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B1 noun #4,000 most common 11 min read

fobia

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips fobia in 30 Seconds

Explanation fobia in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'fobia' as a word for a very strong fear. You might not use it often yourself, preferring the simpler word 'medo' (fear). However, you will see it in basic health contexts or when people talk about animals they really dislike, like spiders (aranhas) or snakes (cobras). At this stage, just remember that it is a feminine noun ('a fobia') and it usually comes with the preposition 'de'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Eu tenho fobia de aranhas' to express that you are not just afraid, but extremely afraid. It is a good 'power word' to add to your basic vocabulary to show more intense emotions. You don't need to know the complex psychological types yet; just focus on the core meaning of 'extreme fear'. In A1 materials, you might also see it in lists of common fears. Learning this word early helps you understand that Portuguese and English share many scientific roots, which can boost your confidence in reading medical or technical signs.

By A2, you can start using 'fobia' to describe yourself and others in more detail. You should be able to form sentences using 'ter fobia de' and recognize common specific phobias like 'claustrofobia' or 'acrofobia'. You might use it when talking about your hobbies or things you avoid doing. For example, 'Não gosto de montanhas-russas because tenho fobia de altura' (I don't like rollercoasters because I have a phobia of heights). You are also learning to use adjectives, so you might say 'uma fobia grande' or 'uma fobia estranha'. At this level, it's important to differentiate between 'medo' (which can be temporary) and 'fobia' (which feels more permanent). You will likely hear this word in classroom discussions about personal preferences or in simple news stories about common human experiences. Understanding the feminine gender remains a priority, as does the correct contraction of the preposition 'de' with articles (do, da, dos, das).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'fobia' in more complex discussions about health, psychology, and social issues. You should understand the difference between a clinical phobia and a general aversion. You will encounter the word in texts about mental health, lifestyle, and social behavior. You should be able to use the verb 'sofrer de' (to suffer from) alongside 'ter'. For example, 'Muitas pessoas sofrem de fobia social e têm dificuldade em fazer amigos.' You will also start seeing the word used in social contexts, such as 'xenofobia' or 'homofobia', and you should understand that in these cases, it refers to prejudice. Your ability to describe the symptoms or effects of a phobia should increase, using words like 'ansiedade' (anxiety), 'evitar' (to avoid), and 'sintomas' (symptoms). This is the level where you move beyond just naming the fear to discussing its impact on a person's life and potential ways to overcome it, like 'terapia' (therapy).

At B2, your usage of 'fobia' should be quite sophisticated. You can participate in debates about the causes of phobias (nature vs. nurture) and use the word in academic or professional contexts. You will understand more technical terms like 'transtorno de ansiedade fóbica' and 'dessensibilização'. You should be able to discuss the nuance between 'fobia', 'pavor', 'horror', and 'ojeriza' with ease. In writing, you can use 'fobia' to create metaphors or to describe societal trends, such as 'a fobia tecnológica' in older generations. You will also be aware of the cultural implications of the word in different Portuguese-speaking countries, such as how mental health is prioritized in public policy. You should be comfortable reading long articles or listening to podcasts that use 'fobia' as a central theme, following the logical arguments presented. Your grammar should be flawless when using the word, including complex sentence structures with relative clauses (e.g., 'A fobia de que ele padece é extremamente rara').

By C1, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of 'fobia'. You can use it in highly formal writing, such as essays on sociology, psychology, or law. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its various applications in literature. You can distinguish between the psychological state of phobia and the sociological phenomenon of '-fobias' used as tools of oppression or exclusion. You can use the word with precision in professional settings, such as clinical psychology or human resources, discussing 'fobias corporativas' or 'fobia de liderança'. You are familiar with literary examples where a character's phobia is a central theme. Your vocabulary includes rare or highly specific phobias (e.g., 'talassofobia' for the sea), and you can explain their meanings to others. You can also use the word ironically or humorously in a way that shows a native-like grasp of tone and register. You are capable of analyzing how the word 'fobia' is used in political rhetoric to pathologize certain behaviors or groups.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of the word 'fobia' and all its derivatives. You can engage in high-level philosophical or scientific discourse about the nature of fear and phobia. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different dialects of Portuguese (e.g., European vs. Brazilian) and in different historical periods. You can write professional-grade articles or deliver keynote speeches that incorporate the term seamlessly. You are aware of the most recent linguistic shifts, such as new 'fobias' emerging from modern technology or social changes (e.g., 'fobia de cancelamento'). You can critique the use of the suffix '-fobia' in social justice movements from a linguistic and sociological perspective. Your understanding extends to the etymological roots and how they compare with other Romance languages. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific atmospheres or psychological depths. Essentially, there are no contexts in which you would be unsure how to use or interpret 'fobia'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

