arrepiar in 30 Seconds
- Arrepiar: To make hair stand on end from fear, cold, or strong emotion.
- Physical reaction: Hair stands up, goosebumps appear.
- Contexts: Scary movies, cold weather, shocking events, impressive performances.
- Example: O filme me arrepiou. (The movie gave me goosebumps.)
- Simple Definition
- To make hair stand on end, usually due to fear, cold, or something shocking.
- Literal Meaning
- The word 'arrepiar' literally describes the physical reaction of the hair on one's body standing up.
- Emotional and Physical Contexts
- It's commonly used when describing feelings of intense fear, dread, or even extreme cold. It can also be used for something that is so surprising or impressive that it elicits this physical response. Think of a scary movie scene, a chilling ghost story, or standing in a freezing wind.
- Figurative Usage
- While the literal meaning is about hair standing on end, 'arrepiar' can also be used figuratively to describe something that deeply unsettles or moves you emotionally, even if the physical reaction isn't literal. For example, a very sad song or a powerful speech might 'arrepiar' someone.
A noite estava tão escura e os sons da floresta tão estranhos que a situação começou a me arrepiar.
A frieza do vento gelado fez os pelos do meu braço arrepiar.
- Fear and Horror
- This is perhaps the most common context for 'arrepiar'. When something is genuinely frightening, it can cause this physical reaction. Think of a horror movie, a terrifying encounter, or even a disturbing story.
- Cold and Chills
- Exposure to extreme cold can also cause one's hair to stand on end. This is a direct physical response to low temperatures.
- Surprise and Awe
- Sometimes, something incredibly impressive, shocking, or moving can also 'arrepiar'. This is less about fear and more about a profound emotional or sensory impact.
- Intense Music or Performances
- A powerful musical performance, an emotional speech, or a particularly moving scene in a play can evoke a strong emotional response that might be described as 'arrepiar'.
- Superstitions and Supernatural
- In stories or when discussing beliefs about ghosts or the supernatural, 'arrepiar' is frequently used to describe the feeling of unease or fear that such topics can provoke.
O filme de terror foi tão assustador que me deu arrepios em várias cenas.
O discurso do atleta após a vitória foi tão emocionante que fez o público arrepiar.
- Horror and Thriller Genres
- In movies, books, and discussions about horror and suspense, 'arrepiar' is a very common verb. Reviewers might say a scene 'arrepiou' them, or a character might feel their hair 'arrepiar'.
- Discussions about Cold Weather
- When Brazilians or Portuguese speakers talk about experiencing very cold temperatures, they will often use 'arrepiar' to describe the physical sensation. For example, 'O frio da noite me arrepiou' (The cold of the night made my hair stand on end).
- Storytelling and Anecdotes
- When people share personal stories, especially those involving scary or surprising events, 'arrepiar' is frequently used to emphasize the emotional impact. 'Quando o barulho começou, eu senti meu corpo todo arrepiar' (When the noise started, I felt my whole body's hair stand on end).
- Conversations about Music and Art
- People might use 'arrepiar' to describe a performance that was incredibly moving or impressive. 'Aquele solo de guitarra me arrepiou' (That guitar solo gave me goosebumps/made my hair stand on end).
- Supernatural and Ghost Stories
- In casual conversations about spooky experiences or beliefs, 'arrepiar' is a go-to verb. 'Ouvi um barulho estranho e fiquei com a pele a arrepiar' (I heard a strange noise and my skin started to prickle/hair stand on end).
No filme, a cena do fantasma aparecendo na janela fez os pelos do meu pescoço arrepiar.
O concerto foi tão intenso que o público inteiro ficou com a pele a arrepiar.
- Confusing with 'Assustar' (to scare)
- While fear is a common cause for 'arrepiar', 'assustar' is the act of causing fear. 'Arrepiar' describes the physical reaction *to* fear or other stimuli. You might say 'O filme me assustou, e a cena final me arrepiou.' (The movie scared me, and the final scene gave me goosebumps/made my hair stand on end).
- Overusing for Mild Discomfort
- 'Arrepiar' implies a strong, noticeable physical reaction. It's not typically used for mild discomfort or slight unease. For less intense feelings, other verbs might be more appropriate.
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- Like any verb, 'arrepiar' needs to be conjugated correctly according to tense and subject. Learners might forget to change the ending or use the wrong auxiliary verb in compound tenses.
