pega-ratão
masculine
The English phrase "trick question" can be translated into Portuguese as pega-ratão. Wiktionary also lists pega-bobo.
Meaning: misleading question (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| pega-ratão | masculine |
| pega-bobo | masculine |
A trick question is a misleading question (noun).
Which one should you use?
The term pega-ratão is a masculine noun. The term pega-bobo is also a masculine noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Brazilians often use the term Pergunta Pegadinha in informal contexts.
Did you know?
- The term pega-ratão literally translates to 'rat-catcher', which implies that the question is a trap designed to catch someone off guard.
- The word pegadinha is frequently used in Brazilian media to describe harmless pranks or hidden-camera shows, rather than just linguistic trickery.
- While 'trick question' is often neutral in English, using pega-bobo in Portuguese can actually insult the person being asked, as it labels them a 'fool' or a 'simpleton'.
Examples in context
- O professor sempre nos surpreende com perguntas armadilha durante as provas.The teacher always surprises us with trick questions during exams.
- Essa pergunta é um pega-ratão.This question is a trick question.
- Não caia nesse pega-ratão do teste.Don't fall for that trick question in the test.
- O professor preparou um pega-ratão para nós.The teacher prepared a trick question for us.
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are studying for a logic exam.
- MarianaVocê entendeu essa questão ou é um pega-ratão?Did you understand this question or is it a trick question?
- FelipeAcho que é um pega-ratão, Mariana.I think it's a trick question, Mariana.
- MarianaCom certeza, a resposta parece óbvia demais.Definitely, the answer seems too obvious.
- FelipeVou ler com muito cuidado agora.I'm going to read it very carefully now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trick question” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
