gato
/ˈɡa.tu/
The Portuguese phrase for 'hot guy' is gato.
The term gato is used to describe a man who is considered to be very physically attractive. While it is an informal way to say someone is hot or good-looking, it is also used metaphorically to describe an attractive person.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, gato means 'cat'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal situations, you should use homem atraente to mean 'attractive man'. In casual conversation, gato is a common informal term. For a more flirtatious and informal way to say 'hot guy', you can use gato gostoso.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the slang term gatão is used to refer to a good-looking man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: use gatos when referring to multiple attractive men, and use the feminine form gata to describe a hot girl.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡa.tu/. The first of two syllables is stressed.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, a gato is also a term for an illegal electrical connection that steals power from the grid.
- While gato means 'hot guy', the word gostoso specifically evokes a sense of taste and deliciousness.
- The English word 'cat' and the Portuguese gato share the same distant roots, likely originating from an ancient Afroasiatic source.
Examples in context
- Aquele homem ali é realmente atraente.That man over there is really attractive.
- A Sophia está sempre rodeada de gatos.Sophia is always surrounded by hot guys.
- A Maria sempre cai de amores por um gato gostoso como aquele.Maria always falls for a hot guy like that.
- Aquele jogador é muito gato.That player is a very hot guy.
- O seu novo chefe é um gato.Your new boss is a hot guy.
- Vi um gato no café hoje.I saw a hot guy at the cafe today.
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are watching people at a cafe.
- JulianaFelipe, olha aquele cara ali. Ele é muito gato!Felipe, look at that guy over there. He is very hot!
- FelipeEu concordo, ele é realmente bonito.I agree, he is really handsome.
- JulianaSerá que ele está sozinho?I wonder if he is alone?
- FelipeParece que sim, Juliana.It seems so, Juliana.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
