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A1 adjective #1,200 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

pior

상위 1,200

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 pior 30초 만에

설명 pior in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on 'pior' as the direct equivalent of 'worse' in simple comparisons. You will use it to talk about basic things like the weather, food, or how you feel. The most important structure to learn is 'pior que' (worse than). For example, 'O café é pior que o chá' (The coffee is worse than the tea). At this stage, don't worry too much about complex grammar; just remember that 'pior' doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine), which makes it easier to use than other adjectives. You might also encounter 'o pior' meaning 'the worst' in simple sentences like 'Ele é o pior' (He is the worst). Focus on these high-frequency uses to build your confidence in making basic evaluations in Portuguese. Remember, 'pior' is the opposite of 'melhor' (better). If you know 'melhor', you already know how to use 'pior' because they follow the same rules. Practice by comparing two things in your daily life, like your old phone versus your new phone, or Monday versus Friday. This will help you internalize the word as a tool for basic communication.

As an A2 learner, you can start using 'pior' in more varied sentence structures and begin to recognize its plural form, 'piores'. You should be able to compare not just nouns, but also actions using 'pior' as an adverb. For instance, 'Eu escrevo pior do que falo' (I write worse than I speak). You will also start using the superlative more frequently with plural nouns, such as 'Estes são os piores dias do ano' (These are the worst days of the year). At this level, you should also learn the common phrase 'o pior é que...' (the worst part is that...) to help connect your ideas when telling a simple story or complaining about a situation. You should also be careful to avoid the common mistake of saying 'mais mau'. Even if you hear children say it occasionally, as an adult learner, you should always stick to 'pior'. Start noticing how 'pior' is used in short news clips or weather reports, as these often use the word to describe changes in conditions. This will help you see the word in a more 'real-world' context beyond simple classroom examples.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'pior' in abstract contexts and within more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive mood. For example, 'Espero que a situação não fique pior' (I hope the situation doesn't get worse). You will also start to use 'pior' in idiomatic expressions like 'de mal a pior' (from bad to worse). Your understanding of the word should expand to include its role in expressing nuances of opinion and criticism. You can use 'pior' to discuss social issues, work problems, or personal relationships with more detail. For instance, 'O pior de morar aqui é o barulho' (The worst thing about living here is the noise). At this stage, you should also be familiar with the verb 'piorar' (to worsen/get worse), which is often a more natural way to express a change in state than using 'ficar pior'. You will begin to notice 'pior' in literature and more formal media, where it might be used to describe historical events or economic trends. Your goal is to use 'pior' not just to label things as 'bad', but to rank them and provide justification for your evaluations.

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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'pior' and its derivatives. You can use it fluently in debates and discussions to compare complex ideas. You will understand the subtle difference between 'pior' and its synonyms like 'inferior' or 'degradado' and choose the most appropriate one for the context. You should be able to use 'pior' in conditional sentences, such as 'Se as coisas fossem piores, teríamos que sair' (If things were worse, we would have to leave). You will also encounter 'pior' in more sophisticated idioms and proverbs. Your listening skills should allow you to catch 'pior' even when spoken quickly or in regional accents, where the final 'r' might be softened or dropped. You should also be able to use 'pior' to add emphasis or irony to your speech, mimicking the way native speakers use it to react to news. At this level, you are expected to maintain grammatical agreement (pior vs piores) perfectly, even in fast-paced conversation. You can also start exploring the etymology of the word to see how it relates to other Romance languages, which can deepen your understanding of its place in the Portuguese language system.

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For C1 learners, 'pior' is a tool for precise and sophisticated expression. You should be able to use it in academic or professional writing to analyze data or argue a point. For example, 'A hipótese de um cenário ainda pior não pode ser descartada' (The hypothesis of an even worse scenario cannot be ruled out). You will understand the rhetorical power of the word, using it to create emphasis or to highlight the gravity of a situation. You should be familiar with its use in classical literature and formal legal or medical documents. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'pejorativo' (pejorative), which shares the same Latin root. You can also use 'pior' in complex structures involving relative clauses and various tenses. For instance, 'O que é pior, ninguém nos avisou sobre o perigo' (What is worse, nobody warned us about the danger). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between the objective and subjective uses of 'pior' and use it to navigate delicate social situations where a direct 'mau' might be too blunt. Your command of the word should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including its use in subtle wordplay or cultural references.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'pior' is absolute. You can use it with all its historical and cultural baggage, understanding how its usage has evolved over time. You are comfortable using it in any register, from the most formal academic discourse to the most colorful street slang. You can appreciate and use 'pior' in poetry and high-level prose, where it might be used for its rhythmic qualities or to evoke a specific mood. You understand the philosophical implications of 'o pior' in existentialist literature or political theory. Your ability to use 'pior' includes a deep awareness of its prosody—how the stress and intonation change its impact in a sentence. You can use it to construct complex ironies or to participate in high-level wordplay. There are no 'common mistakes' for you; instead, you might intentionally break rules for stylistic effect. You can explain the nuances of 'pior' to others, including its relationship to Latin and its cognates in other languages. At this stage, 'pior' is not just a vocabulary word, but a versatile instrument that you play with total precision and creativity in the vast symphony of the Portuguese language.

