inimigo
/i.niˈmi.ɡu/masculine
The English word enemy is translated into Portuguese as inimigo.
The term refers to someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of or intends injury to someone else.
Meaning: someone who is hostile to, feels hatred towards, opposes the interests of, or intends injury to someone else (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of inimigo is inimiga. To refer to a group of male enemies or a mixed-gender group, use the plural inimigos. If the group consists only of female enemies, use the plural inimigas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables and is pronounced /i.niˈmi.ɡu/. The stress is on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian Portuguese, people often use the phrase inimigo íntimo to describe a 'close enemy'. This refers to someone you dislike intensely but with whom you share a deep, complex, or long-term history.
- In Portuguese, the word inimigo can be used as an adjective to describe a feeling. For example, saying someone is inimigo da concordância is a humorous way to say they are 'enemies of grammar' because they speak incorrectly.
- While inimigo denotes a formal adversary, Brazilians often use the slang term treta to describe the conflict itself. Someone who is an inimigo because of a treta is seen as having a petty or temporary rivalry.
Examples in context
- O inimigo é fraco.The enemy is weak.This sentence shows how to describe the strength of an inimigo.Tatoeba #1838091 by alexmarcelo, translation #1836098 by Spamster
- Tom é teu inimigo.Tom is your enemy.This sentence identifies a person as an inimigo.Tatoeba #4258436 by ajdavidl, translation #2273646 by CK
- Tu és meu inimigo?Are you my enemy?This sentence uses inimigo to ask a question about a personal relationship.Tatoeba #4695315 by ajdavidl, translation #2648863 by CK
- Eu não confio nele, ele é meu inimigo.I don't trust him, he is my enemy.
- O time adversário mostrou um grande desempenho.The opposing team showed great performance.
- Você é meu inimiguinho favorito.You are my favorite little enemy.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are discussing a character in a movie.
- RodrigoAquele vilão é o principal inimigo do herói.That villain is the hero's main enemy.
- BeatrizSim, ele é muito perigoso.Yes, he is very dangerous.
- RodrigoVocê acha que o herói vai vencê-lo?Do you think the hero will defeat him?
- BeatrizEu espero que sim.I hope so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enemy” translations and entries inimigo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
