Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bumbum | /bũˈbũ/ (Brazil) | masculine |
| bunda | /ˈbũ.dɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈbũ.dɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
When referring to the body part, you can use bumbum or bunda. If you are looking for a way to describe a person as a 'bum' in the sense of a freeloader, slacker or a good-for-nothing, you might use the informal terms folgado(a) or vagabundo(a) respectively. If you intend to say 'to beg for something', use the verb implorar.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to the buttocks, bumbum is a more playful, cute or childish way to say it. In contrast, bunda is more direct and can be considered slightly more vulgar or blunt.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bumbum is an informal, masculine noun, whereas bunda is a colloquial, feminine noun. Because bunda is more blunt, bumbum is often preferred in lighter contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun bunda becomes bundas in the plural. The masculine noun bumbum becomes bumbuns in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/bũˈbũ/
Did you know?
- The word bunda is not originally Portuguese but was borrowed from Kimbundu, a language from the Bantu family spoken in parts of Africa.
- Using bunda in formal conversation is often perceived as much more jarring or rude than using the English word 'butt' would be in a similar setting.
- The term bumbum is often used in music and popular culture to sound more rhythmic and playful than the sharper-sounding bunda.
Examples in context
- João é muito folgado, sempre pedindo dinheiro emprestado.João is such a freeloader, always asking for money.
- Essa pessoa é um vagabundo, nunca faz nada de útil.That person is a good-for-nothing, never does anything useful.
- O bumbum dela é pequeno.Her bum is small.
- Eu sinto dor no bumbum.I feel pain in my bum.
- Ele tem um bumbum grande.He has a big bum.
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are playing with a toddler.
- LucasOlha que bumbum fofo esse menino tem!Look what a cute bum this boy has!
- CamilaÉ verdade, ele é muito engraçado.It's true, he is very funny.
- LucasVou fazer cócegas no bumbum dele.I'm going to tickle his bum.
- CamilaEle vai dar muita risada agora!He is going to laugh a lot now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bum” translations and entries bumbum, bunda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bumbum, bunda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
