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B1 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

pernilongo

Beispiele pernilongo in 30 Sekunden
Erklärung pernilongo in your Level:
At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'pernilongo' is a word for a mosquito in Brazil. It is a common insect that you will find in houses. You should learn it alongside words like 'casa' (house), 'quarto' (bedroom), and 'dormir' (to sleep). A1 students should be able to say 'Tem um pernilongo' (There is a mosquito) or 'Eu não gosto de pernilongos' (I don't like mosquitoes). The word is long, but you can break it down: perni-longo. Think of it as a 'long-legged' bug. At this stage, don't worry about the different types of mosquitoes; just use 'pernilongo' when you see a small flying insect that might bite you at night. It's a masculine noun, so always use 'o' or 'um'.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'pernilongo' in more descriptive sentences. You should know the verb 'picar' (to bite/sting). For example, 'O pernilongo me picou' (The mosquito bit me). You can also use it with adjectives like 'chato' (annoying). You might talk about the weather and how it affects the insects: 'No verão tem muitos pernilongos' (In summer there are many mosquitoes). You should also be able to understand simple instructions or signs about preventing them, like 'Mantenha a porta fechada por causa dos pernilongos' (Keep the door closed because of the mosquitoes). You are beginning to see how this word is part of daily life in Brazil.
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At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between 'pernilongo' and 'mosquito'. You can explain why you are tired: 'Não dormi bem porque um pernilongo ficou zumbindo no meu ouvido a noite toda' (I didn't sleep well because a mosquito kept buzzing in my ear all night). You can discuss basic solutions, like using 'repelente' or 'inseticida'. You should also be aware of the plural forms and gender agreement in more complex sentences. At this level, you can participate in a conversation about the nuisances of tropical climates and use 'pernilongo' as your go-to word for the common house mosquito. You might also start to hear regional variations like 'muriçoca' and understand they refer to the same thing.
At the B2 level, you can use 'pernilongo' in more formal or technical discussions about public health and urban environments. You can distinguish between the 'pernilongo comum' and the 'mosquito da dengue' (Aedes aegypti) when talking about prevention. You might use the word metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions. You can describe the habitat of the pernilongo (standing water, humidity) and explain the biological reason for its name (pernas longas). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'larva', 'criadouro' (breeding ground), and 'dedetização' (pest control). You can read news articles about insect infestations and understand the social implications for different neighborhoods.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's cultural and regional weight. You can effortlessly switch between 'pernilongo', 'muriçoca', and 'carapanã' depending on who you are talking to or where you are in Brazil. You can use the word in literary contexts or high-level social commentary. You understand the subtle humor in Brazilian culture regarding the 'pernilongo' and can use it yourself. You can discuss the evolution of the word and its etymology in detail. You are also able to navigate complex medical or environmental texts that use 'pernilongo' to describe specific ecological niches or behaviors of the Culex mosquito versus other Diptera.
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At the C2 level, 'pernilongo' is a word you use with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its place in the history of the Portuguese language in the Americas. You can identify the word in various dialects and registers, from street slang to academic biology. You might even use it in creative writing to evoke a specific 'Brazilian summer' atmosphere. You are aware of the most obscure synonyms and the historical reasons why 'pernilongo' became the dominant term in Brazil while 'mosquito' remained the primary term in Portugal. You can discuss the insect's role in urban legends, folklore, and modern Brazilian pop culture with complete fluency.
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Beispiele

pernilongo in 30 Sekunden

  • Pernilongo is the standard Brazilian word for a common house mosquito.
  • The name comes from 'perna' (leg) and 'longo' (long), referring to its anatomy.
  • It is famous for its annoying nighttime buzzing and itchy red bites.
  • While 'mosquito' is also used, 'pernilongo' is more specific to the nocturnal house pest.
The word pernilongo is a fascinating example of how Portuguese speakers describe the world through physical characteristics. Etymologically, it is a portmanteau of perna (leg) and longo (long), literally meaning 'long-leg'. In the everyday life of a Brazilian, this word is synonymous with the annoying, high-pitched buzzing that haunts bedrooms during hot summer nights. Unlike the more generic 'mosquito', which can refer to a wider variety of small flies, 'pernilongo' specifically targets the common house mosquito (often the Culex genus).
Biological Context
In biological terms, it refers to the insect that possesses long, thin legs and a proboscis designed for piercing skin to feed on blood. While 'mosquito' is the scientifically broad term, 'pernilongo' is the colloquial favorite in Brazil for the nocturnal pest.

