Hello and welcome! If you’re looking to expand your Portuguese vocabulary, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the different ways to say “pawn” in Portuguese, including both formal and informal variations. We’ll also touch on any relevant regional differences, providing you with tips, examples, and cultural insights along the way. So, let’s dive in and discover how to say “pawn” in Portuguese!
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Formal Ways to Say “Pawn” in Portuguese
If you want to convey the term “pawn” in a more formal setting or while engaging in official conversations, there are a few words you can use in Portuguese:
- Peão: This is the most common and standard way to say “pawn” in Portuguese. It directly corresponds to the chess piece and is widely understood throughout the Portuguese-speaking world. For example, you could say, “O peão é uma peça importante no jogo de xadrez,” which means “The pawn is an important piece in the game of chess.”
- Objeto empenhado: This translates to “pawned object” and is used specifically when referring to items that have been pawned at a pawnshop. It is useful to know when discussing financial matters or evaluating collateral. For instance, you might say, “Ele deixou seu relógio como objeto empenhado,” meaning “He left his watch as a pawned object.”
Informal Ways to Say “Pawn” in Portuguese
In more casual or everyday conversations, you might come across alternative terms for “pawn” in Portuguese. These informal expressions are often regionally specific and may not be as widely recognized as the formal versions. Nonetheless, it’s always fun to learn the various nuances of the Portuguese language. Here are some informal ways to say “pawn”:
- Bagulho: This word is predominantly used in Brazil, especially in street slang, and might be loosely translated as “junk” or “stuff.” While it primarily refers to any random object, it can also be used colloquially to refer to a pawned item. For example, someone might say, “Eu troquei meu bagulho por dinheiro,” meaning “I exchanged my pawned item for money.”
- Pepita: This term is commonly used in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais to refer specifically to pawned jewelry or valuable items. It’s a regional variation that might not be familiar outside of that area. For instance, you could hear sentences like, “Minha mãe deixou sua pepita na casa de penhores,” meaning “My mom left her pawned jewelry at the pawnshop.”
Examples and Tips for Usage
To help you better understand the usage of these words, let’s take a look at some practical examples and tips:
Example 1:
Maria levou sua joia para o penhor e a transformou em dinheiro.Translation: Maria took her jewelry to the pawnshop and turned it into money.
Tip: In this example, “penhor” is a synonym for “pawnshop.” It is widely used in Portuguese-speaking countries to denote a place where pawning is done.
Example 2:
O peão pode se transformar em uma rainha se chegar ao outro lado do tabuleiro.Translation: The pawn can turn into a queen if it reaches the other side of the chessboard.
Tip: This example illustrates the chess terminology related to the pawn piece. It shows that the pawn can be promoted to a more powerful piece if it successfully crosses to the opposite side of the board.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “pawn” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. Whether you’re engaging in a game of chess, discussing financial matters, or simply immersing yourself in the Portuguese language and culture, these words will come in handy. Remember to use “peão” in formal situations, and feel free to experiment with the informal variations like “bagulho” or “pepita” in appropriate contexts.
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you continue to explore the beautiful Portuguese language. Enjoy your language learning journey!
