menino
Brazil, standard
In Brazil "boy" is menino. Brazilians also say garoto and, in casual speech, moleque. A baby boy can be a menininho.
Meaning: young male (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| menino | Brazil, standard |
| Moleque | slang |
| Garoto | common |
The plural is meninos. Mixed groups of boys and girls are called meninos as well, in the generic masculine plural.
Which one should you use?
Moleque can be playful for a cheeky boy or sound disrespectful depending on tone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal rapaz is the usual word for a boy or young man. In Brazil rapaz exists but is less common for children.
Did you know?
- A famous Brazilian song for children is Menino da Porteira, about a boy at a farm gate.
Examples in context
- O menino está brincando.The boy is playing.
- Esse garoto joga bem.That boy plays well.
- Meu menino tem cinco anos.My boy is five years old.
Example conversation
Dona Vera talks to her neighbor about a new family in Porto Alegre. Dona Neusa is the neighbor.
- Dona VeraQuem é aquele menino?Who is that boy?
- Dona NeusaÉ o filho dos novos moradores.He is the son of the new residents.
- Dona VeraParece simpático.He seems nice.
