Active participle adjectives (-nte)

Trying out a new virtual reality simulator is an experience that demands strong descriptive words.

the simulator
o simulador
This new simulator is really impressive.
Este novo simulador é realmente impressionante.

Active Participle Adjectives (-nte)

In Portuguese, you can often turn a verb into an adjective that describes an active, ongoing effect or quality by using the suffix -nte. These are called active participle adjectives, and they often translate to English adjectives ending in "-ing" (like thrilling, stimulating, or intriguing).

Because these adjectives end in -e, they are gender-neutral. You use the exact same form whether you are describing a masculine noun like o simulador or a feminine noun like a realidade.

For example, from the verb envolver (to involve/surround), we get envolvente (immersive):

The simulator's environment is so immersive.
O ambiente do simulador é tão envolvente.
The virtual reality was creating an immersive world.
A realidade virtual estava a criar um mundo envolvente.

Expressing Extreme Sensations

When reviewing a virtual reality game, you can use these expressive adjectives to describe exactly how the experience makes you feel. From the verbs alucinar (to hallucinate), empolgar (to excite), and estimular (to stimulate), you get alucinante (mind-boggling), empolgante (thrilling), and estimulante (stimulating).

When you use the virtual reality, it will be mind-boggling.
Quando usares a realidade virtual, vai ser alucinante.
The game is not only thrilling, but also stimulating.
O jogo não é apenas empolgante, mas também estimulante.

Unsettling and Intriguing Worlds

Sometimes, a simulation is so realistic that it tricks your brain. For those deeper, more psychological effects, verbs like inquietar (to disturb) and intrigar (to intrigue) become inquietante (unsettling) and intrigante (intriguing).

Actually, confusing the game with the reality is unsettling.
Na verdade, confundir o jogo com a realidade é inquietante.
The story was being very intriguing and immersive.
A história estava a ser muito intrigante e envolvente.