lua
/ˈlu.ɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for moon is lua.
In scientific or educational contexts, you may encounter the more formal expression Satélite Natural da Terra to refer specifically to the Earth's natural satellite.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
Which one should you use?
When you are referring to the Moon as a specific celestial body in an astronomical context, it is written as a proper noun with a capital letter: Lua.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
lua is a feminine noun. Because it is feminine, it is preceded by the feminine article a when referring to the moon, as in a lua.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlu.ɐ/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase está na lua literally means 'is on the moon' but is used idiomatically to describe someone who is daydreaming or distracted.
- The word lua is used in the common expression lua de mel, which literally translates to 'moon of honey' to mean 'honeymoon'.
- While lua is feminine, the related word luar for 'moonlight' is masculine, changing the article from a to o.
Examples in context
- A Lua é bonita.The moon is beautiful.This sentence shows how to describe the moon using the form lua.Tatoeba #8492094 by alexmarcelo, translation #5774855 by Amgaray
- Olhe para a lua.Look at the moon.This sentence demonstrates an imperative using the form lua.Tatoeba #3670718 by ajdavidl, translation #2648775 by CK
- Onde está a lua?Where is the moon?This sentence shows how to ask a question using the form lua.Tatoeba #10647882 by robertocns, translation #10647785 by Apollogeist
- A lua está cheia hoje à noite.The moon is full tonight.
- Ondas suaves sob a luz de veludo da lua.Gentle waves under the velvet light of the moon.
- O poeta se inspirou na lua para escrever versos românticos.The poet found inspiration in the moon to write romantic verses.
- 177 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are looking at the night sky.
- BeatrizVocê consegue ver a lua hoje?Can you see the moon today?
- FelipeSim, a lua está muito brilhante!Yes, the moon is very bright!
- BeatrizParece que a lua está cheia.It looks like the moon is full.
- FelipeÉ verdade, que lua linda!It's true, what a beautiful moon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moon” translations and entries lua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
