prata
/ˈpɾa.tɐ/
prata is the Portuguese word for silver, referring to the precious silvery-white metal used in jewelry and coins.
Which one should you use?
While prata is the noun for the metal, prateado is the adjective used to describe something that is silver in color.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈpɾa.tɐ/.
Did you know?
- Portuguese uses the word prata in the expression prata da casa, which refers to a talented person who is a local or a homegrown member of an organization.
- The word prata is etymologically linked to the word 'prato', meaning 'plate', because both originally described flat, thin objects.
- In some contexts, particularly in Brazil, 'prata' is used as a slang term for money, similar to how English speakers might use 'silver' or 'dough'.
Examples in context
- Eu comprei um faqueiro de prata.I bought a silver cutlery set.
- Aquele carro tem um tom de prata lindo!That car has a beautiful shade of silver!
- uma aliança de prataA silver ring
- Este anel é de prata.This ring is made of silver.
- Ela comprou uma colher de prata.She bought a silver spoon.
- O preço da prata subiu muito.The price of silver went up a lot.
Example conversation
Mariana and Lucas are at a jewelry store.
- MarianaVocê gosta deste colar de prata?Do you like this silver necklace?
- LucasSim, a prata é muito bonita.Yes, silver is very beautiful.
- MarianaEu vou levar este colar.I am going to take this necklace.
- LucasEle combina com você, Mariana.It suits you, Mariana.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry prata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