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pior 30초 만에

Pior is the Portuguese word for 'worse' or 'the worst', used for comparing quality, health, or performance across all levels of formality.
It is an irregular form of 'mau' (bad), meaning you should never say 'mais mau' in standard Portuguese conversations or writing.
The word is invariable in gender but must agree in number, changing to 'piores' when referring to multiple people or objects.
Commonly used in idioms like 'de mal a pior' and phrases like 'o pior é que' to highlight negative aspects of a situation.

The Portuguese word pior is a fundamental pillar of the language, serving as the comparative and superlative form of the adjective 'mau' (bad) and the adverb 'mal' (badly). In English, it translates directly to 'worse' or 'the worst' depending on the presence of a definite article. Understanding 'pior' is essential for expressing dissatisfaction, making comparisons between two negative states, or identifying the absolute lowest point of a situation. It is an irregular form; unlike many adjectives that use 'mais' (more) to form comparatives, 'mau' transforms entirely into 'pior'. This irregularity is a remnant of Latin 'pejor', and it mirrors the English transition from 'bad' to 'worse'.

Comparative Usage: When comparing two things, 'pior' is followed by 'do que' or simply 'que'. For example, saying a movie is worse than another involves placing 'pior' between the subjects or after the verb. It is used for quality, health, moral standing, and performance.

Este remédio tem um gosto pior que o outro.

In the superlative sense, adding 'o', 'a', 'os', or 'as' before 'pior' changes the meaning to 'the worst'. This is used to single out one item from a group as being the most negative. Interestingly, 'pior' is invariable in gender when used as a comparative adjective (it doesn't change for masculine or feminine), but it does take plural forms ('piores') when referring to multiple entities. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for learners. You will hear it in everyday complaints about the weather, traffic, or food, but also in deep philosophical discussions about the 'lesser of two evils' (o menor dos males vs o pior dos males).

Adverbial Function: As an adverb, 'pior' modifies verbs to show that an action was performed in a more negative way than another. If someone sings badly, they sing 'mal'; if they sing even more unpleasantly, they sing 'pior'.

Hoje eu me sinto pior do que ontem.

Culturally, 'pior' is often used in idiomatic expressions to express resignation or irony. For instance, 'Pior para você' (Worse for you/Your loss) is a common way to dismiss someone's poor choices. In Brazil and Portugal, the word carries a weight of finality. When a situation is described as 'o pior cenário possível' (the worst-case scenario), it implies that all options have been exhausted and the outcome is dire. Despite its negative meaning, 'pior' is not always a conversation stopper; it often invites further explanation or a search for solutions. It is a word that demands context—worse than what? Why is it the worst? By mastering 'pior', you gain the ability to navigate the complexities of human preference and criticism in the Lusophone world.

Grammatical Consistency: Remember that 'pior' agrees in number with the noun it modifies. 'O problema pior' (The worse problem) vs 'Os problemas piores' (The worse problems). This pluralization is vital for grammatical accuracy.

As notícias são piores do que esperávamos.

Nada é pior do que a traição.

Using pior correctly requires an understanding of sentence structure in Portuguese, specifically how comparatives are formed. The most common structure is [Subject A] + [Verb] + [pior] + [que/do que] + [Subject B]. This mirrors the English 'A is worse than B'. It is important to note that 'do que' is often preferred in spoken Portuguese as it sounds more natural and rhythmic, though 'que' is perfectly acceptable and common in writing. When using 'pior' as a superlative, the structure changes to [Definite Article] + [pior] + [Noun] or [Noun] + [Definite Article] + [pior]. For example, 'O pior dia' (The worst day) or 'O dia pior' (The worse day - though the former is much more common for superlatives).

