quebra-cabeça
/ˌkɛ.bɾɐ.kaˈbe.sɐ/masculine
The English phrase "jigsaw puzzle" is translated into Portuguese as quebra-cabeça. Wiktionary also lists puzzle.
Meaning: type of puzzle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| quebra-cabeça | /ˌkɛ.bɾɐ.kaˈbe.sɐ/ (Brazil) /ˌkɛ.bɾɐ.kɐˈbe.sɐ/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| puzzle | /ˈpɐ.zow/ (Brazil) /ˈpɐ.zɨl/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
quebra-cabeça refers to a type of puzzle. It can be used to describe physical jigsaw puzzles or used metaphorically to describe an enigma or a difficult problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The word quebra-cabeça is a compound formed from the verb quebrar (to break) and cabeça (head), literally meaning "break-head".
Which one should you use?
The pack lists two forms: puzzle, which is a masculine noun and quebra-cabeça, which is a masculine noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the term puzzle de encaixe is used as an alternative way to say jigsaw puzzle.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "jigsaw puzzles", use quebra-cabeças.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable: /ˌkɛ.bɾɐ.kaˈbe.sɐ/.
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'jigsaw', which refers to a specific tool, the Portuguese term focuses entirely on the mental effort of the person solving it.
- The word cabeça inside the phrase shares an ancient root with the Latin 'caput', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'capital'.
- Because quebra-cabeça can mean any enigma, a Portuguese speaker might use it to describe a complex murder mystery or a political scandal.
Examples in context
- Tom completou o quebra-cabeça.Tom completed the jigsaw puzzle.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone completed a quebra-cabeça.Tatoeba #1520508 by alexmarcelo, translation #1517921 by Spamster
- Eu sinto que esse foi um quebra-cabeça relativamente difícil.I felt it was a relatively difficult jigsaw puzzle.This sentence shows how to describe a quebra-cabeça as being difficult.Tatoeba #4928724 by Guilherme, translation #328694 by fcbond
- Eu adoro resolver quebra-cabeças nas minhas horas vagas.I love solving jigsaw puzzles in my spare time.
- Vamos fazer puzzles hoje à noite?Shall we do puzzles tonight?
- Este quebra-cabeça tem mil peças.This jigsaw puzzle has a thousand pieces.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing in the living room on a rainy afternoon.
- GabrielJuliana, você quer montar um quebra-cabeça?Juliana, do you want to do a jigsaw puzzle?
- JulianaSim, eu adoro esse quebra-cabeça novo.Yes, I love this new jigsaw puzzle.
- GabrielEle parece ser um quebra-cabeça divertido.It looks like a fun jigsaw puzzle.
- JulianaVamos começar logo, Gabriel.Let's start right away, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jigsaw puzzle” translations and entries quebra-cabeça, puzzle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries puzzle, quebra-cabeça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