- Confusing Literal and Figurative Use
- While 'arrepiar' can be used figuratively for something deeply moving, it's important to ensure the context clearly supports this. Using it for something only mildly impressive might sound odd.
- Using it for general unpleasantness
- 'Arrepiar' is specific to the physical sensation of hair standing on end. It's not a general term for something that is simply unpleasant or annoying.
Incorrect: O filme me arrepiou porque foi ruim. (The movie made my hair stand on end because it was bad.)
Correct: O filme me assustou porque foi ruim. (The movie scared me because it was bad.) OR O filme me decepcionou porque foi ruim. (The movie disappointed me because it was bad.)
Incorrect: O tempo frio me arrepiou um pouco. (The cold weather made my hair stand on end a little.)
Correct: O tempo frio me deu um leve calafrio. (The cold weather gave me a slight chill.) OR O frio me fez arrepiar. (The cold made me shiver/my hair stand on end - implies a stronger reaction)
- Calafrio (noun)
- A shiver or chill. Often used for the physical sensation of cold, but can also be used for fear. 'Arrepiar' is the verb form describing the action that causes or is a calafrio. Example: 'Senti um calafrio na espinha' (I felt a chill down my spine). 'Arrepiar' is the action: 'O filme me deu calafrios e fez meu cabelo arrepiar.'
- Medo (noun)
- Fear. 'Arrepiar' is a physical manifestation of medo, but not all medo causes one to 'arrepiar'. Example: 'Ele sentiu medo, mas não chegou a arrepiar.' (He felt fear, but it didn't reach the point of making his hair stand on end.)
- Perturbar (verb)
- To disturb, to unsettle. This is a more general term for something that causes unease, whereas 'arrepiar' is more specific to the physical reaction. Something that 'perturba' might also 'arrepiar'. Example: 'A notícia o perturbou profundamente.' (The news disturbed him deeply.) 'A descrição do evento fez meu sangue arrepiar.' (The description of the event made my blood run cold/hair stand on end.)
- Impressionar (verb)
- To impress. In some contexts, something that is awe-inspiring or incredibly moving can 'arrepiar'. 'Impressionar' is about making a strong impact, while 'arrepiar' is a specific physical response to that impact. Example: 'O talento da cantora me impressionou e me fez arrepiar.' (The singer's talent impressed me and gave me goosebumps.)
- Choque (noun)
- Shock. A sudden, intense surprise or disturbing event. A 'choque' can certainly cause one to 'arrepiar'. Example: 'O choque da notícia foi tão grande que ele ficou sem reação.' (The shock of the news was so great that he was left speechless.) 'O choque do relâmpago fez os pelos do meu braço arrepiar.' (The shock of the lightning made the hairs on my arm stand on end.)
O que me deu calafrios foi a forma como ele olhou para mim.
A história de terror perturbou a todos e fez a pele arrepiar.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The physical sensation of hair standing on end is caused by tiny muscles at the base of each hair follicle contracting. This reaction is a primitive reflex, a holdover from our hairier ancestors where it helped to make them look larger and more intimidating to predators, or to trap more air for insulation against cold.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'rr' sound too softly, making it sound like a single 'r'.
- Not stressing the correct syllable ('RE').
- Incorrectly pronouncing the vowel sounds, especially the initial 'a' and the 'e' in 're'.
Difficulty Rating
The verb itself is straightforward, but understanding the nuances of its usage in different contexts (fear, cold, awe) requires some exposure to the language. Recognizing idiomatic phrases like 'arrepiar a espinha' also adds a layer of complexity.
Conjugating the verb correctly is essential. Learners need to be mindful of the subject-verb agreement and choose the appropriate tense. Using 'arrepiar' effectively in descriptive writing requires a good grasp of its emotional and physical connotations.
Pronunciation of the 'rr' sound can be challenging for non-native speakers. Integrating 'arrepiar' naturally into conversation requires confidence and practice, especially when conveying strong emotions.
Native speakers use 'arrepiar' frequently in various contexts. Understanding it in fast-paced conversations or when combined with idiomatic expressions is key. Listening to Portuguese media will help improve recognition.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Use of reflexive verbs for physical sensations.
Eu me arrepiei com o frio. (I got goosebumps from the cold.) The reflexive pronoun 'me' indicates the action is happening to the subject.
Causative verbs with 'fazer'.
O susto fez meu cabelo arrepiar. (The fright made my hair stand on end.) 'Fazer' followed by the object and the infinitive 'arrepiar' indicates causation.
