pelúcia
/peˈlu.sjɐ/
The English word "plush" translates to Portuguese as pelúcia.
While defined as an adjective meaning having a soft, fluffy exterior, in common Portuguese usage, pelúcia is most frequently used as a noun to refer to a stuffed animal or a plush toy. For example, the phrase bicho de pelúcia translates to "plush animal" and refers to stuffed animals.
Meaning: having a soft, fluffy exterior (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. In IPA, it is pronounced /peˈlu.sjɐ/.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'plush' can describe a luxurious lifestyle, using pelúcia in Portuguese to describe a setting would sound strange and literal.
- In some regions, a bicho de pelúcia is colloquially referred to as a ursinho even if the toy is not a bear.
- The term pelúcia traces back to the Italian word peluzzo, which is a diminutive of 'fur'.
Examples in context
- Eu comprei um ursinho de pelúcia para minha sobrinha.I bought a plush teddy bear for my niece.
- Esse sofá possui um tecido macio e confortável.This sofa has a soft and comfortable fabric.
- Essa almofada é feita de um peluche muito macio.This cushion is made of a very soft plush material.
- um urso de pelúciaA teddy bear
- Este tapete de pelúcia é muito macio.This plush rug is very soft.
- Eu adoro o toque de pelúcia desse cobertor.I love the plush feel of this blanket.
- Ela comprou uma poltrona de pelúcia para o quarto.She bought a plush armchair for the bedroom.
Example conversation
Juliana is showing Rodrigo a gift she bought.
- JulianaOlha esse coelho de pelúcia, Rodrigo!Look at this plush rabbit, Rodrigo!
- RodrigoNossa, ele parece ser muito fofinho.Wow, it looks very fluffy.
- JulianaÉ sim, o tecido de pelúcia é ótimo.It is, the plush fabric is great.
- RodrigoVou comprar um para a minha sobrinha.I will buy one for my niece.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pelúcia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelúcia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
