macio
/maˈsi.u/
The Portuguese word for soft is macio.
macio is used to describe something that easily gives way under pressure.
Meaning: easily giving way under pressure (adj)
Which one should you use?
While both can be translated as soft, macio describes a pleasant softness (like a pillow). In contrast, mole often implies something is limp, mushy or lacks structural integrity (like overcooked pasta).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes, so use macia for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun, so use macios for masculine plural nouns and macias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables. The stress is on the second syllable: /maˈsi.u/.
Did you know?
- If you call a person macio, you might be implying they are easy to manipulate rather than physically soft. It is often used to describe a character that lacks firmness or strength.
- In some Portuguese-speaking contexts, describing a person's voice as macia is a high compliment, suggesting it is smooth, soothing, and pleasant to hear.
- The potential Arabic root for macio connects it to a vast linguistic history spanning from the Middle East to the Iberian Peninsula.
Examples in context
- Toque aqui! É muito macio.Feel this. It's really soft.This example shows how to describe the texture of an object using macio.Tatoeba #8120840 by lucasmg123, translation #1972625 by CK
- Eu quero um travesseiro macio.I want a soft pillow.This example shows how to use macio to describe a pillow.Tatoeba #11427021 by carlosalberto, translation #11427001 by carlosalberto
- Este cobertor é demasiado macio.This blanket is too soft.This example shows how to use macio to describe a blanket.Tatoeba #8268751 by XY, translation #6574144 by Eccles17
- A música clássica possui uma melodia suave.Classical music has a soft melody.
- A textura da seda é muito suave ao toque.The texture of silk is very soft to the touch.
- A espuma do colchão é macia e confortável.The foam of the mattress is soft and comfortable.
- A pele do bebê é sempre macia e delicada.A baby's skin is always soft and delicate.
- Os coelhos têm uma pelagem muito fofa.Rabbits have very soft fur.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are looking at a new sofa in a furniture store.
- LucasO que você acha deste sofá, Camila?What do you think of this sofa, Camila?
- CamilaEle parece ser bem macio e confortável.It looks very soft and comfortable.
- LucasEu concordo, é ótimo para descansar.I agree, it is great for resting.
- CamilaVamos levar este mesmo!Let's take this one!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry macio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries macio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
