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A2 noun 10 min read

repulsa

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips repulsa in 30 Seconds

Explanation repulsa in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't use the word 'repulsa' often. Instead, you will use simpler expressions like 'não gosto' (I don't like) or 'é ruim' (it's bad). However, it's good to recognize 'repulsa' as a 'big sister' to these words. Think of it as 'ultra-don't-like.' At this stage, just focus on the fact that it means something very negative and is a feminine noun ('a repulsa'). You might see it in simple news headlines or children's stories describing a villain. Don't worry about using it in your own speech yet; just understand the feeling it conveys: a strong 'yuck' or 'no way.' Imagine a child pushing away a plate of broccoli—that's a very basic form of repulsa. As you learn more, you'll see how this word helps you express deeper feelings than just 'gosto' or 'não gosto.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to expand your emotional vocabulary. 'Repulsa' is a great word to add when you want to describe a strong reaction. You can use it in simple structures like 'Eu sinto repulsa por...' (I feel repulsion for...). This is more sophisticated than saying 'Eu tenho nojo' (I have disgust). At this level, you should practice using the correct preposition 'por.' For example, 'Sinto repulsa por mentiras' (I feel repulsion for lies). You might also encounter it when talking about physical things, like 'repulsa magnética' if you're talking about magnets in a basic science context. Remember, it's a feminine word, so use 'uma' or 'a.' It helps you move beyond the very basic 'bom/mau' (good/bad) descriptions and start expressing more specific human reactions.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'repulsa' in both personal and social contexts. You can start using it to discuss your opinions on movies, books, or social issues. At this level, you should also learn common verb pairings like 'causar repulsa' (to cause repulsion). For example, 'O comportamento dele causou repulsa em todos' (His behavior caused repulsion in everyone). You are now able to distinguish between 'nojo' (physical disgust) and 'repulsa' (moral or intense psychological aversion). You can use 'repulsa' to talk about things that are socially unacceptable. This word will help you sound more like a native speaker when you are explaining why you strongly disagree with something. You should also be able to recognize it in more complex texts, such as newspaper articles or short stories.

At the B2 level, you should use 'repulsa' with nuance. You can start adding adjectives to modify it, such as 'repulsa visceral' (visceral repulsion) or 'repulsa imediata' (immediate repulsion). You should understand its use in formal debates and legal contexts. For instance, you might hear about 'repulsa social' regarding a crime. You are expected to use this word correctly in writing assignments, especially when discussing ethics, politics, or human behavior. You should also be aware of its less common meaning: the act of rejecting or driving back (like 'a repulsa de um ataque'). At this stage, your vocabulary should be rich enough to choose 'repulsa' over 'aversão' when the emotional intensity is higher. You can also handle the plural 'repulsas' when referring to multiple instances of rejection or disgust.

At the C1 level, 'repulsa' becomes a tool for precise expression in academic and professional settings. You should be able to discuss the psychological roots of 'repulsa' or its role in social dynamics. You'll encounter it in classical literature (like Machado de Assis), where it's used to describe complex character motivations. You should also be familiar with related but more obscure terms like 'ojeriza' or 'asco' and know exactly when to use 'repulsa' instead. Your use of the word should be effortless, including in complex sentence structures with nested clauses. For example: 'A repulsa que, outrora, era apenas um sentimento individual, transmutou-se em um movimento coletivo de resistência.' You understand the metaphorical uses of the word and can use it to describe abstract concepts like the 'repulsa' between two conflicting ideologies.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'repulsa' and its entire word family. You understand its etymological journey from Latin and how it relates to words in other Romance languages. You can use it in highly sophisticated rhetorical contexts, perhaps even using it in its most archaic senses for stylistic effect in creative writing. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry or formal oratory. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about 'the nature of repulsa' as a fundamental human experience. There are no contexts—whether scientific, legal, literary, or colloquial—where you wouldn't know how to use or interpret this word perfectly. You can also identify and use rare idioms or regional variations associated with the concept of repulsion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

repulsa in 30 Seconds

Repulsa is a feminine noun meaning intense disgust, repulsion, or aversion.
It is commonly used with verbs like 'sentir' (to feel) and 'causar' (to cause).
It covers physical, moral, and scientific contexts (like magnetic repulsion).
It is more formal and intense than the common word 'nojo'.

