prata
/ˈpɾa.tɐ/feminine
The English word 'silver' is translated into Portuguese as prata.
prata is a feminine noun used to refer to the metal itself. When you want to describe something that possesses a silvery color, you should use an adjective rather than the noun.
Meaning: metal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While prata is the noun for the metal, you should use prateado to describe the color silvery. For a more literary or poetic way to say silvery, you can use argênteo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the expression prata de lei is used to refer specifically to sterling silver. In Brazil, the expression prata 925 is commonly used to denote sterling silver.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that an object is made of the material silver, use the prepositional phrase de prata instead of the noun alone.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ˈpɾa.tɐ/', 'syllables': 2, 'stressed_syllable': '1 of 2'}
Did you know?
- The word prata shares the same linguistic ancestor as the word 'chato', which means 'flat' or 'boring' in Portuguese.
- Portuguese uses the term prata da casa to describe a talented person or a valuable asset that belongs to a specific organization or family.
- In Portuguese, the word prata can be used as a slang term for 'money' in certain informal contexts, similar to how 'silver' was once used in old English.
Examples in context
- Isso é de prata?Is that made from silver?This sentence is useful for asking if an object is made of the material prata.Tatoeba #8927663 by carlosalberto, translation #8927659 by carlosalberto
- Isso não é prata.This isn't silver.This sentence is useful for stating that an object is not the metal prata.Tatoeba #3476795 by Ricardo14, translation #1946303 by CM
- Não há bala de prata.There's no silver bullet.This sentence uses prata in the context of the idiom 'silver bullet'.Tatoeba #12001424 by Advanced, translation #5389198 by Hybrid
- Esse bracelete é feito de prata.This bracelet is made of silver.
- Adoro aquele carro prateado.I love that silver car.
- Comprei um anel de pratinha na feira.I bought a little silver ring at the market.
- Minha avó tinha um conjunto de talheres de prata velha.My grandmother had a set of old silver cutlery.
- Aquele colar é feito de prata de lei.That necklace is made of sterling silver.
- Lembre-se de comprar brincos de prata 925.Remember to buy 925 silver earrings.
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila is looking at a ring in a jewelry shop.
- RodrigoCamila, você gostou deste anel?Camila, did you like this ring?
- CamilaSim, mas eu quero um de prata.Yes, but I want one made of silver.
- RodrigoEste modelo é de prata pura.This model is pure silver.
- CamilaEntão eu vou levar este.Then I will take this one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silver” translations and entries prata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
