Which one should you use?
The form of the word changes depending on the gender and number of the noun it describes. Use perfeito for masculine singular, perfeita for feminine singular, perfeitos for masculine plural or mixed groups and perfeitas for feminine plural.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression show de bola is used mainly in Brazil. In both Brazil and Portugal, the words maravilha and ótimo are commonly used to express perfection or high quality.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, perfeito must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means using perfeita for feminine nouns, perfeitos for masculine or mixed-gender plural nouns and perfeitas for feminine plural nouns. If you want to express the verb "to make perfect", use aperfeiçoar.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /peʁˈfej.tu/.
When do people say it?
In Brazil and Portugal, you can use maravilha to express that something is marvelous or perfect. Similarly, ótimo (masculine) or ótima (feminine) are common ways to say something is great or excellent.
Did you know?
- The word impecável is often used as a stronger alternative to perfeito because it literally means 'without sin' or 'unblamable'.
- The word perfeito traces its roots back to the Latin perficiō, which means 'to finish' or 'to complete'.
- The phrase perfeito can be used sarcastically in Brazil and Portugal to mean the exact opposite, similar to how English speakers use 'perfect' when something goes wrong.
Examples in context
- É um dia perfeito.It's a perfect day.This sentence shows the use of perfeito to describe a day.Tatoeba #2847566 by MarlonX19, translation #1654513 by Spamster
- Tom não é perfeito.Tom isn't perfect.This sentence shows how to use perfeito when stating someone is not perfect.Tatoeba #4938148 by bill, translation #2237001 by CK
- Ele não é perfeito.He's not perfect.This sentence shows the use of perfeito to describe a person's perfection.Tatoeba #5725060 by bill, translation #2199460 by Hybrid
- Após muito esforço, o resultado foi perfeito.After much effort, the result was perfect.
- A apresentação dela foi perfeita.Her presentation was perfect.
- O trabalho que ela realizou foi impecável.The work she carried out was perfect.
- O serviço do hotel é sempre impecável.The hotel service is always impeccable.
- O seu bolo ficou perfeitinho!Your cake turned out perfect!
- A festa estava perfeitinha, adorei!The party was perfect, I loved it!
- A sua apresentação foi show de bola!Your presentation was amazing!
- Esse filme é show de bola, você precisa assistir!This movie is awesome, you have to watch it!
- Tudo está correndo perfeitamente bem aqui!Everything is going perfectly well here!
- A visita à cidade correu às mil maravilhas!The visit to the city went perfectly!
- A festa foi ótima!The party was perfect/great!
- Essa comida está ótima!This food is perfect/great!
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are tasting a cake they baked together.
- LucasO bolo ficou perfeito!The cake turned out perfect!
- BeatrizEu também achei delicioso.I also thought it was delicious.
- LucasO açúcar está no ponto perfeito.The sugar is at the perfect level.
- BeatrizNós somos ótimos cozinheiros, Lucas.We are great cooks, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “perfect” translations and entries perfeito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries perfeito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
