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A2 noun #7,000 most common 12 min read

covardia

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips covardia in 30 Seconds

Explanation covardia in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn basic nouns and adjectives. 'Covardia' might be a bit advanced for your first few weeks, but it's useful to know because it is a very common way to express that something is 'bad' or 'unfair'. You can think of it as the opposite of 'coragem' (courage). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that it is a feminine noun ('a covardia') and that it usually means something negative. You might hear it in simple cartoons or stories where there is a 'bad guy' who does something mean. For example, if a big character takes a toy from a small character, that is 'uma covardia'. Focusing on these clear, visual examples will help you remember the word without needing to understand deep moral philosophy. Try to pair it in your mind with the word 'mau' (bad) or 'ruim' (bad). Even at A1, being able to recognize this word in a sentence will help you understand the emotional tone of a story or a conversation. It's a 'power word' that carries a lot of meaning in a single package.

At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and describe people's characters and actions. This is the perfect time to integrate 'covardia' into your vocabulary. You should learn to use it with basic verbs like 'ter' (to have) and 'fazer' (to do/make). For instance, 'Ele tem covardia' (He has cowardice/is cowardly) or 'Isso é uma covardia' (This is a cowardice/unfair act). You should also notice how it relates to the adjective 'covarde'. At A2, you can start using 'covardia' to describe situations you see in the news or in your daily life, like someone being treated unfairly at work or in school. You are moving beyond just 'good' and 'bad' and starting to use specific words for specific behaviors. Remember to always use feminine agreement: 'muita covardia', 'aquela covardia'. This will help you sound more like a native speaker. You can also start practicing the exclamation 'Que covardia!', which is a very natural way to react to an unfair situation. This level is about building the foundation for using the word in common, everyday contexts.

At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with abstract concepts and expressing your opinions. 'Covardia' becomes a key tool for discussing social issues, politics, and literature. You should be able to explain *why* something is a 'covardia' using connecting words like 'porque' (because) and 'visto que' (since). For example, 'Eu acho que é uma covardia as pessoas não ajudarem os pobres porque elas têm condições' (I think it's a cowardice that people don't help the poor because they have the means). You can also start using the word in the past tense to describe historical events or past personal experiences. This is also the stage where you should distinguish clearly between 'medo' (fear) and 'covardia' (moral failure). You might participate in a classroom debate or write a short essay where you argue that a certain character in a book showed 'covardia' at a critical moment. Your understanding of the word should now include its moral weight and its role in defining a person's character in a more nuanced way than just 'being afraid'.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'covardia' with a high degree of precision in both formal and informal settings. You should be familiar with common collocations like 'covardia moral' (moral cowardice) and 'ato de covardia' (act of cowardice). You can use the word to critique complex social structures or government policies. For instance, you might discuss the 'covardia de um governo que ignora os direitos humanos' (the cowardice of a government that ignores human rights). At this level, you should also be comfortable with synonyms like 'frouxidão' and understand the subtle differences between them. You can use 'covardia' in hypothetical situations using the conditional tense: 'Seria uma covardia se nós não disséssemos a verdade' (It would be a cowardice if we didn't tell the truth). Your ability to use the word in sophisticated arguments will show that you have a deep grasp of Portuguese vocabulary and the cultural values it represents. You should also be able to recognize the word in more complex literary texts where it might be used metaphorically or as a central theme.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'covardia' should be deep and multifaceted. You should be able to appreciate how the word is used in classical Portuguese literature, such as in the works of Machado de Assis or Eça de Queirós, where 'covardia' is often explored as a fundamental human flaw. You should be able to use the word in highly formal academic writing or professional contexts, perhaps employing synonyms like 'pusilanimidade' to add variety and precision to your prose. You can discuss the philosophical implications of cowardice versus courage in the context of ethics and social responsibility. At C1, you should also be sensitive to the use of 'covardia' in different Portuguese-speaking cultures, noting how the word might carry slightly different weights or be used in different idiomatic expressions in Brazil versus Portugal or Angola. Your usage should be flawless, including complex grammatical structures and perfect gender and number agreement. You can use the word to analyze the psychological motivations of characters in films or novels, providing a detailed critique of their 'covardia' or lack thereof.

At the C2 level, you have reached a near-native or native-like mastery of 'covardia'. You can use the word with all its subtle connotations, irony, and rhetorical power. You might use it in a speech to evoke strong emotions or in a satirical piece of writing to mock a public figure's lack of resolve. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its roots, and you can play with its meaning in creative writing. You are comfortable using 'covardia' in any context, from the most technical legal discussion to the most casual street slang. You can recognize and use rare or archaic synonyms and understand how they have fallen out of favor. Your understanding of 'covardia' is not just linguistic but cultural and psychological; you know exactly when the word will land with the most impact and how it will be perceived by different audiences. At this level, the word is a flexible tool in your vast linguistic repertoire, used to express everything from deep philosophical truths to sharp social critiques with absolute precision and elegance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

covardia in 30 Seconds

Covardia means cowardice or a lack of bravery in Portuguese.
It is a feminine noun and often implies an unfair or cruel action.
The word is commonly used to condemn bullying or power imbalances.
It is the direct opposite of 'coragem', which means courage or bravery.

The Portuguese word covardia is a feminine noun that translates directly to 'cowardice' in English. However, its usage in Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, carries a weight that often extends beyond a mere lack of physical bravery. While it fundamentally describes the quality of being a coward (a covarde), it is frequently employed to describe acts of extreme unfairness, bullying, or situations where there is a significant power imbalance. When someone uses their superior strength, social position, or numbers to disadvantage someone weaker, the act is almost universally labeled as a covardia.

Core Definition: The state or quality of being a coward; a total lack of courage or resolution when facing danger, pain, or difficulty. It is the opposite of coragem (courage).

Moral Implication: In Portuguese, calling an action a covardia is a severe moral judgment. It implies that the person had the opportunity to act rightly but chose the path of least resistance or malice due to fear or a desire to dominate the vulnerable.

Abandonar os amigos em um momento de dificuldade é uma prova de extrema covardia.

You will encounter this word in a variety of contexts, from playground disputes to high-level political critiques. In sports, if a team plays with an overly defensive and fearful strategy against a much weaker opponent, fans might scream that it is a covardia. In the legal and journalistic world, crimes committed against children, the elderly, or those unable to defend themselves are frequently described as 'atos de covardia' (acts of cowardice). This nuanced application makes it a vital word for expressing indignation and moral stance.

Bater em alguém que está caído é a maior covardia que existe.

Social Context: In Latin cultures, the concept of honor is often tied to 'bravura' (bravery). Therefore, 'covardia' is not just a personal failing but a social disgrace that affects one's reputation deeply.

Ele sentiu uma profunda vergonha pela sua covardia diante do perigo.

A história lembrará desse ato como uma marca de covardia política.

Não confunda cautela com covardia.

Understanding 'covardia' requires recognizing the fine line between natural fear (medo) and the moral failure of cowardice. Fear is a biological response; cowardice is a choice to let that fear dictate an unethical or weak action. In Portuguese literature, this distinction is often explored to define the character of heroes and villains alike. When you use this word, you are tapping into a deep-seated value system regarding integrity and bravery.

Using covardia correctly involves understanding its syntactic role as a noun. It often follows verbs like cometer (to commit), fazer (to do/make), or demonstrar (to demonstrate). Because it is an abstract noun, it frequently appears in structures that define an action as being 'an act of cowardice'. For example, 'É uma covardia...' (It is a cowardice...) followed by an infinitive verb is a very common way to express disapproval of a specific behavior.

Common Verb Pairings: The most frequent verbs used with 'covardia' are 'cometer' (to commit an act of cowardice), 'ter' (to have cowardice/be cowardly), and 'agir com' (to act with cowardice).

O soldado foi punido por demonstrar covardia no campo de batalha.

In everyday speech, you will hear people say 'Que covardia!' when they witness something unfair. This is an exclamation of shock or disgust. For instance, if a large person is yelling at a small child, a bystander might mutter this phrase. It functions similarly to 'That's so unfair!' or 'How cowardly!' in English. Note that in this context, the word moves from describing a character trait to describing the situation itself.

Foi uma covardia o que fizeram com aquele funcionário.

Prepositional Usage: 'Por covardia' (due to cowardice) is a common phrase to explain the motivation behind a failure to act. 'Ele mentiu por covardia' (He lied out of cowardice).

Muitos se calaram por pura covardia diante do regime.

Another important structure is the use of 'covardia' in comparisons. You might say 'Isso não é coragem, é covardia disfarçada' (That isn't courage, it is disguised cowardice). This highlights the speaker's ability to see through a facade. In literature, you might see 'covardia' personified or used as a thematic anchor to discuss the human condition and the struggle between self-preservation and duty.

O herói da história precisou vencer sua própria covardia para salvar a vila.

Não podemos aceitar essa covardia institucionalizada.

Adjectival Relationships: While 'covardia' is the noun, the adjective is 'covarde'. You use 'covardia' for the concept and 'covarde' for the person or the description of the act: 'um ato covarde' (a cowardly act).

Mastering the use of 'covardia' will allow you to express complex emotional and ethical stances. It is not just about being afraid; it is about the moral failure that fear can produce. Whether you are discussing history, politics, or personal relationships, this word carries a punch that forces the listener to consider the ethics of an action.

In the real world, covardia is a staple of news reporting and social commentary in Portuguese-speaking countries. Whenever a crime involves a victim who could not defend themselves, the media almost inevitably uses the word to emphasize the cruelty of the perpetrator. You will see headlines like 'Polícia investiga covardia contra idoso' (Police investigate cowardice against an elderly person). This use of the word helps to galvanize public opinion against the offender.

In the Media: Journalists use 'covardia' to frame narratives of injustice. It is a powerful rhetorical tool to highlight the disparity between a victim and an aggressor.

A reportagem mostrou a covardia dos agressores que fugiram após o crime.

In politics, 'covardia' is a common insult thrown between opponents. A politician might accuse another of 'covardia política' if they refuse to take a stance on a controversial issue or if they avoid a public debate. It implies that the opponent is afraid of the voters or the truth. This usage is particularly common during election cycles in Brazil, where political rhetoric can be quite intense and personal.

O senador acusou o governo de covardia ao não enfrentar a crise.

In Daily Arguments: In personal disputes, calling someone's actions 'uma covardia' is a way to end the argument by asserting a moral high ground. It suggests the other person has acted below a basic human standard.

Terminar um namoro por mensagem é uma covardia sem tamanho.

In music and literature, 'covardia' often features in lyrics about heartbreak or social struggle. Samba and Fado, for instance, frequently explore themes of betrayal and the 'covardia' of a lover who leaves without explanation. In these artistic contexts, the word takes on a more melancholic and poetic tone, representing the pain caused by another's lack of courage to be honest or stay faithful.

A letra da música fala sobre a covardia de quem foge do amor.

O general foi destituído por covardia perante o inimigo.

Sports Commentary: Commentators might use 'covardia' to describe a team that refuses to attack even when they have the advantage, or a player who fakes an injury to avoid a difficult play.

From the high-stakes world of national politics to the intimate world of romantic relationships, 'covardia' is a word that resonates with the human expectation of bravery and fairness. Hearing it in the wild will give you an immediate sense of the emotional temperature of a conversation or a news story.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using covardia is confusing it with the adjective covarde. Remember that covardia is the noun (the concept), while covarde can be both an adjective (cowardly) and a noun referring to the person (a coward). You would say 'Ele é um covarde' (He is a coward) but 'Ele agiu com covardia' (He acted with cowardice). Confusing these two will make your Portuguese sound unnatural.

Noun vs. Adjective: Mistake: 'Isso foi muito covardia.' Correct: 'Isso foi muita covardia' or 'Isso foi um ato covarde'. Note the gender agreement with 'muita'.

Dizer que ele tem covardia é diferente de dizer que ele é um covarde.

Another frequent error is using 'covardia' when you simply mean 'medo' (fear). 'Medo' is a natural emotion that everyone feels. 'Covardia' is a negative moral assessment of how someone handles that fear or how they treat others. If someone is afraid of spiders, they have 'medo de aranhas', not 'covardia de aranhas'. Using 'covardia' in this context would sound very strange and overly dramatic, as if the person is morally failing by being afraid of an insect.

Ter medo é humano; a covardia é que deve ser evitada.

Gender Agreement: 'Covardia' is always feminine. Learners often mistakenly use masculine articles or adjectives with it because they are referring to a man. Always use 'a', 'esta', 'muita', or 'uma'.

A covardia dele nos surpreendeu a todos.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'r' in 'covardia' is often a soft, tapped 'r' (like the 'tt' in 'better' in some American English accents), and the 'ia' at the end is two distinct vowel sounds, though they flow together. Learners sometimes try to pronounce it like the English 'cowardice', which has a completely different vowel structure. Pay attention to the stress, which is on the 'di' syllable (co-var-DI-a).

