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A2 adjective #5,000 most common 14 min read

espantado

Q: Can 'espantado' mean 'scared'?

Historically yes, and in some regional dialects or when talking about animals (like a horse), it can mean startled or scared. However, in modern everyday Portuguese, it almost exclusively means 'amazed' or 'very surprised'. If you want to say you are scared, 'assustado' is a better choice.

Q: What is the difference between 'espantado' and 'surpreso'?

'Surpreso' is a neutral, everyday word for surprise. 'Espantado' is more intense, suggesting that you are shocked, floored, or deeply amazed. Use 'espantado' when the event is truly remarkable. For example, you are 'surpreso' to see a friend, but 'espantado' to see a celebrity.

Q: Do I use 'com' or 'por' after 'espantado'?

The most common and natural preposition is 'com'. For example: 'Estou espantado com você'. You can use 'por' in passive-like structures (e.g., 'Fiquei espantado por ele ter vindo'), but 'com' is the standard for most situations.

Q: Is 'espantado' formal?

It is neutral to slightly formal. It is perfectly appropriate for both casual conversation and professional writing. It is more descriptive than 'surpreso', which makes it popular in literature and journalism.

Q: How do I say 'I'm not surprised' using this word?

You can say 'Não estou espantado' or 'Não fico espantado'. It sounds a bit more emphatic than 'Não estou surpreso', implying that the event was quite predictable for you.

Q: Can I use 'espantado' for a bad surprise?

Yes! If you see a very high bill at a restaurant, you can say 'Estou espantado com o preço!'. It works for both positive awe and negative shock.

Q: What is the feminine plural of 'espantado'?

The feminine plural is 'espantadas'. For example: 'As meninas ficaram espantadas com a mágica'.

Q: Is there a slang version of 'espantado'?

In Brazil, 'chocado' or 'passado' are very popular slang terms that carry a similar meaning of being shocked or amazed. In Portugal, people might say they stayed 'com os olhos em bico'.

Q: Does 'espantado' come from 'espantalho'?

They both come from the same verb 'espantar'. 'Espantalho' (scarecrow) is something that 'espanta' (scares away) birds. 'Espantado' is the state of being 'espantado' (amazed/struck) by something.

Q: How do I say 'To my surprise'?

The common phrase is 'Para meu espanto'. For example: 'Para meu espanto, ele chegou na hora'.

Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips espantado in 30 Seconds

Explanation espantado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'espantado' as a way to say you are 'very surprised'. It is a step up from 'feliz' (happy) or 'triste' (sad). You will mostly use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe how you feel right now. For example, if someone gives you a big gift, you can say 'Estou espantado!'. It is important at this level to remember the gender agreement: 'espantado' for boys/men and 'espantada' for girls/women. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on using it to show strong emotion. Think of it as the 'Wow!' word in Portuguese. You might also hear it in simple stories or cartoons when a character sees something magical. It’s a great word to add variety to your basic emotional vocabulary so you don't always have to say 'Estou surpreso'. Practice saying it with different tones of voice to convey different levels of amazement. Remember, the 'es-' at the start is pronounced like 'sh' in Portugal and 's' in Brazil. This small detail will help you sound more like a local even at this early stage of learning.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'espantado' with the verb 'ficar' (to become). This allows you to describe a reaction to an event. For example, 'Eu fiquei espantado com o filme' (I was amazed by the movie). You should also start using the preposition 'com' (with/at) to link your feeling to the cause of the surprise. This level is about building simple but complete sentences. You might also encounter the plural forms 'espantados' and 'espantadas'. A good exercise is to describe photos of people's reactions using these words. You are moving beyond just 'feeling' and starting to 'describe' situations. Understanding that 'espantado' is stronger than 'surpreso' is key at this stage. It helps you express yourself more accurately. If a friend tells you they are moving to another country, 'surpreso' might seem too weak, while 'espantado' shows you really care about the news. You should also be aware that the word can be used for both good and bad surprises. Whether it's a beautiful view or a high price at a restaurant, 'espantado' works for both. Start noticing how it appears in short news snippets or social media posts.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'espantado' in more complex sentence structures. This includes using it with 'que' and the subjunctive mood to express surprise at an action. For example, 'Estou espantado que ele tenha vendido a casa' (I am amazed that he sold the house). This shows a higher level of grammatical control. You should also be able to distinguish 'espantado' from synonyms like 'admirado' (admiring) or 'boquiaberto' (speechless). At B1, you are expected to understand the nuances of intensity. You might use 'bastante espantado' or 'um pouco espantado' to fine-tune your meaning. You will also encounter the word in more formal contexts, like business emails or newspaper articles. It's a useful word for discussing trends or unexpected results in a professional setting. For example, 'A empresa ficou espantada com o sucesso do novo produto'. This level is about precision and variety. You should also start learning the related noun 'espanto' and how to use it in phrases like 'Para meu espanto...' (To my surprise...). This will help you transition from simple descriptions to more narrative-style speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you should understand the etymological roots of 'espantado' and how it can occasionally mean 'frightened' in specific literary or regional contexts, though 'amazed' remains the primary meaning. You should be able to use it fluently in debates and discussions to express disbelief or strong reaction to an argument. 'Estou espantado com a sua opinião!' can be a powerful way to challenge someone politely. You should also be familiar with the word's role in idiomatic expressions and how it compares to more formal terms like 'estupefacto'. Your use of the subjunctive after 'espantado que' should be consistent and natural. At this level, you might also start exploring the use of 'espantado' in classical Portuguese literature, where its meaning can be more layered. You should also be able to use the verb 'espantar' (to amaze/frighten) and its reflexive form 'espantar-se'. For example, 'Não me espanta que eles tenham ganho' (It doesn't surprise me that they won). This level of mastery allows you to use the word family dynamically. You are no longer just using a vocabulary word; you are using a linguistic tool to navigate complex social and professional interactions.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'espantado' should be deeply nuanced. You should recognize its use in various registers, from colloquial Brazilian slang to the high-style prose of Portuguese masters. You can use it to describe subtle psychological states where surprise, disbelief, and perhaps a touch of irony overlap. You should be able to analyze why an author chose 'espantado' over 'perplexo' or 'atónito' in a specific text. Your own writing should use 'espantado' to create emotional impact and precise imagery. You should also be aware of the rhythmic qualities of the word in poetry or oratory. At this level, you might explore the philosophical concept of 'espanto' (wonder) as the beginning of philosophy, a common theme in academic Portuguese texts. You should be able to discuss the word's evolution from the Latin 'expaventare' (to terrify) to its modern, broader meaning. This deep historical and cultural knowledge allows you to use the word with total confidence and authority. You can also use it in complex conditional sentences or with advanced modal verbs to express hypothetical surprise.