fobia in 30 Seconds

Fobia is a feminine noun in Portuguese used to describe an irrational and intense fear of a specific stimulus.
It is grammatically used with the preposition 'de', requiring contractions like 'do' or 'da' depending on the object.
While it has a clinical meaning in psychology, it is frequently used in daily life to express strong aversions.
Common examples include claustrofobia (enclosed spaces), acrofobia (heights), and fobia social (social situations).

The word fobia is a fundamental term in the Portuguese language, used to describe an intense, persistent, and irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation. While it originates from clinical psychology, its usage in everyday Portuguese has expanded to include general aversions or strong dislikes. Understanding the nuance between a simple 'medo' (fear) and a 'fobia' (phobia) is crucial for intermediate learners. A phobia is characterized by its disproportionate nature; the danger is often minimal, but the psychological and physiological response is overwhelming. In Brazil and Portugal, mental health awareness has integrated this term into common discourse, allowing people to discuss their anxieties more openly.

Clinical Definition: In a medical context, a fobia is a diagnosed anxiety disorder. It involves a persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable, cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation (e.g., flying, heights, animals, receiving an injection, seeing blood).
Colloquial Usage: Informally, Portuguese speakers might use the word to describe a strong aversion. For example, someone might say they have a 'fobia de multidões' (phobia of crowds) even if they haven't been clinically diagnosed, simply to express extreme discomfort.

A minha irmã tem uma fobia terrível de aranhas e não consegue nem ver fotos delas.

Historically, the term entered the Portuguese language via Latin and Greek, maintaining its core meaning over centuries. In modern times, the rise of social media and digital interaction has given birth to new terms like 'nomofobia' (the fear of being without a mobile phone), showing how the word adapts to societal changes. When you use this word, you are signaling a level of intensity that 'medo' does not capture. It suggests a paralyzing effect or a need for avoidance strategies.

Superar uma fobia exige tempo, paciência e, muitas vezes, ajuda profissional.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Greek 'phobos', meaning fear or terror. In Greek mythology, Phobos was the personification of fear and the son of Ares and Aphrodite.

A fobia social pode impedir uma pessoa de frequentar eventos públicos ou falar em reuniões.

Muitas pessoas sofrem de claustrofobia, que é a fobia de lugares fechados.

Common Specific Phobias: Aracnofobia (spiders), Acrofobia (heights), Claustrofobia (enclosed spaces), and Aerofobia (flying) are the most frequently mentioned in Portuguese conversations.

Não é apenas um receio; é uma fobia diagnosticada que afeta o meu dia a dia.

Using fobia correctly in a sentence requires attention to prepositions and verb collocations. The most common structure is 'ter fobia de' (to have a phobia of). Notice that the preposition 'de' is essential to link the phobia to its object. If the object is a masculine noun, 'de' becomes 'do' or 'dos'; if it is feminine, it becomes 'da' or 'das'. For example, 'fobia de cobras' (phobia of snakes) or 'fobia do escuro' (phobia of the dark). Another common verb used is 'sofrer de' (to suffer from), as in 'Ele sofre de fobia social'. This sounds slightly more clinical and serious than simply using the verb 'ter'.

Verb Pairing: Ter: Used for general statements of possession. 'Eu tenho fobia de altura' is the standard way to express this fear in a conversation.
Verb Pairing: Sofrer de: Used when discussing the impact of the phobia on someone's life. 'Muitas crianças sofrem de fobias específicas durante o crescimento.'

Desde o acidente, ele desenvolveu uma fobia severa de dirigir em autoestradas.

Adjectives play a significant role in describing the intensity of the phobia. Common adjectives include 'irracional' (irrational), 'severa' (severe), 'paralisante' (paralyzing), and 'específica' (specific). When you say 'uma fobia paralisante', you are conveying that the fear is so strong it prevents the person from moving or acting. In formal writing, such as psychological reports or academic papers, you will often see the term 'transtorno fóbico' (phobic disorder), which elevates the term into a medical diagnosis. For learners, mastering the plural form 'fobias' is also important, as people often have more than one.

