Which one should you use?
While the English 'guys' can sometimes imply a male-dominated group, galera is completely gender-neutral when used as a collective noun. Another option is pessoal, which translates to 'people' or 'folks'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
galera is an informal way to address a group. The alternative pessoal is also informal and relaxed, but it often feels slightly less slangy than galera.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, galera is a common choice. In Portugal, some people may use rapazes to casually refer to a group of guys or a mixed-gender group. pessoal is used in both Portugal and Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although it refers to a group of people, galera is a singular feminine noun and requires singular adjectives and verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /ɡaˈlɛ.ɾɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word galera shares a common ancestor with the word for 'shark' in Ancient Greek, via the Latin word for a galley or rowing ship.
- In Brazil, galera is often used as a 'shout-out' in podcasts and YouTube videos to address the entire online community at once.
- If you are in a formal setting in Brazil, it is safer to use senhores or senhoras rather than galera, which is strictly for informal social circles.
Examples in context
- Oi, galera. Sou Mike.Hi guys, I'm Mike.This sentence shows how to use galera in a greeting.Tatoeba #1020901 by alexmarcelo, translation #1020895 by CP
- Galera, é hora de ir.Guys, it's time for me to go.This sentence shows how to use galera to signal a departure.Tatoeba #1571303 by alexmarcelo, translation #1181567 by nonymus1
- Eu não me chamo "galera".My name is not "You guys".This sentence shows galera being used as a noun in a sentence about a name.Tatoeba #1558784 by alexmarcelo, translation #919136 by sacredceltic
- Oi, galera! Vamos sair hoje à noite?Hey, guys! Are we going out tonight?
- Olá, pessoal! Venham dar uma olhada nisso!Hello, guys! Come take a look at this!
- Olá, pessoal! Como estão todos hoje?Hello, guys! How is everyone today?
- Galera, precisamos nos reunir para discutir o projeto.Guys, we need to meet to discuss the project.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Camila are arriving at a party with a group of friends.
- GabrielE aí, galera! Tudo bem com vocês?Hey guys! Is everything okay with you?
- CamilaOi, Gabriel! A galera está toda aqui.Hi, Gabriel! All the guys are here.
- GabrielQue bom! Vamos comer, galera?That's great! Shall we eat, guys?
- CamilaSim, a galera está com muita fome.Yes, the guys are very hungry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry galera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries galera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