At the C2 level, 'espantado' is a word you use with the effortless precision of a native speaker. You understand its every connotation, its historical baggage, and its regional flavors. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as literary criticism, where you might discuss a character's 'estado espantado' as a metaphor for their alienation or enlightenment. You are comfortable with archaic uses found in 16th-century texts like 'Os Lusíadas', where the word often carried a stronger sense of terror. In your own speech, you can use 'espantado' to convey irony, sarcasm, or genuine, profound awe with perfect intonation. You can seamlessly switch between synonyms to maintain a specific tone or to avoid repetition in long, complex essays. You also understand how the word interacts with other high-level vocabulary and idiomatic structures in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. Your mastery is such that you can even play with the word's meaning in creative writing or sophisticated wordplay. You don't just know the word; you own it as part of a vast, interconnected linguistic web.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

espantado in 30 Seconds

Espantado is a Portuguese adjective meaning 'amazed', 'astonished', or 'intensely surprised', used to describe people's reactions to unexpected events.
It must agree in gender and number with the subject: espantado (m), espantada (f), espantados (m.pl), and espantadas (f.pl).
Commonly used with verbs like 'estar' and 'ficar', it is typically followed by the preposition 'com' to indicate the source of surprise.
While it shares a root with 'fright', in modern usage it almost always refers to wonder or shock rather than fear.

The Portuguese word espantado is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe a state of intense surprise, wonder, or astonishment. While its English equivalent is often 'amazed' or 'shocked,' the Portuguese term carries a historical weight that links back to the concept of being 'struck' or 'scared' by a sudden event. In modern conversation, it is the go-to word when a simple 'surpreso' (surprised) isn't enough to convey the depth of your reaction. Imagine walking into a room and seeing a literal elephant; you wouldn't just be surpreso, you would be espantado. This intensity is what sets it apart from its synonyms. It implies a physical or emotional reaction that is visible to others, such as wide eyes or a dropped jaw.

Emotional Range: It spans from positive awe (seeing a beautiful sunset) to negative shock (hearing bad news unexpectedly).

Historically, the word is the past participle of the verb espantar. In older texts or specific regional dialects, you might still find it used to mean 'frightened' or 'scared away' (like scaring off birds), but in 95% of daily interactions in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro, it signifies surprise. When you use it, you must remember that as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the person it describes. A man is espantado, a woman is espantada, and a group is espantados or espantadas.

Ele ficou espantado com a inteligência da criança.

The word is frequently paired with the verbs estar (to be in a state) or ficar (to become/to get). Using ficar is particularly common when describing the moment the surprise happened. For example, 'Eu fiquei espantado' means 'I became amazed' or 'I was struck with wonder.' In contrast, 'Eu estou espantado' suggests a continued state of being surprised by something ongoing. This distinction is crucial for learners who want to sound natural.

