minha prima linda
/ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ˈpɾĩ.mɐ ˈlĩ.dɐ/word by word
The English phrase 'my beautiful cousin' is translated into Portuguese as minha prima linda.
This phrase is used to describe a female cousin who is physically attractive or lovely. In a colloquial context, one might also encounter the word gata, which literally means cat but is used to describe a beautiful person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of minha (my), prima (female cousin) and linda (beautiful/lovely).
Which one should you use?
You can change the tone or meaning by adjusting the word order or the adjective. Placing the adjective before the noun, as in minha linda prima, adds a more poetic or affectionate tone. You can also replace the adjective linda with bonita to say 'my pretty cousin' (minha prima bonita).
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Minha Prima Bonitona is specifically used in Brazil as an informal and affectionate way to say 'my beautiful cousin'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a male cousin, you must change the feminine forms to the masculine meu primo lindo.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈmĩ.ɲɐ ˈpɾĩ.mɐ ˈlĩ.dɐ/. It has 6 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Portuguese-speaking cultures, calling someone prima is used as a friendly term of endearment for a woman who is not actually a relative.
- The word prima shares its root with the Latin word for 'first', meaning 'first' or 'foremost'.
- While linda describes beauty, Portuguese speakers sometimes use the word linda to describe a baby or a pet regardless of their actual physical appearance to show tenderness.
Examples in context
- Não vejo a hora de apresentar minha prima linda a você.I can't wait to introduce my beautiful cousin to you.
- A minha bela prima sempre se destaca em todas as festas.My beautiful cousin always stands out at every party.
- Ah, eu amo a minha prima linda mesmo!Oh, I really love my beautiful cousin!
- A minha prima bonitona está sempre de bom humor.My beautiful cousin is always in a good mood.
- Minha prima linda chegou ontem.My beautiful cousin arrived yesterday.
- Eu tirei uma foto com minha prima linda.I took a photo with my beautiful cousin.
- Apresento a vocês minha prima linda.I present my beautiful cousin to you.
Example conversation
Beatriz is showing Rodrigo a family picture.
- BeatrizQuem é essa menina na foto?Who is this girl in the photo?
- RodrigoEssa é a minha prima linda.This is my beautiful cousin.
- BeatrizEla se parece muito com você.She looks a lot like you.
- RodrigoObrigada, Rodrigo!Thank you, Rodrigo!
