guincho
/ˈɡĩ.ʃu/masculine
The English word "squeak" is translated into Portuguese as guincho.
While guincho can mean a small squeak, it is also frequently used to describe a louder, more piercing screech or a high-pitched cry (like a bird or a person).
Meaning: short, high-pitched sound (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun guincho is a masculine noun and its plural form is guinchos.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɡĩ.ʃu/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word guincho has a double origin: one is onomatopoeic to mimic a high sound and the other comes from the English word 'winch'.
- While guincho describes a high-pitched sound, it is also the standard Portuguese word for a 'tow truck'.
- In some Brazilian slang, guinchar can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is complaining or whining in a high-pitched way.
Examples in context
- A porta antiga fazia um guincho irritante sempre que alguém a abria.The old door would make an irritating squeak every time someone opened it.
- Ouvi um guincho agudo no sótão.I heard a high-pitched squeak in the attic.
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are in a hallway with a noisy door.
- FelipeVocê ouviu esse guincho agora?Did you hear that squeak just now?
- BeatrizSim, a porta está precisando de óleo.Yes, the door needs some oil.
- FelipeO guincho é muito irritante.The squeak is very annoying.
- BeatrizEu vou consertar isso amanhã, Felipe.I will fix that tomorrow, Felipe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “squeak” translations and entries guincho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guincho, CC BY-SA 4.0.
