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B1 verb #6,500 most common 10 min read

afligir-se

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips afligir-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation afligir-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn basic emotions like 'triste' (sad) or 'feliz' (happy). 'Afligir-se' is a bit too complex for this level, but you might encounter its adjective form 'aflito' (distressed/worried). Think of it as a 'very strong worry.' If you are an A1 learner, you don't need to conjugate this verb yet, but you should recognize that when someone says 'Não se aflija,' they are telling you 'Don't worry.' It's like a more formal version of 'Não se preocupe.' At this stage, focus on the fact that it is a reflexive verb, meaning it needs those little words like 'me' or 'se.' You might hear it in a simple story where a character is 'aflito' because they lost their dog. Just remember: 'afligir-se' equals 'big worry.'

As an A2 learner, you are starting to use reflexive verbs more often, like 'levantar-se' or 'lavar-se.' 'Afligir-se' follows the same pattern. You can use it in simple past or present sentences. For example, 'Eu me aflijo com o exame' (I am distressed about the exam). You should start to notice the difference between 'preocupar-se' (to worry) and 'afligir-se' (to be distressed). 'Afligir-se' is what you feel when the problem is more serious. You might see this word in short news clips or intermediate-level reading texts. A good goal at A2 is to be able to say 'Não se aflija' to a friend to show empathy. Also, pay attention to the spelling change in the first person: 'Eu aflijo-me'—that 'j' is important for the pronunciation!

At the B1 level, 'afligir-se' is a key word for expressing more complex emotions. You are expected to talk about your feelings and opinions in more detail. Instead of just saying you are 'preocupado,' using 'afligir-se' shows you have a better grasp of Portuguese vocabulary. You should be comfortable conjugating it in the present, preterite, and imperfect tenses. You also need to know which prepositions to use: 'afligir-se COM' or 'afligir-se POR.' At this level, you might use it to discuss social issues or personal struggles. For instance, 'Muitas pessoas afligem-se com a situação política.' You're also learning about pronoun placement, so remember that 'Não se aflija' is the standard way to use it in the negative.

For B2 learners, 'afligir-se' should be part of your active vocabulary. You should be able to use it in the subjunctive mood, which is common for expressing feelings. For example: 'É natural que ele se aflija com as notícias' (It's natural that he is distressed by the news). You should also understand the nuance of using this verb versus synonyms like 'angustiar-se' or 'inquietar-se.' At this level, you will encounter 'afligir-se' in more sophisticated literature and formal debates. You should be able to explain *why* someone might be 'aflito.' You also start to see the word used in more abstract ways, such as 'afligir-se com o destino da humanidade.' Your pronunciation should be clear, especially the distinction between the 'g' in the infinitive and the 'j' in 'aflijo.'

At the C1 level, you are exploring the literary and historical depths of the word. You might encounter 'afligir-se' in classical Portuguese texts or high-level academic writing. You should understand how it relates to the concept of 'aflição' in a philosophical sense. You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as using it in the future subjunctive or the personal infinitive: 'Se te afligires sem razão, ficarás cansado.' You should also be aware of the different registers—using 'afligir-se' in a formal speech versus using more colloquial terms in a casual setting. You can now use the word to describe collective emotional states or historical periods of distress. Your command of the reflexive pronoun placement should be flawless, even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.

As a C2 learner, you have a native-like understanding of 'afligir-se.' You can appreciate the poetic nuances of the verb in fado lyrics or modern poetry. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the reflexive pronoun is omitted (transforming it into a transitive verb). You can use it to discuss existential themes, such as 'afligir-se perante o vazio da existência.' You are also familiar with rare or archaic forms and can use the verb in highly formal or legalistic contexts if necessary. You might even use it ironically or sarcastically to comment on someone's overreaction. For you, the word is not just a vocabulary item, but a tool for precise emotional expression, allowing you to distinguish between 'preocupação,' 'aflição,' 'angústia,' and 'desespero' with total confidence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

afligir-se in 30 Seconds

A reflexive verb meaning to be distressed or deeply worried.
Stronger than 'preocupar-se', carrying more emotional weight.
Requires reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos).
Commonly used with the prepositions 'com' or 'por'.

