broken English
[ˈbroʊkən ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
noun
inglês quebrado
1. English language spoken with grammatical errors, poor pronunciation, or limited vocabulary, typically by non-native speakers
He spoke broken English, but we managed to understand what he meant.
Ele falava inglês quebrado, mas conseguimos entender o que ele quis dizer.
2. Imperfect or halting English communication characterized by mistakes in syntax, verb conjugation, or word choice
Her broken English improved significantly after a year of studying abroad.
Seu inglês quebrado melhorou significativamente após um ano estudando no exterior.
In Brazil, 'broken English' (inglês quebrado) is a common self-deprecating expression used by Brazilians when apologizing for their English proficiency. It's frequently heard in professional and casual settings. The term is generally not considered offensive when used to describe one's own language skills, though it can be sensitive when applied to others. American culture tends to be more encouraging toward non-native speakers, viewing broken English as a normal part of language learning rather than a deficiency.
Related Idioms & Phrases
to get by in broken English
to muddle through with broken English
to communicate in broken English
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