cadeira de rodas
feminine
The Portuguese word for wheelchair is cadeira de rodas.
cadeira de rodas is the most standard and widespread term used to describe a wheelchair in Portuguese.
Meaning: chair (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cadeira (chair), de (of) and rodas (wheels), literally meaning "chair of wheels".
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cadeira is feminine, so any accompanying articles or adjectives must also be feminine, such as a cadeira de rodas. To form the plural, both the noun cadeira and the word rodas are pluralized to create cadeiras de rodas.
Did you know?
- The word cadeira is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'cathedral'. Both come from the Greek kathédra, which described the formal seat of authority used by a bishop.
- In some Portuguese-speaking regions, you might hear the term cadeirante to describe a person who uses a cadeira de rodas.
- In a formal academic setting, the word cátedra (a doublet of cadeira) refers to a professor's 'chair' or a specific teaching position.
Examples in context
- Tom usa cadeira de rodas.Tom uses a wheelchair.This sentence is useful for describing someone's use of a cadeira de rodas.Tatoeba #5332026 by bill, translation #4502748 by CK
- Há acesso para cadeira de rodas?Is there wheelchair access?This sentence is useful for asking about the availability of cadeira de rodas access.Tatoeba #2535047 by GustavHRV90, translation #2550188 by erikspen
- Eu preciso de uma cadeira de rodas.I need a wheelchair.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a cadeira de rodas.Tatoeba #9017956 by carlosalberto, translation #8749137 by fishda
- Na minha profissão, lido com muitas pessoas que usam cadeiras de rodas.In my profession, I interact with many people who use wheelchairs.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are at a hospital reception desk.
- LucasOlá, onde posso encontrar uma cadeira de rodas?Hello, where can I find a wheelchair?
- CamilaElas estão logo ali no corredor, Lucas.They are right there in the hallway, Lucas.
- LucasObrigado, Camila. Vou buscar uma agora.Thank you, Camila. I will get one now.
- CamilaDe nada. Precisa de ajuda para empurrar?You're welcome. Do you need help pushing it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wheelchair” translations and entries cadeira de rodas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadeira, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