The Portuguese verb afligir-se is a reflexive verb that translates most closely to 'to be distressed,' 'to worry oneself,' or 'to grieve.' While the English word 'worry' is often covered by the more common preocupar-se, afligir-se carries a heavier emotional weight. It implies a sense of affliction, deep anxiety, or even physical-emotional pain resulting from a situation. When a speaker uses this word, they are describing a state where the mind is not just busy with a problem, but the spirit is actually suffering. It is a B1-level word because it moves beyond basic needs and feelings into the realm of nuanced emotional states.

Emotional Intensity: Unlike the everyday 'preocupação' (worry), 'aflição' (distress) suggests a deeper, more visceral reaction. It is the difference between worrying about being late and being distressed by a loved one's illness.

Não vale a pena afligir-se por coisas que não podemos mudar.

In European Portuguese, you might hear this more in formal contexts or literature, whereas in Brazil, while still formal, it appears frequently in news reports and religious or spiritual discussions. The verb is inherently reflexive; you are essentially 'afflicting yourself.' This grammatical structure highlights that the distress is an internal state being experienced by the subject.

Contextual Usage: It is commonly used with the prepositions 'com' (with) or 'por' (by/for). For example, 'afligir-se com as notícias' (to be distressed by the news).

Muitas mães tendem a afligir-se quando os filhos demoram a chegar a casa.

Historically, the word comes from the Latin 'affligere,' meaning to strike down or crush. This etymology helps explain why the word feels so much 'heavier' than a simple worry. It is as if the situation is weighing down on the person's soul.

Synonym Comparison: While 'angustiar-se' is even more extreme (closer to 'to be in agony'), 'afligir-se' sits perfectly in the middle—stronger than 'preocupar-se' but more common in daily speech than 'angustiar-se'.

Ao ver o estado do planeta, o cientista começou a afligir-se seriamente.

Ela afligiu-se tanto que acabou por ficar doente.

Não te aflijas, tudo se vai resolver no final.

Using afligir-se correctly requires attention to its reflexive nature. This means the pronoun (me, te, se, nos) must change to match the subject. In Portuguese, the placement of this pronoun can vary depending on whether you are in Brazil or Portugal, and whether the sentence is negative or starts with certain trigger words. For instance, in a negative sentence, the 'se' comes before the verb: 'Não se aflija.' In a standard affirmative sentence in Portugal, it often follows: 'Aflijo-me.'

Reflexive Conjugation: Eu aflijo-me (I am distressed), Tu afliges-te, Ele/Ela aflige-se, Nós afligimo-nos, Eles/Elas afligem-se. Note the 'g' to 'j' change in the first person singular present to keep the sound soft.

Eu aflijo-me sempre que vejo injustiças no mundo.

One of the most common ways to use this verb is in the imperative (giving advice or commands). Telling someone 'Não se aflija' is a polite and caring way to provide comfort. It is more sophisticated than 'Não se preocupe' and shows a deeper understanding of the person's pain.

Prepositional Pairs: The verb is almost always followed by 'com' (with/by) or 'por' (because of). 'Afligir-se com' is used for the cause of the distress, while 'afligir-se por' often points to the reason or the person you are worried about.

Eles afligiram-se por causa da demora do avião.

In literary contexts, you might see the verb used to describe the state of a nation or a community. 'A nação aflige-se com a crise econômica.' This shows that the verb scales from individual emotions to collective experiences.

O povo aflige-se perante a incerteza do amanhã.

Past Tense Usage: In the preterite, it describes a specific moment of distress: 'Ontem, ela afligiu-se ao ler a carta.' In the imperfect, it describes a continuous state: 'Ele afligia-se todas as noites.'

Nós afligimo-nos bastante com aquela situação inesperada.

Não vale a pena afligires-te tanto, meu amigo.

Por que é que tu te afliges com coisas tão pequenas?

