joias
The English word "jewellery" is translated into Portuguese as joias.
The term joias is used to refer to personal ornamentation.
Meaning: personal ornamentation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While joias refers to precious jewellery, the word bijuterias is used for inexpensive, costume jewellery.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form joias is the standard way to refer to jewellery in a general sense. The singular form joia refers to a single piece of jewellery or a jewel.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, joia is used as a slang gesture and word to mean 'everything is great' or 'OK'. To say this, a person gives a thumbs-up while saying joia.
- In Brazil, the term semijoias describes a specific middle ground between 'joias' and 'bijuterias', referring to high-quality plated pieces that look real.
- If you call a person a joia, you are not calling them a piece of jewellery, but rather describing them as a 'gem' or a very precious, wonderful person.
Examples in context
- É um costume bengali que as senhoras, especialmente as jovens, devam usar sempre as suas joias, mesmo durante as viagens.It is a Bengali custom that ladies, especially young ladies, must always wear their jewellery, even when travelling.This sentence illustrates a custom regarding how ladies wear their joias.Tatoeba #11215673 by Cangarejo, translation #11215669 by Cangarejo
- Eu estou procurando uma loja que venda joias exclusivas.I'm looking for a store that sells unique jewellery.
- Minha amiga adora bijuterias extravagantes.My friend loves extravagant fashion jewelry.
- Ela adora comprar joias novas.She loves buying new jewellery.
- As joias de ouro são muito caras.The gold jewellery is very expensive.
Example conversation
A woman is showing her new jewelry to a man in a shop.
- JulianaGabriel, veja estas joias lindas!Gabriel, look at this beautiful jewellery!
- GabrielElas são realmente muito brilhantes, Juliana.They are really very bright, Juliana.
- JulianaEu quero comprar estas joias hoje.I want to buy this jewellery today.
- GabrielVocê merece um presente assim.You deserve a gift like this.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry joias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
