sábio
/ˈsa.bju/
The English word 'sage' can be translated into Portuguese as sábio (when meaning wise). Wiktionary also lists sapiente.
Meaning: wise (adj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| sábio | /ˈsa.bju/ (Brazil) /ˈsa.bju/ (Portugal) |
| sapiente | /sa.piˈẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /saˈpjẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) |
When used as an adjective, it describes someone or something that is wise. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a very wise person or a philosopher. Note that if you are referring to the herb (Salvia officinalis), the Portuguese words are sálvia or salva.
Which one should you use?
sábio is the common word for wise. sapiente is a more formal, literary or erudite synonym.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective sábio takes the feminine form sábia to agree with a feminine noun. The plural form of the adjective sábio is sábios.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsa.bju/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the adjective for wise, sábio, with the noun for the herb, sálvia.
Did you know?
- The word sábio comes from the Latin sapiō, which literally meant 'to taste'. To the Romans, the ability to discern flavor was linked to the ability to judge truth and wisdom.
- Portuguese has a distinct word for the herb, sálvia, which is an etymological cousin to sábio because the plant was believed to enhance memory and wisdom.
- The Latin ancestor of sábio is also the root of the biological name for humans, 'Homo sapiens', meaning 'wise man'.
Examples in context
- É melhor ser um tonto feliz que um sábio infeliz.Better to be a happy fool than an unhappy sage.This sentence compares being a happy fool to being an unhappy sábio.Tatoeba #997992 by alexmarcelo, translation #862982 by papabear
- Quando um sábio surgir novamente, ele certamente seguirá minhas palavras.When a Sage shall again arise, he will certainly follow my words.This sentence uses sábio to refer to a person who will follow specific words.Tatoeba #12712881 by kleberlucas, translation #911911 by shanghainese
- "Diga-me o que quer e eu lhe darei", disse Alexandre, o Grande, a Diógenes. "Não preciso de nada", respondeu o sábio, "mas se quiser me fazer um favor, deixe de impedir que eu receba a luz do sol.""Tell me what you want and I will give it to you," said Alexander the Great to Diogenes. "I don't need anything," the sage responded, "but if you want to make me happy, stop blocking my sunlight."This sentence illustrates a dialogue involving a sábio.Tatoeba #5472592 by carlosalberto, translation #5472484 by shekitten
- A sálvia é uma planta incrível para ter no seu jardim.Sage is an amazing plant to have in your garden.
- Vamos experimentar fazer aquela receita com mussarela e sálvia?Let's try making that recipe with mozzarella and sage?
- Nessa região, a erva-de-santa-maria é muito valorizada.In this region, sage is highly valued.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are discussing a professor at a university.
- BeatrizO professor é um homem muito sábio.The professor is a very wise man.
- RodrigoSim, ele sempre dá bons conselhos.Yes, he always gives good advice.
- BeatrizRodrigo, você deveria ouvi-lo com atenção.Rodrigo, you should listen to him carefully.
- RodrigoEu sei, ele é realmente sábio.I know, he is truly wise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sage” translations and entries sábio, sapiente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sapiente, sábio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
