arena
/aˈɾẽ.nɐ/feminine
The English word arena means arena in Portuguese.
The word refers to the building that houses an arena area. If you are specifically referring to a sports stadium, use the word estádio instead.
Meaning: the building housing such an area (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, ginásio is an alternative used to describe smaller arenas or indoor sports venues, translating to gymnasium. Also in Brazil, the term Pavilhão corresponds to an enclosed venue used for various events, such as cultural shows and sports competitions. In Portugal, the expression Recinto desportivo is used to emphasize the idea of a sports venue or sports complex.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of arena is arenas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /aˈɾẽ.nɐ/ and has 3 syllables. The stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese has a specific word for the 'sand' used in an arena called areia. The Latin origin of arena specifically refers to the sand used to soak up blood in Roman combat.
- In the context of bullfighting, which is a significant cultural element in Portugal, the arena is specifically the circular ring where the action takes place.
- In Brazil, calling a venue a ginásio does not necessarily imply it is a gym for working out. It is the standard term for large indoor arenas used for professional basketball and volleyball.
Examples in context
- Havia também um sistema de água especial que enchia a arena de água para batalhas navais, normalmente para o grande final dos espetáculos no Coliseu.There was also special water system which filled the arena with water for naval battles, normally for the grand finale of the shows at the Colosseum.This sentence is useful for describing the water system used for naval battles in the arena.Tatoeba #10783451 by Cangarejo, translation #10152098 by Hybrid
- Os primeiros 15 jogos da época da Liga Africana de Basquetebol serão disputados na Arena de Dacar, uma das arenas de basquetebol mais novas de África.The first 15 games of the BAL season will be played at the Dakar Arena, one of Africa's newest basketball arenas.This sentence is useful for mentioning the location of basketball games in the arena.Tatoeba #11806459 by Cangarejo, translation #11806456 by Cangarejo
- A Russo explicou que esta área de 15 mil metros quadrados estava cheia de tecnologia avançada para o seu tempo, com plataformas móveis e elevadores de madeira que permitiam a entrada dos animais e do artista na arena.Russo explained that this 15,000-square-meter area was filled with technology advanced for its time, with mobile platforms and wooden elevators that allowed the animals and performer out onto the arena.This sentence is useful for explaining how technology allowed animals and performers to enter the arena.Tatoeba #10774709 by Cangarejo, translation #10152097 by Hybrid
- No próximo fim de semana, haverá um grande espetáculo na arena.There will be a great spectacle in the arena next weekend.
- Ele jogou futebol no estádio mais famoso do país.He played football in the most famous stadium in the country.
- Vamos ao recinto assistir ao show de rock?Shall we go to the venue to watch the rock concert?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are planning to see a concert.
- RodrigoO show será na arena nova?Will the show be at the new arena?
- JulianaSim, a arena é enorme e moderna.Yes, the arena is huge and modern.
- RodrigoEu nunca estive naquela arena.I have never been to that arena.
- JulianaVocê vai adorar a vista de lá!You will love the view from there!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “arena” translations and entries arena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
