repugnar in 30 Seconds
- Repugnar is a strong Portuguese verb meaning 'to disgust' or 'to repel', used for both physical and moral aversion.
- It comes from Latin roots meaning 'to fight against', suggesting a visceral rejection of something offensive.
- Commonly used in news and formal contexts to describe reactions to crimes, corruption, or logical contradictions.
- It is a regular -ar verb, often used with direct object pronouns like 'me' or 'nos' to indicate who feels the disgust.
The Portuguese verb repugnar is a powerful and evocative term that translates most directly to "to disgust," "to repel," or "to cause intense distaste." It originates from the Latin repugnare, which literally means "to fight back" or "to resist" (from re- 'against' + pugnare 'to fight'). When you use this word in Portuguese, you aren't just saying you dislike something; you are expressing a visceral, almost physical reaction of rejection. It implies that the object or idea in question is so offensive to your senses or your moral compass that your very nature seeks to push it away. In everyday conversation, it is used to describe things that are physically revolting, like rotting food or a foul smell, but its most profound usage often occurs in social and ethical contexts, where it describes behaviors or ideologies that one finds absolutely intolerable.
- Physical Disgust
- This refers to the immediate sensory rejection of something. For instance, the sight of a neglected alleyway might repugnar a passerby. It is the 'gag reflex' of the Portuguese language.
O cheiro de carne podre começou a repugnar os vizinhos, que chamaram a polícia imediatamente.
Beyond the physical, repugnar is frequently employed in moral and political discourse. When a politician's corruption is revealed, or when an act of cruelty is witnessed, a Portuguese speaker might say that such actions repugnam. In this sense, it is synonymous with finding something morally reprehensible. It is a word of judgment. It suggests that the action is not just 'bad,' but that it violates a fundamental sense of human decency. This is why you will often find it in newspaper editorials or passionate debates about justice and ethics.
- Moral Aversion
- This usage highlights a deep-seated ethical conflict. If an idea 'repugna' you, it means it contradicts your core values to the point of causing psychological discomfort.
A ideia de mentir para os meus pais sempre me repugnou profundamente, pois valorizo a honestidade acima de tudo.
In terms of register, repugnar is slightly more formal than the common word 'nojo' (noun) or the phrase 'ter nojo de' (to have disgust for). While 'nojo' is what a child might say about broccoli, repugnar is what an adult says about a betrayal of trust. It carries more weight and suggests a more intellectualized or profound level of rejection. However, it is by no means restricted to literature; you will hear it in any serious conversation where strong disapproval is being voiced.
- Intellectual Rejection
- Sometimes used to describe a logical contradiction. A scientist might say a flawed theory 'repugna' the laws of physics, meaning it is incompatible or 'fights' against established truth.
Para um matemático, uma equação sem lógica pode repugnar tanto quanto um crime para um juiz.
Ultimately, understanding repugnar requires recognizing the 'fight' within the word. It is the active resistance of the soul or the stomach against something perceived as harmful, dirty, or wrong. Whether you are discussing a plate of spoiled seafood or a scandalous act of political bribery, this verb provides the linguistic force necessary to express total and utter rejection.
Using repugnar correctly involves understanding its syntactic flexibility. It primarily functions as a transitive verb, where the subject is the thing that causes disgust and the object is the person experiencing it. However, it can also be used intransitively or with a prepositional complement in more literary styles. For English speakers, it is helpful to think of it as 'to be repugnant to' or 'to disgust'.
- Direct Object Construction
- The most common way to use it: [Something] repugna [Someone]. Example: 'O crime repugna a sociedade'. (The crime disgusts society).
Aquela atitude arrogante repugna todos os que trabalham com ele.
When the object is a pronoun, placement depends on whether you are in Brazil or Portugal. In Brazil, you might hear 'Isso me repugna'. In Portugal, the standard is 'Isso repugna-me'. Both are understood, but the latter follows classical grammar more strictly. This verb often takes abstract subjects, such as 'a ideia' (the idea), 'a proposta' (the proposal), or 'o comportamento' (the behavior).
