cordeiro
/koʁˈde(j).ɾu/masculine
The Portuguese word for lamb is cordeiro. If unsure, use cordeiro. Wiktionary also lists anho.
Meaning: young sheep (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cordeiro | /koʁˈde(j).ɾu/ (Brazil) /koɾˈde(j).ɾu/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| anho | /ˈɐ̃.ɲu/ (Brazil) /ˈɐ.ɲu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
cordeiro is the standard term for a lamb. It is used in both general contexts and in culinary contexts. Metaphorically, cordeiro is often used to describe a person who is innocent, gentle or submissive, much like the English use of the word 'lamb'.
Which one should you use?
While cordeiro is the standard and most common term, anho specifically refers to a sheep that is one year old in terms of its biological age.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both anho and cordeiro are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /koʁˈde(j).ɾu/.
Did you know?
- The word cordeiro stems from the Latin agnus cordus, which referred specifically to a 'late-born lamb'.
- In Portuguese, describing a person as a cordeiro can be a way to call them a 'pushover' or someone easily manipulated, rather than just being sweet.
- The word anho sounds very similar to the Portuguese word for 'year', which is ano, despite having a different origin.
Examples in context
- O lobo atacou o cordeiro.The wolf attacked the lamb.This sentence is useful for seeing the word cordeiro used in a sentence about a wolf's attack.Tatoeba #5106574 by alexmarcelo, translation #5972148 by CarpeLanam
- Vês o cordeiro do meu irmão?Do you see my brother's lamb?This sentence shows how to use cordeiro when referring to someone's animal.Tatoeba #1916209 by alexmarcelo, translation #2754934 by mervert1
- O cordeiro foi morto pelo lobo.The lamb was killed by the wolf.This sentence demonstrates the use of cordeiro in a passive construction regarding a wolf.Tatoeba #6558968 by heo598, translation #246104 by adjusting
- Eu adoro o sabor do cordeiro assado.I love the taste of roast lamb.
- Você já experimentou cordeiro grelhado?Have you ever tried grilled lamb?
- Vamos fazer um churrasco com carne de carneiro.Let's have a barbecue with lamb.
- Minha mãe prepara um ensopado delicioso de carne de carneiro.My mother makes a delicious lamb stew.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are visiting a farm.
- RodrigoOlha que cordeiro tão fofo!Look at such a cute lamb!
- BeatrizEle é mesmo muito pequeno.He really is very small.
- RodrigoPodemos dar comida ao cordeiro?Can we feed the lamb?
- BeatrizSim, o dono deixou.Yes, the owner allowed it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb” translations and entries cordeiro, anho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anho, cordeiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
