How to Say “Game” in Portuguese

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jogo
/ˈʒo.ɡu/
The English word 'game' is translated to Portuguese as jogo.
jogo is the standard and most common translation for 'game'. It is used to describe an activity governed by rules, especially for entertainment. For example, you can use jogos de tabuleiro for 'board games', jogo de futebol for 'soccer game' or jogo de basquete for 'basketball game'. The noun is closely related to the verb jogar, which means 'to play' a game or sport. There are also idiomatic expressions such as jogar limpo (to play fair) and virar o jogo (to turn the game around).
Meaning: activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment (noun)

Which one should you use?

While jogo refers to the concept of a game or a sport in general, partida is often used to refer to a specific match or a single round of a game, such as a partida de tênis (tennis match).

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Brazil, the term pelada is used to refer to a casual soccer match or a pickup game.

How do you pronounce it?

The word jogo has two syllables and is pronounced /ˈʒo.ɡu/. The stress is on the first syllable.

Did you know?

  • The word pelada describes a casual, often unorganized soccer game, literally translating to something 'bald' or 'shaved'.
  • Portuguese speakers use the word jogo to describe a set of items that belong together, such as a jogo de lençóis for a 'set of sheets'.
  • The expression jogo de cintura (game of waist) describes the ability to be flexible or diplomatic when dealing with a difficult person or situation.

Examples in context

  • É só um jogo.
    It's only a game.
    Tatoeba #1148180 by alexmarcelo, translation #1112294 by Scott
  • Não é um jogo.
    It's not a game.
    Tatoeba #4726112 by ajdavidl, translation #2649001 by CK
  • Onde é o jogo?
    Where's the game?
    Tatoeba #7132988 by iart61, translation #9397191 by Nylez
  • Estou ansioso para jogar este novo jogo de aventura!
    I am excited to play this new adventure game!
  • 466 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Beatriz and Felipe are deciding what to do at home.

  1. Beatriz

    Você quer jogar um jogo de tabuleiro?
    Do you want to play a board game?
  2. Felipe

    Agora não, eu prefiro ver um filme.
    Not now, I prefer to watch a movie.
  3. Beatriz

    Mas esse jogo é muito divertido!
    But this game is very fun!
  4. Felipe

    Talvez amanhã, Beatriz.
    Maybe tomorrow, Beatriz.

Sources

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Karen Katelyn
Karen KatelynHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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