The Portuguese word repulsa is a powerful feminine noun that translates most directly to "repulsion," "disgust," or a strong "aversion." While at an A2 level you might simply say "não gosto" (I don't like), repulsa elevates the intensity of that feeling. It is not merely a preference; it is a visceral, often physical reaction of rejection toward something or someone. It implies a distance that the subject wishes to maintain from the object of their distaste. In the context of human emotions, repulsa is one of the primary defensive mechanisms of the psyche, signaling that something is perceived as harmful, morally wrong, or physically sickening.

Physical Disgust: Used when something smells, looks, or tastes so bad it causes a physical gag reflex or a desire to turn away immediately.

Moral Indignation: Used to describe the reaction toward a crime, a lie, or an unethical behavior that society finds unacceptable.

Muitos cidadãos sentiram uma profunda repulsa ao ler as notícias sobre a corrupção no governo local.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when discussing food, movies, or people's attitudes. It is more formal than "nojo" (disgust), but it carries more weight. If you say you have "nojo" of a spider, it’s a common reaction. If you say you feel "repulsa" for someone’s actions, you are making a stronger, more intellectualized judgment. This word is frequently used in literature and news reporting to emphasize the extremity of a reaction. For example, a judge might speak of the "repulsa social" (social repulsion) caused by a particularly heinous crime. It captures the collective rejection by a community.

A repulsa que ela sente por comida processada é bem conhecida por todos os seus amigos.

Historically, the word has roots in Latin repulsa, which referred to the rejection of a candidate or a refusal. In modern Portuguese, it has evolved to focus on the emotional state of the person rejecting. It is important to note that while "repulsa" is the noun, the verb is "repulsar" (to repulse) or more commonly "repelir" (to repel). However, in common speech, people usually say "sentir repulsa por" (to feel repulsion for). This construction is the most natural way to express the sentiment.

O cheiro de fumaça causava-lhe uma repulsa imediata, lembrando-o do incêndio na sua infância.

Social Context: Often used in debates about human rights or ethics to describe the public's reaction to injustice.

Não consigo esconder a minha repulsa diante de tanta hipocrisia.

A repulsa mútua entre os dois rivais era evidente para qualquer observador atento.

Using repulsa correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb pairings are sentir (to feel), causar (to cause), manifestar (to manifest/show), and provocar (to provoke). Because it is a feminine noun, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives: a repulsa, uma repulsa, extrema repulsa.

Subjective Feeling: When the focus is on the person experiencing the emotion. Example: 'Eu sinto repulsa por mentiras.'

Ela sentiu uma repulsa tão forte que precisou sair da sala imediatamente.

When describing the effect something has on people, causar or provocar is used. This shifts the focus to the object or situation that is disgusting. For instance, a dirty environment or an offensive comment "causa repulsa." This is very common in journalism when reporting on scandalous events.

Objective Effect: When describing something that is inherently repulsive. Example: 'Aquelas imagens causam repulsa em qualquer pessoa.'

O descaso com a saúde pública causou uma repulsa generalizada na população.

Another important aspect is the degree of the feeling. You can use adjectives like profunda (deep), instintiva (instinctive), or visceral (visceral) to modify the noun. These help convey just how intense the repulsion is. For example, repulsa visceral suggests a reaction that comes from the gut, something almost impossible to control or hide.

Sua repulsa visceral a qualquer tipo de injustiça o tornou um grande advogado.

Formal Rejection: In older or more formal texts, it can mean 'rejection' of an offer. Example: 'A repulsa do pedido de casamento foi um choque.'

Apesar da sua repulsa inicial, ele acabou aceitando a proposta de trabalho.

Não há nada que me cause mais repulsa do que a crueldade com os animais.

Finally, remember the plural form repulsas. While less common, it can be used to describe multiple instances or types of repulsion. 'As repulsas que ele sofreu ao longo da vida o tornaram um homem amargo.' This usage emphasizes a series of rejections or feelings of disgust over time.

You will encounter repulsa in various high-stakes environments. It is a staple of Brazilian and Portuguese news media. When a journalist reports on a corruption scandal or a violent crime, they often describe the public's reaction as "uma onda de repulsa" (a wave of repulsion). This phrasing highlights the magnitude and the moral weight of the sentiment across the nation.

