rio de janeiro: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal and Informal. Used in all registers when referring to the city or state.
Quick answer
What does “rio de janeiro” mean?
A major city and port in southeastern Brazil, the former capital of the country, famous for its beaches, carnival, and iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major city and port in southeastern Brazil, the former capital of the country, famous for its beaches, carnival, and iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue.
By metonymy, it can refer to the surrounding state of Rio de Janeiro, its cultural scene, lifestyle (particularly the beach and carnival culture), or the Brazilian government during the time it was the capital (1763-1960).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences in usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Similar strong associations with carnival, beaches, and natural beauty in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, given its status as a major global city.
Grammar
How to Use “rio de janeiro” in a Sentence
be/live/work in + Rio de Janeirotravel/go/fly to + Rio de Janeirofrom + Rio de JaneiroVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rio de janeiro” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Carioca (denoting from Rio) is more common, e.g., 'the Carioca spirit'.
- A Rio-style carnival.
American English
- Carioca (denoting from Rio) is more common, e.g., 'Carioca culture'.
- A Rio-de-Janeiro-based company.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the city as a market, business hub, or location for conferences/events. e.g., 'Our South American headquarters are in Rio de Janeiro.'
Academic
Used in geography, history, urban studies, and cultural studies contexts. e.g., 'The urban development of Rio de Janeiro reflects complex socio-economic divides.'
Everyday
Common in travel, weather, sports (football), and general conversation. e.g., 'We're planning a holiday to Rio de Janeiro next year.'
Technical
In meteorology (weather reports), aviation (flight destinations), or cartography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rio de janeiro”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rio de janeiro”
- Misspelling: 'Rio de Janerio', 'Rio de Janiero'.
- Mispronunciation: Pronouncing the 'J' as in 'jam' (/dʒ/).
- Using 'Rio' alone in very formal writing where the full name is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It translates literally to 'River of January'. The name was given by Portuguese explorers who arrived at Guanabara Bay on 1 January 1502, mistaking the bay for the mouth of a large river.
No, it was the capital of Brazil from 1763 until 1960. The current capital is Brasília.
A person from the city of Rio de Janeiro is called a 'Carioca'. A person from the state of Rio de Janeiro is a 'Fluminense'.
In British English: /ˌriːəʊ də ʒəˈnɪərəʊ/. In American English: /ˌriːoʊ deɪ ʒəˈnɛroʊ/. The key is the soft 'zh' sound (like in 'pleasure') for the 'J' in 'Janeiro'.
A major city and port in southeastern Brazil, the former capital of the country, famous for its beaches, carnival, and iconic landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Rio de janeiro is usually formal and informal. used in all registers when referring to the city or state. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the phrase: 'Really Irresistible Ocean, De Janeiro!' – highlighting the beach allure and the month name (January in Portuguese).
Conceptual Metaphor
RIO DE JANEIRO IS A STAGE FOR SPECTACLE (carnival, football matches, New Year's Eve on Copacabana). RIO DE JANEIRO IS A POSTCARD (iconic landscapes).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common informal way to refer to Rio de Janeiro?