trapo
/ˈtɾa.pu/masculine
The English word "rag" is translated into Portuguese as trapo or farrapo.
Meaning: piece of cloth (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| trapo | /ˈtɾa.pu/ (Brazil) /ˈtɾa.pu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| farrapo | /faˈʁa.pu/ (Brazil) /faˈʁa.pu/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
masculine |
trapo is the standard term used when referring specifically to a cloth used for cleaning or wiping surfaces, often called a trapo de limpeza.
How does it change in a sentence?
trapo is a masculine noun. Its plural is trapos. farrapo is also a masculine noun. Its plural is farrapos.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of trapo is /ˈtɾa.pu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word farrapo is used in the name of a historical revolution in southern Brazil, the Revolução Farroupilha, where rebels were nicknamed farrapos to mock their perceived ragged clothing.
- The word trapo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'drab', both tracing back to a Germanic root meaning 'to beat or strike'.
- In some Brazilian slang, a 'farrapo' can describe a person who is a 'loser' or someone who is completely broke.
Examples in context
- A minha mãe usa a camisa velha do meu pai como trapo para limpar.My mom uses my dad's old shirt as a cleaning rag.This sentence shows how to use trapo to describe an object used for cleaning.Tatoeba #1302362 by alexmarcelo, translation #10658831 by DJ_Saidez
- Mas que casa! O lugar parecia uma loja de trapos fora de um uso. A grande janela sem vidraça estava fechada por um trinco em mau estado.What a home! The place looked like some disused rag-store. The large unglazed window was closed up by a dilapidated shutter.This sentence uses trapo to describe a place that looks like a disused shop for rags.Tatoeba #13113198 by Kleb, translation #1987226 by Scott
- Maria sempre usa um pano de limpeza para tirar o pó da casa.Maria always uses a cleaning cloth to dust the house.
- O João conseguiu limpar o motor usando uma estopa.João managed to clean the engine using a rag.
- Depois de varrer, pegue um pano de chão para limpar o piso.After sweeping, grab a floor cloth to clean the floor.
- Preciso de um trapo para secar essa superfície.I need a rag to dry this surface.
- Passe um trapo na mesa, por favor.Wipe the table with a rag, please.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are cleaning the kitchen together.
- BeatrizRodrigo, você viu onde está o trapo?Rodrigo, have you seen where the rag is?
- RodrigoAcho que está perto da pia, Beatriz.I think it is near the sink, Beatriz.
- BeatrizEncontrei! Este trapo está muito sujo.I found it! This rag is very dirty.
- RodrigoJogue-o fora e pegue outro.Throw it away and get another one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rag” translations and entries trapo, farrapo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries farrapo, trapo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
