Would you like to know the best Portuguese slang words? If you want to sound like a native, learning some words and phrases that the local people commonly use is essential. In addition, it is common to hear slang words in daily conversations.
Learning a few of them can help you to understand what others are saying and use them when necessary. This article goes over the best Portuguese slang words and phrases.
What Is A Slang Word Or Sentence?
Typically slang words or sentences are used in informal conversation or writing amongst friends. However, professionals working in a specific field may also use slang words or phrases in a particular group of people.
Likewise, each country develops words or phrases used by the people during a conversation that might have a different meaning than the word itself.
Best Portuguese Slang Words And Their Meaning
If you know Portuguese people or are going to Portugal (or Brazil), it is essential to learn some slang terms.
Here are some of the most commonly used slang words in Portuguese:
- Pá
Portuguese people commonly use this word. It has several meanings, and people use it regularly to fill their conversations. It might signify:
- Totally
- Like
- You know
- Dude
- Man
During the conversation, people can use this word to fill gaps or have time to think or gather their thoughts.
- Meu (bro)
This is a word that means “brother” or “bro.” It is inserted into the conversation, similar to what American people do. It literally means “mine.”
- Fixe (cool, excellent)
It is a Portuguese slang word that means “great,” ” cool,” or nice. This slang word started to be used at the beginning of the 19th century when British tourists visiting a city named Algarve ordered fish and were very happy about the food.
Since that time, the word Fixe ( which sounds similar to the English word fish) has been used to refer to something cool.
- Gajo (guy)
This word means guy, and depending on how you use it and the tone of your voice, it can have a positive or negative connotation.
- Gaja (girl)
Gaja means “girl” or “chick.” Depending on the use can signify something positive or negative.
- Giro / gira
Giro is used for males, while gira is used for females. It means:
- Pretty
- Cute
- Handsome
- Porreiro (awesome)
It literally means cool or awesome. It can be used to say that you think something is really nice and that you like it a lot.
- Ya
Ya, in Portuguese simply means “Yes.” It is a widely used word and can also be used instead of saying things like “uh-huh” or carry on.
- Tipo
It literally means “type”; it is used to say something is similar to something else. But, recently, it has been used to say “dude” or “gal.”
- Táss cuul
This sentence is used to say ” we are good” or ” we are cool.”
- Desaparece
It is used to tell others to “go away,” ” disappear,” or “get lost.” It is meant to say to others to leave and leave you alone.
- Bué
This word means ” very.” It is used to add emphasis to what you are saying.
- Que Pisso
It means “how lucky.” It can be used to signify happiness for a good thing that happened to others
- Tuga And Tugas
These words are used to signify Portuguese people or people from Portugal. “Tuga” is used for a single person, while “Tugas” is used for a group of people.
Brazilian Portuguese Slang Words
Portuguese slang words and sentences can be different in Brazilian Portuguese. Portuguese is one of Brazil’s most spoken languages and is one of the official languages. In case you visit Brazil or have Brazilian friends, it is good to know what are their best slang expressions.
Here are some of the most commonly used slang words in Brazilian Portuguese:
- Bacana
This means:
- Great
- Cool
- Awesome
It can be used to say that you like something or appreciate something.
- Legal
It is a ubiquitous expression. You can use it to say that something was good or that it was appreciated.
For example:
- Foi legal – It was good
- Beleza
While it means beauty, this word is used to say “ok,” “good,” or “fine.” So, for example, if someone proposes an appointment or asks you if something is good for you, you can reply using this word.
- Joia
It means “I am well or I agree.” You can use this word to say that you agree with someone.
- Tá bom?
It is a slag question expression that is used to ask if someone agrees to something. One can answer “ta bom” or simply “ta” to agree.
- Gato or Gata
It literally means “cat.”
But it is used to mean “good looking.” So it can be used to indicate that someone is attractive. Gato is used for males and Gata for females.
- Falou
It is a word that means “ok.”
- Da hora
While it literally means “of the time,” it actually means:
- Cool
- In style
- Hip
It can be said to show appreciation toward someone or something.
- Maneira
You can say that something is “Maneira” to say that it is cool or even awesome.
- Rolê
While it translates into “go around,” it is used to say to go out to a party or just go out.
- Balada
This word is used to say that someone is going to dance or to a dance club.
- Grana
Grana is a slang word that indicates money.
- Café pequeno
While it translates to “little coffee.” But it is an expression that means something small or insignificant.
- Mão de vaca
It translates to “cow’s hands,” meaning someone who is stingy or miserly.
- Cara
This word means “face.” It corresponds to the English words “man or dude.” Typically used in informal situations.
- Pepino
While it means “cucumber,” it refers to a problem.
Would you like to know more about the Portuguese language?
Learn Portuguese Using Ling App
Learning Portuguese slang words and the whole language can be easier with tools like the Ling App!
With a precise path to follow, you can learn all the aspects of a new language, such as grammar, pronunciation, sentence structure, and more. In addition, everything is available on any mobile device.
You can find helpful information regarding Portugal and more cultural tips in these articles: Happy New Year In Portuguese and Best Words For Colors.
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