be particular

[/bi pərˈtɪkjələr/]
verb phrase
ser exigente; ser meticuloso
1. To be fussy, selective, or demanding about something; to have specific preferences or standards
She is very particular about the quality of her coffee.
Ela é muito exigente com a qualidade do seu café.
2. To pay special attention to details; to be meticulous or careful
He is particular about keeping his workspace organized.
Ele é meticuloso quanto a manter seu espaço de trabalho organizado.
3. To be concerned or bothered by something specific
I'm not particular about which restaurant we choose.
Não tenho preferência específica sobre qual restaurante escolher.
In both Brazilian and American English, being particular can be viewed positively (showing standards and attention to detail) or negatively (being overly demanding). Brazilians often use 'exigente' which carries less of a negative connotation than English 'picky.' In professional contexts, both cultures value meticulousness expressed through 'be particular.'
NYC Slang
be picky; be finicky
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be fussybe selectivebe pickybe meticulousbe fastidiousbe demanding
Antonyms / Antônimos
be easygoingbe indifferentbe flexiblebe undemandingbe accommodating

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser exigente; ser meticuloso
Most common usage in everyday speech
Rio de Janeiro
ser exigente; ser chato
May use 'chato' in informal contexts
São Paulo
ser exigente; ser cuidadoso
Standard usage, emphasizing attention to detail
Portugal
ser exigente; ser escrupuloso
Similar usage; may use 'escrupuloso' for meticulous sense

Related Words

particularparticularityparticularlyfastidiousmeticulouspicky

Related Idioms & Phrases

particular about every little thing
not be particular about
too particular for one's own good
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