Common Contexts: News reports, personal anecdotes, and reactions to scientific discoveries or artistic performances.

In Brazilian Portuguese, the word is often used in the phrase 'deixar alguém espantado' (to leave someone amazed). It is a very active word that describes the impact of an external force on a person's psyche. If you are learning Portuguese for travel, knowing this word will help you express your genuine wonder at the sights you see, such as the Christ the Redeemer statue or the streets of Porto. It signals to native speakers that you are deeply impressed.

Fiquei espantada ao ver o tamanho daquela onda!

Furthermore, the word can sometimes imply a degree of disbelief. When someone tells an unbelievable story, you might respond with 'Estou espantado!', which functions similarly to 'I'm floored' or 'I'm stunned'. It is not just about the surprise itself, but the difficulty of processing the information because it is so out of the ordinary. This nuance is vital for B1 and B2 level learners who are moving beyond basic emotional descriptions.

O público saiu espantado do cinema após o final inesperado.

Register: Neutral to slightly formal. It is perfectly fine for both a casual dinner and a formal business presentation about surprising market results.

Finally, let's look at the morphology. It comes from 'espanto' (noun - fright/surprise). Understanding this connection helps you build a vocabulary cluster. If you know espantado, you can easily learn espanto (the noun) and espantoso (the adjective describing the thing that causes the surprise, like 'amazing' or 'frightful'). This interconnectedness is a hallmark of the Portuguese language's Latin roots, making it easier to expand your lexicon once you master this core word.

Não fique espantado se os preços subirem amanhã.

Eles estão espantados com o progresso da obra.

Using espantado correctly requires attention to two main things: the verb that precedes it and the gender/number of the subject. Because it is an adjective derived from a past participle, it behaves like a mirror to the person experiencing the emotion. If you are a man talking about yourself, you say 'Eu estou espantado.' If you are a woman, 'Eu estou espantada.' This is a basic but essential rule of Portuguese grammar that learners often forget in the heat of conversation.

Agreement Rule: Masculine Singular: Espantado | Feminine Singular: Espantada | Masculine Plural: Espantados | Feminine Plural: Espantadas.

The choice between ser, estar, and ficar is where the nuance lies. You will almost never use ser with espantado because ser denotes a permanent characteristic. You aren't 'an amazed person' by nature; you are 'amazed' because of a specific event. Therefore, estar is used for the state: 'Ela está espantada' (She is currently amazed). Ficar is used for the change in state: 'Ela ficou espantada' (She became amazed/She was amazed by the event).

Nós ficamos espantados com a rapidez do serviço.

Another common construction involves the preposition com (with). In English, we are amazed 'by' or 'at' something. In Portuguese, we are espantado com something. For example, 'Estou espantado com o seu talento' (I am amazed at/with your talent). This prepositional link is vital for forming complete, natural-sounding sentences. Another option is using por in certain literary contexts, but com is the standard for 99% of usage.

Let's look at more complex structures. You can use espantado followed by a clause starting with que (that). For example: 'Estou espantado que você tenha chegado tão cedo' (I am amazed that you have arrived so early). Notice that after 'espantado que', you often need to use the Subjunctive mood (tenha chegado) because you are expressing an emotional reaction to a fact. This is an advanced point that makes your Portuguese sound highly sophisticated.

O professor ficou espantado por ninguém ter feito o dever.

Negative Sentences: 'Não fique espantado' is a common way to say 'Don't be surprised' or 'Don't be shocked'.

In more formal writing, such as journalism, espantado might describe a collective body. 'O mercado financeiro ficou espantado com a decisão do governo.' Here, the word helps convey the magnitude of the reaction across an entire sector. It's not just a small surprise; it's a significant disruption of expectations. Using this word correctly in your writing will help you accurately convey the weight of events.

As crianças olhavam espantadas para o mágico.

One final tip: espantado can be modified by adverbs like 'muito' (very), 'bastante' (quite), or 'completamente' (completely). 'Estou completamente espantado!' adds a layer of emphasis that is very common in spoken Portuguese when people are gossiping or sharing exciting news. It amplifies the emotion significantly.

Ela parecia espantada com a notícia.

Placement: Like most emotional adjectives, it usually comes after the verb (ficar/estar) or after the noun it modifies (O homem espantado...).

Eles nem ficaram espantados, já esperavam por isso.

The word espantado is a staple of Portuguese media, literature, and daily conversation. If you turn on a Portuguese news channel like SIC or a Brazilian one like Globo, you will frequently hear reporters using it to describe the public's reaction to major events. For instance, 'A população ficou espantada com o aumento dos impostos' (The population was amazed/shocked by the tax increase). It serves as a powerful descriptor for collective sentiment.

News & Media: Used to describe political shocks, economic shifts, or surprising sports results.

