atenção
/a.tẽˈsɐ̃w̃/feminine
The Portuguese word for attention is atenção.
atenção refers to mental focus. To express the action of paying attention, use the phrase prestar atenção. While the English phrase uses 'pay', Portuguese uses the verb prestar (to provide or render) rather than pagar (to pay money).
Meaning: mental focus (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, Oi (hey), Olha (look) and Ei are common informal expressions used to get someone's attention. Ei is specifically noted as an informal way to get someone's attention.
How does it change in a sentence?
atenção is a feminine noun, so any adjectives that describe it must also be feminine, such as muita atenção (much attention). If you want to describe a person as being attentive, you use the adjective atento for a male or atenta for a female.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the third syllable: /a.tẽˈsɐ̃w̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying pagar atenção. Although this follows the English logic of 'paying' attention, in Portuguese, you should always use the verb prestar instead.
Did you know?
- When you want to tell someone to 'pay attention' in a classroom setting, a teacher might simply shout Atenção! to command silence and focus.
- The word atenção comes directly from the Latin word attentiōnem, making it a close linguistic sibling to the English 'attention'.
- If you want to tell someone to 'watch out' or 'look' to get their focus, you can use the verb olhar, which is the same word for 'to look'.
Examples in context
- Ele só quer atenção.He just wants attention.This sentence shows someone wanting attention using atenção.Tatoeba #1705380 by alexmarcelo, translation #1702481 by Spamster
- Não dê atenção a ele.Don't pay any attention to him.This sentence demonstrates how to say 'don't pay attention' using atenção.Tatoeba #3704736 by carlosalberto, translation #2265863 by _undertoad
- Preste atenção a Tom.Pay attention to Tom.This sentence shows how to use the phrase 'pay attention to' with atenção.Tatoeba #5051419 by alexmarcelo, translation #3185815 by CK
- Atenção, por favor! A reunião começará em breve.Attention, please! The meeting will start soon.
- Mantenha o foco no seu objetivo.Stay focused on your goal.
- Cuidado com o degrau.Watch out for the step.
- 314 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are studying together in a library.
- LucasEu não consigo manter a atenção neste livro.I can't maintain my focus on this book.
- CamilaTente ler apenas duas páginas agora, Lucas.Try to read only two pages now, Lucas.
- LucasVou tentar, mas perco a atenção rápido.I'll try, but I lose focus quickly.
- CamilaTome um café para melhorar a atenção.Have some coffee to improve your focus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attention” translations and entries atenção, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atenção, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
