violeta
/vi.oˈle.tɐ/masculine
In Portuguese, the English word 'violet' is translated as violeta. Wiktionary also lists lilás.
Meaning: colour (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| violeta | /vi.oˈle.tɐ/ (Brazil) /vjoˈle.tɐ/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
| lilás | /liˈla(j)s/ (Brazil) | masculine |
The word violeta refers to the color violet and also serves as the name for the violet flower. It can also be used as an adjective meaning having a bluish-purple color. Additionally, Violeta is used as a female given name.
Which one should you use?
While violeta refers to the color violet, lilás is used specifically to mean lilac. Additionally, the term roxinho is a diminutive of roxo, used to mean 'little purple'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
violeta and lilás are both masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /vi.oˈle.tɐ/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the word for the musical instrument 'viola' shares the same linguistic root that eventually led to the word for the color violeta.
- Using the diminutive roxinho to describe a light purple object can sometimes imply a sense of affection or cuteness rather than just a smaller size.
- The name Violeta was historically popular in Portuguese-speaking countries, often chosen to evoke the modesty and purity associated with the flower.
Examples in context
- Eu gosto da cor violeta.I like the color violet.This sentence shows how to express a preference for the color violeta.Tatoeba #996638 by alexmarcelo, translation #1283941 by marcelostockle
- A senhorita é modesta como uma violeta.The young lady is modest like a violet.This sentence uses violeta as a comparison to a flower.Tatoeba #1053055 by alexmarcelo, translation #3657493 by kerbear407
- Minha violeta africana morreu porque eu a reguei demais.My African violet died because I overwatered it.This sentence uses violeta to refer to the African violet plant.Tatoeba #6464333 by carlosalberto, translation #6464035 by CarpeLanam
- Seu vestido está em um tom lindo de violeta.Your dress is a beautiful shade of violet.
- Adoro o cheiro de violetas.I love the smell of violets.
- O violeta é a cor da espiritualidade e da criatividade.Violet is the color of spirituality and creativity.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Camila are choosing paint for a room.
- GabrielQual destas cores você prefere?Which of these colors do you prefer?
- CamilaEu acho que o violeta combina com a sala.I think violet matches the living room.
- GabrielNão acha que o violeta é muito escuro?Don't you think violet is too dark?
- CamilaNão, eu acho essa cor linda!No, I think that color is beautiful!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “violet” translations and entries violeta, lilás, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries violeta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
