When you enraivecer someone, you make them really, really angry. It's stronger than just annoying them; you're pushing them to a point of rage. Think of it like pouring gasoline on a small fire – it makes the anger explode. It's often used when someone does something truly infuriating, causing a strong emotional reaction in another person. You might hear it when someone is recounting an event where they or someone else was pushed to their limits.
§ Understanding 'Enraivecer'
Let's talk about how to say 'to make someone very angry' or 'to enrage' in Portuguese. The verb we'll focus on is enraivecer. This is a straightforward verb to learn, and understanding its use will help you express strong emotions more accurately in Portuguese.
- DEFINITION
- To make someone very angry; to enrage.
The verb enraivecer is used when something or someone causes intense anger in another person. It's a transitive verb, meaning it directly acts upon an object. Think of it as actively causing rage.
As notícias falsas conseguiram enraivecer a população. (The fake news managed to enrage the population.)
A injustiça me enraiveceu. (The injustice enraged me.)
§ Conjugation of 'Enraivecer'
Like many Portuguese verbs ending in '-er', enraivecer follows a regular pattern. Here's a quick look at its present tense conjugation:
- Eu enraiveço (I enrage)
- Tu enraiveces (You enrage - informal)
- Ele/Ela/Você enraivece (He/She/You enrage - formal)
- Nós enraivecemos (We enrage)
- Vós enraiveceis (You enrage - plural, informal, mostly in Portugal)
- Eles/Elas/Vocês enraivecem (They/You enrage - plural)
§ Reflexive Form: 'Enraivecer-se'
You'll often hear enraivecer used in its reflexive form: enraivecer-se. This means 'to get angry' or 'to become enraged'. In this case, the subject is also the one experiencing the anger.
Ele enraiveceu-se com a demora. (He got angry with the delay.)
Não se enraiveça por causa disso. (Don't get angry because of that.)
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Enraivecer'
Portuguese has several ways to express anger, and it's good to know the nuances. While enraivecer specifically means to 'enrage' or 'make very angry', here are some alternatives:
- Irritar: This is a milder form of anger. It means 'to irritate' or 'to annoy'. Someone might irritate you, but it might not necessarily enrage you.
O barulho constante me irritava. (The constant noise irritated me.)
- Zangar: This verb is often used to mean 'to get angry' or 'to upset'. It's a general term for anger, often less intense than enraivecer. You can 'zangar' someone (make them angry) or 'zangar-se' (get angry).
Não zangue sua mãe. (Don't make your mother angry.)
- Ficar com raiva / Ficar bravo(a): These are common phrases meaning 'to get angry'. 'Raiva' is the noun for 'anger' or 'rage', and 'bravo(a)' means 'angry'. These are very versatile and frequently used.
Eu fiquei com raiva da situação. (I got angry about the situation.)
Ele ficou bravo com a notícia. (He got angry with the news.)
When to use enraivecer:
Use enraivecer when you want to convey a strong, intense level of anger, bordering on rage. It's not just a little upset; it's a deep-seated fury that someone or something has caused. If you're describing something that truly makes a person see red, enraivecer is the perfect choice.
For example, you would use enraivecer when talking about a serious injustice, a betrayal, or an event that truly sparks intense indignation. For everyday annoyances, 'irritar' or 'zangar' are more appropriate. When someone 'ficar com raiva' or 'ficar bravo(a)', it can range from mild to intense, depending on the context, but enraivecer specifically points to the act of *causing* that intense anger.
By understanding these differences, you can choose the most precise word to express the level of anger you want to convey in Portuguese. Keep practicing, and you'll master these nuances in no time!
Often Confused With
This phrase means 'to get angry'. While 'enraivecer' is transitive (to make someone angry), 'ficar com raiva' is intransitive (to become angry).
This means 'to be angry at' or 'to have anger towards'. It describes the state of feeling anger, not the act of causing it.
This means 'to provoke'. While provoking can lead to enraging, 'provocar' is the action of inciting a reaction, not necessarily the strong emotion of rage itself.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Sounds similar to the verb 'enraivecer' and both relate to anger.
'Raiva' is the noun for 'anger' or 'rage', while 'enraivecer' is the verb 'to enrage'.
Ele sentiu muita raiva. (He felt a lot of anger.)
Both verbs express causing negative feelings in someone.
'Irritar' means 'to irritate' or 'to annoy', which is a milder form of anger than 'enraivecer'.
O barulho começou a me irritar. (The noise started to annoy me.)
Another verb related to making someone angry.