O telejornal destacou a repulsa internacional diante dos novos ataques à zona civil.

In literature and classic cinema, repulsa is used to describe the internal struggles of characters. A protagonist might feel repulsa for their own past actions or for a villain's advances. It provides a more dramatic and sophisticated tone than simpler words like "aversão." If you read authors like Machado de Assis or Clarice Lispector, you will see this word used to navigate the complex emotional landscapes of their characters.

No livro, o personagem principal luta contra a sua própria repulsa pela modernidade.

In legal and political discourse, the term is used to justify laws or public actions. A law might be passed to address a behavior that "causa repulsa à consciência jurídica" (causes repulsion to the legal conscience). Here, it isn't just a feeling; it's a formal standard for what is considered unacceptable in a civilized society.

News Media: Commonly used to describe collective outrage or disgust at social events.

A repulsa popular foi o estopim para as manifestações de rua no mês passado.

Na física, estudamos a atração e a repulsa entre cargas elétricas de sinais iguais.

In psychology and therapy, repulsa is a key term for describing phobias or deep-seated traumas. A patient might describe their repulsa for certain social situations or physical touches. Therapists use the word to help patients identify the intensity of their boundaries and triggers.

Scientific/Technical: Used in physics and chemistry to describe the interaction of particles.

O ímã gerou uma repulsa tão forte que foi impossível unir as duas peças.

Finally, in formal debates or academic writing, repulsa is preferred over more colloquial terms. It sounds more objective and analytical. If you are writing an essay for a Portuguese proficiency exam (like Celpe-Bras), using repulsa instead of nojo when discussing social issues will significantly boost your vocabulary score.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing the noun 'repulsa' with the verb 'repulsar'. While 'repulsa' is the noun (the feeling), 'repulsar' is a verb that exists but is much less common than 'repelir'. If you want to say "that repulses me," a native speaker would more likely say "isso me causa repulsa" or "isso me repele." Using 'repulsar' can sound archaic or slightly off in many contexts.

Confusion with 'Nojo': Using 'repulsa' for minor things like a messy room. 'Repulsa' is too heavy for small inconveniences; use 'nojo' or 'desordem' instead.

Errado: Sinto repulsa porque você não lavou a louça. (Too dramatic!)

Another error is incorrect preposition usage. Many learners try to use 'com' (with) because of the English influence ("repulsion with"). In Portuguese, the correct prepositions are por (for) or a (to). Saying "repulsa com" sounds unnatural. Remember: repulsa por algo.

Correto: Tenho repulsa por atitudes arrogantes. (Preposition 'por' is standard.)

Learners also sometimes misuse the gender. Since it ends in '-a', it is feminine. However, some learners might mistakenly treat it as masculine if they are thinking of the English "repulsion" (which has no gender). Always use a repulsa. Mixing this up with masculine adjectives (e.g., 'o repulsa profundo') is a common A2/B1 mistake.

Errado: O repulsa que ele sentiu... (Gender error!)

Overusing the word: Because it's a 'big' word, learners might use it where 'aversão' or 'antipatia' would fit better. 'Repulsa' should be reserved for truly intense feelings.

Melhor: Sinto uma certa aversão a acordar cedo. (More appropriate than 'repulsa'.)

Finally, don't confuse repulsa with rejeição. While related, rejeição (rejection) is the act of not accepting something, whereas repulsa is the emotional state of disgust that often leads to that rejection. You can reject a gift without feeling repulsa for it (maybe you just don't need it), but if you feel repulsa for it, you will almost certainly reject it.

To truly master the nuances of Portuguese, you need to know where repulsa fits among its synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different shade of meaning, intensity, and register. Understanding these differences will allow you to express yourself with much greater precision.

Nojo vs. Repulsa: 'Nojo' is the most common word for physical disgust (e.g., rotten food, insects). 'Repulsa' is more psychological and formal.

Tenho nojo de baratas, mas sinto repulsa por políticos corruptos.

Aversão vs. Repulsa: 'Aversão' is a strong dislike or unwillingness to do something. It's less 'sickening' than 'repulsa'. You might have an 'aversão' to math, but 'repulsa' for violence.

Minha aversão ao frio me fez mudar para o Nordeste.