A terapia de exposição é frequentemente usada para tratar a fobia de voar.

Using with Pronouns: 'A minha fobia' (My phobia), 'Essa fobia' (This phobia). Remember that the possessive must match the feminine gender of the noun.

Identificar o gatilho da sua fobia é o primeiro passo para o tratamento.

O paciente apresenta uma fobia persistente a espaços abertos, conhecida como agorafobia.

Negative Sentences: 'Eu não tenho nenhuma fobia' (I don't have any phobia). Use 'nenhuma' to emphasize the total absence of phobias.

É possível conviver com uma fobia sem que ela controle a sua vida inteira.

The word fobia is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking media, healthcare environments, and casual conversations about personal quirks. In a clinical or hospital setting, you will hear doctors and psychologists use it with precision. For instance, a pediatrician might discuss a child's 'fobia de agulhas' (needle phobia) before a vaccination. In the media, documentaries and talk shows often feature segments on 'Como superar suas fobias' (How to overcome your phobias), reflecting a broad public interest in self-improvement and mental health. News reports might also use the term when discussing social issues, such as 'xenofobia' (xenophobia) or 'homofobia' (homophobia), where the suffix '-fobia' indicates a systemic prejudice or hatred rather than a purely individual psychological fear.

In the Media: You will see headlines like 'A fobia que impede brasileiros de viajar para o exterior' or interviews with celebrities discussing their 'fobia de palco' (stage fright/phobia).
In Literature and Cinema: Characters in Brazilian 'telenovelas' or Portuguese films often have specific phobias used as plot devices, such as a character who refuses to enter an elevator due to 'fobia de lugares fechados'.

No documentário, eles explicam como a fobia pode ser herdada geneticamente.

In school settings, teachers might use the term 'fobia escolar' to describe children who have an intense dread of attending classes, often linked to bullying or separation anxiety. In the workplace, 'fobia de falar em público' (glossophobia) is a common topic in corporate training and soft-skills workshops. You will also encounter the word in legal contexts, particularly when discussing hate crimes related to 'transfobia' or 'gordofobia'. This shift from a psychological state to a social prejudice is a vital distinction to understand. Finally, in casual settings, friends might joke about their 'fobia de compromisso' (fear of commitment) during a night out, showing how the word has permeated romantic and social dynamics.

A campanha visa combater a fobia e o preconceito contra imigrantes na Europa.

At the Doctor's Office: 'Doutor, eu acho que tenho fobia de sangue; sempre desmaio quando vejo uma gota.'

O filme retrata a luta de um homem contra a sua fobia de germes.

Muitos jovens desenvolvem uma fobia de ficar offline, o que prejudica o sono.

In the Workplace: 'Precisamos ajudar os funcionários a superar a fobia de novas tecnologias durante a transição digital.'

A fobia de dentista é uma das razões pelas quais as pessoas evitam check-ups regulares.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using fobia in Portuguese is confusing it with the general word for fear, 'medo'. While they are related, they are not interchangeable in all contexts. 'Medo' is a natural emotion that everyone feels, whereas 'fobia' implies a pathological or extreme condition. If you say 'Tenho fobia de chuva' (I have a phobia of rain), it sounds much more intense than 'Tenho medo da chuva' (I'm afraid of the rain). Another common error is grammatical: using the masculine article. Because many Greek-origin words ending in '-a' are masculine (like 'o trauma' or 'o pijama'), learners often assume 'fobia' is also masculine. It is not. It is always 'a fobia'.

Mistake: Fobia vs. Medo: Incorrect: 'Eu tenho uma fobia de chegar atrasado.' (Unless it's a pathological condition). Correct: 'Eu tenho medo de chegar atrasado.'
Mistake: Incorrect Gender: Incorrect: 'O fobia social é comum.' Correct: 'A fobia social é comum.'

Não confunda um simples receio com uma fobia clínica.

