pedreiro
/peˈdɾe(j).ɾu/masculine
In Portuguese, the word for mason is pedreiro.
A mason is someone who builds with stone or brick. You can use the informal expression pedreiro de mão cheia to describe a highly skilled expert in the trade.
Meaning: one who builds with stone or brick (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is pedreiro. To refer to a female mason, use pedreira. For plural forms, use pedreiros for a group of men or a mixed group and pedreiras to refer specifically to a group of female masons.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /peˈdɾe(j).ɾu/.
Did you know?
- The word pedreira can mean a female mason, but it also refers to a 'quarry' where stones are extracted.
- While pedreiro refers to a mason, the term is often used colloquially in Brazil to refer to any construction worker, even those not working specifically with stone.
- Ancient Greek is the original source of the root pétra, which travelled through Latin into the Old Galician-Portuguese used to form pedreiro.
Examples in context
- O pelo do peito do pé do padrasto do pedreiro do padre Pedro é preto. Quem disser que o pelo do peito do pé do padrasto do pedreiro do padre Pedro não é preto, tem o pelo do peito do pé mais preto do que o pelo preto do peito do pé do padrasto do pedreiro do padre Pedro.The hair on the instep of the foot of the stepfather of Father Pedro's mason is black. Whoever says the hair of the inset of the foot of the stepfather of Father Pedro's mason isn't black has blacker hair on the instep of the foot than the black hair of the instep of the foot of the stepfather of Father Pedro's mason.This sentence is useful for practicing the pronunciation and repetition of the word pedreiro.Tatoeba #376769 by brauliobezerra, translation #376800 by brauliobezerra
- Contratamos um pedreiro para construir a parede.We hired a mason to build the wall.
- O mestre de obra supervisiona a equipe de pedreiros.The master mason supervises the team of masons.
- Aqui está o pedreirinho que vai consertar o vazamento.Here comes the little mason who will fix the leak.
- O João é um pedreiro de mão cheia, faz trabalhos incríveis!João is a truly skilled mason, he does amazing work!
- Onde posso encontrar um trolha experiente para essa reforma?Where can I find an experienced mason for this renovation?
- O pedreiro está construindo o muro.The mason is building the wall.
- Precisamos contratar um pedreiro para a obra.We need to hire a mason for the construction work.
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are discussing repairs for their new house.
- MarianaFelipe, o pedreiro já chegou?Felipe, has the mason arrived yet?
- FelipeAinda não, Mariana, ele deve chegar logo.Not yet, Mariana, he should arrive soon.
- MarianaEle vai consertar o telhado também?Will he fix the roof too?
- FelipeNão, para isso chamaremos um telhadista.No, for that we will call a roofer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mason” translations and entries pedreiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pedreiro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