Other interesting alternatives include asco and ojeriza. Asco is very similar to nojo but sounds more literary and intense. Ojeriza is a more niche word, often used to describe a deep-seated, long-term grudge or ill-will towards someone or something. It’s a great word to use if you want to sound very sophisticated in your Portuguese.

Asco: Intense physical or moral disgust. 'Sentir asco' is to feel truly sickened.

A crueldade dele me causa asco.

Finally, in the context of physics or logic, you might use rejeição (rejection) or exclusão (exclusion). While these don't carry the emotional weight of repulsa, they describe the same mechanical action of pushing something away. In a business context, if a project is turned down, you wouldn't say it faced repulsa (unless it was truly offensive); you would say it was rejeitado.

A rejeição da proposta foi baseada em critérios técnicos, não pessoais.

Abominação: A very strong, often religious or moral, term for something that causes repulsa.

Para muitos, a destruição da floresta é uma verdadeira abominação.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Rome, 'repulsa' was specifically used when a candidate for political office was rejected by the voters. Today, we use it for a stomach-turning feeling!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁɛˈpuw.sɐ/

US /heˈpuw.sɐ/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-PUL-sa.

Rhymes With

Expulsa Impulsa Convulsa Avulsa Vulsa Insulsa Mulsa Pulsa

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z' (it should be 's').
Making the 'l' too clear like in English 'pull' (it should be more like a 'u' sound).
Failing to aspirate the initial 'r'.
Stressing the first or last syllable.
Confusing the 'u' sound with an 'o' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate with English 'repulsion'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the correct prepositions (por/a) and gender (feminine).

Speaking 3/5

The initial 'r' and the vocalized 'l' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Gostar Sentir Nojo Medo Ruim

Learn Next

Aversão Asco Abominação Repelir Atração

Advanced

Ojeriza Fastio Idiossincrasia Vilipêndio

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -a are usually feminine.

A repulsa (feminine).

Verbs of feeling (sentir) take a direct object or a prepositional phrase.

Sinto repulsa (direct) / Sinto repulsa por isso (prepositional).

The 'l' before a consonant sounds like 'u'.

Re-pul-sa (sounds like re-pu-sa).

Preposition 'por' contracts with articles.

Repulsa pelo (por + o) crime.

Initial 'r' is always strong/guttural.

Repulsa (strong R).

Examples by Level

Eu sinto repulsa por baratas.

I feel repulsion for cockroaches.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

A repulsa é um sentimento ruim.

Repulsion is a bad feeling.

Using the definite article 'a' for a feminine noun.

Ele não gosta de repulsa.

He doesn't like repulsion.

Verb 'gostar' followed by 'de'.

A comida causou repulsa.

The food caused repulsion.

Verb 'causar' in the past tense.

Ela tem repulsa a cobras.

She has repulsion to snakes.

Using 'a' as a preposition after 'repulsa'.

Sinto repulsa por esse cheiro.

I feel repulsion for this smell.

Preposition 'por' indicating the cause.

A repulsa dele é clara.

His repulsion is clear.

Possessive 'dele' after the noun.

Não sinta repulsa, é só um inseto.

Don't feel repulsion, it's just an insect.

Imperative negative 'não sinta'.

Muitas pessoas sentem repulsa por políticos corruptos.

Many people feel repulsion for corrupt politicians.

Plural subject with 'sentem'.

O filme causou uma repulsa imediata no público.

The movie caused an immediate repulsion in the audience.

Adjective 'imediata' matching feminine noun.

Sua repulsa pelo crime é compreensível.

Your repulsion for the crime is understandable.

Contraction 'pelo' (por + o).

Ela manifestou repulsa diante da proposta indecente.

She manifested repulsion in the face of the indecent proposal.

Verb 'manifestar' used for emotions.

A repulsa física pode ser muito forte.

Physical repulsion can be very strong.

Adjective 'física' modifying 'repulsa'.

Não consigo esconder minha repulsa por mentiras.

I can't hide my repulsion for lies.

Infinitive 'esconder' after 'consigo'.

O cheiro de lixo causa repulsa em qualquer um.

The smell of trash causes repulsion in anyone.

Indefinite pronoun 'qualquer um'.

Eles sentiram uma repulsa profunda pelo lugar.

They felt a deep repulsion for the place.