Prepositional errors are also common. Learners often forget the 'de' or use the wrong preposition like 'por' or 'com'. In Portuguese, you have a phobia *of* something ('fobia de'). Forgetting the contraction (de + o = do, de + a = da) is another stumbling block. For example, saying 'fobia de o escuro' instead of 'fobia do escuro'. Additionally, avoid overusing 'fobia' in casual settings where 'pavor' or 'horror' might be more appropriate to express a strong dislike. If you hate eating broccoli, saying you have a 'fobia de brócolis' might be seen as a humorous exaggeration, but it's linguistically 'heavy' for a simple preference.

Muitos alunos escrevem 'fóbia' com acento, mas a palavra fobia não leva acento tônico gráfico.

Mistake: Missing Preposition: Incorrect: 'Ela tem fobia cobras.' Correct: 'Ela tem fobia de cobras.'

Lembre-se: fobia é um substantivo feminino; use sempre artigos e adjetivos femininos.

A confusão entre fobia e aversão é comum no dia a dia.

Mistake: Usage with 'Para': Incorrect: 'Minha fobia para baratas.' Correct: 'Minha fobia de baratas.'

Evite exagerar o uso da palavra fobia para coisas triviais.

To enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to fobia but carry different shades of meaning. The most common alternative is 'medo', which is a general term for fear. However, if you want to express something stronger than 'medo' but perhaps less clinical than 'fobia', you can use 'pavor' (dread/terror) or 'pânico' (panic). 'Pavor' suggests a deep, intense fear that often causes physical trembling. 'Pânico' refers to a sudden, uncontrollable fear that often leads to chaotic behavior. Another interesting word is 'ojeriza', which means a strong instinctive dislike or loathing, often used for people or behaviors rather than objects like spiders.

Fobia vs. Medo: Fobia is irrational and persistent; Medo is a natural response to danger. You have 'medo' of a real thief, but 'fobia' of an empty elevator.
Fobia vs. Pavor: Pavor is an emotional peak of fear; Fobia is a condition. You might feel 'pavor' during a horror movie, but you have a 'fobia' of ghosts all the time.
Fobia vs. Aversão: Aversão is a strong dislike or 'gross-out' factor. You might have an 'aversão' to certain smells without it being a 'fobia'.

Embora sinta um grande pavor de tempestades, ela não tem uma fobia diagnosticada.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'horror' (horror) or 'terror' (terror). 'Horror' is often associated with something disgusting or morally repulsive, while 'terror' is the highest degree of fear, often used in political or historical contexts (e.g., 'o regime de terror'). For a milder version, 'receio' (apprehension/fear) is used when you are slightly worried about a future outcome. For example, 'Tenho receio de que o plano não funcione'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact word for the level of fear you wish to convey, making your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated.

O seu receio de falhar é compreensível, mas não deve se tornar uma fobia.

Comparison: Ojeriza: This is a very 'Portuguese' word. 'Tenho ojeriza a mentiras' (I have a strong loathing for lies). It's more about moral or aesthetic disgust than fear.

Sentir pânico em um incêndio é uma reação instintiva de sobrevivência.

A aversão ao risco é uma característica comum entre investidores conservadores.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In Greek mythology, Phobos was the twin brother of Deimos (Terror) and the son of Ares (War). Their names are now used for the two moons of Mars.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fəʊˈbi.ə/

US /foʊˈbi.ə/

The stress in the Portuguese word 'fobia' is on the second syllable: fo-BI-a.

Rhymes With

dia guia alegria bacia magia padaria vazia melodia

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'FÓ-bia' (stressing the first syllable like in English).
Nasalizing the 'o' sound.
Adding an 'h' after the 'f'.
Making the 'a' sound too long.
Treating it as a three-syllable word with equal stress.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to English cognate 'phobia'.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember to use 'f' instead of 'ph' and the correct gender.

Speaking 2/5

Stress is on the 'bi', which differs from English.

Listening 1/5

Clear pronunciation and distinctive sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

medo sentir ter de muito

Learn Next

ansiedade transtorno pânico psicólogo evitar

Advanced

comorbidade esquiva dessensibilização etiologia patológico

Grammar to Know

Contractions with 'de'

Fobia do (de+o) escuro; Fobia da (de+a) aranha.

Gender of Abstract Nouns

A fobia, a alegria, a tristeza (mostly feminine).

Adjective Agreement

Fobia social (social is neutral but agrees with feminine noun).

Suffix usage

Adding -fobia to Greek roots (claustro- + fobia).

Verb 'Ter' vs 'Haver'

Eu tenho fobia (possession) vs Há muitas fobias (existence).

