arco-íris
/ˌaʁ.kuˈi.ɾis/masculine
The English phrase 'rainbow' is translated into Portuguese as arco-íris. If unsure, use arco-íris. Wiktionary also lists arco-da-velha and arco da aliança.
Meaning: multicoloured arch in the sky (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| arco-íris | /ˌaʁ.kuˈi.ɾis/ (Brazil) /ˌaɾ.kuˈi.ɾis/ (São Paulo) |
masculine |
| arco-da-velha | /ˌaʁ.ku.daˈvɛ.ʎɐ/ (Brazil) | masculine |
| arco da aliança | masculine |
The term arco-íris is the standard word used to describe a multicolored arch in the sky.
What does it mean word for word?
The word arco-íris is a compound of arco (arch) and íris (iris/rainbow).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /ˌaʁ.kuˈi.ɾis/.
Did you know?
- The alternative term arco-da-velha translates literally as 'arch of the old woman' but is actually a linguistic evolution of arco da lei velha, meaning 'arc of the old law'.
- The word íris in arco-íris refers to the Greek goddess of the rainbow, which is also the name for the colored part of the eye.
- In Portuguese, the word arco describes both the shape of a rainbow and the physical object used to shoot arrows.
Examples in context
- O arco-íris é colorido.The rainbow is colorful.This sentence shows how to describe the color of an arco-íris.Tatoeba #2348584 by alexmarcelo, translation #2348093 by Adelpa
- Sol e chuva, arco-íris.Sun and rain, rainbow.This sentence illustrates the connection between sun, rain and an arco-íris.Tatoeba #5264207 by carlosalberto, translation #1928105 by Zuriberri
- Eu nunca vi um arco-íris.I've never seen a rainbow.This sentence is useful for expressing that you have never seen an arco-íris.Tatoeba #5264304 by carlosalberto, translation #2360078 by CK
- Que lindo arco-íris!What a beautiful rainbow!
- Você sabe como se chama essa faixa de cores no céu?Do you know what we call this strip of colors in the sky?
- Olha só, tem um lindo arco-íris no céu!Look, there's a beautiful rainbow in the sky!
- É realmente encantador! Não vejo um arco-íris assim há muito tempo.It's truly enchanting! I haven't seen a rainbow like this in a long time.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are walking outside after a rain shower.
- CamilaOlha, aquele arco-íris no céu!Look, that rainbow in the sky!
- FelipeNossa, que arco-íris lindo, Camila!Wow, what a beautiful rainbow, Camila!
- CamilaEle tem muitas cores.It has many colors.
- FelipeÉ uma visão maravilhosa.It is a wonderful sight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rainbow” translations and entries arco-íris, arco-da-velha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aliança, arco, arco-da-velha, arco-íris, da, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