Adjective 'profunda' used for emphasis.

A repulsa social é a maior punição para certos atos.

Social repulsion is the greatest punishment for certain acts.

Abstract concept of social consequences.

Ele tentou disfarçar a sua repulsa, mas não conseguiu.

He tried to hide his repulsion, but he couldn't.

Verb 'disfarçar' (to disguise/hide).

A repulsa que sinto por injustiça me motiva a lutar.

The repulsion I feel for injustice motivates me to fight.

Relative clause 'que sinto por injustiça'.

O documento gerou repulsa entre os membros do comitê.

The document generated repulsion among the committee members.

Verb 'gerar' as a synonym for 'causar'.

Há uma repulsa mútua entre os dois candidatos.

There is a mutual repulsion between the two candidates.

Adjective 'mútua' (mutual).

A repulsa ao novo pode impedir o progresso.

The repulsion to the new can hinder progress.

Preposition 'ao' (a + o) used with 'repulsa'.

Sentir repulsa é uma reação humana natural.

Feeling repulsion is a natural human reaction.

Infinitive 'sentir' acting as a noun.

A repulsa pela violência deve ser ensinada na escola.

The repulsion for violence should be taught in school.

Passive voice 'deve ser ensinada'.

A repulsa visceral do povo levou à queda do regime.

The visceral repulsion of the people led to the fall of the regime.

Use of 'visceral' for intense emotion.

O autor descreve a repulsa da protagonista pela sociedade.

The author describes the protagonist's repulsion for society.

Literary context.

A repulsa aos imigrantes é um problema crescente na Europa.

Repulsion toward immigrants is a growing problem in Europe.

Social/Political context.

Não há como ignorar a repulsa que certas imagens provocam.

There is no way to ignore the repulsion that certain images provoke.

Phrase 'não há como' (there is no way).

A repulsa do réu durante o julgamento foi notada por todos.

The defendant's repulsion during the trial was noticed by everyone.

Legal context.

Ela superou sua repulsa inicial e tornou-se uma cirurgiã.

She overcame her initial repulsion and became a surgeon.

Verb 'superar' (to overcome).

A repulsa entre as cargas elétricas mantém a estabilidade.

The repulsion between electric charges maintains stability.

Scientific/Physics context.

Sua repulsa por qualquer forma de autoridade é famosa.

His repulsion for any form of authority is famous.

Indefinite 'qualquer forma'.

A repulsa estética pode ser tão forte quanto a moral.

Aesthetic repulsion can be as strong as moral repulsion.

Comparison 'tão... quanto'.

O conceito de repulsa é central na obra desse filósofo.

The concept of repulsion is central to this philosopher's work.

Academic/Philosophical context.

A repulsa instintiva ao perigo salvou a vida do explorador.

The instinctive repulsion to danger saved the explorer's life.

Adjective 'instintiva' modifying 'repulsa'.

Manifestar repulsa é um ato de coragem em regimes opressores.

Manifesting repulsion is an act of courage in oppressive regimes.

Gerund/Infinitive as subject.

A repulsa da crítica não impediu o sucesso comercial do livro.

The critics' repulsion didn't stop the book's commercial success.

Contrast 'não impediu'.

Sentia uma repulsa surda que o corroía por dentro.

He felt a silent repulsion that was eating him up inside.

Metaphorical use of 'corroía'.

A repulsa pela hipocrisia é o tema recorrente de suas poesias.

Repulsion for hypocrisy is the recurring theme of his poetry.

Thematic analysis.

É preciso distinguir entre repulsa legítima e preconceito.

It is necessary to distinguish between legitimate repulsion and prejudice.

Distinction 'distinguir entre'.

A repulsa ontológica ao nada permeia o pensamento existencialista.

The ontological repulsion to nothingness permeates existentialist thought.

High-level philosophical terminology.

O texto exala uma repulsa aristocrática pelas massas.

The text exudes an aristocratic repulsion for the masses.

Nuanced literary description.

A repulsa de um ataque inimigo exige estratégia e bravura.

The repelling of an enemy attack requires strategy and bravery.

Archaic/Formal use meaning 'driving back'.

Sua repulsa era tamanha que transcendia as palavras.

His repulsion was such that it transcended words.

Use of 'tamanha' for extreme degree.