Não consegui dormir nada ontem à noite por causa do barulho de um pernilongo no meu ouvido.

People use this word most frequently in domestic settings. It is a word of frustration. You will hear it when someone is complaining about itchy welts on their skin or the lack of sleep due to the insect's characteristic 'zumbido' (hum/buzz). In Portugal, however, the word 'mosquito' is much more prevalent, and 'pernilongo' might sound distinctly Brazilian to European ears. Understanding this word is essential for anyone living in or visiting Brazil, as it is part of the 'tropical survival kit' vocabulary.
Social Register
It is a neutral to informal word. You can use it with friends, family, or even in a pharmacy when looking for repellent. It carries a sense of shared annoyance that everyone in a tropical climate understands intimately.

O pernilongo me picou no braço e agora está coçando muito.

Cultural Nuance
The pernilongo is often contrasted with the 'Aedes aegypti' (the mosquito that carries Dengue). While the Aedes is seen as a serious health threat, the pernilongo is usually seen as a domestic nuisance, though still capable of carrying other less common viruses.

Preciso comprar um repelente, a casa está cheia de pernilongos.

To master this word, one must associate it with the physical sensation of a 'picada' (bite) and the sound of 'zumbido'. It is not just a noun; it is an experience of the Brazilian climate. Whether you are in a humid coastal town or a dry inland city, the pernilongo is a universal neighbor. Using it correctly shows a level of cultural integration that goes beyond textbook Portuguese.
Using pernilongo in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as a standard masculine noun. However, the richness of its usage comes from the verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. Common verbs include picar (to bite/sting), matar (to kill), espantar (to scare away), and zumbir (to buzz).
Active Voice
When the insect is the subject: 'O pernilongo me picou' (The mosquito bit me). Note that in Portuguese, we use 'picar' for insects, whereas in English, we use 'bite'.

Aquele pernilongo chato não para de zumbir no meu ouvido!

Adjectives used with pernilongo often reflect the speaker's irritation. Words like chato (annoying), insuportável (unbearable), or maldito (cursed/damn) are frequent companions.
Pluralization
The plural is 'pernilongos'. Example: 'Há muitos pernilongos nesta época do ano' (There are many mosquitoes at this time of year).

Eu usei a raquete elétrica para matar o pernilongo.

You will also see it in the context of prevention. Phrases like 'tela contra pernilongos' (mosquito screen) or 'veneno de pernilongo' (mosquito poison/insecticide) are essential for shopping.
Prepositional Use
Often used with 'de' to describe causes: 'Minha perna está cheia de marcas de pernilongo' (My leg is full of mosquito marks).

Colocamos telas nas janelas para evitar que os pernilongos entrem.

In more descriptive writing, authors might focus on the 'pernas longas' that give the insect its name, using it as a metaphor for something spindly or fragile. However, in 99% of cases, you are dealing with the literal insect.

Esqueci a janela aberta e o quarto ficou infestado de pernilongos.