In literature, from the classic works of Machado de Assis to modern novelists like José Saramago, espantado is used to paint a vivid picture of a character's internal state. It often precedes a detailed description of a revelation or a turning point in the plot. Authors love it because it evokes a sense of wonder that 'surpreso' lacks. It suggests that the character's world has been momentarily tilted. When reading in Portuguese, look for this word to understand the emotional stakes of a scene.

O detetive ficou espantado ao encontrar a pista final.

In casual conversation, you'll hear it during 'fofoca' (gossip) or when sharing personal news. Imagine a friend telling you they won the lottery. Your immediate response might be 'Estou espantado! Parabéns!'. It conveys a higher level of engagement than a simple 'Nossa!' (Wow!). In Brazil, you might also hear the verb espantar used in the reflexive form 'me espanta que...' (it amazes/shocks me that...), which is a very common way to express disbelief about someone's behavior.

Daily Life: Reacting to prices, weather changes, or unexpected visits from friends.

Another place you'll encounter this word is in educational settings. A teacher might say, 'Estou espantado com o seu progresso!' to a student. In this context, it is a high form of praise. It means the student's improvement was so significant that it surpassed all expectations. It carries a positive, encouraging weight here that 'surpreso' might not fully capture. It feels more earned and substantial.

O cientista ficou espantado com os resultados do experimento.

Lastly, in sports commentary, especially football (soccer), commentators use espantado to describe a goalkeeper's reaction to a brilliant goal or the fans' reaction to an underdog victory. 'O estádio inteiro ficou espantado com aquele golo de bicicleta!' (The whole stadium was amazed by that bicycle kick goal!). It captures the collective 'gasp' of a crowd perfectly. If you follow Portuguese or Brazilian sports, you will see this word in headlines almost every week.

O goleiro ficou espantado com a curva da bola.

Frequency: Very high. It is one of the top 5 words for expressing surprise in the Portuguese language.

Toda a vizinhança ficou espantada com o barulho.

The most common mistake English speakers make with espantado is failing to adjust the ending for gender and number. In English, 'amazed' is static. In Portuguese, it is dynamic. If you are a woman and say 'Eu estou espantado', native speakers will understand you, but it sounds like a grammatical 'clash'. Always remember: if the subject is feminine, use espantada; if plural, use espantados or espantadas. This is the 'Golden Rule' of Portuguese adjectives.

Mistake #1: Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'Minha mãe ficou espantado.' | Correct: 'Minha mãe ficou espantada.'

Another frequent error is using the wrong verb. Learners often default to ser (to be permanently). Saying 'Eu sou espantado' implies that being amazed is a personality trait, like being tall or intelligent. While poetic, it's almost never what you mean. You should use estar (temporary state) or ficar (becoming/result of an action). If you use ser, people might think you are easily frightened or constantly in a state of shock, which sounds a bit strange in normal conversation.

Não diga 'Eu sou espantado', diga 'Eu estou espantado'.

Preposition errors are also common. English speakers might try to use 'por' or 'de' because they translate 'by' or 'of' directly. While 'espantado por' can be used in specific passive constructions, the most natural and frequent preposition is com. 'Estou espantado com você' (I am amazed with/at you). Using 'de' (Estou espantado de você) is a common mistake that sounds slightly archaic or simply wrong depending on the region.

Mistake #2: Wrong Preposition: Incorrect: 'Espantado em...' | Correct: 'Espantado com...'

A subtle mistake involves confusing espantado with assustado (scared). While they share a common root (fear), espantado has largely moved toward 'surprise' in modern usage, whereas assustado is strictly 'frightened'. If you are watching a horror movie and you are afraid, say 'Estou assustado'. If you are watching a magic show and you are amazed, say 'Estou espantado'. Using espantado in a horror movie might make it sound like you are impressed by the killer's technique rather than afraid for your life!

Ele não está com medo, está apenas espantado.

Finally, be careful with the word espantoso. While espantado describes the person, espantoso describes the thing that causes the feeling. Learners sometimes mix these up, saying 'Eu sou espantoso' when they mean 'I am amazed.' 'Eu sou espantoso' actually means 'I am amazing' or 'I am dreadful' (depending on context). It's a big difference! Always use the '-ado' ending for your own feelings and the '-oso' ending for the qualities of objects or events.

O filme foi espantoso, e eu fiquei espantado.

Mistake #3: Adjective Confusion: Confusing 'espantado' (amazed) with 'espantoso' (amazing/dreadful).

Ninguém ficou espantado com o resultado óbvio.

Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for surprise, and knowing when to use espantado versus its alternatives will make you sound much more like a native speaker. The most common alternative is surpreso. While surpreso is neutral and can describe any unexpected event (like a surprise party), espantado is more intense. It implies a sense of shock or wonder that goes beyond a simple 'oh!'. It's the difference between 'surprised' and 'astonished'.

