luz
/ˈlu(j)s/feminine
The English word "light" is luz in Portuguese.
luz is used to refer to light. Related terms include the verb iluminar (to illuminate) and the adjective pingado, which specifically describes coffee served with extra milk or cream.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Which one should you use?
luz is the standard singular form, while luzes is the plural form for "lights".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
luz is a feminine noun, which means that any adjectives used to describe it must also be in the feminine form. The plural form is luzes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlu(j)s/
When do people say it?
The phrase É importante ser uma luz para os outros (It's important to be a light for others) is a common way to express the idea of being a positive influence or a guide for other people.
Did you know?
- When describing a 'light' color in Portuguese, you cannot use luz. Instead, you must use claro, as luz refers only to the illumination and not the shade of a color.
- In Brazil, the word luz is often used as a synonym for 'electricity'. If a Brazilian says a luz acabou, they mean the power went out, not that the sun vanished.
- The Portuguese word luz shares the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root, *lewk-, as the English word 'light'.
Examples in context
- Posso ver a luz.I can see the light.This sentence shows how to use luz to express the ability to see it.Tatoeba #978103 by alexmarcelo, translation #323700 by CK
- A luz está acesa.The light is on.This sentence is useful for stating that the luz is currently on.Tatoeba #1296225 by brauliobezerra, translation #322968 by CK
- Não apague a luz.Don't turn off the light.This sentence provides an example of how to instruct someone not to turn off the luz.Tatoeba #2431076 by alexmarcelo, translation #279154 by CK
- A luz do sol é maravilhosa.The sunlight is wonderful.
- Esse projeto traz clareza aos problemas da empresa.This project brings light to the company's issues.
- A iluminação da sala de estar é agradável.The lighting in the living room is pleasant.
- Vou ligar a luzinha da varanda.I'm going to turn on the little light in the balcony.
- O quarto está muito claro!The bedroom is very bright!
- Vamos abrir as cortinas para entrar um pouco de claridade.Let's open the curtains to let some light in.
- A verdadeira luz está dentro de cada um de nós.The true light is within each one of us.
- 336 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Juliana are sitting in a park at sunset.
- FelipeOlhe para a luz do pôr do sol.Look at the light of the sunset.
- JulianaÉ uma luz muito especial, Felipe.It is a very special light, Felipe.
- FelipeA luz está mudando de cor.The light is changing color.
- JulianaEu adoro essa luz suave.I love this soft light.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries luz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries luz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