Pratique a pronúncia de covardia enfatizando a penúltima sílaba.

Não deixe que a covardia impeça seu progresso no idioma.

False Friends Check: There aren't many false friends for 'covardia', but be careful not to confuse it with 'covil' (a lair or den), which sounds vaguely similar but has a totally different meaning.

By avoiding these common pitfalls—confusing the noun with the adjective, misusing 'medo', and getting the gender or pronunciation wrong—you will be able to use 'covardia' with the same precision and impact as a native speaker. It is a word that demands respect and careful handling due to its strong emotional and moral connotations.

While covardia is the most common word for cowardice, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can add nuance to your speech. Depending on the level of formality and the specific type of cowardice you are describing, you might choose a different term. For instance, pusilanimidade is a much more formal and academic word. It describes a lack of spirit or a smallness of soul that leads to cowardice. You would find this in philosophical texts or very formal literature.

Covardia vs. Pusilanimidade: 'Covardia' is the general, everyday term. 'Pusilanimidade' is highly formal and suggests a deep-seated character weakness or lack of resolve.

A covardia dele era visível, mas o filósofo a chamou de pusilanimidade.

Another interesting alternative is frouxidão. This literally means 'looseness' or 'slackness', but metaphorically it refers to a lack of firmness or courage. If someone is 'frouxo', they are weak-willed. Use frouxidão when you want to imply that someone is not just afraid, but lacks the internal 'tension' or strength to stand up for themselves. It is slightly more informal than 'covardia' and can sometimes be used in a mocking way.

Não demonstre frouxidão diante dos seus adversários.

Covardia vs. Medo: 'Medo' is the emotion (fear). 'Covardia' is the failure of character resulting from that emotion or from an intent to be unfair.

Ele sentiu medo, mas não se entregou à covardia.

If you are talking about someone who is simply very cautious or timid, you might use timidez or receio. These are much softer words. Receio is a more formal way of saying 'fear' or 'apprehension'. 'Tenho receio de que ele não venha' (I fear/apprehend that he might not come). Using 'covardia' here would be entirely inappropriate as there is no moral failing involved in being worried about someone's arrival.

O temor é natural; a covardia é opcional.

Sua timidez às vezes é confundida com covardia.

Contextual Choice: Choose 'covardia' when you want to condemn an action. Choose 'medo' or 'receio' when you are simply describing a feeling of apprehension.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your message precisely. Whether you want to deliver a harsh moral condemnation with 'covardia' or 'pusilanimidade', or simply describe a lack of resolve with 'frouxidão', having these words in your vocabulary will make you a much more effective communicator in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'tail' connection is still visible in the word 'coda' in music or 'cauda' in modern Portuguese. So, 'covardia' literally describes the state of 'tail-between-the-legs-ness'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌkɒv.əˈdaɪ.ə/

US /ˌkoʊ.vɑːrˈdiː.ə/

The primary stress is on the third syllable: co-var-DI-a.

Rhymes With

dia alegria bacia melodia sabedoria fantasia energia padaria

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'cowardice'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable (co-VAR-dia).
Making the 'r' too hard (like an American English 'r').
Merging the 'ia' into a single 'ya' sound too quickly.
Confusing the 'v' sound with a 'b' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'cowardice'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the 'ia' ending.

Speaking 3/5

The stress on 'DI' and the tapped 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

medo coragem bravo ruim pessoa

Learn Next

acovardar valentia justiça injustiça bravura

Advanced

pusilanimidade frouxidão temeridade estoicismo integridade

Grammar to Know

Substantivos abstratos terminados em -ia são geralmente femininos.

A covardia, a alegria, a sabedoria.

Uso da preposição 'por' para indicar causa com sentimentos.

Ele fugiu por covardia.

Concordância nominal com substantivos femininos.

Muita covardia foi demonstrada.

Formação de advérbios com o sufixo -mente a partir do adjetivo.

Covarde + mente = covardemente.

Verbos pronominais expressando mudança de estado.

Ele se acovardou diante do desafio.

Examples by Level

Isso é uma covardia.

This is a cowardice (unfair).

Feminine noun with 'uma'.

Eu não gosto de covardia.

I don't like cowardice.

Direct object of 'gostar de'.

A covardia é ruim.

Cowardice is bad.

Subject with definite article 'A'.

Ele tem muita covardia.

He has a lot of cowardice.

Use of 'muita' for feminine intensity.

Que covardia!

