When it comes to measuring in inches, a unit commonly used in various contexts, it is essential to know how to express this measurement in Portuguese. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover both formal and informal ways to say “inches” in Portuguese, along with some helpful tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Inches” in Portuguese
1. Polegadas: The most common and formal term for inches in Portuguese is “polegadas.” This term is used throughout all Portuguese-speaking countries and regions, making it universally understood. For instance:
“A tela do computador tem 15 polegadas de largura.”
(The computer screen is 15 inches wide.)
2. Indique a unidade: Another formal way to refer to inches is to express it as “the unit.” This approach is often used in technical or professional contexts, where precision and clarity are important. For example:
“O comprimento do objeto é de 8 unidades.”
(The length of the object is 8 units.)
Informal Ways to Say “Inches” in Portuguese
1. Dedos: In more informal settings, especially in spoken language, Brazilians sometimes refer to inches as “dedos,” which translates to “fingers.” This term is occasionally used to estimate measurements based on the width of a finger. Here’s an example:
“O celular tem cerca de 3 dedos de comprimento.”
(The cell phone is about 3 fingers long.)
Tips and Regional Variations
1. Brazilian Regional Variations: In Brazil, the term “polegadas” remains the most widely used and universally understood term for inches across all regions. However, as previously mentioned, in more informal contexts, some individuals may use “dedos.”
2. European Variations: In European Portuguese, the term “polegadas” is also commonly used, ensuring clarity and understanding among all Portuguese speakers.
Additional Examples
To further enhance your understanding, let’s explore a few more examples:
- A bookshelf with six shelves: “A estante tem seis prateleiras, cada uma com 12 polegadas de altura.”
- (The bookshelf has six shelves, each with a height of 12 inches.)
- The TV screen size: “O tamanho da tela da TV é 40 polegadas.”
- (The size of the TV screen is 40 inches.)
- A carpenter discussing measurements: “Precisamos cortar essa tábua em 18 polegadas.”
- (We need to cut this board into 18 inches.)
In Conclusion
Now that you’ve completed this guide, you are equipped with the knowledge of how to express “inches” in Portuguese. Remember, “polegadas” is the commonly used term across formal contexts and regions, while the more informal “dedos” is occasionally used in Brazil. By utilizing these terms appropriately, you can effectively communicate measurements in Portuguese-speaking environments. Keep practicing, and soon measuring in inches will become second nature!
