imitador
/i.mi.taˈdoʁ/masculine
In Portuguese, the English phrase "copycat" can be translated as imitador. If unsure, use imitador. Wiktionary also lists copião.
Meaning: one who imitates or plagiarizes others' work (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| imitador | /i.mi.taˈdoʁ/ (Brazil) /i.mi.taˈdoɾ/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| copião | masculine |
The term refers to a person who imitates or plagiarizes the work of others.
Which one should you use?
While imitador can be used neutrally to describe someone who mimics a specific style, copião carries a stronger connotation of being a nuisance or a blatant plagiarist.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
imitador is a neutral term, whereas copião is an informal and more colloquial way to call someone a copycat. For formal situations, such as referring to someone who has plagiarized work, you may use plagiador.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form imitador changes to imitadora when referring to a female.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of imitador is /i.mi.taˈdoʁ/. The stress is on the 4th of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the word plágio (plagiarism) comes from the Latin plagium, which originally referred to the kidnapping of slaves.
- The suffix -ão in copião is an augmentative, literally turning the word into a 'big copier'. In Portuguese, this often transforms a neutral description into a mocking or exaggerated label.
- Unlike English, which uses a animal metaphor in 'copycat', Portuguese uses suffixes and Latin roots to describe the act of copying without mentioning animals.
Examples in context
- Não seja um imitador.Don't be a copycat.This sentence is useful for advising someone not to be an imitador.Tatoeba #912992 by alexmarcelo, translation #25869 by CK
- Aquela pessoa é uma xerox do artista famoso.That person is a copycat of the famous artist.
- O artista foi chamado de imitador.The artist was called an imitator.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Camila are discussing a new musician at a cafe.
- RodrigoEsse cantor é um mero imitador.This singer is a mere imitator.
- CamilaEu concordo, Rodrigo, ele não tem originalidade.I agree, Rodrigo, he has no originality.
- RodrigoEle apenas copia as outras bandas.He just copies the other bands.
- CamilaÉ verdade, é muito desonesto.It is true, it is very dishonest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “copycat” translations and entries imitador, copião, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