How cowardly! / What an unfair thing!

Exclamatory phrase.

Não faça covardia.

Don't do cowardice (be unfair).

Imperative negative.

Ela viu a covardia.

She saw the cowardice.

Simple past tense.

O menino chora por covardia.

The boy cries due to cowardice (unfairness).

Preposition 'por' showing cause.

Bater em crianças é uma grande covardia.

Hitting children is a great cowardice.

Use of 'grande' as an adjective.

Ele agiu com covardia ontem.

He acted with cowardice yesterday.

Prepositional phrase 'com covardia'.

Ninguém gosta de pessoas que mostram covardia.

Nobody likes people who show cowardice.

Relative clause with 'que'.

A covardia dele foi triste de ver.

His cowardice was sad to see.

Possessive 'dele' after the noun.

Eles cometeram uma covardia com o vizinho.

They committed a cowardice against the neighbor.

Verb 'cometer' + 'uma covardia'.

Você acha que isso é covardia?

Do you think this is cowardice?

Interrogative sentence.

Não podemos aceitar essa covardia no trabalho.

We cannot accept this cowardice at work.

Demonstrative 'essa'.

A covardia nunca é a solução.

Cowardice is never the solution.

Adverb 'nunca'.

O filme mostra a covardia dos soldados durante a guerra.

The movie shows the cowardice of the soldiers during the war.

Genitive 'dos soldados'.

Muitas vezes, o silêncio é uma forma de covardia.

Often, silence is a form of cowardice.

Abstract comparison.

Ele não teve coragem, apenas covardia.

He didn't have courage, only cowardice.

Contrast using 'apenas'.

A covardia moral é pior que a física.

Moral cowardice is worse than physical cowardice.

Comparative 'pior que'.

Ela superou sua covardia e falou a verdade.

She overcame her cowardice and told the truth.

Verb 'superar' (to overcome).

O herói lutou contra a covardia do vilão.

The hero fought against the villain's cowardice.

Preposition 'contra'.

É uma covardia abandonar um animal na rua.

It is a cowardice to abandon an animal on the street.

Impersonal 'É uma covardia' + infinitive.

Sua covardia impediu que ele ajudasse o amigo.

His cowardice prevented him from helping his friend.

Subjunctive trigger 'impediu que'.

A covardia política impede o progresso da nação.

Political cowardice prevents the nation's progress.

Specific adjective 'política'.

Acusar sem provas é uma covardia inaceitável.

Accusing without proof is an unacceptable cowardice.

Adjective 'inaceitável'.

O autor descreve a covardia como um veneno da alma.

The author describes cowardice as a poison of the soul.

Metaphorical usage.

Eles agiram com uma covardia que ninguém esperava.

They acted with a cowardice that nobody expected.

Relative clause with past perfect.

A covardia diante da injustiça é cumplicidade.

Cowardice in the face of injustice is complicity.

Philosophical statement.

Não confunda a sua prudência com covardia.

Don't confuse your prudence with cowardice.

Negative imperative 'Não confunda'.

A história é cheia de atos de covardia e heroísmo.

History is full of acts of cowardice and heroism.

Noun phrase 'atos de'.

A covardia deles custou muitas vidas.

Their cowardice cost many lives.

Verb 'custar' (to cost).

A pusilanimidade é o estágio mais avançado da covardia.

Pusillanimity is the most advanced stage of cowardice.

Comparison with a high-level synonym.

O texto analisa a covardia intrínseca à condição humana.

The text analyzes the cowardice intrinsic to the human condition.

Academic adjective 'intrínseca'.

Foi uma covardia intelectual omitir aqueles dados.

It was an intellectual cowardice to omit those data.

Compound concept 'covardia intelectual'.

A covardia se manifesta de formas sutis e insidiosas.

Cowardice manifests itself in subtle and insidious ways.

Reflexive verb 'se manifesta'.

Sua recusa em debater foi vista como covardia pura.

His refusal to debate was seen as pure cowardice.

Passive voice 'foi vista'.

O personagem é consumido pela própria covardia.

The character is consumed by his own cowardice.

Past participle 'consumido'.

A covardia institucionalizada é o maior desafio da reforma.

Institutionalized cowardice is the reform's greatest challenge.

Complex noun phrase.

Não há nada mais desprezível que a covardia oculta.

There is nothing more despicable than hidden cowardice.

Superlative structure.

A covardia, em sua essência, é a negação da alteridade.

