desanimar in 30 Seconds
- To discourage someone or to become discouraged yourself.
- Loss of confidence, enthusiasm, or motivation.
- Often used reflexively: 'me desanimei' (I got discouraged).
- Caused by setbacks, bad news, or difficult circumstances.
- Core Meaning
- To make someone feel less enthusiastic, hopeful, or confident; to lose one's own motivation or spirit.
- Everyday Usage
- You might use 'desanimar' when a plan doesn't work out, when someone receives bad news, or when you feel a general sense of discouragement. It can be used reflexively ('desanimar-se') to mean feeling discouraged yourself.
- Contexts
- This word is very common in everyday conversations, especially when discussing challenges, setbacks, or moments of low morale. It's also used in more formal settings, like motivational speeches or discussions about public opinion, but its core meaning remains consistent.
Não deixe que os problemas te desanimem.
Depois da notícia, ele começou a desanimar.
- Nuance
- While it often implies a loss of enthusiasm or motivation, 'desanimar' can also refer to a more general feeling of sadness or disappointment that leads to inaction. It's about a dip in spirit.
O clima na reunião era de desânimo geral.
- Direct Object (Someone else)
- You can use 'desanimar' to talk about how one person's actions or words affect another's motivation. For example, 'O mau tempo pode desanimar os turistas.' (The bad weather can discourage the tourists.) This structure emphasizes the external cause of discouragement.
A crítica constante do chefe estava a desanimar a equipa.
- Reflexive (The subject feels discouraged)
- This is perhaps the most common usage. When the subject themselves loses motivation, we use the reflexive form: 'Eu me desanimei com o resultado.' (I got discouraged with the result.) The pronoun 'me' (myself) is crucial here.
Ele quase se desanimou depois de tantos 'nãos'.
- With Prepositional Phrases
- 'Desanimar' is often followed by phrases indicating the cause or object of discouragement, typically introduced by 'com' (with) or 'de' (of/from). For example, 'Não se desanime com os erros.' (Don't get discouraged by mistakes.)
A falta de progresso pode desanimar qualquer um.
O investimento inicial não deve nos desanimar de continuar.
- Impersonal Usage
- Sometimes, 'desanimar' can be used impersonally, referring to a general feeling or situation that causes discouragement. For instance, 'É fácil desanimar com tantas notícias ruins.' (It's easy to get discouraged with so much bad news.)
Não se desanime; a persistência é a chave.
- In Casual Conversations
- You'll hear 'desanimar' frequently when friends discuss plans that didn't work out, jobs they didn't get, or personal challenges. For example, 'Eu queria ir à festa, mas me desanimei com a chuva.' (I wanted to go to the party, but I got discouraged by the rain.) It's a common way to express a loss of motivation due to circumstances.
Aquele projeto nos desanimou um pouco, mas voltamos mais fortes.
- In News and Media
- News reports often use 'desanimar' to describe public sentiment or the impact of events. For example, 'A economia desanima os investidores.' (The economy discourages investors.) It's used to convey a sense of a negative outlook.
Não se deixe desanimar pelas dificuldades iniciais.
- In Motivational Content
- Speakers and writers aiming to inspire often use 'desanimar' in the negative to encourage resilience. 'Nunca desanime!' (Never get discouraged!) is a common phrase. They might also talk about how to prevent oneself or others from becoming discouraged.
As derrotas não podem nos desanimar de lutar pelos nossos sonhos.
Ele se desanimou com a falta de apoio.
- Confusing with 'Animar'
- The most frequent error is confusing 'desanimar' (to discourage) with its opposite, 'animar' (to cheer up, to encourage, to animate). Learners might use 'desanimar' when they mean to uplift someone, or vice-versa. Remember: 'des-' is a negative prefix, indicating a reduction or reversal of something positive.
Incorrect: A música me desanimou.
Correct: A música me animou.
- Forgetting the Reflexive Pronoun
- When you want to say that *you* are feeling discouraged, it's essential to use the reflexive pronoun ('me', 'te', 'se', etc.). Omitting it can lead to ambiguity or an incorrect meaning, suggesting you are discouraging someone else instead of yourself.
Incorrect: Eu desanimei com o resultado.
Correct: Eu me desanimei com o resultado.
- Overusing 'Desanimar' for Mild Disappointment
- While 'desanimar' is common, sometimes a milder word might be more appropriate for slight disappointment. Using 'desanimar' for every minor setback can make it sound overly dramatic. Consider context; for a small inconvenience, a word like 'chateado' (annoyed/upset) might suffice.
Incorrect: Perdi o autocarro e me desanimei.
More appropriate: Perdi o autocarro e fiquei um pouco chateado.
- Desmotivar
- Meaning: To demotivate, to reduce motivation. It's very close to 'desanimar', often interchangeable, but 'desmotivar' specifically targets motivation rather than general enthusiasm or spirit.
- Usage Comparison
- 'Desanimar' can encompass a broader sense of losing hope or confidence, while 'desmotivar' is more focused on the drive to act or achieve something. For instance, a difficult task might 'desmotivar' someone (reduce their motivation), while a series of failures might 'desanimar' them (make them lose hope).
O chefe tentou desmotivar a equipa com promessas falsas.
- Desencorajar
- Meaning: To discourage, to dishearten. This is a very direct synonym for 'desanimar' when it refers to causing someone else to lose confidence or enthusiasm. It carries a strong sense of dissuasion.
- Usage Comparison
- 'Desencorajar' is often used when someone is trying to talk another person out of doing something or pursuing a goal. 'Desanimar' can be used in this way too, but it also covers the internal feeling of becoming discouraged. 'Ele tentou me desencorajar de viajar.' (He tried to discourage me from traveling.) vs. 'Me desanimei com a viagem.' (I got discouraged by the trip.)
Não deixe que os comentários negativos te desencorajem.
- Desapontar
- Meaning: To disappoint. This is related but distinct. Disappointment is a feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations. While disappointment can *lead* to discouragement ('desanimar'), it's not the same.
- Usage Comparison
- You can be disappointed by an event without necessarily losing all motivation ('desanimar'). For example, 'Fiquei desapontado com o resultado do jogo.' (I was disappointed with the game's result.) If the loss was significant and caused you to doubt your team's ability, then you might 'desanimar'.
O atraso na entrega do produto me desapontou.
How Formal Is It?
"A persistência de desafios macroeconômicos pode desanimar o investimento estrangeiro direto."
"Não se desanime com os erros, eles fazem parte do aprendizado."
"Poxa, me desanimei um pouco com essa demora toda."
"Não fique triste, não se desanime!"
Fun Fact
The prefix 'des-' is very common in Portuguese and English (often as 'dis-') to negate or reverse the meaning of a word. Think of 'dis-' in 'disappear' or 'disagree'. In Portuguese, 'des-' functions similarly, as seen in 'desfazer' (to undo) from 'fazer' (to do), or 'desfazer' (to undo) from 'fazer' (to do).
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'des' as 'des' (like in 'desk') instead of a softer 'dez' sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
- Not fully articulating the final 'r' sound.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A2. The concept is straightforward, and the verb is common. Understanding the reflexive usage ('se desanimar') is key for accurate comprehension.
CEFR A2. Learners might initially confuse it with 'animar' or forget the reflexive pronoun when expressing personal discouragement. Careful practice is needed.
CEFR A2. Learners should practice using it reflexively and transitively, paying attention to verb conjugation and pronoun usage.
CEFR A2. It's a frequently used verb, so recognizing it in spoken Portuguese is important. Context will help distinguish between discouraging others and feeling discouraged oneself.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Reflexive Verbs: When the subject of the verb is also the object, a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, vos, se) is used. 'Desanimar-se' is commonly used when the subject feels discouraged.
Eu me desanimei.
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs: 'Desanimar' can be transitive (discouraging someone else) or intransitive/reflexive (becoming discouraged oneself).
Ele desanimou o amigo. (He discouraged his friend - transitive) / Ele se desanimou. (He got discouraged - reflexive)
Verb Conjugation: Like most Portuguese verbs ending in -ar, 'desanimar' follows regular conjugation patterns in most tenses.
Eu desanimo, tu desanimas, ele desanima...
Prepositions with 'Desanimar': Often followed by 'com' (with) or 'de' (from) to indicate the cause or object of discouragement.
Não desanime com os problemas. / Ele desanimou de tentar.
Imperative Mood: Used for commands or advice, often in the negative to encourage.
Não desanime!
Examples by Level
O dia está feio, não quero sair.
The day is ugly, I don't want to go out.
Simple statement of feeling discouraged by weather.
Não gosto disso, fico triste.
I don't like this, I get sad.
Expressing a negative emotional response.
Estou cansado, não quero mais.
I am tired, I don't want anymore.
Expressing a desire to stop due to fatigue.
O jogo foi difícil.
The game was difficult.
Describing a challenging situation.
Não tenho vontade de comer.
I don't feel like eating.
Lack of appetite or desire.
Que chato!
How boring/annoying!
Expressing mild displeasure.
Não quero fazer isso agora.
I don't want to do this now.
Expressing unwillingness.
Ele parece triste.
He looks sad.
Observing someone's negative mood.
Depois de tantas tentativas falhadas, comecei a me desanimar.
After so many failed attempts, I started to get discouraged.
Using the reflexive form 'me desanimar' to express personal discouragement due to repeated failure.
O mau tempo pode desanimar os turistas de visitar a praia.
The bad weather can discourage the tourists from visiting the beach.
Using 'desanimar' transitively to show how an external factor (weather) affects others.
Não se desanime com os erros, aprenda com eles.
Don't get discouraged by mistakes, learn from them.
Imperative form, advising someone not to lose spirit due to mistakes.
Ele se desanimou quando soube que o voo foi cancelado.
He got discouraged when he learned the flight was canceled.
Reflexive usage, linking discouragement to a specific negative event.
A falta de progresso no projeto começou a desanimar a equipa.
The lack of progress on the project started to discourage the team.
Transitive usage, showing how a situation impacts a group.
Não deixe que as dificuldades te desanimem.
Don't let the difficulties discourage you.
Imperative, encouraging resilience against challenges.
Ela se desanimou com a resposta negativa.
She got discouraged by the negative response.
Reflexive usage, showing personal reaction to bad news.
O ambiente de trabalho estava a desanimar os funcionários.
The work environment was discouraging the employees.
Transitive usage, describing a negative impact on a group.
Mesmo com os obstáculos, é importante não se desanimar e continuar lutando.
Even with the obstacles, it's important not to get discouraged and keep fighting.
Emphasizing the importance of perseverance despite challenges, using the reflexive form.
A falta de reconhecimento pode desanimar até os funcionários mais dedicados.
The lack of recognition can discourage even the most dedicated employees.
Transitive usage, highlighting a specific factor that causes discouragement in a professional context.
Ele pensou em desistir, mas a sua família o ajudou a não se desanimar.
He thought about giving up, but his family helped him not to get discouraged.
Showing how external support prevents discouragement.
O resultado financeiro do primeiro trimestre foi baixo, o que pode desanimar os investidores.
The financial result of the first quarter was low, which can discourage investors.
Transitive usage in a business/finance context, explaining potential negative impacts.
Após a cirurgia, ela se desanimou um pouco com a lentidão da recuperação.
After the surgery, she got a bit discouraged with the slowness of the recovery.
Reflexive usage, describing a common emotional response to a long recovery process.
Não devemos permitir que a incerteza do futuro nos desanime.
We should not allow the uncertainty of the future to discourage us.
Using 'desanimar' transitively in a more abstract, philosophical context.
O professor tentou não desanimar os alunos com a dificuldade da matéria.
The teacher tried not to discourage the students with the difficulty of the subject matter.
Transitive usage, showing an effort to prevent discouragement.
Se nos desanimarmos agora, todo o nosso esforço terá sido em vão.
If we get discouraged now, all our effort will have been in vain.
Conditional statement emphasizing the negative consequence of discouragement.
Apesar das adversidades aparentemente intransponíveis, a equipa recusou-se a desanimar.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable adversities, the team refused to get discouraged.
Using 'desanimar' in a context of significant challenges and resilience.
O excesso de burocracia pode desanimar empreendedores de iniciar novos negócios.
Excessive bureaucracy can discourage entrepreneurs from starting new businesses.
Transitive usage, discussing a systemic issue that hinders initiative.
Ela se desanimou com a crítica construtiva, interpretando-a como um ataque pessoal.
She got discouraged by the constructive criticism, interpreting it as a personal attack.
Reflexive usage, showing a misinterpretation of feedback leading to discouragement.
O governo teme que a instabilidade política desanime o investimento estrangeiro.
The government fears that political instability will discourage foreign investment.
Transitive usage in a political and economic context.
É crucial não se desanimar com os reveses temporários, pois eles fazem parte do processo de aprendizagem.
