Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| xícara | /ˈʃi.ka.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈʃi.kɐ.ɾɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| chávena | /ˈʃa.ve.nɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈʃa.vɨ.nɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| copo | /ˈkɔ.pu/ (Brazil) /ˈkɔ.pu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the type of vessel: xícara is used for a cup that typically has a handle and is meant for hot drinks like tea or coffee. In contrast, copo refers to a glass or a cup without a handle, typically used for cold liquids such as water or juice. While taça can mean a bowl, it is the specific word used for a stemmed glass, such as a champagne flute or a trophy. Finally, cuia refers specifically to a hollowed-out gourd traditionally used for drinking mate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In European Portuguese, the word chávena is commonly used instead of xícara to refer to a tea cup.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms have different genders: xícara and chávena are feminine nouns, while copo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word xícara is pronounced /ˈʃi.ka.ɾɐ/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use copo to refer to a ceramic coffee cup. In Portuguese, you should use xícara for a ceramic cup with a handle.
Did you know?
- The European Portuguese term chávena actually traces its ancestry back to the Malay word cawan, which in turn came from the Mandarin word for a tea bowl.
- While taça means a stemmed glass, it is also the standard word used for a sports trophy.
- The word copo is used to describe not only a glass but also a plastic cup, as the distinction is based on the lack of a handle rather than the material.
Examples in context
- Eu quebrei o copo.I broke the cup.This sentence is useful for practicing the word copo.Tatoeba #5867868 by ianna, translation #5850868 by CK
- Isto é uma xícara.This is a cup.This sentence is useful for practicing the word xícara.Tatoeba #5898982 by sergiomelo, translation #5764920 by SakuraSound
- Tome mais um copo.Have another cup.Tatoeba #8979988 by Ricardo14, translation #31711 by CM
- Eu quero uma xícara de café.I want a cup of coffee.
- 225 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Camila are in the kitchen in the morning.
- GabrielOnde está a minha xícara?Where is my cup?
- CamilaEstá em cima da mesa.It is on the table.
- GabrielObrigado, Camila.Thank you, Camila.
- CamilaDe nada, Gabriel.You're welcome, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cup” translations and entries xícara, chávena, copo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chávena, copo, xícara, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