- With Infinitive Verbs
- You can use 'repugnar' followed by an infinitive to say that doing something is disgusting or aversive. Example: 'Repugna-me aceitar esse dinheiro'. (It disgusts me to accept that money).
Repugna-lhe ter de admitir que estava errado diante de toda a equipa.
Another nuance is the use of the word in the passive voice or as an adjective. While 'repugnar' is the verb, 'repugnante' is the adjective (disgusting/repugnant). You will often see these used together in descriptions to emphasize the feeling. For example, 'Um ato repugnante que repugna qualquer pessoa de bem' (A disgusting act that disgusts any decent person).
- Negative Constructions
- It is common to use it in the negative to show tolerance or lack of aversion. 'Não me repugna a ideia de viajar sozinho'. (The idea of traveling alone doesn't repel me).
Embora seja um trabalho difícil, não me repugna fazê-lo se for necessário para ajudar a família.
Finally, remember that 'repugnar' can also imply a sense of incompatibility. In formal or legal contexts, one might say that a certain law 'repugna à Constituição' (is incompatible with the Constitution). This is a very high-level use of the word, indicating that the two things cannot coexist because they 'fight' each other's principles.
You will encounter repugnar in a variety of settings, ranging from the evening news to intense personal arguments. It is a word that surfaces whenever a boundary—sensory or moral—has been crossed. In the media, it is the go-to verb for describing public reaction to heinous crimes or scandalous political corruption. If a journalist says 'A opinião pública está repugnada,' they are conveying a deep level of collective revulsion.
- News and Media
- Used to describe the horror of the public towards violence, injustice, or betrayal of public trust.
As imagens da poluição no rio repugnaram os ambientalistas de todo o mundo.
In literature and cinema, repugnar is used to build character. A hero might be defined by what 'repugna' him—perhaps he finds the idea of winning by cheating to be repugnant. This establishes his moral code. In movies, a character might use this word to reject a villain's offer, signaling that the offer is not just bad, but offensive to their soul.
- Social Commentary
- In podcasts or opinion pieces, speakers use it to criticize social trends they find decadent or harmful.
A exploração infantil é um fenómeno que repugna a consciência humana moderna.
In a more mundane but equally common context, you'll hear it in discussions about food and hygiene. While 'nojo' is more frequent for 'yuck,' repugnar is used when the disgust is more intense or when one is trying to be more descriptive. For example, a restaurant critic might write that the lack of cleanliness in a kitchen 'repugna qualquer cliente,' adding a layer of professional authority to the disgust.
- Legal and Academic Contexts
- Used to describe things that are 'repugnant to the law' or theories that are 'repugnant to logic'. It implies a fundamental clash of principles.
Essa nova lei repugna aos princípios fundamentais da nossa liberdade.
Whether you are listening to a heated debate on a talk show or reading a classic novel by Eça de Queirós, repugnar is the word that signals a deep, non-negotiable rejection. It tells you that the speaker has reached a limit and that what they are witnessing or discussing is beyond the pale of acceptability.
While repugnar is a straightforward verb in terms of conjugation, its usage can be tricky for English speakers due to its intensity and specific syntactic patterns. One of the most common mistakes is using it for mild dislikes. You wouldn't use repugnar for a movie you simply found boring; that would be an exaggeration. Save it for things that truly turn your stomach or offend your ethics.
- Overstatement
- Using 'repugnar' for trivial things like 'I don't like Mondays' makes the speaker sound melodramatic. Use 'não gostar' or 'detestar' instead.
Errado: Repugna-me quando o café está frio. (Correcto: Não gosto de café frio).
Another frequent error involves preposition usage. In modern Portuguese, especially in Brazil, the verb is often used without a preposition (transitive direct). However, in more formal or older texts, you might see 'repugnar a' (transitive indirect). Learners often get confused about whether to use 'o/a' or 'lhe'. In most conversational contexts, treating it like 'disgusts me' (me repugna) is the safest bet.
- Pronoun Confusion
- Mixing up 'me' and 'mim'. Remember: 'Isso me repugna' (Correct) vs 'Isso repugna para mim' (Incorrect).
Cuidado: O íman repulsa o outro (magnets), mas a mentira repugna o homem honesto (disgust).
