apaixonado in 30 Seconds
- Apaixonado means 'in love' or 'passionate'. It is used for both romantic feelings and intense interests like hobbies or professional work.
- It is an adjective that must agree in gender and number with the subject (apaixonado, apaixonada, apaixonados, apaixonadas).
- The most important grammatical rule is to use the preposition 'por' (pelo, pela) to connect the feeling to the object.
- It is commonly paired with the verb 'estar' for temporary states of being in love, and 'ser' for permanent personality traits.
The Portuguese word apaixonado is a versatile adjective that translates most directly to "in love" or "passionate." At its core, it describes a state of intense emotional attachment or enthusiasm toward someone or something. Unlike some languages where "in love" is strictly romantic, in Portuguese, you can be apaixonado by a person, a hobby, a city, or even a specific idea. It stems from the noun paixão (passion), which carries a weight of intensity that goes beyond simple liking (gostar) or even loving (amar) in a general sense. When you say someone is apaixonado, you are implying that their focus is consumed by the object of their affection.
- Romantic Context
- Used to describe the initial, intense phase of a relationship or a deep, long-standing romantic devotion.
- Enthusiastic Context
- Used to describe a hobbyist or professional who is deeply committed to their craft, such as 'apaixonado por futebol'.
- Grammatical Agreement
- As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number: apaixonado (m.s.), apaixonada (f.s.), apaixonados (m.p.), apaixonadas (f.p.).
O João está completamente apaixonado pela Maria desde o primeiro dia em que a viu na universidade.
To understand apaixonado, one must understand the Portuguese concept of paixão. It is often seen as a fire—something that burns brightly and can be both beautiful and overwhelming. In European Portuguese, it might be used slightly more conservatively than in Brazilian Portuguese, where people are 'apaixonados' by everything from a new flavor of ice cream to a sunset. However, in both variants, the preposition used is almost always por (or its contractions: pelo, pela, pelos, pelas). You are never 'apaixonado com' someone; you are 'apaixonado por' someone.
Ela é uma arquiteta apaixonada por desafios urbanos e sustentabilidade.
Nós somos apaixonados por viajar e conhecer novas culturas ao redor do mundo.
Furthermore, the word can describe a 'fan' or 'aficionado'. If someone is an 'apaixonado por carros', they don't just like cars; they likely know every engine specification and spend their weekends at car shows. It denotes a level of expertise born from emotion. In literary contexts, apaixonado can also mean 'vehement' or 'impassioned', such as an 'apaixonado discurso' (a passionate speech). This usage highlights the energy behind the action rather than just the feeling itself.
Eles ficaram apaixonados pela vista do topo da montanha durante o pôr do sol.
Você parece apaixonada hoje; aconteceu algo especial no seu encontro?
Using apaixonado correctly requires attention to two main things: gender/number agreement and the correct preposition. Because it is an adjective, it must mirror the subject it describes. If you are a woman, you say 'Estou apaixonada'. If you are talking about a group of women, you say 'Elas estão apaixonadas'. If the group is mixed or all male, use 'apaixonados'. This is a fundamental rule of Portuguese grammar that learners often forget when caught up in the emotion of the word.
- The Preposition 'Por'
- This is the most critical grammatical partner for apaixonado. It connects the feeling to the object. 'Apaixonado por...'
- Verb Pairing
- Usually paired with 'estar' (to be - temporary/current state) rather than 'ser' (to be - permanent trait), though 'ser' can be used for personality traits.
- Intensifiers
- Commonly used with 'muito', 'completamente', 'perdidamente' (madly), or 'loucamente'.
When describing a person's character, you might say 'Ele é um homem apaixonado', meaning he is a passionate person in general. However, if you say 'Ele está apaixonado', it specifically means he is currently in love with someone or something. This distinction between ser and estar is vital. Use estar for the romantic 'in love' state, as it implies a condition that began at some point and occupies the present moment.
Estou apaixonado por esta nova série da Netflix; a história é incrível!
In professional settings, being apaixonado by your work is seen as a highly positive trait. In a job interview, saying 'Sou apaixonado por tecnologia' (I am passionate about technology) shows drive and motivation. It suggests that you don't just work for a paycheck, but because you genuinely care about the field. This makes it a powerful word for CVs and cover letters in a Portuguese-speaking context.
