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A2 adverb 10분 분량

inutilmente

예시 노트와 팁 inutilmente 30초 만에
설명 inutilmente in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe actions. While 'inutilmente' is a long word, you can understand it by looking at its root, 'útil' (useful). In Portuguese, if you add '-mente' to an adjective, it becomes an adverb, like adding '-ly' in English. So, 'inútil' (useless) becomes 'inutilmente' (uselessly). You might see this word in very simple stories or hear it when someone is frustrated. For now, just remember that it describes doing something that doesn't work. If you try to call a phone that is off, you are calling 'inutilmente'. It's a good word to recognize even if you don't use it in your own basic sentences yet. You will mostly use simpler words like 'não' or 'mal', but knowing 'inutilmente' helps you understand when someone is complaining about a wasted effort. It's the opposite of doing something 'bem' (well) or 'com sucesso' (with success).
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At the A2 level, you should begin incorporating 'inutilmente' into your vocabulary to describe failed attempts. This is the level where you start talking about past experiences and frustrations. You can use it after verbs like 'tentar' (to try) or 'procurar' (to look for). For example: 'Eu procurei meu gato inutilmente' (I looked for my cat uselessly/in vain). This adds more detail to your speaking than just saying 'Eu não achei o gato' (I didn't find the cat). It shows that you put in effort, but that effort didn't help. You should also notice how the stress of the word changes from the adjective 'inútil' (stress on 'ú') to the adverb 'inutilmente' (stress on 'men'). This is a common pattern for all adverbs ending in '-mente'. Practice saying it slowly: i-nu-til-MEN-te. Using this word correctly will make your Portuguese sound much more advanced than a total beginner.
At the B1 level, you can use 'inutilmente' to add nuance to your descriptions of events and feelings. You are now able to explain *why* something was useless. For instance, 'Trabalhamos inutilmente naquele projeto porque o cliente cancelou o contrato' (We worked uselessly on that project because the client cancelled the contract). At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish between 'inutilmente' and its synonyms like 'em vão'. While they are similar, 'inutilmente' is often more practical. You might use it in a work email or a formal complaint. You should also start using it in different positions in the sentence for emphasis, though the post-verbal position remains the most common. Understanding the word's role in complex sentences—such as those using the subjunctive or conditional—is key. 'Se eu tivesse sabido, não teria tentado inutilmente' (If I had known, I wouldn't have tried uselessly).
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the register 'inutilmente' belongs to. It is a neutral to formal word that is very effective in written arguments. You can use it to critique ideas or policies. For example, 'A empresa gastou recursos inutilmente em tecnologias obsoletas' (The company spent resources uselessly on obsolete technologies). You should also be comfortable using it alongside other complex adverbs to create a more sophisticated flow in your speech and writing. At this level, you can also appreciate the word's use in literature and news media, where it is often used to highlight the tragic nature of a situation. You should be able to explain the difference between 'inutilmente' and 'desnecessariamente' (unnecessarily), noting that the former implies a failure of outcome, while the latter implies a failure of judgment regarding the need for the action.
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At the C1 level, 'inutilmente' becomes a tool for stylistic precision. You can use it to create specific rhythms in your prose. You might explore its use in philosophical contexts, discussing the 'inutilmente' lived life or the 'inutilmente' fought battle. You should also be aware of its historical and etymological roots, connecting it to the Latin 'utilis'. At this level, you can use the word in very formal contexts, such as legal or academic writing, where precision is paramount. You might use it to describe a legal motion that was filed 'inutilmente' because it didn't meet the procedural requirements. You are also expected to recognize when a native speaker is using the word ironically or with a specific cultural subtext, such as the 'Portuguese fatalism' often associated with the word 'fado' and the idea of struggling against destiny.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'inutilmente' is complete. You can use it with the same ease and subtlety as a highly educated native speaker. You might use it in a high-level debate to dismiss an opponent's point as having been 'inutilmente articulado' (uselessly articulated) because it lacks a factual basis. You can appreciate the word's role in the works of great Portuguese-language authors like Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis, where the concept of futility is often explored with great depth. You can also use the word to create complex puns or wordplay. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle vowel shifts that occur in rapid speech. You know exactly when 'inutilmente' is the only word that will suffice to capture the precise blend of effort and failure you wish to describe, and you can switch between it and its various synonyms to maintain a rich and varied vocabulary.
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예시 노트와 팁

inutilmente 30초 만에

  • Inutilmente means doing something without success or purpose, like 'uselessly' or 'in vain'.
  • It is an adverb formed from 'inútil' and usually follows the verb it describes.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'tentar' (try), 'procurar' (search), and 'esperar' (wait).
  • It carries a tone of frustration, waste, or even tragic futility in formal contexts.

