Which one should you use?
Depending on the level of formality required, you might choose different words. For a formal or anatomical context, use nádegas. If you want a polite term meaning 'rear' or 'backside', use traseiro. For a more blunt, informal term like 'ass' or 'butt', use bunda. In certain informal contexts, particularly in Brazil, the slang word rabeta is used to refer to the posterior region. Additionally, the diminutive bundinha can be used to add a playful or cute touch.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bumbum is an informal and often cute term. For medical or formal situations, use nádegas. For polite descriptions, use traseiro. For very informal or blunt speech, use bunda, while rabeta is considered slang.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, speakers may use rabo or the diminutive rabinho instead of bunda or bundinha.
How does it change in a sentence?
bumbum is a noun that can be made plural by adding -ns to create bumbuns.
How do you pronounce it?
/bũˈbũ/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, the expression dar com a bunda can be used figuratively to describe failing at something or being left in a bad position.
- The word rabo literally means 'tail' in Portuguese, which is why using it to describe a human posterior in Portugal can feel more animalistic or vulgar.
- In Brazil, the word bunda is so central to the culture that there is a specific dance style called funk carioca which focuses heavily on rhythmic movements of the bunda.
Examples in context
- Ela tem um bumbum bonito.She has a beautiful booty.
- Mantenha o traseiro na cadeira.Keep your booty on the chair.
- Ela tem uma bunda incrível.She has an amazing booty.
- Eu adoro sua bundinha.I love your cute little booty.
- O bumbum dela é muito bonito.Her booty is very beautiful.
- Eu senti uma dor no bumbum.I felt a pain in my booty.
- Ele deu um tapa no bumbum.He slapped the booty.
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are at the gym.
- LucasMariana, você está treinando o bumbum hoje?Mariana, are you training your booty today?
- MarianaSim, Lucas, eu estou fazendo agachamentos.Yes, Lucas, I am doing squats.
- LucasO exercício é ótimo para o bumbum.The exercise is great for the booty.
- MarianaEu sei, mas é muito cansativo.I know, but it is very tiring.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bumbum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