You will encounter apaixonado everywhere in the Lusophone world, from the soulful lyrics of Portuguese Fado to the upbeat rhythms of Brazilian Sertanejo. In music, it is perhaps the most common adjective used to describe the protagonist's state of mind. Songs like 'Apaixonado' or 'Coração Apaixonado' are staples of the romantic repertoire. It captures the 'sofrência' (suffering from love) that is so popular in modern Brazilian music, where being apaixonado often leads to heartbreak or intense longing.
In daily conversation, you'll hear it in restaurants ('Estou apaixonado por este prato!'), in tourism ('Fiquei apaixonada por Lisboa'), and in sports commentary. When a player plays with great heart, the commentator might call them a 'jogador apaixonado' or say they play with a 'coração apaixonado'. It is a word that bridges the gap between high-brow literature and street-level slang.
Nas novelas brasileiras, o par romântico está sempre apaixonado, enfrentando obstáculos para ficar junto.
Television dramas (telenovelas) are a prime source for hearing this word. Characters will frequently confess their feelings using 'Estou apaixonado por você'. In these contexts, the word is often drawn out for emotional effect. You'll also see it in marketing; brands want you to be 'apaixonado' by their products. A coffee brand might use the slogan 'Para quem é apaixonado por café'.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is using the wrong preposition. In English, we are 'in love WITH' someone. In Portuguese, if you say 'apaixonado com', it sounds like you and the other person are both in love with a third party together. Always use por. Another common error is failing to change the ending for gender. A man saying 'Estou apaixonada' is a common slip-up for beginners that can lead to some confusion or laughter.
- Wrong: Estou apaixonado com ela. (Incorrect preposition)
- Right: Estou apaixonado por ela.
- Wrong: Ela está muito apaixonado. (Gender mismatch)
- Right: Ela está muito apaixonada.
Another nuance is the difference between apaixonado and amoroso. While apaixonado is about intense passion, amoroso is about being affectionate or loving in a gentle way (like a grandmother). Don't use apaixonado if you just mean someone is a kind, loving person; use it when there is a 'spark' or intense drive involved. Finally, avoid overusing it in very formal academic writing unless you are specifically discussing emotions, as it can sound too subjective or informal for a scientific report.
While apaixonado is the go-to word for passion, several synonyms can help you refine your meaning. Encantado (enchanted/delighted) is slightly softer and often used when you first meet someone or see a beautiful place. Fascinado (fascinated) implies a more intellectual or aesthetic attraction. If you want to sound more formal or literary, you might use ardente (burning/ardent) or fervoroso (fervent).
- Entusiasta
- A more formal way to say someone is a 'fan' or 'passionate' about a subject, often used in professional contexts.
- Alucinado
- Slangy/Informal: means 'crazy about' something, implying a level of passion that borders on madness.
- Caidinho (por)
- Informal Brazilian slang: means 'to have a crush' or be 'falling for' someone.
On the opposite end, indiferente or desinteressado are the direct antonyms. If apaixonado is a fire, indiferente is a cold room. Understanding these shades of meaning allows you to express exactly how much 'heat' is in your feelings. For example, you might be encantado by a new colleague but apaixonado by your spouse of ten years.
How Formal Is It?
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Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Examples by Level
Eu estou apaixonado.
I am in love (male).
Subject + estar + apaixonado.
Ela está apaixonada.
She is in love.
Subject + estar + apaixonada (feminine).
Você está apaixonado?
Are you in love?
Question form with estar.
Eles estão apaixonados.
They are in love.
Plural masculine form.
Maria está apaixonada pelo Pedro.
Maria is in love with Pedro.
Use 'pelo' (por + o).
Nós estamos apaixonados.
We are in love.
First person plural.
O gato está apaixonado pela gata.
The cat is in love with the female cat.
Animals can be apaixonados too!
Eu não estou apaixonada.
I am not in love (female).
Negative form.
Sou apaixonado por futebol.
I am passionate about soccer.
Apaixonado + por + noun.
Ela é apaixonada por chocolate.
She is passionate about chocolate.
Using 'por' for objects/food.
Eles são apaixonados por viagens.
They are passionate about travel.
Plural agreement.
Sou apaixonada pela minha profissão.
I am passionate about my profession.
Pela = por + a.
Ele é um homem apaixonado pela vida.
He is a man passionate about life.
