abelha
/aˈbe.ʎɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for bee is abelha.
abelha refers to the insect known as a bee.
Meaning: insect (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
abelha is a feminine noun. Because of this, you must use the feminine indefinite article uma (a/an) instead of the masculine um and the feminine definite article a (the) instead of the masculine o. To form the plural, add an -s to create abelhas.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/aˈbe.ʎɐ/', 'syllables': 3, 'stressed_syllable': '2 of 3'}
Did you know?
- In Portuguese folklore, seeing an abelha enter a house is sometimes interpreted as a sign that good news or unexpected money is arriving.
- In Brazil, the phrase abelha rainha is used not only for the insect but also as a slang term for a woman who is the center of attention or dominant in a social group.
- The word abelha is derived from the Latin apicula, which is a diminutive form meaning 'little bee'.
Examples in context
- Isto é uma abelha?Is this a bee?This sentence is useful for asking if an insect is a abelha.Tatoeba #11924289 by ajdavidl, translation #8342333 by shekitten
- Ele pegou a abelha.He caught the bee.This sentence describes the action of catching a abelha.Tatoeba #11924288 by ajdavidl, translation #8321547 by Amastan
- Uma abelha o picou.A bee stung him.This sentence describes the action of a abelha stinging someone.Tatoeba #11924291 by ajdavidl, translation #8478784 by CH
- A abelha é um importante inseto polinizador.The bee is an important pollinating insect.
- As abelhas trabalham incansavelmente na colmeia.The bees work tirelessly in the beehive.
- As abelhas são produtoras de mel.Bees are honey producers.
- Olha só, uma abelhinha pousou na minha mão!Look, a little bee landed on my hand!
- A abelhinha está zumbindo ao meu redor.The little bee is buzzing around me.
- As abelhinhas são tão importantes para a natureza.The little bees are so important to nature.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are sitting in a park.
- CamilaFelipe, olhe aquela abelha!Felipe, look at that bee!
- FelipeEla é muito bonita.It is very beautiful.
- CamilaNão chegue perto dela.Don't go near it.
- FelipeEu estou com cuidado, Camila.I am being careful, Camila.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bee” translations and entries abelha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abelha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