Direct Comparisons: When you want to say one thing is worse than another, use 'pior que'. This applies to both physical objects and abstract concepts like ideas or feelings.

A comida deste restaurante é pior que a da cantina.

Another frequent use case is the expression 'o pior é que...', which translates to 'the worst part is that...' or 'the thing is...'. This is a conversational filler used to introduce a particularly negative or complicating factor in a story. It sets the stage for a climax or a significant problem. For example, 'Eu perdi a chave, mas o pior é que deixei o fogão ligado' (I lost the key, but the worst part is that I left the stove on). This usage highlights 'pior' as a noun-like entity representing the most negative aspect of a situation. Furthermore, 'pior' can be modified by adverbs of intensity like 'muito' (much) or 'bem' (well/much) to say 'much worse' (muito pior).

Intensifying Negativity: To emphasize how much worse something is, add 'muito' before 'pior'. This is a very common way to express strong disapproval or concern.

A situação econômica está muito pior este ano.

In formal writing, 'pior' is used to maintain a precise tone. Instead of using descriptive adjectives that might be subjective, 'pior' provides a clear comparative scale. For instance, in a legal or medical report, 'o estado do paciente é pior' (the patient's condition is worse) is a factual observation. In literature, authors use 'pior' to create contrast and conflict. It is the antithesis of 'melhor' (better), and these two words often dance together in sentences to show the spectrum of human experience. When you practice, try to construct sentences that move from a 'bad' state to a 'worse' state to see how 'pior' functions as a bridge between levels of negativity.

Superlative Placement: When identifying 'the worst', the article must match the noun. 'A pior escolha' (The worst choice) uses the feminine article 'a' because 'escolha' is feminine.

Ele foi o pior jogador em campo hoje.

As piores consequências ainda estão por vir.

The word pior is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, appearing in every conceivable context from high-stakes political debates to casual chats over coffee. In the news, you will frequently hear journalists discussing 'o pior momento da crise' (the worst moment of the crisis) or 'resultados piores do que o esperado' (worse results than expected). It is a staple of economic and social reporting because it provides a clear metric for decline. In sports, commentators use it to describe a team's performance, often lamenting 'a pior defesa do campeonato' (the worst defense in the championship). This constant exposure in media makes it one of the first comparative words learners truly internalize.

In Daily Conversation: People use 'pior' to vent about their day. Phrases like 'Não podia ser pior' (It couldn't be worse) are common when someone is having a string of bad luck. It is a way to express frustration and seek empathy.

O trânsito hoje está pior do que o normal.

In music and soap operas (telenovelas), 'pior' is used to heighten drama. Lyrics often speak of 'a pior dor' (the worst pain) or 'o pior adeus' (the worst goodbye). It adds an emotional intensity that 'mau' simply cannot convey. In the workplace, you might hear a manager say 'Temos que evitar o pior' (We have to avoid the worst), referring to a potential disaster or business failure. This usage shows 'pior' as a threshold of failure. Interestingly, in Brazilian Portuguese, 'pior' is sometimes used as a standalone agreement to a negative statement, similar to saying 'Tell me about it' or 'Exactly'. If someone says 'This rain is terrible', a Brazilian might respond with a simple, emphatic 'Pior!' to agree that the situation is indeed bad.

In Literature and Film: Titles of books and movies often use 'pior' to grab attention. 'O Pior Homem de Londres' or similar titles use the superlative to establish a character's reputation immediately.

Aquele foi o pior filme que já vi.

In the classroom, teachers use 'pior' to correct students' work, hopefully in a constructive way, such as 'Este erro é pior do que o anterior porque muda o sentido da frase'. In healthcare, doctors use it to track the progression of symptoms. 'A dor está pior?' (Is the pain worse?) is a standard diagnostic question. This wide range of applications—from the clinical to the colloquial—demonstrates that 'pior' is not just a word for negativity, but a vital tool for measurement and expression in the Portuguese language. Whether you are reading a newspaper in Lisbon or chatting with a friend in Rio, 'pior' will be there, helping you navigate the ups and downs of life.

Weather and Environment: When discussing climate change or a bad storm, 'pior' is the go-to word. 'O tempo vai ficar pior' (The weather is going to get worse) is a phrase you will hear in every forecast.

Esta é a pior seca dos últimos anos.