Examples by Level

Eu tenho fobia de aranhas.

I have a phobia of spiders.

Uses 'tenho' (I have) + 'fobia de'.

Ela tem fobia de cobras.

She has a phobia of snakes.

'Fobia' is feminine, regardless of the person's gender.

Você tem alguma fobia?

Do you have any phobia?

Questions use the same word order as statements in Portuguese.

O gato tem fobia de água.

The cat has a phobia of water.

Animals can also 'have' phobias in casual speech.

Minha fobia é o escuro.

My phobia is the dark.

Using 'ser' (to be) to define the phobia.

Ele não tem fobia de nada.

He doesn't have a phobia of anything.

Double negative 'não... nada' is standard in Portuguese.

A fobia dele é muito forte.

His phobia is very strong.

'Forte' (strong) is a common adjective for phobias.

Muitas pessoas têm fobia.

Many people have phobias.

'Têm' is the plural form of 'tem'.

Eu tenho fobia de altura, por isso não subo na torre.

I have a phobia of heights, so I don't go up the tower.

Connecting a phobia to a consequence using 'por isso'.

A minha fobia de palhaços começou quando eu era criança.

My phobia of clowns started when I was a child.

Using 'começou' (started) to describe the origin.

Eles têm fobia de lugares fechados.

They have a phobia of enclosed spaces.

This is the definition of claustrophobia.

Você conhece alguém com fobia de avião?

Do you know someone with a phobia of planes?

Using 'com' (with) to describe a person's condition.

Ela sente fobia sempre que vê sangue.

She feels phobia whenever she sees blood.

Using 'sentir' (to feel) instead of 'ter'.

Ter uma fobia não é vergonhoso.

Having a phobia is not shameful.

Infinitive 'ter' used as a subject.

A fobia dele impede-o de viajar.

His phobia prevents him from traveling.

Using the object pronoun '-o' (him).

Existem muitos tipos de fobia.

There are many types of phobia.

Using 'existem' (there exist).

A fobia social pode ser tratada com terapia comportamental.

Social phobia can be treated with behavioral therapy.

Passive voice 'pode ser tratada'.

Ele sofre de fobia de dirigir desde o acidente de carro.

He suffers from a phobia of driving since the car accident.

Using 'sofrer de' for a more clinical tone.

Superar uma fobia exige muita coragem e persistência.

Overcoming a phobia requires much courage and persistence.

'Exige' (requires) takes a direct object.

A fobia de falar em público é muito comum entre estudantes.

The phobia of public speaking is very common among students.

'Falar' is an infinitive used after 'de'.

É importante não confundir medo comum com fobia clínica.

It is important not to confuse common fear with clinical phobia.

'Confundir A com B' structure.

Minha irmã desenvolveu uma fobia estranha de botões.

My sister developed a strange phobia of buttons.

'Desenvolveu' (developed) describes the process.

A fobia específica é um dos transtornos de ansiedade mais frequentes.

Specific phobia is one of the most frequent anxiety disorders.

Superlative 'mais frequentes'.

Muitas vezes, a fobia desaparece com o tempo.

Often, the phobia disappears with time.

'Desaparece' (disappears) is the verb.

A prevalência da fobia social tem aumentado consideravelmente nas grandes cidades.

The prevalence of social phobia has increased considerably in large cities.

Present perfect 'tem aumentado' indicates a continuing trend.

O paciente descreveu a sua fobia como uma sensação de morte iminente.

The patient described his phobia as a feeling of imminent death.

Using 'como' (as) for descriptions.

Estudos indicam que algumas fobias podem ter uma base genética.

Studies indicate that some phobias may have a genetic basis.

Plural agreement 'algumas fobias'.

A fobia de voar afeta a carreira de muitos executivos internacionais.

The phobia of flying affects the careers of many international executives.

'Afeta' (affects) is the main verb.

Tratar uma fobia requer uma abordagem multifacetada.

Treating a phobia requires a multifaceted approach.

'Requer' is a more formal synonym for 'exige'.

A agorafobia é a fobia de estar em lugares de onde a fuga seria difícil.

Agoraphobia is the phobia of being in places from which escape would be difficult.

Complex prepositional phrase 'de onde'.

Muitos traumas de infância acabam se transformando em fobias na vida adulta.

Many childhood traumas end up turning into phobias in adult life.

