barraca
/baˈʁa.kɐ/
In Portuguese, the word for stall is barraca.
Meaning: to employ delaying tactics (verb)
Which one should you use?
For example, baia and boxe refer to a compartment for a single animal in a stable or cattle shed, while estol is used in aeronautics to describe a loss of lift.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, especially in the northeastern regions, the phrase Barraca de Feira is used to refer specifically to market stalls.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word barraca has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /baˈʁa.kɐ/.
Did you know?
- While barraca refers to a physical stall, if you want to 'stall' a conversation or a process, you would use the verb enrolar, which literally means 'to roll'.
- The word barraca shares a common root with the English word 'barracks', as both stem from the idea of a temporary or makeshift shelter.
- The term barraca is used in Portuguese beach culture to describe the structures that provide umbrellas and chairs for rent, transforming the beach into a temporary marketplace.
Examples in context
- A banca de frutas tem produtos frescos.The fruit stall has fresh produce.
- Vamos visitar a barraca de artesanato?Let's visit the crafts stall?
- O evento terá várias tendas de comida internacional.The event will have various international food stalls.
- A banquinha de doces tem as melhores guloseimas.The little sweet stall has the best treats.
- Comprei algo bem legal na barraca de souvenirs.I bought something really cool at the souvenir stall.
- Sabe onde fica aquele balcão de pastéis deliciosos?Do you know where that counter with delicious pastries is?
Example conversation
Rodrigo is trying to avoid finishing a task at work.
- RodrigoVou precisar de mais tempo para isso.I'm going to need more time for this.
- BeatrizVocê está fazendo barraca, Rodrigo.You are stalling, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoEu só quero revisar os detalhes.I just want to review the details.
- BeatrizEntregue o relatório agora, por favor.Please hand in the report now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry barraca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barraca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
