pato
/ˈpa.tu/masculine
The English word 'duck' is translated into Portuguese as pato. Wiktionary also lists pata.
Meaning: aquatic bird of the family Anatidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pato | /ˈpa.tu/ (Brazil) /ˈpa.tu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| pata | /ˈpa.tɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈpa.tɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The term refers to the aquatic bird of the family Anatidae.
Which one should you use?
While pato refers to the male duck or the species in general, pata specifically refers to a female duck or a duck's foot.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word pato is used universally and is understood in both formal and informal contexts. In Brazil, marreco is a regional variation used for specific types of ducks.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine form pato is patos. The plural of the feminine form pata is patas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈpa.tu/.
Did you know?
- The expression pagar o pato literally means 'to pay the duck' but is used when someone takes the blame for something they did not do.
- The word pato comes from the Arabic word baṭṭ, which also means 'duck'.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, calling someone a pato can imply they are naive or easily fooled, similar to the English phrase 'sitting duck'.
Examples in context
- Aquilo é um pato?Is that a duck?This sentence is useful for asking if something is a pato.Tatoeba #4691190 by Ricardo14, translation #8916317 by CK
- O pato é uma ave.The duck is a bird.This sentence is useful for stating that a pato is a bird.Tatoeba #10707330 by carlosalberto, translation #10707317 by carlosalberto
- O pato come abacaxi.The duck eats pineapple.This sentence is useful for describing what a pato eats.Tatoeba #7886795 by piterkeo, translation #6440640 by erikinkinen
- O pato é uma ave aquática muito bonita.The duck is a very beautiful waterfowl.
- Os patinhos são tão fofos, não é mesmo?Baby ducks are so cute, aren't they?
- Vamos ao jardim alimentar os patos?Shall we go to the garden to feed the ducks?
- Na minha cidade, chamamos o pato selvagem de marreco.In my city, we call the wild duck "marreco."
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are walking near a park pond.
- CamilaOlha aquele pato, Rodrigo!Look at that duck, Rodrigo!
- RodrigoSim, o pato é muito engraçado.Yes, the duck is very funny.
- CamilaEle está comendo o pão?Is it eating the bread?
- RodrigoAcho que sim, Camila.I think so, Camila.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “duck” translations and entries pato, pata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pata, pato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