Pronunciation is also a common pitfall. English speakers might try to soften the 'gn' sound like the Spanish 'ñ' (as in 'mañana'). In Portuguese, the 'g' and 'n' are distinct sounds. It’s 're-pug-nar', with a hard 'g' sound followed by an 'n'. Failing to pronounce the 'g' can make the word unrecognizable.
- False Friends
- While 'repugnant' exists in English, the verb 'to repugn' is extremely rare. Don't assume the English verb is as common as the Portuguese one.
Dica: Pense em 'disgust' para traduzir o verbo, e guarde 'repugnant' para o adjectivo 'repugnante'.
Lastly, be careful with the reflexive form. While you can say 'eu me repugno' (I disgust myself), this is a very heavy emotional statement. If you just mean you are disgusted by something else, make sure the thing causing the disgust is the subject: 'Isso me repugna'.
Portuguese is rich in words to express dislike and disgust. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the nature of your feeling. Repugnar sits at the high end of the intensity scale, but there are several alternatives that might be more appropriate depending on the context.
- Nojo (Noun) / Ter nojo de
- This is the most common way to express physical disgust. 'Tenho nojo de baratas' (I'm disgusted by cockroaches). It is less formal than 'repugnar'.
Enquanto a barata me causa nojo, a corrupção me repugna.
If the feeling is more about a strong dislike rather than a stomach-turning reaction, verbs like detestar or abominar are excellent choices. 'Abominar' is very close to 'repugnar' in its moral weight but focuses more on the act of hating rather than the feeling of being repelled.
- Aversão (Noun) / Ter aversão a
- This implies a psychological or habitual turning away from something. You might have an 'aversão' to public speaking without finding it 'repugnante'.
O comportamento dele repele potenciais amigos, pois ele é muito agressivo.
In a more informal, slangy context (especially in Brazil), you might hear 'dar gastura' or 'dar ranço'. 'Ranço' has become very popular recently to describe a lingering, bitter dislike for someone's personality or actions. However, these are strictly informal and wouldn't replace repugnar in a formal essay or a serious news report.
- Asco (Noun)
- A very strong synonym for 'nojo' or 'repugnância'. It is often used in literary contexts to describe a deep, visceral loathing.
Senti um asco profundo ao ouvir aquelas mentiras descaradas.
To summarize: Use 'nojo' for physical filth, 'detestar' for strong dislike, 'abominar' for moral hatred, and repugnar when you want to emphasize that something is fundamentally offensive to your senses or principles.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word is a 'cousin' of the word 'pugilist' (a boxer), because both come from the root for fighting.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'gn' like the Spanish 'ñ' (re-pu-ñar).
- Dropping the 'g' sound entirely (re-pu-nar).
- Stress on the middle syllable (re-PUG-nar).
- English-style 'r' instead of the Portuguese 'r'.
- Confusing the 'u' sound with 'oo' in 'book' instead of 'boot'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize due to English cognate 'repugnant'.
Requires care with pronoun placement and intensity.
The 'gn' sound and the 'r' can be tricky for beginners.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Direct vs. Indirect Object
Me repugna (Direct) vs. Repugna-me (Direct) vs. Repugna ao bom senso (Indirect).
Subjunctive after 'Repugna que'
Repugna-me que ele **seja** tão arrogante.
Infinitive as Subject
**Mentir** repugna o homem de bem.
Pronoun Placement (Clitics)
Isso **me** repugna (BR) vs. Isso repugna-**me** (PT).
Agreement with Plural Subjects
As mentiras dele **repugnam**.
Examples by Level
O cheiro do lixo me repugna.
The smell of the trash disgusts me.
Simple present tense using 'me' as a direct object pronoun.
Essa comida está estragada e me repugna.
This food is spoiled and disgusts me.
Using 'e' to connect two simple clauses.
Não gosto disso, isso me repugna.
I don't like that, it disgusts me.
Contrast between 'não gostar' and 'repugnar'.
O bicho morto no jardim me repugna.
The dead animal in the garden disgusts me.
Noun phrase followed by the verb.
A lama no chão me repugna.
The mud on the floor disgusts me.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
O leite azedo me repugna.