A repulsa ao vácuo, na física antiga, era um dogma aceito.

The repulsion to vacuum, in ancient physics, was an accepted dogma.

History of science context.

O diplomata agiu com repulsa contida diante da provocação.

The diplomat acted with contained repulsion in the face of provocation.

Adjective 'contida' (contained/restrained).

Analisamos a repulsa intersubjetiva nas relações de poder.

We analyze intersubjective repulsion in power relations.

Sociological/Academic jargon.

A repulsa do pedido foi redigida em termos diplomáticos.

The rejection of the request was drafted in diplomatic terms.

Formal use meaning 'rejection'.

Common Collocations

Sentir repulsa

Causar repulsa

Repulsa visceral

Repulsa social

Manifestar repulsa

Repulsa magnética

Profunda repulsa

Onda de repulsa

Repulsa instintiva

Gerar repulsa

Common Phrases

Completamente tomado de repulsa

— To be completely overwhelmed by a feeling of disgust.

Fiquei completamente tomado de repulsa ao ouvir a história.

Repulsa total

— Absolute and complete rejection or disgust.

Minha repulsa por ele é total.

Um misto de medo e repulsa

— A combination of being scared and disgusted.

Senti um misto de medo e repulsa ao entrar naquela caverna.

Sem qualquer repulsa

— Doing something without feeling any disgust (often used for difficult jobs).

Ela limpou a ferida sem qualquer repulsa.

Vencer a repulsa

— To overcome the feeling of disgust.

Ele precisou vencer a repulsa para ajudar o ferido.

Causar repulsa aos olhos

— Something that is visually disgusting to look at.

A desordem do quarto causava repulsa aos olhos.

Repulsa mútua

— When two people or things disgust each other equally.

Havia uma repulsa mútua entre as duas famílias rivais.

Agir com repulsa

— To act based on a feeling of rejection or disgust.

Ele agiu com repulsa ao ser convidado para o esquema.

Esconder a repulsa

— To try not to show that you are disgusted.

Foi difícil esconder a repulsa durante o jantar.

Sentir repulsa física

— To have a bodily reaction of disgust.

Sinto repulsa física só de pensar naquele cheiro.

Often Confused With

repulsa vs Rejeição

Rejeição is the act of turning something down; Repulsa is the feeling of disgust that might lead to it.

repulsa vs Repulsa (verb form)

Learners often try to use it as a verb 'Eu repulsa isso', which is wrong. It's a noun.

repulsa vs Recusa

Recusa is a refusal (e.g., of an invitation). Repulsa is much stronger and emotional.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ter repulsa a flor da pele"

— To have a very sensitive or easily triggered feeling of disgust.

Ela tem a repulsa a flor da pele quando se trata de sujeira.

Informal

"Causar repulsa até nas pedras"

— Something so disgusting that even inanimate objects would be repulsed.

Aquela atitude causaria repulsa até nas pedras.

Informal/Exaggerated

"Engolir a repulsa"

— To force oneself to tolerate something disgusting.

Tive que engolir a repulsa e comer o que foi servido.

Neutral

"Repulsa visceral"

— A disgust that comes from the guts, very deep and uncontrollable.

Sinto uma repulsa visceral por traição.

Neutral/Formal

"Mover-se pela repulsa"

— To be motivated to act because of a strong aversion to something.

Ele se move pela repulsa à mediocridade.

Literary

"Repulsa cega"

— Distaste that doesn't listen to reason or logic.

Sua repulsa cega ao progresso o está prejudicando.

Neutral

"O ápice da repulsa"

— The highest point of disgust possible.

Ouvir aquela mentira foi o ápice da repulsa para mim.

Neutral

"Fazer cara de repulsa"

— To make a visible face of disgust.

Ele fez cara de repulsa ao ver o inseto.

Neutral

"Repulsa epidérmica"

— A surface-level but immediate feeling of rejection.

Senti uma repulsa epidérmica por aquele ambiente.

Literary

"Estar no limite da repulsa"

— To be almost at the point where one cannot tolerate the disgust anymore.

Estou no limite da repulsa com essa situação.

Neutral

Easily Confused

repulsa vs Repulsa

Noun vs Verb

Repulsa is the noun (the feeling). Repulsar is the verb (to reject), but 'repelir' is more common.

