nômade
/ˈnõ.ma.d͡ʒi/
The English word nomad means nômade in Portuguese.
The term refers to a member of a society or class who wanders with their herds.
Meaning: a member of society or class who wander with their herds (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
nômade is an epicene noun, which means it uses the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects. To form the plural, add an -s to the end: nômades.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /ˈnõ.ma.dʒi/.
Did you know?
- The word nômade is an epicene noun, a rarity in a language where almost every noun is strictly masculine or feminine.
- While it is a single word in English, Portuguese speakers often use the phrase viver sem rumo (to live without a destination) to describe a nomadic lifestyle poetically.
- The Portuguese word nômade is used in biology to describe species that do not have a fixed territory, such as certain birds or insects.
Examples in context
- Ele é um nômadeHe is a nomad
- Ela é uma nômadeShe is a nomad
- Ela é uma mochileiraShe is a backpacker
- Ele é um mochileiroHe is a backpacker
- Eles vivem uma vida erranteThey lead a wandering life
- Ela tem espírito erranteShe has a wandering spirit
- O nômade segue o seu gado.The nomad follows his herd.
- Eles vivem como um povo nômade.They live like a nomadic people.
- O estilo de vida nômade era comum naquela época.The nomadic lifestyle was common in that era.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a history lesson about ancient tribes.
- CamilaVocê entendeu o que era um nômade?Did you understand what a nomad was?
- RodrigoSim, era alguém que viajava com o rebanho.Yes, it was someone who traveled with the herd.
- CamilaRodrigo, você acha que o professor explicou bem?Rodrigo, do you think the teacher explained it well?
- RodrigoAcho que sim, a explicação foi clara.I think so, the explanation was clear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nômade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
