pega
/ˈpe.ɡɐ/feminine
The English word magpie is translated into Portuguese as pega. Wiktionary also lists gralha.
Meaning: bird of genus Pica (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gralha | /ˈɡɾa.ʎɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈɡɾa.ʎɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| pega | /ˈpe.ɡɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈpe.ɡɐ/ (Portugal) /ˈpe.ɡɐ/ (Portugal, Southern) /ˈpɛ.ɡɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈpɛ.ɡɐ/ (Portugal) /ˈpɛ.ɡɐ/ (Portugal, Southern) |
feminine |
The term refers to birds belonging to the genus Pica. In some contexts, a related name papa-arroz is used, which literally translates to "rice-eater".
Which one should you use?
While pega is a common term for the magpie, the word gralha is used to refer to various members of the corvid family, which can include some magpies depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term gralha is often used in certain Portuguese-speaking regions to refer to various members of the corvid family, including some magpies.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both gralha and pega are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word pega is pronounced as /ˈpe.ɡɐ/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The term gralha is used beyond biology to describe a mistake in a printed text or a typo, similar to the English word 'erratum'.
- While pega refers to the bird, the expression pega no sono is used in Portuguese to say someone is falling asleep.
- The word pega can also refer to a 'snare' or 'trap' because it originates from the Latin pedica, meaning a foot-trap.
Examples in context
- Não é um corvo, uma gralha, ou uma pega. É uma gralha calva.It's not a raven, a crow, nor a magpie. It's a rook.This sentence is useful for distinguishing between different types of birds using the form gralha.Tatoeba #6046061 by sergiomelo, translation #2703204 by Hybrid
- A pega é uma ave.The magpie is a bird.This sentence is useful for identifying the magpie as a bird using the form pega.Tatoeba #8254527 by Adelpa, translation #6783003 by CataG
- A pega-rabuda é uma ave.The Eurasian magpie is a bird.This sentence is useful for identifying the Eurasian magpie using the form pega.Tatoeba #8254517 by Adelpa, translation #8111001 by danepo
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are watching birds in a park.
- LucasOlha aquela ave ali! O que é?Look at that bird over there! What is it?
- CamilaAcho que aquela pega está procurando comida.I think that magpie is looking for food.
- LucasEla é bem bonita e inteligente.It is very beautiful and intelligent.
- CamilaSim, a pega é conhecida por isso.Yes, the magpie is known for that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “magpie” translations and entries gralha, pega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gralha, pega, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