Reflexive verb 'se transformando'.

A fobia escolar deve ser tratada com cuidado pelos educadores.

School phobia must be treated with care by educators.

Passive voice with 'pelos' (by the).

A distinção entre fobia e ojeriza é sutil, mas fundamental para o diagnóstico.

The distinction between phobia and loathing is subtle, but fundamental for diagnosis.

Academic tone.

A fobia social é frequentemente comórbida com outros transtornos depressivos.

Social phobia is frequently comorbidity with other depressive disorders.

Use of the technical term 'comórbida'.

O ensaio explora a fobia como uma metáfora para a alienação moderna.

The essay explores phobia as a metaphor for modern alienation.

Literary analysis context.

Muitas fobias sociais são exacerbadas pelo uso excessivo de redes sociais.

Many social phobias are exacerbated by the excessive use of social networks.

'Exacerbadas' (exacerbated) is a high-level verb.

A fobia de compromisso é um tema recorrente na literatura contemporânea.

The fear of commitment is a recurring theme in contemporary literature.

Using 'fobia' in a romantic/social context.

A eficácia da dessensibilização sistemática no tratamento de fobias é amplamente comprovada.

The effectiveness of systematic desensitization in treating phobias is widely proven.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Certos comportamentos fóbicos podem ser interpretados como mecanismos de defesa.

Certain phobic behaviors can be interpreted as defense mechanisms.

Adjective 'fóbicos' agrees with 'comportamentos'.

A fobia de estrangeiros, ou xenofobia, é um desafio para a integração europeia.

The phobia of foreigners, or xenophobia, is a challenge for European integration.

Apposition to explain a term.

A fenomenologia da fobia revela uma profunda fragmentação do 'eu' perante o objeto temido.

The phenomenology of phobia reveals a deep fragmentation of the 'self' before the feared object.

Highly academic/philosophical vocabulary.

Subjacente a essa fobia, jaz um trauma transgeracional ainda não resolvido.

Underlying this phobia lies an unresolved transgenerational trauma.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

A fobia, enquanto constructo psicológico, evoluiu drasticamente desde Freud.

Phobia, as a psychological construct, has evolved drastically since Freud.

Use of 'enquanto' meaning 'as/in the capacity of'.

O discurso político contemporâneo instrumentaliza a fobia para fins eleitorais.

Contemporary political discourse instrumentalizes phobia for electoral purposes.

'Instrumentaliza' (instrumentalizes) is a sophisticated verb.

A onipresença da fobia na cultura pop atesta a nossa obsessão coletiva pelo medo.

The omnipresence of phobia in pop culture attests to our collective obsession with fear.

'Atesta' (attests/bears witness to) + 'por'.

É imperativo desconstruir a fobia social para promover uma cidadania plena.

It is imperative to deconstruct social phobia to promote full citizenship.

Impersonal expression 'É imperativo'.

A fobia de inovação pode levar à obsolescência de instituições seculares.

The phobia of innovation can lead to the obsolescence of secular institutions.

Abstract application of the term.

A análise lacaiana da fobia foca na função do significante como substituto do pai.

The Lacanian analysis of phobia focuses on the function of the signifier as a substitute for the father.

Highly specialized technical jargon.

Common Collocations

ter fobia de

sofrer de fobia

fobia social

fobia específica

superar uma fobia

tratar uma fobia

desenvolver uma fobia

fobia severa

fobia irracional

causar fobia

Common Phrases

Fobia de quê?

— Used to ask what someone is afraid of.

Você disse que tem medo, mas fobia de quê?

É só uma fobia.

— Used to downplay or categorize a fear.

Não se preocupe, é só uma fobia boba.

Minha maior fobia.

— Refers to one's most intense fear.

Minha maior fobia é ficar sozinho no mar.

Sem fobias.

— Being fearless or without specific anxieties.

Ele vive a vida sem fobias.

Fobia de compromisso.

— Fear of long-term relationships.

Ele nunca se casa por causa da fobia de compromisso.

Fobia de palco.

— Fear of performing in front of an audience.

O cantor ainda tem fobia de palco.

Fobia escolar.

— Fear or refusal to go to school.

A criança apresenta sinais de fobia escolar.

Vencer a fobia.

— To conquer or overcome the fear.

Vencer a fobia de altura foi um grande passo.

Fobia generalizada.

