névoa
/ˈnɛ.vwɐ/
The English word 'mist' is translated into Portuguese as névoa.
névoa is used to refer to a layer of fine droplets or particles, such as mist or fog. Other related terms include bruma, which describes a light mist or haze and vapor, which refers to vapor or moisture.
Meaning: a layer of fine droplets or particles (noun)
Which one should you use?
While névoa is a general term for mist, nevoeiro is a more specific, technical or meteorological term used for thick fog that significantly reduces visibility. For a very light mist or haze, you may use bruma.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern regions of Portugal, the term cerração is used to describe a thick mist or fog. In Brazil, specifically in the state of São Paulo, garoa is used to mean a light mist or drizzle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of névoa is névoas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈnɛ.vwɐ/.
Did you know?
- In São Paulo, the local term for drizzle garoa is so culturally significant that the city is nicknamed Terra da Garoa or 'Land of the Drizzle'.
- The word névoa shares a common ancestor with the English word 'nebula', as both derive from the Latin word nebula meaning 'mist' or 'cloud'.
- Portuguese has a subtle distinction between névoa and bruma, where bruma often evokes a more poetic or seaside atmosphere than the general névoa.
Examples in context
- A névoa está desaparecendo.The mist is clearing.This sentence is useful for describing the mist clearing.Tatoeba #6115720 by carlosalberto, translation #6115708 by Hybrid
- Uma névoa pairava sobre o rio.A mist hung over the river.This sentence is useful for describing mist hanging over a river.Tatoeba #10628152 by Luciferous, translation #273177 by Zifre
- O sol nascente dissipou a névoa.The rising sun dispersed the mist.This sentence is useful for describing the sun dispersing the mist.Tatoeba #10628227 by Luciferous, translation #277836 by sundown
- A névoa matinal cobria a paisagem.The morning mist covered the landscape.
- A bruma marinha criava uma atmosfera misteriosa.The sea mist created a mysterious atmosphere.
- Cuidado com a névoa densa na estrada!Be careful with the dense mist on the road!
- Hoje tem uma neblina leve na cidade.There is a light mist in the city today.
- A cerração dificultava a condução.The thick mist made driving difficult.
- Adoro sair na garoa com o meu amor.I love going out in the mist/drizzle with my love.
- A chuva transformou-se em névoa.The rain turned into mist.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are standing on a balcony early in the morning.
- GabrielOlhe para aquela névoa sobre as montanhas.Look at that mist over the mountains.
- JulianaÉ uma vista linda, Gabriel.It is a beautiful view, Gabriel.
- GabrielA névoa parece muito densa hoje.The mist looks very thick today.
- JulianaSim, o tempo deve mudar logo.Yes, the weather should change soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry névoa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries névoa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