Sinto repulsa (noun). O ímã repele o metal (verb).

repulsa vs Nojo

Similar meaning

Nojo is for physical things (dirty, smelly). Repulsa is more for moral or psychological things.

Nojo de lixo. Repulsa por crueldade.

repulsa vs Aversão

Both mean dislike

Aversão is a strong dislike or avoidance. Repulsa is more intense and involves disgust.

Aversão ao frio. Repulsa ao crime.

repulsa vs Asco

Very close synonyms

Asco is even more literary and physical than repulsa. It's almost exclusively used in high literature.

Sentir asco pela podridão.

repulsa vs Ódio

Strong negative emotions

Ódio (hate) is an active desire for harm. Repulsa is a desire to stay away because of disgust.

Sinto ódio do inimigo. Sinto repulsa da sua atitude.

Sentence Patterns

Eu tenho repulsa a [coisa].

Eu tenho repulsa a baratas.

[Coisa] me causa repulsa.

Esse cheiro me causa repulsa.

É impossível não sentir repulsa por [situação].

É impossível não sentir repulsa por tanta mentira.

A repulsa de [alguém] por [algo] é [adjetivo].

A repulsa do povo pela corrupção é evidente.

Manifestar uma repulsa [adjetivo] diante de [evento].

Manifestar uma repulsa visceral diante da injustiça.

A repulsa que outrora sentia, agora [verbo].

A repulsa que outrora sentia, agora transformou-se em pena.

Sinto uma certa repulsa por [substantivo].

Sinto uma certa repulsa por ambientes fechados.

O que mais me causa repulsa é [frase].

O que mais me causa repulsa é ver crianças sofrendo.

Word Family

Nouns

Repulsa

Repulsão

Verbs

Repulsar

Repelir

Adjectives

Repulsivo

Repulsiva

Impulso

Expulso

Compulso

Pulso

Propulsor

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal discussions; less common in casual small talk.

Common Mistakes

O repulsa → A repulsa
Repulsa is a feminine noun. You must use feminine articles and adjectives with it.
Eu repulsa isso. → Isso me causa repulsa.
Repulsa is a noun, not a verb. You cannot use it as the action itself.
Sinto repulsa com ele. → Sinto repulsa por ele.
The correct preposition is 'por' or 'a', not 'com'.
Tenho repulsa por brócolis. → Não gosto de brócolis.
Repulsa is too strong for simple food preferences. Use it for things that are truly sickening or morally wrong.
A repulza → A repulsa
The word is spelled with an 's', not a 'z'.

Tips

Upgrade your 'Nojo'

Whenever you find yourself about to say 'Tenho nojo' about a social issue or a person's behavior, try using 'Sinto repulsa' instead. It will make you sound more articulate and emotionally mature.

Watch the Preposition

Remember the formula: Repulsa + por + [Object]. This is the most natural way to connect the feeling to its cause. For example: 'Repulsa por injustiça'.

The Guttural R

The 'R' at the start of 'repulsa' should come from the back of your throat. Think of it like clearing your throat gently. This is key to a native-like accent.

Use in Science

If you are a student or professional in STEM, remember 'repulsa' for physics. It’s the exact term for particles or magnets pushing away.

Adjective Power

Don't just say 'repulsa'. Add an adjective like 'profunda', 'imediata', or 'visceral' to show the level of your feeling. It adds color to your Portuguese.

News Keywords

When watching Brazilian news (like Jornal Nacional), listen for 'repulsa' during segments about corruption or crime. It's a high-frequency news word.

Celpe-Bras Tip

If you are taking the Celpe-Bras exam, use 'repulsa' in your argumentative texts. It shows a high level of vocabulary (C1/C2 potential).

Literary Sensitivity

When reading Portuguese classics, pay attention to 'repulsa'. It often signals a turning point in a character's relationship or moral development.

Softening the Blow

Saying 'Sinto repulsa por você' is extremely harsh. If you want to be less aggressive, use 'Sinto uma certa aversão' instead.

The Magnet Trick

Visualize two magnets of the same pole pushing away. Every time you see this, say 'repulsa' in your head. You'll never forget the word's core meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Repulsive Pulse'. If something makes your 'pulse' stop or skip because it's so gross, that's 'repulsa'.