— A fear that applies to many things.

Ele parece ter uma fobia generalizada do mundo.

Gatilho da fobia.

— The thing that starts the phobic reaction.

O cheiro de hospital é o gatilho da minha fobia.

Often Confused With

fobia vs medo

Medo is a normal emotion; fobia is an extreme/pathological condition.

fobia vs aversão

Aversão is a strong dislike, not necessarily based on fear.

fobia vs trauma

A trauma is the event that might cause a fobia, not the fear itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"ter fobia a"

— Sometimes used instead of 'de' to show a strong dislike.

Tenho fobia a mentiras.

informal

"fobia de segunda-feira"

— Humorous way to say one hates Mondays.

Acordei com aquela fobia de segunda-feira.

slang/informal

"fobia de gente"

— Used to describe someone who is very introverted or antisocial.

Hoje não quero sair, estou com fobia de gente.

informal

"fobia de trabalho"

— Used jokingly to call someone lazy.

Ele não faz nada, deve ter fobia de trabalho.

informal

"fobia de silêncio"

— Needing constant noise or talking.

Ela liga a TV só porque tem fobia de silêncio.

informal

"fobia de espelho"

— Insecurity about one's appearance.

Depois da cirurgia, ela ficou com fobia de espelho.

informal

"fobia de tecnologia"

— Being afraid or unwilling to use new gadgets.

Meu avô tem uma fobia de tecnologia incrível.

neutral

"fobia de mato"

— Used by city people who dislike nature/forests.

Eu não vou acampar, tenho fobia de mato.

informal

"fobia de avião"

— Standard way to describe fear of flying.

Muitos artistas famosos têm fobia de avião.

neutral

"fobia de dentista"

— Odontophobia, very common expression.

A fobia de dentista é o que me impede de ir ao consultório.

neutral

Easily Confused

fobia vs fóbico

Learners use it as a noun.

Fobia is the noun (the fear); fóbico is the adjective (the person or the nature of the fear).

Ele é um paciente fóbico.

fobia vs pânico

Often used as synonyms.

Pânico is a sudden attack; fobia is a long-term condition.

Tive um ataque de pânico.

fobia vs horror

Both express intensity.

Horror is more about disgust or shock; fobia is about fear and avoidance.

Tenho horror a esse filme.

fobia vs receio

Both mean fear.

Receio is mild and intellectual; fobia is intense and visceral.

Tenho receio de falhar.

fobia vs cisma

Used in Brazil for fixed ideas/fears.

Cisma is an obsession or a fixed worry; fobia is a specific fear response.

Ele tem uma cisma com a porta aberta.

Sentence Patterns

Eu tenho fobia de [noun].

Eu tenho fobia de gatos.

Ele tem fobia de [verb infinitive].

Ele tem fobia de voar.

Ela sofre de [adjective] fobia.

Ela sofre de fobia social.

A fobia dele é causada por [noun].

A fobia dele é causada por um trauma.

Trata-se de uma fobia de caráter [adjective].

Trata-se de uma fobia de caráter paralisante.

A fobia manifesta-se através de [noun].

A fobia manifesta-se através de palpitações.

A gênese da fobia remete a [noun].

A gênese da fobia remete a conflitos infantis.

O sujeito fóbico tende a [verb].

O sujeito fóbico tende a evitar o estímulo.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical, social, and psychological contexts.

Common Mistakes

O fobia → A fobia
Fobia is a feminine noun. Many learners assume it's masculine because of its Greek origin.
Tenho fobia por altura → Tenho fobia de altura
The correct preposition to use with fobia is 'de', not 'por'.
Escrever 'phobia' → Escrever 'fobia'
Portuguese uses 'f' for the /f/ sound, never 'ph'.
Fóbia (with accent) → Fobia
The word is a paroxytone ending in a hiatus, which doesn't require an accent in Portuguese.
Using fobia for every fear → Using medo for common fears
Fobia implies something irrational or clinical. Use 'medo' for normal, rational fears.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'fobia' with feminine articles (a, uma) and adjectives (social, severa). Mistaking the gender is a common B1-level error.

Beyond Medo

Use 'fobia' when you want to emphasize that a fear is not just normal, but life-altering or irrational. It adds depth to your descriptions.

Stress the BI

The 'i' in fobia is where the stress goes. Practice saying 'fo-BEE-ah' with a clear, non-nasal 'o'.

