língua
standard
In Brazil "language" is língua or idioma. Both name the language of a country, as in a língua portuguesa. Linguagem is the ability to use language, like body language or computer code.
Meaning: system of communication of a people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| língua | standard |
| idioma | common, Brazil |
| linguagem | language as a system |
For a programming language Brazilians say linguagem de programação, and for body language linguagem corporal.
Which one should you use?
Idioma is a very common word for a national language, as in Que idioma você fala? Língua also means "tongue", the part of the mouth.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not say linguagem for a language such as English or French. Use língua or idioma instead.
Did you know?
- Portuguese is the only official language of Brazil, and it is the most widely spoken language in South America.
Examples in context
- Qual idioma você fala?Which language do you speak?
- A língua portuguesa é bonita.The Portuguese language is beautiful.
- Ele estuda linguagem de programação.He studies programming languages.
Example conversation
Emma and Vinícius talk about languages at a university in Porto Alegre.
- EmmaQuantas línguas você fala?How many languages do you speak?
- ViníciusFalo três idiomas.I speak three languages.
- EmmaEu só falo inglês e um pouco de português.I only speak English and a bit of Portuguese.
