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A2 noun 10분 분량

que horrível!

예시
설명 que horrível! in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are introduced to que horrível! as a fixed chunk of language. At this stage, you don't need to worry deeply about the grammar of why 'que' is used instead of 'como'. You should simply learn it as a single unit that means 'How horrible!' or 'That is awful!'. It is a very useful 'survival' phrase because it allows you to react to things without needing to build complex sentences. If someone shows you a picture of a car crash, or if you taste something you really dislike, you can simply say 'Que horrível!'. It is important to remember two things at this level: first, the 'h' is silent, so you start with the 'o' sound. Second, the 'rr' is a strong sound from the back of your throat. Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect yet, using this phrase will make you sound more engaged in conversations. You should use it sparingly for things that are truly bad, as using it for everything might make you sound a bit too dramatic. Practice saying it with a shocked face to help remember the meaning. It is one of the first emotional reactions you will learn, alongside 'que bom' (how good) and 'que legal' (how cool/nice). By mastering this, you are starting to develop the ability to show empathy in Portuguese, which is a key part of the culture.
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At the A2 level, you begin to understand the structure behind que horrível!. You are likely learning about exclamatory sentences using 'Que + Adjective'. This is a very common pattern in Portuguese. You can now start to expand the phrase. Instead of just saying 'Que horrível!', you might say 'Que notícia horrível!' (What horrible news!) or 'Que tempo horrível!' (What horrible weather!). You should also be aware of the plural form: if you are talking about multiple things, you say 'Que coisas horríveis!'. At this level, you should focus on using the phrase as a response to stories your friends tell you. If a friend says they lost their keys, 'Que horrível!' is a perfect, empathetic response. You are also learning to distinguish between different levels of 'badness'. You might use 'Que chato!' for a minor problem and save 'Que horrível!' for something more serious. Pay attention to the accent mark on the 'í' in 'horrível'—this tells you where the stress of the word is. Without that accent, the word would be pronounced differently. This level is about moving from simple reactions to using the phrase appropriately within a simple conversation to maintain social flow.
As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using que horrível! in various contexts and with correct intonation. You understand that this phrase is not just a description but a social tool. You are now able to use it to react to more complex situations, such as social injustices or political news. You should also start to notice the difference between 'Que horrível' and 'Que horror'. While they are often interchangeable, 'Que horror' is a bit more punchy and can sound more shocked or disgusted. At B1, you are also learning about word families. You know that 'horrível' is related to 'horror' (horror) and 'horripilante' (horrifying). You might also start to use the adverbial form 'horrivelmente' (horribly) in sentences like 'Ele canta horrivelmente' (He sings horribly). You should be careful not to over-rely on 'que horrível' and start incorporating other synonyms like 'que péssimo' or 'que lamentável' (how regrettable) to make your speech more varied. You are also more aware of regional differences; for instance, how a Brazilian might emphasize the word differently than someone from Lisbon. Your goal at this level is to sound more natural by matching your emotional intensity to the situation using the correct variation of the phrase.
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At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of que horrível!. You can use it ironically or sarcastically in the right company, although this requires a very specific tone of voice. You understand the pragmatic implications of using such a strong word. You know that in a formal business meeting, saying 'que horrível' might be too informal or emotional, and you might choose 'isso é muito preocupante' (this is very worrying) instead. However, in the breakroom with colleagues, 'que horrível' is perfectly fine. You are also familiar with the historical and etymological roots of the word, which comes from the Latin 'horribilis', meaning 'to cause to stand on end' (like hair standing up in fear). This helps you appreciate the physical sensation of 'horror' that the word conveys. You can also use the phrase in complex sentences, such as 'É horrível que isso ainda aconteça hoje em dia' (It is horrible that this still happens nowadays). Your pronunciation should be near-native, especially the guttural 'rr' and the vocalized 'l' at the end. You are able to follow fast-paced conversations where this phrase is used as a quick interjection and you don't lose the thread of the discussion.
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At the C1 level, your use of que horrível! is sophisticated and context-aware. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'Que horrível!', 'Que horror!', 'Que espanto!', and 'Que atrocidade!'. You can analyze how these expressions are used in literature to convey a character's internal state. You are aware of the phonetic nuances—how the 'e' in 'que' might almost disappear in fast speech ('q'horrível'). You can also use the word 'horrível' in more abstract ways, such as describing a 'vazio horrível' (a horrible emptiness) or an 'erro horrível' (a horrible mistake) in a formal essay. You understand the stylistic choice of placing the adjective before or after a noun in more complex structures, although in the exclamatory 'que' pattern, the order is fixed. At this level, you can also engage in discussions about the word itself, perhaps debating whether it is overused in modern media. You are sensitive to the cultural weight of the word—how it might be used to describe historical traumas in the Lusophone world, such as the colonial era or periods of dictatorship. Your use of the phrase is no longer just a learned reaction but a conscious choice of expression that fits perfectly into the flow of high-level discourse.
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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of que horrível! and its place in the Portuguese language. You are familiar with its use in classic Portuguese and Brazilian literature, where authors might use it to evoke a visceral reaction in the reader. You understand the full range of its emotional and social functions, including its use in dark humor or as a hyperbolic expression of minor distaste. You can navigate the most subtle social cues, knowing exactly when 'que horrível' would be too strong, too weak, or perfectly appropriate. You are also aware of how the phrase has evolved over time and how it might differ across the various Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and Asia. You can use the word 'horrível' as a springboard for complex linguistic play or puns. Your pronunciation is flawless, capturing the exact regional accent you are aiming for. At this stage, the phrase is a tool you use with precision and grace, whether you are writing a screenplay, giving a speech, or participating in a heated intellectual debate. You understand that while the phrase is simple in structure, its effective use is a sign of deep cultural and linguistic integration.
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예시
The Portuguese expression que horrível! is a powerful and versatile exclamatory phrase used across the Lusophone world to express a wide range of negative emotions, primarily focusing on strong disapproval, dismay, shock, or empathy. At its core, the word que functions as an intensifier, similar to the English word 'how' or 'what a', while horrível is an adjective meaning horrible, awful, or dreadful. When combined, they form a standard reaction to unpleasant information or sights. This phrase is a staple of daily conversation because it allows the speaker to immediately signal their emotional stance regarding a situation without needing a complex sentence structure. In social dynamics, using this phrase is often a form of 'backchanneling,' which is a way to show the person you are talking to that you are actively listening and sharing in their emotional state. For example, if a friend describes a long and frustrating delay at the airport, saying que horrível! validates their frustration. It is not merely a description of an object but a tool for social bonding through shared indignation or pity.
Emotional Intensity
The phrase carries a high level of emotional weight. It is used for things that are genuinely upsetting, such as an accident, a tragic news story, or a very bad personal experience. It is stronger than saying 'que ruim' (how bad) and implies a sense of being appalled.

