período
/peˈɾiw.du/masculine
In Portuguese, 'period' is translated as período.
The word período refers to an interval of time. If you wish to convey the meaning of 'period' in a more formal context, such as referring to an 'epoch' or 'era', you can use época.
Meaning: interval of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While período refers to a span of time, you should use ponto final if you are referring to the punctuation mark (the full stop) at the end of a sentence. Additionally, to use 'period' as an interjection to signal that a discussion is finished and no more debate will be tolerated, you should use the informal terms ponto or ponto final.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of período is períodos.
How do you pronounce it?
período is pronounced /peˈɾiw.du/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek roots of período suggest a 'going around in a circle', which explains why the word is used for cycles and recurring patterns in science and math.
- In Brazil, período is often used in university contexts to describe a semester or a specific term of study.
- In legal Portuguese, the word período is frequently used to define specific statutory deadlines or grace periods.
Examples in context
- De que período é este quadro?What period is this painting from?This sentence uses período to ask about the time period of a painting.Tatoeba #7682156 by jjoao, translation #681714 by Source_VOA
- Nossa aula de francês é o terceiro período.Our French class is third period.This sentence uses período to refer to a specific class period.Tatoeba #9092469 by JGEN, translation #9055975 by CK
- Que período da história você está estudando?Which period of history are you studying?This sentence uses período to ask about a period of history.Tatoeba #897224 by alexmarcelo, translation #68851 by sundown
- Ana está no período de estudo para as provas finais.Ana is in the period of study for the final exams.
- A Idade Média foi uma época de grandes transformações na Europa.The Middle Ages was a period of great transformations in Europe.
- O período de férias escolares começará em breve.The period of school holidays will start soon.
- Estou passando por uma fase difícil no trabalho.I am going through a difficult period at work.
- Terminei o projeto. Ponto final!I finished the project. Period!
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are discussing their work schedules.
- LucasQual período do dia você prefere trabalhar?Which period of the day do you prefer to work?
- CamilaEu prefiro o período da manhã, Lucas.I prefer the morning period, Lucas.
- LucasEu também, mas meu período é à tarde.Me too, but my period is in the afternoon.
- CamilaQue pena, Camila não gosta da tarde.That's a pity, Camila doesn't like the afternoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “period” translations and entries período, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries período, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