It is crucial not to get discouraged by temporary setbacks, as they are part of the learning process.
Reflexive usage, framing discouragement as a potential obstacle to growth.
A narrativa pessimista da mídia pode desanimar a população em tempos de crise.
The media's pessimistic narrative can discourage the population in times of crisis.
Transitive usage, discussing the societal impact of information.
Ele se desanimou ao perceber que suas contribuições não estavam sendo valorizadas.
He got discouraged upon realizing his contributions were not being valued.
Reflexive usage, linking discouragement to a feeling of being undervalued.
As constantes mudanças de estratégia desanimaram os trabalhadores, que não sabiam mais o que esperar.
The constant strategy changes discouraged the workers, who no longer knew what to expect.
Transitive usage, describing the impact of organizational instability.
A persistência de certos problemas estruturais tende a desanimar qualquer tentativa de reforma profunda.
The persistence of certain structural problems tends to discourage any attempt at deep reform.
Transitive usage, discussing systemic issues that impede progress and cause discouragement.
Ela se desanimou com a perspectiva de ter que recomeçar tudo do zero após tantos anos de dedicação.
She got discouraged by the prospect of having to start everything from scratch after so many years of dedication.
Reflexive usage, expressing deep discouragement due to a significant setback after long effort.
O tom fatalista de alguns analistas pode desanimar o público de buscar soluções criativas.
The fatalistic tone of some analysts can discourage the public from seeking creative solutions.
Transitive usage, discussing how certain discourses can stifle innovation.
É fundamental que os líderes inspirem e não desanimem suas equipas, especialmente em momentos de crise.
It is fundamental that leaders inspire and do not discourage their teams, especially in times of crisis.
Juxtaposing 'inspirar' and 'desanimar' to highlight leadership responsibilities.
O indivíduo se desanimou ao constatar a discrepância entre as promessas políticas e a realidade vivida.
The individual got discouraged upon noting the discrepancy between political promises and lived reality.
Reflexive usage, expressing disillusionment resulting from a gap between ideals and reality.
A falta de um roteiro claro pode desanimar até mesmo os mais experientes exploradores.
The lack of a clear roadmap can discourage even the most experienced explorers.
Transitive usage, emphasizing the importance of direction and planning.
Não se desanime pela aparente magnitude do desafio; cada passo conta.
Do not get discouraged by the apparent magnitude of the challenge; every step counts.
Imperative, encouraging a focus on incremental progress rather than overwhelming scale.
A constante tergiversação do governo acabou por desanimar a população quanto à possibilidade de mudança.
The government's constant tergiversation ended up discouraging the population regarding the possibility of change.
Transitive usage, linking political indecisiveness to public loss of hope for change.
A crônica descrevia com maestria a forma como a rotina esmagadora podia gradualmente desanimar até o espírito mais resiliente.
The chronicle masterfully described how the overwhelming routine could gradually discourage even the most resilient spirit.
Literary usage, describing a subtle but profound erosion of spirit over time.
O pessimismo endêmico de certos círculos intelectuais corre o risco de desanimar a juventude de se engajar em projetos de transformação social.
The endemic pessimism of certain intellectual circles runs the risk of discouraging the youth from engaging in social transformation projects.
Discussing the impact of pervasive negative outlooks on societal progress and youth engagement.
Após sucessivos fracassos em replicar o experimento, o cientista se viu em um estado de profunda prostração, quase a ponto de desanimar completamente.
After successive failures to replicate the experiment, the scientist found himself in a state of deep prostration, almost on the verge of completely giving up.
Describing an extreme state of discouragement bordering on complete surrender.
A retórica inflamada de alguns líderes políticos, embora inicialmente galvanizante, pode, a longo prazo, desanimar a sociedade civil de buscar um diálogo construtivo.
The inflammatory rhetoric of some political leaders, while initially galvanizing, can, in the long run, discourage civil society from seeking constructive dialogue.
Analyzing how polarizing speech can undermine efforts towards reconciliation and progress.
O sentimento de impotência perante a magnitude dos problemas globais pode desanimar indivíduos de empreenderem ações locais, por menores que sejam.
The feeling of powerlessness in the face of the magnitude of global problems can discourage individuals from undertaking local actions, however small.
Exploring the psychological barrier that prevents individual action due to perceived scale of issues.
A narrativa de declínio cultural que permeia certos discursos artísticos tem o potencial de desanimar a criatividade emergente.
