desagradável in 30 Seconds
- Desagradável means unpleasant, causing discomfort or dislike.
- It's used for smells, sounds, weather, situations, and people's behavior.
- Remember to match its gender and number with the noun it describes.
- It's a common adjective for general negative experiences.
The Portuguese word desagradável is an adjective that translates directly to 'unpleasant' in English. It describes something that causes discomfort, annoyance, or dislike. This word is quite versatile and can be used to describe a wide range of things, from physical sensations to abstract concepts and even people's behavior. You'll encounter it frequently in everyday conversations and writing when expressing negative feelings or observations about something that is not agreeable or enjoyable.
- Literal Meaning
- Not pleasing; not agreeable.
- Core Concept
- Something that evokes a negative emotional or sensory response.
- Usage Scope
- Can apply to weather, food, smells, sounds, situations, personalities, experiences, and more.
O cheiro na cozinha estava muito desagradável.
Imagine you're tasting something for the first time and it's not to your liking. You might say, 'Este tempero é um pouco desagradável.' (This seasoning is a bit unpleasant.) Or perhaps you're describing a situation that made you uncomfortable. For instance, if someone spoke rudely to you, you might reflect on the interaction as 'uma conversa desagradável' (an unpleasant conversation). The word encapsulates a broad spectrum of negative experiences. It's the opposite of 'agradável' (pleasant) or 'bom' (good) when referring to sensory input or emotional states. Think about a persistent, irritating noise – that would be a 'barulho desagradável'. Or a dull, persistent ache – 'uma dor desagradável'. Even a social interaction that felt awkward or unwelcoming fits the description. The key is that it creates a feeling of aversion or discomfort. It's a common adjective used to convey a mild to moderate negative sentiment. It's not typically used for extreme horror or disgust, where stronger words might be employed, but rather for things that are simply not nice to experience. For example, a rainy day that spoils your plans could be described as 'um dia desagradável'. A stale piece of bread might have a 'sabor desagradável'. The word is fundamental for expressing dissatisfaction with sensory input or circumstances. It’s important to note that it’s an adjective, so it will agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'uma pessoa desagradável' (an unpleasant person), 'dias desagradáveis' (unpleasant days).
A música alta era bastante desagradável.
- Common Associations
- Bad smells, irritating sounds, uncomfortable temperatures, rude behavior, bland or spoiled food, awkward social situations.
Tivemos uma experiência desagradável no restaurante.
Using desagradável correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective and how it modifies nouns. Remember that in Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe and must agree in gender and number. Here are several ways to incorporate it into your sentences:
- Describing Weather
- 'Hoje o tempo está desagradável, com chuva e vento.' (Today the weather is unpleasant, with rain and wind.) This indicates a day that is not enjoyable due to the climate.
- Describing Food or Drink
- 'Este café está frio e tem um gosto desagradável.' (This coffee is cold and has an unpleasant taste.) Here, it refers to the sensory experience of taste.
- Describing Smells
- 'Havia um cheiro desagradável vindo do lixo.' (There was an unpleasant smell coming from the trash.) This focuses on olfactory perception.
- Describing Sounds
- 'O barulho constante da construção é muito desagradável.' (The constant noise from the construction is very unpleasant.) This applies to auditory annoyance.
- Describing People or Their Behavior
- 'Ele fez um comentário desagradável sobre a minha roupa.' (He made an unpleasant comment about my clothes.) This refers to a remark that caused offense or discomfort. You can also say 'Ela é uma pessoa desagradável.' (She is an unpleasant person.)
- Describing Situations or Experiences
- 'Tivemos uma reunião desagradável com o chefe.' (We had an unpleasant meeting with the boss.) This describes an event that was not positive.
- Describing Physical Sensations
- 'Sinto uma dor desagradável no joelho.' (I feel an unpleasant pain in my knee.) This refers to a discomforting physical feeling.
- Agreement in Gender and Number
- Remember to adjust the ending. For masculine singular: desagradável. For feminine singular: desagradável. For masculine plural: desagradáveis. For feminine plural: desagradáveis. Example: 'Os resultados foram desagradáveis.' (The results were unpleasant.)
O ambiente da festa era um pouco desagradável.
When using desagradável, consider the nuance. It's generally milder than words like 'horrível' (horrible) or 'terrível' (terrible). It signifies something that is simply not nice, not good, or causes a slight negative reaction. Pay attention to the context to ensure it's the most appropriate word. For instance, describing a movie as 'desagradável' might mean it was boring or poorly made, rather than offensively bad. If you want to be more specific about the type of unpleasantness, you might use other adjectives, but 'desagradável' serves as a good general term.