Agreement of past participles with 'estar'.
Ele estava arrepiado. (He was with goosebumps.) The past participle 'arrepiado' agrees in gender and number with the subject 'ele'.
Idiomatic expressions with 'arrepio' (noun).
Senti um arrepio na espinha. (I felt a shiver down my spine.) This is a fixed expression where 'arrepio' is used as a noun.
Prepositions indicating cause.
Ele estava arrepiado de medo. (He was with goosebumps from fear.) The preposition 'de' often indicates the cause of the sensation.
Examples by Level
O vento frio me arrepiou.
The cold wind made my hair stand on end.
Simple past tense of 'arrepiar'.
A música assustadora fez meu cabelo arrepiar.
The scary music made my hair stand on end.
Using 'fazer' + infinitive to indicate causation.
O cachorro latiu e me arrepiou um pouco.
The dog barked and made me shiver a little.
Using 'um pouco' for a mild reaction.
Que frio! Estou arrepiado.
So cold! I have goosebumps.
Using 'estar' + past participle to describe a state.
A história de fantasma me arrepiou.
The ghost story gave me goosebumps.
Direct object pronoun 'me'.
O barulho na noite me arrepiou.
The noise in the night made me shiver.
Simple past tense.
Senti meu corpo arrepiar.
I felt my body shiver.
Reflexive verb construction.
O filme de terror me fez arrepiar.
The horror movie made me shiver.
Using 'fazer' + infinitive.
Aquele filme de suspense me arrepiou a espinha.
That suspense movie gave me chills down my spine.
Idiomatic expression 'arrepiar a espinha'.
O frio da montanha fez os pelos do meu braço se arrepiarem.
The cold of the mountain made the hairs on my arm stand on end.
Using 'se arrepiarem' (reflexive plural).
O discurso do presidente foi tão emocionante que arrepiou a todos.
The president's speech was so emotional that it moved everyone.
Using 'arrepiou a todos' for a collective reaction.
Quando ouvi a história, senti um arrepio percorrer meu corpo.
When I heard the story, I felt a shiver run through my body.
Using the noun 'arrepio' related to the verb.
A música clássica, em certos momentos, me faz arrepiar.
Classical music, at certain moments, makes me shiver.
Using 'fazer' with present tense for a recurring effect.
O vento gelado da noite fez minha pele arrepiar.
The icy wind of the night made my skin prickle.
Direct object 'minha pele'.
A cena final do filme arrepiou até o mais corajoso.
The final scene of the movie made even the bravest person shiver.
Using 'até o mais corajoso' for emphasis.
Sinto um arrepio só de pensar naquela experiência.
I get a shiver just thinking about that experience.
Using the noun 'arrepio' and 'só de pensar'.
A história de terror que meu avô contou me arrepiou completamente.
The horror story my grandfather told completely gave me goosebumps.
Using 'completamente' for intensity.
O silêncio repentino na floresta fez os pelos do meu pescoço se arrepiarem.
The sudden silence in the forest made the hairs on my neck stand on end.
Using 'se arrepiarem' with a specific body part.
A performance da banda foi tão poderosa que arrepiou toda a plateia.
The band's performance was so powerful that it moved the entire audience.
Using 'arrepiou toda a plateia' for a collective, impactful experience.
Senti um arrepio na espinha quando percebi que estava sendo observado.
I felt a shiver down my spine when I realized I was being watched.
Idiomatic expression 'arrepio na espinha'.
A beleza da paisagem nevada me fez arrepiar de admiração.
The beauty of the snowy landscape made me shiver with admiration.
Using 'de admiração' to specify the emotion.
O frio cortante do inverno me deixou com os braços arrepiados.
The biting cold of winter left my arms with goosebumps.
Using 'deixar com' + adjective.
A reviravolta inesperada na trama do livro me arrepiou.
The unexpected twist in the book's plot gave me goosebumps.
Referring to a plot twist.
Ouvir o som de passos no andar de cima, tarde da noite, sempre me arrepia.
Hearing footsteps upstairs, late at night, always gives me goosebumps.
Using 'sempre' for a habitual reaction.
O relato detalhado do acidente de montanha conseguiu arrepiar até mesmo os ouvintes mais céticos.
The detailed account of the mountain accident managed to give goosebumps even to the most skeptical listeners.
Using 'conseguiu' (managed to) and 'até mesmo' for emphasis.
O ar gélido que emanava da caverna fez com que os pelos de seus braços se arrepiarem instantaneamente.
