Terra
/ˈtɛ.ʁɐ/feminine
In Portuguese, the English word "earth" (referring to the third planet of the Solar System) is translated as Terra.
Terra is used specifically to name the planet. When you want to refer to general rock-based material, you use the lowercase version terra. The informal way to say earth is mundo.
Meaning: third planet of the Solar System (name)
Which one should you use?
When referring to the planet, the word is capitalized as Terra. In contrast, the lowercase terra refers to any general rock-based material.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Terra is a feminine noun and is almost always preceded by the feminine definite article a, forming a Terra.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of Terra is /ˈtɛ.ʁɐ/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the phrase pé na terra literally means 'foot on the earth' but is used to describe someone who is humble or realistic.
- Portuguese speakers use the word terra to refer to their hometown or place of origin, often saying voltar para a minha terra to mean 'going back home'.
- Because terra comes from the Latin 'terra', it is a direct cognate of the English 'terrestrial' and 'territory', making it easy to spot related words in English.
Examples in context
- A Terra é plana.The earth is flat.This sentence is useful for describing the shape of Terra.Tatoeba #5460155 by carlosalberto, translation #6011146 by mailohilohi
- A Terra é redonda.The earth is round.Tatoeba #1236126 by alexmarcelo, translation #277121 by CK
- A Terra orbita o Sol.The Earth orbits the Sun.This sentence is useful for describing the movement of Terra around the Sun.Tatoeba #2748428 by carlosalberto, translation #6761097 by Adelpa
- A mãe natureza nos presenteou com um planeta incrível.Mother nature has gifted us with an incredible planet.
- Este é um problema que afeta todo o mundo.This is a problem that affects the whole world.
- 353 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are looking at a science textbook.
- FelipeA Terra é o nosso lar.Earth is our home.
- CamilaSim, a Terra é linda.Yes, Earth is beautiful.
- FelipeVocê gosta de astronomia, Camila?Do you like astronomy, Camila?
- CamilaEu amo estudar sobre a Terra.I love studying about Earth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “earth” translations and entries Terra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Terra, terra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
