Portuguese Phrase
Isso é péssimo.
Meaning
This phrase is a strong way to express that a situation, object, or piece of news is extremely bad. It uses the superlative adjective 'péssimo' to emphasize that something isn't just bad, but of the lowest quality or highly unfortunate.
When to use
Use this phrase when reacting to very bad news, expressing disappointment in a service, or describing a situation that has gone completely wrong. It is more intense than simply saying something is 'ruim' (bad).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Issoépéssimo
Isso
A neutral demonstrative pronoun used to refer to things near the person you are talking to or to abstract situations.
É (Ser)
The third-person singular present form of the verb 'ser', used here to describe an inherent quality or state of a situation.
Péssimo
The absolute superlative form of 'mau' (bad). It changes ending to 'péssima' if referring specifically to a feminine noun.
🗨In Conversation
Perdi meu voo para o Rio de Janeiro.
I missed my flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Nossa, isso é péssimo! Sinto muito.
Wow, that is terrible! I am so sorry.
✕Common Mistakes
Isso é muito péssimo.
Péssimo is already an absolute superlative, so adding 'muito' (very) is grammatically redundant.
Essa é péssimo.
Use the neutral pronoun 'Isso' when referring to a general situation or an unidentified object.
↔Alternatives
Que horror!
How horrible!
Isso é muito ruim.
That is very bad.
Que chato!
What a bummer / How annoying.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'péssimo' is often used with an elongated first syllable for extra emphasis. While it is a strong word, it is common in daily conversation to show empathy when a friend shares bad news.