The icy air emanating from the cave caused the hairs on his arms to stand on end instantly.
Using 'fez com que' + subjunctive.
A solenidade do momento e a força das palavras do líder arrepiaram a multidão reunida.
The solemnity of the moment and the strength of the leader's words moved the gathered crowd.
Using 'a solenidade' and 'a força das palavras' as subjects.
A mera lembrança daquela noite escura me causa um arrepio involuntário.
The mere memory of that dark night causes me an involuntary shiver.
Using 'mera lembrança' and 'involuntário'.
A complexidade da peça musical, com suas harmonias inesperadas, tem o dom de me arrepiar de forma profunda.
The complexity of the musical piece, with its unexpected harmonies, has the gift of deeply moving me.
Using 'tem o dom de' and 'de forma profunda'.
O vento cortante do Ártico não só arrepiou sua pele, mas também congelou seus ossos.
The biting Arctic wind not only made his skin prickle but also froze his bones.
Using 'não só... mas também' for parallel structure.
A antecipação do resultado eleitoral, com todas as suas implicações, provocou um arrepio coletivo.
The anticipation of the electoral result, with all its implications, caused a collective shiver.
Using 'antecipação' and 'provocou um arrepio coletivo'.
O suspense psicológico do filme era tão bem construído que me arrepiou do início ao fim.
The psychological suspense of the movie was so well-constructed that it gave me goosebumps from beginning to end.
Using 'do início ao fim' for duration.
O relato vívido do naufrágio, com detalhes sobre o frio extremo e o pânico, era suficiente para arrepiar a alma.
The vivid account of the shipwreck, with details about the extreme cold and panic, was enough to chill the soul.
Using 'vívido' and 'arrepia a alma' for a profound emotional impact.
A corrente de ar gélido que saía da fenda na rocha fez com que os pelos de seu antebraço se arrepiarem em uma reação quase visceral.
The stream of icy air coming from the crevice in the rock caused the hairs on his forearm to stand on end in an almost visceral reaction.
Using 'quase visceral' to describe the reaction.
A gravidade da situação e a eloquência com que o embaixador transmitiu a mensagem arrepiaram os diplomatas presentes na sala.
The gravity of the situation and the eloquence with which the ambassador conveyed the message moved the diplomats present in the room.
Using 'gravidade' and 'eloquência' as abstract subjects.
A simples evocaçāo da memória de sua infância perdida me causa um arrepio melancólico, uma nostalgia que arrepia.
The mere evocation of the memory of his lost childhood causes me a melancholic shiver, a nostalgia that chills.
Using 'evocação' and 'arrepio melancólico'.
A dissonância harmônica e a intensidade dramática da ópera tinham o poder de arrepiar o espectador em seus momentos mais cruciais.
The harmonic dissonance and dramatic intensity of the opera had the power to move the spectator in its most crucial moments.
Using 'dissonância harmônica' and 'intensidade dramática'.
O vento uivante que varria a paisagem desolada não apenas arrepiou sua pele, mas também parecia sussurrar segredos ancestrais.
The howling wind sweeping the desolate landscape not only made his skin prickle but also seemed to whisper ancient secrets.
Using 'uivante' and 'sussurrar segredos ancestrais'.
A incerteza do futuro, exacerbada pelas notícias recentes, gerou um arrepio coletivo de apreensão em toda a nação.
The uncertainty of the future, exacerbated by recent news, generated a collective shiver of apprehension throughout the nation.
Using 'incerteza', 'exacerbada', and 'apreensão'.
O suspense psicológico do thriller era tão intrincado que me arrepiou as entranhas, mantendo-me em estado de alerta constante.
The psychological suspense of the thriller was so intricate that it chilled me to the bone, keeping me in a constant state of alert.
Using 'intrincado' and 'arrepia as entranhas'.
O relato pormenorizado do evento histórico, com os ecos da tragédia e o frio que se abateu sobre os sobreviventes, conseguia arrepiar até a mais insensível das consciências.
The detailed account of the historical event, with the echoes of tragedy and the cold that befell the survivors, could chill even the most insensitive of consciences.
Using 'pormenorizado', 'abateu sobre', and 'insensível das consciências'.
A corrente de ar gélido, proveniente das profundezas abissais da terra, fez com que os pelos de seu corpo se arrepiarem em uma manifestação quase geológica de desconforto.
The stream of icy air, coming from the abyssal depths of the earth, caused the hairs on his body to stand on end in an almost geological manifestation of discomfort.