Adjective modifying 'homem'.
Nós somos apaixonados por música brasileira.
We are passionate about Brazilian music.
Compound object.
Você é apaixonada por fotografia?
Are you passionate about photography?
Question about a hobby.
Meu pai é apaixonado por carros antigos.
My father is passionate about old cars.
Plural object.
Eu me apaixonei por ela no verão passado.
I fell in love with her last summer.
Reflexive verb 'apaixonar-se'.
Ele ficou apaixonado assim que a viu.
He became 'in love' as soon as he saw her.
Using 'ficar' to show change of state.
Sempre fui apaixonada por arte clássica.
I have always been passionate about classical art.
Preterite perfect of 'ser'.
Eles se apaixonaram durante a viagem a Paris.
They fell in love during the trip to Paris.
Third person plural reflexive.
Não é fácil ser apaixonado por alguém que mora longe.
It's not easy to be in love with someone who lives far away.
Infinitive phrase.
Ela é uma professora apaixonada pelo que faz.
She is a teacher passionate about what she does.
Relative clause 'pelo que faz'.
Nós nos apaixonamos pela cultura de Portugal.
We fell in love with the culture of Portugal.
Reflexive 'nos apaixonamos'.
Você já se apaixonou à primeira vista?
Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
Question with 'já'.
Ele fez um discurso apaixonado em defesa do meio ambiente.
He gave a passionate speech in defense of the environment.
Adjective describing a speech.
Ela é perdidamente apaixonada pelo marido.
She is madly in love with her husband.
Adverb 'perdidamente'.
Os torcedores são apaixonados pelo seu clube.
The fans are passionate about their club.
Collective passion.
Um artista apaixonado coloca a alma na sua obra.
A passionate artist puts their soul into their work.
Generic subject.
Eles defendem suas ideias de forma apaixonada.
They defend their ideas in a passionate way.
Adverbial phrase 'de forma apaixonada'.
Estou apaixonado por este novo projeto de arquitetura.
I am passionate about this new architecture project.
Professional context.
Ela sempre foi uma leitora apaixonada de romances.
She was always a passionate reader of novels.
Noun + adjective + preposition.
A juventude é uma fase apaixonada da vida.
Youth is a passionate phase of life.
Abstract noun modification.
O debate tornou-se apaixonado e por vezes agressivo.
The debate became passionate and at times aggressive.
Describing the tone of an event.
Sua escrita é apaixonada, revelando uma mente inquieta.
His writing is passionate, revealing a restless mind.
Describing literary style.
Ele é um apaixonado estudioso da história medieval.
He is a passionate scholar of medieval history.
Adjective before the noun for emphasis.
A interpretação apaixonada da atriz comoveu o público.
The actress's passionate performance moved the audience.
Performance context.
Vivemos tempos de opiniões apaixonadas e pouco diálogo.
We live in times of passionate opinions and little dialogue.
Social commentary.
Ela entregou-se a uma busca apaixonada pela verdade.
She gave herself to a passionate search for truth.
Philosophical context.
O fado é a expressão de um povo apaixonado e melancólico.
Fado is the expression of a passionate and melancholic people.
Cultural description.
Não se pode ignorar o caráter apaixonado de sua argumentação.
One cannot ignore the passionate character of his argument.
Formal analysis.
A dicotomia entre a razão e o ímpeto apaixonado é central na obra.
The dichotomy between reason and passionate impulse is central to the work.
Academic literary analysis.
Sua vida foi um testemunho apaixonado de entrega à causa.
His life was a passionate testimony of dedication to the cause.
Biographical context.
O autor descreve o amor não como afeto, mas como um estado apaixonado patológico.
The author describes love not as affection, but as a pathological passionate state.
Psychological nuance.
A retórica apaixonada do líder inflamou as massas.
The leader's passionate rhetoric inflamed the masses.
Political science context.
Ela manifestou um apaixonado desdém pelas convenções sociais.
She manifested a passionate disdain for social conventions.
Oxymoronic/Intense emotion.
O misticismo de Santa Teresa revela uma alma profundamente apaixonada por Deus.
Saint Teresa's mysticism reveals a soul deeply in love with God.
Theological context.
A obra reflete o espírito apaixonado do Romantismo oitocentista.
The work reflects the passionate spirit of 19th-century Romanticism.
Art history context.