Espantado vs Surpreso: Surpreso: Neutral surprise (low to mid intensity). | Espantado: Intense surprise, often with disbelief (high intensity).

Another great alternative is admirado. This word leans more toward the positive side of surprise—admiration. If you are 'espantado' by a painting, you are shocked by its quality or size. If you are 'admirado', you are specifically looking at it with respect and appreciation. They can often be used interchangeably, but admirado is softer and more elegant. In formal writing about art or achievements, admirado is a very sophisticated choice.

Ele ficou admirado com a coragem do herói.

If you want to describe being 'speechless' or having your mouth hang open, the word boquiaberto is perfect. It literally means 'mouth-open'. This is a more descriptive, almost physical way to say you are espantado. It's great for storytelling. 'Quando ele viu o carro novo, ficou boquiaberto.' It conveys the visual of the surprise. Another similar word is estupefacto (or estupefato in Brazil), which is very formal and means 'stupefied'. You'll see this in literature or high-level journalism.

Estupefacto vs Espantado: Estupefacto: Extremely formal, implies being paralyzed by shock. | Espantado: More common, versatile, and accessible.

In Brazilian slang, you will often hear chocado (shocked) or passado (literally 'passed', but meaning 'blown away'). These are very informal and popular on social media. 'Eu tô passada com esse vídeo!' (I'm blown away by this video!). While espantado is always safe and correct, using these slang terms in the right context can help you blend in with younger crowds in São Paulo or Rio.

Estou chocado com o que aconteceu na festa.

For a more negative connotation, assombrado means 'haunted' or 'ghost-struck', implying a surprise mixed with fear or a sense of the supernatural. If you are espantado by a ghost, you are just surprised it's there. If you are assombrado, you are deeply unsettled by it. This nuance is important for horror fans or those reading gothic literature in Portuguese.

O vilarejo ficou assombrado com as aparições.

Summary of Intensity: Surpreso (Low) < Admirado (Mid) < Espantado (High) < Estupefacto (Extreme).

Ficamos espantados com o pôr do sol na praia.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'espantalho' (scarecrow) comes from the same root because its job is to 'espantar' (frighten away) the birds. So when you are 'espantado', you are technically being 'scared' by how amazing something is!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɨʃ.pɐ̃.ˈta.ðu/

US /es.pɐ̃.ˈta.du/

The stress is on the second-to-last syllable: es-pan-TA-do.

Rhymes With

Cansado Passado Obrigado Estado Cuidado Feriado Pintado Gelado

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as 'oh' instead of 'oo'.
Forgetting the nasal sound on 'pan'.
Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' sound.
Missing the 'sh' sound in Portugal.
Stress on the first syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its distinctive spelling.

Writing 4/5

Requires memory of gender/number agreement and the preposition 'com'.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation varies between Portugal and Brazil, which can be tricky.

Listening 3/5

Usually clearly enunciated because it's an emphatic word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Surpreso Com Ficar Estar Muito

Learn Next

Espantoso Admirado Boquiaberto Estupefacto Atónito

Advanced

Perplexidade Assombro Pasmo Incredulidade Atonia

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

A menina (f) está espantada (f).

Verbs of Change (Ficar)

Ele ficou espantado (He became amazed).

Prepositional Government

Espantado COM algo.

Subjunctive after Emotion

Fico espantado que você saiba (subjunctive) isso.

Personal Infinitive with Prepositions

Espantado por eles terem (personal infinitive) vindo.

Examples by Level

Eu estou muito espantado.

I am very amazed.

Masculine singular adjective.

Ela está espantada com o presente.

She is amazed with the gift.

Feminine singular adjective.

Você está espantado?

Are you (masc.) amazed?

Question form.

Eles estão espantados.

They are amazed.

Masculine plural adjective.

O gato está espantado.

The cat is amazed/startled.

Used for animals too.

Nós estamos espantadas.

We (fem.) are amazed.

Feminine plural adjective.

Estou espantado com o sol.

I am amazed with the sun.

Using 'com' as a preposition.

Ele não está espantado.

He is not amazed.

Negative sentence.

Eu fiquei espantado com a notícia.

I was amazed by the news.

Using 'ficar' for a past reaction.

Ela ficou espantada ao ver o mar.

She was amazed to see the sea.

Using 'ao + infinitive' for cause.

Nós ficamos espantados com o preço.

We were amazed by the price.

Plural agreement.

O professor ficou espantado com o aluno.

The teacher was amazed by the student.

Positive surprise context.

Não fique espantado se chover.

Don't be amazed if it rains.

Imperative mood.

Eles ficaram espantados com a cidade.

They were amazed by the city.

Describing travel experience.

Fiquei espantada com a sua rapidez.

I (fem.) was amazed by your speed.

Feminine subject.