You are likely to encounter afligir-se in several specific contexts. First, in Portuguese literature, from the classics like Machado de Assis to modern novelists, this verb is a staple for describing the internal turmoil of characters. It provides a more evocative image than simply saying they were 'sad.' Second, in journalism, especially when reporting on tragedies, natural disasters, or socio-economic crises, news anchors and writers use it to describe the public's reaction. You might see headlines like 'Famílias afligem-se com o desaparecimento de jovens.'

News and Media: Media outlets use the term to evoke empathy. It highlights the human element of a story, moving beyond cold statistics to the emotional reality of those affected.

O país aflige-se perante a subida vertiginosa dos preços.

Another common place is in religious or philosophical discourse. In sermons or spiritual guidance, the focus is often on the 'aflições da alma' (distresses of the soul). Here, 'afligir-se' is seen as a natural but difficult part of the human condition, often contrasted with 'paz' (peace) or 'fé' (faith).

Medical and Therapeutic Settings: In a doctor's office or during therapy, a patient might say 'Aflijo-me com a ideia de ser operado.' It helps the professional understand the level of anxiety the patient is experiencing.

O paciente aflige-se com a demora dos resultados dos exames.

In everyday conversation, it is used when the speaker wants to be more expressive. While a teenager might just say 'Tô preocupado' (I'm worried), an older person or someone speaking more formally might say 'Isso me aflige' (That distresses me). It signals that the matter is serious and not just a passing thought.

Cinema and Telenovelas: In dramatic scenes, characters often use this verb to express their deep concern for another character's well-being or a tragic turn of events.

Não se aflija, minha senhora, o seu filho está em boas mãos.

Muitos se afligem sem necessidade real.

Podemos afligir-nos com o estado do mundo, mas devemos agir.

The most common mistake English speakers make with afligir-se is treating it like a non-reflexive verb. In English, you 'worry' or 'get distressed,' but in Portuguese, you 'distress yourself.' Forgetting the reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos) is a major error. For example, saying 'Eu aflijo com isso' is incorrect; it must be 'Eu me aflijo com isso' or 'Aflijo-me com isso.'

The 'G' to 'J' Spelling Trap: Because the infinitive is 'afligir' (with a 'g'), learners often write 'eu afligo.' However, in Portuguese, 'g' before 'o' makes a hard sound (like 'go' in English). To keep the soft 'zh' sound of the infinitive, the 'g' changes to 'j' in the first person singular: 'eu aflijo.'

Errado: Eu afligo-me. Correto: Eu aflijo-me.

Another mistake is confusing afligir-se with the transitive version afligir. While 'afligir-se' is 'to be distressed,' 'afligir' (without the 'se') means 'to cause distress to someone else.' For instance, 'A notícia afligiu o pai' (The news distressed the father). If you want to say you are the one feeling the emotion, you must use the reflexive form.

Pronoun Placement: Learners often forget that negative words like 'não,' 'nunca,' or 'jamais' pull the pronoun to the front. 'Não se aflija' is correct, while 'Não aflija-se' is considered incorrect in almost all dialects.

Errado: Nunca aflija-se. Correto: Nunca se aflija.

Misinterpreting the intensity is also a subtle mistake. If you use 'afligir-se' for something trivial, like losing a pen, it might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic to a native speaker. Use 'preocupar-se' for small things and reserve 'afligir-se' for matters of health, safety, family, or deep personal concern.

Mixing up Tenses: In the 'nós' form, the 's' at the end of the verb is dropped before 'nos': 'afligimo-nos' (not 'afligimos-nos'). This is a rule for all reflexive verbs in the 'nós' form.

Errado: Nós afligimos-nos. Correto: Nós afligimo-nos.

Afligir-se é humano, mas não deixe que a aflição o domine.

Não te aflijas com o que os outros pensam.

Understanding the spectrum of worry in Portuguese is key to sounding natural. Afligir-se sits in a specific niche between common worry and deep agony. The most frequent alternative is preocupar-se. This is the 'workhorse' verb for any kind of worry, from the mundane to the serious. If you aren't sure which one to use, preocupar-se is always safe, but afligir-se adds that extra layer of emotional distress.

