frouxo' in an informal sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'O Leão Covarde' from The Wizard of Oz.

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writing

Describe a situation that would be called a 'covardia' in Brazil.

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writing

Translate: 'It was a cowardly attack on the city.'

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

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writing

Write a sentence using 'covarde' as a feminine adjective.

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writing

Use 'acovardado' in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence with 'nem... nem...' using 'covarde' and 'corajoso'.

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writing

Translate: 'They were cowards for not telling the truth.'

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writing

Write a formal sentence using 'pusilânime'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'covarde' to describe a silence.

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writing

Translate: 'Don't be a coward, face your problems.'

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

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'amigo covarde'.

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

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speaking

Pronounce 'covarde' correctly.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He is a coward' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'They are cowards' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Don't be a coward' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'covardemente'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'She was cowardly' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use 'covarde' in a question.

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speaking

Say 'A cowardly attack' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am not a coward' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'cowardice' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He chickened out' using Brazilian slang.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'A cowardly politician' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'the cowardly lion' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Stop being a coward!'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It was a cowardly gesture.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce 'acovardado'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Those cowards ran away.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Cowardice is a flaw.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use 'covarde' to describe an action.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He is a big coward' (augmentative).

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'O covarde nunca vence.' What does it mean?

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listening

Listen for the word 'covardia' in a news clip.

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listening

Listen: 'Não seja frouxo!' Is this formal or informal?

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listening

Listen: 'Eles foram covardes.' How many people are being discussed?

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listening

Listen: 'Um ato covarde contra a paz.' What is the subject?

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listening

Listen: 'Ela não é medrosa, é covarde.' What is the distinction?

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listening

Listen: 'O leão covarde chorou.' Who is the character?

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Foi uma covardia o que fizeram.' What happened?

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listening

Listen: 'Ele agiu covardemente.' What part of speech is used?

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listening

Listen: 'Ninguém gosta de covardes.' Translate.

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listening

Listen: 'Pare de ser um covardezinho.' What is the tone?

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listening

Listen: 'O covarde se escondeu.' Where did he go?

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listening

Listen: 'Aquela foi uma resposta covarde.' What was described?

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listening

Listen: 'A agressão foi classificada como covarde.' Who classified it?

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Você é corajoso ou covarde?' What is the question?

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/ 187 correct

Perfect score!

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