looks plain

[/lʊks pleɪn/]
verb phrase
parece simples; tem aparência comum
1. appears simple, basic, or without decoration in visual appearance
The building looks plain from the outside, but it has beautiful interiors.
O prédio parece simples por fora, mas tem interiores bonitos.
2. appears unattractive or unremarkable in physical features (regarding a person)
She looks plain without makeup, but she is naturally beautiful.
Ela tem aparência comum sem maquiagem, mas é naturalmente bonita.
3. seems obvious or straightforward in meaning or explanation
The solution looks plain and easy to implement.
A solução parece óbvia e fácil de implementar.
In Brazilian culture, commenting on someone's appearance with 'looks plain' can be considered direct or potentially impolite. Americans tend to use this phrase more casually to describe objects or situations. In fashion and design contexts, 'plain' is increasingly used as a positive aesthetic choice in both cultures.
NYC Slang
looks basic; looks wack
Synonyms / Sinônimos
appears simpleseems basiclooks ordinaryappears unadornedseems unattractive
Antonyms / Antônimos
looks elaborateappears ornateseems attractivelooks fancyappears striking

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
parece simples; tem aparência comum
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
parece simples; parece sem graça
Common colloquial usage
Rio de Janeiro
parece comum; tem cara de simples
Informal street vernacular
Portugal
parece simples; tem um aspecto comum
European Portuguese variation

Related Words

plainappearancesimpleordinaryunadornedunremarkable

Related Idioms & Phrases

plain as day
plain and simple
in plain sight
plain vanilla
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