solo
/ˈsɔ.lu/masculine
The English word 'solo' can be translated to Portuguese as solo.
As a noun, solo refers to a job or performance done by one person, such as a musical solo. It can also function as an adjective to describe a musical solo. If you want to express the action of independently tackling a challenge, the related verb solar is used.
Meaning: job or performance done by one person (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In spoken language, Brazilians often say sozinho(a) mesmo(a) or sozinha(o) mesmo(a) to emphasize the idea of being truly alone.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun, solo is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈsɔ.lu/.
Did you know?
- The word solo originates from two different Latin words: solum meaning 'ground' and sōlus meaning 'solitary'.
- In gaming culture and internet slang in Brazil, the verb solar is used to describe defeating a boss or opponent without any help from teammates.
- While solo is used for music, the Portuguese word só can mean both 'alone' and 'only'. A learner might be surprised to find that Estou só can mean either 'I am alone' or 'I am the only one'.
Examples in context
- O show começou com um solo de piano.The concert began with a piano solo.This sentence shows how to use solo to describe a piano performance.Tatoeba #4866838 by bill, translation #25909 by CK
- Eles tocarão duetos no início de cada espetáculo, depois atuarão a solo com as suas respectivas bandas antes de voltarem a juntar-se para os bis.They'll play duets at the start of each show, then perform solo sets with their own bands before reuniting for encores.This sentence demonstrates the use of solo in the context of performing with a band.Tatoeba #11154863 by Cangarejo, translation #11154862 by Cangarejo
- Ela alterna entre gravações a solo e em banda, o que permite à cantora e violinista apresentar tanto sons pop contemporâneos como sons tradicionais de country e bluegrass.She alternates between solo and band recordings, which allows the singer/fiddler to showcase both contemporary pop and traditional country/bluegrass sounds.This sentence illustrates the use of solo when comparing independent recordings to band recordings.Tatoeba #12138022 by Cangarejo, translation #12128826 by Cangarejo
- Estou sozinho.I am alone.
- Ele prefere viajar sozinho.He prefers to travel alone.
- Ela gosta de passar o tempo sozinha.She enjoys spending time alone.
- Prefiro ir ao cinema sozinha mesmo.I prefer going to the movies alone, really.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are discussing a music rehearsal.
- RodrigoVocê já praticou o seu solo?Have you practiced your solo yet?
- MarianaSim, mas o solo está muito difícil.Yes, but the solo is very difficult.
- RodrigoEu posso te ajudar com esse solo.I can help you with that solo.
- MarianaObrigada, Rodrigo! Você é muito gentil.Thank you, Rodrigo! You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “solo” translations and entries solo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
