pedra
/ˈpɛ.dɾɐ/
The English word "rock" is translated into Portuguese as pedra.
pedra refers to a large stone or boulder. It is also used in the phrase pedra preciosa to refer to a gemstone or precious stone.
Meaning: large stone or boulder (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Brazil, pedregulho is used to describe a rocky area or a terrain full of rocks and pedra brita refers to crushed stone commonly used in construction in Brazil. In Portugal, calhau is often used to describe a small, rounded coastal rock typically found on beaches.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pedra is pedras.
How do you pronounce it?
pedra is pronounced /ˈpɛ.dɾɐ/. The stress is on the 1 of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The expression pedra no sapato describes a persistent annoyance or a person who constantly hinders your progress, similar to the English 'thorn in my side'.
- The word pedra is a cognate of the English word 'petrify', which comes from the same root meaning to turn into stone.
- In a colloquial context, pedra can be used as a slang term for a small piece or dose of a drug, particularly crack cocaine.
Examples in context
- Era duro como pedra.It was hard as rock.This sentence shows how to use pedra in a comparison of hardness.Tatoeba #1264368 by alexmarcelo, translation #42616 by CM
- Há uma pedra no chão.There's a rock on the floor.This sentence uses pedra to identify the location of an object.Tatoeba #2055523 by alexmarcelo, translation #1182617 by paula_guisard
- Não tropece na pedra.Don't stumble over the rock.This sentence uses pedra to warn against tripping.Tatoeba #4840643 by Vitie, translation #2796884 by sharptoothed
- A pedra na beira do rio é muito bonita.The rock on the riverbank is very beautiful.
- A montanha é formada por rochas sedimentares.The mountain is formed by sedimentary rocks.
- Eu encontrei uma pedrinha muito bonita na praia.I found a very beautiful rock on the beach.
- As crianças pulavam de rochinha em rochinha no rio.The children were jumping from rock to rock in the river.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Lucas are hiking in the mountains.
- MarianaCuidado com aquela pedra grande!Watch out for that large rock!
- LucasObrigado, Mariana. Eu não vi.Thanks, Mariana. I didn't see it.
- MarianaPodemos sentar naquela pedra para descansar.We can sit on that rock to rest.
- LucasBoa ideia, Lucas está cansado.Good idea, Lucas is tired.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry pedra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