'Zangar' means 'to make angry' or 'to upset', and is generally less intense than 'enraivecer'. It often implies a temporary state of anger.
Não quero te zangar. (I don't want to make you angry.)
Very close in meaning to 'enraivecer'.
'Enfurecer' is a synonym for 'enraivecer', both meaning 'to enrage'. While they are often interchangeable, 'enfurecer' might be slightly more common in some contexts.
A injustiça o enfureceu. (The injustice enraged him.)
Expresses causing distress to someone.
'Chatear' means 'to bother', 'to upset', or 'to annoy', which is a less intense feeling than being enraged. It's often used for minor annoyances.
Ele me chateou com suas perguntas. (He bothered me with his questions.)
Sentence Patterns
Algo/Alguém enraivece alguém.
A injustiça me enraivece. (Injustice makes me angry.)
Alguém fica enraivecido/a com algo/alguém.
Ela ficou enraivecida com a notícia. (She got enraged by the news.)
Algo/Alguém enraiveceu alguém.
O atraso do ônibus enraiveceu os passageiros. (The bus delay enraged the passengers.)
Alguém se enraiveceu por causa de algo.
Ele se enraiveceu por causa da mentira. (He got enraged because of the lie.)
É provável que algo/alguém enraiveça alguém.
É provável que essa atitude enraiveça a equipe. (It's likely that this attitude will enrage the team.)
Se algo/alguém enraivecer alguém, haverá consequências.
Se o chefe enraivecer os funcionários, haverá consequências. (If the boss enrages the employees, there will be consequences.)
A forma como algo/alguém enraivece alguém é preocupante.
A forma como a política enraivece as pessoas é preocupante. (The way politics enrages people is concerning.)
Enraivecer-se com facilidade pode ser um problema.
Enraivecer-se com facilidade pode ser um problema para a saúde. (Getting angry easily can be a health problem.)
How to Use It
When you want to express that something makes you angry, you can use “enraivecer”. It's a stronger verb than “irritar” (to irritate) and indicates a deep anger, almost fury. You might hear it in contexts like:
- “A injustiça me enraivece.” (The injustice enrages me.)
- “O comportamento dele enraiveceu-a.” (His behavior enraged her.)
A common mistake is confusing “enraivecer” with “ficar zangado” or “ficar com raiva”. While both express anger, “enraivecer” implies that something causes the anger, while “ficar zangado”/“ficar com raiva” describes the state of being angry.
For example:
- Correct: “Aquela notícia me enraiveceu.” (That news enraged me.)
- Incorrect: “Eu enraiveci com a notícia.” (This sounds like you actively chose to enrage yourself with the news, which is not the common usage.)
- Correct: “Eu fiquei com raiva da notícia.” (I got angry at the news.)
Test Yourself 24 questions
Write a sentence using 'enraivecer' to describe something that makes you angry.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A injustiça social sempre me enraivece. (Social injustice always angers me.)
Complete the sentence: 'O atraso constante do ônibus _________ os passageiros.' (The constant bus delay _________ the passengers.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
O atraso constante do ônibus enraivece os passageiros.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese: 'His rude comments enraged her.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Os comentários rudes dele a enraiveceram.
O que começou a enraivecer o vizinho?
Read this passage:
O menino não parava de fazer barulho. Seus pais tentaram pedir para ele parar, mas ele continuou. Finalmente, o barulho começou a enraivecer o vizinho, que foi até a porta para reclamar.
O que começou a enraivecer o vizinho?
The passage states that 'o barulho começou a enraivecer o vizinho.'
The passage states that 'o barulho começou a enraivecer o vizinho.'
De acordo com o texto, o que pode te enraivecer de verdade?
Read this passage:
Quando as coisas não saem como planejado, é fácil ficar chateado. Mas se as pessoas começam a te enganar, isso pode te enraivecer de verdade. É importante manter a calma.
De acordo com o texto, o que pode te enraivecer de verdade?
The passage says 'mas se as pessoas começam a te enganar, isso pode te enraivecer de verdade.'
The passage says 'mas se as pessoas começam a te enganar, isso pode te enraivecer de verdade.'
O que está enraivecendo a pessoa?
Read this passage:
Meu amigo sempre me atrasa para os compromissos. No começo, eu não ligava, mas agora essa atitude dele está começando a me enraivecer bastante. Preciso conversar com ele.
O que está enraivecendo a pessoa?
The passage states 'essa atitude dele [de atrasar] está começando a me enraivecer bastante.'
The passage states 'essa atitude dele [de atrasar] está começando a me enraivecer bastante.'
