expressão idiomática
feminine
The English word 'idiom' is translated into Portuguese as expressão idiomática. Wiktionary also lists idioma.
Meaning: idiomatic expression (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| expressão idiomática | feminine | |
| idioma | /i.d͡ʒiˈõ.mɐ/ (Brazil) /iˈd͡ʒjõ.mɐ/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
In Portuguese, an idiom is referred to as an expressão idiomática. You may also use the term Frases Feitas to refer to set phrases or idiomatic expressions.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between different terms: idioma refers to a language itself, whereas expressão idiomática refers to an idiomatic expression.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase expressão idiomática is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use idioma to mean 'idiom'. In Portuguese, idioma actually means 'language'.
Did you know?
- The word expressão comes from the Latin concept of 'pressing out', suggesting that an expression is something being 'pushed out' from the mind.
- The term Frases Feitas literally translates to 'made phrases', which is how Portuguese speakers often describe clichés or set expressions.
- If you want to sound more casual when talking about common sayings, you might call them ditados instead of the formal expressões idiomáticas.
Examples in context
- É uma expressão idiomática.It's an idiom.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is an expressão idiomática.Tatoeba #5955628 by bill, translation #5953585 by mailohilohi
- Matar dois coelhos com uma cajadada sóTo kill two birds with one stone
- Quando estou na cidade grande, aproveito para fazer compras e visitar meus amigos. Assim, mato dois coelhos com uma cajadada só.When I'm in the big city, I take the opportunity to go shopping and visit my friends. That way, I kill two birds with one stone.
- Chover no molhadoTo state the obvious
- Não se preocupe em explicar tudo de novo. Está chovendo no molhado.Don't worry about explaining everything again. You're stating the obvious.
- Eu não entendi essa expressão idiomática.I didn't understand this idiomatic expression.
- Essa expressão idiomática é muito comum no Brasil.This idiomatic expression is very common in Brazil.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are studying Portuguese together.
- BeatrizLucas, o que significa essa expressão idiomática?Lucas, what does this idiomatic expression mean?
- LucasÉ uma expressão idiomática difícil, Beatriz.It is a difficult idiomatic expression, Beatriz.
- BeatrizVocê pode me explicar o sentido dela?Can you explain the meaning of it to me?
- LucasClaro, eu ajudo você com ela.Sure, I will help you with it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiom” translations and entries idioma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries expressão, idioma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
