bengala
/bẽˈɡa.lɐ/
The English phrase 'cane' is translated into Portuguese as bengala.
bengala refers to a long collapsible rod used by vision impaired people (noun). It can also be used more broadly to describe a walking stick or cane used for physical support.
Meaning: long collapsible rod used by vision impaired people (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 'bengala' refers to a mobility aid for the visually impaired, it can also mean a walking stick or cane used for support by others.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /bẽˈɡa.lɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word bengala is derived from 'Bengal', a region in South Asia, because the high-quality bamboo used for walking sticks was imported from there.
- In a historical context, a bengala was often a symbol of high social status or authority rather than a medical tool.
- In some Brazilian contexts, the term bengala can be used in slang to refer to something that is outdated or serves as a clumsy support for an old system.
Examples in context
- Onde está a minha bengala?Where's my cane?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of your bengala.Tatoeba #5931848 by bill, translation #2254631 by CK
- Ele andava com uma bengala.He carried a cane.This sentence is useful for describing someone carrying a bengala.Tatoeba #3658386 by carlosalberto, translation #2258276 by _undertoad
- Tom não precisou usar uma bengala.Tom didn't need to use a cane.This sentence is useful for stating that someone did not need to use a bengala.Tatoeba #8930478 by JGEN, translation #8918798 by CK
- O senhor precisa de uma bengala para auxiliar na locomoção.You need a cane to assist with your mobility.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana is helping Felipe find his belongings before leaving the house.
- MarianaFelipe, você já pegou a sua bengala?Felipe, have you already taken your cane?
- FelipeAcho que deixei a bengala na sala.I think I left the cane in the living room.
- MarianaEla está bem aqui ao lado da porta.It is right here next to the door.
- FelipeObrigado, Mariana. Agora podemos ir.Thank you, Mariana. Now we can go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cane” translations and entries bengala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bengala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
