mito
/ˈmi.tu/
The English word 'myth' is translated into Portuguese as mito.
mito is used to describe a commonly-held but false belief, but it can also refer to a legendary figure or a story from mythology. If you are discussing the study of myths, you can use mitologia (mythology), which is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
Meaning: commonly-held but false belief (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mito is mitos.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈmi.tu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazilian Portuguese, the word mito is frequently used as a slang term to describe someone who has performed a legendary or heroic feat, often in sports or gaming.
- The word mito comes from the Ancient Greek mûthos, which originally meant a 'word' or 'speech' rather than a fictional story.
- The term mito has become heavily politicized in Brazil, where it was used as a nickname for former president Jair Bolsonaro to suggest he was a legendary figure.
Examples in context
- Isso é um mito.That's a myth.This sentence is useful for identifying a myth.Tatoeba #6077755 by bill, translation #1897778 by CK
- Isto não é um mito.This isn't a myth.This sentence is useful for denying that something is a myth.Tatoeba #10608912 by ajdavidl, translation #9179119 by CK
- Eu acho que é um mito.I think it's a myth.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal opinion about a myth.Tatoeba #5122213 by bill, translation #2294036 by CK
- Em sua palestra, o professor discutiu o papel dos mitos na sociedade.In his lecture, the professor discussed the role of myths in society.
- Existem várias lendas antigas sobre a origem da cidade.There are several ancient myths about the origin of the city.
- Aquela história de que ele encontrou um tesouro é pura balela!That story about him finding a treasure is pure nonsense/myth!
- O Brasil possui um rico folclore, cheio de mitos e lendas.Brazil has a rich folklore, full of myths and legends.
- A mitologia grega possui inúmeros mitos fascinantes.Greek mythology has numerous fascinating myths.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are discussing health facts at a cafe.
- MarianaVocê sabia que isso é apenas um mito?Did you know that this is just a myth?
- RodrigoSério? Eu achei que fosse verdade.Really? I thought it was true.
- MarianaNão, Rodrigo, é um mito total.No, Rodrigo, it is a total myth.
- RodrigoObrigado por me avisar, Mariana.Thanks for letting me know, Mariana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “myth” translations and entries mito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