Nada pode ser pior do que o frio de hoje.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning Portuguese is trying to apply English comparative logic to Portuguese adjectives. In English, we often add '-er' or use 'more' (e.g., 'badder'—which is incorrect—or 'more bad'). In Portuguese, students often mistakenly say mais mau or mais mal. While 'mais mau' can technically exist in very specific, rare grammatical contexts (comparing two qualities of the same person), in 99% of cases, it is a glaring error. You must use pior. This is the same rule as 'better' (melhor) instead of 'more good' (mais bom).

The 'Mais Mau' Trap: Avoid saying 'Ele é mais mau que eu'. The correct form is 'Ele é pior que eu'. This is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake that is easily fixed with practice.

Errado: O tempo está mais mau. Correto: O tempo está pior.

Another common mistake is forgetting to pluralize 'pior' when it refers to multiple things. While 'pior' does not change for gender (masculine/feminine), it definitely changes for number. Many learners say 'Eles são os pior' instead of the correct 'Eles são os piores'. This lack of agreement can make your speech sound disjointed. Additionally, confusion between 'pior' (worse) and 'pessimo' (terrible/worst) is common. While 'pessimo' is an absolute superlative (the most bad possible), 'pior' is usually comparative. Using 'pior' when you mean 'pessimo' might undersell how bad you think something is, and vice versa.

Agreement Errors: Always check if the noun is plural. If you are talking about 'as notícias' (the news - plural in Portuguese), you must use 'piores'.

Estas são as piores férias da minha vida.

Learners also struggle with the preposition that follows 'pior'. In English, we say 'worse than'. In Portuguese, you can say 'pior que' or 'pior do que'. Some students try to use 'pior de', which is incorrect in a comparative sense (though 'o pior de todos' is correct for 'the worst of all'). Misplacing the definite article is another pitfall. Saying 'pior o dia' instead of 'o pior dia' changes the meaning or makes the sentence ungrammatical. Finally, be careful with the adverbial use. If you want to say someone 'behaved worse', it is 'comportou-se pior', not 'comportou-se mais mal'. Remembering that 'pior' covers both 'worse' (adjective) and 'worse' (adverb) will simplify your learning process significantly.

Preposition Pitfalls: Stick to 'que' or 'do que' for comparisons. Using 'de' after 'pior' in a comparison is a direct translation error from other languages.

Ele canta pior do que o irmão.

As coisas ficaram piores depois da chuva.

While pior is the most common word for 'worse', Portuguese offers a rich variety of synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your descriptions. Depending on whether you are talking about quality, morality, health, or size, you might choose a different word. For instance, inferior is often used in technical or formal contexts to describe something of lower quality or rank. While 'pior' is subjective and emotional, 'inferior' sounds more objective. Another alternative is pessimo, which we mentioned earlier; it is the absolute extreme of badness. If 'pior' is a 3/10, 'pessimo' is a 0/10.

Pior vs. Inferior: 'Pior' is a general comparative. 'Inferior' is more formal and often refers to rank, position, or measurable quality (e.g., 'produto inferior').

Este material é de qualidade inferior.

In terms of health or well-being, you might use debilitado (debilitated) or agravado (aggravated/worsened). If a medical condition gets 'pior', a doctor might say it has 'agravado'. This sounds more professional. For moral badness, vil (vile) or torpe (base/despicable) are strong alternatives used in literature. If you are looking for an antonym, melhor (better) is the direct opposite. Using these two together creates a clear contrast: 'De mal a pior' (From bad to worse) is a common idiom, but you could also say 'De melhor a pior' to describe a rapid decline. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your Portuguese to the specific situation and audience.

Pior vs. Ruim: In Brazil, 'ruim' is the common word for 'bad'. The comparative of 'ruim' is also 'pior'. So, 'ruim' -> 'pior'.

O resultado foi pessimo para a empresa.

Finally, consider the word malgrado, which means 'despite' or 'unfortunate', though it is much more formal and less common than 'pior'. In slang, you might hear uó (Brazilian slang for something very bad/tacky), but 'pior' remains the standard. When you want to say something is 'getting worse', the verb piorar is essential. It is the verbal form of 'pior'. Instead of saying 'está ficando pior', you can simply say 'está piorando'. This is more concise and natural. By learning 'pior' alongside its synonyms and its verbal form 'piorar', you build a robust toolkit for expressing dissatisfaction and describing negative changes in any Portuguese-speaking environment.

Pior vs. Menor: Don't confuse 'pior' (worse) with 'menor' (smaller/lesser). While they both indicate a 'lower' state, one is about quality and the other is about size/quantity.