You'll hear the word desagradável frequently in various Portuguese-speaking contexts. It's a staple in everyday conversation, media, and literature. Here's where you're likely to encounter it:
- Everyday Conversations
- People often use it to describe their immediate surroundings or experiences. For example, someone might complain about 'o trânsito desagradável' (the unpleasant traffic) or 'o calor desagradável' (the unpleasant heat). It's a common way to express mild dissatisfaction with daily occurrences.
- News and Media
- News reports might describe 'uma situação desagradável' (an unpleasant situation) or 'um incidente desagradável' (an unpleasant incident). Weather forecasts can also mention 'um dia desagradável' (an unpleasant day) if the conditions are poor.
- Restaurants and Food Reviews
- Critics or diners might describe a dish with 'um sabor desagradável' (an unpleasant taste) or an overall 'experiência desagradável' (unpleasant experience) at a restaurant.
- Literature and Fiction
- Authors use it to paint a picture of negative settings, characters, or events. A character might recall 'uma memória desagradável' (an unpleasant memory) or describe a place as having an 'atmosfera desagradável' (unpleasant atmosphere).
- Describing People's Personalities
- When someone's behavior is consistently rude, annoying, or off-putting, they might be described as 'uma pessoa desagradável'. This is a common, albeit negative, descriptor for someone's character.
- Health and Well-being
- People might talk about 'uma sensação desagradável' (an unpleasant sensation) or 'um sintoma desagradável' (an unpleasant symptom) when discussing minor ailments or discomforts.
- Workplace Interactions
- Colleagues might describe 'uma conversa desagradável' (an unpleasant conversation) or 'uma situação de trabalho desagradável' (an unpleasant work situation) if there were conflicts or tensions.
- Travel Experiences
- Travelers might recount 'uma experiência de voo desagradável' (an unpleasant flight experience) due to delays, uncomfortable seating, or difficult fellow passengers.
O serviço no hotel foi bastante desagradável.
In summary, 'desagradável' is a common adjective used across all registers of Portuguese when expressing something that is not pleasant, enjoyable, or agreeable. Listening to native speakers in various contexts will quickly familiarize you with its natural usage.
While desagradável is a straightforward adjective, learners sometimes make a few common mistakes:
- Incorrect Gender/Number Agreement
- Mistake: Using the masculine singular form 'desagradável' for all nouns, regardless of their gender or number. For example, saying 'as pessoas desagradável' instead of 'as pessoas desagradáveis'.
Correction: Remember that adjectives in Portuguese must agree with the noun they modify. 'Desagradável' is the base form, but it becomes 'desagradáveis' for plural nouns (both masculine and feminine). For example, 'um dia desagradável' (an unpleasant day) but 'dias desagradáveis' (unpleasant days). - Overuse or Misapplication
- Mistake: Using 'desagradável' for situations that warrant stronger negative adjectives like 'horrível' (horrible) or 'terrível' (terrible). This can diminish the impact of the description.
Correction: Understand the intensity. 'Desagradável' is for things that are simply not pleasant, mildly annoying, or uncomfortable. For truly awful or shocking experiences, consider stronger vocabulary. For example, a slightly annoying delay might be 'um atraso desagradável,' but a plane crash is 'um acidente terrível.' - Confusing with Similar Words
- Mistake: Confusing 'desagradável' with words that have slightly different connotations, such as 'chato' (boring, annoying) or 'indelicado' (impolite). While there can be overlap, they are not always interchangeable.
Correction: 'Desagradável' is a general term for unpleasantness. 'Chato' often implies boredom or a persistent, low-level annoyance. 'Indelicado' specifically refers to a lack of tact or politeness. For instance, a long, boring lecture is 'chato,' while a rude interruption is 'indelicado,' and the overall feeling it leaves might be 'desagradável.' - Incorrect Placement in Sentence
- Mistake: Placing the adjective before the noun in a way that sounds unnatural in Portuguese. While some adjectives can precede nouns for emphasis, 'desagradável' typically follows.
Correction: In most standard contexts, place 'desagradável' after the noun. Example: 'um cheiro desagradável' (an unpleasant smell), not 'um desagradável cheiro.' This is a common grammatical structure in Portuguese. - Ignoring Context
- Mistake: Using 'desagradável' in contexts where a more specific adjective would be more fitting and descriptive.
Correction: While 'desagradável' is versatile, consider if a more precise word exists. If a smell is putrid, 'fétido' might be better. If a person is rude, 'rude' or 'grosseria' might be more direct. However, 'desagradável' is a good fallback when you need a general term for unpleasantness.
O clima estava desagradável para passear.
While desagradável is a versatile word, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can convey similar or more specific shades of meaning. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most appropriate word for your context.
- Agradável (Pleasant)
- This is the direct antonym of 'desagradável'. Use 'agradável' to describe something that is pleasant, agreeable, or enjoyable.