The word inutilmente is a powerful Portuguese adverb that translates to 'uselessly', 'in vain', or 'pointlessly' in English. It is formed by the adjective inútil (useless) and the adverbial suffix -mente (equivalent to the English '-ly'). When you use this word, you are describing an action that was performed without achieving the desired result, or an effort that was fundamentally flawed from the beginning. It carries a heavy emotional weight of frustration and futility. In the Lusophone world, where bureaucracy or complex social systems can sometimes lead to circular efforts, inutilmente captures that specific feeling of 'running in place.' It is not just about failure; it is about the lack of utility in the attempt itself. For example, if you try to open a locked door without a key, you are acting inutilmente. The word is versatile, appearing in formal literature, legal documents, and everyday complaints about life's small obstacles.

Grammatical Category
Adverb of manner (Advérbio de modo).
Core Nuance
Describes the complete lack of effectiveness or purpose in an action.

Eles tentaram inutilmente convencer o diretor a mudar de ideia.

Beyond the literal meaning of 'without use,' the word often implies a waste of energy. In Portuguese culture, there is a deep appreciation for the effort put into things, so describing an effort as inutilmente spent is a significant critique. It suggests that the person acting should have known better or that the circumstances were simply insurmountable. It is frequently paired with verbs of communication (arguing, explaining, shouting) or physical exertion (pushing, running, climbing). When someone says 'Gritei inutilmente,' they aren't just saying they weren't heard; they are expressing the loneliness and pointlessness of that vocal effort in a void. This makes the word essential for expressing complex human emotions related to disappointment and the limitations of human agency.

O relógio trabalhava inutilmente numa casa vazia.

In academic or professional settings, inutilmente serves to highlight inefficiencies. A report might state that resources were 'inutilmente aplicados' (uselessly applied), indicating a failure in strategy. It is a precise word that avoids the ambiguity of simply saying something was 'bad.' It specifically targets the relationship between the action and its outcome. Understanding this word helps learners grasp the Portuguese tendency to use long, multi-syllabic adverbs ending in -mente to add a layer of formality and rhythmic weight to their sentences. It is a bridge between the simple vocabulary of A1 and the more descriptive, nuanced language required for B1 and beyond.

Using inutilmente correctly involves understanding its placement and the types of verbs it typically modifies. In Portuguese, adverbs of manner like this one usually follow the verb they are describing. This is a key difference from English, where 'uselessly' might appear before or after the verb. For instance, 'He uselessly tried' would be 'Ele tentou inutilmente.' Placing it before the verb (Inutilmente ele tentou) is possible but creates a very dramatic, literary emphasis that is rare in spoken conversation. It is most effective when it concludes a thought, acting as a final punctuation mark of failure.

Standard Placement
Verb + inutilmente (e.g., 'Esperamos inutilmente').
With Compound Verbs
Auxiliary + Main Verb + inutilmente (e.g., 'Eu tinha trabalhado inutilmente').

Ela procurou as chaves inutilmente por toda a sala.

The word is frequently used to modify verbs of 'trying' or 'seeking.' Verbs like tentar (to try), procurar (to look for), buscar (to seek), and esperar (to wait/hope) are its most common companions. When you use it with esperar, it conveys a poignant sense of waiting for something that will never arrive—a classic theme in Portuguese fado music and literature. In these contexts, the adverb describes not just the action, but the state of the person performing it. They are trapped in a cycle of useless effort. It can also modify adjectives in more advanced constructions, such as 'um esforço inutilmente prolongado' (a uselessly prolonged effort), though this is more common in written Portuguese.

Os soldados resistiram inutilmente ao avanço do inimigo.

Learners should also note that inutilmente can be used to start a sentence when you want to provide a summary of a situation before describing the details. 'Inutilmente, ele gastou todo o seu dinheiro.' (Uselessly/In vain, he spent all his money.) This structure highlights the futility as the primary focus of the statement. However, for everyday fluency, sticking to the post-verbal position is the safest and most natural-sounding path. It is also important to distinguish it from 'sem querer' (unintentionally). While 'inutilmente' implies the result was zero, the intention was usually there. You intended to succeed, but you failed inutilmente.