When Maria heard about the flood in the neighboring town, she gasped and said: que horrível!.

Social Context
In Portuguese culture, showing empathy is highly valued. Using this phrase when someone shares bad news is considered polite and emotionally intelligent. It shows that you are not indifferent to the suffering or inconvenience of others.

Looking at the burnt remains of the historic building, the reporter exclaimed: que horrível!.

Grammatical Flexibility
While often used as a standalone interjection, it can be expanded into 'que coisa horrível' (what a horrible thing) or 'que situação horrível' (what a horrible situation) to provide more specific focus to the sentiment.

After tasting the soup that had too much salt, the chef whispered to himself: que horrível!.

The student looked at his failing grade and muttered: que horrível!.

Upon seeing the massive traffic jam on the highway, the driver shouted: que horrível!.

Using que horrível! effectively requires understanding its role as a reactive phrase. It is rarely the start of a new topic but rather a response to a stimulus. The syntax is straightforward: the word 'que' is followed immediately by the adjective 'horrível'. In Portuguese, this pattern is used for many exclamations, such as 'que bom' (how good), 'que lindo' (how beautiful), or 'que difícil' (how difficult). One of the most important aspects of using this phrase is the prosody—the rhythm and pitch of your voice. To convey genuine dismay, the word 'que' is usually short, and the stress falls heavily on the second syllable of 'horrível' (ho-RRÍ-vel). If you want to emphasize how truly terrible something is, you might elongate the 'rrí' sound.
Structural Variations
You can modify the phrase by adding nouns. 'Que notícia horrível!' (What a horrible news!) or 'Que tempo horrível!' (What horrible weather!). This makes the expression more specific while maintaining the same emotional impact.

