menina
standard
In Brazil "girl" is menina. Brazilians also say garota for a girl or young woman, and moça for a young woman in a polite way.
Meaning: young female (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| menina | standard |
| Garota | common |
| Moça | young woman |
The plural is meninas. Menina also appears as a friendly address to women of many ages, as in Oi, meninas!
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal rapariga is a common word for a girl. In Brazil rapariga is avoided because it can carry an insulting meaning in some regions.
Did you know?
- A famous nursery song, Atirei o Pau no Gato, has a version where a menina sings.
Examples in context
- A menina brinca no parque.The girl plays in the park.
- Aquela garota é minha prima.That girl is my cousin.
- A moça é muito educada.The young woman is very polite.
Example conversation
Dona Cida talks to her neighbor about a school event in Maceió. Dona Neusa is the neighbor.
- Dona CidaMinha menina vai dançar na festa.My girl will dance at the party.
- Dona NeusaQue bom! Em que dia?How nice! On what day?
- Dona CidaSábado à tarde.Saturday afternoon.