Cowardice, in its essence, is the negation of alterity.

Philosophical terminology.

O ensaio discorre sobre a covardia como subproduto do medo existencial.

The essay discusses cowardice as a byproduct of existential fear.

Complex prepositional structure.

Tal ato de covardia ressoa através dos séculos na memória coletiva.

Such an act of cowardice resonates through the centuries in the collective memory.

Rhetorical style.

A covardia é o refúgio daqueles que temem a própria sombra.

Cowardice is the refuge of those who fear their own shadow.

Metaphorical definition.

A sofreguidão pelo poder muitas vezes mascara uma profunda covardia.

The greed for power often masks a deep cowardice.

Sophisticated vocabulary like 'sofreguidão'.

A covardia intelectual perverte o propósito da academia.

Intellectual cowardice perverts the purpose of academia.

Strong verb 'perverte'.

Ele sucumbiu à covardia, traindo seus princípios mais caros.

He succumbed to cowardice, betraying his dearest principles.

Verb 'sucumbir' with dative.

A covardia é a antítese da virtude cívica.

Cowardice is the antithesis of civic virtue.

Formal philosophical statement.

Synonyms

pusilanimidade frouxidão poltronaria medo temor vilania baixeza fraqueza

Antonyms

coragem bravura valentia temeridade

Common Collocations

ato de covardia

covardia moral

cometer uma covardia

pura covardia

tamanha covardia

demonstrar covardia

covardia política

vencer a covardia

marca de covardia

covardia intelectual

Common Phrases

Que covardia!

— An exclamation used when witnessing something very unfair or mean.

Bateram no menino? Que covardia!

Fazer uma covardia

— To act unfairly or cruelly toward someone weaker.

Não faça uma covardia com ele, ele é menor.

Por covardia

— Doing something (or not doing it) because of a lack of courage.

Ele mentiu por covardia.

Sem covardia

— Doing something fairly or bravely, without taking unfair advantage.

Vamos lutar de forma justa, sem covardia.

Covardia com os animais

— Cruelty or unfair treatment directed at animals.

Maltratar cães é uma covardia com os animais.

É uma covardia

— A common way to start a sentence condemning an action.

É uma covardia o que o governo está fazendo.

Muita covardia

— A lot of cowardice; used to emphasize the scale of the unfairness.

Houve muita covardia naquele ataque.

Sinal de covardia

— An indication that someone lacks courage or integrity.

Fugir do debate é um sinal de covardia.

Ato covarde

— Although using the adjective, this is the most common phrase for a cowardly act.

Foi um ato covarde e cruel.

Covardia total

— Complete cowardice.

O que aconteceu ontem foi uma covardia total.

Often Confused With

covardia vs medo

Medo is the feeling of fear; covardia is the moral failure related to fear or unfairness.

covardia vs covil

Covil means a lair or den; it sounds similar but is completely unrelated.

covardia vs covarde

Covarde is the adjective (cowardly) or the person (a coward); covardia is the noun (cowardice).

Idioms & Expressions

"A covardia mora ao lado"

— Suggests that cowardice is a common human trait that is always nearby.

Cuidado, pois a covardia mora ao lado da ambição.

Literary

"Dar uma de covarde"

— To act like a coward in a specific situation.

Ele deu uma de covarde e não apareceu na reunião.

Informal

"Esconder-se atrás da covardia"

— To use fear as an excuse to avoid responsibility.

Não se esconda atrás da covardia; assuma seu erro.

Neutral

"Covardia não tem limites"

— Used to express shock at how cruel or unfair someone can be.

Roubar de um cego? A covardia não tem limites!

Informal

"Arma da covardia"

— Refers to things like lies or backstabbing as tools used by cowards.

A fofoca é a arma da covardia.

Neutral

"O preço da covardia"

— The negative consequences that follow a lack of courage.

Agora ele está pagando o preço da sua covardia.

Neutral

"Cheirar a covardia"

— To seem very much like an act of cowardice.

Essa desculpa dele cheira a covardia.

Informal

"Manto da covardia"

— A metaphorical covering for one's true, fearful nature.

Ele usa o manto da covardia para evitar conflitos.

Literary

"Covardia consentida"

— When people see something unfair and do nothing to stop it.

O silêncio da vizinhança foi uma covardia consentida.

Formal

"Fruto da covardia"

— Something that results from being afraid or unfair.

