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A2 phrase 8 min read

Que horror!

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Que horror! in 30 Seconds

Explanation Que horror! in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Que horror!' is a simple 'chunk' of language to memorize. You don't need to understand the deep grammar of why 'Que' is used with a noun. Just think of it as a single word that means 'That's bad!' or 'How awful!'. It is very useful for beginners because it allows you to participate in a conversation even if you don't have the vocabulary to explain *why* something is bad. If a friend shows you a picture of a car crash or tells you they lost their wallet, you can simply say 'Que horror!' to show empathy. At this stage, focus on the silent 'H' and the exclamation's tone. It is a 'survival' phrase that makes you sound more fluent than you actually are.

At the A2 level, you begin to see how 'Que horror!' fits into the pattern of other exclamations like 'Que bom!' (How good!) or 'Que lindo!' (How beautiful!). You should start noticing that 'horror' is a noun, while 'bom' and 'lindo' are adjectives, yet the structure remains the same. You can use 'Que horror!' to react to more specific situations described in simple past or present tenses. For example, if someone says 'Eu comi uma sopa fria' (I ate a cold soup), you can respond 'Que horror!'. You also start to understand that it can be used for things that are ugly or messy, not just 'horrific' in the English sense of the word.

By B1, you can use 'Que horror!' with more nuance. You might start using it ironically or sarcastically with friends. You also learn to integrate the word 'horror' into sentences using the verb 'ser' (to be). For instance, 'O trânsito estava um horror' (The traffic was a horror/terrible). You understand the difference between 'Que horror!' and 'Que nojo!' (disgust) or 'Que pena!' (pity). You can participate in longer dialogues where 'Que horror!' acts as a back-channeling device—a way to keep the speaker going by showing you are emotionally engaged with their story. Your pronunciation should be more natural, with the silent 'H' being second nature.

At the B2 level, you can use 'Que horror!' in a variety of social registers. You know that while it is common, it might be too informal for a very serious legal or academic setting, where 'Lamentável' or 'Pavoroso' might be preferred. you start to recognize the phrase in literature and media, understanding the cultural archetypes (like the 'dramatic aunt') who use this phrase frequently. You can also use related forms like 'horripilante' (horrifying) or 'horrorizado' (horrified) to add variety to your speech. You understand that 'Que horror!' can also be a reaction to a moral transgression, not just a physical unpleasantness.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of 'Que horror!'. You can use it to manipulate the tone of a conversation—using it to mock someone's overreaction or to emphasize your own shock in a persuasive speech. You understand the etymological roots (from Latin 'horror', meaning 'shaking' or 'shivering') and how that history informs its modern usage. You can distinguish between the 'horror' of a gothic novel and the 'horror' of a social faux pas. You are also familiar with idiomatic expressions that use the word, such as 'um horror de gente' (a huge/terrible amount of people), and you use them correctly in context.

At the C2 level, 'Que horror!' is just one tool in a massive arsenal of expressive language. You can discuss the linguistics of the 'Que + Noun' construction in depth. You can use the phrase in high-level creative writing to evoke specific cultural settings. You understand the subtle differences in how the phrase is perceived in different Lusophone countries (Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola). You can use it to express existential dread or philosophical disgust in a way that feels native and sophisticated. You might even play with the phrase, using it as a title for a piece of art or a satirical blog post, fully aware of all its historical and social baggage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Que horror! in 30 Seconds

Expresses shock, disgust, or disapproval.
Highly versatile: used for tragedies or minor messes.
Silent 'H' in pronunciation is crucial for sounding native.
Functions as a complete sentence or reactive comment.

The phrase Que horror! is one of the most versatile and frequently used exclamations in the Portuguese language. At its core, it translates to "How horrible!" or "What a horror!", but its application spans a wide emotional spectrum from genuine shock and moral outrage to lighthearted social gossip and mild distaste. For an English speaker, it is important to understand that while 'horror' in English often evokes images of monsters or extreme violence, the Portuguese term is used much more casually to describe anything unpleasant, ugly, or socially unacceptable.