O cachorro ficou espantado com o barulho.

The dog was amazed/startled by the noise.

Subject-adjective agreement.

Estou espantado que você fale português tão bem.

I am amazed that you speak Portuguese so well.

Subjunctive mood after 'que'.

Ela parecia espantada com a mudança repentina.

She seemed amazed by the sudden change.

Using 'parecer' (to seem).

Ficamos espantados por ele ter chegado cedo.

We were amazed by him having arrived early.

Personal infinitive construction.

O público saiu espantado do espetáculo.

The audience left the show amazed.

Adjective as a complement to the verb 'sair'.

Estou espantado com tamanha generosidade.

I am amazed by such generosity.

Using 'tamanha' for emphasis.

Ele ficou espantado ao descobrir a verdade.

He was amazed to discover the truth.

Cause-and-effect structure.

As crianças ficaram espantadas com o truque.

The children were amazed by the trick.

Plural agreement.

Não estou espantado, já esperava isso.

I'm not amazed, I already expected that.

Contrast with 'esperar'.

O mercado ficou espantado com a queda das ações.

The market was amazed/shocked by the stock drop.

Metonymy (the market = the people in it).

É de ficar espantado com a falta de educação.

It's enough to be amazed at the lack of manners.

Impersonal 'é de + infinitive' structure.

Ela olhou-o de forma espantada.

She looked at him in an amazed way.

Adverbial phrase using the adjective.

Fiquei espantado por não terem avisado antes.

I was amazed they hadn't warned us before.

Negative personal infinitive.

Os cientistas estão espantados com a nova descoberta.

The scientists are amazed by the new discovery.

Professional context.

A crítica ficou espantada com a qualidade do livro.

The critics were amazed by the quality of the book.

Collective noun 'crítica'.

Sempre fico espantado com a sua paciência.

I am always amazed by your patience.

Expressing a recurring state.

Eles ficaram espantados que o segredo tenha vazado.

They were amazed that the secret had leaked.

Subjunctive mood for emotional reaction.

Confesso que fiquei espantado perante tal audácia.

I confess I was amazed in the face of such audacity.

Formal register with 'perante'.

O historiador ficou espantado com a preservação do papiro.

The historian was amazed by the preservation of the papyrus.

Academic context.

Não me espanta que a situação tenha chegado a este ponto.

It doesn't amaze me that the situation has reached this point.

Reflexive verb 'espantar-se' logic.

O olhar espantado da multidão dizia tudo.

The amazed look of the crowd said it all.

Adjective modifying 'olhar'.

Ficamos espantados com a rapidez da evolução tecnológica.

We were amazed by the speed of technological evolution.

Abstract noun as object of 'com'.

O filósofo debruçou-se sobre o mundo com um olhar espantado.

The philosopher looked at the world with an amazed gaze.

Philosophical context of 'wonder'.

É espantado que o vejo hoje, dadas as circunstâncias.

It is with amazement that I see you today, given the circumstances.

Inverted structure for emphasis.

A comunidade internacional ficou espantada com a revolta.

The international community was amazed by the revolt.

Political register.

Permaneceu espantado, como se visse um fantasma do passado.

He remained amazed, as if he were seeing a ghost from the past.

Literary use of 'permanecer'.

O seu silêncio espantado era mais eloquente que mil palavras.

His amazed silence was more eloquent than a thousand words.

Metaphorical use in high prose.

Não há quem não fique espantado diante de tamanha obra-prima.

There is no one who isn't amazed before such a masterpiece.

Double negative for emphasis.

O autor descreve o protagonista como um ser perpetuamente espantado.

The author describes the protagonist as a perpetually amazed being.

Adverbial modification of an adjective.

Ficou de tal modo espantado que perdeu o fio à meada.

He was so amazed that he lost his train of thought.

Idiomatic result clause 'de tal modo... que'.

A alma espantada do poeta buscava refúgio na natureza.

The poet's amazed soul sought refuge in nature.

Personification/Poetic register.

O mundo assistiu espantado à queda do muro.

The world watched, amazed, at the fall of the wall.

Adjective used as an adverb of manner.

Resta-nos ficar espantados com a finitude da vida.

It remains for us to be amazed by the finiteness of life.

Existential/Philosophical use.

Synonyms

Surpreso Admirado Boquiaberto Estupefacto Atónito Chocado Perplexo Maravilhado

Antonyms

Indiferente Calmo Expectante Impassível

Common Collocations

Ficar espantado

Estar espantado

Espantado com...

Olhar espantado

Completamente espantado

Muito espantado

Parecer espantado

Deixar espantado

Sair espantado

Nada espantado

Common Phrases

Para meu espanto

— Used to introduce a surprising fact. Equivalent to 'To my surprise'.

Para meu espanto, a loja estava aberta.