Forget the PH

Portuguese simplified its spelling long ago. 'Ph' became 'F'. This applies to fobia, farmácia, and filosofia.

Preposition 'De'

Never forget the 'de'. You don't have 'fobia cobras', you have 'fobia DE cobras'.

Social Fobias

Be aware that terms like 'gordofobia' or 'transfobia' are very common in Brazilian social media and activism.

Humorous Hyperbole

You can use 'fobia' to joke about things you hate, like 'fobia de acordar cedo' (phobia of waking up early).

Suffix Recognition

When you hear a long word ending in '-fobia', focus on the first part to understand what the fear or prejudice is about.

Workplace Phobias

In professional settings, use 'fobia social' or 'fobia de falar em público' when discussing soft skills and training.

Clinical vs. Casual

If you are at a doctor, be precise. If you are with friends, feel free to use 'fobia' more loosely.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'F' in Fobia as standing for 'Fear' and the 'BI' as 'Big Intensity'. Fobia = Fear of Big Intensity.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing frozen (paralyzed) in front of a tiny spider. The contrast between the small object and the big reaction is a 'fobia'.

Word Web

medo ansiedade pânico evitar irracional psicologia terapia transtorno

Challenge

Try to list three things you have a 'medo' of and one thing that could be considered a 'fobia'. Write them down in Portuguese.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Ancient Greek 'phobos', which means fear or panic. It passed through Latin as 'phobia' before entering modern Romance languages.

Original meaning: Fear, panic, terror.

Indo-European (Greek -> Latin -> Portuguese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '-fobia' suffixes for social prejudices (like gordofobia) as they can be politically charged and sensitive topics.

In English, 'phobia' is often used as a suffix just like in Portuguese, making it a very easy cognate for learners to pick up.

The movie 'Aracnofobia' (Arachnophobia) Monk (TV show character with many fobias) Alfred Hitchcock's 'Vertigo' (dealing with acrofobia)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Psychologist

Eu sofro de fobia.
Como tratar minha fobia?
É uma fobia irracional.
Sinto ansiedade.

Talking about Pets/Animals

Tenho fobia de cobras.
Cuidado, ela tem fobia.
Não chegue perto.
É pavor.

Social Issues

Combater a xenofobia.
Diga não à homofobia.
Preconceito e fobia.
Educação contra a fobia.

Travel and Heights

Fobia de avião.
Tenho fobia de altura.
Não consigo subir.
O elevador me dá fobia.

Casual Jokes

Fobia de segunda-feira.
Fobia de academia.
Tenho fobia de brócolis.
Que fobia!

Conversation Starters

"Você tem alguma fobia que as outras pessoas acham estranha?"

"Qual é a diferença, para você, entre um medo e uma fobia?"

"Você acha que é possível superar uma fobia sozinho?"

"Qual fobia você acha que é a mais comum no mundo hoje?"

"Você já teve fobia de falar em público na escola ou no trabalho?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu um medo tão forte que parecia uma fobia.

Escreva sobre como a sociedade pode ajudar pessoas que sofrem de fobia social.

Reflita sobre uma fobia que você superou e o que você aprendeu com isso.

Como as novas tecnologias estão criando novas fobias, como a nomofobia?

Pesquise sobre uma fobia rara e descreva como deve ser a vida de quem a possui.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'a fobia'. Even though it comes from Greek, it follows the standard 'a' ending rule for feminine nouns in Portuguese.

You say 'Eu tenho fobia de...'. Remember to contract 'de' with the article of the following word (do, da, dos, das).

Statistically, fobia social and fobia de animais (like spiders and snakes) are among the most reported.

Yes, but it sounds dramatic. It's like saying 'I'm literally dying' when you're just tired. Use 'não gosto' or 'odeio' for simple dislikes.

No, Portuguese uses 'ter fobia' or 'sofrer de fobia'. The verb 'fobizar' exists but is extremely rare and technical.

It is spelled with an 'f': F-O-B-I-A. No 'ph'.

No, 'fobia' does not have a written accent mark in Portuguese.

It is the intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or scrutinized by others.

In this context, it means a strong prejudice, hatred, or rejection of a specific group of people.

Yes, in Portuguese we can say 'O cachorro tem fobia de fogos de artifício' (The dog has a phobia of fireworks).