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How to Say ‘Awkward / Embarrassing’ in Portuguese

Bota

BOH-tah

[BOH-tah]

💬 Usage Tip: Its everyday meaning is "boot". The slang sense shows up mostly in dar uma bota "to put your foot in it".

Phrase Breakdown

Bota

[BOH-tah]

boot / blunder

Literally 'boot'; slang 'dar uma bota' means to make a gaffe.

Example

Ele deu uma bota na reunião.

He made a blunder in the meeting.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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