Não fique espantado

— A way to warn someone that what they are about to see or hear is shocking.

Não fique espantado, mas eu me demiti.

Que espanto!

— An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.

Você ganhou? Que espanto!

De causar espanto

— Describing something so incredible or shocking that it causes amazement.

É uma velocidade de causar espanto.

Com cara de espantado

— With a surprised/amazed expression on one's face.

Ele chegou com cara de espantado.

Um espanto de...

— Used to describe something exceptionally good or beautiful (colloquial).

Ela estava um espanto de bonita.

Tomar um espanto

— To get a shock or a sudden surprise (more common in Portugal).

Tomei um espanto quando vi a conta.

Sem qualquer espanto

— Without any surprise; as expected.

Venceu a corrida sem qualquer espanto.

O espanto foi geral

— Everyone was amazed or shocked.

Quando ele anunciou a saída, o espanto foi geral.

Perder o espanto

— To stop being surprised by something; to get used to it.

Depois de um tempo, perdi o espanto com os preços.

Often Confused With

espantado vs Assustado

Means 'scared'. Use 'espantado' for surprise and 'assustado' for fear.

espantado vs Espantoso

Means 'amazing' (the thing). 'Espantado' is the person who feels it.

espantado vs Esperado

Means 'expected'. It is the opposite of being 'espantado'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ficar a ver navios"

— To be left disappointed or surprised in a negative way, often empty-handed.

Esperava o bónus, mas ficou a ver navios.

Informal

"Cair o queixo"

— To be extremely amazed (literally 'to drop the chin').

Quando vi o carro novo, caiu-me o queixo.

Informal

"Ficar de queixo caído"

— To be jaw-droppingly amazed.

Ficamos de queixo caído com a mansão.

Informal

"Estar nas nuvens"

— To be extremely happy or amazed by a positive event.

Desde que ganhou o prémio, está nas nuvens.

Informal

"Perder a fala"

— To be so amazed or shocked that one cannot speak.

Ela perdeu a fala quando ele a pediu em casamento.

Neutral

"Ficar com os olhos em bico"

— To be very surprised or confused (often used in Portugal).

Fiquei com os olhos em bico com tanta informação.

Informal

"Não acreditar no que vê"

— To be so amazed that one's eyes deceive them.

Ele não acreditava no que via.

Neutral

"Ficar pasmado"

— To be completely stunned or amazed.

O mundo ficou pasmado com o evento.

Neutral

"Deixar alguém de boca aberta"

— To leave someone speechless with amazement.

A sua atuação deixou todos de boca aberta.

Informal

"Ser um espanto"

— To be something extraordinary or amazing.

A festa foi um espanto!

Informal

Easily Confused

espantado vs Espantoso

Similar root and sound.

Espantoso describes the object/event (The sunset is espantoso). Espantado describes the person (I am espantado by the sunset).

O espetáculo foi espantoso e todos ficaram espantados.

espantado vs Assustado

Both involve a sudden reaction.

Assustado is specifically about fear/terror. Espantado is about surprise/wonder.

O barulho me deixou assustado, mas a beleza me deixou espantado.

espantado vs Surpreso

Direct synonyms.

Surpreso is the general term. Espantado is specifically for high-intensity, jaw-dropping surprise.

Fiquei surpreso com o bolo, mas espantado com o tamanho dele.

espantado vs Admirado

Both involve wonder.

Admirado implies respect and positive evaluation. Espantado can be for anything shocking, good or bad.

Estou admirado com sua arte, mas espantado com o preço dela.

espantado vs Espanto

Noun vs Adjective.

Espanto is the noun (The surprise). Espantado is the adjective (The surprised person).

O meu espanto foi grande; fiquei muito espantado.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] estar espantado.

Eu estou espantado.

[Subject] ficar espantado com [Noun].

Ela ficou espantada com o presente.

[Subject] estar espantado que [Subjunctive].

Estou espantado que ele venha.

Para meu espanto, [Sentence].

Para meu espanto, ele ganhou.

[Subject] parecer espantado por [Infinitive].

Eles parecem espantados por ganhar.

Ficar espantado perante [Noun].

Fiquei espantado perante o caos.

Um [Noun] de causar espanto.

Uma coragem de causar espanto.

[Adjective] como estava, [Subject] [Verb].

Espantado como estava, o homem não disse nada.

