fofo
/ˈfo.fu/
The English word 'cute' is translated into Portuguese as fofo.
fofo is used to describe someone or something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way. It can also be used in a tactile sense to mean 'fluffy' or 'soft'. If you want to refer to the quality of being cute, use the noun fofura.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word meigo(a) is used to describe something as 'cute or sweet'. In Portugal, the word giro(a) is used to express that something is 'cute or adorable'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective must match the gender and number of the subject. Use fofo for masculine singular subjects, fofa for feminine singular subjects (such as a girl or a cat, gata), fofos for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and fofas for feminine plural subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of fofo is /ˈfo.fu/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word fofo is onomatopoeic, meaning it was created to mimic the sound of air escaping a soft object when you squeeze it.
- Using giro to mean 'cute' in Portugal is distinct from its literal meaning of 'round' or 'turning'.
- In certain Brazilian slang contexts, calling someone 'fofo' can sometimes be used playfully to imply they are being 'too sweet' or even slightly naive.
Examples in context
- O meu gato é fofo!My cat is cute!This sentence shows how to use fofo to describe a pet.Tatoeba #5988008 by islandisto, translation #5988007 by islandisto
- Ah! Ele é tão fofo.Aaww! He's so cute.This sentence uses fofo to express an emotional reaction to something cute.Tatoeba #2499170 by MarlonX19, translation #1476537 by Spamster
- O gato é muito fofo.The cat is very cute.This sentence demonstrates using fofo with an intensifier to say a cat is very cute.Tatoeba #1483881 by rafael8243, translation #44566 by CK
- Aquela criança é tão fofa!That child is so cute!
- Que gatinho lindo!What a cute little cat!
- Essa roupinha é tão bonitinha!This little outfit is so cute!
- Olha só que gracinha esse cachorrinho!Look at this adorable little puppy!
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana and Rodrigo are looking at a picture of a puppy.
- JulianaOlha esse cachorrinho, que fofo!Look at this little puppy, how cute!
- RodrigoEle é muito fofo mesmo.He really is very cute.
- JulianaEu quero um animal assim.I want an animal like that.
- RodrigoA Juliana vai amar um filhote.Juliana is going to love a puppy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fofo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fofo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
