João
/ʒoˈɐ̃w̃/masculine
The English name John is translated into Portuguese as João.
João is a masculine given name used for males.
Meaning: male given name (name)
Which one should you use?
Joãozinho is an informal diminutive form of João that conveys familiarity and affection.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒoˈɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- The phrase João ninguém is a Portuguese idiom used to describe a person who is a complete nobody or an insignificant person.
- In some religious contexts in Portugal and Brazil, João is associated with the 'São João' festivals, which celebrate St. John the Baptist with massive bonfires and dancing.
- The name João is a doublet of the name Geovane in Portuguese, meaning they both originate from the same root word despite sounding completely different.
Examples in context
- Meu nome é João.My name's John.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself using the name João.Tatoeba #1592055 by alexmarcelo, translation #1588560 by jonr
- Boa noite, Sr. João.Good evening, Mr. John.
- Gostaria de lhe apresentar o Sr. João André.I'd like to introduce you to John Andrew.
- O João é meu irmão.João is my brother.
- Você conhece o João?Do you know João?
- 131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a small cafe, Juliana asks Lucas about a friend.
- JulianaVocê viu o João hoje?Did you see João today?
- LucasAinda não vi o João.I haven't seen João yet.
- JulianaEle deve chegar logo.He should arrive soon.
- LucasEspero que ele venha.I hope he comes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “john” translations and entries João, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries João, joão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
