círculo
/ˈsiʁ.ku.lu/masculine
The English word 'circle' is translated into Portuguese as círculo.
círculo is a masculine noun used in geometry to describe a set of points that are equally distant from a center.
Meaning: geometry: set of points that are equally distant from a center (noun)
Which one should you use?
In technical or mathematical contexts, the term circunferência might be employed to refer specifically to the circumference of a circle.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of círculo is círculos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsiʁ.ku.lu/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While círculo is the general term, Portuguese speakers often use roda (wheel) when talking about people standing or sitting in a circle, such as in a roda de samba.
- The Latin root of círculo, circus, originally referred to a ring or a circular track for chariot races. This is the same root that gives English the word 'circus'.
- In some Portuguese contexts, círculo refers to a specific administrative or electoral district, treating a political area as a geometric zone.
Examples in context
- Amigos, façamos um círculo.Friends, let's make a circle.This sentence shows how to suggest making a circle with friends using círculo.Tatoeba #3767553 by Ricardo14, translation #6005870 by AlanF_US
- Desenhe um círculo no chão.Draw a circle on the floor.This sentence demonstrates the instruction to draw a circle on the floor using círculo.Tatoeba #12386337 by piterkeo, translation #12374027 by CK
- Desenhe-me um grande círculo.Draw me a large circle.This sentence shows how to request a large circle using círculo.Tatoeba #12133800 by carlosalberto, translation #12133781 by carlosalberto
- Desenhe um círculo na folha de papelDraw a circle on the sheet of paper
- Vamos fazer uma roda para discutir esse assuntoLet's make a circle to discuss this matter
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are studying geometry in a classroom.
- FelipeO raio deste círculo é pequeno.The radius of this circle is small.
- CamilaSim, e o círculo é perfeito.Yes, and the circle is perfect.
- FelipeVocê consegue medir o círculo, Camila?Can you measure the circle, Camila?
- CamilaVou medir o círculo agora.I will measure the circle now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “circle” translations and entries círculo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries círculo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