A situação piorou muito rápido.

Este é o menor dos meus problemas.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'pior' has remained remarkably stable for over two thousand years, maintaining its irregular status in almost all Romance languages (e.g., 'peor' in Spanish, 'pire' in French).

발음 가이드

UK /piˈɔɾ/

US /piˈɔʁ/

The stress is on the second syllable: pi-OR.

라임이 맞는 단어

maior melhor suor dor cor amor favor senhor

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'p' with a puff of air (aspiration) like in English 'pot'.
Making the 'i' too short like in 'pit'.
Pronouncing the final 'r' too strongly like an American 'r'.
Stress on the first syllable (PI-or).
Closing the 'o' sound too much so it sounds like 'oo'.

난이도

독해 1/5

Easy to recognize as it appears frequently in all texts.

쓰기 2/5

Requires remembering the plural 'piores' and avoiding 'mais mau'.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation of the final 'r' varies by region but the word is short.

듣기 1/5

Very distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

mau mal bom bem que

다음에 배울 것

melhor maior menor piorar péssimo

고급

inferior degradado agravamento pejorativo malgrado

알아야 할 문법

Irregular Comparatives

Mau becomes pior, not mais mau.

Number Agreement

Os problemas são piores (plural).

Superlative Formation

Use the definite article: O pior dia.

Comparative Conjunctions

Use 'que' or 'do que' after pior.

Adverbial Use

Ele joga pior que eu (modifying the verb).

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수준별 예문

Hoje o tempo está pior.

Today the weather is worse.

Simple comparative use without 'que'.

Este pão é pior que o outro.

This bread is worse than the other one.

Comparative 'pior que' comparing two nouns.

Eu estou pior hoje.

I am worse today.

Used to describe health status.

A sopa está pior agora.

The soup is worse now.

Adjective modifying the noun 'sopa'.

Ele é o pior aluno.

He is the worst student.

Superlative use with 'o' (the).

Nada é pior que isso.

Nothing is worse than that.

Pronoun 'nada' used as a subject.

O trânsito está pior.

The traffic is worse.

Common everyday observation.

Este filme é pior.

This movie is worse.

Simple evaluation of quality.

As notas dele são piores que as minhas.

His grades are worse than mine.

Plural agreement 'piores' with 'notas'.

O pior é que perdi o ônibus.

The worst part is that I missed the bus.

Idiomatic use of 'o pior é que'.

Ela canta pior do que a irmã.

She sings worse than her sister.

Adverbial use comparing two actions.

Estes sapatos são piores para caminhar.

These shoes are worse for walking.

Plural adjective 'piores'.

A situação ficou pior depois da chuva.

The situation got worse after the rain.

Verb 'ficar' used to show a change in state.

Não há nada pior do que esperar.

There is nothing worse than waiting.

Use of 'do que' for comparison.

O segundo livro é pior que o primeiro.

The second book is worse than the first.

Comparing two items in a sequence.

Eles jogaram pior no segundo tempo.

They played worse in the second half.

Adverbial use modifying the verb 'jogaram'.

De mal a pior, a economia continua a cair.

From bad to worse, the economy continues to fall.

Idiomatic expression 'de mal a pior'.

Receio que o resultado seja pior do que esperávamos.

I fear the result might be worse than we expected.

Use of the subjunctive 'seja'.

O pior de tudo foi a falta de comunicação.

The worst of all was the lack of communication.

Superlative 'o pior de tudo'.

As condições de trabalho estão cada vez piores.

Working conditions are getting worse and worse.

Expression 'cada vez piores' for gradual change.

Pior para ele, que não quis ouvir o conselho.

Worse for him, who didn't want to hear the advice.

Idiomatic 'pior para [alguém]'.

A poluição é o pior problema desta cidade.

Pollution is the worst problem of this city.

Superlative adjective modifying 'problema'.

Não sei o que seria pior: ficar ou ir embora.

I don't know what would be worse: staying or leaving.

Conditional 'seria' with 'pior'.

A notícia foi pior do que eu imaginava.

The news was worse than I imagined.

Comparison with a clause 'do que eu imaginava'.

O cenário atual é significativamente pior que o do ano passado.

The current scenario is significantly worse than last year's.

Use of an intensifying adverb 'significativamente'.

O pior cego é aquele que não quer ver.

The worst blind person is the one who doesn't want to see.

Famous Portuguese proverb.

As consequências poderiam ter sido muito piores.