When João saw the graffiti on the ancient statue, he said: que horrível!.

Agreement Rules
The adjective 'horrível' is invariable for gender, meaning it stays the same whether you are talking about a masculine noun like 'o filme' or a feminine noun like 'a comida'. However, it does change for number: 'Que coisas horríveis!' (What horrible things!).

The student told her teacher about her lost laptop, and the teacher replied: que horrível!.

Placement in Conversation
It often appears as a standalone sentence. It can be preceded by 'Ai,' which is a common Portuguese filler word for pain or shock, as in 'Ai, que horrível!'. This adds a layer of personal distress to the exclamation.

Hearing about the cancellation of the long-awaited concert, the fan cried out: que horrível!.

The witness described the scene of the crime, and the detective noted: que horrível!.

Looking at the mountain of trash left on the beach, the tourist said: que horrível!.

You will encounter que horrível! in a vast array of settings, from the most casual social gatherings to serious news broadcasts. In the domestic sphere, it is a frequent reaction to everyday mishaps—dropping a glass, burnt dinner, or a child’s scraped knee. In public settings, such as cafes or public transport, you might hear it as people discuss the latest headlines or local gossip. It is a very common response in the 'fofoca' (gossip) culture, where listeners use it to show they are engaged with the drama being narrated. On television, news anchors might use it (or a variation) when reporting on natural disasters or tragic accidents to reflect the public's sentiment. In literature and cinema, it serves as a quick way for characters to express internal or external conflict.
News Media
In journalism, while the tone is generally objective, the phrase 'que horrível' might appear in interviews with witnesses or victims. It captures the raw human reaction to a tragic event better than more formal language.

The news reporter interviewed a neighbor about the fire, who said: que horrível!.

Social Media
On platforms like Twitter (X) or Instagram, you will see 'que horrível' as a comment on posts showing injustice, bad fashion choices, or unfortunate news. It is often accompanied by emojis like the crying face or the shocked face.

The woman saw the stray dog shivering in the rain and whispered: que horrível!.

Workplace Dynamics
In an office, colleagues might use it when discussing a difficult client, a sudden deadline, or a computer crash. It serves as a way to vent shared frustration in a professional yet emotionally honest way.

Seeing the long line at the bank, the elderly man sighed: que horrível!.

The student opened the textbook and saw the complex math problem, thinking: que horrível!.

The traveler arrived at the hotel and found it was nothing like the pictures: que horrível!.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using que horrível! is related to the literal translation of 'how'. In English, we say 'How horrible!', but students often try to translate 'how' as 'como', resulting in 'como horrível', which is completely incorrect in this context. In Portuguese, the word for 'how' in exclamations is almost always 'que'. Another common error is mispronouncing the silent 'h'. Because 'horrible' in English has a voiced 'h', learners often carry that breathy sound over to Portuguese. In Portuguese, the 'h' at the start of a word is always silent, so the word begins with the 'o' sound.
The 'RR' Sound
Failing to produce the guttural 'rr' is a major marker of an English accent. If you pronounce it with a tapped 'r' (like in 'pero' in Spanish) or an English 'r', it may be misunderstood. It must be the back-of-the-throat rasp.

The student said 'Como horrível!' instead of que horrível! and the teacher corrected him.

Overusing Intensity
Sometimes learners use 'que horrível' for minor inconveniences where 'que chato' (how annoying/boring) would be more appropriate. Using 'horrível' for a slightly late bus might seem overly dramatic depending on the cultural context.

Ricardo pronounced the 'h' in que horrível! and his Brazilian friend didn't understand him at first.

