menininha
/me.nĩˈnĩ.ɲɐ/
The Portuguese phrase for "little girl" is menininha.
Menininha is an endearing form of menina often used by family members or close friends to refer to a female child. You may also use garotinha, which uses the root garota (girl), to say "little girl", often used figuratively to express endearment or when talking about someone younger.
Meaning: a female child (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from menino (boy/child) with the feminine suffix -inha, which denotes both smallness and an affectionate tone.
Which one should you use?
While menininha specifically refers to a female child, menininho is the masculine form used for a little boy.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the word plural, add -s to the end to form menininhas.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /me.nĩˈnĩ.ɲɐ/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word garota is more common in Brazil, whereas in Portugal, rapariga is the standard word for 'girl'. However, in Brazil, rapariga can be a derogatory term for a prostitute.
- The word menino is an old Portuguese term that originally referred to a 'servant' or a 'page' before it became the general word for a boy.
- In many parts of Brazil, calling a woman a menininha can be a way to patronize her, implying she is acting immature or lacks authority.
Examples in context
- Ana é uma menininha.Ann is a little girl.This sentence uses menininha to identify a person.Tatoeba #6015087 by alexmarcelo, translation #66840 by CN
- A menininha é bonita.The little girl is beautiful.This sentence uses menininha as the subject of the sentence.Tatoeba #8492148 by alexmarcelo, translation #1755379 by Betsemes
- A menininha está chorando.The little girl is crying.This sentence uses menininha to describe someone's current action.Tatoeba #6015128 by alexmarcelo, translation #6387311 by CarpeLanam
- A menina está brincando no parque.The little girl is playing at the park.
- A garotinha é muito inteligente.The little girl is very intelligent.
- A miúda adora brincar com bonecas.The little girl loves playing with dolls.
- A guria é muito esperta.The little girl is very clever.
- Vem cá, garotinha!Come here, little girl!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their niece at a park.
- JulianaA nossa menininha está brincando no parque.Our little girl is playing in the park.
- RodrigoEla é uma menininha muito feliz.She is a very happy little girl.
- JulianaRodrigo, veja como a menininha corre rápido!Rodrigo, look how fast the little girl runs!
- RodrigoSim, ela é uma menininha muito esperta.Yes, she is a very smart little girl.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry menininha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
