How to Say "Legend" in Portuguese

lenda

/ˈlẽ.dɐ/

The Portuguese word for legend (as in a map key) is lenda.

The term lenda refers to both a key used to explain symbols and color codes on a map and to stories from folklore or mythology.

Meaning: key to the symbols and color codes on a map (noun)

Which one should you use?

While lenda can mean a mythical legend or folklore, it is also used to describe a map legend.

In Brazil, bicho papão is the term used for a bogeyman-style legendary figure.

/ˈlẽ.dɐ/. The first of two syllables is stressed.

English speakers often mistakenly use lenda when they actually mean the technical term for a map key, which is legenda in Portuguese.

While lenda describes the story itself, the word for the captions or subtitles on a screen is legenda, which shares the same 'map key' root.
The root of lenda comes from the Latin word for 'to read'. This is because the word originally referred to texts, specifically the lives of saints, that were meant to be read aloud.

O Tom é uma lenda.
Tom is a legend.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a person as a legend using lenda.
Tatoeba #2108739 by alexmarcelo, translation #1414972 by Spamster
Ele é uma verdadeira lenda.
He's a true legend.
This sentence shows how to describe someone as a true legend using lenda.
Tatoeba #1536951 by alexmarcelo, translation #1226604 by CM
O animal tornou-se uma lenda local.
The animal became a local legend.
This sentence demonstrates the use of lenda to describe a local legend.
Tatoeba #5460177 by bill, translation #5463778 by carlosalberto
A lenda de São Jorge
The legend of Saint George
As lendas da mitologia grega
The legends of Greek mythology
As lendas da tradição celta
The legends of Celtic tradition
Ele é uma figura lendária
He is a legendary figure
Esse lugar é um mito
This place is a legend
A lenda do Saci-Pererê é muito famosa no Brasil.
The legend of Saci-Pererê is very famous in Brazil.
Ela é uma figura lendária do rock.
She is a legendary figure in rock music.
Esse restaurante é um mito em termos de qualidade.
This restaurant is a legend in terms of quality.
18 more sentences on Tatoeba

Mariana and Felipe are looking at a hiking map.

Mariana

Onde está a lenda deste mapa?
Where is the legend of this map?
Felipe

Está no canto inferior.
It is in the bottom corner.
Mariana

Ah, entendi o que significa esta cor.
Ah, I understand what this color means.
Felipe

A lenda ajuda muito a ler o mapa.
The legend helps a lot to read the map.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