Word Family

Nouns

Espanto (Fright/Surprise)

Espantalho (Scarecrow)

Verbs

Espantar (To amaze/frighten)

Espantar-se (To be surprised)

Adjectives

Espantado (Amazed)

Espantoso (Amazing/Dreadful)

Assustado

Surpreso

Maravilha

Pavor

Admiração

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu sou espantado. → Eu estou espantado.
Using 'ser' implies a permanent personality trait. You should use 'estar' for a temporary feeling.
Ela ficou espantado. → Ela ficou espantada.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the subject. 'Ela' is feminine, so 'espantada' must be feminine.
Estou espantado de o preço. → Estou espantado com o preço.
The correct preposition to use after 'espantado' is usually 'com', not 'de'.
O filme foi espantado. → O filme foi espantoso.
'Espantado' describes the person who feels surprise. 'Espantoso' describes the thing that causes the surprise.
Fiquei espantado que ele veio. → Fiquei espantado que ele tenha vindo.
After expressions of emotion like 'espantado que', you should use the subjunctive mood.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always check the gender and number of the person you are describing. 'Espantado' for one man, 'espantada' for one woman, 'espantados' for a group of men or a mixed group, and 'espantadas' for a group of women.

Stronger than Surpreso

Use 'espantado' to sound more expressive. It shows that you are not just mildly surprised, but genuinely moved or shocked by the situation.

Nasal 'AN'

The 'an' in 'espantado' is nasal. Don't pronounce the 'n' fully as in the English word 'pan'. Instead, let the air go through your nose for a more authentic sound.

Use with Ficar

When you want to say you 'were' surprised by a specific event, use 'fiquei espantado'. 'Ficar' captures the change in your emotional state perfectly.

Para meu espanto

Start a sentence with 'Para meu espanto...' to instantly sound more like a native writer. It's a great transition phrase for storytelling.

Listen for 'sh'

If you are in Portugal, 'espantado' sounds like 'ish-pan-TA-du'. In Brazil, it's 'es-pan-TA-du'. Knowing this helps you identify the word regardless of the accent.

The Scarecrow Link

Remember 'espantalho' (scarecrow). Just as a scarecrow makes birds fly away in shock, an amazing thing makes you 'espantado'.

Complimenting Progress

A great way to encourage a fellow learner is to say 'Estou espantado com o seu português!'. It is a very high compliment.

Safe for Work

Unlike some slang terms for surprise, 'espantado' is perfectly safe for business meetings or formal emails. It sounds professional yet emotive.

Negative vs Positive

Don't be afraid to use it for bad news. 'Fiquei espantado com a grosseria dele' (I was amazed/shocked by his rudeness) is a very common usage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ex-Panting'. You were running and saw something so amazing that you are now an 'Ex-Pan-Tado' (someone who stopped panting because they are frozen in shock).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of the Eiffel Tower for the first time with their eyes wide and mouth open. Label them 'Espantado'.

Word Web

Espanto Espantoso Espantar Surpresa Choque Admiração Inesperado Boquiaberto

Challenge

Try to use 'espantado' three times today: once for something beautiful, once for something expensive, and once for something weird.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'expaventare', which is an intensive form of 'expaveo' (to be terrified). The 'ex-' prefix means 'out' and 'pavēre' means 'to tremble/fear'. Over centuries, the meaning softened from 'terrified' to 'struck with wonder'.

Original meaning: To be terrified or struck with extreme fear.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

It is a safe word to use in all contexts. No negative or offensive connotations.

English speakers often use 'shocked' for negative things and 'amazed' for positive. 'Espantado' covers both, but leans slightly toward 'amazed' in neutral contexts.

Machado de Assis uses it frequently to describe the psychological states of his characters. The poem 'O Guardador de Rebanhos' by Alberto Caeiro (Fernando Pessoa) deals with the 'espanto' of seeing the world as it is. Commonly found in news headlines in 'O Globo' or 'Público'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reacting to a surprise party

Estou espantado!
Não esperava por isto!
Que espanto!
Fiquei sem palavras.

Discussing high prices

Estou espantado com o preço.
É um espanto!
Fiquei espantado com a conta.
Que roubo, estou espantado!

Watching a talent show

Estou espantado com o talento dela.
Fiquei espantado com a voz dele.
É um desempenho espantoso.
O júri ficou espantado.

Hearing gossip

Estou espantado com essa fofoca!
Não me diga, estou espantada!
Fiquei espantado com a revelação.
Como assim? Estou espantado.

Seeing a beautiful landmark

Fiquei espantado com a vista.
É de causar espanto.
Estou espantada com a arquitetura.
Que lugar espantoso!

Conversation Starters

"Você já ficou espantado com alguma notícia recentemente?"

"O que mais te deixa espantado no comportamento humano?"

"Qual foi o lugar que te deixou mais espantado pela beleza?"

"Você fica espantado com a velocidade da tecnologia?"

"Algum filme já te deixou completamente espantado no final?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você ficou espantado com a bondade de um estranho.

Escreva sobre uma descoberta científica que te deixou espantado.

Como você reage quando fica espantado? Você grita ou fica em silêncio?

Pense em um livro que te deixou espantado. Por que a história teve esse efeito?

Descreva uma paisagem natural que te deixou espantado e por que ela foi marcante.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions