cristão
/kɾisˈtɐ̃w̃/masculine
In Portuguese, the word for christian is cristão.
cristão is a noun used to describe a member of the Christian religion. It can also function as an adjective meaning of, like or relating to Christianity or Christians.
Meaning: member of the Christian religion (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Crente is a common informal way to refer to believers, especially those in Protestant denominations, in Brazil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is cristão. To refer to a female Christian, use the feminine form cristã. For a group of Christians, use the masculine/mixed plural cristãos or the feminine plural cristãs if referring specifically to a group of Christian women. Note that Cristiano is a male given name and is a related form.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɾisˈtɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- The word cristão is a linguistic 'doublet' of the word cretino, meaning 'cretin'. Both words share a common ancestor in the Latin term for a Christian.
- The word cristão can be used in certain regional idioms to mean 'human' or 'person', such as when asking if there is any 'living soul' nearby.
- In some traditional Portuguese contexts, cristão was used as a synonym for 'civilized' or 'moral', mirroring how the English word 'Christian' was once used.
Examples in context
- O Tom é cristão?Is Tom a Christian?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a christian.Tatoeba #6359550 by bill, translation #2262065 by CK
- Sami não é cristão.Sami isn't a Christian.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a christian.Tatoeba #8216762 by pedrolima, translation #7317200 by OsoHombre
- Ele se tornou Cristão.He turned Christian.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has become a christian.Tatoeba #3414983 by MarlonX19, translation #289706 by CM
- Eu sou cristão e frequento a igreja todos os domingos.I am a Christian and I attend church every Sunday.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are talking about their beliefs.
- JulianaVocê é cristão, Felipe?Are you a Christian, Felipe?
- FelipeSim, eu sou cristão desde criança.Yes, I have been a Christian since I was a child.
- JulianaQue legal! Eu também sou.That's cool! I am too.
- FelipeFico feliz em saber disso, Juliana.I'm happy to know that, Juliana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “christian” translations and entries cristão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cristão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
