zíper
/ˈzi.peʁ/
The English phrase "zipper" is translated into Portuguese as zíper.
The word zíper refers to a device with interlocking teeth used to fasten clothes or bags. A more general term, fecho, means fastener or closure and can be used to refer to a zipper, though zíper specifically refers to the zipper mechanism.
Which one should you use?
While zíper specifically describes the zipper mechanism, fecho is a more general term for a fastener or closure.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the term fecho means fastener and can refer to a zipper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zíper is zíperes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈzi.peʁ/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word zíper is a genericized trademark, meaning a brand name that became the common word for the product itself.
- If you are in Portugal and ask for a zíper, people will understand you, but the more traditional term used in many European Portuguese contexts is fecho de correr, which literally means 'running fastener'.
- The accent mark on the 'í' in zíper is essential to maintain the correct stress on the first syllable, a rule that differentiates it from how an English speaker might pronounce it.
Examples in context
- Seu zíper está aberto.Your zipper is open.This sentence is useful for noting that a zíper is open.Tatoeba #1848986 by alexmarcelo, translation #1848937 by Spamster
- O zíper está emperrado.The zipper is stuck.This sentence is useful for describing a stuck zíper.Tatoeba #5316310 by bill, translation #1848936 by Spamster
- Ele abriu o zíper da bolsa.He opened the bag's zipper.This sentence is useful for describing someone opening the zíper of a bag.Tatoeba #1693989 by alexmarcelo, translation #1690436 by evanrichter
- Eu preciso consertar o fecho-ecler da minha bolsa nova.I need to fix the zipper on my new bag.
- O fecho da calça está emperrado.The zipper on the pants is jammed.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are getting ready to leave the house.
- FelipeO zíper da sua jaqueta quebrou?Did the zipper on your jacket break?
- CamilaAcho que sim, o zíper não fecha.I think so, the zipper won't close.
- FelipeEu posso tentar consertar o zíper para você.I can try to fix the zipper for you.
- CamilaObrigada, Felipe, você é um amor.Thank you, Felipe, you are a sweetheart.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zíper, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zíper, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