The consequences could have been much worse.

Compound conditional 'poderiam ter sido'.

Quanto pior a situação, mais forte devemos ser.

The worse the situation, the stronger we must be.

Correlative structure 'Quanto pior... mais...'.

Ele agiu da pior maneira possível.

He acted in the worst possible way.

Superlative phrase 'da pior maneira possível'.

O pior já passou, agora só podemos melhorar.

The worst has already passed, now we can only improve.

Noun use of 'o pior' as the subject.

Não há nada pior do que a indiferença.

There is nothing worse than indifference.

Abstract comparison.

A qualidade do serviço é pior do que a propaganda sugere.

The quality of service is worse than the advertisement suggests.

Comparison with a complex clause.

A negligência estatal exacerbou uma situação que já era pior que a média.

State negligence exacerbated a situation that was already worse than average.

Formal vocabulary 'exacerbou' and 'negligência'.

O pior dos males é aquele que se disfarça de bem.

The worst of evils is that which disguises itself as good.

Philosophical superlative construction.

Nada é pior para a democracia do que a desinformação.

Nothing is worse for democracy than misinformation.

Abstract political comparison.

A situação tendeu a ficar pior com a falta de investimentos.

The situation tended to get worse with the lack of investment.

Verb 'tender' used to show a trend.

Escolher entre o ruim e o pior é um dilema constante.

Choosing between the bad and the worse is a constant dilemma.

Substantive use of 'ruim' and 'pior'.

O impacto ambiental foi muito pior do que os relatórios indicavam.

The environmental impact was much worse than the reports indicated.

Formal comparison in a scientific context.

A crise revelou o pior lado da natureza humana.

The crisis revealed the worst side of human nature.

Metaphorical use of 'pior lado'.

Pior que a derrota é a desistência sem luta.

Worse than defeat is giving up without a fight.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

A retórica inflamada apenas serviu para tornar o clima político ainda pior.

The inflamed rhetoric only served to make the political climate even worse.

High-level formal vocabulary and structure.

O pior inimigo da verdade não é a mentira, mas a convicção.

The worst enemy of truth is not the lie, but conviction.

Aphoristic superlative use.

Malgrado os esforços, a conjuntura econômica revelou-se pior do que o previsto.

Despite the efforts, the economic situation proved to be worse than predicted.

Use of 'malgrado' and 'conjuntura'.

A obra literária explora a descida do protagonista ao seu pior estado de espírito.

The literary work explores the protagonist's descent into his worst state of mind.

Literary analysis context.

Não há pior surdo do que aquele que não quer ouvir.

There is no worse deaf person than the one who doesn't want to hear.

Variation of a common proverb with 'não há'.

A degradação dos valores sociais é o pior sintoma de uma civilização em declínio.

The degradation of social values is the worst symptom of a declining civilization.

Complex sociological observation.

Pior do que a censura é a autocensura por medo.

Worse than censorship is self-censorship out of fear.

Nuanced political/social comparison.

A situação atingiu o seu pior patamar desde o início da década.

The situation reached its worst level since the beginning of the decade.

Use of 'patamar' (level/threshold).

자주 쓰는 조합

o pior cenário

muito pior

pior do que

o pior de tudo

pior inimigo

pior momento

pior hipótese

pior resultado

ficar pior

nada pior

자주 쓰는 구문

O pior é que...

— The worst part is that... Used to introduce a negative fact.

O pior é que esqueci a carteira.

Pior para você.

— Worse for you / Your loss. Used to show indifference to someone's bad choice.

Se não quer vir, pior para você.

Não podia ser pior.

— It couldn't be worse. Used to express extreme frustration.

Perdi o emprego e o carro quebrou; não podia ser pior.

Na pior das hipóteses.

— In the worst-case scenario. Used when considering the most negative outcome.

Na pior das hipóteses, dormimos no aeroporto.

O pior já passou.

— The worst is over. Used to provide comfort after a difficult time.

A tempestade acabou; o pior já passou.

Pior impossível.

— It couldn't be any worse. An emphatic way to describe a terrible situation.

Como foi o teste? Pior impossível.

Tanto pior.

— So much the worse / Even worse. Used to say a new fact makes things even more negative.

Ele não vem? Tanto pior para nós.

O pior de dois mundos.

— The worst of both worlds. Used when a situation combines the negative aspects of two options.

Este plano tem o pior de dois mundos.

Pior que está não fica.