Example: 'O dia estava muito agradável.' (The day was very pleasant.) - Chato (Boring, Annoying)
- 'Chato' often implies boredom or a persistent, low-level annoyance. It can be used for things that are tedious or tiresome. While 'desagradável' is about general unpleasantness, 'chato' focuses more on dullness or irritation.
Example: 'A palestra foi muito chata.' (The lecture was very boring.) 'Ele é um colega chato.' (He is an annoying colleague.) - Indelicado (Impolite, Rude)
- This word specifically refers to behavior that lacks tact, consideration, or politeness. An 'indelicado' comment might lead to an 'experiência desagradável'.
Example: 'Foi um comentário indelicado.' (It was an impolite comment.) - Desconfortável (Uncomfortable)
- 'Desconfortável' relates to physical or emotional discomfort. It can overlap with 'desagradável' but often implies a lack of ease or relaxation.
Example: 'A cadeira é muito desconfortável.' (The chair is very uncomfortable.) 'Senti-me desconfortável com a situação.' (I felt uncomfortable with the situation.) - Repulsivo (Repulsive)
- This is a much stronger word than 'desagradável', indicating something that evokes disgust or strong aversion.
Example: 'O cheiro era repulsivo.' (The smell was repulsive.) - Nocivo (Harmful)
- 'Nocivo' refers to something that causes harm, damage, or injury. While something harmful is often unpleasant, 'desagradável' does not necessarily imply danger.
Example: 'Fumar é nocivo à saúde.' (Smoking is harmful to health.) - Ofensivo (Offensive)
- 'Ofensivo' describes something that causes offense or insult. An offensive remark can certainly be 'desagradável'.
Example: 'O comentário dele foi ofensivo.' (His comment was offensive.) - Feio (Ugly)
- While something ugly might be considered unpleasant, 'feio' specifically relates to appearance.
Example: 'A casa é muito feia.' (The house is very ugly.)
A comida estava desagradável, não apenas sem graça.
How Formal Is It?
""
""
""
""
Fun Fact
The root 'gratus' is related to words like 'gratitude' and 'gracious' in English, highlighting the core idea of something being pleasing or welcome. The prefix 'des-' in Portuguese serves a similar function to 'un-' or 'dis-' in English, reversing the meaning of the base word.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'z' as a hard 'z' like in 'zebra' instead of the soft 'zh' sound.
- Misplacing the stress, for example, on the first or last syllable.
- Not pronouncing the final 'vel' clearly, making it sound like 'vel'.
Difficulty Rating
As an A2 level adjective, 'desagradável' is relatively easy to understand in reading. Its meaning is often clear from context, and it's frequently encountered in basic texts. Learners should focus on recognizing its common collocations and ensuring correct adjective agreement.
Writing with 'desagradável' is straightforward, provided learners remember adjective agreement (gender and number). The main challenge is using it appropriately to convey the intended level of unpleasantness and avoiding overuse when a more specific adjective might be better.
Speaking with 'desagradável' is also manageable. Learners should practice using it in common phrases and ensuring correct pronunciation and agreement. The key is to integrate it naturally into sentences describing experiences or observations.
Listening comprehension of 'desagradável' is generally good due to its frequency and clear pronunciation. Learners should focus on identifying it in spoken sentences and understanding the context to grasp the precise meaning.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender and number with the nouns they modify. For 'desagradável': 'um dia desagradável' (masculine singular), 'uma situação desagradável' (feminine singular), 'dias desagradáveis' (masculine plural), 'situações desagradáveis' (feminine plural).
Placement of Adjectives
Descriptive adjectives like 'desagradável' typically follow the noun they modify. 'O cheiro desagradável.' (The unpleasant smell.)
Using 'Ser' and 'Estar' with Adjectives
'Ser desagradável' implies an inherent quality (e.g., 'Ele é desagradável' - He is an unpleasant person). 'Estar desagradável' implies a temporary state (e.g., 'O tempo está desagradável' - The weather is unpleasant today).
Intensifiers and Mitigators
Adverbs like 'muito' (very) or 'pouco' (little) can modify 'desagradável'. 'O som era muito desagradável.' (The sound was very unpleasant.) 'Um cheiro pouco desagradável.' (A slightly unpleasant smell.)
Comparison of Adjectives
Comparative forms can be used: 'mais desagradável que' (more unpleasant than), 'menos desagradável que' (less unpleasant than). Example: 'Esta situação é mais desagradável que a anterior.'
Examples by Level
O tempo está mau.
The weather is bad.
Simple statement about weather.
Não gosto deste cheiro.
I don't like this smell.
Expressing dislike using 'gostar de'.
A comida não está boa.
The food is not good.
Basic negative evaluation of food.
Ele é uma pessoa má.
He is a bad person.
Describing a person negatively.
Que barulho é este?
What noise is this?
