gorila
/ɡuˈɾi.lɐ/masculine
The English phrase "gorilla" is translated into Portuguese as gorila.
Meaning: ape (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of gorila is gorilas. Although the noun is masculine, you can use the feminine article a before gorila to refer specifically to a female gorilla.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /ɡuˈɾi.lɐ/.
When do people say it?
It is common to use the definite article o before gorila to indicate "the gorilla".
Did you know?
- The name gorila originates from the Greek word Górillai, which referred to a legendary tribe of hairy women rather than an actual primate species.
- In Brazil, the word gorila is sometimes used as a slang term for a very strong or imposing person, similar to the English 'beast'.
- While gorila is the standard term, some Portuguese speakers may use the word macaco as a general term for all primates, though this can be offensive depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Centenas de pessoas ligaram ou escreveram à Fundação Gorila.Hundreds of people called or wrote to the Gorilla Foundation.This sentence is useful for seeing how gorila is used in the name of an organization.Tatoeba #1573177 by paula_guisard, translation #24451 by Josephlingo
- Aquelas gorilas estão sempre a comportar-se de maneira atrevida!Those gorilla gals are always acting cheeky!This sentence shows how gorila can be used with a feminine article.Tatoeba #10873914 by Cangarejo, translation #10873912 by Cangarejo
- O gorila é um animal incrível e está ameaçado de extinção.The gorilla is an amazing animal and is endangered.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a zoo, looking at the primate enclosure.
- CamilaOlha aquele gorila enorme!Look at that huge gorilla!
- GabrielSim, o gorila é muito forte.Yes, the gorilla is very strong.
- CamilaEle está a comer uma banana.He is eating a banana.
- GabrielParece estar muito calmo hoje.He seems very calm today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gorilla” translations and entries gorila, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gorila, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