While inutilmente might seem like a long, formal word, it is surprisingly common in various layers of Portuguese society. You will hear it in the news when journalists describe failed diplomatic efforts or rescue missions. 'As equipes de resgate trabalharam inutilmente durante a noite' (The rescue teams worked uselessly during the night). Here, it adds a somber, serious tone to the reporting. It is also a staple of Portuguese soap operas (telenovelas), where characters often lament their 'inutilmente' spent love or efforts to save a relationship. This dramatic flair makes it a favorite for scriptwriters who want to emphasize the tragedy of a situation.

News & Media
Used to describe failed policies, searches, or negotiations.
Literature & Poetry
A key word in describing existential despair or the passage of time.

Não sofra inutilmente por coisas que você não pode controlar.

In a more mundane setting, you might hear a parent telling a child, 'Não gaste seu tempo inutilmente' (Don't spend your time uselessly/pointlessly). This is a common way to encourage productivity. In professional environments, during meetings, someone might critique a proposal by saying, 'Estamos discutindo isso inutilmente, pois a decisão já foi tomada' (We are discussing this uselessly, as the decision has already been made). This use is direct and efficient, highlighting the wasted time of the participants. It is this balance between the poetic and the practical that makes inutilmente such a vital part of the vocabulary.

O motor do carro girava inutilmente na lama.

Finally, the word appears frequently in translated content. Because it is the direct equivalent of many Romance language adverbs (like 'inutilement' in French or 'inútilmente' in Spanish), it is a reliable choice for translators. If you read a translated novel or watch a dubbed movie, you will encounter it often. It provides a standard, clear way to express futility that is understood across all Portuguese dialects, from Lisbon to Luanda to Rio de Janeiro. For a learner, hearing this word is a signpost that the speaker is moving beyond basic 'yes/no' descriptions and into the realm of evaluating the quality and success of human actions.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using inutilmente is confusing it with the adjective inútil. Remember that inútil describes a noun (e.g., 'um objeto inútil' - a useless object), while inutilmente describes an action (e.g., 'ele trabalhou inutilmente' - he worked uselessly). Using the adjective when you need the adverb is a common A2-level error. For example, saying 'Ele tentou inútil' is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'Ele tentou inutilmente.' The adverbial ending is non-negotiable when modifying a verb.

Adjective vs. Adverb
Use 'inútil' for things; use 'inutilmente' for actions.
False Friends Fear
Don't confuse 'inutilmente' with 'infelizmente' (unfortunately).

Errado: Ele gritou inútil.
Correto: Ele gritou inutilmente.

Another mistake is the over-reliance on this specific adverb when other expressions might be more natural in casual speech. While inutilmente is perfectly correct, native speakers often use 'em vão' or simply 'para nada' in everyday conversation. Saying 'Eu estudei para nada' sounds much more informal and common than 'Eu estudei inutilmente,' which sounds a bit more dramatic or academic. Learners often stick to the '-mente' words because they are easy to remember (following the English '-ly' pattern), but this can make their speech sound slightly stiff or 'bookish' in a relaxed bar or family setting.

Não tente inutilmente consertar o que já está quebrado.

Lastly, pay attention to pronunciation. Many learners struggle with the stress on the 'men' syllable. In Portuguese adverbs ending in -mente, the primary stress of the original adjective shifts. While inútil has the stress on the 'ú', in inutilmente, the 'men' becomes the stressed syllable. Pronouncing it as 'in-Ú-til-men-te' sounds unnatural; it should flow towards the 'MEN'. Mastering this rhythmic shift is crucial for sounding like a native speaker. Misplacing the stress can sometimes make the word unrecognizable to a native listener, even if the spelling is correct.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use inutilmente and when to reach for its synonyms. The most common alternative is em vão. While they are often interchangeable, em vão has a slightly more literary or emotional tone. You'll find em vão in the Bible, in classical literature, and in fado lyrics. It suggests a deeper, perhaps more existential failure. Inutilmente, on the other hand, feels a bit more technical or descriptive of a physical failure. If a machine fails to start, it's inutilmente. If a heart breaks for no reason, it's em vão.

Em vão
More poetic and common in writing. (e.g., 'Tudo foi em vão').
Debalde
Very formal/archaic. You will rarely hear this in speech, but you'll see it in old books.
Para nada
Informal and very common. (e.g., 'Trabalhei o dia todo para nada').

