português
/poʁ.tuˈɡe(j)s/masculine
The English phrase "portuguese" is translated into Portuguese as português.
português can refer to the Portuguese language itself or be used to describe something or someone related to Portugal. It can also function as a noun to identify a person native to Portugal.
Meaning: the language (name)
Which one should you use?
When used as a noun to refer to a person, the masculine form português refers to a man, whereas portuguesa refers to a woman. Additionally, lusitano and lusitânico are other adjectives that can mean "of or relating to Portugal."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number when describing people or feminine nouns. Use portuguesa for a female person or a feminine noun, and use portugueses for a masculine plural group or portuguesas for a feminine plural group.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /poʁ.tuˈɡe(j)s/.
Did you know?
- Historically, português and Galician were once the same language, known as Old Galician-Portuguese, before they split into two distinct tongues.
- The name for the language and the country, português and Portugal, is actually derived from the ancient name of the city of Porto, which was once known as Portus Cale.
- Unlike English, where 'Portuguese' is capitalized regardless of position, português is not capitalized when used as an adjective or language name in Portuguese.
Examples in context
- Oh, tu és português!Oh, you're Portuguese!This sentence is useful for recognizing a Portuguese person.Tatoeba #11906671 by ajdavidl, translation #8319124 by Amastan
- É um nome português.It's a Portuguese name.This sentence is useful for identifying a Portuguese name.Tatoeba #11906701 by ajdavidl, translation #5927088 by mailohilohi
- Isto não é português.This is not Portuguese.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not in the Portuguese language.Tatoeba #11906629 by ajdavidl, translation #5147554 by CarpeLanam
- Eu estou aprendendo português.I am learning Portuguese.
- O português é uma língua bonita.Portuguese is a beautiful language.
- A cultura portuguesa é rica.Portuguese culture is rich.
- 245 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a language course at a cafe.
- GabrielTu falas português?Do you speak Portuguese?
- BeatrizSim, eu falo português muito bem.Yes, I speak Portuguese very well.
- GabrielO teu português é perfeito, Beatriz.Your Portuguese is perfect, Beatriz.
- BeatrizObrigada, Gabriel!Thank you, Gabriel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “portuguese” translations and entries português, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries português, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
