Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| expert | /ˈɛks.pɛʁ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /ˈɛks.pɛʁt͡ʃ/ (Brazil) /ɛksˈpɛʁ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /ɛksˈpɛʁt͡ʃ/ (Brazil) /ˈɛks.pɛɾ.t͡ʃi/ (São Paulo) /ˈɛks.pɛɾt͡ʃ/ (São Paulo) /ɛksˈpɛɾ.t͡ʃi/ (São Paulo) /ɛksˈpɛɾt͡ʃ/ (São Paulo) /ˈɛkʃ.pɛʁ.t͡ʃi/ (Rio de Janeiro) /ˈɛkʃ.pɛʁt͡ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /ɛkʃˈpɛʁ.t͡ʃi/ (Rio de Janeiro) /ɛkʃˈpɛʁt͡ʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /ˈɛks.pɛɻ.t͡ʃi/ (Caipira) /ˈɛks.pɛɻt͡ʃ/ (Caipira) /ɛksˈpɛɻ.t͡ʃi/ (Caipira) /ɛksˈpɛɻt͡ʃ/ (Caipira) |
feminine, masculine |
| especialista | /is.pe.si.aˈlis.tɐ/ (Brazil) /is.pe.sjaˈlis.tɐ/ (Brazil) /es.pe.si.aˈlis.tɐ/ (Brazil) /es.pe.sjaˈlis.tɐ/ (Brazil) /iʃ.pe.si.aˈliʃ.tɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /iʃ.pe.sjaˈliʃ.tɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /eʃ.pe.si.aˈliʃ.tɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /eʃ.pe.sjaˈliʃ.tɐ/ (Rio de Janeiro) /(i)ʃ.pɨ.sjɐˈliʃ.tɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine, masculine |
| perito | /peˈɾi.tu/ (Brazil) /pɨˈɾi.tu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The terms used for an expert can function as both nouns (a person with extensive knowledge or ability) and adjectives (describing someone as extraordinarily capable or knowledgeable). To specify a field of expertise, use the construction especialista em followed by the subject, such as especialista em informática' (expert in IT).
Which one should you use?
While especialista is a general term for an expert, perito often refers to a professional expert specifically used in legal, forensic or technical contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Ás is used in Portugal to describe an expert or highly skilled individual. Craque is a common term for an expert or ace used in both Brazil and Portugal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Especialista is an epicene noun, meaning the form stays the same for both masculine and feminine genders. To make it plural, use especialistas. The masculine form perito becomes peritos in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/is.pe.si.aˈlis.tɐ/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 5th syllable.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word especialista shares an ancient root with the Latin word for 'to look at' or 'to observe', which is the origin of the English word 'speculate'.
- The term expert has been adopted directly into Portuguese from English without any spelling changes.
- While especialista is the standard term, the word esperto is a close relative that often means 'clever' or 'smart' rather than just an expert.
Examples in context
- Tom é o expert.Tom is the expert.Tatoeba #4822785 by Ricardo14, translation #2273546 by CK
- Ele é um expert em beijos.He's an expert kisser.This sentence uses the form expert to describe someone skilled at kissing.Tatoeba #6470570 by heo598, translation #2889578 by Hybrid
- Pergunte a um especialista.Ask an expert.Tatoeba #3815751 by piterkeo, translation #2244986 by CK
- Maria é uma especialista em economia.Maria is an expert in economics.
- O perito forense deu seu parecer.The forensic expert gave his opinion.
- Ele é um perito em programação.He is an expert in programming.
- A empresa contratou um profissional em marketing.The company hired a marketing expert.
- Aquela garota é uma fera na dança.That girl is an expert in dancing.
- O professor de matemática é um verdadeiro crânio.The math teacher is a real expert.
- Ele é bamba no futebol.He is an expert in soccer.
- Ela é uma craque na área de TI.She is an expert in the IT field.
- Ele é um verdadeiro ás nas vendas.He is a real expert in sales.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are discussing a new hire at their office.
- CamilaVocê já conheceu o novo especialista?Have you met the new specialist yet?
- FelipeAinda não, mas ele parece ser muito bom.Not yet, but he seems very good.
- CamilaEle é um especialista em marketing digital.He is a digital marketing specialist.
- FelipeIsso vai ajudar muito a nossa equipe.That will help our team a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “expert” translations and entries expert, especialista, perito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries especialista, expert, perito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