Ela esperou debalde pelo retorno do seu amor.

Another interesting comparison is with infutiferamente (unfruitfully). While inutilmente means the action had no use, infutiferamente specifically means it produced no 'fruit' or results. It is much rarer and more formal. There is also desnecessariamente (unnecessarily). While something that is unnecessary might also be useless, the focus is different. Desnecessariamente suggests that the action shouldn't have been done at all, whereas inutilmente suggests the action was done but failed to achieve anything. You might spend money desnecessariamente (on something you don't need) or inutilmente (on something that doesn't work).

Corremos para nada, o ônibus já tinha passado.

In Brazil, you might encounter the expression à toa. While it can mean 'relaxed' or 'without doing anything,' in some contexts, it means 'for no reason' or 'uselessly.' 'Fiquei esperando à toa' is a very common way to say 'I waited uselessly.' Understanding these shades of meaning allows you to choose the right word for the right social context. Use inutilmente when you want to be clear and slightly formal, em vão when you want to be expressive, and para nada when you are chatting with friends about a wasted afternoon.

재미있는 사실

The suffix '-mente' originally comes from the Latin word 'mens' (mind). So 'inutilmente' literally meant 'with a useless mind/intent'.

발음 가이드

UK /i.nu.tiɫˈmẽ.tɨ/
US /i.nu.t͡ʃiwˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/
The primary stress is on the 'men' syllable (i-nu-til-MEN-te).
라임이 맞는 단어
felizmente infelizmente rapidamente lentamente claramente realmente comumente gentilmente
자주 하는 실수
  • Stressing the 'ú' like in the adjective 'inútil'.
  • Pronouncing the 'L' in 'til' too clearly like an English 'L' (it should be vocalized like 'u' in Brazil or dark in Portugal).
  • Missing the nasal sound on the 'en' in 'mente'.
  • Making the 'i' at the start too short.
  • Pronouncing 'mente' as 'ment' without the final vowel.
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수준별 예문

1

Eu tentei abrir a porta inutilmente.

I tried to open the door uselessly.

Simple past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) + adverb.

2

Eles chamaram o táxi inutilmente.

They called the taxi uselessly.

The adverb follows the direct object.

3

Ela procurou o gato inutilmente.

She looked for the cat uselessly.

Verbs of searching are common with this adverb.

4

Nós esperamos o ônibus inutilmente.

We waited for the bus uselessly.

Standard SVO structure.

5

O menino gritou inutilmente.

The boy shouted uselessly.

Intransitive verb + adverb.

6

Você trabalhou inutilmente hoje?

Did you work uselessly today?

Question format.

7

Eu estudei inutilmente para o teste.

I studied uselessly for the test.

Prepositional phrase 'para o teste' follows the adverb.

8

Eles correram inutilmente.

They ran uselessly.

Simple past plural.

1

Tentei inutilmente consertar o rádio velho.

I tried uselessly to fix the old radio.

Infinitive 'consertar' follows the adverb.

2

Ela tentava inutilmente fechar a mala cheia.

She was trying uselessly to close the full suitcase.

Imperfect tense (Pretérito Imperfeito) shows ongoing effort.

3

Eles discutiram inutilmente sobre o preço.

They argued uselessly about the price.

Verb of communication.

4

O cachorro latiu inutilmente para o carteiro.

The dog barked uselessly at the mailman.

Subject + Verb + Adverb + Prepositional phrase.

5

Procurei inutilmente as chaves na minha bolsa.

I looked uselessly for the keys in my bag.

The adverb can sit between the verb and the object for emphasis.

6

Nós batemos na porta inutilmente por dez minutos.

We knocked on the door uselessly for ten minutes.

Time expression 'por dez minutos' added at the end.

7

Ele tentou inutilmente ligar o carro no frio.

He tried uselessly to start the car in the cold.

Contextual phrase 'no frio' added.

8

A professora explicou a regra inutilmente.

The teacher explained the rule uselessly.

Implies the students didn't understand.

1

Não gaste seu tempo inutilmente com problemas pequenos.

Don't spend your time uselessly with small problems.

Imperative negative.

2

O governo tentou inutilmente controlar a inflação.

The government tried uselessly to control inflation.

Formal/Political context.

3

Ela esperou inutilmente por uma resposta que nunca veio.

She waited uselessly for an answer that never came.

Relative clause 'que nunca veio'.

4

Os cientistas pesquisaram inutilmente uma cura para aquele vírus.

