larva
/ˈlaʁ.vɐ/feminine
The English word maggot is larva in Portuguese.
The word refers to the larva of a dipterous insect that feeds on decomposing organic matter.
Meaning: dipterous insect's larva that eats decomposing organic matter (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
larva is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaʁ.vɐ/. The word has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of larva refers to the masks worn by actors in ancient Roman comedies, which were meant to look ghostly.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the term larva can be used as a slang term for someone who is lazy or lacks ambition.
- While larva is the scientific term, in many informal Brazilian contexts, people might use the word bicho to refer to a maggot if they are being unrefined.
Examples in context
- Ninguém se atrevia a tocar numa ferida causada por larvas, uma ferida grave para um burro.Nobody dared to touch a maggot wound, a serious wound for a donkey.This sentence illustrates the use of larva in a medical or physical context regarding a wound.Tatoeba #10903587 by Cangarejo, translation #10903586 by Cangarejo
- Cientistas da Universidade de Swansea estão a investigar a possibilidade de que as secreções de larvas possam ter algumas propriedades potentes para combater micróbios.Scientists at Swansea University are investigating the possibility that maggot secretions may have some potent bug-fighting abilities.This sentence shows how larva is used in a scientific context regarding secretions and microbes.Tatoeba #10880102 by Cangarejo, translation #10880100 by Cangarejo
- Cuidado ao comer aquela fruta, pode ter vermes dentro!Be careful when eating that fruit, it might have worms inside!
- Encontrei uma larva na fruta estragada.I found a maggot in the rotten fruit.
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are cleaning the backyard together.
- LucasMariana, olha aquela larva no lixo!Mariana, look at that maggot in the trash!
- MarianaQue nojo! Tira isso daqui agora.How gross! Get that out of here now.
- LucasVou jogar tudo fora com a pá.I'll throw it all away with the shovel.
- MarianaTudo bem, Lucas, seja rápido.Alright, Lucas, be quick.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maggot” translations and entries larva, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries larva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