Angustiar-se vs. Afligir-se: 'Angustiar-se' is more intense. It describes a feeling of 'angústia' (anguish), often implying a physical sensation of tightness in the chest or a feeling of being trapped. 'Afligir-se' is more about the mental and spiritual distress caused by a specific situation.

Comparação: Eu preocupo-me com o teste. Eu aflijo-me com a saúde do meu avô.

Another similar verb is inquietar-se. This suggests restlessness or a lack of 'quietude.' It's often used when someone is fidgety or unable to relax because of a thought or suspicion. It's less heavy than 'afligir-se' but more active than 'preocupar-se.'

Tormentar-se and Ralar-se: 'Tormentar-se' means to torment oneself, which is very dramatic. 'Ralar-se' is a more colloquial, almost slang-like term in Portugal (though it can also mean to work hard), meaning to 'fret' or 'grind' one's mind over something.

Não te rales com isso, não vale a pena o esforço mental.

If you want to describe someone who is extremely distressed to the point of desperation, use desesperar-se. This implies a total loss of hope, which 'afligir-se' does not necessarily involve. You can be 'aflito' (distressed) but still have hope that things will improve.

Amofinar-se: This is an older, more 'charming' word that means to be annoyed or slightly distressed. It’s less common now but great for reading older literature.

Ela amofinou-se com a falta de educação do vizinho.

O importante é não afligir-se em demasia.

Os pais inquietam-se com o futuro dos filhos.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word originally had a physical meaning of being 'struck down' by a weapon or a disaster. Over centuries, it moved from a physical action to a psychological state, representing how a problem can 'strike' the heart or mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐ.fli.ˈʒiɾ.sɨ/

US /a.fli.ˈʒiʁ.si/

The stress is on the last syllable of the verb: afligir-SE.

Rhymes With

sentir-se ferir-se pedir-se subir-se ouvir-se dormir-se abrir-se servir-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' (like 'goat') instead of a soft 'zh' sound.
Forgetting the 'j' spelling in 'aflijo'.
Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly in European Portuguese.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in literature and news, but recognizable from 'afflict'.

Writing 4/5

Reflexive pronoun placement and the 'g' to 'j' change can be tricky.

Speaking 4/5

Requires quick thinking for pronoun placement and correct conjugation.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but reflexive pronouns can blend with the verb.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

preocupar-se sentir triste com por

Learn Next

angustiar-se inquietar-se desesperar-se aflição sofrimento

Advanced

mesóclise subjuntivo fado existencialismo

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Proclisis)

Não **se** aflija (negative words attract the pronoun).

Reflexive Pronoun Placement (Enclisis)

Aflijo-**me** (standard affirmative in Portugal).

Spelling Change (G to J)

Eu afli**j**o-me (to maintain the soft sound before 'o').

Reflexive Pronoun in 'Nós' form

Nós afligimo-**nos** (drop the 's' from 'afligimos').

Subjunctive Mood with Emotions

É triste que ele **se aflija** tanto.

Examples by Level

Não se aflija com isso.

Don't worry about that.

Reflexive pronoun 'se' comes before the verb in a negative sentence.

O menino está aflito.

The boy is distressed.

Uses the adjective 'aflito' derived from the verb.

Eu me aflijo quando perdo as chaves.

I get distressed when I lose my keys.

Simple present reflexive conjugation (Brazilian style placement).

Ela se aflige muito rápido.

She gets distressed very quickly.

Reflexive 'se' with the third person singular.

Não te aflijas, mamã.

Don't worry, Mom.

Informal imperative using 'tu'.

Eles se afligem com o barulho.

They get distressed with the noise.

Third person plural present.

Nós nos afligimos com o frio.

We get distressed by the cold.

First person plural reflexive.

Você se aflige por nada.

You get distressed over nothing.

Use of 'você' with 'se'.

