I'm learning português

tristeza — meaning in English: sadness

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for sadness
acordar
espectro
tristeza
transcender
ou
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Portuguese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'tristeza' when discussing feelings of sorrow or loss, such as after a breakup or the passing of a loved one. It can also appear in literary contexts, where authors describe deep emotional states in poetry or prose.
Synonyms & nuances
'Tristeza' is often more profound and personal compared to synonyms like 'desânimo' (discouragement) or 'melancolia' (melancholy), which can imply a lighter or more fleeting sense of sadness. You would choose 'tristeza' when you want to convey deeper emotional pain or sorrow.
Culture
'Tristeza' is derived from the Latin word 'tristitia', which also means sadness. In Brazilian culture, the concept of 'tristeza' is often intertwined with music, especially in genres like samba and bossa nova, where melancholy feelings are beautifully expressed through lyrics and melodies.
FAQ
Q.How do you use 'tristeza' in a sentence?
'Tristeza' can be used in sentences like 'Sinto muita tristeza por sua perda' (I feel a lot of sadness for your loss). It's typically accompanied by expressions of personal emotion.
Q.What are common phrases or idioms using 'tristeza'?
You might hear 'dar tristeza' (to cause sadness) or 'viver na tristeza' (to live in sadness), which express how sadness can affect one's life.
Q.Is 'tristeza' used only for personal emotions?
'Tristeza' primarily refers to personal feelings of sadness, but it can also describe a mood in a broader context, such as a 'tristeza coletiva' (collective sadness) in response to social events or tragedies.
Learn portuguese with Maspeak →
Portuguese Vocabulary