tesoura
/t͡ʃiˈzo(w).ɾɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for scissors is tesoura.
tesoura refers to the tool used for cutting.
Meaning: tool used for cutting (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, scissors is a plural noun, but in Portuguese, the singular form tesoura is typically used. You may also see the plural form as tesouras used to refer to the tool, which often emphasizes the pair or is used in specific regional contexts. Additionally, the diminutive tesourinha is used to describe little scissors or safety scissors for children.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike in English, the Portuguese word for scissors is typically used in the singular form tesoura. The plural form as tesouras is also used to refer to the tool.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiˈzo(w).ɾɐ/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese has a specific noun for the 'finger holes' of a tesoura called orelhas, which literally means 'ears'.
- The word tesoura shares the same linguistic roots as the English word 'tonsorial', which relates to a barber or hair cutting.
- In Brazil, the phrase cortar o mal pela raiz is used with the concept of cutting, meaning to solve a problem by removing its source.
Examples in context
- Me traga as tesouras.Bring me the scissors.This sentence shows how to ask someone to bring the tesoura.Tatoeba #4814861 by Ricardo14, translation #4666955 by CK
- Você tem uma tesoura?Do you have a pair of scissors?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a tesoura.Tatoeba #5325355 by carlosalberto, translation #2796852 by sharptoothed
- Onde estão as tesouras?Where are the scissors?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the tesoura.Tatoeba #8108808 by lucasmg123, translation #6880009 by batsheep
- Por favor, você pode me emprestar uma tesoura?Please, could you lend me a pair of scissors?
- Desculpe-me, onde posso encontrar uma tesoura aqui?Excuse me, where can I find scissors around here?
- Tenho uma tesourinha nova, queres ver?I have a new pair of scissors, do you want to see it?
- Alguém viu a tesourinha de unha? Preciso cortar as unhas!Has anyone seen the nail scissors? I need to trim my nails!
- Você possui uma tesourinha de unha que eu possa usar rapidamente?Do you have a nail scissors I can quickly borrow?
- Onde você comprou essa tesoura de costura? Estou precisando de uma nova.Where did you buy that sewing scissors? I need a new one.
- 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.
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Juliana are working on a craft project at home.
- FelipeJuliana, você viu a minha tesoura?Juliana, have you seen my scissors?
- JulianaEstá aqui em cima da mesa.It is right here on the table.
- FelipeObrigado, eu preciso dela para o papel.Thanks, I need it for the paper.
- JulianaTudo bem, use a tesoura com cuidado.Alright, use the scissors carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scissors” translations and entries tesoura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tesoura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