Confusing with 'Terrível'
While 'terrível' also means terrible, 'horrível' is much more common as a reactive exclamation. 'Terrível' can sometimes imply a certain power or magnitude, whereas 'horrível' is the go-to for sensory or moral disgust.

The tourist tried to say 'que horrível' but forgot the 'que', just saying 'horrível!', which sounds a bit incomplete in a conversation.

Maria used 'que horrível' to describe a slightly cold coffee, and her friends laughed because she was being too dramatic.

The student wrote 'que horrível' without the accent on the 'í', which changes the pronunciation and is a spelling error.

To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know when to use que horrível! versus its synonyms. The Portuguese language has many ways to express negativity, ranging from mild annoyance to profound tragedy. Understanding the scale of these expressions will help you navigate social situations more effectively.
Que Horror!
This is perhaps the closest synonym. While 'que horrível' uses an adjective, 'que horror' uses a noun. It is often used for things that are morally shocking or physically repulsive. It is very common in Portugal.
Que Chato!
This means 'how annoying' or 'what a bummer'. Use this for minor problems like a rained-out picnic or a broken shoelace. Using 'que horrível' for these would be considered an exaggeration.

Instead of que horrível!, he said 'que chato' when he found out the bakery was closed.

Que Péssimo!
'Péssimo' is the superlative of 'mau' (bad). This is used for things that are of very low quality or very unfortunate events. It is slightly more formal but very common in Brazil.

She exclaimed 'que horror!' when she saw the messy room, which felt more natural than que horrível! in that context.

Que Trágico!
Reserved for truly catastrophic events involving loss of life or great suffering. It is more specific and formal than 'que horrível'.

The teenager said 'que bosta' (vulgar) to his friends, but used que horrível! when talking to his grandmother.

When the movie ended on a sad note, the audience whispered: que horrível!.

The student compared the two phrases and realized that que horrível! was the most versatile for showing empathy.

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수준별 예문

1

Que horrível!

How horrible!

A1 learners should treat this as a fixed expression.

2

O café está frio. Que horrível!

The coffee is cold. How horrible!

Simple reaction to a negative sensory experience.

3

Que notícia horrível!

What horrible news!

Adding a noun to the exclamatory 'que' structure.

4

Ai, que horrível!

Oh, how horrible!

Using 'Ai' as an emotional filler before the exclamation.

5

Que tempo horrível!

What horrible weather!

Describing the environment with 'que' + noun + adjective.

6

O filme é horrível.

The movie is horrible.

Using 'horrível' in a simple declarative sentence.

7

Que comida horrível!

What horrible food!

Exclaiming about the quality of an object.

8

Que coisa horrível!

What a horrible thing!

Using 'coisa' as a generic noun for any bad situation.

1

Você perdeu o ônibus? Que horrível!

You missed the bus? How horrible!

Reactive empathy to a common problem.

2

Que situação horrível para você.

What a horrible situation for you.

Expanding the phrase to show direct empathy.

3

Ouvi dizer que o restaurante fechou. Que horrível!

I heard the restaurant closed. How horrible!

Reacting to information shared in conversation.

4

Que coisas horríveis ele disse!

What horrible things he said!

Plural agreement: 'coisas' (feminine plural) + 'horríveis'.

5

O trânsito hoje está horrível.

The traffic today is horrible.

Using 'horrível' to describe a current state.

6

Que cheiro horrível é este?

What horrible smell is this?

Using the phrase in a question-like exclamation.

7

Ela teve um dia horrível no trabalho.

She had a horrible day at work.

Adjective modifying 'dia' (masculine singular).

8

Que desenho horrível!

What a horrible drawing!

Simple 'que' + noun + adjective structure.

1

É horrível ver tanta pobreza nas ruas.

It's horrible to see so much poverty on the streets.

Using 'É horrível' followed by an infinitive verb.

2

Que horrível! Eu não sabia que ela estava doente.

How horrible! I didn't know she was sick.

Using the exclamation to react to serious personal news.

3

O acidente foi horrível, mas todos estão bem.

The accident was horrible, but everyone is fine.

Contrasting a 'horrible' event with a positive outcome.

4

Que experiência horrível você teve no hotel!