Question about an unpleasant sound.
Não foi bom.
It was not good.
Simple negative past tense statement.
O dia está cinzento.
The day is gray.
Describing weather conditions.
Não gosto de frio.
I don't like cold.
Expressing dislike for a temperature.
O cheiro na cozinha está desagradável.
The smell in the kitchen is unpleasant.
Using 'desagradável' with a noun (cheiro).
Tivemos um dia desagradável por causa da chuva.
We had an unpleasant day because of the rain.
Using 'desagradável' with a noun (dia) and a causal phrase.
Este exercício é um pouco desagradável.
This exercise is a bit unpleasant.
Using 'um pouco' to moderate 'desagradável'.
A conversa com ele foi desagradável.
The conversation with him was unpleasant.
Using 'desagradável' to describe an interaction.
O som da sirene é muito desagradável.
The sound of the siren is very unpleasant.
Using 'muito' to intensify 'desagradável'.
O tempo hoje está desagradável.
The weather today is unpleasant.
Describing weather with 'desagradável'.
Sinto um desconforto desagradável.
I feel an unpleasant discomfort.
Using 'desagradável' to modify another noun (desconforto).
A comida servida estava desagradável.
The food served was unpleasant.
Past tense usage of 'desagradável' with food.
Aquele perfume tem um aroma bastante desagradável.
That perfume has a rather unpleasant aroma.
Using 'bastante' (rather) to qualify 'desagradável'.
Ele tem uma maneira de falar um pouco desagradável.
He has a slightly unpleasant way of speaking.
Describing someone's mannerisms.
A persistência daquele barulho tornou a noite desagradável.
The persistence of that noise made the night unpleasant.
Using 'tornar' (to make) with 'desagradável'.
O ambiente na sala de espera era pesado e desagradável.
The atmosphere in the waiting room was heavy and unpleasant.
Using multiple adjectives to describe an atmosphere.
Não gosto de lidar com pessoas desagradáveis.
I don't like dealing with unpleasant people.
'Lidar com' (to deal with) followed by an adjective.
A experiência geral no evento foi desagradável devido à má organização.
The overall experience at the event was unpleasant due to poor organization.
Explaining the reason for unpleasantness.
Ele fez um comentário desagradável sobre o trabalho dela.
He made an unpleasant comment about her work.
Using 'fazer um comentário' with 'desagradável'.
O sabor amargo deixou um retrogosto desagradável.
The bitter taste left an unpleasant aftertaste.
Describing taste sensations.
A frieza do seu olhar era profundamente desagradável.
The coldness of his gaze was deeply unpleasant.
Using adverbs like 'profundamente' (deeply) with 'desagradável'.
A situação política atual tem gerado um clima desagradável no país.
The current political situation has generated an unpleasant climate in the country.
Describing societal or political climates.
Ele é conhecido por ter um temperamento desagradável quando contrariado.
He is known for having an unpleasant temper when opposed.
Describing personality traits and conditions.
A falta de comunicação criou um mal-entendido desagradável entre as equipas.
The lack of communication created an unpleasant misunderstanding between the teams.
Using 'criar' (to create) with 'desagradável'.
O odor emanado da fábrica era insuportavelmente desagradável.
The odor emanating from the factory was unbearably unpleasant.
Using intensifiers like 'insuportavelmente' (unbearably).
A sua atitude condescendente tornava qualquer interação desagradável.
His condescending attitude made any interaction unpleasant.
Describing attitudes and their effects.
A memória daquele dia continua a ser desagradável para mim.
The memory of that day continues to be unpleasant for me.
Referring to memories.
O resultado do exame foi desagradável, mas esperado.
The result of the exam was unpleasant, but expected.
Acknowledging unpleasantness while noting expectation.
A atmosfera política tornou-se tão carregada que qualquer conversa trivial podia descambar para algo desagradável.
The political atmosphere became so charged that any trivial conversation could devolve into something unpleasant.
Using 'descambar para' (to devolve into) and descriptive clauses.
A sua eloquência mascarava uma personalidade intrinsecamente desagradável.
His eloquence masked an intrinsically unpleasant personality.
Using sophisticated vocabulary like 'eloquência' and 'intrinsecamente'.
O silêncio que se seguiu à sua declaração foi palpavelmente desagradável.
The silence that followed his declaration was palpably unpleasant.
Using adverbs like 'palpavelmente' (palpably) to describe the quality of unpleasantness.
A monotonia da paisagem urbana era, para ele, um convite constante ao tédio desagradável.
The monotony of the urban landscape was, for him, a constant invitation to unpleasant boredom.
Figurative language and complex sentence structure.
A insistência em abordar um tema tão delicado de forma tão leviana era, francamente, desagradável.
The insistence on addressing such a delicate topic so frivolously was, frankly, unpleasant.