Understanding how to link 'pernilongo' with 'coceira' (itching) is also vital. 'Essa picada de pernilongo está me dando uma coceira terrível!' By mastering these sentence structures, you move from just knowing a noun to being able to express a very common Brazilian grievance.
The word pernilongo is omnipresent in Brazil, especially in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. You will hear it in the supermarket aisles when people are looking for 'SBP' (a famous brand of insecticide) or 'repelente'. You will hear it in the morning over coffee when a family member complains about their 'noite mal dormida' (poorly slept night).
Regional Variation
In São Paulo and the South, 'pernilongo' is the standard. In the Northeast, 'muriçoca' is the king of terms. In the North/Amazon region, you might hear 'carapanã'. Knowing 'pernilongo' is safe everywhere, but these regionalisms add flavor.

Na farmácia: 'Você tem algum creme para picada de pernilongo?'

It is also a staple in Brazilian comedy and cartoons. The 'pernilongo' is often depicted as a tiny but mighty villain, outsmarting humans with its agility and annoying buzz. In news reports, especially during the rainy season, you will hear journalists discussing the 'infestação de pernilongos' in certain urban areas due to standing water.

O vizinho disse que a piscina abandonada está criando muitos pernilongos.

Socially, talking about pernilongos is a great 'ice breaker' (or 'quebra-gelo'). It is a universal struggle. If you are at a party outdoors and everyone is swatting the air, mentioning the 'pernilongos famintos' (hungry mosquitoes) will instantly make you relatable.
Media and Literature
In children's stories, the pernilongo might be a character. In health campaigns, they differentiate between the 'pernilongo comum' (house mosquito) and the 'mosquito da dengue' (Aedes aegypti) to educate the public on risks.

'Mãe, tem um pernilongo gigante no meu quarto!'

Durante o acampamento, o que mais incomodou foram os pernilongos.

Ultimately, you hear this word anywhere where there is heat, water, and human skin. It is a word that bridges the gap between biological science and the raw, itchy reality of living in the tropics.
For English speakers, the most common mistake is using the word 'mosquito' for everything. While 'mosquito' is a valid Portuguese word, using pernilongo in Brazil shows a much higher level of fluency and local knowledge. Another mistake is gender confusion.
Gender Error
Many learners assume that because 'mosca' (fly) is feminine, 'pernilongo' might be too. It is strictly masculine: 'o pernilongo'. Using 'a pernilongo' is a frequent slip-up.

Errado: A pernilongo me picou. Correto: O pernilongo me picou.

Pronunciation can also be tricky. The 'r' in 'pernilongo' is often a flap (like the 'tt' in 'better' in US English) or a guttural 'h' sound depending on the Brazilian region. Learners sometimes over-pronounce the 'r' in a way that sounds unnatural.

Cuidado com a pronúncia: Não diga 'per-ni-lon-GOH', diga 'per-ni-lon-gu'.

Confusing 'pernilongo' with 'gafanhoto' (grasshopper) is another error, likely due to both being insects with long legs. However, a 'gafanhoto' is large, green/brown, and jumps; a 'pernilongo' is tiny, flies, and bites.
Verb Confusion
English speakers often say 'O pernilongo me mordeu' (The mosquito bit me). In Portuguese, 'morder' is for teeth. Since insects don't have teeth, we use 'picar' (to sting/pierce).

Errado: O pernilongo me mordeu. Correto: O pernilongo me picou.

Muitos alunos confundem 'pernilongo' com 'pernil' (ham/pork leg). Não peça 'pernilongo' no restaurante!

Lastly, don't confuse the 'pernilongo' with the 'borrachudo'. A 'borrachudo' is a small black fly found near waterfalls that leaves a much nastier, painful bite. The 'pernilongo' is your standard city/house mosquito. By avoiding these pitfalls, your Portuguese will sound much more natural and precise.
While pernilongo is a specific term, there are several related words you should know to navigate the world of Brazilian insects.
Mosquito
The most general term. In Brazil, it often refers to the 'Aedes aegypti' or very small fruit flies. In Portugal, it is the primary word for what Brazilians call 'pernilongo'.
Muriçoca
Extremely common in the North and Northeast of Brazil. It is essentially a synonym for pernilongo but carries a regional flavor. Some people use it to describe slightly larger or more aggressive mosquitoes.

