menina bonita
everyday
In Brazil "pretty girl" is menina bonita or garota bonita. Moça bonita is polite and fits a young woman, and gata is casual slang.
Meaning: attractive girl (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| menina bonita | everyday |
| Moça bonita | polite |
| Gata | slang |
| Garota bonita | Brazil |
Menina suits a child or a very young girl, while garota and moça are used for teenagers and young women.
Which one should you use?
Gata literally means "female cat" and is a flirty compliment. Use it only with people you know, because it can sound forward.
Did you know?
- The Brazilian bossa nova song Garota de Ipanema uses garota for the girl who walks to the sea.
Examples in context
- Que menina bonita!What a pretty girl!
- Ela é uma garota bonita.She is a pretty girl.
- Oi, moça bonita.Hello, pretty lady.
Example conversation
Seu Carlos admires the drawing of his granddaughter Lara in Porto Alegre.
- Seu CarlosQuem é essa menina bonita?Who is this pretty girl?
- LaraSou eu, vô!It is me, grandpa!
- Seu CarlosFicou lindo.It came out lovely.