Semantic Range: The term covers everything from a bad haircut or a messy room to a tragic news story or a rude comment made by a friend.
Social Function: It serves as an empathetic bridge in conversation. When someone tells you something negative that happened to them, saying 'Que horror!' shows you are listening and share their sentiment of disapproval or sympathy.

Você viu o estado daquela casa abandonada? Que horror!.

In Brazilian culture, the phrase is often delivered with a specific musicality. A high-pitched, drawn-out 'horror' suggests more of a gossipy or superficial shock, while a low, quick delivery suggests genuine disgust or sadness. In Portugal, the 'h' remains silent as always, and the 'r' sounds are often more guttural, but the sentiment remains identical. It is a 'reactive' phrase, meaning it rarely starts a conversation but almost always follows a piece of information provided by someone else or a visual stimulus.

Furthermore, the construction follows the standard Portuguese exclamation pattern: 'Que' + [Noun]. This is a productive pattern you can use to build other reactions like 'Que pena!' (What a pity!) or 'Que calor!' (What heat!). Understanding 'Que horror!' provides a gateway into the emotional vocabulary of native speakers, allowing you to react in a way that feels authentic and culturally attuned rather than just translating 'That is bad' literally from English.

Ele tratou a mãe dele muito mal na frente de todos. Que horror!.

Visual Context: Imagine walking into a kitchen and seeing a mountain of dirty dishes from three days ago. That is a 'Que horror!' moment.

Using Que horror! is grammatically straightforward because it usually functions as an independent exclamation. However, it can also be integrated into larger sentence structures to provide more context. When used alone, it acts as a complete thought, reacting to a situation. When integrated, it often takes the form of 'É um horror que...' (It is a horror that...) or simply precedes a descriptive sentence.

Standalone Usage: Speaker A: 'The train was delayed for five hours.' Speaker B: 'Que horror!'
As a Modifier: You can add intensity by saying 'Mas que horror!' (But what a horror!) or 'Que horror de dia!' (What a horrible day!).

Que horror de comida! Não consegui comer nada.

In more advanced usage, you might hear 'estar um horror', which means 'to be a mess' or 'to be in a terrible state'. For example, 'Meu cabelo está um horror hoje' (My hair is a mess today). This shows how the noun 'horror' transitions from a simple exclamation into a descriptive predicate. It is also common to see it used with the verb 'achar' (to think/find). 'Eu achei um horror aquele filme' (I found that movie horrible).

When writing, 'Que horror!' always takes an exclamation mark to convey the necessary tone. Without it, the phrase loses its impact. If you are describing a tragedy, the tone should be somber. If you are talking about a fashion disaster, the tone can be more dramatic or even humorous. The flexibility of the phrase is its greatest strength, making it a 'Swiss Army knife' of negative reactions in Portuguese.

A cidade está um horror com tanta obra nas ruas.

Formal vs Informal: While 'Que horror!' is acceptable in most settings, in extremely formal writing, you might prefer 'Que lastimável' (How regrettable) or 'Que terrível'.

If you spend any time watching Brazilian *telenovelas* or Portuguese soap operas, you will hear Que horror! at least once per episode. It is the quintessential reaction of the 'villainess' or the 'wealthy socialite' character when they see something they consider beneath them. However, it is equally common in the streets, markets, and family dinner tables. It is a deeply human expression that bridges the gap between different social classes.

Você viu o preço da carne no mercado? Que horror!.

In news broadcasts, commentators might use it when reporting on a particularly gruesome crime or a natural disaster, though they might use a more serious tone. In the workplace, a colleague might say it when they see the amount of emails they have to answer after a holiday. It is also very common in 'gossip culture' (fofoca). When sharing a scandalous story about a neighbor or a celebrity, the listener often interjects with 'Que horror!' to encourage the storyteller to continue.

