Meaning
Caused strong public disagreement or argument.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'polêmica' is often associated with 'programas de fofoca' (gossip shows) and reality shows like 'Big Brother Brasil'. A 'polêmica' can make or break a celebrity's career. Portuguese 'polêmicas' often involve historical figures or national identity. For example, debates about the Age of Discovery often 'suscitam polêmica' in academic circles. In Angolan media, the phrase is frequently used in political discourse and social critiques regarding urban development and economic shifts. Used often in the context of environmental issues and international aid distribution debates.
Use with 'Acalorada'
To sound like a native C1 speaker, use the adjective 'acalorada' (heated): 'Suscitou uma polêmica acalorada'.
Avoid 'Fazer'
Native speakers rarely say 'fazer polêmica' unless they mean someone is being 'dramatic' in a shallow way.
Meaning
Caused strong public disagreement or argument.
Use with 'Acalorada'
To sound like a native C1 speaker, use the adjective 'acalorada' (heated): 'Suscitou uma polêmica acalorada'.
Avoid 'Fazer'
Native speakers rarely say 'fazer polêmica' unless they mean someone is being 'dramatic' in a shallow way.
Media Literacy
When you see this in a headline, expect the article to present two opposing viewpoints.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta do verbo 'suscitar'.
A nova exposição de arte moderna ________ muita polêmica na semana passada.
The sentence refers to 'last week' (semana passada), requiring the Pretérito Perfeito Singular.
Qual destas frases usa a expressão de forma correta e natural?
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a public, discursive event, which is the correct context for the phrase.
Combine o verbo com o substantivo para formar colocações comuns.
Combine:
These are standard collocations in Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesA nova exposição de arte moderna ________ muita polêmica na semana passada.
The sentence refers to 'last week' (semana passada), requiring the Pretérito Perfeito Singular.
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a public, discursive event, which is the correct context for the phrase.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard collocations in Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it can also be used with 'dúvidas' (doubts), 'interesse' (interest), or 'suspeitas' (suspicions).
Yes, but it might sound a bit formal or ironic depending on the topic.
'Polêmica' is usually more aggressive and public; 'controvérsia' can be more technical or academic.
Related Phrases
Gerar polêmica
synonymTo generate controversy
Dar o que falar
similarTo give people something to talk about
Pôr lenha na fogueira
builds onTo add fuel to the fire
Dividir opiniões
similarTo divide opinions
