Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| calmo | /ˈkaw.mu/ (Brazil) /ˈkal.mu/ (Portugal) |
| tranquilo | /tɾɐ̃ˈkwi.lu/ (Brazil) /tɾɐ̃ˈkwi.lu/ (Portugal) |
| sossegado | /so.seˈɡa.du/ (Brazil) /su.seˈɡa.du/ (Brazil) |
The adjective is used to describe someone or something that is free from anger or anxiety. The related noun calma refers to the condition of being unworried and free from anger. To describe the process of becoming calm, you can use the reflexive verb acalmar-se for calming one's own emotions or the phrase ficar calmo to describe the transition from agitation to a calm state.
Which one should you use?
While calmo focuses on the absence of anger or agitation, tranquilo is often used to describe a peaceful environment or an easy-going person. Additionally, sossegado implies a lack of noise or disturbance, making it suitable for a quiet neighborhood or a person who does not cause trouble.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression de boa is a colloquialism used in Brazilian Portuguese to mean chill or cool.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a group of people or a mixed-gender group, the adjective becomes calmos. The feminine form calma can also function as a noun meaning calmness or calm. Additionally, the noun calma is frequently used as a colloquial interjection to tell someone to calm down or take it easy.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈkaw.mu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While tranquilo means 'calm', in many Portuguese speaking cultures it is used as a common slang response to mean 'it is all good' or 'do not worry about it'.
- Portuguese speakers often use the phrase ficar na paz to describe a state of being calm and reconciled with others, which carries a stronger spiritual or emotional weight than estar calmo.
- The word sossegado comes from the verb sossegar, which literally means to settle or to become quiet, often used when telling a restless child to settle down.
Examples in context
- O Tom é muito calmo.Tom is very calm.This sentence uses calmo to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #2599240 by alexmarcelo, translation #1476454 by Spamster
- Eu estou calmo agora.I'm calm now.This sentence uses calmo to describe a current state of being.Tatoeba #7421459 by Ricardo14, translation #3392906 by CK
- O oceano estava calmo.The ocean was calm.This sentence uses calmo to describe the state of the ocean.Tatoeba #377705 by brauliobezerra, translation #22221 by CK
- Maria é uma pessoa tranquila e serena.Maria is a calm and serene person.
- Ele é uma pessoa serena e lida bem com as situações difíceis.He is a calm person and handles difficult situations well.
- Fica calmo! Tudo vai dar certo.Stay calm! Everything will be fine.
- Fica de boa! Não precisa se preocupar tanto.Chill! You don't need to worry that much.
- Ele está tranquilo.He is calm.
- Ela está tranquila.She is calm.
- Eles estão tranquilos.They are calm.
- Eu estou tranquila.I am calm.
- Você está tranquilo?Are you calm?
- Estou de boa.I'm chill.
- 71 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Mariana are talking about a stressful day.
- GabrielVocê consegue ficar calmo nessa situação?Can you stay calm in this situation?
- MarianaSim, eu sou um homem calmo.Yes, I am a calm man.
- GabrielEu queria ser calmo como você.I wish I were calm like you.
- MarianaTente respirar fundo, Mariana.Try to breathe deeply, Mariana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calm” translations and entries calmo, tranquilo, sossegado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