The scientists researched uselessly for a cure for that virus.

Professional context.

5

Muitos soldados morreram inutilmente naquela guerra.

Many soldiers died uselessly in that war.

Emotional/Historical weight.

6

Ele tentou inutilmente esconder a verdade da sua família.

He tried uselessly to hide the truth from his family.

Abstract concept (truth).

7

Nós tentamos inutilmente convencer o chefe a nos dar um aumento.

We tried uselessly to convince the boss to give us a raise.

Verb 'convencer' + object + infinitive.

8

A chuva caía inutilmente sobre a terra já inundada.

The rain fell uselessly over the already flooded land.

Descriptive/Literary use.

1

Argumentar com ele é gastar saliva inutilmente.

Arguing with him is wasting breath uselessly.

Idiomatic use of 'gastar saliva'.

2

O projeto foi inutilmente prolongado por questões burocráticas.

The project was uselessly prolonged by bureaucratic issues.

Passive voice + adverb modifying a participle.

3

Eles tentaram inutilmente reverter a decisão do juiz.

They tried uselessly to reverse the judge's decision.

Legal context.

4

A tecnologia foi inutilmente aplicada em um mercado saturado.

The technology was uselessly applied in a saturated market.

Economic/Business context.

5

Ele tentou inutilmente recuperar os arquivos deletados.

He tried uselessly to recover the deleted files.

Technical context.

6

A equipe tentou inutilmente conter o vazamento de óleo.

The team tried uselessly to contain the oil spill.

Environmental context.

7

Ela tentou inutilmente disfarçar a sua tristeza durante a festa.

She tried uselessly to disguise her sadness during the party.

Psychological nuance.

8

O autor tentou inutilmente explicar a metáfora complexa.

The author tried uselessly to explain the complex metaphor.

Intellectual context.

1

Inutilmente, o filósofo procurava uma verdade absoluta.

Uselessly, the philosopher sought an absolute truth.

Sentence-initial position for literary emphasis.

2

A resistência tentou inutilmente barrar a aprovação da lei polêmica.

The resistance tried uselessly to block the approval of the controversial law.

Political/Sophisticated vocabulary.

3

Esforçamo-nos inutilmente para manter viva uma tradição que já morreu.

We strove uselessly to keep alive a tradition that has already died.

Reflexive verb 'esforçar-se'.

4

O capital foi inutilmente investido em empresas de fachada.

The capital was uselessly invested in shell companies.

Financial/Legal context.

5

Ela tentou inutilmente resgatar a glória do seu passado artístico.

She tried uselessly to rescue the glory of her artistic past.

Metaphorical use.

6

O diplomata tentou inutilmente evitar a ruptura das relações bilaterais.

The diplomat tried uselessly to avoid the rupture of bilateral relations.

High-level diplomatic vocabulary.

7

Inutilmente, as ondas batiam contra os rochedos imperturbáveis.

Uselessly, the waves crashed against the unperturbed rocks.

Personification and poetic imagery.

8

Ele tentou inutilmente justificar sua conduta antiética perante o conselho.

He tried uselessly to justify his unethical conduct before the board.

Formal ethical/professional context.

1

A alma debate-se inutilmente contra as amarras do destino.

The soul struggles uselessly against the shackles of fate.

Highly abstract/Philosophical.

2

Tentou-se inutilmente mitigar os efeitos deletérios da catástrofe.

One tried uselessly to mitigate the deleterious effects of the catastrophe.

Passive 'se' + sophisticated vocabulary ('mitigar', 'deletérios').

3

A prosa do autor tenta inutilmente capturar a efemeridade do tempo.

The author's prose tries uselessly to capture the ephemerality of time.

Literary criticism context.

4

Inutilmente, o réu clamava por uma clemência que a lei não previa.

Uselessly, the defendant cried out for a clemency that the law did not provide for.

Archaic/Legalistic tone.

5

A estrutura ruiu, tendo sido inutilmente reforçada meses antes.

The structure collapsed, having been uselessly reinforced months earlier.

Gerund compound form ('tendo sido').

6

Eles tentaram inutilmente expurgar as influências estrangeiras da língua.

They tried uselessly to purge foreign influences from the language.

Linguistic/Academic context.

7

O sol brilhava inutilmente sobre as ruínas de uma civilização esquecida.

The sun shone uselessly over the ruins of a forgotten civilization.

Evocative/Atmospheric.

8

Tentou inutilmente desvencilhar-se das teias de uma conspiração global.

