capivara
/ka.piˈva.ɾɐ/feminine
The English word "capybara" is capivara in Portuguese.
capivara refers to the Hydrochoerus.
Meaning: Hydrochoerus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
capivara is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables: ka-pi-VA-ra. The stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The word capivara comes from the Old Tupi language, an indigenous language of Brazil, rather than from Latin or Portuguese roots.
- In urban areas like São Paulo, capivaras are treated as unofficial city mascots and are often seen lounging in traffic or parks alongside commuters.
- In Brazilian internet culture, the capivara has become a mascot of 'chill' behavior, often appearing in memes to represent someone staying calm in chaos.
Examples in context
- A capivara é um roedor gigante nativo da América do Sul e é frequentemente encontrada em regiões com rios e lagos.The capybara is a giant rodent native to South America and is often found in regions with rivers and lakes.
- Olhe, tem uma capivara ali perto do rio!Look, there's a capybara near the river!
- A capivara é muito calma.The capybara is very calm.
- Eu vi uma capivara no rio.I saw a capybara in the river.
- A capivara gosta de comer grama.The capybara likes to eat grass.
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are walking through a park near a lake.
- JulianaOlhe, Rodrigo, uma capivara ali!Look, Rodrigo, a capybara over there!
- RodrigoNossa, que animal grande!Wow, what a big animal!
- JulianaEla parece estar descansando.She seems to be resting.
- RodrigoSim, ela está muito tranquila.Yes, she is very peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “capybara” translations and entries capivara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries capivara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