The sour milk disgusts me.
Adjective 'azedo' modifying the subject.
Sapatos sujos me repugnam.
Dirty shoes disgust me.
Plural subject 'sapatos' requires plural verb 'repugnam'.
O cheiro de peixe velho me repugna.
The smell of old fish disgusts me.
Compound subject 'O cheiro de peixe velho'.
Repugna-me ver tanto desperdício de comida.
It disgusts me to see so much food waste.
Infinitive 'ver' used as the logical subject.
Aquelas fotos de guerra me repugnam imenso.
Those war photos disgust me immensely.
Adverb 'imenso' adding intensity.
Não me repugna comer vegetais, mas prefiro carne.
It doesn't disgust me to eat vegetables, but I prefer meat.
Negative construction 'Não me repugna'.
O comportamento dele na festa repugnou toda a gente.
His behavior at the party disgusted everyone.
Past tense 'repugnou'.
A ideia de entrar naquela casa velha me repugna.
The idea of entering that old house disgusts me.
Abstract subject 'A ideia de...'.
A sujidade daquela cozinha repugna qualquer pessoa.
The dirtiness of that kitchen disgusts anyone.
Generalizing with 'qualquer pessoa'.
Repugna-me a forma como ele fala com a mãe.
The way he speaks to his mother disgusts me.
European Portuguese pronoun placement (enclisis).
Essas mentiras pequenas já começam a me repugnar.
Those little lies are already starting to disgust me.
Auxiliary verb 'começam a' followed by infinitive.
A corrupção na política repugna os cidadãos honestos.
Corruption in politics disgusts honest citizens.
Transitive direct usage with a collective object.
Repugna-me que as pessoas não respeitem o meio ambiente.
It disgusts me that people don't respect the environment.
Followed by a 'que' clause requiring the subjunctive.
O filme era tão violento que acabou por me repugnar.
The movie was so violent that it ended up disgusting me.
Result clause 'tão... que'.
Sinto que a injustiça social repugna a alma humana.
I feel that social injustice disgusts the human soul.
More abstract and philosophical usage.
A traição de um amigo é algo que me repugna profundamente.
The betrayal of a friend is something that disgusts me deeply.
Relative clause 'que me repugna'.
Sempre me repugnou a ideia de ganhar dinheiro fácil.
The idea of making easy money has always disgusted me.
Preterite tense indicating a long-standing feeling.
Não me repugna o trabalho físico, mas prefiro o intelectual.
Physical work doesn't disgust me, but I prefer intellectual work.
Contrastive sentence structure.
A crueldade contra os animais repugna qualquer ser humano.
Cruelty against animals disgusts any human being.
Strong moral statement.
A hipocrisia de certos discursos repugna-me sobremaneira.
The hypocrisy of certain speeches disgusts me exceedingly.
Use of the formal adverb 'sobremaneira'.
Repugna-me admitir que ele tinha razão desde o início.
It disgusts me to admit that he was right from the start.
Infinitive complement 'admitir'.
As condições de trabalho naquelas fábricas repugnam a decência.
The working conditions in those factories disgust decency.
Personification of 'decência' as the object.
A exploração dos mais fracos é um ato que repugna à consciência.
The exploitation of the weakest is an act that is repugnant to the conscience.
Transitive indirect usage with 'à'.
Se isso te repugna tanto, por que continuas a fazê-lo?
If that disgusts you so much, why do you keep doing it?
Conditional 'se' clause.
O autor descreve cenas que repugnam o leitor mais sensível.
The author describes scenes that disgust the more sensitive reader.
Literary context.
A falta de ética profissional repugna-me mais do que a incompetência.
The lack of professional ethics disgusts me more than incompetence.
Comparative structure 'mais do que'.
Duvido que a proposta dele repugne a administração.
I doubt that his proposal disgusts the administration.
Subjunctive mood after 'duvido que'.
Tal procedimento repugna aos princípios basilares do Direito.
Such a procedure is repugnant to the fundamental principles of Law.
Highly formal, legalistic usage.
A sua conduta repugnou a todos, manchando a sua reputação.
