Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| frase | /ˈfɾa.zi/ (Brazil) /ˈfɾa.zɨ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| período | /peˈɾiw.du/ (Brazil) /peˈɾi.o.du/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
| sentença | /sẽˈtẽ.sɐ/ (Brazil) /sẽˈtẽ.sɐ/ (Portugal) |
dated, feminine |
The primary way to refer to a grammatically complete series of words, consisting of a subject and a predicate, is with the feminine noun frase. While it refers to a sentence, it is often used more loosely in Portuguese to refer to any short phrase or expression, even if it lacks a formal subject and predicate.
Which one should you use?
frase is the most common term for a sentence or phrase. In contrast, período is also used to refer to a sentence. The word sentença is considered archaic or dated when used to mean a grammatical sentence. In modern Portuguese, sentença is primarily used in a legal context to mean a judicial sentence or verdict.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
frase is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈfɾa.zi/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use sentença to mean a grammatical sentence because it is a cognate. However, using sentença in most contexts will sound as if you are talking about a court ruling instead of grammar.
Did you know?
- The word sentença shares a common root with the English word 'sentient', as both come from the Latin sentiō, meaning 'to feel' or 'to perceive'.
- While frase is the standard word for a sentence, it is also the term used for 'catchphrases' or 'slogans' in advertising and pop culture.
Examples in context
- Isto é uma frase.This is a sentence.This example shows how to identify a sentence using frase.Tatoeba #8557796 by lucasmg123, translation #396738 by FeuDRenais
- Eu sou uma frase.I am a sentence.This example uses frase in a metaphorical way to say 'I am a sentence'.Tatoeba #12823063 by GustaBR, translation #10197991 by espamatics
- Não sou uma frase.I am not a sentence.This example provides the negation of the sentence using frase.Tatoeba #12823069 by GustaBR, translation #12823064 by GustaBR
- Bom dia.Good morning.
- Boa tarde.Good afternoon.
- Poderia me dizer…?Could you tell me…?
- Você teria algum tempo livre?Do you have any free time?
- Oi!Hi!
- Olá!Hello!
- E aí?What's up?
- Pode me dizer…?Can you tell me…?
- Você pode me ajudar?Can you help me?
- Boa sorte!Good luck!
- 369 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is asking a teacher about a grammar exercise.
- JulianaEsta frase está correta?Is this sentence correct?
- RodrigoSim, a frase está perfeita.Yes, the sentence is perfect.
- JulianaE quanto à pontuação da frase?And what about the punctuation of the sentence?
- RodrigoA sua frase precisa de um ponto final.Your sentence needs a full stop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sentence” translations and entries frase, período, sentença, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frase, período, sentença, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
