animal
/a.niˈmaw/masculine
The English phrase animal is translated into Portuguese as animal. If unsure, use animal. Wiktionary also lists bicho.
Meaning: organism other than human (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| animal | /a.niˈmaw/ (Brazil) /ɐ.niˈmal/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| bicho | /ˈbi.ʃu/ (Brazil) /ˈbi.ʃu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The term animal refers to an organism other than a human. It can also be used as an adjective to mean 'of animals' or to describe someone as being 'unhindered by social codes'.
Which one should you use?
While animal is the scientific or formal term, bicho is an informal way to refer to animals and can translate to 'critter', 'creature' or 'bug'. It is often used when talking about pets, insects or small creatures.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, bicho is a common informal word for 'animal'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /a.niˈmaw/ and has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian universities, bicho is used as a slang term for a first-year student or 'freshman'.
- While bicho often means 'critter', it is also the standard Portuguese word for 'germ' or 'microbe'. You might hear someone say they have a bicho in their stomach if they feel unwell.
- The term animal in Portuguese can be used to describe someone who is 'extraordinary' or 'incredible' in a colloquial sense, much like saying someone is a 'beast' at a sport.
Examples in context
- Você é um animal.You're an animal.This sentence uses animal to show how the word can be used to describe a person.Tatoeba #4818213 by Ricardo14, translation #2218082 by CK
- Este animal é meu.This animal is mine.This sentence uses animal to show ownership of an animal.Tatoeba #1940082 by alexmarcelo, translation #4468850 by jakob
- Eu adoro o animal.I love the animal.This sentence uses animal to express affection for an animal.Tatoeba #11024727 by carlosalberto, translation #11024669 by Ergulis
- O estudo dos animais é fundamental para a ciência.The study of animals is fundamental to science.
- Os animais desempenham um papel importante no ecossistema.Animals play an important role in the ecosystem.
- Que bicho interessante!What an interesting animal!
- Olha esse bichinho fofo!Look at this cute little animal!
- As criaturas da floresta são fascinantes.The creatures of the forest are fascinating.
- Esse animal é grande.This animal is big.
- Eu gosto muito dos animais.I really like animals.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are at a zoo.
- FelipeOlha aquele animal enorme, Mariana!Look at that huge animal, Mariana!
- MarianaSim, ele é impressionante.Yes, it is impressive.
- FelipeVocê quer ver outro animal?Do you want to see another animal?
- MarianaEu adoraria, Felipe.I would love to, Felipe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “animal” translations and entries animal, bicho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
