artista
/aʁˈt͡ʃis.tɐ/feminine, masculine
The English word 'artist' is translated into Portuguese as artista.
The primary meaning of artista is a person who creates art. In a colloquial sense, however, you may hear people use artista to describe someone who is a 'character', such as a clever person or someone who is a bit of a troublemaker.
Meaning: person who creates art (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, if you want to specifically refer to a visual artist, the term artista plástico is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word artista is epicene, which means the form of the word itself does not change regardless of gender. To specify the gender of the artist, you must change the article: use o artista for a male artist and a artista for a female artist. If you are referring specifically to a male artist or craftsman, you may also use the masculine form artesão.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /aʁˈtʃis.tɐ/.
Did you know?
- The term artista plástico is used for visual artists because it refers to 'plastic arts', which are arts that involve molding or manipulating physical matter. This is the standard term in Brazil even for painters who do not use plastic materials.
- In Brazil, calling someone artista in a sarcastic tone often implies they are being a 'smart-aleck' or trying to avoid a task through cleverness. It shifts the meaning from creative talent to social manipulation.
- While artista is gender-neutral, the word for a craftsman artesão has a distinct feminine form artesã. This creates a grammatical contrast where the professional artist is epicene but the traditional craftsperson is not.
Examples in context
- Ele é um artista.He is an artist.This sentence is useful for identifying a male as an artista.Tatoeba #7081022 by iart61, translation #9141897 by acell
- Eu sou um artista.I am an artist.This sentence is useful for identifying oneself as an artista.Tatoeba #4837868 by Ricardo14, translation #1122648 by CM
- Tom não é artista.Tom isn't an artist.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not an artista.Tatoeba #6091472 by bill, translation #5147320 by CK
- O meu primo é um artista talentoso.My cousin is a talented artist.
- Ela é uma grande artista plástica.She is a great visual artist.
- O artista apresentou sua obra de arte em uma galeria renomada.The artist exhibited their artwork in a renowned gallery.
- Esse cara é um artistaço, ele consegue tocar vários instrumentos.That guy is a great artist, he can play several instruments.
- Aquela garota é uma artistaça no desenho!That girl is an excellent artist when it comes to drawing!
- O Brasil é conhecido por seus artistas talentosos.Brazil is known for its talented artists.
- Ela é uma artista plástica de renome internacional.She is an internationally renowned visual artist.
- O artista português expôs suas pinturas na galeria.The Portuguese artist exhibited his paintings in the gallery.
- Aquela escultora é reconhecida internacionalmente pelo seu trabalho único.That sculptor is internationally recognized for her unique work.
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are visiting an art gallery.
- BeatrizQuem é a artista desta exposição?Who is the artist of this exhibition?
- LucasÉ uma mulher brasileira muito talentosa.She is a very talented Brazilian woman.
- BeatrizEla é uma artista incrível!She is an incredible artist!
- LucasSim, o trabalho dela é lindo.Yes, her work is beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “artist” translations and entries artista, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