The narrative of cultural decline that permeates certain artistic discourses has the potential to discourage emerging creativity.
Discussing how pervasive negative cultural narratives can stifle artistic innovation.
A burocracia labiríntica e a falta de transparência do sistema tendem a desanimar até mesmo os cidadãos mais engajados.
The labyrinthine bureaucracy and lack of transparency in the system tend to discourage even the most engaged citizens.
Critiquing systemic inefficiencies that erode civic participation.
Em vez de desanimar com o fracasso, ele o encarou como um catalisador para a reavaliação estratégica e o aprimoramento contínuo.
Instead of getting discouraged by failure, he faced it as a catalyst for strategic reevaluation and continuous improvement.
Reframing failure not as a cause for discouragement, but as an opportunity for growth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Don't get discouraged! This is a common expression of encouragement.
Sei que é difícil, mas não desanime!
— I got discouraged. This is the reflexive form used to express personal discouragement.
Depois de tantos problemas, me desanimei um pouco.
— He/She got discouraged. Used when someone else experiences discouragement.
Ele desanimou com a notícia inesperada.
— That discourages me. Used to describe something that causes discouragement.
A falta de apoio me desanima.
— Don't you get discouraged. A direct command or advice.
Não se desanime com os obstáculos.
— To start to get discouraged. Indicates the beginning of a loss of motivation.
A equipa começou a desanimar com a derrota.
— Discouraged by what? A question to understand the reason for someone's discouragement.
Por que você está assim? Desanimar com o quê?
— These are often used interchangeably to mean losing one's spirit or motivation.
Ele perdeu o ânimo e decidiu parar.
— To try not to get discouraged. Expresses an effort to maintain a positive outlook.
Estou a tentar não desanimar com a situação atual.
— To become discouraged. Similar to 'se desanimar'.
Fiquei desanimado com o resultado do jogo.
Often Confused With
This is the most common confusion. 'Animar' means to cheer up, encourage, or give life. 'Desanimar' is the opposite. Think of the prefix 'des-' as negating or reversing the action.
Very similar, focusing specifically on motivation. 'Desanimar' can be broader, encompassing general spirit and hope, while 'desmotivar' is more about the drive to act.
Means 'to disappoint'. Disappointment is a feeling of sadness from unmet expectations, which can lead to discouragement ('desanimar'), but they are not the same.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'to lose gas', this idiom means to lose energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, very similar to 'desanimar'.
Ele estava muito animado no início, mas depois perdeu o gás.
Informal— Literally 'to give up the boat', this idiom means to give up completely on a task or endeavor, often due to discouragement.
Depois de tantos problemas, eles decidiram desistir do barco.
Informal— Literally 'to kick the bucket', this idiom means to give up, often in frustration or anger, similar to a strong sense of discouragement leading to cessation of effort.
Ele estava tão frustrado que chutou o balde e foi embora.
Informal— Literally 'the house of cards falls', this idiom describes the collapse of something fragile or built on shaky foundations, often leading to disappointment and discouragement.
Quando o esquema foi descoberto, o castelo de cartas caiu.
Neutral— To no longer have the spirit or motivation for anything. This is a strong expression of being completely discouraged.
Depois do divórcio, ela não tinha mais ânimo para nada.
Neutral— Literally 'to give backwards', this idiom means to back out of something, to withdraw from a commitment, often due to fear or discouragement.
Ele prometeu ajudar, mas no final deu para trás.
Informal— Literally 'to shrug shoulders', this idiom means to show indifference or a lack of concern, sometimes as a result of feeling too discouraged to care.
Diante da situação, ele apenas deu de ombros.
Neutral— Literally 'to die on the beach', this idiom means to fail at the very end of a process or endeavor, often after much effort, leading to significant discouragement.
Estava tão perto de conseguir, mas acabou por morrer na praia.
Informal— To lose hope. This is a direct consequence and synonym for deep discouragement.
Quando viu o resultado, ele perdeu a esperança.
Neutral— To become downcast or dejected. This describes the physical manifestation of discouragement.
Depois da bronca, ele ficou cabisbaixo.
NeutralEasily Confused
Both verbs relate to spirit and enthusiasm, but in opposite directions.