Social media is another place where this phrase thrives. Under a post about pollution, animal cruelty, or even just a very bad 'fail' video, you will find hundreds of 'Que horror!' comments. It functions like a 'dislike' button but with more emotional weight. It is also used ironically. If a friend makes a very cheesy joke, you might roll your eyes and say 'Que horror!' with a smile, indicating that the joke was so bad it was funny.

Aquela música nova é um horror, não aguento mais ouvir.

Regional Variations: In some parts of Brazil, people might say 'Gente, que horror!' adding 'Gente' (People/Guys) for extra emphasis, even if they are only talking to one person.

The most common mistake English speakers make with Que horror! is the pronunciation of the initial 'H'. In English, 'horror' has a strong aspirated 'H'. In Portuguese, the 'H' is always silent. If you pronounce the 'H', native speakers will still understand you, but it will sound very foreign. It should sound like 'keh oh-HOHR' (with the 'r' being a throat sound in Brazil or a tongue tap in Portugal).

Erro comum: Pronunciar o 'H'. Correto: Que (h)orror!.

Another mistake is using 'Que horroroso' when you mean 'Que horror'. While 'horroroso' is an adjective meaning 'hideous', 'Que horror!' is the standard exclamation. Using the adjective as an exclamation ('Que horroroso!') sounds slightly unnatural in most contexts unless you are specifically referring to the physical appearance of an object. Stick to the noun form for general reactions.

Learners also sometimes forget the 'Que'. In English, we can just say 'Horror!' or 'Horrible!', but in Portuguese, the 'Que' is essential to the exclamatory structure. Saying just 'Horror!' sounds like you are naming a genre of film rather than reacting to a situation. Finally, be careful with your intonation. If you say it too flatly, it might seem like you don't actually care about the 'horrible' thing being discussed. Portuguese is an expressive language; let your voice reflect the shock!

Overuse: While common, using it for every single minor inconvenience can make you sound a bit melodramatic. Mix it up with 'Que chato' (How annoying) or 'Que ruim' (How bad).

Não diga apenas 'Horror!', diga Que horror!.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to use Que horror! and when to opt for a synonym. The choice depends entirely on the 'flavor' of the bad situation. If something is physically disgusting, like a rotten smell, you might prefer 'Que nojo!' (How gross!). If something is just unfortunate, like losing your keys, 'Que pena!' or 'Que chato!' are much better fits.

Que Nojo!: Used for physical disgust. 'Que horror' is broader; 'Que nojo' is specific to things that make you want to gag.
Que Pavor!: Used when there is an element of intense fear or terror involved. It is stronger than 'Que horror'.
Que Absurdo!: Used when something is logically or morally outrageous. 'Que horror' is emotional; 'Que absurdo' is judgmental.

In Brazil, you might also hear the slang 'Que uó!', which is a very informal way to say something is terrible or 'lame'. In Portugal, 'Que ranhoso' might be used for something of poor quality. However, 'Que horror!' remains the most universally understood and 'safe' option for learners across all Portuguese-speaking countries. It is formal enough for a meeting but casual enough for a bar.

Em vez de 'Que horror!', você pode dizer Que coisa terrível! para variar.

Lastly, consider 'Que lástima!'. This is a bit more old-fashioned and dramatic, often used when something is truly pitiable. If you want to sound like a character in a classic 19th-century novel, 'Que lástima' is your best bet. But for everyday life in the 21st century, 'Que horror!' is your most reliable companion for expressing dismay.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is related to 'hirsute' (hairy), because when you feel 'horror', your hair 'bristles' or stands on end.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ke o.ˈʁoɾ/

US /ke o.ˈʁoʁ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'horror' (-ror).

Rhymes With

Amor Calor Sabor Favor Dor Cor Valor Terror

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' like in English 'horror'.
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'Que' too long like 'KAY'. It should be short like in 'get'.
Making the 'r' sounds like the English 'r' (retroflex). It should be more like a French 'r' or a Spanish 'r'.
Forgetting to emphasize the exclamation.
Pronouncing 'horror' with three syllables. It's two: ho-rror.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and read.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the double 'r' and silent 'h'.