His conduct disgusted everyone, staining his reputation.
Use of 'manchando' (gerund) to show consequence.
Repugna-me a ideia de que a arte possa ser puramente comercial.
I find the idea that art can be purely commercial repugnant.
Complex sentence with nested 'que' clause.
A vacuidade daquelas promessas repugna o intelecto.
The emptiness of those promises disgusts the intellect.
Abstract noun 'vacuidade' (emptiness/vacuity).
Sinto-me repugnado pela minha própria passividade diante do erro.
I feel disgusted by my own passivity in the face of error.
Passive construction with 'sentir-se'.
O cenário de devastação repugnou até os soldados mais veteranos.
The scene of devastation disgusted even the most veteran soldiers.
Use of 'até' for emphasis.
A sua arrogância intelectual repugna-me tanto quanto a sua ignorância.
Your intellectual arrogance disgusts me as much as your ignorance.
Parallelism in comparison.
Não se pode aceitar uma solução que repugne à moralidade comum.
One cannot accept a solution that is repugnant to common morality.
Impersonal 'se' construction.
A tese apresentada repugna frontalmente os cânones científicos.
The presented thesis frontally disgusts scientific canons.
Adverb 'frontalmente' emphasizing direct opposition.
Repugna ao bom senso que se tomem decisões sem prévia consulta.
It is repugnant to common sense that decisions are made without prior consultation.
Inverted structure starting with the verb.
A crueza do relato repugnou a sensibilidade da época.
The rawness of the account disgusted the sensitivity of the era.
Historical context usage.
Havia algo na sua voz que repugnava, uma nota de falsidade.
There was something in his voice that disgusted, a note of falsehood.
Intransitive use with an appositive explanation.
A ideia de sujeição repugnava-lhe o espírito altivo.
The idea of subjection disgusted his haughty spirit.
Dative of interest 'lhe' + 'o espírito'.
O crime foi de tal ordem que repugnou a própria natureza.
The crime was of such an order that it disgusted nature itself.
Hyperbolic, philosophical usage.
Repugna-me sobremaneira a instrumentalização da fé para fins políticos.
The instrumentalization of faith for political purposes disgusts me exceedingly.
Sophisticated vocabulary ('instrumentalização').
A doutrina repugna à letra e ao espírito da lei fundamental.
The doctrine is repugnant to the letter and the spirit of the fundamental law.
Idiomatic legal phrase 'letra e espírito'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— That disgusts me. Used for immediate reaction to something gross or wrong.
Ver lixo na praia? Isso me repugna.
— I find the idea disgusting. Used when someone suggests something unethical.
Repugna-me a ideia de trair a minha equipa.
— It doesn't bother me / I don't mind. Often used to show tolerance.
Não me repugna trabalhar até tarde se for necessário.
— It goes against common sense. Used to criticize a foolish decision.
Gastar tanto dinheiro nisso repugna ao bom senso.
— I feel disgusted. Used to express one's emotional state.
Sinto-me repugnado com as notícias de hoje.
— Nothing disgusts me more. Used for emphasis.
Nada me repugna mais do que a falsidade.
— What disgusts me the most... Used to introduce a point of contention.
O que mais me repugna é a indiferença das pessoas.
— The attitude is disgusting. A general judgment.
A atitude dele repugna qualquer pessoa educada.
— It's so bad it becomes disgusting. Used for escalation.
O estado da casa chega a repugnar.
— To be an eyesore. Used for something very ugly.
Aquelas ruínas repugnam a vista da cidade.
Often Confused With
Repulsar is more about physical force or formal rejection of an offer/attack.
Refutar means to prove an argument wrong, not to find it disgusting.
Repudiar is a formal act of rejection, while repugnar is the feeling of disgust.
Idioms & Expressions
— To literally make one feel like vomiting.
Aquele cheiro repugnou-me o estômago logo pela manhã.
neutral— To cause a deep spiritual or moral pain/disgust.
A injustiça cometida repugna à alma de quem a vê.
literary— To be offensive to hear (e.g., bad language or lies).
Tanta asneira junta chega a repugnar os ouvidos.
informal— To be an idea so bad one doesn't even want to think about it.