'Animar' means to give spirit, encourage, or cheer up. 'Desanimar' means to take away spirit, discourage, or dishearten. The prefix 'des-' signifies the reversal of the action. For example, 'A música me animou' (The music cheered me up), while 'A chuva me desanimou' (The rain discouraged me).
A boa notícia animou o grupo, mas a má notícia desanimou o líder.
Both verbs indicate a reduction in drive or enthusiasm.
'Desanimar' often implies a loss of general spirit, hope, or confidence, especially after setbacks. 'Desmotivar' specifically targets the motivation to perform an action or achieve a goal. You might 'desanimar' from life's difficulties, but you might be 'desmotivado' for a specific task due to lack of interest or perceived difficulty.
O projeto era tão complexo que me desmotivou. Depois de falhar, também me desanimei.
Both mean to make someone lose confidence or enthusiasm.
'Desencorajar' is often used when actively trying to dissuade someone from doing something or pursuing a goal. It implies an external agent's influence. 'Desanimar' can be used transitively (discouraging someone) or reflexively (feeling discouraged oneself). 'Desencorajar' is almost always transitive.
Ele tentou me desencorajar de viajar, mas eu não me desanimei.
Both relate to negative emotional states caused by external factors or outcomes.
'Desapontar' means to disappoint, i.e., to cause sadness or displeasure because expectations were not met. 'Desanimar' means to discourage, to make someone lose spirit or confidence. Disappointment can *lead* to discouragement, but they are distinct. You can be disappointed by a small thing without losing all motivation, but discouragement implies a more significant loss of spirit.
Fiquei desapontado com o resultado, mas não me desanimei de tentar de novo.
This phrase is a very close synonym and often interchangeable with the reflexive 'se desanimar'.
'Perder o ânimo' literally means 'to lose the spirit/drive'. It's a phrasal expression that conveys the same meaning as 'desanimar-se' (to get discouraged). While 'desanimar' is a single verb, 'perder o ânimo' is a verb phrase. Both describe the state of becoming less enthusiastic or motivated.
Após a notícia, ele perdeu o ânimo e se desanimou.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + desanimar + Object.
O mau tempo desanima os turistas.
Subject + se + desanimar.
Eu me desanimo.
Não + desanimar!
Não desanime!
Subject + desanimar + com + Noun.
Ele desanimou com a notícia.
É + adjective + desanimar.
É fácil desanimar.
Subject + desanimar + de + Infinitive.
Ela desanimou de tentar.
Gerund (desanimando) + Object/Subject.
A falta de progresso estava desanimando a equipa.
Conditional + Subject + se + desanimar.
Se chover, eu me desanimo.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 'desanimar' when 'animar' is intended.
→
Animar
This is the most frequent error. 'Animar' means to cheer up or encourage, while 'desanimar' means to discourage. The prefix 'des-' reverses the meaning. Always check if you want to boost spirit (animar) or reduce it (desanimar).
-
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun when expressing personal discouragement.
→
Eu me desanimei.
When you feel discouraged, the verb is reflexive. You must include the correct pronoun: 'me', 'te', 'se', 'nos', 'vos', 'se'. Saying 'Eu desanimei' without 'me' might sound like you discouraged someone else.
-
Using 'desanimar' for mild annoyance or boredom.
→
Ficar chateado/entediado.
'Desanimar' implies a more significant loss of spirit or motivation. For minor feelings of annoyance or boredom, words like 'chateado' (upset/annoyed) or 'entediado' (bored) are more appropriate.
-
Confusing 'desanimar' with 'desapontar'.
→
Desapontar
'Desapontar' means to disappoint (fail to meet expectations). 'Desanimar' means to discourage (lose spirit/confidence). Disappointment can lead to discouragement, but they are different states. You can be disappointed without being completely discouraged.
-
Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses.
→
Ele desanimou.
Like most -ar verbs, 'desanimar' has regular conjugations. However, learners sometimes make errors in past tenses (preterite, imperfect) or with the subjunctive mood. Practice common conjugations like 'desanimo', 'desanimou', 'desanimava', 'desanime'.
Tips
Reflexive Pronouns are Key!
Remember that when you are feeling discouraged, you need to use the reflexive form: 'Eu me desanimei', 'Você se desanimou', 'Eles se desanimaram'. Omitting the pronoun changes the meaning, suggesting you are discouraging someone else.
Opposite Day: Animar vs. Desanimar
Think of 'animar' as 'to animate' or 'to give life/spirit'. Then 'desanimar' is the opposite: 'to de-animate' or 'to take away spirit/life'. This prefix 'des-' is a great clue for many Portuguese words.
