muito dar trabalho

In Portuguese, we usually flip the order to dar muito trabalho. You put the thing causing the trouble first. For example: Esse carro dá muito trabalho. You can use it for people, objects, or abstract situations. It is very flexible. You will hear it in the present tense for ongoing issues. You can also use it in the past (deu muito trabalho) for finished tasks. It is a great way to vent your frustrations.

You can use this almost anywhere. Use it at the office when a report is taking forever. Use it with friends to talk about your new puppy. It is perfect for texting when you are stuck doing chores. It shows you are putting in effort. It also signals that you might need a break. Brazilians use it to bond over shared struggles. It is a very 'human' expression.

Avoid using this about your boss to their face. It can sound like you are complaining about your job. Do not use it for very small, easy things. If you use it for a 2-minute task, you will sound dramatic. Also, be careful using it for people you don't know well. Calling a stranger's child trabalhoso (troublesome) might be seen as rude. Keep it for things you are actually struggling with.

Brazilians value hard work, but they also love to talk about it. There is a cultural concept of 'perrengue' (hardships). Sharing how much work something gives you is a way to connect. It is an invitation for the other person to say, 'I understand!' It reflects a society that is often resourceful. We deal with many bureaucratic or logistical hurdles daily. This phrase is our collective sigh of relief.

You might hear dá um trabalhão. The -ão ending makes the 'work' even bigger. It is more informal and punchy. Another one is é trabalhoso. This is a bit more descriptive and formal. If you want to be extra, say dá um trabalho danado. This means it gives a 'devilish' amount of work. All of these convey the same feeling of 'this is exhausting!'