calota
/kaˈlɔ.tɐ/
The Portuguese word for hubcap is calota.
calota refers to the decorative disk used on vehicle wheels.
Meaning: decorative disk for wheels (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say hubcaps, use the plural form calotas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kaˈlɔ.tɐ/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word calota is used in anatomy to describe the 'calvaria', the top part of the skull. This usage refers to the skull's dome-like shape.
- Brazilian mechanics sometimes use the slang term copinho for center caps. This translates literally as 'little cup'.
- The word calota shares its roots with the French word for a small, skullcap-style hat. This connection is why the word can also refer to a specific type of headgear in certain historical contexts.
Examples in context
- A tampa de roda do meu carro caiu durante a viagem.The hubcap of my car fell off during the trip.
- Preciso comprar uma nova tampa de roda para o meu veículo.I need to buy a new hubcap for my vehicle.
- Infelizmente, roubaram as tampas de roda do automóvel estacionado na rua.Unfortunately, they stole the hubcaps from the car parked on the street.
- A calota do carro está riscada.The car's hubcap is scratched.
- Preciso comprar uma calota nova.I need to buy a new hubcap.
- A calota de plástico caiu da roda.The plastic hubcap fell off the wheel.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are looking at his car in the driveway.
- MarianaRodrigo, a sua calota sumiu!Rodrigo, your hubcap is gone!
- RodrigoPuxa, eu não vi isso.Man, I didn't see that.
- MarianaVocê deve procurar uma nova.You should look for a new one.
- RodrigoVou verificar na loja amanhã.I will check at the shop tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hubcap” translations and entries calota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