No Rio de Janeiro dizemos pernilongo, mas em Recife eles dizem muriçoca.

Carapanã
A term used specifically in the Amazon region (Pará, Amazonas, etc.). If you are visiting the rainforest, this is the word you will hear most often.
Borrachudo
A different species (black fly). They are smaller, don't buzz as loudly, but their bites are much more inflammatory and itchy. Usually found in rural areas near running water.

O pernilongo é o 'Culex', enquanto o mosquito da febre amarela é o 'Aedes'.

Other related terms include inseto (insect), praga (pest), and bicho (critter/animal). While 'bicho' is very general, you might hear someone say 'Que bicho chato!' when trying to swat a pernilongo. There is also the 'mosquito-palha' (sandfly), which is smaller and carries leishmaniasis.
Comparison: Pernilongo vs. Mosca
A 'mosca' (fly) is generally larger, doesn't suck blood, and is associated with dirt/food. A 'pernilongo' is thin, sucks blood, and is associated with standing water and nighttime.

Ele é alto e magro, parece um pernilongo.

Understanding these distinctions helps you describe your environment more accurately and understand the nuances of Brazilian regional dialects.
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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

O pernilongo é pequeno.

The mosquito is small.

Masculine singular noun with the definite article 'o'.

2

Eu vi um pernilongo no quarto.

I saw a mosquito in the bedroom.

Use of the indefinite article 'um'.

3

O pernilongo voa.

The mosquito flies.

Simple subject-verb structure.

4

Não gosto de pernilongo.

I don't like mosquitoes.

The preposition 'de' is required after 'gostar'.

5

Tem um pernilongo aqui.

There is a mosquito here.

'Tem' is used colloquially for 'there is/are'.

6

O pernilongo é preto.

The mosquito is black.

Adjective agreement with masculine noun.

7

Muitos pernilongos na casa.

Many mosquitoes in the house.

Plural form 'pernilongos'.

8

O pernilongo pica.

The mosquito bites.

Present tense of the verb 'picar'.

1

O pernilongo me picou no braço.

The mosquito bit me on the arm.

Object pronoun 'me' before the verb.

2

Eu matei o pernilongo com a mão.

I killed the mosquito with my hand.

Past tense 'matei' (pretérito perfeito).

3

Este pernilongo é muito chato.

This mosquito is very annoying.

Demonstrative pronoun 'este'.

4

Preciso de um repelente para pernilongos.

I need a repellent for mosquitoes.

Plural noun after the preposition 'para'.

5

O pernilongo faz um barulho ruim.

The mosquito makes a bad noise.

Noun 'barulho' describing the sound.

6

Não deixe a janela aberta por causa dos pernilongos.

Don't leave the window open because of the mosquitoes.

Contraction 'dos' (de + os).

7

Minha perna está coçando por causa do pernilongo.

My leg is itching because of the mosquito.

Present continuous 'está coçando'.

8

Ontem à noite havia muitos pernilongos.

Yesterday night there were many mosquitoes.

Imperfect tense of 'haver' (there was/were).

1

O zumbido do pernilongo não me deixou dormir.

The mosquito's buzz didn't let me sleep.

Noun 'zumbido' (buzzing sound).

2

Dizem que os pernilongos gostam de água parada.

They say that mosquitoes like standing water.

Use of 'dizem que' for general statements.

3

Se você usar o mosquiteiro, o pernilongo não te pega.

If you use the mosquito net, the mosquito won't get you.

Conditional sentence with 'se'.

4

Eu usei uma raquete elétrica para caçar o pernilongo.

I used an electric racket to hunt the mosquito.

Verb 'caçar' (to hunt) used colloquially.

5

O pernilongo é diferente do mosquito da dengue.

The pernilongo is different from the dengue mosquito.

Comparative structure 'diferente de'.

6

Minha pele é muito sensível a picadas de pernilongo.

My skin is very sensitive to mosquito bites.