Repugna o pensamento imaginar o que aconteceu ali.
formal— To be completely illogical.
Tal argumento repugna à razão mais elementar.
academic— To cause a feeling of disgust (similar to 'dar nojo').
Esse comportamento dá-me repugnância.
neutral— To be naturally or inherently disgusting.
Certas criaturas repugnam por natureza a algumas pessoas.
neutral— To have a strong aversion to something.
Ele tem repugnância a qualquer tipo de compromisso.
neutral— To overcome one's disgust to do something necessary.
Teve de vencer a repugnância para limpar a ferida.
formal— To cause deep disgust (common in journalism).
O caso causou profunda repugnância na comunidade local.
journalisticEasily Confused
Related to repugnar.
Repulsivo is an adjective (repulsive), whereas repugnar is the verb.
O comportamento dele é repulsivo.
Common synonym.
Nojo is a noun (disgust). You 'ter nojo' (have disgust) but something 'repugna' (disgusts) you.
Tenho nojo de baratas.
Synonym for intense disgust.
Asco is more literary and usually used as a noun.
Senti um asco profundo.
Both express dislike.
Detestar is just 'to hate' or 'to dislike strongly', without the physical 'stomach-turning' element.
Detesto brócolos.
Strong moral rejection.
Abominar is more about hatred and less about physical revulsion.
Abomino a violência.
Sentence Patterns
[Subject] me repugna.
O lixo me repugna.
Repugna-me [Infinitive].
Repugna-me comer isto.
[Abstract Noun] repugna [Object].
A injustiça repugna o povo.
Repugna-me que [Subjunctive].
Repugna-me que eles mintam.
[Subject] repugna a/ao [Noun].
A lei repugna à moral.
[Subject] repugna frontalmente [Object].
A ideia repugna frontalmente a razão.
Sinto-me repugnado por [Noun].
Sinto-me repugnado por tanta mentira.
Não me repugna [Infinitive].
Não me repugna ajudar.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High in formal speech/writing; Medium in casual speech.
-
Isso repugna para mim.
→
Isso me repugna.
'Repugnar' does not take the preposition 'para' with a personal pronoun in this way.
-
Eu repuño a mentira.
→
Eu repugno a mentira.
Do not use the Spanish 'ñ' sound for 'gn'.
-
A comida me repugna um pouco.
→
A comida não me agrada.
'Repugnar' is too strong for 'a little bit' of dislike.
-
Ele repugnou o convite.
→
Ele recusou o convite.
'Repugnar' is a feeling, 'recusar' is the action of saying no.
-
Estou repugnante.
→
Estou repugnado.
'Repugnante' means YOU are disgusting; 'repugnado' means you feel disgust.
Tips
Choose your intensity
Use 'não gostar' for dislikes, 'detestar' for strong dislikes, and 'repugnar' for visceral disgust.
Watch the pronouns
Remember: 'Isso me repugna' (BR) or 'Isso repugna-me' (PT). Don't use 'mim'.
The hard G
Always pronounce the 'G' before the 'N'. It's not a 'ny' sound.
Learn the family
Knowing 'repugnante' and 'repugnância' will help you express the same idea in different ways.
Moral vs Physical
Try using the word in an ethical sentence today, like 'A mentira repugna-me'.
Formal writing
In essays, use 'repugnar' to show a strong, principled rejection of an idea.
News keywords
When you hear 'repugna' on the news, you know the topic is serious and controversial.
Avoid repetition
Instead of saying 'é muito nojento', try 'é repugnante' to sound more advanced.
Literary flair
Notice how classic authors use it to describe societal decay.
Daily challenge
Find one thing today that 'te repugna' and say it out loud in Portuguese!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'pug' (dog) 'fighting' (pugnare) against a bath. It is 're-pug-nar' because it is fighting back against something it finds disgusting.
Visual Association
Imagine someone pushing away a plate of rotten food with both hands—they are 'fighting' it off.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'repugnar' in a sentence about a news story you read today. Make sure to use the correct pronoun!
Word Origin
From Latin 'repugnare', composed of 're-' (against) and 'pugnare' (to fight).
