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How to Say ‘This sucks.’ in Portuguese

Isto é uma merda.

EESH-too eh OO-muh mehr-dah

[EESH-too eh OO-muh mehr-dah]

Phrase Breakdown

Isto é

EESH-too eh

This is

'Isto' (this) runs into 'é' (is), which has an open 'eh' sound: 'EESH-too eh'.

Example

Isto é bom.

This is good.

Words in this phrase

Isto

[EESH-too]

this

Used for something near the speaker.

Example

Queria isto, se faz favor.

I would like this, please.

[eh]

Form of the verb 'ser' used to identify or state something.

Example

É meu interesse conhecer melhor a empresa.

It is my interest to get to know the company better.

uma merda.

OO-muh mehr-dah

crap / shit.

'Uma merda' is a vulgar way to say something is terrible. Say 'OO-mah MEHR-dah'.

Example

O filme foi uma merda.

The movie was crap.

Words in this phrase

uma

[OO-muh]

Feminine singular indefinite article before 'família'.

Example

Uma empresa pode ter uma cultura muito acolhedora.

A company can have a very welcoming culture.

merda

[mehr-dah]

Shit

Used to express annoyance or as an expletive in reaction to something unpleasant.

Example

Que "Merda" de dia!

What a shitty day!

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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