céu
/ˈsɛw/masculine
The English word 'heaven' is translated into Portuguese as céu. Wiktionary also lists Paraíso.
Meaning: paradise and upper-world (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| céu | /ˈsɛw/ (Brazil) /ˈsɛw/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| Paraíso | /pa.ɾaˈi.zu/ (Brazil) /pɐ.ɾɐˈi.zu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
The word céu refers to the sky as well as the celestial realm beyond. To describe a state of bliss, such as being 'in heaven', use the phrase no céu. The word Paraíso carries a sense of paradise or a blissful place beyond earth. Additionally, the term paraíso celestial translates to 'celestial paradise.'
Which one should you use?
While céu is the most common word for heaven, it is also the standard word for 'the sky' in Portuguese. In contrast, Paraíso is used specifically to emphasize the concept of a blissful, idyllic paradise.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of céu is céus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɛw/
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers use the expression céu de brigadeiro to describe a perfectly clear sky or a situation where everything is going smoothly.
- The word Paraíso shares its ancient roots not with Latin, but with the Old Iranian word for a 'walled garden' or 'enclosure'.
- In Brazil, the phrase cair do céu is used when something happens at the perfect moment, similar to the English 'godsend'.
Examples in context
- Tom está no céu.Tom is in heaven.This sentence is useful for describing someone being in a state of bliss using céu.Tatoeba #4850608 by Ricardo14, translation #2273228 by CK
- O céu pode esperar.Heaven can wait.Tatoeba #6041503 by sergiomelo, translation #12198598 by Miktsoanit
- Como posso ir para o céu?How can I get to heaven?Tatoeba #3980236 by alexmarcelo, translation #38602 by CK
- A alma dele descansou no paraíso.His soul rested in paradise.
- Que lugar maravilhoso, parece um céuzinho na Terra!What a marvelous place, it feels like a little heaven on Earth!
- Este jardim é um paraísozinho, um cantinho de paz.This garden is a little paradise, a corner of peace.
- Os fiéis buscam alcançar o paraíso celestial.The faithful seek to reach celestial paradise.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Gabriel are looking up at a clear night sky.
- CamilaO céu está lindo hoje, Gabriel.The sky is beautiful today, Gabriel.
- GabrielÉ verdade, Camila. As estrelas brilham muito.It's true, Camila. The stars are shining a lot.
- CamilaParece que o céu está sem fim.It looks like the sky is endless.
- GabrielÉ uma visão maravilhosa.It is a wonderful view.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “heaven” translations and entries céu, Paraíso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries céu, paraíso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
