Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| roupa | /ˈʁo(w).pɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈʁo(w).pɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
feminine |
| vestuário | /ves.tuˈa.ɾju/ (Brazil) /vesˈtwa.ɾju/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
The word roupa is used to refer to apparel. You might also encounter traje, which refers to a specific outfit, suit or attire worn for a particular occasion.
Which one should you use?
While roupa is the common everyday term, vestuário is a more formal, collective term used in technical, industrial or commercial contexts, such as referring to the garment industry. Additionally, the word trapo can be used colloquially to refer to clothes, but it carries a slightly pejorative connotation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form roupa can refer to a single garment or to clothing as a general concept. In Portuguese, when talking about 'one's clothes' in a general sense, the singular roupa is frequently used with a definite article, even though English uses the plural 'clothes'. The plural form roupas is used specifically to refer to multiple items of clothing.
How do you pronounce it?
roupa is pronounced /ˈʁo(w).pɐ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word roupa is a linguistic relative of the Portuguese verb roubar 'to steal'.
- In Brazil, roupa is used not just for garments but also for 'bedding' and 'table linens'. A set of bed sheets is called roupa de cama.
- The term roupagem is used metaphorically in Portuguese to describe the 'clothing' or 'wrapping' of an idea or a computer program's interface.
Examples in context
- Eu tirei a roupa.I took off my clothes.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb with roupa.Tatoeba #5121272 by ToinhoAlam, translation #5121225 by crbk92
- Tom tirou a roupa.Tom took off his clothes.Tatoeba #4332942 by KimiP, translation #2821496 by CK
- Ela tirou a roupa.She took off her clothes.Tatoeba #4564326 by carlosalberto, translation #1946886 by Spamster
- O vestuário é importante para causar uma boa impressão.Clothing is important to make a good impression.
- Vou comprar algumas roupas novas para a reunião.I am going to buy some new clothes for the meeting.
- Que roupa bonita você está usando hoje!What a beautiful outfit you are wearing today!
- 311 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are preparing for a trip.
- MarianaGabriel, você trouxe a sua roupa?Gabriel, did you bring your clothes?
- GabrielSim, eu coloquei tudo na mala.Yes, I put everything in the suitcase.
- MarianaA minha roupa está na mochila.My clothing is in the backpack.
- GabrielÓtimo, agora podemos ir.Great, now we can go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clothes” translations and entries roupa, vestuário, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries roupa, vestuário, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