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct intonation and silent 'h'.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard and easy to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Que Bom Mal Muito

Learn Next

Que pena! Que nojo! Que chato! Terrível

Advanced

Horripilante Abominável Lamentável Pavoroso

Grammar to Know

Exclamatory 'Que' + Noun

Que calor! / Que horror!

Silent 'H' in Portuguese

Hoje, Hora, Horror.

Double 'R' pronunciation

Carro, Correr, Horror.

Using 'Estar' for temporary states

A casa está um horror.

Noun phrase 'Um horror de'

Havia um horror de barulho.

Examples by Level

Que horror! O café está frio.

How horrible! The coffee is cold.

Simple 'Que' + noun exclamation.

Você perdeu o ônibus? Que horror!

You missed the bus? How awful!

Reaction to a simple negative event.

Que horror! Muita chuva hoje.

How horrible! A lot of rain today.

Using 'Que horror' to complain about weather.

Olha esse quarto. Que horror!

Look at this room. What a horror!

Direct reaction to a visual stimulus.

Que horror! Não tem chocolate.

How horrible! There is no chocolate.

Informal/casual use.

A comida está ruim? Que horror!

The food is bad? How awful!

Interrogative + reactive exclamation.

Que horror! Quebraram o vaso.

How horrible! They broke the vase.

Reaction to an accident.

Gente, que horror!

Guys, how horrible!

Common Brazilian filler 'Gente'.

Que horror de blusa! É muito feia.

What a horrible blouse! It's very ugly.

Using 'de' to link the horror to a specific object.

O filme era um horror, não gostei.

The movie was a horror, I didn't like it.

Using 'um horror' as a predicate.

Que horror! Ele gritou com a professora.

How horrible! He shouted at the teacher.

Reaction to a social/behavioral issue.

Achei um horror o preço do ingresso.

I found the ticket price a horror (terrible).

Verb 'achar' + 'um horror'.

Que horror! O gato subiu na mesa.

How horrible! The cat climbed on the table.

Mild exaggeration for domestic events.

Minha nota foi um horror.

My grade was a horror (terrible).

Describing a result as 'um horror'.

Que horror! Esqueci meu celular em casa.

How horrible! I forgot my phone at home.

Reaction to a personal mistake.

O trânsito hoje está um horror.

The traffic today is a horror (terrible).

Describing a state using 'estar um horror'.

Que horror! Como alguém pode fazer isso?

How horrible! How can someone do that?

Rhetorical question following the exclamation.

A festa foi um horror, ninguém dançou.

The party was a horror; nobody danced.

Using 'horror' to describe a failed event.

Que horror! O restaurante fechou para sempre.

How horrible! The restaurant closed forever.

Reaction to disappointing news.

Eu me senti um horror depois daquela discussão.

I felt like a horror (terrible) after that argument.

Using 'um horror' to describe internal feelings.

Que horror! Você cortou o cabelo sozinho?

How horrible! Did you cut your hair by yourself?

Sarcastic or genuine shock at a result.

O atendimento naquele hospital é um horror.

The service in that hospital is a horror (terrible).

Criticizing an institution.

Que horror! O livro termina de um jeito muito triste.

How horrible! The book ends in a very sad way.

Reaction to a narrative outcome.

Mas que horror! Não acredito que ela disse isso.

But what a horror! I can't believe she said that.

Adding 'Mas' for emphasis.

Que horror! A poluição neste rio é alarmante.

How horrible! The pollution in this river is alarming.

Formal/Serious context.

Foi um horror de viagem, tudo deu errado.

It was a horror of a trip; everything went wrong.

Noun phrase 'horror de viagem'.

Que horror! A corrupção está destruindo o país.

How horrible! Corruption is destroying the country.

Reaction to political/social issues.

Achei um horror a forma como ele foi demitido.

I found the way he was fired a horror (terrible).

Expressing moral disapproval.

Que horror! O museu foi destruído pelo fogo.

How horrible! The museum was destroyed by fire.

Reaction to a cultural tragedy.

Ela estava um horror com aquele vestido neon.