Essa mentira é apenas o fruto da sua covardia.

Neutral

Easily Confused

covardia vs timidez

Both involve a lack of social boldness.

Timidez is a personality trait related to being shy; covardia involves a lack of courage or being unfair.

Sua timidez o impede de falar em público, mas não é covardia.

covardia vs prudência

Both can lead to avoiding a fight.

Prudência is wise caution; covardia is avoiding action due to fear or selfishness.

Não lutar contra cinco homens é prudência, não covardia.

covardia vs frouxidão

Both mean a lack of strength or courage.

Frouxidão often implies a lack of physical or mental 'tightness' or discipline, while covardia is more about the moral choice.

A frouxidão do governo permitiu o avanço da crise.

covardia vs receio

Both relate to feeling apprehensive.

Receio is a mild, often formal fear or concern; covardia is a strong negative judgment.

Tenho receio de que chova, mas não é covardia.

covardia vs vilania

Both describe bad actions.

Vilania is general evil or meanness; covardia is specifically about being unfair to the weak or being afraid.

Seu ato foi uma mistura de vilania e covardia.

Sentence Patterns

Isso é uma [substantivo].

Isso é uma covardia.

Ele tem [adjetivo] [substantivo].

Ele tem muita covardia.

Agir com [substantivo] é [adjetivo].

Agir com covardia é errado.

A [substantivo] de [alguém] causou [algo].

A covardia do rei causou a guerra.

Não se pode confundir [substantivo 1] com [substantivo 2].

Não se pode confundir prudência com covardia.

A [substantivo] manifesta-se através de [algo].

A covardia manifesta-se através do silêncio cúmplice.

É uma covardia [verbo infinitivo]...

É uma covardia abandonar os animais.

Que [substantivo]!

Que covardia!

Word Family

Nouns

covarde

covardice (rare synonym)

Verbs

acovardar

acovardar-se

Adjectives

covarde

acovardado

medo

temor

receio

coragem

bravura

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news and social discussions.

Common Mistakes

O covardia dele. → A covardia dele.
The word is feminine, so it must use the feminine article 'a'.
Isso foi muito covardia. → Isso foi muita covardia.
Adverbs like 'muito' must agree with the feminine noun when used as 'muita' (meaning 'a lot of').
Eu tenho covardia de baratas. → Eu tenho medo de baratas.
Use 'medo' for natural fears of things like insects or heights.
Ele é um covardia. → Ele é um covarde.
Use 'covarde' when referring to a person. 'Covardia' is the concept.
Foi um covardia ato. → Foi um ato covarde.
In Portuguese, the adjective 'covarde' usually follows the noun 'ato'.

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always remember that 'covardia' is feminine. Even if you are talking about a group of men, you must say 'a covardia deles'. This is a common mistake for beginners who try to match the gender of the noun to the gender of the person.

Medo vs. Covardia

Distinguish between the emotion and the moral act. Use 'medo' for the feeling inside and 'covardia' for the external action or the character flaw. This distinction is crucial for sounding like a native speaker.

Stress the 'DI'

The stress is on the 'di' syllable. If you put the stress elsewhere, people might still understand you, but it will sound very foreign. Practice saying 'co-var-DI-a' slowly.

Moral Weight

Be aware that 'covardia' is a strong word. Calling someone's action a 'covardia' is a significant accusation of unfairness or lack of honor. Use it when you really mean to condemn something.

Que Covardia!

Learn this as a set phrase. It is a perfect reaction to seeing something unfair. It makes you sound very natural and shows you understand the emotional context of the language.

Verbs Matter

Pair 'covardia' with 'cometer' or 'praticar' in formal writing. In informal settings, 'fazer' is fine. Using 'cometer' adds a layer of seriousness to your writing.

News Context

When listening to Portuguese news, listen for 'covardia' in reports about crimes against vulnerable people. It will help you identify the reporter's stance on the event.

The Tail Rule

Remember the Latin root 'cauda' (tail). A person acting with 'covardia' is like an animal with its tail between its legs. This visual will help you remember the meaning instantly.

Formal Synonyms

If you want to sound more academic, use 'pusilanimidade'. It means the same as 'covardia' but is reserved for high-level literature and formal debates.

Daily Observation

Try to spot an 'ato de covardia' in a movie or a book you are reading and describe it in Portuguese using the word. This active application reinforces the memory.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'COWard' in a 'DIA' (day). A coward's day is full of 'covardia'.