The constant noise from the construction work started to make me very angry. (Focus on 'enraivecer')
His attitude enraged everyone at the meeting. (Pay attention to the verb conjugation)
Don't let small things enrage you. (Notice the use in a negative command)
Read this aloud:
A injustiça o enraiveceu profundamente.
Focus: en-ra-i-ve-cer
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Ele tentou enraivecer o adversário com provocações.
Focus: en-ra-i-ve-cer
You said:
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Read this aloud:
O atraso no voo começou a me enraivecer bastante.
Focus: en-ra-i-ve-cer
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you witnessed someone doing something incredibly unfair. Describe what they did and how it made you feel, using 'enraivecer' in your response.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quando vi o homem gritar com a senhora idosa sem motivo, aquilo fez-me enraivecer profundamente. A sua atitude injusta foi inaceitável e senti uma raiva que me dominou.
Write a short paragraph about something that commonly makes people angry in your culture. Include the verb 'enraivecer' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Na minha cultura, a falta de respeito pelos idosos pode realmente enraivecer as pessoas. Ver alguém desconsiderar os mais velhos é algo que provoca forte indignação e é considerado uma grande falha de caráter.
You're writing a short story. A character is about to get very angry. Describe the event that leads to their anger, using 'enraivecer' to show the intensity of their emotion.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Quando ela descobriu que o seu projeto foi roubado e apresentado por outro colega, a traição e a injustiça da situação fizeram-na enraivecer. Sentiu o sangue a ferver nas veias, pronta para confrontar o responsável.
O que fez a multidão 'enraivecer-se'?
Read this passage:
A manifestação começou pacífica, mas quando a polícia usou força desnecessária contra os manifestantes desarmados, a multidão começou a enraivecer-se. Gritos de protesto subiram de tom e a atmosfera ficou tensa. Foi um momento de viragem na demonstração.
O que fez a multidão 'enraivecer-se'?
O texto indica que a multidão começou a enraivecer-se 'quando a polícia usou força desnecessária'.
O texto indica que a multidão começou a enraivecer-se 'quando a polícia usou força desnecessária'.
O que causou a raiva de João?
Read this passage:
João sempre foi uma pessoa calma, mas a constante provocação do seu vizinho sobre o barulho do cão finalmente conseguiu enraivecê-lo. Ele sentiu uma fúria crescente que nunca pensou que pudesse ter. Decidiu que precisava de resolver a situação.
O que causou a raiva de João?
O texto afirma que 'a constante provocação do seu vizinho sobre o barulho do cão finalmente conseguiu enraivecê-lo'.
O texto afirma que 'a constante provocação do seu vizinho sobre o barulho do cão finalmente conseguiu enraivecê-lo'.
Como os funcionários reagiram à decisão da empresa?
Read this passage:
A decisão da empresa de cortar os benefícios dos funcionários sem aviso prévio foi um choque para todos. Muitos sentiram-se traídos e começaram a enraivecer-se com a injustiça da situação. Foi um golpe duro para o moral da equipa.
Como os funcionários reagiram à decisão da empresa?
O texto diz que 'Muitos sentiram-se traídos e começaram a enraivecer-se com a injustiça da situação'.
O texto diz que 'Muitos sentiram-se traídos e começaram a enraivecer-se com a injustiça da situação'.
A atitude dele de desrespeito conseguiu ___ a todos na sala. (His disrespectful attitude managed to ___ everyone in the room.)
The context implies a negative reaction to disrespect, so 'enraivecer' (to enrage) is the correct fit.
A constante interrupção durante a reunião começou a ___ o gerente. (The constant interruption during the meeting started to ___ the manager.)
Being constantly interrupted usually leads to anger, making 'enraivecer' (to enrage) the appropriate verb.
Ver injustiça sempre me faz ___. (Seeing injustice always makes me ___.)
Injustice typically evokes anger, so 'enraivecer' (to enrage) is the most fitting choice.
As mentiras contadas pelo político só serviram para ___ o eleitorado. (The lies told by the politician only served to ___ the electorate.)
Lies from a politician are likely to cause anger among voters, making 'enraivecer' (to enrage) the best fit.
A burocracia excessiva costuma ___ os cidadãos. (Excessive bureaucracy often tends to ___ citizens.)
Excessive bureaucracy is a common source of frustration and anger, so 'enraivecer' (to enrage) is the correct option.
Não tente ___ o cachorro, ele pode morder. (Don't try to ___ the dog, he might bite.)
If a dog might bite, the advice is likely not to provoke it, so 'enraivecer' (to enrage) fits the warning.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
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a sério?
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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
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abertamente
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abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
