rio grande do sul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal geographical/political; cultural/historical
Quick answer
What does “rio grande do sul” mean?
The southernmost state of Brazil, bordering Uruguay and Argentina.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The southernmost state of Brazil, bordering Uruguay and Argentina.
A region known for its distinctive Gaúcho culture, strong European immigration heritage (particularly German and Italian), and significant economic production including agriculture, wine, and manufacturing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in reference. Both use the Portuguese name without translation.
Connotations
In academic/travel contexts, evokes similar associations: gaúcho culture, wine production, European influence.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse, appearing mainly in geographical, historical, or cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “rio grande do sul” in a Sentence
[Location] is situated in Rio Grande do Sul.[Event] took place in Rio Grande do Sul.[Product] originates from Rio Grande do Sul.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rio grande do sul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company is considering Rio Grande do Sul for its new investment.
American English
- They decided to Rio Grande do Sul their supply chain, moving operations south.
adjective
British English
- The Rio Grande do Sul landscape is characterised by rolling hills.
American English
- She brought back a beautiful Rio Grande do Sul leather bag.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the state's economic sector, e.g., 'Our manufacturing plant is based in Rio Grande do Sul.'
Academic
Used in geographical, historical, or sociological studies, e.g., 'German immigration to Rio Grande do Sul in the 19th century...'
Everyday
In travel or general knowledge contexts, e.g., 'We're planning a trip to Rio Grande do Sul to try the wine.'
Technical
In meteorological or agricultural reports, e.g., 'Frost warnings for the highlands of Rio Grande do Sul.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rio grande do sul”
- Misspelling as 'Rio Grand do Sul' (missing 'e').
- Incorrect pronunciation of 'Sul' as /sʌl/ instead of /suːl/ or /sʊl/.
- Using 'the' before the name when it stands alone (correct: 'in Rio Grande do Sul', not 'in the Rio Grande do Sul').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Rio Grande is a city within the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The state's name means 'Great River of the South'.
The official language is Portuguese. However, due to historical immigration, German and Italian dialects (like Talian) are still spoken in some communities.
Its distinct Gaúcho (cowboy) tradition, heavily influenced by 19th-century European immigrants (especially from Germany and Italy), sets it apart from the more tropical, Afro-Brazilian culture prevalent in much of the country.
The capital is Porto Alegre, a major urban and economic centre.
The southernmost state of Brazil, bordering Uruguay and Argentina.
Rio grande do sul is usually formal geographical/political; cultural/historical in register.
Rio grande do sul: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːəʊ ˌɡrændə də ˈsʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrioʊ ˌɡrændə doʊ ˈsuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as independent as a Rio Grande do Sul rancher”
- “the southern gate (referring to its border position)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Grand' Rio in the 'South' (Sul) of Brazil.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CULTURAL MELTING POT (blending of European and Brazilian traditions); THE BREADBASKET (agricultural producer).
Practice
Quiz
What is a major economic activity associated with Rio Grande do Sul?