He tried uselessly to untangle himself from the webs of a global conspiracy.

Complex reflexive verb 'desvencilhar-se'.

자주 쓰는 조합

Tentar inutilmente
Esperar inutilmente
Gastar inutilmente
Procurar inutilmente
Gritar inutilmente
Discutir inutilmente
Trabalhar inutilmente
Resistir inutilmente
Sofrer inutilmente
Viver inutilmente

자주 쓰는 구문

Esforçar-se inutilmente

— To put in effort that yields no results.

Esforçou-se inutilmente para agradar a todos.

Correr inutilmente

— To run for a reason that is no longer valid (e.g., missing a bus).

Corri inutilmente atrás do ônibus.

Chamar inutilmente

— To call someone who doesn't answer or isn't there.

Chamei por você inutilmente a noite toda.

Lutar inutilmente

— To fight a battle that cannot be won.

Lutaram inutilmente contra a correnteza.

Provar inutilmente

— To try to prove something to someone who won't listen.

Tentei inutilmente provar minha inocência.

Explicar inutilmente

— To explain something to someone who cannot or will not understand.

Expliquei a situação inutilmente.

Pedir inutilmente

— To ask for something and be ignored.

Pedi inutilmente por um pouco de silêncio.

Bater inutilmente

— To knock on a door where no one is home.

Bati na porta inutilmente.

Olhar inutilmente

— To look for something that isn't there.

Olhei inutilmente para o horizonte.

Prometer inutilmente

— To make a promise that won't be kept or doesn't matter.

Ele prometeu inutilmente que mudaria.

관용어 및 표현

"Malhar em ferro frio"

— To work on something that will never yield results; to act inutilmente.

Tentar convencê-lo é malhar em ferro frio.

Informal
"Gastar latinha"

— To talk a lot to no avail; to speak inutilmente.

Não gaste latinha com quem não quer ouvir.

Slang (Brazil)
"Dar murro em ponta de faca"

— To persist in a useless or self-harming effort.

Continuar nesse emprego é dar murro em ponta de faca.

Informal
"Falar para as paredes"

— To speak to people who are not listening; to speak inutilmente.

Sinto que estou falando para as paredes.

Informal
"Chover no molhado"

— To do something redundant or useless.

Explicar isso de novo é chover no molhado.

Informal
"Nadar contra a maré"

— To struggle against a powerful force, often inutilmente.

Tentar mudar o sistema sozinho é nadar contra a maré.

Informal
"Arar o mar"

— To perform a task that is impossible and yields nothing.

Tentar organizar este caos é como arar o mar.

Literary/Old
"Vender gelo para esquimó"

— Usually means being a good salesman, but can mean doing something unnecessary.

Ele está tentando vender gelo para esquimó.

Informal
"Lutar com moinhos de vento"

— To fight imaginary or useless battles (from Don Quixote).

Você está lutando com moinhos de vento.

Literary
"Fazer um furo n'água"

— To make a useless attempt that leaves no mark.

Sua tentativa de crítica foi um furo n'água.

Informal

어휘 가족

명사

inutilidade
utilidade
utilitarismo

동사

inutilizar
utilizar
reutilizar

형용사

inútil
útil
utilitário

관련

inutilização
utilizador
utilizável
inutilizado
utilitariamente
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암기하기

기억법

Think of 'IN-UTILE-MENTE'. 'IN' (not) + 'UTILE' (useful) + 'MENTE' (mind). It’s doing something with a 'not useful mind'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person trying to water a plant during a heavy rainstorm. They are watering the plant 'inutilmente'.

Word Web

inútil fútil frustração erro vazio perda tempo esforço

챌린지

Try to find three things today that you did 'inutilmente' (like checking an empty fridge) and say the sentence out loud in Portuguese.

어원

Derived from the Latin 'inutilis' (useless), which is the negation 'in-' plus 'utilis' (useful), combined with the Portuguese suffix '-mente'.

원래 의미: In a manner that is not useful.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities, but it can sound harsh if used to describe a person's life or career.

English speakers often use 'in vain' or 'for nothing', which are more idiomatic than 'uselessly' in many contexts. 'Inutilmente' covers all three.

Found in the lyrics of many Fado songs (e.g., Amália Rodrigues). Used frequently by Fernando Pessoa in his 'Book of Disquiet'. Appears in the Brazilian National Anthem context regarding 'braço forte' not being used in vain.
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