Using 'abissais', 'manifestação quase geológica'.
A magnitude da crise e a gravidade com que o estadista proferiu as palavras de advertência arrepiaram os líderes mundiais reunidos, prenunciando tempos difíceis.
The magnitude of the crisis and the gravity with which the statesman uttered the words of warning moved the world leaders gathered, heralding difficult times.
Using 'magnitude', 'estadista', 'proferiu', 'prenunciando'.
A mera contemplação da vastidão do cosmos, com seus mistérios insondáveis, evoca em mim um arrepio existencial, uma vertigem que arrepia a alma.
The mere contemplation of the vastness of the cosmos, with its unfathomable mysteries, evokes in me an existential shiver, a vertigo that chills the soul.
Using 'contemplação', 'vastidão', 'insondáveis', 'arrepio existencial', 'vertigem'.
A cacofonia orquestral e a intensidade operística da peça tinham a capacidade de arrepiar o espectador em seus momentos culminantes, desafiando a própria noção de beleza.
The orchestral cacophony and operatic intensity of the piece had the capacity to move the spectator in its climactic moments, challenging the very notion of beauty.
Using 'cacofonia orquestral', 'culminantes', 'desafiando a própria noção'.
O vento glacial que assobiava através das ruínas ancestrais não apenas arrepiou sua carne, mas parecia carregar os lamentos de eras passadas.
The glacial wind whistling through the ancient ruins not only made his flesh prickle but seemed to carry the laments of past eras.
Using 'glacial', 'assobiava', 'lamentos de eras passadas'.
A iminência do colapso econômico global, pontuada por sinais inequívocos, gerou um arrepio coletivo de pavor que se alastrou por todas as esferas sociais.
The imminence of global economic collapse, punctuated by unequivocal signs, generated a collective shiver of dread that spread through all social spheres.
Using 'iminência', 'pontuada por sinais inequívocos', 'pavor', 'esferas sociais'.
O suspense psicológico do filme era tão labiríntico e desorientador que me arrepiou até a medula, desmantelando minhas certezas e deixando-me em perpétuo estado de desconfiança.
The psychological suspense of the movie was so labyrinthine and disorienting that it chilled me to the marrow, dismantling my certainties and leaving me in a perpetual state of distrust.
Using 'labiríntico', 'desorientador', 'arrepia até a medula', 'desmantelando minhas certezas', 'perpétuo estado de desconfiança'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To give goosebumps or shivers. This is a very common way to express the sensation.
O filme de terror me deu arrepios a noite toda.
— To make one's hair stand on end. A very literal and descriptive phrase.
O barulho estranho no sótão fez o cabelo dele arrepiar.
— To feel a shiver or chill. This can be due to cold or fear.
Senti um arrepio na espinha quando ele falou meu nome.
— To send shivers down one's spine. A strong expression for fear or intense emotion.
A história de fantasma arrepiou a espinha de todos na sala.
— Having goosebumps or prickly skin.
Depois de sair na neve, minha pele ficou arrepiada.
— To become goosebumped or to have one's hair stand on end.
Fiquei arrepiado com a beleza da paisagem.
— That gives me goosebumps/chills. A direct statement of reaction.
Ouvir essa música me arrepia sempre.
— A shiver ran through my body. Describes the sensation spreading.
Quando o fantasma apareceu, um arrepio percorreu meu corpo.
— The cold makes me shiver/gives me goosebumps.
No inverno, o frio me arrepia facilmente.
— What gives me goosebumps/chills. Used to describe something that causes the reaction.
O que mais me arrepia são os barulhos de noite.
Often Confused With
'Assustar' means to scare, while 'arrepiar' is the physical reaction to fear (or cold/awe). You can be 'assustado' (scared) and that might 'arrepiar' you.
'Perturbar' means to disturb or unsettle. It's a broader term for causing unease. 'Arrepiar' is a specific physical manifestation of that unease.
'Calafrio' is a noun meaning shiver or chill. 'Arrepiar' is the verb describing the action of hair standing on end, which often accompanies a 'calafrio'.
Idioms & Expressions
— To send shivers down one's spine; to cause intense fear or a strong emotional reaction.
A cena final do filme de terror conseguiu arrepiar a espinha de todos os espectadores.
Informal to Neutral— To give goosebumps or shivers; to cause a sensation of fear or cold.
O frio da manhã de inverno dava arrepios em quem saía de casa sem agasalho.
