ótimo/péssimo
Irregular Absolute Superlatives
Ótimo and péssimo are the intensified forms of bom (good) and mau (bad). They mean 'excellent' and 'terrible' respectively.
How It Works
These forms are known as superlativos absolutos sintéticos. Unlike the relative superlative (o melhor), which means 'the best' in a group, ótimo simply means 'extremely good' on its own.
1. Agreement:
They behave like regular adjectives and must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify:
- Ótimo / Ótima / Ótimos / Ótimas
- Péssimo / Péssima / Péssimos / Péssimas
2. Usage and Register:
While regular forms like boníssimo (very good) or malíssimo (very bad) exist, they are rare and often carry specific nuances (like moral goodness). Ótimo and péssimo are the standard, high-frequency choices for all situations, from casual chats to formal writing.
3. Spelling Note:
Following the 1990 Orthographic Agreement, the spelling ótimo is now the standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries, replacing the older European form óptimo.
Examples (4)
- O jantar estava ótimo, muito obrigado!
The dinner was excellent, thank you very much!
Word by Word: The dinner was great, much thank-you!
Here, 'ótimo' describes the quality of the dinner in the highest degree.
- A conexão de internet hoje está péssima.
The internet connection today is terrible.
Word by Word: The connection of internet today is terrible.
Note how 'péssima' agrees with the feminine noun 'conexão'.
- Eles tiveram uma ótima ideia para o projeto.
They had a great idea for the project.
Word by Word: They had a great idea for the project.
In this case, 'ótima' is placed before the noun 'ideia' for emphasis.
- Os resultados do exame foram péssimos.
The exam results were awful.
Word by Word: The results of-the exam were awful.
The plural form 'péssimos' agrees with the masculine plural noun 'resultados'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'muito' with 'ótimo' or 'péssimo'.
O filme foi muito ótimo.O filme foi ótimo.'Ótimo' already means 'extremely good.' Adding 'muito' (very) is redundant. Use 'muito bom' or just 'ótimo'.
Confusing the absolute form with the relative form.
Ele é o ótimo aluno da sala.Ele é o melhor aluno da sala.If you are comparing one person to a group (the best in the class), you must use the relative superlative 'o melhor' instead of 'ótimo'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand irregular absolute superlatives, learners first need to know how regular adjectives agree with nouns. They should also be familiar with the regular '-íssimo' superlative construction and the basic irregular adjectives (bom/mau) from which these superlative forms are derived.
- bom/boa/mau/máIrregular Adjective Endings
The irregular superlatives 'ótimo' and 'péssimo' are the absolute forms of the irregular adjectives 'bom' and 'mau'.
Level 1 - -íssimo/-íssimaAbsolute Superlative
Understanding the regular absolute superlative suffix is necessary to recognize why 'ótimo' and 'péssimo' are considered irregular exceptions.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- melhor/pior/maior/menorIrregular Comparatives
These are the irregular comparative forms of the same base adjectives.
Level 2 - o/a/os/as mais + Adjective (+ de)Relative Superlative
The relative superlative used for comparing one thing to a group (e.g., 'the best').
Level 2 - Adjective Agreement
The fundamental rule that requires 'ótimo' and 'péssimo' to change based on gender and number.
Foundations
Words in This Pattern
Practice ótimo/péssimo in Bubblegum
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