Using phrases like 'francamente' (frankly) and nuanced descriptions.
Aquele tipo de humor, que se baseia na humilhação alheia, é fundamentalmente desagradável.
That type of humor, which relies on the humiliation of others, is fundamentally unpleasant.
Analyzing the nature of something unpleasant.
A sua recusa em admitir o erro contribuiu para um impasse desagradável.
His refusal to admit the mistake contributed to an unpleasant stalemate.
Using 'impasse' (stalemate) and discussing causality.
O contraste entre a beleza exterior e a podridão interior criava uma sensação profundamente desagradável.
The contrast between the external beauty and the internal rot created a deeply unpleasant sensation.
Exploring contrasts and their impact.
A disonância cognitiva gerada pela contradição entre os seus ideais e as suas ações era, para os observadores, um espetáculo desagradável.
The cognitive dissonance generated by the contradiction between his ideals and his actions was, for observers, an unpleasant spectacle.
Utilizing complex psychological and philosophical terms.
A retórica empregada pelo orador, embora polida, continha subtons insidiosamente desagradáveis.
The rhetoric employed by the speaker, though polished, contained insidiously unpleasant undertones.
Analyzing linguistic nuances and subtle meanings.
A sua capacidade de manipular emoções alheias para benefício próprio resultava numa interação invariavelmente desagradável para os envolvidos.
His ability to manipulate others' emotions for his own benefit resulted in an invariably unpleasant interaction for those involved.
Discussing complex social dynamics and manipulation.
O eco daquele silêncio ensurdecedor, carregado de não ditos, pairava no ar como uma promessa desagradável.
The echo of that deafening silence, laden with unspoken things, hung in the air like an unpleasant promise.
Employing poetic and metaphorical language.
A pragmática da sua resposta, desprovida de qualquer empatia, tornou a comunicação ainda mais desagradável.
The pragmatics of his response, devoid of any empathy, made the communication even more unpleasant.
Using linguistic terms like 'pragmática' and 'desprovida de'.
A dialética entre a necessidade de ordem e o anseio por liberdade gerava um paradoxo desagradável na sociedade.
The dialectic between the need for order and the yearning for freedom generated an unpleasant paradox in society.
Discussing abstract concepts and societal tensions.
A sua abordagem, que se esquivava da confrontação direta, criava uma ambiguidade persistente e desagradável.
His approach, which shied away from direct confrontation, created a persistent and unpleasant ambiguity.
Analyzing evasive behavior and its consequences.
O vestígio daquele odor metálico, mesmo após a limpeza, era um lembrete desagradável do incidente.
The trace of that metallic odor, even after cleaning, was an unpleasant reminder of the incident.
Describing lingering sensory impressions and their psychological impact.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— It was not pleasant at all.
A espera foi muito longa e não foi nada agradável.
— It makes everything unpleasant.
A chuva constante torna tudo desagradável.
— It's unpleasant to admit, but...
É desagradável admitir, mas acho que ele tem razão.
Often Confused With
'Indesejável' means undesirable or unwanted. While something undesirable can be unpleasant, 'desagradável' focuses more on the negative feeling it evokes, whereas 'indesejável' focuses on it not being wanted. For example, a side effect can be 'indesejável' and also 'desagradável'.
'Aborrecido' primarily means boring or tedious. It can overlap with unpleasantness if the boredom is extreme or irritating, but 'desagradável' is a broader term for anything that causes dislike or discomfort.
'Chato' is informal and often means boring or annoying. It's similar to 'aborrecido' but can also imply a more persistent, low-level irritation. 'Desagradável' is a more general term for unpleasantness.
Idioms & Expressions
— To have bad luck; to experience consistently unpleasant events.
Parece que tenho um mau fado com carros, este já é o terceiro que avaria este ano.
Informal— To please someone; to be liked by someone. (This idiom is usually positive, so its opposite, 'não cair no goto de alguém', means to displease someone, which can lead to unpleasantness.)
A sua atitude não caiu no gosto do chefe, o que gerou uma situação desagradável.
Neutral— To make a face showing displeasure or disapproval; to react negatively.
Quando lhe disseram a notícia, ele fez má cara, mostrando o quão desagradável achou.
Informal— To tread on eggshells; to be extremely careful about what one says or does to avoid offending someone or causing an unpleasant situation.
Com o chefe de mau humor, todos na sala estavam a pisar em ovos.
Neutral— To fail completely after much effort; to have one's plans ruined, leading to an unpleasant outcome.
Tentámos tudo para resolver o problema, mas acabámos por dar com os burros na água.
Informal— To have bad luck; to encounter unfortunate or unpleasant circumstances.
Ele teve má sorte e apanhou um pneu furado no pior momento.
