Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paixonite | /paj.ʃoˈni.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /paj.ʃuˈni.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| fraquinho | /fɾaˈkĩ.ɲu/ (Brazil) /fɾɐˈki.ɲu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| crush | /ˈkɾɐ.ʃi/ (Brazil) /ˈkɾɐʃ/ (Brazil) |
feminine, masculine |
The terms used to describe a crush or an object of infatuation generally refer to feelings that are often short-lived or unrequited. To say you have a crush on someone, use the verb 'ter' (to have) followed by the preposition 'por'. For example, 'ter uma paixonite por [someone]'.
What does it mean word for word?
paixonite is a diminutive of 'paixão' (passion), which implies a small or fleeting passion.
Which one should you use?
paixonite is a native Portuguese term. In contrast, the anglicism crush is used more frequently in digital and youth slang. While paixonite is a feminine noun, crush can be used as both a feminine and masculine noun. Additionally, fraquinho is a masculine colloquial form.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
All the forms provided, paixonite, fraquinho and crush, are colloquial. paixonite is a playful way to refer to a crush.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word crush is widely used by younger generations to refer to a romantic interest and the term quedinha is also commonly used to describe a little crush or a sudden attraction. In Portugal, it is common to use the informal word paixoneta to describe a crush.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
paixonite is a feminine noun and requires feminine articles and adjectives.
How do you pronounce it?
The word paixonite is pronounced /paj.ʃoˈni.tʃi/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
When do people say it?
Younger Brazilians may use the English loanword crush in digital contexts, while traditional terms like paixonite or the Brazilian quedinha offer a more native feel.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word 'paixão' shares a root with the English word 'passion', both coming from the Latin 'passio', meaning 'suffering' or 'enduring'.
- The term fraquinho is a colloquial masculine form used to describe a crush, which literally translates to 'little weak one' in English.
- While 'paixão' means a deep, burning passion, the suffix '-ite' in paixonite functions like a 'diminutive' to strip away the intensity, turning a grand emotion into something cute and trivial.
Examples in context
- Eu tenho uma paixonite por Maria.I have a crush on Mary.This sentence shows how to use paixonite to say you have a crush on someone.Tatoeba #6464709 by bill, translation #2358682 by CK
- Ela foi a minha primeira paixonite.She was my first crush.This sentence demonstrates using paixonite to describe a past crush.Tatoeba #3382855 by alexmarcelo, translation #3382735 by Hybrid
- Eu tenho uma paixão secreta por ela.I have a secret crush on her.
- Ele é minha quedinha há tempos.He's been my crush for a while now.
- Aquela paixonite de verão já passou.That summer crush has already passed.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are chatting about old school memories at a cafe.
- FelipeVocê lembra daquela paixonite que você tinha no ensino médio?Do you remember that crush you had in high school?
- BeatrizComo esquecer? Eu ficava muito nervosa perto dele.How could I forget? I used to get so nervous around him.
- FelipeA Beatriz de dez anos atrás era muito tímida.The Beatriz of ten years ago was very shy.
- BeatrizSim, eu era uma pessoa completamente diferente.Yes, I was a completely different person.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crush” translations and entries paixonite, fraquinho, crush, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crush, paixonite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
