colo
/ˈkɔ.lu/masculine
In Portuguese, the English phrase "lap" is translated as colo. Wiktionary also lists regaço.
Meaning: upper legs of a seated person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colo | /ˈkɔ.lu/ (Brazil) /ˈkɔ.lu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| regaço | /ʁeˈɡa.su/ (Brazil) /ʁeˈɡa.su/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
The word refers to the upper legs of a seated person. You can use the phrase no colo to describe a child being held or sitting on a lap. To specify whose lap is being referred to, use the construction no colo de followed by the person.
Which one should you use?
While colo is the standard word for lap, regaço is a more poetic or literary term for the same thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both colo and regaço are masculine nouns. When specifying ownership, use the construction no colo de followed by the person.
How do you pronounce it?
The word colo is pronounced /ˈkɔ.lu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word colo shares the same Latin root as the English word 'collar' and the French word cou, meaning 'neck'.
- The term colo is often used in the expression pedir colo, which means to ask for affection or attention rather than literally asking to sit on a lap.
- Portuguese uses colo to describe the act of holding a baby, even if the person is standing and the baby is resting against their chest.
Examples in context
- Sente-se no meu colo.Sit on my lap.This sentence is useful for inviting someone to sit on your lap using colo.Tatoeba #9239206 by bill, translation #9234077 by CK
- Posso sentar no seu colo?Can I sit on your lap?This sentence is useful for asking permission to sit on someone's lap using colo.Tatoeba #6013612 by bill, translation #3222969 by CK
- Tom caiu do colo de sua mãe.Tom fell off his mother's lap.This sentence is useful for describing someone falling off a lap using colo.Tatoeba #5139489 by bill, translation #3823188 by CK
- A criança sentou-se no meu colo.The child sat on my lap.
- Deita no meu regaço.Lie down on my lap.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juliana is holding a sleeping baby in her lap.
- GabrielO bebê dormiu no seu colo.The baby fell asleep in your lap.
- JulianaSim, ele está bem tranquilo agora.Yes, he is very calm now.
- GabrielPosso segurá-lo no meu colo?Can I hold him in my lap?
- JulianaCuidado para não acordar o Gabriel.Be careful not to wake Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lap” translations and entries colo, regaço, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colo, regaço, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
