ataque
/aˈta.ki/masculine
The English word 'attack' is translated into Portuguese as ataque.
ataque is a noun meaning an attempt to cause damage, injury or death. This includes sudden medical episodes, such as an ataque cardíaco (heart attack) or an ataque de pânico (panic attack).
Meaning: attempt to cause damage, injury, or death (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In European Portuguese, the word ofensiva can be used as an alternative to ataque.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ataque is a masculine noun and should be used with masculine articles such as o or um. The related verb atacar refers to the action of performing an ataque.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable: /aˈta.ki/.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese verb atacar can be used in a culinary sense to mean starting to eat a meal with great enthusiasm.
- The word ataque is used in Portuguese to describe a sudden outburst of laughter, known as an 'ataque de riso'.
- The Portuguese word ataque shares an ancient root with the English word 'stick', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to pierce' or 'to prick'.
Examples in context
- Tom foi ferido no ataque.Tom was wounded in the attack.This sentence shows how to use ataque to describe someone being wounded.Tatoeba #3433003 by piterkeo, translation #2542180 by CK
- A melhor defesa é o ataque.Attack is the best form of defense.This sentence uses ataque in the context of a defensive strategy.Tatoeba #1275696 by alexmarcelo, translation #240888 by CK
- Eu tive um ataque cardíaco.I had a heart attack.This sentence demonstrates the use of ataque in a medical context.Tatoeba #5397897 by bill, translation #269006 by CK
- Na guerra, o exército lançou um ataque surpresa.In the war, the army launched a surprise attack.
- Vamos pegá-los de surpresa e lançar o ataque.Let's catch them by surprise and launch the attack.
- O treinador incentivou os jogadores a terem uma ofensiva forte.The manager encouraged the players to have a strong attack.
- 81 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Lucas are discussing news about a recent conflict.
- JulianaVocê viu as notícias sobre o ataque?Did you see the news about the attack?
- LucasSim, foi um ataque terrível.Yes, it was a terrible attack.
- JulianaMuitas pessoas ficaram feridas.Many people were injured.
- LucasEspero que a situação melhore logo.I hope the situation improves soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attack” translations and entries ataque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ataque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