She looked a horror (terrible) in that neon dress.

Colloquial use for fashion criticism.

Que horror! O sistema caiu bem na hora do prazo.

How horrible! The system crashed right at the deadline.

Reaction to a technical failure.

Um horror de gente se aglomerava na entrada.

A horror of people (a huge crowd) crowded the entrance.

Idiomatic 'um horror de' meaning 'a lot' in a negative sense.

Que horror! A banalidade do mal é assustadora.

How horrible! The banality of evil is frightening.

Philosophical usage.

O espetáculo foi um horror técnico, apesar do talento.

The show was a technical horror, despite the talent.

Specific professional critique.

Que horror! Ver a história se repetir é angustiante.

How horrible! Seeing history repeat itself is distressing.

Reflective and intellectualized reaction.

A gestão da crise foi um horror absoluto.

The crisis management was an absolute horror.

Using 'absoluto' for maximum emphasis.

Que horror! A negligência médica custou uma vida.

How horrible! Medical negligence cost a life.

Serious ethical context.

A peça retrata o horror da guerra de forma crua.

The play depicts the horror of war in a raw way.

Using 'horror' as a conceptual noun.

Que horror! A desigualdade social é uma ferida aberta.

How horrible! Social inequality is an open wound.

Metaphorical usage.

O projeto foi um horror de concepção desde o início.

The project was a horror of conception from the start.

Abstract professional usage.

Que horror! A vacuidade da existência moderna me consome.

How horrible! The vacuity of modern existence consumes me.

Existentialist register.

A estética do horror no cinema expressionista alemão.

The aesthetics of horror in German Expressionist cinema.

Academic/Artistic usage.

Que horror! A erosão da privacidade é irreversível.

How horrible! The erosion of privacy is irreversible.

Sociopolitical commentary.

Sua conduta foi um horror ético sem precedentes.

His conduct was an unprecedented ethical horror.

High-level formal condemnation.

Que horror! O niilismo permeia cada poro desta obra.

How horrible! Nihilism permeates every pore of this work.

Literary criticism.

A desolação da paisagem era um horror sublime.

The desolation of the landscape was a sublime horror.

Oxymoron/Sublime aesthetic.

Que horror! A obsolescência programada é um crime ambiental.

How horrible! Planned obsolescence is an environmental crime.

Technical/Environmental critique.

O horror vacui é evidente nesta arquitetura barroca.

The 'horror vacui' (fear of empty space) is evident in this Baroque architecture.

Latin phrase used in art history.

Common Collocations

Um horror de...

Estar um horror

Achar um horror

Mas que horror!

Que horror absoluto

Gente, que horror

Parecer um horror

Ficar um horror

Um horror de caro

Sentir um horror

Common Phrases

Que horror, meu Deus!

— Adds a religious exclamation for extra shock.

Que horror, meu Deus! O que aconteceu com ele?

É um horror!

— A simple statement that something is terrible.

O clima aqui no inverno é um horror!

Que horror de lugar!

— Specifically criticizes a location.

Não volto mais lá, que horror de lugar!

Que horror de pessoa!

— Criticizes someone's character or behavior.

Ele mente o tempo todo, que horror de pessoa!

Nossa, que horror!

— Uses 'Nossa' (from Nossa Senhora) as an intensifier.

Nossa, que horror! Eu não sabia disso.

Que horror, credo!

— Adds 'Credo' to express extra disgust.

Comer insetos? Que horror, credo!

Que horror de dia!

— Complaining about a bad day.

Chuva, trânsito e trabalho... que horror de dia!

Um horror sem fim.

— Describes a situation that keeps getting worse.

A burocracia neste país é um horror sem fim.

Que horror de notícia.

— Reacting to bad news.

Acabei de ler o jornal, que horror de notícia.

Simplesmente um horror.

— Emphasizes the total lack of quality.

O serviço foi simplesmente um horror.

Often Confused With

Que horror! vs Que medo

Means 'How scary'. Use this for fright, 'Que horror' for disgust/dismay.