Ontem, eu me afligi com o trânsito.

Yesterday, I got distressed with the traffic.

Preterite tense of a reflexive verb.

Ela se afligiu quando viu a conta.

She got distressed when she saw the bill.

Third person preterite.

Nós afligimo-nos com a notícia da chuva.

We were distressed by the news of the rain.

European Portuguese placement; note the dropped 's'.

Por que você se aflige tanto?

Why do you get so distressed?

Question structure with reflexive verb.

Não se aflijam, o teste foi fácil.

Don't be distressed (plural), the test was easy.

Plural imperative.

Ele se afligia todas as vezes que o telefone tocava.

He used to get distressed every time the phone rang.

Imperfect tense for a habitual action.

Afligir-se não ajuda a resolver o problema.

Being distressed doesn't help solve the problem.

Infinitive used as a subject.

Eu nunca me aflijo com o trabalho.

I never get distressed with work.

'Nunca' pulls the pronoun to the front.

Se você se afligir demais, vai acabar doente.

If you get too distressed, you'll end up sick.

Conditional sentence with future subjunctive (afligir).

É normal afligir-se com o futuro profissional.

It's normal to be distressed about one's professional future.

Reflexive infinitive with 'com'.

Ela afligiu-se por não ter chegado a tempo.

She was distressed because she didn't arrive on time.

Preterite with the preposition 'por'.

Espero que ele não se aflija com a mudança.

I hope he doesn't get distressed with the move.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

Nós afligimo-nos com a falta de comunicação.

We are distressed by the lack of communication.

First person plural present.

Afligir-se é um sentimento humano muito comum.

Being distressed is a very common human feeling.

Infinitive as a noun.

Tu te afliges com coisas que eu nem noto.

You get distressed by things I don't even notice.

Second person singular present.

Eles sempre se afligem quando viajam de avião.

They always get distressed when they travel by plane.

'Sempre' pulls the pronoun forward.

Embora se aflija com a situação, ele mantém a calma.

Although he is distressed by the situation, he stays calm.

Subjunctive after 'embora'.

Não vale a pena afligir-se por antecipação.

It's not worth being distressed in advance.

Common idiomatic expression.

Afligir-se-ão eles com o resultado das eleições?

Will they be distressed by the election results?

Future tense with mesoclisis (formal/literary).

Caso te aflijas, podes sempre ligar-me.

In case you get distressed, you can always call me.

Subjunctive after 'caso'.

Ela tinha-se afligido com os boatos que ouviu.

She had been distressed by the rumors she heard.

Past perfect reflexive.

Afligimo-nos ao perceber a gravidade do erro.

We were distressed upon realizing the gravity of the mistake.

Preterite with an infinitive clause.

Muitos jovens afligem-se com a pressão social.

Many young people are distressed by social pressure.

General statement in the present.

Não permitas que o teu coração se aflija.

Do not allow your heart to be distressed.

Subjunctive after a command of permission.

Afligir-se-ia qualquer pessoa sensata perante tal cenário.

Any sensible person would be distressed in the face of such a scenario.

Conditional with mesoclisis.

Pouco se afligem os que nada têm a perder.

Those who have nothing to lose are little distressed.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

É imperativo que não nos afligamos com o inevitável.

It is imperative that we do not get distressed by the inevitable.

Subjunctive 'nós' form.

Afligir-se por outrem é a base da empatia.

To be distressed for another is the basis of empathy.

Abstract usage of the infinitive.

Ela afligia-se, não por si, mas pelo destino da sua pátria.

She was distressed, not for herself, but for the fate of her homeland.

Contrast using 'não por... mas por...'.

Afligir-se-iam se soubessem a verdade completa.

They would be distressed if they knew the full truth.

Conditional with mesoclisis.

O autor aflige-se com a decadência dos valores morais.

The author is distressed by the decay of moral values.

Literary context.

Raramente me aflijo sem um motivo verdadeiramente sério.

I rarely get distressed without a truly serious reason.

'Raramente' pulls the pronoun forward.

