Are you wondering how to say scissors in Portuguese? Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, it’s always helpful to know how to express basic objects like scissors. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of saying scissors in Portuguese, providing various tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say Scissors in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking with strangers or in business settings, it’s important to use the appropriate term for scissors in Portuguese. Here are a few formal expressions you can use:
Tesoura
The term “tesoura” is the most common and preferred way to say “scissors” in formal Portuguese. It’s widely understood and used across all Portuguese-speaking regions. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:
- Example 1: Por favor, você pode me emprestar uma tesoura? (Please, could you lend me a pair of scissors?)
- Example 2: Desculpe-me, onde posso encontrar uma tesoura aqui? (Excuse me, where can I find scissors around here?)
Remember to always use the appropriate articles (“uma” for feminine singular) when referring to “tesoura” in Portuguese.
Informal Ways to Say Scissors in Portuguese
In informal situations, such as speaking with friends, family, or acquaintances, you might come across some alternative terms to express scissors. Here are a few informal expressions commonly used in different Portuguese-speaking regions:
- Tesourinha:
In Portugal, the diminutive form of “tesoura” is often used informally, referring to “scissors” as “tesourinha.” It adds a sense of familiarity and affection. Let’s see it in action:
- Example 1: Passa-me a tesourinha ali, por favor? (Can you pass me those scissors, please?)
- Example 2: Tenho uma tesourinha nova, queres ver? (I have a new pair of scissors, do you want to see it?)
- Tesourinha de Unha:
This expression is widely used in Brazil to specifically refer to small scissors designed for trimming nails. “Tesourinha de unha” translates to “nail scissors.” Take a look at a couple of examples:
- Example 1: Alguém viu a tesourinha de unha? Preciso cortar as unhas! (Has anyone seen the nail scissors? I need to trim my nails!)
- Example 2: Você possui uma tesourinha de unha que eu possa usar rapidamente? (Do you have a nail scissors I can quickly borrow?)
- Tesoura de Costura:
In some Portuguese-speaking regions, such as Brazil, you might encounter the expression “tesoura de costura,” specifically referring to scissors used for sewing. Let’s see it in context:
- Example 1: Onde você comprou essa tesoura de costura? Estou precisando de uma nova. (Where did you buy that sewing scissors? I need a new one.)
- Example 2: Minha mãe me deu sua tesoura de costura para eu começar a aprender a costurar. (My mom gave me her sewing scissors to start learning how to sew.)
Note that these informal expressions may vary in different regions and dialects, but they should generally be understood throughout the Portuguese-speaking world.
Wrap-up
Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say scissors in Portuguese. In formal situations, “tesoura” is the most appropriate and widely used term. In informal settings, “tesourinha,” “tesourinha de unha,” and “tesoura de costura” are commonly used alternatives, depending on the region.
Remember to always adapt your language usage based on the context you find yourself in. Learning alternative expressions like these will help you connect with locals and enhance your overall language skills.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you! Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
