tão fofo
/ˈtɐ̃w̃ ˈfo.fu/word by word
The English phrase "so cute" is translated into Portuguese as tão fofo.
tão fofo is used to describe something that is cute, soft or fluffy. In informal settings, you might also use tão querido(a), which means "so dear" or "so sweet", to express admiration for someone or something.
What does it mean word for word?
tão means "so" or "as", while fofo means "cute", "fluffy" or "soft".
Which one should you use?
You can also use the diminutive fofinho to mean "super cute" or the word bonitinho to mean "cute".
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the masculine form tão fofo for masculine nouns or people. Use the feminine form tão fofa for feminine nouns or people. For a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural tão fofos. For a group consisting only of females or feminine nouns, use the feminine plural tão fofas.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈtɐ̃w̃ ˈfo.fu/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, calling a person fofo can sometimes be used ironically to describe someone who is acting overly sweet or naive to a fault.
- The word fofo is considered an onomatopoeia, meaning it was created to mimic a sound, likely the sensation of something soft or plush.
- The term bonitinho, another way to say 'cute', can be used as a 'backhanded compliment' to suggest something is okay but not actually impressive.
Examples in context
- Ah! Ele é tão fofo.Aaww! He's so cute.This example shows how to express affection for a male subject using tão fofo.Tatoeba #2499170 by MarlonX19, translation #1476537 by Spamster
- Eles são tão fofos juntos.They're so cute together.This example demonstrates how to describe a couple being cute together using tão fofo.Tatoeba #6728756 by lucasmg123, translation #5791393 by Hybrid
- Aqueles gatinhos são tão fofos.Those kittens are so cute.This example illustrates the use of the masculine plural form tão fofo when referring to multiple kittens.Tatoeba #7834970 by piterkeo, translation #6956369 by Eccles17
- Aquela criança é tão fofaThat child is so cute
- Ela está muito bonita com esse vestidoShe looks so cute in that dress
- O cachorrinho é tão fofoThe puppy is so cute
- Aquele bebê é tão queridoThat baby is so cute
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila shows Felipe a photo of her new puppy.
- CamilaOlha a foto do meu cachorro!Look at the photo of my dog!
- FelipeNossa, ele é tão fofo!Wow, he is so cute!
- CamilaSim, ele é muito brincalhão.Yes, he is very playful.
- FelipeQuero conhecer o pequeno.I want to meet the little guy.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (tão, fofo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fofo, tão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
