caranguejo
/ka.ɾɐ̃ˈɡe.ʒu/masculine
The English word crab is translated into Portuguese as caranguejo. Wiktionary also lists siri.
Meaning: crustacean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caranguejo | /ka.ɾɐ̃ˈɡe.ʒu/ (Brazil) /kɐ.ɾɐ̃ˈɡɐ(j).ʒu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| siri | /siˈɾi/ (Brazil) /siˈɾi/ (Portugal) |
Brazil, masculine |
The term refers to the crustacean known as a crab.
Which one should you use?
In Brazil, the word siri is often used to refer to smaller, swimming crabs, whereas caranguejo is used for larger, more common crabs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The word siri is used in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, use caranguejos for caranguejo and siris for siri.
How do you pronounce it?
caranguejo is pronounced /ka.ɾɐ̃ˈɡe.ʒu/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In some regions of Brazil, caranguejo is not just food but a social event, where groups gather for caranguejada to eat crabs and drink beer.
- The word caranguejo is a linguistic hybrid, created by blending the Spanish word cangrejo with the older Portuguese word carango.
- While caranguejo follows European linguistic patterns, the word siri is a direct legacy of Old Tupi, an indigenous language of South America.
Examples in context
- Que é um caranguejo?What is a crab?This sentence is useful for asking for the definition of caranguejo.Tatoeba #11155753 by carlosalberto, translation #11155747 by carlosalberto
- Você sabe cozinhar caranguejo?Do you know how to cook a crab?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's ability to cook caranguejo.Tatoeba #2039551 by MarlonX19, translation #2039384 by Eldad
- Você prefere lagosta ou caranguejo?Do you prefer lobster or crab?This sentence is useful for asking about a preference between lobster and caranguejo.Tatoeba #7834963 by piterkeo, translation #3774703 by Hybrid
- Eu gostaria de experimentar o caranguejo. É fresco?I would like to try the crab. Is it fresh?
- Quanto custa o quilo do siri?How much is a kilogram of crab?
- Você poderia me indicar um bom restaurante de caranguejo?Could you recommend me a good crab restaurant?
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a seafood restaurant.
- MarianaO caranguejo está fresco?Is the crab fresh?
- FelipeSim, ele foi pescado hoje.Yes, it was caught today.
- MarianaVou pedir o caranguejo, então.I will order the crab, then.
- FelipeÉ uma ótima escolha, Mariana.It is a great choice, Mariana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crab” translations and entries caranguejo, siri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caranguejo, siri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