— It can't get any worse than it is. A common saying of resignation.

Vamos tentar, pior que está não fica.

Fazer o pior.

— To do the worst / To act in the worst way. Usually implies a moral failure.

Ele decidiu fazer o pior e mentir para todos.

자주 혼동되는 단어

pior vs mais mau

This is the most common mistake. In Portuguese, you must use the irregular form 'pior'.

pior vs péssimo

Péssimo means 'terrible'. Pior means 'worse'. Use pior for comparisons.

pior vs menor

Menor means 'smaller'. Pior means 'worse'. Don't confuse size with quality.

관용어 및 표현

"De mal a pior"

— From bad to worse. Used when a situation is steadily declining.

A saúde dele está indo de mal a pior.

neutral

"O pior cego é o que não quer ver"

— The worst blind person is the one who doesn't want to see. Refers to people who ignore the obvious truth.

Eu avisei sobre o golpe, mas o pior cego é o que não quer ver.

proverb

"Pior a emenda que o soneto"

— The fix is worse than the flaw. Used when an attempt to fix a problem makes it worse.

Tentei consertar o rádio e ele quebrou de vez; pior a emenda que o soneto.

informal/idiomatic

"Na pior"

— In a bad state / Broke / Down on one's luck. Common in Brazil.

Depois que ele perdeu o emprego, ele ficou na pior.

slang/informal

"Pior que..."

— Actually... / Worse, it's true. Used in Brazil to agree with a negative statement.

Está calor, né? Pior que está!

informal

"Levar a pior"

— To get the worst of it / To lose a fight or argument.

Na briga, o menor levou a pior.

neutral

"O pior dos males"

— The worst of all evils. Used for the most serious problem among many.

A corrupção é o pior dos males de um país.

formal

"Dar o seu pior"

— To do one's worst. Often used ironically or to describe someone acting maliciously.

Ele deu o seu pior para estragar a festa.

neutral

"Estar no pior"

— To be at the lowest point. Similar to 'na pior' but slightly more descriptive of a situation.

A empresa está no seu pior momento.

neutral

"Pior que a morte"

— Worse than death. Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or shameful.

Viver sem liberdade é pior que a morte.

literary/emphatic

혼동하기 쉬운

pior vs mau

It is the base form.

Mau is 'bad'. Pior is 'worse'. You use 'mau' to describe one thing and 'pior' to compare two.

O tempo está mau, mas ontem estava pior.

pior vs mal

It is the adverbial base form.

Mal is 'badly'. Pior is 'worse/more badly'.

Ele canta mal, mas o irmão canta pior.

pior vs piora

It is the noun form.

Piora is 'the worsening' (noun). Pior is 'worse' (adjective).

Houve uma piora no estado do paciente.

pior vs piorar

It is the verb form.

Piorar is the action of getting worse. Pior is the state of being worse.

A situação vai piorar se não fizermos nada.

pior vs melhor

It is the opposite.

Melhor is 'better'. Pior is 'worse'. They are direct opposites.

Este é melhor, aquele é pior.

문장 패턴

[Noun] é pior que [Noun].

O café é pior que o chá.

O pior é que [Clause].

O pior é que perdi a chave.

[Verb] cada vez pior.

Ele canta cada vez pior.

Na pior das hipóteses, [Clause].

Na pior das hipóteses, vamos de táxi.

Pior do que [Noun] é [Noun].

Pior do que a chuva é o vento.

Malgrado [Noun], a situação é pior.

Malgrado o esforço, a situação é pior.

Eu estou pior.

Eu estou pior hoje.

Estes são os piores.

Estes são os piores dias.

어휘 가족

명사

piora (worsening)

pequenez (smallness - related in scale)

maldade (badness/evil)

동사

piorar (to worsen / to get worse)

형용사

mau (bad - the root)

péssimo (terrible/worst)

pejorativo (pejorative)

사용법

frequency

Very high; it is one of the top 500 most used words in Portuguese.

자주 하는 실수

mais mau → pior
Portuguese uses irregular comparatives for 'bad'. 'Mais mau' is incorrect in standard speech.
as coisa pior → as coisas piores
The adjective must agree in number with the plural noun 'coisas'.
pior de que → pior do que
The correct comparative prepositional phrase is 'do que' or just 'que'.
ele é o pior aluno de a classe → ele é o pior aluno da classe
Remember to contract 'de' + 'a' into 'da'.
o pior é que eu perdi → o pior é que eu perdi
Actually, this is correct, but students often forget the 'o' before 'pior'.

