rabo de cavalo
/ˈʁa.bu d͡ʒi kaˈva.lu/masculine
The English phrase "ponytail" is rabo de cavalo in Portuguese.
rabo de cavalo is a masculine noun used to describe the hairstyle. It is distinct from a coque, which refers to a hairstyle where the hair is gathered into a ball, commonly known as a bun.
Meaning: hairstyle (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase rabo de cavalo literally translates to "tail of a horse".
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of rabo de cavalo, use rabos de cavalo.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈʁa.bu dʒi kaˈva.lu/. The stress is on the 1st of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- While rabo means 'tail' for animals, using it for humans is usually limited to descriptions like rabo de cavalo. In other contexts, using rabo to describe a person's backside can be seen as vulgar or very informal.
- In some regions, the phrase rabo de cavalo is used metaphorically to describe a long queue of people or cars, emphasizing the long and thin shape of the line.
- The term cavalo is linked to the Gaulish word '*kaballos', suggesting the word for horse in Portuguese has deep Celtic roots.
Examples in context
- Faz um rabo de cavalo.Tie your hair into a ponytail.This sentence is useful for learning how to use rabo de cavalo as an instruction.Tatoeba #8098953 by iT4LL, translation #8098956 by iT4LL
- Ei Mary, você sempre usa um rabo de cavalo. Porque não tenta usar tranças de vez em quando?Hey Mary, you always wear a ponytail. Why not try pigtails every now and then?This sentence shows how to describe someone wearing a rabo de cavalo.Tatoeba #10768308 by DavidDias, translation #9799480 by DJ_Saidez
- Nas fotografias de família, Ciham aparece despreocupada. Ela posa casualmente para a câmara, com o cabelo preso num rabo de cavalo entrançado.In family photos, Ciham appears carefree. She poses casually for the camera, her hair pulled into a braided ponytail.This sentence describes hair styled in a braided rabo de cavalo.Tatoeba #10789736 by Cangarejo, translation #10789734 by Cangarejo
- O rabo de cavalo dela está muito elegante hoje.Her ponytail looks very elegant today.
- Ela está toda arrumada e com um rabicho no cabelo.She's all dressed up with a ponytail.
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are at the gym.
- LucasCamila, você vai treinar com esse rabo de cavalo?Camila, are you going to train with that ponytail?
- CamilaSim, o rabo de cavalo não atrapalha o meu treino.Yes, the ponytail doesn't get in the way of my workout.
- LucasÉ verdade, é um visual bem prático.True, it is a very practical look.
- CamilaCom certeza, eu amo esse estilo.Definitely, I love this style.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ponytail” translations and entries rabo de cavalo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cavalo, de, rabo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
