anão
/aˈnɐ̃w̃/masculine
The Portuguese word for midget is anão.
The term is used to describe a person of small stature with an adult height of less than 4'10"."
Meaning: person of small stature of adult height less than 4'10" (noun)
Which one should you use?
The masculine form anão and its plural anões are used for males or mixed groups, while the feminine form anã and its plural anãs are used for females.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female, use anã. For multiple males or a mixed-gender group, use the plural anões. For multiple females, use the plural anãs.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈnɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- The word anã is used in astronomy to describe 'dwarf stars', such as anã branca for a white dwarf.
- While English uses 'midget' as a slur, the Portuguese word anão is the standard, neutral term used in medical and formal contexts.
- In Portuguese, the word anão is used in the term anão do jardim to describe a garden gnome.
Examples in context
- Aquele anão me irrita.That midget irritates me.
- Ele é um anão.He is a midget.
- Não chame ele de anão.Don't call him a midget.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about a person they saw on the street.
- LucasVi um anão passando por aqui.I saw a midget passing by here.
- JulianaNão fale assim dele, Lucas.Don't talk about him like that, Lucas.
- LucasMas ele é um anão.But he is a midget.
- JulianaIsso é muito grosseiro.That is very rude.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “midget” translations and entries anão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
