rapaz
/ʁaˈpa(j)s/
The English term 'muchacho' can be translated into Portuguese as rapaz.
The term is used to refer to a boy or a young man.
Which one should you use?
garoto is the informal word used when referring to a young boy or young man.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁaˈpa(j)s/
Did you know?
- The word rapaz has a surprisingly aggressive origin, rooted in the Latin word rapāx which means 'one who plunders' or 'one who robs'.
- In Brazil, rapaz is often used as a versatile interjection to express surprise or disbelief, similar to saying 'Boy!' or 'Man!' in English.
- In some Portuguese dialects, particularly in certain regions of Brazil, the term guri is used to describe a young boy, a word that is also very common in the Spanish spoken in the Rio de la Plata region.
Examples in context
- O rapaz está estudando na universidade.The young man is studying at the university.
- O rapaz estava brincando no parque.The young boy was playing in the park.
- Olá, rapaz! Tudo bem?Hello, young man! How are you?
- O rapaz que mora aqui é muito simpático.The young man who lives here is very friendly.
- Aquele rapaz é muito alto.That young man is very tall.
- O rapaz estava correndo no parque.The boy was running in the park.
- Você conhece aquele rapaz novo?Do you know that new young man?
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are talking about a neighbor.
- GabrielVocê conhece aquele rapaz?Do you know that young man?
- BeatrizSim, ele mora ao lado.Yes, he lives next door.
- GabrielO rapaz parece ser simpático.The boy seems to be nice.
- BeatrizEle é realmente muito legal.He really is very cool.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rapaz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rapaz, CC BY-SA 4.0.
