natação
/na.taˈsɐ̃w̃/feminine
Swimming in Portuguese is natação.
natação is the noun for the activity of moving oneself through water. It is typically used when referring to swimming as a formal sport, a discipline or a structured activity, such as swimming lessons or a swimming club.
Meaning: human activity of moving oneself through water (noun)
Which one should you use?
While natação is the noun for the sport or activity of swimming, nadar is the verb used to describe the action of swimming.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the term banho can be used to refer to swimming in a general sense. In Portugal, the expression ir a banhos is used informally to mean going swimming.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /na.taˈsɐ̃w̃/.
Did you know?
- The phrase dar um mergulho, which literally means 'to give a dive', is the most common way for Portuguese speakers to say they are going for a quick swim.
- The word natação comes from the Latin natātiōnem, which could refer to both the act of swimming and the physical swimming pool itself.
- Portuguese has a distinct difference between nadar, the act of swimming, and banhar-se, which refers to the act of immersing oneself in water without necessarily swimming laps.
Examples in context
- A natação fortalece as pernas.Swimming makes the legs stronger.This sentence shows how natação can be used to describe how an activity affects the legs.Tatoeba #5564889 by carloseperola, translation #5564447 by zumley
- Faço parte do clube de natação.I belong to the swimming club.This sentence uses natação in the context of a swimming club.Tatoeba #1834252 by alexmarcelo, translation #258912 by CK
- Eu não sou muito bom na natação.I'm not very good at swimming.This sentence uses natação to describe one's proficiency at the activity.Tatoeba #1120455 by brauliobezerra, translation #321878 by CK
- Eu pratico nataçãoI practice swimming
- Pratico o nado livreI practice freestyle swimming
- Gosto de nadarI like to swim
- Vamos nadar na praia?Shall we go swimming at the beach?
- Vamos dar uns mergulhos na piscinaLet's go for a swim in the pool
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their morning exercises.
- JulianaVocê prefere corrida ou natação?Do you prefer running or swimming?
- FelipeEu gosto mais de natação.I like swimming more.
- JulianaA natação é ótima para o corpo.Swimming is great for the body.
- FelipeSim, eu me sinto muito bem.Yes, I feel very good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swimming” translations and entries natação, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries natação, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