O filósofo aflige-se com a finitude da condição humana.

The philosopher is distressed by the finiteness of the human condition.

High-level philosophical context.

Afligir-se-ia o próprio Camões com o estado atual da língua.

Camões himself would be distressed with the current state of the language.

Cultural reference and mesoclisis.

Não obstante o perigo, recusava-se a afligir-se.

Despite the danger, he refused to be distressed.

Use of 'não obstante' and reflexive infinitive.

Afligirmo-nos é o preço que pagamos por amar.

Being distressed is the price we pay for loving.

Personal infinitive 'afligirmo-nos'.

Afligiram-se de tal modo que perderam o juízo.

They were distressed in such a way that they lost their minds.

Consecutive clause 'de tal modo que'.

Afligir-se-á a alma perante o mistério da morte?

Will the soul be distressed before the mystery of death?

Interrogative with mesoclisis.

Quem se aflige por antecipação, sofre duas vezes.

He who is distressed in advance, suffers twice.

Proverbial structure.

Aflige-te se quiseres, mas o tempo não parará por ti.

Be distressed if you want, but time will not stop for you.

Imperative and conditional.

Common Collocations

afligir-se com a notícia

afligir-se por nada

afligir-se com o futuro

afligir-se profundamente

não se aflija

afligir-se com a saúde

afligir-se com a demora

afligir-se sem motivo

afligir-se com a crise

afligir-se com a solidão

Common Phrases

Não se aflija!

— A very common way to say 'Don't worry!' or 'Don't be distressed!'

Não se aflija, o seu segredo está guardado comigo.

Afligir-se por antecipação

— To worry about things before they happen.

Afligir-se por antecipação só traz sofrimento desnecessário.

Coração aflito

— Used to describe someone who is very worried.

Ela estava com o coração aflito à espera do resultado.

Aflição de espírito

— A state of spiritual or mental distress.

Ler as notícias causa-me uma grande aflição de espírito.

Estar aflito para...

— In Portugal, this often means being in a hurry or needing the bathroom.

Estou aflito para ir à casa de banho!

Ver-se aflito

— To find oneself in a difficult situation.

Viu-se aflito para pagar as dívidas no final do mês.

Aflito da vida

— Extremely distressed or upset (informal).

Ele ficou aflito da vida quando viu o carro batido.

Não te aflijas com pouco

— Don't sweat the small stuff.

A vida é curta, não te aflijas com pouco.

Grito aflito

— A distressed or desperate cry.

Ouviu-se um grito aflito vindo do meio da multidão.

Olhar aflito

— A distressed look in someone's eyes.

O seu olhar aflito revelava todo o seu medo.

Often Confused With

afligir-se vs afligir

This is the transitive form (to cause distress to someone else). 'A notícia afligiu a Maria.'

afligir-se vs afiliar

To affiliate. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

afligir-se vs afligido

The past participle, used as an adjective or in compound tenses. 'Ele tem-se afligido muito.'

Idioms & Expressions

"Pôr-se em aflição"

— To start worrying intensely.

Não te ponhas em aflição antes de saberes a verdade.

neutral

"Dar tratos à bola"

— To worry or think excessively about a problem (often causing distress).

Ando a dar tratos à bola para resolver isto e só me aflijo.

informal

"Estar com a corda ao pescoço"

— To be in a very distressing or tight situation.

Ele está com a corda ao pescoço e aflige-se com as contas.

informal

"Ficar em brasa"

— To be very distressed or agitated.

Ela ficou em brasa, afligindo-se com o atraso.

informal

"Ter o coração nas mãos"

— To be extremely distressed or anxious.

Estava com o coração nas mãos, afligindo-se pelo filho.

neutral

"Nadar em águas turvas"

— To be in a confusing and distressing situation.

A empresa está a nadar em águas turvas e os sócios afligem-se.

metaphorical

"Tempestade num copo de água"

— Making a big deal (and getting distressed) over nothing.

Não te aflijas, isso é apenas uma tempestade num copo de água.

informal

"Perder o sono"

— To be so distressed that one cannot sleep.

