maiô
one piece, Brazil
Brazilian Portuguese has no single everyday word for every kind of swimsuit. A one-piece is a maiô, a two-piece is a biquíni and men's swim briefs are a sunga. It is also called Traje de banho.
Meaning: swimming outfit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| maiô | one piece, Brazil |
| Biquíni | two piece, Brazil |
| Sunga | men's trunks, Brazil |
| Traje de banho | general |
Traje de banho is a general phrase for "swimwear" and sounds formal. In shops, people name the exact type, so you ask for um biquíni or um maiô.
Which one should you use?
Calção de banho are swim shorts for men, while sunga is the tighter style common on Brazilian beaches.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal a one-piece swimsuit is a fato de banho, and biquíni is used there too.
Did you know?
- The word biquíni comes from Bikini Atoll, the name of the place in the Pacific where the bikini got its name.
Examples in context
- Preciso comprar um maiô novo.I need to buy a new swimsuit.
- Esse biquíni é lindo!This bikini is beautiful!
- Ele esqueceu a sunga em casa.He forgot his swim briefs at home.
Example conversation
Clara shops for a beach trip in a store in Rio de Janeiro, and the attendant Fabiana helps her.
- ClaraBoa tarde. Estou procurando um maiô.Good afternoon. I am looking for a swimsuit.
- FabianaTemos vários. Qual cor você prefere?We have several. Which color do you prefer?
- ClaraAzul, por favor.Blue, please.
