príncipe
/ˈpɾĩ.si.pi/masculine
The English phrase 'prince' is príncipe in Portuguese.
The term príncipe refers to the son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch. In a colloquial sense, calling a man um príncipe can imply that he is a true gentleman or exceptionally well-behaved.
Meaning: son or male-line grandson of a reigning monarch (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of príncipe is princesa, which means 'princess'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. The IPA is /ˈpɾĩ.si.pi/.
Did you know?
- The word príncipe shares an ancestor with the English word 'principle', as both derive from the Latin word for 'first' or 'original'.
- In historical Portuguese contexts, the term príncipe could refer to any sovereign ruler or head of state, not exclusively to the son of a king.
- In Brazil, the phrase ser um príncipe is often used to describe a man who is not just polite, but specifically romantic and attentive toward a partner.
Examples in context
- O Tom é um príncipe.Tom is a prince.Tatoeba #2853218 by MarlonX19, translation #2272851 by CK
- Que queria o príncipe?What would the prince like?Tatoeba #1382653 by tulio, translation #2760316 by mervert1
- Quisera ser um príncipe.I wish I were a prince.Tatoeba #1111817 by alexmarcelo, translation #246623 by CK
- O príncipe chegará amanhãThe prince will arrive tomorrow
- O príncipe herdeiro está noivoThe crown prince is engaged
- Vem cá, principezinhoCome here, little prince
- O príncipe chegou em uma carruagem magníficaThe prince arrived in a magnificent carriage
- O principezinho está brincando no jardimThe little prince is playing in the garden
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Beatriz are watching a historical documentary on TV.
- RodrigoAquele príncipe parece muito sério.That prince looks very serious.
- BeatrizSim, ele é um príncipe muito dedicado.Yes, he is a very dedicated prince.
- RodrigoVocê acha que ele será um bom rei?Do you think he will be a good king?
- BeatrizAcredito que sim, Rodrigo.I believe so, Rodrigo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prince” translations and entries príncipe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries príncipe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