Que horror! vs Que nojo

Means 'How gross'. Use this for physical revulsion.

Que horror! vs Que terror

Much stronger, used for actual terrifying situations.

Idioms & Expressions

"Um horror de gente"

— A huge, often overwhelming or annoying crowd of people.

Fui ao shopping e tinha um horror de gente.

Informal

"Estar o horror"

— To look terrible or be in a very bad state.

A cidade está o horror com esse lixo na rua.

Informal

"Achar o horror da vida"

— To find something extremely unpleasant or unacceptable.

Ela acha o horror da vida ter que acordar cedo.

Informal

"Fazer um horror"

— To make a big scene or cause a lot of trouble (less common).

Ele fez um horror por causa do atraso.

Informal

"Um horror de caro"

— Extremely expensive.

Comprar casa em Lisboa está um horror de caro.

Informal

"Horror vacui"

— The fear of empty spaces (used in art/design).

O estilo barroco é conhecido pelo seu horror vacui.

Academic

"Ter horror a"

— To have a strong dislike or phobia of something.

Tenho horror a baratas.

Neutral

"Um horror de feio"

— Extremely ugly.

Aquele prédio novo é um horror de feio.

Informal

"Pelo horror!"

— An exclamation of extreme shock (older usage).

Pelo horror! O que você fez?

Archaic

"Gritar um horror"

— To scream a lot or very loudly.

As crianças gritaram um horror no parque.

Informal

Easily Confused

Que horror! vs Horroroso

It's the adjective form.

'Que horror!' is the exclamation. 'Que horroroso!' is specifically for 'How hideous!'.

Esse quadro é horroroso.

Que horror! vs Horrível

Most common adjective for 'horrible'.

'Que horror!' is the reaction. 'É horrível' is the description.

A comida está horrível.

Que horror! vs Pavor

Synonym for great fear.

'Pavor' implies more intense fear than 'horror'.

Tenho pavor de altura.

Que horror! vs Terror

Used for the genre or extreme fear.

'Horror' is more social/disgust-based; 'Terror' is more about fright.

Filme de terror.

Que horror! vs Chato

Often used for negative things.

'Chato' is for annoying things; 'Horror' is for things that are truly bad/ugly.

O filme foi chato.

Sentence Patterns

Que horror!

Que horror de [Noun]!

Que horror de comida!

[Noun] está um horror.

O quarto está um horror.

Achei um horror [Something].

Achei um horror aquele filme.

Que horror! + [Past Tense Sentence]

Que horror! Ele perdeu a chave.

Um horror de [Noun]...

Um horror de gente estava lá.

É um horror que [Subjunctive]...

É um horror que ele não tenha vindo.

[Concept] é o próprio horror.

A guerra é o próprio horror.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing the 'H'. → Silent 'H'.
In Portuguese, 'H' at the beginning of words is never pronounced. It's 'Que (h)orror'.
Saying 'Horror!' without 'Que'. → Que horror!
The 'Que' is necessary for the exclamatory structure in Portuguese.
Using it for a sad death in a very formal way. → Que tragédia / Que lastimável.
'Que horror' can sometimes sound a bit too casual or 'gossipy' for a deep tragedy.
Using 'muito' instead of 'que'. → Que horror!
'Muito' is for adjectives. Since 'horror' is a noun, we use 'Que' or 'Um'.
Confusing 'horror' with 'terror'. → Que horror! (for disgust/shock)
'Terror' is usually reserved for actual fear or the movie genre.

Tips

Be Dramatic

Don't be afraid to use a bit of emotion. Portuguese is a very expressive language, and a flat 'Que horror' sounds insincere.

The Silent H

Practice saying 'O-ROAR' to get used to the silent H. It's the biggest giveaway that you're an English speaker if you pronounce it.

Que + Noun

Remember this pattern. You can use it for many things: Que calor, Que frio, Que sorte, Que azar.

Empathy Tool

Use it when a friend is complaining about something. it shows you are on their side and understand their frustration.

