Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| passar | /paˈsa(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /paˈsa(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| passar a ferro | /paˈsa(ɾ) a ˈfɛ.ʁu/ (Brazil) |
| engomar | /ẽ.ɡoˈma(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /ĩ.ɡoˈma(ʁ)/ (Brazil) |
The verb passar is the most common, everyday way to express the action of using an iron on clothing. While passar can also mean 'to pass' or 'to go through', in the context of clothing, it refers specifically to ironing. It is common to use the object roupas (clothes) directly with passar to say 'to iron clothes'. If you need to specify a steam iron, you can use the term ferro a vapor.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun for the household appliance is ferro de passar, which literally means 'iron for passing'.
Which one should you use?
The verb engomar is a more specific term for the act of ironing, whereas passar is the more common, everyday way to express the action. You may also encounter the colloquial phrase passar a ferro.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Passar and engomar are standard, while passar a ferro is considered colloquial.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/paˈsa(ʁ)/
When do people say it?
In a domestic context, if someone mentions a Prancha, they are informally referring to a flat iron used specifically for hair straightening.
Did you know?
- The term engomar comes from the word for 'starch' (goma), as the original purpose was to stiffen fabric rather than just remove wrinkles.
- The word ferro descends from the Latin ferrum, which was the general term for iron and the material used for swords and armor.
Examples in context
- O trabalho deles é passar roupas.Their job is to iron clothes.This sentence shows how to use passar when referring to ironing clothes.Tatoeba #4685888 by Ricardo14, translation #1771354 by Amastan
- Eu tenho de passar a minha camisa.I have to iron my shirt.This sentence demonstrates using passar in the context of ironing a shirt.Tatoeba #5494746 by bill, translation #53084 by CK
- Comprei um ferro de passar vermelho.I bought a red iron.This sentence uses passar as part of the noun for the tool itself, ferro de passar.Tatoeba #12009848 by carlosalberto, translation #12009842 by carlosalberto
- Eu preciso comprar um ferro de passar roupas novo.I need to buy a new iron for clothes ironing.
- Eu estou procurando minha prancha para passar a franja.I am looking for my flat iron to straighten my bangs.
- Preciso passar a minha camisa antes da reunião.I need to iron my shirt before the meeting.
- Essa é a melhor marca de ferro a vapor do mercado.This is the best brand of steam iron on the market.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are in their bedroom getting ready for a party.
- CamilaVocê pode passar esta blusa para mim?Can you iron this blouse for me?
- LucasClaro, eu vou passar agora mesmo.Sure, I will iron it right now.
- CamilaObrigada, Lucas. Eu preciso estar impecável.Thank you, Lucas. I need to look perfect.
- LucasFique tranquila, ela vai ficar ótima.Don't worry, it will look great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “iron” translations and entries passar, passar a ferro, engomar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ferro, passar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