Visual Association

Imagine a large dog with its tail tucked between its legs, hiding behind a small kitten. That is 'covardia'.

Word Web

coragem medo covarde acovardar injustiça fraqueza bravura vilania

Challenge

Write three sentences describing a situation you think is 'uma covardia' and share them with a friend.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese word 'covarde', which comes from the Old French 'couard'. This, in turn, is derived from the Latin 'cauda', meaning 'tail'.

Original meaning: The original meaning refers to an animal with its tail between its legs, a universal sign of fear or submission.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word toward individuals, as it is a very strong personal insult in Portuguese culture.

While English uses 'cowardice' mostly for fear, Portuguese uses 'covardia' much more frequently for 'unfairness'.

The character 'Covarde' (Cowardly Lion) in the Portuguese translation of The Wizard of Oz. Numerous Fado songs that lament the 'covardia' of a lover who left. Political speeches by figures like Getúlio Vargas or Lula often use the word to describe opposition tactics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Bullying

Isso é covardia com o menino.
Não aceite essa covardia.
Ele faz covardia porque é maior.
Denuncie a covardia.

War and History

O desertor foi acusado de covardia.
Atos de covardia na guerra.
A covardia dos colaboradores.
Vencer a covardia no front.

Politics

Covardia política do governo.
Não fuja do debate por covardia.
Uma covardia com o povo.
Acusação de covardia.

Relationships

Terminar assim é uma covardia.
Sua covardia me magoou.
Não tenha covardia de falar a verdade.
A covardia dele no amor.

Sports

O time jogou com covardia.
Que covardia esse resultado!
Não tenha covardia de atacar.
Tática de covardia.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o silêncio diante da injustiça é uma forma de covardia?"

"Qual foi a maior covardia que você já viu em um filme?"

"Você concorda que bater em alguém mais fraco é a definição de covardia?"

"Como podemos ensinar as crianças a não cometerem covardia com os colegas?"

"Você acha que os políticos hoje em dia agem com muita covardia?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você sentiu medo, mas não agiu com covardia.

O que diferencia, para você, o medo natural da covardia moral?

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você testemunhou uma covardia e como se sentiu.

Como a sociedade pode combater a covardia institucionalizada?

Reflita sobre a frase: 'A covardia é o refúgio dos fracos'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in Portuguese, 'covardia' always carries a negative connotation. It is used to criticize someone's character or a specific action that is deemed unfair or lacking in courage. You would never use it as a compliment. For example, 'Sua covardia nos salvou' sounds like a paradox or irony.

The word for 'cowardly' is 'covarde'. It acts as an adjective. For example, 'um ato covarde' (a cowardly act). Interestingly, 'covarde' is also used as a noun to mean 'a coward': 'Ele é um covarde' (He is a coward).

Not really. For natural fears, you should use 'medo'. 'Eu tenho medo de altura' is correct. If you said 'Eu tenho covardia de altura', it would sound like you are morally failing because you are afraid of heights, which doesn't make sense in Portuguese.

'Injustiça' means 'injustice' or 'unfairness' in a general sense. 'Covardia' is a specific type of injustice where the unfairness comes from a power imbalance or a lack of courage. All 'covardias' are 'injustiças', but not all 'injustiças' are 'covardias'.

In most Brazilian accents, the 'r' in the middle of a word like 'covardia' is a 'tapped r', similar to the 'tt' in the English word 'butter'. It is a quick flick of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. In some parts of Portugal, it might be more strongly trilled.

Yes, it is very common in formal writing, especially in journalism, legal documents describing crimes, and political analysis. It is a precise term for describing certain types of unethical behavior.

The most common opposite is 'coragem' (courage). Other opposites include 'bravura' (bravery), 'valentia' (valor), and 'heroísmo' (heroism).

Yes, but usually to describe how humans treat them. 'É uma covardia maltratar animais' (It's a cowardice to mistreat animals). We don't usually describe an animal's natural fear as 'covardia' unless we are being anthropomorphic in a story.

Yes, the verb is 'acovardar' (to make someone cowardly) or 'acovardar-se' (to become cowardly/to lose courage). For example, 'Ele se acovardou diante do perigo' (He lost his courage in the face of danger).

In Portuguese, nouns ending in '-ia' that are derived from adjectives or other nouns are typically feminine. This is a standard grammatical rule for abstract nouns like 'alegria', 'sabedoria', and 'covardia'.