Informal— To make one's hair stand on end; a literal description of the physical reaction, often used for strong fear or shock.
O grito repentino na escuridão fez o cabelo dele arrepiar.
Neutral— To deeply move or shock someone; to affect one's very being.
A história de superação contada pelo palestrante arrepiou a alma da plateia.
Poetic/Figurative— To make one's entire body shiver or get goosebumps; a strong, widespread physical reaction.
Quando ele contou o segredo assustador, eu senti meu corpo todo arrepiar.
Informal— A shiver ran through the body; describing the sensation of cold or fear spreading.
Ao ouvir o som de passos atrás de si, um arrepio percorreu o corpo da personagem.
Neutral— Skin with goosebumps; a visual description of the physical reaction.
A brisa gelada do mar deixou a pele a arrepiar.
Informal— To shiver or get goosebumps specifically because of fear.
Ele estava arrepiado de medo diante da situação perigosa.
Neutral— To shiver or get goosebumps specifically because of cold.
A neve caía e eu estava arrepiado de frio, mesmo com o casaco.
Neutral— To get goosebumps or feel deeply moved by something awe-inspiring.
A performance do artista foi tão espetacular que me deixou arrepiado de admiração.
FigurativeEasily Confused
Both relate to fear.
'Assustar' is the act of causing fear. 'Arrepiar' is the physical reaction to fear (or other stimuli like cold). You can 'assustar' someone, and that might 'arrepiar' them.
O grito <strong>assustou</strong> a criança, fazendo o cabelo dela <strong>arrepiar</strong>.
Both describe negative emotional states.
'Perturbar' means to disturb or upset someone, causing general unease. 'Arrepiar' is a specific physical response, like goosebumps, that can be a result of being 'perturbado'.
A notícia <strong>perturbou</strong> o público, e a descrição do evento fez os pelos <strong>arrepiarem</strong>.
Both can be associated with fear and cold.
'Gelar' means to freeze or to make cold. It can describe the feeling of extreme cold or the paralyzing effect of fear ('o medo gelou seu sangue'). 'Arrepiar' specifically refers to the hair standing on end.
O frio <strong>gelou</strong> seus ossos e fez sua pele <strong>arrepiar</strong>.
Both can be used for strong reactions.
'Impressionar' means to impress or make a strong impact. 'Arrepiar' is a physical reaction that can happen *because* something 'impressionou' you deeply (e.g., with awe or emotion), but 'impressionar' itself doesn't necessarily mean hair standing on end.
A beleza da obra de arte <strong>impressionou</strong>-me e fez meu coração <strong>arrepiar</strong>.
Both describe a physical sensation related to cold or fear.
'Calafrio' is a noun meaning shiver or chill. 'Arrepiar' is the verb describing the action of hair standing on end. Often, a 'calafrio' is accompanied by the skin 'arrepiando'.
Senti um <strong>calafrio</strong> e minha pele começou a <strong>arrepiar</strong>.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + arrepiar + object (pronoun)
O frio me <strong>arrepiou</strong>.
Subject + fazer + object + arrepiar
A música assustadora <strong>fez</strong> meu cabelo <strong>arrepiar</strong>.
Subject + estar + arrepiado (de + cause)
Ela <strong>estava arrepiada</strong> de medo.
Sentir + um arrepio + (na/no + body part)
Senti <strong>um arrepio na espinha</strong>.
Subject + arrepia + object (noun/pronoun) + de + emotion/cause
A história <strong>arrepiou</strong> a todos <strong>de</strong> admiração.
O + noun + (cause) + fez + object + arrepiarem
O vento gelado <strong>fez</strong> os pelos do meu braço <strong>arrepiarem</strong>.
O + noun + (cause) + provocou + um arrepio + (adjective/prepositional phrase)
A cena <strong>provocou um arrepio</strong> visceral.
Subject + arrepia + object + em + context
A performance <strong>arrepiou</strong> o público <strong>em</strong> todos os sentidos.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very common, especially in informal and neutral registers.
-
Confusing 'arrepiar' (to make hair stand on end) with 'assustar' (to scare).
→
A cena do filme <strong>arrepiou</strong> a minha pele, porque o filme me <strong>assustou</strong>.
'Assustar' is the action of causing fear, while 'arrepiar' is the physical reaction to that fear (or other stimuli). You can be scared ('assustado') and that might make your hair stand on end ('arrepiar').
-
Using 'arrepiar' for mild discomfort.
