incrível
/ĩˈkɾi.vew/
The English phrase 'awesome' is translated into Portuguese as incrível.
The word incrível is an adjective used to describe something that is very impressive or excellent.
What does it mean word for word?
incrível is a cognate of the English word 'incredible' and shares the same literal meaning of something that is hard to believe or extremely impressive.
Which one should you use?
While incrível is a standard adjective, in very informal Brazilian Portuguese, speakers often use legal or maneiro to express that something is 'awesome' or 'cool'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make incrível plural, add '-is' to the end to match plural nouns, resulting in incríveis.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /ĩˈkɾi.vew/.
Did you know?
- While incrível is the direct translation for 'awesome', many Brazilians use the word irado to describe something truly awesome, especially among younger crowds.
- In many parts of Brazil, the word legal is used to mean 'awesome' or 'cool', even though its literal meaning refers to something that is 'lawful' or 'legal' in a judicial sense.
- The Portuguese word maneiro is a common way to say 'awesome' in Brazil, but it is rarely used in Portugal, where the slang for 'cool' or 'awesome' would differ.
Examples in context
- O espetáculo de dança foi incrível!The dance performance was incredible!
- A vista da montanha é extraordinária!The mountain view is extraordinary!
- A festa de casamento foi fantástica!The wedding party was fantastic!
- A poesia escrita por ela é maravilhosa!The poetry she wrote is wonderful!
- A nova música do cantor é muito legal!The singer's new song is really cool/nice!
- A praia estava massa hoje!The beach was awesome/cool today!
- A apresentação da banda foi show de bola!The band's performance was fantastic!
- A comida neste restaurante é top!The food at this restaurant is top-notch!
- Isso é incrível!That is awesome!
- Esse filme é incrível.This movie is awesome.
- O seu trabalho foi incrível.Your work was incredible.
- A vista daqui é incrível.The view from here is awesome.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Camila are talking about a concert they attended.
- RodrigoO show ontem foi incrível!The show yesterday was awesome!
- CamilaSim, a música era incrível.Yes, the music was incredible.
- RodrigoVocê também dançou muito bem.You also danced very well.
- CamilaObrigada, Rodrigo!Thanks, Rodrigo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry incrível, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
