Brazilian Portuguese is a rich and diverse language with different ways to express the concept of “thousand” depending on the context and region. In this guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “thousand” in Portuguese, focusing mainly on Brazilian Portuguese. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Thousand”
In formal settings, it is important to use the appropriate terminology when referring to “thousand” in Portuguese. Here are a few formal expressions:
1. Mil
The most common way to say “thousand” in formal Portuguese is “mil”. It is pronounced as “meel” with an emphasis on the “ee” sound. For example:
Eles pagaram mil reais pelo concerto. (They paid a thousand reais for the concert.)
Contratamos mil funcionários para a nova fábrica. (We hired a thousand employees for the new factory.)
2. Milhar
Another formal way to say “thousand” in Portuguese is by using the word “milhar”. It is used in more specific contexts, such as when discussing large quantities. For example:
Essa cidade tem uma população de três milhões de habitantes. (This city has a population of three million inhabitants.)
O salário mínimo é de um milhar de euros. (The minimum wage is one thousand euros.)
Informal Ways to Say “Thousand”
Informal Portuguese offers a variety of colorful expressions to refer to “thousand.” These expressions are commonly used in everyday conversations and add a touch of regional flavor. Let’s take a look at some of them:
1. Milhão
In informal Brazilian Portuguese, it is common to use the word “milhão”, which literally means “million,” to express the meaning of “thousand.” It is often used in a hyperbolic or exaggerated way. Examples include:
Essa praia está lotada, tem um milhão de pessoas aqui! (This beach is crowded, there are a thousand people here!)
Comprei uma máquina fotográfica por milhão de reais! (I bought a camera for a thousand reais!)
2. Pila
In some regions of Brazil, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, the slang term “pila” is used instead of “thousand.” It is an informal expression and can be used in both singular and plural form. Examples include:
Gastei dez pilas naquela camiseta. (I spent ten thousand on that shirt.)
Ele tem vinte pilas guardadas. (He has twenty thousand saved up.)
3. Conto
In regional Brazilian Portuguese, particularly in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, people use the word “conto” to mean “thousand.” It comes from the old Portuguese word for “count” and is still widely used today. Examples include:
Aquela casa custa dois contos de reais. (That house costs two thousand reais.)
Ganhei três contos com aquela venda. (I made three thousand with that sale.)
Conclusion
There are various ways to say “thousand” in Portuguese, depending on the formality of the context and the region you are in. Brazilians use “mil” as the standard formal term, but in informal settings, “milhão”, “pila”, and “conto” are popular alternatives across different regions. Remember to choose the appropriate expression based on the context and who you are speaking with.
Now that you have learned different ways to express “thousand” in Portuguese, you can confidently engage in conversations with native speakers and better understand the cultural nuances associated with each expression. Practice using these terms and explore further to enrich your Portuguese vocabulary!
