crush
loanword, Brazil
Brazilians use the English loanword crush, as in Ele é o meu crush. The native phrase is ter uma queda por alguém. It is also called queda and paixonite.
Meaning: a person you have a romantic interest in (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| crush | loanword, Brazil |
| queda | ter uma queda por |
| paixonite | playful |
Ter uma queda por means "to have a crush on". The noun queda literally means "fall".
Which one should you use?
Paixonite describes a mild, often temporary infatuation, a bit playful and sometimes teasing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Crush is used as a masculine noun in Brazilian Portuguese, even when talking about a woman.
Did you know?
- Both queda and paixonite are older than the English loanword crush in Brazil.
Examples in context
- Eu tenho uma queda por ela.I have a crush on her.
- Ele é o meu crush.He is my crush.
- Isso é só uma paixonite.This is just a crush.
Example conversation
Gabi confides in her friend Renata at school in Recife.
- GabiEu tenho uma queda pelo Lucas.I have a crush on Lucas.
- RenataSério? Ele é seu crush?Really? He is your crush?
- GabiSim, mas não conta pra ninguém.Yes, but do not tell anyone.
