Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| meio | /ˈmej.u/ (Brazil) /ˈmɐj.u/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| centro | /ˈsẽ.tɾu/ (Brazil) /ˈsẽ.tɾu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
meio is a common and versatile term used to describe a middle position or a midpoint. Depending on the context, it can also mean half, such as when expressing a quantity or a division.
Which one should you use?
meio refers generally to a middle position or a halfway point, and it is also the standard word for half in many expressions. In contrast, centro specifically refers to a geographical, physical or geometric center point.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When meio is used as an adverb meaning 'halfway' or 'in the middle' (for example, in the phrase dobrar ao meio), it remains invariable and does not change for gender or number. Additionally, the related adjective central means central, while médio means located in the middle or in between.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈmej.u/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using meio as an adverb meaning 'somewhat' (for example, meio cansado). In this case, it must remain meio and should not change to meia to agree with the subject.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, meio can mean 'way' or 'means' as in 'a way of doing something'.
- The Portuguese word centro shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'center', but its Greek root actually refers to a 'sharp point' or something that 'stings'.
- While meio means 'half', the word for 'midnight' is meia-noite, meaning 'half-night'.
Examples in context
- O do meio é meu.The middle one is mine.This sentence uses meio to identify which object in a sequence is the speaker's.Tatoeba #13708328 by carlosalberto, translation #3168161 by CK
- Dobre o papel ao meio.Fold the paper in the middle.This sentence shows how to use meio when describing folding something in the middle.Tatoeba #6009766 by bill, translation #47336 by Eldad
- Meu nome do meio é Tom.My middle name is Tom.This sentence demonstrates the use of meio in the context of a middle name.Tatoeba #4892519 by bill, translation #2891720 by CK
- No meio da cidade, há um belo parque.In the middle of the city, there is a beautiful park.
- Estamos no centro da cidade.We are in the city center.
- Eu e meu amigo nos encontramos no meio do caminho.My friend and I met halfway.
- Vamos encontrar um meio termo nesta discussão.Let's find a compromise in this discussion.
- No meio da avenida, há uma praça movimentada.In the middle of the avenue, there is a busy square.
- O filme está no meio e ficará cada vez mais emocionante.The movie is in the middle and will become more exciting.
- Vou esperar no meio do caminho.I will wait in the middle of the way.
- Qual é o meio mais rápido de chegar ao aeroporto?What is the fastest way to get to the airport?
- 116 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are arranging furniture in their new living room.
- CamilaFelipe, onde colocamos o tapete?Felipe, where do we put the rug?
- FelipePode colocar bem no meio da sala.You can put it right in the middle of the room.
- CamilaVocê acha que fica bom no meio?Do you think it looks good in the middle?
- FelipeSim, Camila, vai ficar ótimo.Yes, Camila, it will look great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle” translations and entries meio, centro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries centro, meio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
