Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cobra | /ˈkɔ.bɾɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈkɔ.bɾɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| ofídio | /oˈfi.d͡ʒju/ (Brazil) /ɔˈfi.dju/ (Portugal) |
|
| serpente | /seʁˈpẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /seɾˈpẽ.t͡ʃi/ (São Paulo) |
feminine |
Cobra is the general term for the legless reptile. In a figurative sense, much like in English, calling a person a cobra implies that they are treacherous or deceitful.
Which one should you use?
Cobra is the most common everyday word for a snake. Serpente is a synonym that is more formal or literary, frequently appearing in poetic or scientific contexts. Ofídio is a highly technical biological term used specifically by specialists.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the word sucuri is used specifically to refer to large snakes, such as anacondas.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Cobra is a feminine noun. Therefore, it must be preceded by feminine articles such as a or uma. The related verb serpentear, derived from serpente, means to move in a winding or zigzagging path.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of cobra is /ˈkɔ.bɾɐ/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word serpente is derived from a Latin verb meaning 'to crawl' or 'to creep'.
Examples in context
- Eu vi uma cobra.I saw a snake.This sentence shows how to use cobra to describe seeing a snake.Tatoeba #5859579 by bill, translation #5840363 by CK
- Você é uma cobra!You are a snake!This sentence demonstrates the figurative use of cobra to describe a treacherous person.Tatoeba #875660 by alexmarcelo, translation #27090 by orcrist
- A cobra é grande.The snake is big.This sentence shows how to use cobra with an adjective to describe the snake's size.Tatoeba #11155539 by carlosalberto, translation #11155537 by carlosalberto
- A serpente se deslizava silenciosamente pela grama.The snake slithered silently through the grass.
- Olha só essa cobra, cuidado!Look at that snake, be careful!
- Tomara que a gente não cruze com uma sucuri na trilha.Let's hope we don't come across an anaconda on the trail.
- Os jardins portugueses geralmente abrigam diversos ofídios.Portuguese gardens usually harbor various snakes.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are hiking in a forest.
- RodrigoCuidado, tem uma cobra ali!Watch out, there is a snake there!
- CamilaOnde? Eu não consigo ver a cobra.Where? I cannot see the snake.
- RodrigoEstá perto daquela pedra.It is near that rock.
- CamilaQue susto, ela é bem rápida!What a scare, it is very fast!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snake” translations and entries cobra, ofídio, serpente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cobra, ofídio, serpente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
