camarão
/ka.maˈɾɐ̃w̃/masculine
The Portuguese word for shrimp is camarão. Wiktionary also lists gamba.
Meaning: flesh of the crustacean (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| camarão | /ka.maˈɾɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /kɐ.mɐˈɾɐ̃w̃/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| gamba | /ˈɡɐ̃.bɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈɡɐ̃.bɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The term refers to the flesh of the crustacean.
Which one should you use?
While camarão is used everywhere, gamba is specifically common in Portugal to refer to certain types of shrimp or prawns.
Is it said differently in some regions?
gamba is a term specifically common in Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine camarão is camarões, while the plural of the feminine gamba is gambas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ka.maˈɾɐ̃w̃/.
Did you know?
- The term gamba has a surprising linguistic connection to the African language Kimbundu, where it comes from the word ngamba.
- Despite the similar sound, the plural camarões changes the vowel sound of the final syllable compared to the singular camarão.
Examples in context
- Meu gato ama camarão.My cat loves shrimp.This sentence shows how to express a pet's preference for camarão.Tatoeba #4448992 by Vinks, translation #3820840 by CK
- "Mas que camarão enorme", disse Tom."That's a huge shrimp," said Tom.This sentence uses camarão to describe the size of the crustacean.Tatoeba #6584991 by alexmarcelo, translation #6584660 by Eccles17
- Quando foi a última vez que comeste camarão?When was the last time you ate shrimp?This sentence asks about a past experience of eating camarão.Tatoeba #1078992 by alexmarcelo, translation #954620 by CK
- Gostaria de pedir um prato de camarões grelhados, por favor.I would like to order a dish of grilled shrimps, please.
- Vamos fazer uns petiscos hoje à noite? Eu comprei alguns camarãozinhos.Shall we make some appetizers tonight? I bought some shrimps.
- Vou preparar uma moqueca com camarões miúdos para o jantar.I will prepare a moqueca with small shrimps for dinner.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are looking at a menu at a seafood restaurant.
- CamilaVocê quer pedir o risoto de camarão?Do you want to order the shrimp risotto?
- LucasSim, eu adoro camarão com coco.Yes, I love shrimp with coconut.
- CamilaEu vou pedir a massa com camarão.I will order the pasta with shrimp.
- LucasÓtima escolha, Camila!Great choice, Camila!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shrimp” translations and entries camarão, gamba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries camarão, gamba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
