manga
/ˈmɐ̃.ɡɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for sleeve is manga.
manga refers to the part of a garment that covers the arm. You can use the phrase manga curta to specify a short sleeve. The word is also used idiomatically in the expression ás na manga, which means having an ace up one's sleeve or possessing a hidden advantage.
Meaning: part of a garment that covers the arm (noun)
Which one should you use?
Note that manga is spelled exactly the same as the Portuguese word for the fruit mango, though their meanings are distinct.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word manga is a feminine noun. To refer to multiple sleeves, use the plural form mangas.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈmɐ̃.ɡɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word manga is an accidental homonym with the Japanese term for comics or much more widely known as 'manga'.
- The word manga shares a common ancestor with the name of the Spanish region Mancha, the setting of Don Quixote.
Examples in context
- Tom arregaçou as mangas.Tom rolled up his sleeve.This sentence shows how to use the plural form mangas with the verb for rolling up.Tatoeba #4718956 by anthrax26, translation #3409232 by CK
- Eu segurei a manga dele.I held his sleeve.This sentence demonstrates the use of the singular form manga when referring to a specific part of clothing.Tatoeba #8301135 by cmsdouglasgaldino, translation #260526 by CK
- Tenho outro ás na manga.I have another ace up my sleeve.This sentence illustrates the idiomatic expression ás na manga to describe a hidden advantage.Tatoeba #10862841 by bill, translation #10039897 by AlanF_US
- Eu gosto de camisetas com manga curta.I like t-shirts with short sleeves.
- Preciso comprar uma blusa com manga longa para o inverno.I need to buy a blouse with long sleeves for winter.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- CamilaFelipe, veja esta blusa com manga longa.Felipe, look at this long-sleeved blouse.
- FelipeA manga parece ser muito confortável.The sleeve looks very comfortable.
- CamilaSim, e o tecido é ótimo.Yes, and the fabric is great.
- FelipeVocê deve experimentar para ver se serve.You should try it on to see if it fits.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sleeve” translations and entries manga, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries manga, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
