pequeno
/piˈkẽ.nu/
The English word "small" is translated into Portuguese as pequeno.
pequeno is used to describe something that is not large in size. Depending on the context, it can also be used to describe someone's age (young) or importance (insignificant).
Meaning: not large (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word Bocadinho is commonly used to mean a little bit or a small amount.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use pequena for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun, so use pequenos for masculine plural nouns and pequenas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of pequeno is /piˈkẽ.nu/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese speakers often use the diminutive suffix -inho instead of the word pequeno to express affection or cuteness, such as casa becoming casinha.
- The phrase um pequeno detalhe is often used sarcastically to describe a problem that is actually huge and deal-breaking.
- When talking about a 'small' amount of money, Brazilians might use the term trocado, which refers to the 'small change' or coins left over from a transaction.
Examples in context
- O pão é pequeno.The loaf is small.This sentence demonstrates how to use pequeno to describe the size of a loaf of bread.Tatoeba #5281529 by alexmarcelo, translation #6330475 by RudeGuyGames
- O rato é pequeno.The mouse is small.This sentence shows the use of pequeno to describe the size of a mouse.Tatoeba #11233299 by Advanced, translation #10288166 by ddnktr
- O mundo é pequeno.It's a small world.This sentence illustrates the use of pequeno in the common expression 'it's a small world'.Tatoeba #1072544 by alexmarcelo, translation #271093 by CK
- Um objeto pequenoA small object
- Uma casa pequenaA small house
- Uma criança pequenaA small child
- Um investimento mínimoA small investment
- Um gatinho pequeninoA tiny kitten
- Uma florzinha pequeninaA little flower
- Um rapaz miúdoA young boy
- Este quarto é um bocadinho pequenoThis room is a bit small
- 321 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are looking at a new apartment.
- LucasO apartamento é muito pequeno, não?The apartment is very small, isn't it?
- BeatrizSim, mas ele é muito aconchegante.Yes, but it is very cozy.
- LucasBeatriz, este espaço é pequeno demais para nós.Beatriz, this space is too small for us.
- BeatrizEu concordo, precisamos de algo maior.I agree, we need something larger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries pequeno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
