Portuguese Phrase
Carrego muita culpa.
Meaning
This phrase describes a profound sense of remorse or responsibility for a past action. The verb 'carregar' (to carry) is used metaphorically to suggest that the guilt feels like a heavy physical weight. It conveys a deep emotional burden rather than just a fleeting feeling of regret.
When to use
Use this phrase in serious, personal conversations or when reflecting on past mistakes that still affect you. It is appropriate for formal or intimate settings where deep emotions are being discussed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Carregomuitaculpa
Carrego
First-person singular present indicative of 'carregar'. In Portuguese, the subject 'Eu' is often dropped because the verb ending already indicates the person.
Muita
An indefinite adjective meaning 'much' or 'a lot of'. It must agree in gender (feminine) and number (singular) with the noun 'culpa'.
🗨In Conversation
Você ainda está pensando no que disse para ela?
Are you still thinking about what you said to her?
Sim, carrego muita culpa por ter sido tão rude.
Yes, I carry a lot of guilt for being so rude.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu carrego muito culpa.
The word 'culpa' is feminine, so the quantifier must agree and become 'muita'.
Eu porto muita culpa.
While 'portar' means to carry, it is usually used for physical objects or documents; 'carregar' is the idiomatic choice for emotional burdens.
↔Alternatives
Sinto-me muito culpado.
I feel very guilty.
Tenho um peso na consciência.
I have a weight on my conscience.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in literature and music like Fado, expressing emotional pain through physical metaphors is very common. The idea of 'carrying' a feeling emphasizes the persistence and gravity of the emotion in one's life.