Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| azulejo | /a.zuˈle.ʒu/ (Brazil) /ɐ.zuˈlɐ(j).ʒu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| ladrilho | /laˈdɾi.ʎu/ (Brazil) /lɐˈdɾi.ʎu/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| telha | /ˈte.ʎɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈtɐ(j).ʎɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The term describes a sheet of ceramic or fired clay used to cover surfaces. Depending on the specific type of tile, different words are used: azulejo refers to decorative ceramic tiles used for ornamentation or wall patterns, while telha is used specifically for roof tiles.
Which one should you use?
azulejo is the specific term for decorative ceramic tiles often used for ornamentation. telha is used specifically for tiles used on roofs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in northern Portugal, the phrase azulejo pintado is used to refer to tiles that depict painted scenes or designs.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The nouns provided are azulejo (masculine), ladrilho (masculine) and telha (feminine). Related verbs meaning 'to cover with tiles' include azulejar, ladrilhar and telhar.
How do you pronounce it?
The word azulejo is pronounced /a.zuˈle.ʒu/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the third syllable.
When do people say it?
The azulejo is a significant part of Portuguese cultural heritage, particularly the traditional painted ceramic tiles used to decorate buildings.
Did you know?
- The tradition of using azulejos to cover entire church walls was influenced by the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula.
- The word azulejo actually has Arabic roots, originating from the term for 'polished stone'.
- In Portugal, azulejos are not just interior decorations but are used as external facades to protect buildings from humidity and heat.
Examples in context
- O azulejo é branco.The tile is white.This sentence describes the color of an azulejo.Tatoeba #7372670 by iart61, translation #8302462 by illiterate
- Dantes não distinguia mármore de azulejo, agora distingo e bem!Before I couldn't tell the difference between marble and tile. Now that's all I can do.This sentence is useful for illustrating the distinction between marble and azulejo.Tatoeba #8099354 by iT4LL, translation #8099359 by iT4LL
- A enfermeira-chefe aproximou-se a passos largos, os seus tacões de couro a bater no chão de ladrilhos.The head nurse came striding up, her leather heels clacking on the tile floor.This sentence shows the use of ladrilho in the context of a floor.Tatoeba #11838551 by Cangarejo, translation #11838550 by Cangarejo
- O museu está repleto de azulejos deslumbrantes.The museum is filled with stunning tiles.
- Os ladrilhos no palácio são muito bem conservados.The tiles in the palace are very well-preserved.
- Comprei uns azulejinhos para decorar a minha cozinha.I bought some small tiles to decorate my kitchen.
- Os tijolinhos coloridos ficaram lindos na parede.The colorful tiles look beautiful on the wall.
- Os azulejos pintados da Igreja de São Francisco são espetaculares.The painted tiles of the Church of São Francisco are spectacular.
Example conversation
Juliana and Gabriel are renovating their kitchen.
- JulianaQual azulejo você prefere para a cozinha?Which tile do you prefer for the kitchen?
- GabrielEu gosto mais do azulejo azul.I like the blue tile more.
- JulianaEle combina com o armário, Gabriel.It matches the cabinet, Gabriel.
- GabrielSim, vamos comprar esse azulejo então.Yes, let's buy this tile then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tile” translations and entries azulejo, ladrilho, telha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries azulejo, ladrilho, telha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