Ele discorreu de forma apaixonada sobre a efemeridade da existência.
He spoke passionately about the ephemerality of existence.
Philosophical discourse.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Estou apaixonado por você.
Ele é apaixonado pelo que faz.
Eles são um casal muito apaixonado.
Sou apaixonada por cinema.
Ela ficou apaixonada pela cidade.
Não seja tão apaixonado!
Um apaixonado por tecnologia.
Sempre fui apaixonado por ela.
O amor apaixonado.
Viver de forma apaixonada.
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
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Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Can be used for food or minor things in Brazil.
Primary use, very strong.
Shows high motivation.
- Using 'com' instead of 'por' (e.g., apaixonado com ela).
- Forgetting gender agreement (e.g., a mulher está apaixonado).
- Using 'ser' for a temporary romantic state instead of 'estar'.
- Mispronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' or 'z' instead of 'sh'.
- Confusing 'apaixonado' (the person) with 'apaixonante' (the thing).
Tips
Match the Gender
Always check if the person feeling the passion is male or female. Use 'apaixonado' for men and 'apaixonada' for women. This is the most common mistake for beginners. Even if the object of passion is different, the adjective matches the subject.
Use with Hobbies
Don't be afraid to use it for things you love doing. Saying 'Sou apaixonado por cozinhar' sounds very natural and enthusiastic. It shows you have a real interest in the activity. It's a great way to build rapport in conversation.
The 'X' Sound
Remember the 'x' sounds like 'sh'. Practice saying 'apai-sho-nado' slowly. The 'ai' is a diphthong like in 'pie'. The stress is on the 'na' syllable. Mastering this makes you sound much more fluent.
Intensify It
Use 'perdidamente' (madly) to sound like a native. 'Estou perdidamente apaixonado' is a classic romantic phrase. It adds a lot of weight to your statement. Use it when you want to be dramatic or very sincere.
Job Interviews
Use 'apaixonado' to show enthusiasm for your career. Employers love to hear 'Sou apaixonado por marketing' or similar. It suggests you are a dedicated and motivated worker. It's a very positive trait in Lusophone work culture.
Telenovela Style
Watch Brazilian soaps to hear this word in action. Characters use it constantly to express their drama and love. It will help you understand the emotional tone of the word. You'll see the facial expressions that go with it. It's a great listening exercise.
Preposition Contractions
Remember that 'por' + 'o' = 'pelo' and 'por' + 'a' = 'pela'. So it's 'apaixonado pelo Rio' and 'apaixonada pela música'. This is a vital part of sounding natural. Practice these contractions until they are automatic. They are used in almost every sentence with this word.
Listen for the 'Me'
In the verb form 'apaixonar-se', listen for the reflexive pronoun. In Brazil, it's usually before the verb ('me apaixonei'). In Portugal, it's often after ('apaixonei-me'). Recognizing this helps you identify the speaker's origin. It also helps you track the action of falling in love.
Brazilian 'Amarrado'
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'estar amarrado' is a slang way to say you're 'apaixonado'. It literally means 'tied up'. It's very common among young people. Use it with friends for a more casual vibe. But stick to 'apaixonado' in more general settings.
The 'Passion' Root
Connect the word to 'passion' in English. They share the same Latin root. This makes the meaning easy to remember. Just add the Portuguese 'a-' and '-ado' wrapping. It's a 'passion-wrapped' person!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'A Passionate Dude' -> Apaixonado. It sounds like 'passion' is right in the middle of the word.
Word Origin
From the Portuguese 'a-' (prefix) + 'paixão' (passion) + '-ado' (suffix).
Cultural Context
Sertanejo music in Brazil is almost entirely built around the concept of being 'apaixonado'.
Fans are called 'apaixonados' to distinguish them from casual viewers.
Dia dos Namorados (June 12th in Brazil) is the peak time for this word.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"Por que tipo de música você é apaixonado?"
"Você já ficou apaixonado por uma cidade que visitou?"
"Você se considera uma pessoa apaixonada?"
"O que faz um homem ficar apaixonado?"
"Você é apaixonado por algum esporte?"
Journal Prompts
Descreva algo pelo qual você é apaixonado e por quê.
Como você se sente quando está apaixonado por alguém?
Você acha que é melhor ser apaixonado ou ser racional?
Escreva sobre a primeira vez que você se apaixonou.
