balão
/baˈlɐ̃w̃/masculine
The Portuguese word for balloon is balão.
balão refers to a child's toy balloon, but it can also describe larger objects such as hot air balloons or decorative paper lanterns.
Meaning: child’s toy (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Brazil, the word bexiga is a very common informal way to refer to the inflatable rubber toy balloon. In contrast, balão can also refer to large hot air balloons or decorative paper lanterns.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, bexiga is frequently used as an informal term for the rubber toy balloon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of balão is balões.
How do you pronounce it?
/baˈlɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the word bexiga literally means 'bladder'. This is why it is used as an informal term for rubber balloons, as early balloons were made from animal membranes.
- The word balão is used in Portuguese to describe a 'balloon payment' or a large final installment in a loan agreement.
- The word balão is used in Portuguese to describe the speech bubbles in comic books and manga.
Examples in context
- Sami estourou o balão.Sami blew up the balloon.Tatoeba #11242944 by zWreXczV7J, translation #7137727 by OsoHombre
- O balão desceu lentamente.The balloon descended slowly.Tatoeba #12260480 by filipe_s, translation #20341 by CK
- O balão voou e estourou no céu.The balloon flew and burst in the sky.Tatoeba #3450671 by piterkeo, translation #3450227 by mervert1
- Precisamos encomendar balões para a festa.We need to order balloons for the party.
- Vamos comprar bexigas coloridas para a festa.Let's buy colorful balloons for the party.
- Que lindos balões decorativos!What beautiful decorative balloons!
- Nossa, olha só quantas bexigas lindas!Wow, look at how many beautiful balloons!
- Você gostaria de um balão?Would you like a balloon?
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are preparing for a birthday party.
- BeatrizVocê pode encher este balão para mim?Can you blow up this balloon for me?
- FelipeClaro, Beatriz. De que cor você quer?Of course, Beatriz. What color do you want?
- BeatrizEu quero um balão azul, por favor.I want a blue balloon, please.
- FelipeAqui está o seu balão azul, Felipe terminou!Here is your blue balloon, Felipe is finished!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balloon” translations and entries balão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
