be disagreeable

[/bɪ dɪsəˈɡriːəbl/]
verb phrase
ser desagradável
1. to be unpleasant, offensive, or difficult in manner or disposition
He can be disagreeable when he doesn't get his way.
Ele pode ser desagradável quando não consegue o que quer.
2. to be unpleasant to the senses or feelings
The smell was disagreeable and made us leave the room.
O cheiro era desagradável e nos fez sair do quarto.
3. to be quarrelsome or argumentative
She was being disagreeable during the meeting.
Ela estava sendo desagradável durante a reunião.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ser desagradável' is used formally to describe unpleasant behavior or qualities. Colloquially, 'ser chato' is often preferred in Rio de Janeiro and other regions. In American English, this phrase is commonly used in both formal and casual contexts to describe difficult personalities or unpleasant situations.
NYC Slang
be a pain; be a grouch; be obnoxious
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be unpleasantbe offensivebe quarrelsomebe ill-temperedbe cantankerousbe peevish
Antonyms / Antônimos
be agreeablebe pleasantbe likeablebe amiablebe charming

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser desagradável
most common and standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
ser chato
colloquial alternative meaning annoying or boring
São Paulo
ser desagradável
standard usage, formal context
Portugal
ser desagradável
standard European Portuguese equivalent

Related Words

disagreeabledisagreedisagreementagreeablenesspleasantnessdispositiontemperament

Related Idioms & Phrases

be a pill
be difficult
rub someone the wrong way
get on someone's nerves
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