Informal— To be a tough nut to crack; to be difficult to deal with or overcome. (This can lead to unpleasant interactions.)
Negociar com ele é sempre um osso duro de roer, torna tudo mais complicado.
Informal— To have a lump in one's throat; to feel emotional distress or sadness, often leading to an unpleasant physical sensation.
Ao despedir-se, teve um nó na garganta, sentindo a tristeza desagradável da separação.
Neutral— To feel a pang in one's heart; to experience a sudden feeling of sadness, anxiety, or regret, which is an unpleasant emotion.
Ao ouvir a notícia, senti um aperto no coração, um sentimento desagradável de preocupação.
Neutral— To be overwhelmed with work or tasks; to have too much to do, which can create an unpleasant and stressful situation.
Com tantos pedidos, ela não tinha mãos a medir, o que tornava o seu dia muito desagradável.
InformalEasily Confused
Both 'incómodo' and 'desagradável' can describe things that cause discomfort or annoyance.
'Incómodo' often refers to a physical discomfort, inconvenience, or a slight bother. It's less about strong dislike and more about a lack of ease. 'Desagradável' is a broader term for anything that evokes dislike, aversion, or general unpleasantness, encompassing sensory, emotional, and situational aspects.
A cadeira era um pouco <strong>incómoda</strong> (uncomfortable/bothersome), mas o filme em si foi <strong>desagradável</strong> (unpleasant) por ser muito violento.
Both words describe a lack of comfort.
'Desconfortável' typically refers to physical discomfort (e.g., an uncomfortable chair) or social awkwardness (e.g., feeling uncomfortable in a situation). 'Desagradável' is a more general term for anything that causes dislike or aversion, which can include physical or emotional discomfort but also extends to smells, tastes, sounds, and overall negative experiences.
O assento do avião era <strong>desconfortável</strong> (uncomfortable), e o barulho dos motores era <strong>desagradável</strong> (unpleasant).
An offensive remark or action is certainly unpleasant.
'Ofensivo' specifically means causing insult, affront, or offense. It implies a breach of politeness or respect that causes anger or indignation. 'Desagradável' is a broader term for anything that is not pleasant; an offensive comment is a type of unpleasant comment, but not all unpleasant things are offensive.
O seu comentário foi <strong>ofensivo</strong> (offensive) e, por isso, muito <strong>desagradável</strong> (unpleasant).
Both words describe something that causes a negative reaction.
'Repulsivo' is a much stronger word, meaning disgusting or revolting. It evokes a strong sense of aversion and disgust. 'Desagradável' is milder, referring to general unpleasantness, annoyance, or discomfort, without necessarily reaching the level of disgust.
O cheiro era <strong>repulsivo</strong> (repulsive), tornando a experiência inteira <strong>desagradável</strong> (unpleasant).
An indelicate action or comment can lead to an unpleasant situation.
'Indelicado' means impolite, tactless, or lacking consideration. It refers specifically to social behavior that is rude or inconsiderate. 'Desagradável' is a broader term for anything that is not pleasant; an indelicate comment is a specific type of unpleasant comment.
Fazer aquela pergunta na frente de todos foi <strong>indelicado</strong> (indelicate) e criou um momento <strong>desagradável</strong> (unpleasant).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + está + desagradável.
O tempo está desagradável.
Eu + não gosto + de + Noun + desagradável.
Eu não gosto de barulho desagradável.
Isso + é + desagradável.
Isso é desagradável.
Tivemos + uma + Noun + desagradável.
Tivemos uma experiência desagradável.
O/A + Noun + tornou-se + desagradável.
A conversa tornou-se desagradável.
Sentir + um/uma + Noun + desagradável.
Sentir um desconforto desagradável.
A + Noun + tem + um/uma + Noun + desagradável.
A situação tem um aspeto desagradável.
Adverb + desagradável + Noun.
Um cheiro bastante desagradável.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very Common
-
Forgetting adjective agreement.
→
O dia estava desagradável. As pessoas eram desagradáveis.
The adjective 'desagradável' must change to 'desagradáveis' when referring to plural nouns. It remains 'desagradável' for singular nouns, regardless of gender.
-
Using 'desagradável' for extreme negative situations.
→
O acidente foi terrível. A situação era muito desagradável.
'Desagradável' is for general unpleasantness. For extreme negativity like horror or disaster, stronger words like 'terrível' or 'horrível' are more appropriate.
-
Confusing 'desagradável' with 'chato' or 'aborrecido'.
→
A palestra foi aborrecida. O barulho era desagradável.
'Aborrecido' means boring. 'Desagradável' means unpleasant. While boredom can be unpleasant, they are not interchangeable. 'Desagradável' covers a wider range of negative feelings.
-
Incorrect pronunciation of the 'z' sound.