Original meaning: To fight back, to resist, or to be in opposition.
Romance (Latin-based).Cultural Context
Be careful when using this word about people. Calling someone 'repugnante' is a very strong insult.
English speakers often use 'disgusting' very loosely. In Portuguese, 'repugnar' is more serious. Don't use it for a movie you just didn't like.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Food and Dining
- Comida estragada
- Cheiro repugnante
- Cozinha suja
- Repugnar o paladar
Politics and Ethics
- Corrupção sistémica
- Traição política
- Repugnar a opinião pública
- Falta de ética
Personal Relationships
- Mentira descarada
- Comportamento abusivo
- Repugna-me o teu jeito
- Sentir asco
Legal/Academic
- Repugnar à lei
- Incompatibilidade lógica
- Repugnância jurídica
- Princípios fundamentais
Environmental
- Poluição extrema
- Maus-tratos a animais
- Cenário de devastação
- Repugnar a natureza
Conversation Starters
"O que é que mais te repugna no comportamento humano?"
"Já alguma vez provaste uma comida que te repugnou?"
"Achas que a política atual repugna os jovens?"
"Repugna-te a ideia de viver numa cidade muito grande?"
"Qual é o cheiro que mais te repugna?"
Journal Prompts
Escreve sobre uma situação em que tiveste de vencer a tua repugnância para ajudar alguém.
Quais são os valores morais que, se violados, mais te repugnam?
Descreve um cenário físico (um lugar) que te repugne e explica porquê.
Reflete sobre a diferença entre 'ter nojo' e 'repugnar' na tua vida.
Como lidas com pessoas cujo comportamento te repugna?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it is very strong. Saying 'Ele me repugna' means you find him morally or physically revolting. Use with caution as it is a severe insult.
Yes, it is used in both Brazil and Portugal, though Brazilians might prefer 'dar nojo' in very informal settings.
'Enojar' is more focused on the physical feeling of nausea, while 'repugnar' covers both physical nausea and moral aversion.
It is a regular verb: eu repugnei, tu repugnaste, ele repugnou, nós repugnámos, eles repugnaram.
Absolutely. It is often used for bad smells, rotten food, or dirty places.
You can also use 'repugnado' (disgusted), as in 'Estou repugnado com isso'.
In formal/literary usage, yes (repugnar a algo). In common modern usage, it is usually transitive direct (repugnar algo).
Yes, if you mean 'I disgust myself', but it's a very heavy emotional statement.
Yes, it carries more weight and is more likely to be found in writing or serious news.
Because the word implies that your body or mind is 'fighting against' the unpleasant input.
Test Yourself 45 questions
Escreva uma frase sobre algo que você acha moralmente errado usando o verbo 'repugnar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Descreva um cheiro desagradável usando 'repugnar'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronuncie a palavra 'repugnar' enfatizando o som do 'G'.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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O orador diz: 'Isso me repugna profundamente'. Ele está feliz ou zangado?
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Summary
The verb <strong class='text-violet-600'>repugnar</strong> is your go-to word for intense, non-negotiable disgust. Use it when 'não gostar' is too weak. Example: <em class='text-emerald-600'>'A crueldade repugna-me'</em> (Cruelty disgusts me).
- Repugnar is a strong Portuguese verb meaning 'to disgust' or 'to repel', used for both physical and moral aversion.
- It comes from Latin roots meaning 'to fight against', suggesting a visceral rejection of something offensive.
- Commonly used in news and formal contexts to describe reactions to crimes, corruption, or logical contradictions.
- It is a regular -ar verb, often used with direct object pronouns like 'me' or 'nos' to indicate who feels the disgust.
Choose your intensity
Use 'não gostar' for dislikes, 'detestar' for strong dislikes, and 'repugnar' for visceral disgust.
Watch the pronouns
Remember: 'Isso me repugna' (BR) or 'Isso repugna-me' (PT). Don't use 'mim'.
The hard G
Always pronounce the 'G' before the 'N'. It's not a 'ny' sound.
Learn the family
Knowing 'repugnante' and 'repugnância' will help you express the same idea in different ways.
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This Word in Other Languages
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A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
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abatido
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abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
