prefeito
/pɾeˈfej.tu/Brazil, masculine
The English word 'mayor' is translated into Portuguese as prefeito. Wiktionary also lists presidente da câmara.
Meaning: leader of a city (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prefeito | /pɾeˈfej.tu/ (Brazil) /pɾɨˈfɐj.tu/ (Portugal) |
Brazil, masculine |
| presidente da câmara | /pɾe.ziˈdẽ.t͡ʃi da ˈkɐ̃.ma.ɾɐ/ (Brazil) /pɾɨ.ziˈdẽ.tɨ dɐ ˈkɐ.mɐ.ɾɐ/ (Portugal) |
Portugal, feminine, masculine |
The word refers to the leader of a city.
Which one should you use?
In Brazil, the term for mayor is prefeito, whereas in Portugal, the term presidente da câmara is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term prefeito is used in Brazil. The term presidente da câmara is used in Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Brazil, the feminine form of prefeito is prefeita. The plural form prefeitos is used for a group of male mayors or a mixed-gender group. The plural form prefeitas is used for a group of female mayors.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of prefeito is /pɾeˈfej.tu/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word câmara is a linguistic relative of the English word 'camera'.
- In some Brazilian contexts, calling someone a prefeito jokingly can refer to a person who acts like a bossy overseer of a small group.
- The Portuguese word prefeito shares a common ancestor with the English word 'prefect', used in many contexts like school discipline or police hierarchies.
Examples in context
- Ele foi eleito prefeito.He was elected mayor.This sentence is useful for showing how someone can be elected as prefeito.Tatoeba #1072474 by alexmarcelo, translation #297172 by CK
- Ela será o próximo prefeito.She will be the next mayor.This sentence is useful for describing a future mayor using prefeito.Tatoeba #11519681 by carlosalberto, translation #11519662 by carlosalberto
- Tom vai concorrer a prefeito.Tom will run for mayor.This sentence is useful for describing running for the office of prefeito.Tatoeba #7827879 by Ricardo14, translation #6440161 by CK
- O prefeito da cidade fez um discurso inspirador durante a cerimônia de abertura.The mayor of the city delivered an inspiring speech during the opening ceremony.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are discussing local politics in the city center.
- GabrielO prefeito prometeu reformar esta praça.The mayor promised to renovate this square.
- BeatrizVocê acha que o prefeito vai cumprir?Do you think the mayor will follow through?
- GabrielNão sei, mas precisamos cobrar dele.I don't know, but we need to hold him accountable.
- BeatrizConcordo, Gabriel. Vamos escrever uma carta.I agree, Gabriel. Let's write a letter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mayor” translations and entries prefeito, presidente da câmara, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries câmara, da, prefeito, presidente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
