estrela
/isˈtɾe.lɐ/feminine
The English word star is translated into Portuguese as estrela.
In an astronomical sense, estrela refers to a luminous celestial body made of plasma. Metaphorically, it is used to describe a celebrity or a person who is the center of attention. You can use estrela-guia to mean a guiding star and estrela cadente for a falling or shooting star.
Meaning: (astronomy) a luminous celestial body made of plasma (noun)
Which one should you use?
While estrela is the standard term, astro can also be used to mean star in a more formal context. For a more informal or endearing tone, you can use the diminutive estrelinha. To describe something grand or a prominent celebrity, you can use the augmentative estrelona.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
estrela is a feminine noun. The plural form is estrelas. Related verbs like protagonizar or estrelar can be used when someone is appearing as a featured performer or headliner.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /isˈtɾe.lɐ/.
Did you know?
- The verb estrelar literally means 'to star' in a film, but in some informal Portuguese contexts, it can also mean to crash or collide heavily, often into a wall.
- The Portuguese word estrela is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'star' because both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂stḗr.
- Using the diminutive estrelinha is not just about size but is a common way to express deep affection when talking about a child or a loved one.
Examples in context
- Você vê a estrela?Do you see the star?This sentence is useful for asking if someone sees the estrela.Tatoeba #1912112 by alexmarcelo, translation #1912215 by Luornu
- Tom era a estrela.Tom was the star.This sentence is useful for describing someone who was the estrela.Tatoeba #4532029 by Ricardo14, translation #4495220 by CK
- Não vejo a estrela.I don't see the star.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not see the estrela.Tatoeba #1914327 by alexmarcelo, translation #11277445 by ddnktr
- A estrela brilhava no céu noturno.The star was shining in the night sky.
- Eu gosto de como a tua estrelinha brilha!I like how your little star shines!
- 137 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Camila are looking at the night sky.
- RodrigoOlha aquela estrela ali!Look at that star over there!
- CamilaEla é muito brilhante.It is very bright.
- RodrigoSerá que é um planeta ou uma estrela?I wonder if it's a planet or a star?
- CamilaAcho que é uma estrela.I think it is a star.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “star” translations and entries estrela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estrela, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
