By adding specific suffixes to base verbs or adjectives, you can quickly form many abstract nouns in Portuguese.
Nouns ending in -mento
The suffix -mento is usually added to a verb to describe an action or its result (like English "-ment"). These nouns are masculine.
- pensar (to think) → o pensamento
- isolar (to isolate) → o isolamento
- sofrer (to suffer) → o sofrimento
| The patient's isolation increases his suffering. | O isolamento do paciente aumenta o sofrimento dele. |
Nouns ending in -dade
The suffix -dade attaches to adjectives to express a state or quality (like English "-ty" or "-ness"). These nouns are always feminine.
- ansioso (anxious) → a ansiedade
- tranquilo (tranquil) → a tranquilidade
- estável (stable) → a estabilidade
| Before sleeping, bad thoughts bring anxiety. | Antes de dormir, os maus pensamentos trazem ansiedade. |
Nouns ending in -ção
The suffix -ção usually attaches to verbs to describe a process or state (like English "-tion"). These nouns are always feminine.
- aceitar (to accept) → a aceitação
- frustrar (to frustrate) → a frustração
- motivar (to motivate) → a motivação
- concentrar (to concentrate) → a concentração
| After crying, acceptance reduces suffering. | Depois de chorar, a aceitação reduz o sofrimento. |
| He wanted to study, but frustration destroyed his motivation. | Ele quis estudar, mas a frustração destruiu a motivação dele. |
| Tranquility is essential for concentration. | A tranquilidade é essencial para a concentração. |
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