→
Pronounce the 'z' like the 's' in 'pleasure' (/ʒ/) or the 'z' in 'zoo' (/z/), depending on the dialect.
A common error is to pronounce it like the 'z' in 'zebra' (/z/), which is incorrect for this word. Focus on the softer 'zh' or 'z' sound.
-
Placing the adjective before the noun.
→
Um cheiro desagradável.
In most cases, descriptive adjectives like 'desagradável' follow the noun they modify in Portuguese. Placing it before can sound unnatural or change the emphasis.
Tips
Contextual Learning
When you encounter 'desagradável', don't just memorize the translation. Pay attention to what is being described as unpleasant. Is it a smell, a sound, a situation, or a person's behavior? This contextual understanding will help you use the word correctly.
Adjective Agreement Practice
Make sentences using 'desagradável' with different nouns (masculine, feminine, singular, plural). For example: 'O café está desagradável.' 'A música está desagradável.' 'Os resultados foram desagradáveis.' This repetition reinforces the agreement rules.
Stress and Sound
Focus on the stress on the third syllable ('-DA-'). Practice the soft 'z' sound (/ʒ/ or /z/ depending on dialect). Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation.
Vary Your Descriptions
While 'desagradável' is useful, try to learn synonyms like 'incómodo', 'aborrecido', or 'ofensivo' to express more specific types of unpleasantness. This will enrich your vocabulary and make your communication more precise.
Connect to English
Link 'desagradável' to the English word 'disagreeable'. When someone is disagreeable, they are often unpleasant. This connection helps recall the core meaning of not being agreeable or pleasant.
Describe Your Day
At the end of the day, mentally (or in writing) list three things that were 'desagradáveis' and why. This active recall solidifies the word's meaning and application.
Politeness Levels
Understand that while 'desagradável' is common, using it to describe people directly can be impolite. Often, describing the situation or behavior as 'desagradável' is a more tactful approach.
Identify in Media
When watching Portuguese movies or listening to music, actively listen for 'desagradável'. Note the context and what it refers to. This passive exposure aids retention.
Use in Sentences
Formulate sentences describing things you find unpleasant: 'O trânsito hoje estava desagradável.' 'Não gosto de acordar com barulhos desagradáveis.'
Encounter in Texts
Look for 'desagradável' in articles, stories, or dialogues. Understanding its usage in written form builds confidence for spoken contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'dis-' as 'dislike' and 'agreeable' as 'agreeable'. So, 'desagradável' is something you 'dislike' because it's not 'agreeable'. Imagine a situation where someone is being very disagreeable, making everything unpleasant.
Visual Association
Picture a person with a grumpy, frowning face (disagreeable expression) and a storm cloud overhead (unpleasant weather). Connect the visual of negativity with the word.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three things you encountered today that were 'desagradável' using full Portuguese sentences. Focus on the specific reason why they were unpleasant.
Word Origin
The word 'desagradável' comes from the Latin 'dis-' (a prefix indicating negation or separation) combined with 'ad-' (to) and 'gratus' (pleasing, grateful). So, literally, it means 'not pleasing'.
Original meaning: Not pleasing; not agreeable.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
While 'desagradável' is a common word, using it to describe people should be done with consideration. Calling someone 'uma pessoa desagradável' is a direct criticism of their character and can be hurtful. It's generally safer to describe specific actions or situations as unpleasant rather than making a blanket judgment about a person.
In English, 'unpleasant' is a direct equivalent. Other synonyms include 'disagreeable', 'uncomfortable', 'nasty', 'offensive', or 'annoying', depending on the severity and specific nature of the unpleasantness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing sensory experiences (smell, sound, taste, touch).
- Um cheiro desagradável
- Um som desagradável
- Um gosto desagradável
- Uma sensação desagradável
Talking about weather and environment.
- Tempo desagradável
- Clima desagradável
- Dia desagradável
Evaluating situations and events.
- Situação desagradável
- Experiência desagradável
- Reunião desagradável
Describing people's behavior or personalities.
- Pessoa desagradável
- Comentário desagradável
- Atitude desagradável
Expressing general dissatisfaction or discomfort.
- Que desagradável!
- Não foi nada agradável.
- Um pouco desagradável.
Conversation Starters
"What was the most unpleasant thing you experienced today?"
"Can you describe a time when the weather was particularly unpleasant?"
"What kind of smells do you find most unpleasant?"
"Have you ever had an unpleasant experience while traveling?"
"What makes a conversation unpleasant for you?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you encountered a person you found unpleasant. Describe their actions and how they made you feel.
Describe a place that had an unpleasant atmosphere. What contributed to this feeling?
Reflect on a time when a particular sound or smell was very unpleasant for you. What was it and why did it affect you?
Think about a situation that started pleasantly but became unpleasant. What happened?
