baile de máscaras
masculine
The English phrase 'masquerade' can be translated into Portuguese as baile de máscaras.
The term refers to a party or assembly of people wearing masks and costumes. You can also use the related verb mascarar to describe the act of concealing something or someone with masks.
Meaning: party or assembly of people wearing masks and costumes (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase baile de máscaras literally translates to 'ball of masks'.
Which one should you use?
While baile de máscaras refers specifically to a masquerade ball, Festa de Máscaras is used to mean a 'mask party'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the expression noite de máscaras can be used to refer to a masquerade.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun baile de máscaras is masculine, meaning you should use the masculine article o (o baile de máscaras).
Did you know?
- The word baile comes from the Ancient Greek verb ballízō, meaning 'to throw'. This suggests that early dancing was viewed as a series of jumping or throwing motions of the body.
- The verb mascarar is commonly used in Portuguese to describe hiding a truth or 'sugarcoating' a bad situation, even when no physical masks are present.
- The term baile is a versatile word in Portuguese that can refer to any formal dance party, regardless of whether costumes are worn.
Examples in context
- Você estará presente no baile de máscaras essa noite?Will you be attending the masquerade ball tonight?
- Vamos nos divertir na festa de máscaras na próxima semana!Let's have fun at the mask party next week!
- Eles foram a um baile de máscaras.They went to a masquerade.
- O baile de máscaras foi muito luxuoso.The masquerade was very luxurious.
- Você aceitou o convite para o baile de máscaras?Did you accept the invitation to the masquerade?
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are discussing their plans for a weekend event.
- BeatrizFelipe, você vai ao baile de máscaras hoje?Felipe, are you going to the masquerade today?
- FelipeSim, eu estou muito animado para o baile de máscaras.Yes, I am very excited for the masquerade.
- BeatrizEu também! Vou usar uma máscara de gato.Me too! I am going to use a cat mask.
- FelipeA sua máscara vai ficar linda, Beatriz.Your mask will look beautiful, Beatriz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “masquerade” translations and entries baile de máscaras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baile, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