Adjective 'sensível' followed by 'a'.

7

Sempre que chove, aparecem mais pernilongos.

Whenever it rains, more mosquitoes appear.

Temporal conjunction 'sempre que'.

8

Tentei espantar o pernilongo, mas ele voltou.

I tried to scare the mosquito away, but it came back.

Contrastive conjunction 'mas'.

1

A infestação de pernilongos na cidade atingiu níveis alarmantes.

The mosquito infestation in the city reached alarming levels.

Abstract noun 'infestação'.

2

O pernilongo comum, ou Culex, é mais ativo durante a noite.

The common mosquito, or Culex, is more active during the night.

Apposition 'ou Culex' explaining the term.

3

É necessário eliminar os focos de pernilongos no quintal.

It is necessary to eliminate the mosquito breeding sites in the backyard.

Impersonal expression 'É necessário'.

4

O repelente protege contra pernilongos por até oito horas.

The repellent protects against mosquitoes for up to eight hours.

Preposition 'contra' indicating protection.

5

A prefeitura iniciou a dedetização contra os pernilongos.

The city hall started the pest control against mosquitoes.

Formal noun 'prefeitura' and 'dedetização'.

6

Muitas pessoas confundem o pernilongo com outros insetos voadores.

Many people confuse the pernilongo with other flying insects.

Verb 'confundir' with 'com'.

7

O ciclo de vida do pernilongo depende da temperatura ambiente.

The life cycle of the mosquito depends on the ambient temperature.

Subject 'ciclo de vida'.

8

Apesar do incômodo, o pernilongo comum raramente transmite doenças graves.

Despite the nuisance, the common mosquito rarely transmits serious diseases.

Concessive conjunction 'Apesar de'.

1

A onomatopéia do zumbido do pernilongo é frequentemente retratada em crônicas brasileiras.

The onomatopoeia of the mosquito's buzz is frequently portrayed in Brazilian chronicles.

Complex subject with multiple modifiers.

2

A resiliência do pernilongo urbano desafia as estratégias de controle de pragas.

The resilience of the urban mosquito challenges pest control strategies.

Personification of 'resiliência'.

3

O termo 'pernilongo' evoca uma memória sensorial imediata de noites quentes de verão.

The term 'pernilongo' evokes an immediate sensory memory of hot summer nights.

Elevated vocabulary like 'evoca' and 'memória sensorial'.

4

Houve uma polêmica sobre a eficácia das raquetes no combate aos pernilongos.

There was a controversy about the effectiveness of rackets in fighting mosquitoes.

Noun 'polêmica' and 'eficácia'.

5

A morfologia do pernilongo é adaptada para a sobrevivência em ambientes domésticos.

The morphology of the mosquito is adapted for survival in domestic environments.

Technical term 'morfologia'.

6

O autor utiliza a figura do pernilongo como uma metáfora para as pequenas irritações da vida.

The author uses the figure of the mosquito as a metaphor for life's small irritations.

Literary analysis structure.

7

A distribuição geográfica do pernilongo abrange quase todo o território nacional.

The geographical distribution of the mosquito covers almost the entire national territory.

Formal verb 'abrange'.

8

Estratégias biotecnológicas visam reduzir a população de pernilongos sem o uso de venenos.

Biotechnological strategies aim to reduce the mosquito population without the use of poisons.

Complex sentence with 'visam' + infinitive.

1

A onipresença do pernilongo no imaginário coletivo brasileiro reflete a nossa adaptação ao clima tropical.

The omnipresence of the mosquito in the Brazilian collective imagination reflects our adaptation to the tropical climate.

High-level abstract nouns.

2

Subsiste, em certas regiões, a crença de que o pernilongo prefere determinados tipos sanguíneos.

There persists, in certain regions, the belief that the mosquito prefers certain blood types.

Inverted subject order for emphasis.

3

A semântica de 'pernilongo' difere sutilmente de 'muriçoca' dependendo do contexto socio-regional.