Ela perde o sono afligindo-se com os problemas do trabalho.

neutral

"Estar num beco sem saída"

— To be in a distressing situation with no apparent solution.

Sentia-se num beco sem saída e afligia-se cada vez mais.

neutral

"Cair o Carmo e a Trindade"

— Used when something 'catastrophic' happens that causes great distress.

Se ele não chegar a horas, vai cair o Carmo e a Trindade e ela vai afligir-se imenso.

informal (Portugal)

Easily Confused

afligir-se vs aflito

It's the adjective form.

'Afligir-se' is the action of becoming distressed; 'aflito' is the state of being distressed.

Eu me aflijo (action). Eu estou aflito (state).

afligir-se vs preocupar-se

Both mean to worry.

'Preocupar-se' is general and mental. 'Afligir-se' is deeper and more emotional.

Preocupo-me com a hora. Aflijo-me com a doença.

afligir-se vs angustiar-se

Both express distress.

'Angustiar-se' is more intense and often physical (anguish).

Ela angustia-se com o futuro da humanidade.

afligir-se vs inquietar-se

Both mean lack of peace.

'Inquietar-se' is more about restlessness or suspicion.

Inquieto-me com o comportamento dele.

afligir-se vs sofrer

Both involve pain.

'Sofrer' is a broad term for suffering; 'afligir-se' is specifically about the distress caused by worry.

Ele sofre de asma. Ele aflige-se com a falta de ar.

Sentence Patterns

Não se aflija.

Não se aflija com o erro.

Eu me aflijo com [noun].

Eu me aflijo com o barulho.

É normal afligir-se por [noun/verb].

É normal afligir-se por não ter trabalho.

Ela afligiu-se quando [verb].

Ela afligiu-se quando ouviu o grito.

Espero que não te aflijas com [noun].

Espero que não te aflijas com a mudança.

Afligir-se-ia se [verb].

Afligir-se-ia se visse esta desordem.

Pouco se aflige quem [verb].

Pouco se aflige quem tem fé.

Afligirmo-nos é [noun/verb].

Afligirmo-nos é inevitável nesta situação.

Word Family

Nouns

aflição (distress)

afligimento (the act of distressing)

Verbs

afligir (to distress someone)

afligir-se (to be distressed)

Adjectives

aflito (distressed/worried)

aflitivo (distressing)

afligido (afflicted)

conflito (conflict)

infringir (to infringe)

afligente (afflicting)

desaflição (relief)

aflitório (distressing situation)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, news, and literature. Less common in very casual Brazilian slang.

Common Mistakes

Eu afligo-me → Eu aflijo-me
The 'g' must change to 'j' before 'o' to maintain the soft 'zh' sound.
Eu aflijo com isso → Eu me aflijo com isso
'Afligir-se' is reflexive; you cannot omit the pronoun 'me/te/se/nos'.
Não aflija-se → Não se aflija
Negative words like 'não' always pull the reflexive pronoun to the front (proclisis).
Nós afligimos-nos → Nós afligimo-nos
In the 'nós' form of reflexive verbs, the final 's' of the verb is dropped.
Afligir-se de o futuro → Afligir-se com o futuro
The preposition 'com' is the standard choice for the cause of distress.

Tips

The dropped 'S'

Remember that in the 'nós' form, the 's' is dropped: 'Nós afligimo-nos'. This applies to all reflexive verbs in Portuguese.

G vs J

Always use 'j' when the verb ends in 'o' or 'a' (aflijo, aflija) to keep the soft sound.

Choose your intensity

Use 'afligir-se' to show you really care. It's a B1-level way to show deeper emotional intelligence in Portuguese.

The soft 'J'

The 'j' in 'aflijo' sounds like the 's' in 'vision'. Don't make it a hard 'j' like 'jump'.

News reading

When reading Portuguese news, look for this verb. It will help you identify the emotional core of the story.

Comforting others

'Não se aflija' is a beautiful, empathetic way to comfort someone. Use it when 'Não se preocupe' feels too light.

