tough

[/tʌf/]

adjective

duro, resistente, difícil

1. strong and difficult to break or damage

This material is very tough and durable.

Este material é muito duro e durável.

2. difficult to deal with or accomplish

It was a tough decision to make.

Foi uma decisão difícil de tomar.

3. physically or mentally strong and able to endure hardship

She is a tough person who never gives up.

Ela é uma pessoa dura que nunca desiste.

4. strict or severe in manner

The teacher has a tough approach to discipline.

O professor tem uma abordagem rigorosa da disciplina.

5. characterized by violence or crime

He grew up in a tough neighborhood.

Ele cresceu em um bairro perigoso.

NYC Slang

tough as nails, meaning extremely strong or resilient

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

duro, difícil, resistente

most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

durão, difícil

colloquial usage, 'durão' for a tough person

São Paulo

duro, difícil, resistente

standard usage

Portugal

duro, difícil, resistente

similar to Brazilian Portuguese but with local pronunciation variations

tough as nails - extremely strong or resilient

tough luck - bad fortune

tough it out - endure something difficult

play tough - act in a strict or severe manner

tough cookie - a strong, determined person

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