Visual Association

Imagine a magnet pushing another magnet away. That physical force of pushing away is the essence of 'repulsa'.

Word Web

Nojo Asco Aversão Rejeição Magnetismo Moral Física Sentimento

Challenge

Try to use 'repulsa' in a sentence today to describe a news story you read or a food you really dislike. Remember to use 'a' or 'uma'!

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'repulsa', which is the feminine past participle of 'repellere'.

Original meaning: In Latin, it meant 'rejection', 'refusal', or 'the act of driving back'.

Romance language family, descending from Vulgar Latin.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'repulsa' toward people, as it is a very strong and potentially offensive word. It implies they are 'revolting'.

English speakers often use 'disgust' for both physical and moral situations. In Portuguese, 'repulsa' is the more 'high-end' version of disgust.

Machado de Assis often uses 'repulsa' to describe the social barriers in 19th-century Rio. The movie 'Repulsa' (Repulsion) by Roman Polanski is a famous psychological thriller. Scientific textbooks in Brazil use 'repulsa' to explain Coulomb's Law.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Ethics and Politics

Repulsa social
Causar repulsa pública
Manifestar repulsa
Sentimento de repulsa

Physical Disgust

Repulsa física
Sentir repulsa pelo cheiro
Causar repulsa visual
Vencer a repulsa

Science (Physics)

Repulsa magnética
Força de repulsa
Repulsa entre cargas
Lei da repulsa

Relationships

Repulsa mútua
Sentir repulsa por alguém
Disfarçar a repulsa
Repulsa inicial

Literature

Uma repulsa visceral
A repulsa do herói
Exalar repulsa
Tomado de repulsa

Conversation Starters

"Você já sentiu repulsa por algum tipo de comida exótica?"

"Qual comportamento humano mais te causa repulsa?"

"Você acha que a repulsa é um sentimento que pode ser educado?"

"Como você reage quando sente repulsa por alguém no trabalho?"

"Você já teve que vencer a repulsa para ajudar alguém em uma emergência?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você sentiu uma repulsa profunda. O que causou isso e como você reagiu?

Pense em um livro ou filme que te causou repulsa. Por que o autor escolheu provocar esse sentimento?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre sentir nojo e sentir repulsa. Dê exemplos da sua própria vida.

Como a sociedade manifesta sua repulsa contra atos de injustiça hoje em dia?

Escreva sobre um momento em que sua repulsa inicial por algo se transformou em aceitação ou até em gosto.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'repulsa' is always negative. It describes a feeling of disgust or intense aversion. You wouldn't use it for something you simply find uninteresting. It implies that the thing is morally or physically offensive to you.

Absolutely! In physics, 'repulsa' (or 'repulsão') is the standard term for the force that pushes two like poles of a magnet away from each other. For example: 'A repulsa entre os polos norte dos ímãs é forte.'

They are very similar. 'Repulsa' is more commonly used for the emotion of disgust or a formal rejection. 'Repulsão' is more common in scientific contexts (physics/chemistry) to describe the physical force of pushing away. However, they are often interchangeable.

Both are correct, but 'por' is more common in everyday speech ('repulsa por mentiras'). 'A' is slightly more formal ('repulsa ao crime'). You can also use 'de' in some contexts ('sentir repulsa de algo').

Yes, it is common, especially in news, books, and formal discussions. Brazilians use 'nojo' for everyday physical disgust, but they switch to 'repulsa' when talking about social or moral issues they find shocking.

It is always feminine: 'a repulsa'. This is because it ends in '-a' and follows the standard pattern for nouns derived from feminine past participles in Latin.

No, 'repulsa' is a noun. The verb is 'repulsar' or 'repelir'. If you want to say something repulses you, say 'Isso me causa repulsa' or 'Isso me repele'.

In most Brazilian accents, the 'l' at the end of a syllable sounds like a 'u' or 'w'. So 'repulsa' sounds like 're-pu-sa'. In Portugal, the 'l' is more velarized (a 'dark l').

They are on a similar level of formality, but 'repulsa' is much more intense. 'Aversão' is a strong dislike, while 'repulsa' is a strong disgust.

It is a very deep, gut-level feeling of disgust. 'Visceral' refers to the 'vísceras' (internal organs/guts), meaning the feeling is so strong it's felt in the body, not just in the mind.