If you’re learning Portuguese or planning to visit a Portuguese-speaking country, it’s essential to know how to say the months of the year. In this guide, we’ll focus on the word “December” and provide you with formal and informal ways to express it. We’ll also include some regional variations, although Portuguese is generally quite standardized across different countries. So, let’s dive into ways to say “December” in Portuguese!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say December in Portuguese
When it comes to formal language, you’ll normally encounter a more proper and conservative vocabulary. Here are different ways to say “December” in formal Portuguese:
- Dezembro: This is the most common and straightforward word for “December” in formal Portuguese. It is universally used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
- Mês de dezembro: Literally translating to “month of December,” this phrase is another formal way to refer to the twelfth month of the year.
- Décimo segundo mês: This phrase literally means “twelfth month” and can be used in formal contexts as an alternative to “dezembro.”
Informal Ways to Say December in Portuguese
Informal language allows for a more relaxed and colloquial approach. Here are some informal ways to say “December” in Portuguese:
- Dezembro: While “dezembro” is the standard term for “December,” it is also used in informal settings. People often use it in both formal and informal conversations, making it versatile across various contexts.
- Mês do Natal: As December is the month of Christmas, Brazilians especially refer to it as the “mês do Natal” (month of Christmas) in informal conversation.
- O último mês do ano: In informal Portuguese, people may use the phrase “o último mês do ano” (the last month of the year) to refer to December.
Regional Variations in Saying “December” in Portuguese
While Portuguese is mostly standardized across different countries, there can be some regional variations. Here’s a glimpse into how “December” may differ in certain regions:
The regional variations in saying “December” are minimal in Portuguese. The main difference lies in the pronunciation and accent used, which may slightly vary between countries like Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and others. However, the word “dezembro” remains universally understood and used across all these regions.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you remember and use the various ways of saying “December” in Portuguese:
- TIP: Practice pronunciation by listening to native speakers or using language learning apps that offer audio and speech exercises.
- TIP: Familiarize yourself with associated vocabulary related to December, such as “Christmas” (Natal), “holidays” (feriados), “New Year” (Ano Novo), and “gifts” (presentes).
- EXAMPLE: Vamos viajar em dezembro? (Shall we travel in December?)
- EXAMPLE: O Natal é celebrado no mês de dezembro. (Christmas is celebrated in the month of December.)
Remember, the most common and universally accepted term for “December” in Portuguese is “dezembro,” both in formal and informal contexts. However, understanding alternative expressions and related vocabulary will greatly enhance your communication skills and cultural understanding.