The semantics of 'pernilongo' differs subtly from 'muriçoca' depending on the socio-regional context.

Linguistic terminology.

4

O pernilongo atua como um vetor secundário em complexos ciclos epidemiológicos urbanos.

The mosquito acts as a secondary vector in complex urban epidemiological cycles.

Academic register.

5

A erradicação do pernilongo em áreas metropolitanas é um desafio logístico e ambiental hercúleo.

The eradication of the mosquito in metropolitan areas is a Herculean logistical and environmental challenge.

Adjective 'hercúleo' for emphasis.

6

Não obstante o desconforto, a coexistência com o pernilongo é um traço indelével da vida nos trópicos.

Notwithstanding the discomfort, coexistence with the mosquito is an indelible trait of life in the tropics.

Archaic/Formal conjunction 'Não obstante'.

7

A análise proteômica da saliva do pernilongo revelou substâncias anticoagulantes altamente eficientes.

Proteomic analysis of mosquito saliva revealed highly efficient anticoagulant substances.

Specialized scientific vocabulary.

8

A percepção auditiva do zumbido do pernilongo desencadeia respostas fisiológicas de alerta instantâneas.

The auditory perception of the mosquito's buzz triggers instantaneous physiological alert responses.

Precise terminology 'percepção auditiva'.

Häufige Kollokationen

picada de pernilongo
zumbido de pernilongo
nuvem de pernilongos
matar pernilongo
espantar pernilongo
veneno de pernilongo
infestação de pernilongos
raquete de pernilongo
foco de pernilongo
época de pernilongo

Häufige Phrasen

Cheio de pernilongo

— Used to describe a place infested with them.

Este lugar está cheio de pernilongo!

O pernilongo me pegou

— Said when you realize you've been bitten.

Ai! O pernilongo me pegou de novo.

Zumbindo no ouvido

— Specifically describing the sound near the ear.

Tinha um pernilongo zumbindo no meu ouvido.

Guerra contra os pernilongos

— Hyperbolic way to describe trying to clear a room of them.

Hoje vai ser guerra contra os pernilongos.

Marca de pernilongo

— The red dot left after a bite.

Estou com várias marcas de pernilongo.

Pernilongo não dorme

— A joke about how they stay active all night.

Parece que pernilongo não dorme, né?

Atrair pernilongo

— Things that make them come closer.

Luz acesa atrai pernilongo.

Vítima de pernilongo

— Someone who is always bitten.

Eu sou a maior vítima de pernilongo da família.

Pernilongo gigante

— Usually referring to a crane fly, which is harmless but looks scary.

Olha o tamanho desse pernilongo gigante!

Maldito pernilongo

— A common expression of anger toward the insect.

Maldito pernilongo, não me deixa em paz!

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Perna de pernilongo"

— Used to describe someone with very thin legs.

Aquele jogador tem perna de pernilongo.

Informal
"Voz de pernilongo"

— A very thin, high-pitched, and annoying voice.

Ela tem uma voz de pernilongo insuportável.

Informal
"Parecer um pernilongo"

— To be tall, thin, and perhaps a bit clumsy.

Ele cresceu tanto que parece um pernilongo.

Informal
"Fazer um barulho de pernilongo"

— To complain in a persistent, annoying way.

Pare de fazer esse barulho de pernilongo no meu ouvido!

Informal
"Ser picado pelo pernilongo da..."

— To suddenly become obsessed or interested in something (humorous).

Ele foi picado pelo pernilongo da corrida.

Informal
"Mais chato que pernilongo"

— Extremely annoying.

Aquele vizinho é mais chato que pernilongo.

Informal
"Sangue de pernilongo"

— Used to describe someone very thin or weak.

Ele não tem força, tem sangue de pernilongo.

Informal
"Acertar o pernilongo no escuro"

— To do something very difficult by luck or skill.

Ele acertou a resposta como quem acerta um pernilongo no escuro.

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