Self-Action

Think of it as 'afflicting oneself' with worry. The reflexive 'se' is essential.

Vs. Angustiar-se

Remember that 'angustiar-se' is even stronger. If 'afligir-se' is a 7/10 on the worry scale, 'angustiar-se' is a 9/10.

Link with 'Com'

The most natural preposition to use after 'afligir-se' is 'com'. 'Afligir-se com as notícias'.

Classic Reading

In books, this verb often describes a character's internal struggle. It's a key word for literary analysis.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Affliction'. When you 'afligir-se', you are feeling an internal 'affliction' of the soul.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a heavy weight (a problem) pressing down on their shoulders, causing them to look 'aflito'.

Word Web

aflição preocupação tristeza ansiedade medo cuidado dor sentimento

Challenge

Try to use 'afligir-se' in a sentence today instead of 'preocupar-se' when talking about something that truly bothers you.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'affligere', which is composed of 'ad-' (to/towards) and 'fligere' (to strike).

Original meaning: To strike down, to crush, or to damage.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to use it for trivial matters as it might sound overly dramatic.

English speakers tend to use 'worry' for everything. Portuguese speakers use 'afligir-se' to signal that the worry is serious and emotional.

'Aflição' is a famous song by the Brazilian band Tihuana. Numerous poems by Fernando Pessoa touch upon the theme of being 'aflito' with existence.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Health

afligir-se com os exames
estar aflito com a cirurgia
não se aflija com o diagnóstico
afligir-se pela saúde de outrem

Finance

afligir-se com as dívidas
afligir-se com a crise
estar aflito para pagar as contas
afligir-se com a inflação

Relationships

afligir-se com o silêncio
afligir-se pela separação
não se aflija com o que ele disse
afligir-se com a distância

Education

afligir-se com a nota
estar aflito para o exame
afligir-se com o futuro académico
não se aflija, você estudou muito

Travel

afligir-se com o atraso
estar aflito para chegar ao aeroporto
afligir-se com a mala perdida
não se aflija, o voo ainda não partiu

Conversation Starters

"Você costuma afligir-se com o que as outras pessoas pensam de você?"

"O que mais te aflige no mundo de hoje?"

"Como você faz para não se afligir quando tem muitos problemas?"

"Você acha que as pessoas se afligem demais por coisas pequenas?"

"Quando foi a última vez que você se afligiu com uma notícia?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre uma situação em que te afligiste muito, mas que acabou por correr bem.

O que é que te causa mais aflição: o passado, o presente ou o futuro? Porquê?

Como é que descreverias a diferença entre preocupar-se e afligir-se no teu dia a dia?

Faz uma lista de cinco coisas que te afligem e pensa em soluções para cada uma.

Reflete sobre a frase: 'Não se aflija com o amanhã, pois o amanhã trará as suas próprias preocupações.'

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it is slightly more formal than 'preocupar-se'. In casual speech, Brazilians might say 'ficar aflito' instead of using the reflexive verb 'afligir-se'.

'Com' usually introduces the direct cause (distressed with the news), while 'por' often introduces the reason or the person you are worried about (distressed for her).

It is 'aflijo-me' or 'eu me aflijo'. Note the 'j' instead of the 'g' from the infinitive.

Yes, but then it means 'to distress someone else'. For example: 'A notícia afligiu os pais' (The news distressed the parents).

Yes, it follows the regular -ir pattern, except for the 'g' to 'j' spelling change in the first person present.

It is 'afligimo-nos'. The 's' at the end of the verb is dropped when adding the reflexive pronoun 'nos'.

Use 'afligir-se' when the situation is serious, emotional, or deeply troubling. Use 'preocupar-se' for everyday worries.

Usually, yes. It is typically followed by 'com', 'por', or 'ao' (e.g., afligir-se ao ver...).

'Não se aflija' (formal/Brazil) or 'Não te aflijas' (informal/Portugal).

Yes, 'aflito' is the adjective derived from the verb 'afligir-se'.