carrapato
/ka.ʁaˈpa.tu/
The Portuguese word for tick is carrapato.
The word carrapato literally refers to the parasitic arachnid. For specific types of ticks, you can use carrapato estrela (star tick), carrapato do mato (forest tick) or carrapato-de-cavalo (horse tick). If you intend to refer to a checkmark symbol rather than the insect, use the word visto. To express the action of checking something off or marking it with a checkmark, use the phrase dar um visto.
Meaning: checkmark (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word carrapato literally refers to the parasitic arachnid (the tick) rather than a checkmark symbol.
Which one should you use?
While carrapato refers to the insect, visto is the correct term for a checkmark symbol. To describe the action of making a tick mark, you can use the verb ticar, whereas the phrase fazer tique-taque refers to making a clicking noise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the informal diminutive carrapatinho is used to refer to a tick and the term bichinho (meaning little bug) is also an informal way to refer to them.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /ka.ʁaˈpa.tu/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use carrapato when you want to refer to a checkmark symbol. Instead, use visto.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, carrapato is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a person who is clingy or won't leave someone alone.
- The Portuguese word for a checkmark, visto, also serves as the formal term for an official 'visa' or an 'endorsement' on important documents.
- Brazilians may refer to a tick as a bichinho (little bug) to soften the unpleasantness of the pest.
Examples in context
- Eu encontrei um carrapato no meu cachorro.I found a tick on my dog.
- É importante remover a carraça o mais rápido possível.It's important to remove the tick as soon as possible.
Example conversation
Juliana and Lucas are reviewing a checklist together.
- JulianaLucas, você já colocou o carrapato aqui?Lucas, have you put the tick here yet?
- LucasAinda não, vou fazer isso agora.Not yet, I'll do it now.
- JulianaÓtimo, agora a lista está completa.Great, now the list is complete.
- LucasPronto, o carrapato está no lugar.Done, the tick is in place.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry carrapato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