Beyond Horror

Learn synonyms like 'Que absurdo' for when you want to sound more morally outraged than just shocked.

Watch the Context

Don't use it to describe a person's appearance to their face unless you want to be very rude!

Listen for 'Nossa'

Native speakers often say 'Nossa, que horror!'. 'Nossa' is a very common filler exclamation.

Double R

Make sure to write 'horror' with two 'r's. One 'r' would change the pronunciation significantly.

Use 'Um horror'

Try saying 'O trânsito estava um horror' instead of just 'O trânsito estava ruim' to sound more native.

Daily Practice

Look for something messy or annoying today and whisper 'Que horror' to yourself to practice.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a silent 'H' hiding because it's scared of the 'Horror'. Just say 'O-ROAR' like a scared lion.

Visual Association

Picture a person in a Brazilian soap opera throwing their hands up and saying 'Que horror!' at a messy kitchen.

Word Web

Que horror! Que nojo! Que chato! Horrível Horroroso Pavor Terror Medo

Challenge

Try to say 'Que horror!' every time you see something slightly messy today, making sure the 'h' is silent.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'horror, horroris', which originally meant 'a shaking, trembling, or shivering', especially from cold or fear.

Original meaning: Physical trembling or bristling of the hair due to fear.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

While versatile, avoid using it sarcastically when someone is sharing a genuine, deep tragedy unless you are very close to them.

English speakers often use 'That's terrible' or 'How awful'. 'Que horror' is the direct equivalent but used more frequently for minor things.

Commonly used by characters in the soap opera 'O Clone'. Frequent in the comic strips of 'Monica's Gang' (Turma da Mônica). A staple phrase in Brazilian gossip magazines like 'Caras'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Gossip

Você soube?
Que horror!
Não acredito!
E depois?

Shopping

Que caro!
Que horror!
Está um roubo.
Muito feio.

Weather

Que chuva!
Que horror!
Não dá pra sair.
Muito frio.

Socializing

Como você está?
Que horror o que aconteceu.
Sinto muito.
Que pena.

Work

Muitos e-mails.
Que horror!
Preciso de férias.
Está uma bagunça.

Conversation Starters

"Você viu aquela notícia no jornal hoje? Que horror!"

"O que você achou do novo prédio no centro? Eu achei um horror."

"Nossa, você viu como o trânsito está hoje? Que horror!"

"Você já provou aquela comida nova na cantina? É um horror!"

"Que horror o que aconteceu com o time ontem, não é?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um dia em que tudo deu errado e você pensou: 'Que horror!'

Descreva um lugar que você achou um horror e explique o porquê.

Qual é a coisa que mais te faz dizer 'Que horror!' no dia a dia?

Escreva um diálogo entre duas pessoas fofocando e usando 'Que horror!'

Como você reagiria se visse um horror de gente em uma fila?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is generally polite and shows you are empathizing with someone's negative situation. However, don't say it about something the person likes!

You can say 'É um filme de horror', but if you say 'Que horror!' while watching, it usually means you find a scene disgusting or very bad.

Yes, but in Brazil, it is sometimes stereotypically associated with a more feminine or dramatic way of speaking. Men might use 'Que ruim' or 'Que bosta' (slang) in very informal settings.

In 'horror', the first 'rr' is usually a throat sound (like 'h' in 'hot' but rougher) and the final 'r' depends on the region (soft in Brazil, tapped in Portugal).

Yes, 100%. Never pronounce the 'H' in Portuguese words like 'horror', 'hotel', or 'homem'.

'Que nojo' is for things that make you want to vomit (rotten food, bugs). 'Que horror' is for things that are socially or morally bad, or just very ugly.

No. You say 'Que horror!' or 'Um horror'. 'Muito' is used with adjectives (Muito horrível).

Yes, it is very common in Portugal, though the pronunciation of the 'r' will be different.

Only ironically. If a friend tells a joke that is so bad it's funny, you might say 'Que horror!' while laughing.

The most common opposite reaction is 'Que bom!' or 'Que maravilha!'.