Imagine you have to describe a challenging or difficult situation using the word 'desagradável'. Write a short paragraph about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Desagradável' is generally considered a moderate to mild negative adjective. It describes things that are simply not pleasant, agreeable, or enjoyable, causing discomfort or annoyance. It's not typically used for extreme negative emotions like horror or disgust, where stronger words like 'horrível' (horrible) or 'repulsivo' (repulsive) would be more appropriate. Think of it as the opposite of 'pleasant' or 'nice'.
As an adjective in Portuguese, 'desagradável' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The base form is 'desagradável' (masculine singular and feminine singular). For plural nouns, it becomes 'desagradáveis' (masculine plural and feminine plural). For example: 'um dia desagradável' (an unpleasant day), 'uma tarefa desagradável' (an unpleasant task), 'dias desagradáveis' (unpleasant days), 'tarefas desagradáveis' (unpleasant tasks).
Yes, 'desagradável' can be used to describe people, usually referring to their behavior, personality, or general demeanor. Saying 'uma pessoa desagradável' means 'an unpleasant person'. However, it's often used to describe specific actions, like 'um comentário desagradável' (an unpleasant comment), which can be less direct than calling someone inherently unpleasant.
'Mau' generally means 'bad' and can refer to quality, morality, or intensity. 'Desagradável' specifically means 'unpleasant' and focuses on the negative feeling or sensation something evokes. For example, 'mau tempo' means 'bad weather' (could be stormy or just generally poor), while 'tempo desagradável' specifically means the weather is causing discomfort or annoyance (e.g., too hot, too humid, drizzling). A person can be 'mau' (morally bad) or 'desagradável' (annoying, rude).
Yes, common phrases include 'Que desagradável!' (How unpleasant!), 'Um dia desagradável' (An unpleasant day), 'Uma situação desagradável' (An unpleasant situation), and 'um cheiro/som/gosto desagradável' (an unpleasant smell/sound/taste). These are frequently used in everyday conversation.
'Desagradável' is a general term for anything causing dislike or discomfort. 'Incómodo' often implies physical discomfort or inconvenience. 'Chato' is more informal and usually means boring or annoying. Use 'desagradável' when the feeling is one of general aversion or displeasure, rather than just boredom or a minor bother.
Yes, 'desagradável' is a standard adjective and can be used in formal writing. While it's common in everyday language, its meaning is clear and appropriate for more formal contexts when describing negative aspects of situations, experiences, or phenomena.
The most direct opposite is 'agradável', meaning pleasant or agreeable. Other antonyms depending on context could be 'prazeroso' (pleasurable), 'bom' (good), or 'confortável' (comfortable).
The pronunciation is roughly 'deh-zah-grah-DAH-veh-oo' (Brazilian Portuguese) or 'deh-sah-grah-DAH-veh-uhl' (European Portuguese). The stress is on the 'DA' syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'z' sound, similar to the 's' in 'pleasure'.
Yes, 'desagradável' inherently carries a negative connotation. It describes something that is not pleasant, enjoyable, or agreeable. There isn't a positive meaning associated with this word.
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The Portuguese adjective 'desagradável' translates to 'unpleasant' and is used to describe anything that causes discomfort, annoyance, or dislike. It's a versatile word applicable to sensory experiences like smells and sounds, as well as situations, weather, and even people's personalities. Remember to ensure it agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
- Desagradável means unpleasant, causing discomfort or dislike.
- It's used for smells, sounds, weather, situations, and people's behavior.
- Remember to match its gender and number with the noun it describes.
- It's a common adjective for general negative experiences.
Contextual Learning
When you encounter 'desagradável', don't just memorize the translation. Pay attention to what is being described as unpleasant. Is it a smell, a sound, a situation, or a person's behavior? This contextual understanding will help you use the word correctly.
Adjective Agreement Practice
Make sentences using 'desagradável' with different nouns (masculine, feminine, singular, plural). For example: 'O café está desagradável.' 'A música está desagradável.' 'Os resultados foram desagradáveis.' This repetition reinforces the agreement rules.
Stress and Sound
Focus on the stress on the third syllable ('-DA-'). Practice the soft 'z' sound (/ʒ/ or /z/ depending on dialect). Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their pronunciation.
Vary Your Descriptions
While 'desagradável' is useful, try to learn synonyms like 'incómodo', 'aborrecido', or 'ofensivo' to express more specific types of unpleasantness. This will enrich your vocabulary and make your communication more precise.
Related Content
More general words
a cerca de
B1About; approximately.
à direita
A2To the right side.
à esquerda
A2To the left side.
a fim de
A2in order to
à frente
A2In front of.
a frente
A2At or toward the front.
À frente de
A2In front of
a tempo
A2on time, punctually
à volta de
A2Around.
abaixo
A1At a lower level or layer than; below.
