Portuguese Phrase
Que situação terrível!
Meaning
A strong reaction meaning ‘What a terrible situation!’ It conveys shock, disappointment, or sympathy about an unpleasant circumstance.
When to use
Use this phrase when you hear bad news, see an unfortunate event, or want to express empathy for someone’s difficult circumstances. It works in both informal chats and more formal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quesituaçãoterrível!
Que (exclamatory)
In exclamations, 'Que' works like 'what' in English, introducing a strong emotional reaction.
Noun‑adjective agreement
The adjective 'terrível' must agree in gender and number with the noun 'situação' (feminine singular).
Word order
The typical exclamatory order is Que + noun + adjective, but variations like 'Que terrível situação!' are also possible with a shift in emphasis.
Punctuation
An exclamation mark is required at the end of the sentence to signal the exclamatory tone.
🗨In Conversation
Acabei de perder o meu emprego e ainda tenho a conta de luz para pagar.
I just lost my job and I still have the electricity bill to pay.
Que situação terrível!
What a terrible situation!
✕Common Mistakes
Que terrível situação!
The word order is acceptable but changes the emphasis; beginners often use it thinking it’s the only correct form.
Que situação terrível.
Missing the exclamation mark removes the emotional intensity; the phrase should end with '!'.
Que situação terríveis!
The adjective must stay singular (terrível) because the noun is singular; adding an 's' makes it grammatically wrong.
↔Alternatives
Que situação horrível!
What a horrible situation!
Que situação lamentável!
What a lamentable situation!
Que situação ruim!
What a bad situation!
Cultural Tip
Exclamations with 'Que' are very common in Brazilian Portuguese and are considered natural in everyday speech. In Portugal the same structure is used, but speakers may prefer a slightly softer tone in formal settings. Avoid over‑using the phrase in polite conversation; a simple 'Poxa' or 'Nossa' can be a milder alternative.