Quais são as vantagens de ter uma profissão pela qual você é apaixonado?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 'Sou apaixonado pelo meu cachorro'. It shows you have a very strong emotional bond. It is common for pet owners to use this word. It emphasizes that it's more than just liking the pet. You are truly devoted to them.
Usually, yes, it is quite strong. Saying 'Estou apaixonado por você' on a first date might be overwhelming. It implies a deep, intense feeling. Better to use 'Gostei muito de você' or 'Estou encantado'. Save 'apaixonado' for when the feelings are more established.
They are very similar, but 'enamorado' is much less common in daily Portuguese. 'Enamorado' sounds more poetic or old-fashioned. 'Apaixonado' is the standard word used in 99% of situations. In Spanish, 'enamorado' is the standard, but in Portuguese, it's 'apaixonado'. Use the latter to sound natural.
You use the present continuous of the reflexive verb: 'Estou me apaixonando' (Brazil) or 'Estou a apaixonar-me' (Portugal). This shows the process is happening right now. It is a very romantic thing to say. It suggests the feelings are growing. Don't forget the reflexive pronoun.
Generally, it is positive, but it can be negative if it implies 'blindness'. Phrases like 'cego de paixão' suggest the person isn't thinking clearly. In a debate, calling someone 'apaixonado' might imply they are too emotional to be objective. However, in most contexts, it's a compliment. It depends on whether reason is required for the task.
Yes, when you specify the object of the passion. If you just say 'I am in love', you don't need it. But if you say 'I am in love with [X]', you must use 'por'. It is the standard connector for this adjective. Using other prepositions is a common learner error. Stick to 'por' and its contractions.
The meaning is the same, but the frequency varies. Brazilians tend to use it more liberally for hobbies and food. In Portugal, it might be reserved for slightly more intense feelings. The grammar of the reflexive verb also changes (placement of 'me'). But everyone will understand you in both countries. It is a universal Lusophone word.
Absolutely! 'Estou apaixonado por esse filme' is a great way to say you loved it. It implies the movie really touched your emotions. It's stronger than just saying the movie was good. It means you might watch it again and again. It's a very common expressive use.
The most direct opposite is 'indiferente'. If you are 'indiferente', you have no feelings at all. 'Desinteressado' also works if you are talking about a hobby. 'Apático' is a stronger word for having no emotion. 'Frio' can describe someone who doesn't show passion. Choose based on the specific context.
It is always 'apaixonado por'. Using 'de' is incorrect in this context. While some adjectives in Portuguese use 'de', this one strictly uses 'por'. This is one of those rules you should memorize early. 'Por' is the key to using this word correctly. It connects the subject to the passion.
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Summary
Apaixonado is the primary Portuguese word for expressing deep love and intense passion. Whether you are head over heels for a partner or obsessed with your career, this word captures that high-energy emotional state, provided you remember to use 'por' and match the gender.
- Apaixonado means 'in love' or 'passionate'. It is used for both romantic feelings and intense interests like hobbies or professional work.
- It is an adjective that must agree in gender and number with the subject (apaixonado, apaixonada, apaixonados, apaixonadas).
- The most important grammatical rule is to use the preposition 'por' (pelo, pela) to connect the feeling to the object.
- It is commonly paired with the verb 'estar' for temporary states of being in love, and 'ser' for permanent personality traits.
Match the Gender
Always check if the person feeling the passion is male or female. Use 'apaixonado' for men and 'apaixonada' for women. This is the most common mistake for beginners. Even if the object of passion is different, the adjective matches the subject.
Use with Hobbies
Don't be afraid to use it for things you love doing. Saying 'Sou apaixonado por cozinhar' sounds very natural and enthusiastic. It shows you have a real interest in the activity. It's a great way to build rapport in conversation.
The 'X' Sound
Remember the 'x' sounds like 'sh'. Practice saying 'apai-sho-nado' slowly. The 'ai' is a diphthong like in 'pie'. The stress is on the 'na' syllable. Mastering this makes you sound much more fluent.
Intensify It
Use 'perdidamente' (madly) to sound like a native. 'Estou perdidamente apaixonado' is a classic romantic phrase. It adds a lot of weight to your statement. Use it when you want to be dramatic or very sincere.
Example
Ele está apaixonado pela sua nova colega de trabalho.
Related Content
More emotions words
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