Context is Crucial
Pay attention to who is doing the action. If someone is being discouraged, it's transitive ('desanimar alguém'). If someone is feeling discouraged, it's reflexive ('se desanimar'). The context will usually make this clear.
Stress the Right Syllable
The stress in 'desanimar' falls on the second-to-last syllable: de-sa-ni-MAR. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural.
Visual Mnemonic Power
Picture a deflated balloon ('des-') next to a once energetic person who is now slumped over. The 'des-' visually represents the loss of 'ânimo' (spirit).
Sentence Building Challenge
Try writing five sentences using 'desanimar' today. Include at least two reflexive examples and one where you discourage someone else.
Resilience and Support
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'desanimar' is a recognized feeling, and there's often an emphasis on community support and perseverance to overcome it. Phrases like 'Não desanime!' are common encouragements.
Synonym Spectrum
'Desanimar' sits alongside words like 'desmotivar' (lose motivation) and 'desencorajar' (actively dissuade). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the most precise word.
Prepositional Pals
Notice how 'desanimar' often pairs with prepositions like 'com' (with/by) to state the cause of discouragement ('Ele se desanimou com o resultado') or 'de' (from) to indicate what someone is discouraged from doing ('Ela desanimou de tentar').
Catching the Context
When listening, pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine if the speaker is feeling discouraged or is causing discouragement in someone else.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone trying to 'an-'imate (enliven) a person, but instead, they accidentally use 'des-an-'imate, which makes the person lose all their energy and spirit. So, 'des-animar' is the opposite of making someone lively.
Visual Association
Picture a deflated balloon ('des-') next to a person who was once full of energy ('animado') but is now slumped over, looking sad. The 'des-' prefix symbolizes the loss of air/spirit.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'desanimar' in at least three different sentences today, focusing on both when you feel it yourself and when you observe it in others. Pay attention to whether you need the reflexive pronoun.
Word Origin
The Portuguese word 'desanimar' originates from the Latin prefix 'dis-' (meaning 'apart', 'away', or indicating negation) combined with the verb 'animare' (meaning 'to give life', 'to animate', 'to encourage'). Thus, 'desanimar' literally means to take away life, spirit, or courage.
Original meaning: To deprive of spirit, to dishearten.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
When discussing 'desanimar', be mindful of the context. While it's a common word, persistent discouragement can be a sign of deeper emotional issues. Use it appropriately to describe temporary dips in spirit or external factors causing loss of motivation, rather than to pathologize someone's feelings.
In English, similar concepts are expressed by 'to discourage', 'to dishearten', 'to lose heart', 'to get discouraged', 'to feel down', or 'to lose motivation'. The reflexive nature in Portuguese ('se desanimar') is directly mirrored by phrases like 'to get discouraged' or 'to feel down'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing personal challenges or setbacks.
- Me desanimei com...
- Não se desanime!
- Isso me desanima.
Talking about work or studies.
- O projeto começou a desanimar a equipa.
- Não deixe que as dificuldades te desanimem.
- Ele se desanimou com a falta de progresso.
Reacting to bad news or difficult situations.
- Fiquei desanimado com a notícia.
- O tempo desanimou nossos planos.
- Não desanime por causa disso.
Giving advice or encouragement.
- Tente não se desanimar.
- Nunca desanime!
- Isso não deve te desanimar.
Describing someone else's feelings.
- Ele se desanimou.
- Ela parece desanimada.
- O evento desanimou todos.
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever felt completely discouraged by a situation? What happened?"
"What usually helps you not to get discouraged when things get tough?"
"Can you think of a time when someone tried to discourage you? How did you react?"
"What's the difference between being disappointed and being discouraged?"
"How important is it for leaders not to discourage their teams?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you felt tempted to 'desanimar'. What factors contributed to that feeling, and how did you overcome it (or not)?
Write about a time you witnessed someone else 'desanimar'. What were the signs, and what was the impact?
How do you typically react when you feel discouraged? Do you tend to 'desanimar' easily, or are you more resilient?
Imagine you are writing a motivational speech. How would you use the concept of 'desanimar' to inspire your audience?