→
O barulho me incomodou um pouco.
'Arrepiar' implies a strong physical reaction. For mild discomfort, words like 'incomodar' (to bother) or 'irritar' (to irritate) are more appropriate.
-
Incorrect pronunciation of the 'rr' sound.
→
Practicing the guttural 'rr' sound by listening to native speakers and trying to imitate it.
The Portuguese 'rr' is a strong sound, not like the English 'r'. Incorrect pronunciation can make the word difficult to understand or sound unnatural.
-
Confusing the verb 'arrepiar' with the noun 'arrepio'.
→
A música <strong>arrepiou</strong> meu corpo. / Senti um <strong>arrepio</strong> na espinha.
'Arrepiar' is the verb (to make hair stand on end), while 'arrepio' is the noun (a shiver, chill, goosebump). Using them interchangeably can lead to grammatical errors.
-
Overusing 'arrepiar' for things that are only slightly impressive or cold.
→
A paisagem era bonita. / O dia estava fresco.
'Arrepiar' signifies a strong reaction. Using it for minor stimuli can sound exaggerated. For mild impressions, use words like 'interessante' (interesting) or 'bonito' (beautiful). For mild cold, use 'fresco' (cool) or 'frio' (cold).
Tips
Mastering the 'RR' Sound
The Portuguese 'rr' in 'arrepiar' is a strong, guttural sound. Practice by trying to replicate the sound of gargling or the Scottish 'loch'. Listen to native speakers and mimic them to get it right.
Using 'Fazer' Causatively
A common pattern is 'fazer' + object + infinitive. For example, 'O filme fez meu cabelo arrepiar.' This structure is very useful for describing how something caused a reaction.
Idiomatic Expressions
Learn common phrases like 'arrepiar a espinha' and 'dar arrepios'. These are frequently used by native speakers and will make your Portuguese sound more natural.
Visual Association
Imagine your hair standing straight up in fright or from a cold blast of air. Visualizing this strong physical reaction will help you remember the meaning of 'arrepiar'.
Active Recall
After learning 'arrepiar', try to actively recall it by describing real-life situations where you've felt this sensation. This active recall strengthens your memory.
Emotional Expression
In Portuguese culture, vivid descriptions of physical reactions like 'arrepiar' are common. Embracing this verb helps you understand and express strong emotions more effectively in Portuguese.
Reflexive Usage
Remember that 'arrepiar' can be used reflexively: 'Eu me arrepiei.' This means 'I got goosebumps' or 'I felt my hair stand on end,' emphasizing the personal experience.
Distinguishing from 'Assustar'
Don't confuse 'arrepiar' (the reaction) with 'assustar' (to scare, the cause). Something that 'assusta' might 'arrepiar', but they are different concepts.
Listen to Native Speakers
Expose yourself to Portuguese media like movies, series, or podcasts. You'll hear 'arrepiar' used frequently in natural contexts, helping you grasp its nuances and typical usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a scary ghost saying 'Rrrre-peel!' and your hair standing straight up in fright. The 're-peel' sound can remind you of 'arrepiar', and the ghost makes it scary.
Visual Association
Picture a very cold, snowy landscape where someone is shivering uncontrollably, and you can see their hair standing on end and goosebumps on their arms. This visual connects the word with its common causes: cold and fear.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'arrepiar' in three different sentences today: one about fear, one about cold, and one about something surprisingly impressive.
Word Origin
The word 'arrepiar' comes from the Latin word 'repilus', meaning 'hair'. Over time, through Vulgar Latin and Old Portuguese, it evolved into 'arrepiar', maintaining its connection to the concept of hair.
Original meaning: To make hair stand up.
Indo-European (Romance languages)Cultural Context
The word 'arrepiar' is generally not considered offensive. It describes a natural physiological response. However, its usage should be contextually appropriate; using it for trivial matters might sound exaggerated.
In English, we often use phrases like 'gave me goosebumps,' 'sent shivers down my spine,' or 'made my hair stand on end' to describe similar reactions. 'Arrepiar' encapsulates these in a single, descriptive verb.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Watching a horror movie
- O filme me arrepiou.
- Que cena assustadora, meu cabelo arrepiou!
- Estou arrepiado de medo.
Experiencing cold weather
- O vento gelado me arrepiou.
- Estou arrepiado de frio.
- Senti um arrepio quando saí sem casaco.
Hearing a ghost story
- Essa história me arrepiou a espinha.
