coruja
/kuˈɾu.ʒɐ/feminine
The English word owl is translated into Portuguese as coruja. Wiktionary also lists estrige.
Meaning: bird (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coruja | /kuˈɾu.ʒɐ/ (Brazil) /koˈɾu.ʒɐ/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
| estrige | /isˈtɾi.ʒi/ (Brazil) /esˈtɾi.ʒi/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
The word refers to the bird known as an owl.
Which one should you use?
The term estrige is another feminine noun for the bird, and caburé is an informal name for the owl.
Is it said differently in some regions?
caburé is an informal name for the owl used in northeastern Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of coruja, add -s to get corujas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /kuˈɾu.ʒɐ/.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you call someone a coruja, you are not insulting their intelligence, but rather complimenting them for being a devoted or 'doting' parent.
- The Latin origin of estrige comes from strī̆x, which is the same root that gives English the word 'strigiform', the scientific order for owls.
- The word estrige sounds quite formal or even archaic, and you are much more likely to encounter it in old literature than in a modern birdwatching guide.
Examples in context
- Tom é uma coruja.Tom is an owl.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a coruja.Tatoeba #11904047 by ajdavidl, translation #10143629 by ddnktr
- A coruja come carne.The owl eats meat.This sentence shows the dietary habits of a coruja.Tatoeba #11904046 by ajdavidl, translation #7245409 by Sifaks
- A coruja pode ver no escuro.The owl can see in the dark.This sentence describes a physical ability of a coruja.Tatoeba #7777007 by pedrolima, translation #34364 by AlanF_US
- Vi uma coruja no parque hoje.I saw an owl in the park today.
- A coruja é uma ave de rapina noturna.The owl is a nocturnal bird of prey.
- Admiro o voo suave do mocho.I admire the smooth flight of the owl.
- O mocho é um símbolo de sabedoria.The owl is a symbol of wisdom.
- Vi um caburé na árvore.I saw an owl on the tree.
- Antigamente, as pessoas tinham medo do caburé.In the past, people were afraid of the owl.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are looking at a bird in a tree.
- BeatrizOlhe, Felipe! Aquela ave é uma coruja.Look, Felipe! That bird is an owl.
- FelipeNossa, a coruja é muito bonita!Wow, the owl is very beautiful!
- BeatrizEla está procurando comida.It is looking for food.
- FelipeA coruja voa em silêncio.The owl flies in silence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “owl” translations and entries coruja, estrige, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coruja, estrige, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
