pica-pau
/ˌpi.kɐˈpaw/masculine
The Portuguese word for woodpecker is pica-pau. If unsure, use pica-pau. It is also spelled picapau.
Meaning: bird in Picidae (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pica-pau | /ˌpi.kɐˈpaw/ (Brazil) /pi.kaˈpaw/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
| picapau | /pi.kaˈpaw/ (Brazil) /pi.kɐˈpaw/ (Portugal) |
masculine, alternative form |
pica-pau is the most common and widely recognized word for the bird in the Picidae family. You can also use the diminutive picapauzinho to refer to small woodpeckers or to sound more affectionate.
What does it mean word for word?
The second part of the word, pau, means wood.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of pica-pau is pica-paus.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌpi.kɐˈpaw/. The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- While pica-pau is used for the bird, the word pau (wood) is also a common slang term for a penis in many Portuguese-speaking regions. This can lead to unintended humor if the word is used carelessly in certain contexts.
- In Brazil, the character Woody Woodpecker is known as Pica-Pau and is a cultural icon whose voice is instantly recognizable across generations.
- The verb picar is also used in the context of computers to mean 'to type' or to 'input' data, sharing a root related to small, repetitive movements.
Examples in context
- Estou ouvindo um pica-pau.I hear a woodpecker.This sentence is useful for describing the act of hearing a pica-pau.Tatoeba #5968179 by sergiomelo, translation #5930444 by mailohilohi
- "Aquilo é um pica-pau?" "Não, é um beija-flor.""Is that a woodpecker?" "No, it's a hummingbird."This sentence is useful for identifying a pica-pau versus another bird.Tatoeba #2553288 by alexmarcelo, translation #10613549 by sangelo
- O pica-pau está coletando bolotas para o inverno.The woodpecker is gathering acorns for the winter.This sentence is useful for describing the behavior of a pica-pau.Tatoeba #11110116 by bill, translation #11110115 by bill
- Ontem, observei um pica-pau no meu jardim enquanto ele procurava comida.Yesterday, I observed a woodpecker in my garden as it searched for food.
- Que fofinho! O picapauzinho está batendo no tronco do jeito dele.How adorable! The little woodpecker is pecking at the trunk in its own way.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are walking through a park.
- CamilaLucas, olhe aquele pica-pau!Lucas, look at that woodpecker!
- LucasOnde? Ah, ele é muito rápido.Where? Ah, he is very fast.
- CamilaEle está batendo no tronco da árvore.He is pecking on the tree trunk.
- LucasQue pica-pau incrível você encontrou!What an incredible woodpecker you found!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “woodpecker” translations and entries pica-pau, picapau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