What a horrible experience you had at the hotel!

Specific noun 'experiência' used with the exclamatory 'que'.

5

Achei o comportamento dele horrível.

I found his behavior horrible.

Using the verb 'achar' (to find/think) with 'horrível'.

6

Que horrível! Como isso pôde acontecer?

How horrible! How could this happen?

Combining the exclamation with a rhetorical question.

7

O barulho aqui é simplesmente horrível.

The noise here is simply horrible.

Using 'simplesmente' (simply) to intensify 'horrível'.

8

Que ideia horrível foi essa de sair sem casaco!

What a horrible idea that was to go out without a coat!

Using 'que' + noun + adjective to criticize an action.

1

É absolutamente horrível a forma como eles tratam os animais.

It is absolutely horrible the way they treat animals.

Using 'absolutamente' for maximum emphasis.

2

Que horrível! Espero que a situação se resolva logo.

How horrible! I hope the situation gets resolved soon.

Using the exclamation followed by a wish in the subjunctive mood.

3

Foi um erro horrível, mas temos que seguir em frente.

It was a horrible mistake, but we have to move forward.

Using 'horrível' to describe a professional failure.

4

Que horrível! Não consigo nem imaginar a dor dele.

How horrible! I can't even imagine his pain.

Expressing deep empathy and inability to comprehend suffering.

5

A qualidade do som estava horrível durante o concerto.

The sound quality was horrible during the concert.

Technical use of 'horrível' to describe quality.

6

Que coisa horrível de se dizer a uma criança!

What a horrible thing to say to a child!

Complex exclamatory structure with a prepositional phrase.

7

Achei horrível que ninguém tenha ajudado a senhora.

I found it horrible that nobody helped the lady.

Expressing moral judgment with 'Achei horrível que' + subjunctive.

8

Que horrível! Isso estraga completamente os nossos planos.

How horrible! That completely ruins our plans.

Reacting to an event that has negative consequences.

1

A negligência do governo resultou numa tragédia horrível.

The government's negligence resulted in a horrible tragedy.

Formal sentence structure using 'horrível' as a descriptive adjective.

2

Que horrível! Sinto uma profunda repulsa por tais atos.

How horrible! I feel a deep revulsion for such acts.

Using high-level vocabulary ('repulsa', 'atos') with the exclamation.

3

O impacto ambiental daquela empresa é simplesmente horrível.

The environmental impact of that company is simply horrible.

Discussing complex topics with 'horrível'.

4

Que horrível! É de bradar aos céus tamanha injustiça.

How horrible! Such injustice is enough to cry out to the heavens.

Using an idiomatic expression ('bradar aos céus') with the exclamation.

5

A peça de teatro foi horrível, uma verdadeira perda de tempo.

The play was horrible, a true waste of time.

Critical evaluation using 'horrível'.

6

Que horrível! A falta de empatia hoje em dia é assustadora.

How horrible! The lack of empathy nowadays is frightening.

Philosophical observation starting with the exclamation.

7

Foi uma experiência horrível que me marcou para sempre.

It was a horrible experience that marked me forever.

Using a relative clause to describe the lasting impact of a 'horrible' event.

8

Que horrível! Não há palavras para descrever tamanha crueldade.

How horrible! There are no words to describe such cruelty.

Acknowledging the limits of language when faced with horror.

1

A descrição das condições nas minas era absolutamente horrível.

The description of the conditions in the mines was absolutely horrible.

Academic or historical context.

2

Que horrível! É a antítese de tudo o que defendemos.

How horrible! It is the antithesis of everything we stand for.

Using high-level concepts like 'antítese'.

3

O autor utiliza o adjetivo 'horrível' para evocar um realismo visceral.

The author uses the adjective 'horrible' to evoke a visceral realism.

Metalinguistic analysis of the word itself.

4

Que horrível! Tal constatação obriga-nos a repensar a nossa estratégia.

How horrible! Such a realization forces us to rethink our strategy.

Using the exclamation in a high-stakes professional context.

5

A cacofonia resultante era, para dizer o mínimo, horrível.

The resulting cacophony was, to say the least, horrible.

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