isca
/ˈis.kɐ/feminine
The English word "bait" is isca in Portuguese.
isca refers to a substance used in catching animals. Just like in English, it is used metaphorically to describe a trap or a lure in a conversation or a deceptive situation.
Meaning: substance used in catching animals (noun)
Which one should you use?
The verb iscar means to affix or attach a bait, whereas the verb cevar is specifically used when the intent is to lure or attract an animal or a person with food or bait.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of isca is iscas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈis.kɐ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase 'take the bait' translates conceptually to morder a isca, which literally means 'to bite the bait'.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, isca can be used as a slang term for a person who is used as a distraction or a 'decoy' to lure someone else into a trap.
- If you are talking about a 'bait' used for social media engagement or clickbait, Portuguese speakers often use the English term 'clickbait' rather than a translated version with isca.
Examples in context
- Não morda a isca.Don't take the bait.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to take the bait using isca.Tatoeba #4263922 by carlosalberto, translation #1520869 by Spamster
- Tom mordeu a isca.Tom took the bait.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom took the bait using isca.Tatoeba #5546148 by bill, translation #5546147 by bill
- Eu coloquei isca no anzol.I put bait on the hook.This sentence is useful for describing putting bait on a hook using isca.Tatoeba #6471897 by heo598, translation #646896 by CK
- Vou comprar uma isca para pescar amanhã.I'm going to buy some bait to go fishing tomorrow.
- Ele sempre usa um chamariz para atrair os pássaros.He always uses a bait to attract the birds.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are at a lake preparing for a fishing trip.
- JulianaFelipe, você trouxe a isca?Felipe, did you bring the bait?
- FelipeSim, a isca está na minha mochila.Yes, the bait is in my backpack.
- JulianaÓtimo, vamos ver se os peixes mordem.Great, let's see if the fish bite.
- FelipeEu espero que sim, Juliana.I hope so, Juliana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bait” translations and entries isca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