Reflect on the role of external factors (like weather, news, or other people's opinions) in causing discouragement ('desanimar'). How much control do we have over these influences?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Animar' means to cheer up, encourage, or give life/spirit to someone or something. It's about boosting morale and enthusiasm. 'Desanimar', on the other hand, means to discourage, to make someone lose confidence or enthusiasm, or to feel discouraged oneself. The prefix 'des-' indicates the opposite or removal of the action of 'animar'. So, if 'animar' builds up spirit, 'desanimar' takes it away.
You use the reflexive form when the subject of the sentence is the one feeling discouraged. For example, 'Eu me desanimei' means 'I got discouraged'. You need to match the reflexive pronoun to the subject: 'Eu me', 'tu te', 'ele/ela se', 'nós nos', 'vós vos', 'eles/elas se'. It's crucial for expressing personal feelings of discouragement.
Yes, 'desanimar' can be used transitively to describe how external factors can discourage things or abstract concepts. For instance, 'O mau tempo desanimou os planos de viagem' (The bad weather discouraged the travel plans). In this case, the weather is the agent causing the plans to lose their 'spirit' or viability.
'Desanimar' itself denotes a negative state or action (discouragement). However, the word is often used in contexts of resilience and overcoming challenges. For example, 'Não se desanime!' (Don't get discouraged!) is a positive encouragement to fight against discouragement. So, while the verb describes a negative feeling, its usage can be part of a positive message about perseverance.
'Desanimar' often implies a broader loss of spirit, hope, or confidence, especially due to general difficulties or setbacks. 'Desmotivar' specifically refers to a reduction in motivation for a particular task or goal. You might 'desanimar' from life's struggles, but you might be 'desmotivado' to do your homework because it seems boring.
You often use 'desanimar com' to indicate what caused the discouragement: 'Ele se desanimou com a notícia.' (He got discouraged by the news.) You use 'desanimar de' when someone is discouraged from doing something or pursuing a goal: 'Ela desanimou de continuar.' (She got discouraged from continuing.)
Yes, 'Não desanime!' (Don't get discouraged!) is a very common phrase used for encouragement. Also, 'Me desanimei' (I got discouraged) is frequently used to express personal feelings. 'Ficar desanimado' is another common way to say 'to become discouraged'.
The noun form is 'desânimo' (discouragement, low spirits) or 'desanimação' (discouragement, loss of enthusiasm). The adjective forms are 'desanimado' (discouraged, disheartened) for masculine singular, 'desanimada' (feminine singular), 'desanimados' (masculine plural), and 'desanimadas' (feminine plural).
'Desanimar' is a versatile verb used across various registers, from informal conversations to more formal discussions. Its core meaning is widely understood. While there might be more formal synonyms in specific contexts (like 'desencorajar' in certain professional settings), 'desanimar' is generally safe to use in most situations.
Certainly. 'The teacher tried not to desanimar the students with the difficulty of the exam.' In Portuguese: 'O professor tentou não desanimar os alunos com a dificuldade do exame.' Here, the teacher is the agent trying to prevent discouragement in the students.
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Summary
The verb 'desanimar' signifies a loss of spirit, confidence, or enthusiasm, either inflicted upon someone else or experienced internally. It's frequently used reflexively to express personal discouragement.
- To discourage someone or to become discouraged yourself.
- Loss of confidence, enthusiasm, or motivation.
- Often used reflexively: 'me desanimei' (I got discouraged).
- Caused by setbacks, bad news, or difficult circumstances.
Reflexive Pronouns are Key!
Remember that when you are feeling discouraged, you need to use the reflexive form: 'Eu me desanimei', 'Você se desanimou', 'Eles se desanimaram'. Omitting the pronoun changes the meaning, suggesting you are discouraging someone else.
Opposite Day: Animar vs. Desanimar
Think of 'animar' as 'to animate' or 'to give life/spirit'. Then 'desanimar' is the opposite: 'to de-animate' or 'to take away spirit/life'. This prefix 'des-' is a great clue for many Portuguese words.
Context is Crucial
Pay attention to who is doing the action. If someone is being discouraged, it's transitive ('desanimar alguém'). If someone is feeling discouraged, it's reflexive ('se desanimar'). The context will usually make this clear.
Stress the Right Syllable
The stress in 'desanimar' falls on the second-to-last syllable: de-sa-ni-MAR. Practicing this stress pattern will make your pronunciation sound more natural.
Example
Não te deixes desanimar pelos obstáculos.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
