primo
/ˈpɾĩ.mu/masculine
The Portuguese word for cousin is primo. Wiktionary also lists prima.
Meaning: child of a person’s parent’s brother or sister (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| primo | /ˈpɾĩ.mu/ (Brazil) /ˈpɾi.mu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| prima | /ˈpɾĩ.mɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈpɾi.mɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
primo is a noun used to describe the child of a person's parent's brother or sister.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which uses a single gender-neutral word for cousin, Portuguese uses different forms depending on the gender of the person being described.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of cousins, you must choose the correct plural form. Use primos when referring to a group of male cousins or a mixed-gender group. Use primas only when referring to a group consisting entirely of female cousins.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA is /ˈpɾĩ.mu/.
Did you know?
- The word primo shares the same root as the English word 'prime', meaning both words trace back to the Latin 'primus', meaning 'first'.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly in Brazil, calling a close friend primo or prima is a common way to signal intimacy and affection, much like calling someone 'cousin' in some English dialects.
- In traditional Portuguese family settings, primo can sometimes be used as a polite way to address a stranger of a similar age to show warmth and kinship.
Examples in context
- É um primo meu.This is my cousin.This sentence shows how to introduce a male cousin using the form primo.Tatoeba #1916947 by alexmarcelo, translation #61487 by CK
- Tom é meu primo.Tom is my cousin.This sentence shows how to identify Tom as a male cousin using the form primo.Tatoeba #2668318 by carlosalberto, translation #2273297 by CK
- Tu és meu primo.You're my cousin.This sentence shows how to address someone as a male cousin using the form primo.Tatoeba #8161813 by carlosalberto, translation #10501220 by DJ_Saidez
- Oi, primo! Como vai?Hi, cousin! How are you?
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are looking at some family photos.
- RodrigoQuem é esse menino na foto?Who is this boy in the photo?
- JulianaEle é meu primo favorito.He is my favorite cousin.
- RodrigoO seu primo mora aqui?Does your cousin live here?
- JulianaNão, ele mora em outra cidade.No, he lives in another city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cousin” translations and entries primo, prima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prima, primo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
