Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| idioma | /i.d͡ʒiˈõ.mɐ/ (Brazil) /iˈd͡ʒjõ.mɐ/ (Brazil) /iˈdjo.mɐ/ (Portugal) /iˈdjo.mɐ/ (Portugal, Southern) |
masculine |
| língua | /ˈlĩ.ɡwɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈlĩ.ɡwɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
Both terms are used to describe a body of words used for communication. Língua is the most common term for a specific language, such as língua portuguesa and it also refers to the biological organ in the mouth.
What does it mean word for word?
The word língua literally means tongue.
Which one should you use?
While both words translate to language, língua is the everyday term used in most common situations. Idioma is typically reserved for more formal or technical contexts, such as official requirements or linguistic studies.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Portugal, especially in the northern regions, the term fala is occasionally used instead of língua to refer to a local dialect or way of speaking.
How does it change in a sentence?
Língua is a feminine noun, while idioma is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈlĩ.ɡwɐ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word idioma shares an ancient root with the English word 'idiom', but in Portuguese, it is used for the entire language rather than just a peculiar expression.
- Because língua refers to the physical tongue, Portuguese speakers use it in idioms related to taste and speech, such as 'to have a sweet tongue'.
- Portuguese distinguishes between língua as a system of grammar and fala as the actual act of speaking a language.
Examples in context
- É um idioma feio.It's an ugly language.This sentence uses idioma to describe a language.Tatoeba #8076569 by MacGyver, translation #5615957 by mailohilohi
- Sei a sua língua.I know your language.This sentence uses língua to show knowledge of a language.Tatoeba #8883700 by Ricardo14, translation #656787 by janmato
- Que língua é essa?What language is this?This sentence uses língua to ask about a language.Tatoeba #8995600 by lucasmg123, translation #4749473 by CK
- O português é o meu idioma nativo.Portuguese is my native language.
- Que línguas estrangeiras falas?What foreign languages do you speak?
- Adoro aprender novas línguas.I love learning new languages.
- Aquela é a fala típica do norte do país.That is the typical dialect from the northern part of the country.
- 982 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are talking about their studies at a cafe.
- BeatrizRodrigo, você fala alguma língua estrangeira?Rodrigo, do you speak any foreign language?
- RodrigoEu falo um pouco de francês.I speak a little bit of French.
- BeatrizQue língua você quer aprender agora?Which language do you want to learn now?
- RodrigoEu quero aprender a sua língua.I want to learn your language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries idioma, língua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idioma, língua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
