ronronar
/ʁõ.ʁoˈna(ʁ)/
To purr in Portuguese is to say ronronar.
The verb ronronar is used to describe the vibrating sound a cat makes in its throat.
Meaning: of a cat, to make a vibrating sound in the throat (verb)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ronronar is a regular first conjugation verb ending in -ar.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable. The IPA is /ʁõ.ʁoˈna(ʁ)/.
Did you know?
- The verb ronronar can be used figuratively to describe someone speaking in a soft, seductive, or overly sweet voice to manipulate others.
- In some Portuguese-speaking literary traditions, the sound of ronronar can be used to describe the low, constant hum of a machine or an engine.
- While ronronar describes the sound, Portuguese speakers often use the expression fazer ronrom in casual conversation to describe a cat purring.
Examples in context
- Não posso ronronar como um gato. Sou um cachorro!I cannot purr like a cat. I'm a dog!This sentence shows how to use ronronar when comparing a person's ability to a cat.Tatoeba #1711204 by alexmarcelo, translation #1686894 by Amastan
- Ele riu-se e o seu riso era como o ronronar de uma espada a soltar-se de uma bainha sedosa.He laughed, and his laughter was like the purr of a sword sliding from a silken sheath.This sentence uses ronronar as a way to describe a metaphorical sound in a literary context.Tatoeba #11001956 by Cangarejo, translation #11001949 by Cangarejo
- O gato está a ronronar na cadeiraThe cat is purring on the chair
- O gato adora fazer ronrom quando recebe carinhoThe cat loves to purr when it receives affection
- O gato está a ronronar, enrolado num cobertor macioThe cat is purring, curled up in a soft blanket
- O gato está a ronronar para se acalmarThe cat is purring to calm itself
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are playing with a kitten in the living room.
- LucasOlha como o gatinho começa a ronronar!Look how the kitten starts to purr!
- BeatrizEle está muito feliz com o carinho, Lucas.He is very happy with the affection, Lucas.
- LucasÉ um som tão relaxante.It is such a relaxing sound.
- BeatrizSim, eu adoro quando ele faz isso.Yes, I love it when he does that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purr” translations and entries ronronar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
