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portuguese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˌpɔː.tʃʊˈɡiːz/US/ˈpɔːr.tʃʊ.ɡiːz/

Formal, Neutral

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Quick answer

What does “portuguese” mean?

Relating to Portugal, its people, or its language.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Relating to Portugal, its people, or its language.

1. A native or inhabitant of Portugal. 2. The Romance language of Portugal, Brazil, and other former Portuguese colonies. 3. (lowercase, rare) A Portuguese-speaking person more generally.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Primarily differences in accent when referring to the language. No major lexical differences; both use 'Portuguese'.

Connotations

In UK, often associated with travel, Algarve, and Madeira. In US, may be more strongly associated with Brazilian Portuguese due to population.

Frequency

Similar moderate frequency in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “portuguese” in a Sentence

[be] Portuguese[speak/learn] Portuguese[of] Portuguese [origin/descent]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Portuguese governmentPortuguese cuisinePortuguese colonyspeak PortuguesePortuguese man-of-war
medium
Portuguese winePortuguese explorerlearn PortuguesePortuguese accent
weak
Portuguese friendPortuguese coastPortuguese history

Examples

Examples of “portuguese” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • He is a Portuguese diplomat.
  • We enjoyed the Portuguese custard tarts.

American English

  • She has Portuguese citizenship.
  • The recipe calls for Portuguese sardines.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to Portuguese markets, trade agreements, or translation services.

Academic

Used in historical, linguistic, or cultural studies contexts.

Everyday

Describing nationality, language learning, travel destinations, or food.

Technical

In computing, 'Portuguese' locale settings for language.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “portuguese”

Strong

Port (informal, for person/thing)

Neutral

LusitanianLuso- (prefix)

Weak

Iberian (broader geographical)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “portuguese”

non-Portuguese

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “portuguese”

  • Using 'Portugese' (misspelling).
  • Saying 'a Portuguese' for the language (correct: 'Portuguese' is uncountable).
  • Using plural 'Portugueses' for people (correct: 'the Portuguese' or 'Portuguese people').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as it is derived from a proper noun (Portugal), it is always capitalized.

The word 'Portuguese' is used for both singular and plural. You say 'one Portuguese sailor' and 'five Portuguese sailors'. Alternatively, use 'Portuguese people'.

'Portugese' is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is 'Portuguese'.

For the language, yes: Brazilian Portuguese is a major variant. For people, it specifically denotes nationality from Portugal. A person from Brazil is Brazilian, though they may speak Portuguese.

Relating to Portugal, its people, or its language.

Portuguese is usually formal, neutral in register.

Portuguese: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɔː.tʃʊˈɡiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɔːr.tʃʊ.ɡiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “More Spanish than Portuguese (rare, meaning 'very different')”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

PORTU + GUESE: Think of 'Port' (a harbour, like Lisbon's port) and 'these' people - 'Port-u-these' people are Portuguese.

Conceptual Metaphor

LANGUAGE IS A TERRITORY ('He has mastered Portuguese').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
She is of descent, but she was born in London.
Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses 'Portuguese' correctly?

portuguese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore