cidade
/siˈda.d͡ʒi/
The English word "town" is translated into Portuguese as cidade.
cidade is the general term used to refer to a town or a city.
Meaning: settlement (noun)
Which one should you use?
While cidade is the standard word for a town or city, you might use vila to specifically refer to a smaller settlement or a village. Additionally, if you are speaking in an official or administrative context, the term município can be used to convey the concept of a town.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, towns or cities, use cidades.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /siˈda.dʒi/.
Did you know?
- The word cidade is a direct relative of the English word 'civility' and 'civilization', as both stem from the Latin root for a community of citizens.
- The term vila can describe a small village in one context, but in large Brazilian cities, a vila often refers to a gated community or a small cluster of houses on a dead-end street.
- In many Portuguese-speaking countries, the administrative center of a município is specifically called the sede, which literally translates to 'head' or 'seat'.
Examples in context
- Eu vivo na cidade.I live in town.This sentence is useful for stating where you live using cidade.Tatoeba #1212920 by alexmarcelo, translation #2377661 by CK
- Ele mora na cidade.He lives in the town.This sentence is useful for stating where someone else lives using cidade.Tatoeba #1247832 by Welton, translation #291168 by Amastan
- Mamãe vai à cidade.Mother is going to town.This sentence is useful for describing someone traveling to a town using cidade.Tatoeba #4773361 by carlosalberto, translation #4554733 by Choctaw_Irish
- Eu moro em uma cidade pequena.I live in a small town.
- Adoro visitar as vilas históricas de Portugal.I love visiting the historical towns of Portugal.
- O município está investindo na infraestrutura das cidades.The municipality is investing in the towns' infrastructure.
- Fui passar o fim de semana em uma cidadezinha pitoresca.I spent the weekend in a quaint little town.
- Na região rural, é comum encontrar pequenos povados.In rural areas, it's common to find small towns.
- 400 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Beatriz are planning a weekend trip.
- FelipeA cidade é muito bonita.The town is very beautiful.
- BeatrizSim, eu adorei a cidade.Yes, I loved the town.
- FelipePodemos passear pela cidade amanhã?Can we walk around the town tomorrow?
- BeatrizCom certeza, Felipe!Of course, Felipe!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cidade, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cidade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