팁

Avoid 'Mais Mau'

This is the golden rule. Always use 'pior'. It makes you sound like a native speaker immediately.

Use 'Do Que'

When comparing, 'pior do que' sounds more natural in speech than just 'pior que'.

Learn 'Melhor' Too

Since 'melhor' and 'pior' follow the same rules, learning them together doubles your comparative power.

Slang Agreement

In Brazil, if someone complains, just say 'Pior!' to show you agree. It's a great conversation filler.

Plural Agreement

Always check if your noun is plural. 'As coisas piores' is correct; 'As coisas pior' is not.

Stress the End

The stress is on the 'OR' part. Say it like 'pi-OR'.

Weather Reports

Listen to weather forecasts to hear 'pior' used to describe storms and temperature drops.

De Mal a Pior

Use this phrase to describe a series of unfortunate events. It's very common and expressive.

Rank Things

Practice by ranking movies or foods. It's the best way to get used to the word.

Medical Use

If you are at a doctor, 'pior' is the key word to describe symptoms that aren't going away.

암기하기

기억법

Think of the word 'pejorative'. A pejorative comment is a 'worse' way to describe someone. 'Pior' starts like 'pejorative'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a downward arrow on a graph. The arrow is pointing to the word 'pior' at the bottom.

Word Web

mau pior piorar pessimo melhor comparativo superlativo inferior

챌린지

Try to find three things in your house and rank them from 'bom' (good) to 'mau' (bad) to 'pior' (worse).

어원

Derived from the Latin word 'pejor', which is the comparative of 'malus' (bad). This Latin root is also where the English word 'pejorative' comes from.

원래 의미: The original meaning in Latin was 'worse', specifically in terms of quality or moral value.

Romance (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'pior' to describe people; it can be very insulting if used as 'o pior' (the worst).

English speakers often struggle with the lack of 'more bad'. Remember that 'pior' is like 'worse', not 'more bad'.

The movie 'O Pior Homem de Londres' (The Worst Man in London). The Brazilian song 'Pior que eu' by Felipe Araújo. The common proverb 'O pior cego é o que não quer ver'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Weather

O tempo está pior.
A chuva ficou pior.
O pior da tempestade.
Previsão de tempo pior.

Health

Sinto-me pior.
A dor está pior.
O estado do paciente piorou.
Não podia estar pior.

Quality

Este é pior.
Qualidade pior que a outra.
O pior produto da loja.
Pior do que o esperado.

Situations

A situação ficou pior.
O pior é que...
Na pior das hipóteses.
De mal a pior.

Comparisons

Pior que ontem.
Pior do que antes.
Muito pior que isso.
Nada pior que mentira.

대화 시작하기

"Você acha que o trânsito está pior hoje?"

"Qual foi o pior filme que você já viu?"

"O tempo vai ficar pior no fim de semana?"

"Você já teve um dia pior que este?"

"O que é pior: o frio ou o calor?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma situação que foi de mal a pior e como você resolveu.

Qual é o pior hábito que você gostaria de mudar?

Escreva sobre o pior conselho que você já recebeu.

Compare dois restaurantes e explique por que um é pior que o outro.

O que você acha que é o pior problema do mundo hoje?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In 99% of cases, no. It is considered a grammatical error. You should always use 'pior'. The only exception is when comparing two qualities of the same person, but even then, it is very rare.

It is both! 'Pior' is an invariable adjective regarding gender. You use it for both 'o homem pior' and 'a mulher pior'. However, it does change for number: 'os piores' and 'as piores'.

'Pior' is a comparative (worse). 'Péssimo' is an absolute superlative (terrible/the worst possible). Use 'pior' when comparing and 'péssimo' to say something is extremely bad on its own.

Just add the definite article before 'pior'. For example: 'o pior' (the worst - masculine) or 'a pior' (the worst - feminine).

Yes, 'pior' can be an adverb. For example: 'Ele se sente pior' (He feels worse/more badly).

It is an idiom that means 'from bad to worse'. It describes a situation that is continuously declining.

Yes, but be careful. Calling someone 'o pior' is a strong insult. Comparing someone by saying they are 'pior que' another person is common in contexts like sports or skills.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way in both countries, although Brazilians might use it more as a slang agreement.

The verb is 'piorar'. For example: 'A situação piorou' (The situation got worse).

Extremely common. It is one of the essential words for any beginner to learn to express opinions and comparisons.

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