tampa
/ˈtɐ̃.pɐ/feminine
The English word "lid" translates to Portuguese as tampa.
tampa is used broadly for any kind of lid or cap, such as a bottle cap, a jar lid or a container cover.
Meaning: top or cover (noun)
Which one should you use?
While tampa is the noun for a lid, tampar is the verb meaning to cover something or to put a lid on it. The related verb tamponar is more specific than tampar and implies plugging a hole or stuffing something to block it, often used in medical or technical contexts.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈtɐ̃.pɐ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, someone might say they are 'tapar o sol com um dedo' (covering the sun with a finger) to describe a futile attempt to hide a massive problem.
- The word tampa may share a distant common ancestor with the English word 'tap', via the Proto-Germanic root for a stopper or plug.
- While tampa is the object itself, Brazilians often use the verb tampar to describe the act of hiding or masking a truth or a situation.
Examples in context
- Eu abri a tampa.I opened the lid.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb form of opening the tampa.Tatoeba #6474112 by heo598, translation #5852534 by CK
- Onde está a tampa?Where's the lid?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a tampa.Tatoeba #7295576 by iart61, translation #10040526 by Nylez
- Tom fechou a tampa.Tom closed the lid.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb form of closing the tampa.Tatoeba #4398551 by ajdavidl, translation #2548616 by CK
- Por favor, feche a tampa da caixa.Please close the lid of the box.
- Não esqueça de fechar a tampinha do refrigerante.Don't forget to close the lid of the soda.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Gabriel are in the kitchen preparing lunch.
- CamilaGabriel, você viu a tampa da panela?Gabriel, did you see the pot lid?
- GabrielEstá em cima da mesa, Camila.It is on top of the table, Camila.
- CamilaAh, achei a tampa!Ah, I found the lid!
- GabrielQue bom, agora podemos servir o almoço.That's good, now we can serve lunch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lid” translations and entries tampa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tampa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