- Fiquei arrepiado ouvindo isso.
- Que conto assustador, deu arrepios em todos.
Being impressed or moved by something
- A performance me arrepiou.
- Que música linda, me fez arrepiar de admiração.
- Fiquei arrepiado com a beleza da paisagem.
Describing a sudden shock or surprise
- O susto me arrepiou.
- Aquele barulho repentino me arrepiou.
- Fiquei arrepiado com a surpresa.
Conversation Starters
"Você já teve uma experiência que te arrepiou?"
"Qual foi o filme mais assustador que te fez arrepiar?"
"Como você descreveria a sensação de arrepiar?"
"O que mais te causa arrepios: medo ou frio?"
"Você acredita em fantasmas? Eles te arrepiam?"
Journal Prompts
Descreva um momento em que algo te arrepiou. O que causou essa reação?
Pense em uma música ou obra de arte que te arrepiou. Por que ela teve esse efeito?
Se você pudesse criar uma cena que faria alguém arrepiar, como seria?
Como você lida com a sensação de arrepiar quando sente medo?
Escreva sobre um dia muito frio em que você ficou arrepiado. Detalhe as sensações.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsLiterally, 'arrepiar' means to make the hair on one's body stand on end. This is due to the contraction of tiny muscles called arrector pili, attached to hair follicles. This happens in response to stimuli like cold, fear, or strong emotions.
'Arrepiar' can also be used when experiencing intense awe, admiration, or even profound sadness. For example, a breathtaking piece of music or a deeply moving speech might 'arrepiar' someone, not out of fear, but out of sheer emotional impact.
Yes, 'arrepiar' can be used for animals, particularly when they are scared or feel threatened. For example, 'O gato se arrepiou ao ver o cachorro.' (The cat's fur stood on end when it saw the dog.)
Not necessarily. While fear is a common trigger, 'arrepiar' can also be a reaction to something incredibly beautiful, moving, or impressive. In these cases, it signifies a strong, positive emotional response rather than distress.
'Arrepiar' is the verb meaning to make hair stand on end. 'Dar arrepios' is a phrasal expression, literally meaning 'to give shivers/goosebumps'. They are often used interchangeably in practice, with 'dar arrepios' being a common idiomatic way to express the sensation.
The stress is on the second syllable: ar-RE-pi-ar. The 'rr' is a strong guttural sound. The vowels are generally open. Listen to audio examples for accurate pronunciation.
Yes, it can be used reflexively, as in 'Eu me arrepiei' (I got goosebumps). This emphasizes that the sensation is happening to the subject themselves.
Common phrases include 'arrepiar a espinha' (to send shivers down the spine), 'dar arrepios' (to give goosebumps), 'fazer o cabelo arrepiar' (to make one's hair stand on end), and 'sentir um arrepio' (to feel a shiver).
Yes, in some contexts, it is similar to 'to chill' when 'chill' refers to a feeling of fear or cold that causes goosebumps. However, 'arrepiar' is more specific to the physical reaction of hair standing on end.
The most common noun form is 'arrepio', which means a shiver, chill, or the sensation of goosebumps. For example, 'Senti um arrepio quando ouvi o barulho.'
Test Yourself 10 questions
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Arrepiar describes the physical sensation of your hair standing on end, often triggered by fear, cold, or intense emotions like awe or shock. Think of it as getting goosebumps or a shiver that makes your hair stand up.
- Arrepiar: To make hair stand on end from fear, cold, or strong emotion.
- Physical reaction: Hair stands up, goosebumps appear.
- Contexts: Scary movies, cold weather, shocking events, impressive performances.
- Example: O filme me arrepiou. (The movie gave me goosebumps.)
Mastering the 'RR' Sound
The Portuguese 'rr' in 'arrepiar' is a strong, guttural sound. Practice by trying to replicate the sound of gargling or the Scottish 'loch'. Listen to native speakers and mimic them to get it right.
Context is Key
Remember that 'arrepiar' can be triggered by fear, cold, or even intense admiration. Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand which cause is implied. This flexibility makes it a rich verb to learn.
Using 'Fazer' Causatively
A common pattern is 'fazer' + object + infinitive. For example, 'O filme fez meu cabelo arrepiar.' This structure is very useful for describing how something caused a reaction.
Idiomatic Expressions
Learn common phrases like 'arrepiar a espinha' and 'dar arrepios'. These are frequently used by native speakers and will make your Portuguese sound more natural.
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.
