bodas en 30 segundos
- Bodas is a feminine plural noun in Portuguese used to describe wedding anniversaries.
- It is most commonly used for major milestones like 25 years (prata) and 50 years (ouro).
- The word comes from the Latin for 'vows' and implies a festive and formal celebration.
- Always use it in the plural form 'as bodas' when referring to the event or date.
The Portuguese word bodas is a fascinating noun that primarily refers to a wedding anniversary celebration, particularly those that mark significant milestones in a couple's journey together. While in English we might simply say 'anniversary,' in Portuguese, bodas carries a more ceremonial and festive weight. It originates from the Latin word vota, meaning 'vows,' which perfectly encapsulates the essence of the word: a renewal or celebration of the original marriage vows. Although it can technically refer to the wedding ceremony itself in some poetic or archaic contexts, its modern usage is almost exclusively dedicated to the annual or milestone commemoration of that union.
- Plural Usage
- The word is almost always used in the plural form, even when referring to a single anniversary event. You will rarely hear someone say 'a boda'; instead, they say 'as bodas'.
- Milestone Specificity
- It is most frequently paired with a material that represents the number of years married, such as 'bodas de prata' (silver) for 25 years or 'bodas de ouro' (gold) for 50 years.
Meus avós celebraram suas bodas de diamante no mês passado.
In everyday conversation, you use bodas when you want to emphasize the importance of the event. While 'aniversário de casamento' is a common and neutral way to say 'wedding anniversary,' using bodas elevates the register. It suggests a party, a gathering, or a formal acknowledgment of the time passed. For example, if you are inviting people to a 25th-anniversary party, the invitation would almost certainly use the term Bodas de Prata rather than just 'aniversário'. This distinction is crucial for learners to understand because it signals the social and emotional magnitude of the celebration being discussed.
Eles estão organizando uma festa para as bodas de estanho.
- Cultural Nuance
- In Brazil and Portugal, these milestones are often celebrated with a religious ceremony followed by a reception, similar to a second wedding, especially for the 25th and 50th years.
Furthermore, the term can be found in literature and film. A famous example is the play 'Bodas de Sangue' (Blood Wedding) by Federico García Lorca, which, although originally in Spanish, is a staple of Lusophone theater education. This highlights the word's ability to denote the wedding ceremony itself in a more dramatic or high-literature context. However, for an A2 learner, focusing on the 'anniversary' meaning is the most practical path forward. Whether you are reading a social column in a Portuguese newspaper or listening to a family member talk about their parents, bodas will almost always point toward a long-term commitment being honored.
Que bodas vocês estão comemorando este ano?
Using the word bodas correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a plural feminine noun. It is almost always preceded by the definite article 'as' or a possessive adjective like 'nossas', 'suas', or 'minhas'. Because it refers to an event, it is frequently the direct object of verbs related to celebration and organization.
- Common Verbs
- Comemorar (to commemorate), celebrar (to celebrate), festejar (to party/celebrate), e organizar (to organize).
Vamos comemorar nossas bodas de cristal com um jantar romântico.
The structure is usually [Bodas] + [de] + [Material]. This material indicates the years of marriage. For example, 'bodas de papel' (paper - 1 year), 'bodas de madeira' (wood - 5 years), or 'bodas de rubi' (ruby - 40 years). When you speak about the event in a general sense without specifying the year, you still keep it plural. You might say, 'As bodas foram lindas,' referring to the anniversary party.
As bodas de meus pais foram um evento inesquecível para toda a família.
- Prepositional Usage
- When talking about the time of the anniversary, we use 'em' (in) or 'no dia das' (on the day of). Example: 'No dia das nossas bodas, viajamos para Paris.'
It's also important to note that bodas can be used metaphorically or in religious contexts to describe the union of a soul with the divine, or the 'Bodas do Cordeiro' (Marriage of the Lamb) in Christian theology. While this is advanced, knowing it helps you recognize the word in diverse settings. In a more casual setting, if you see a cake with '25' on it, you can point and say, 'Parabéns pelas bodas!' (Congratulations on the anniversary!).
Eles completam bodas de porcelana este final de semana.
As bodas de algodão representam dois anos de casados.
- Agreement
- Since 'bodas' is feminine plural, any adjectives describing the celebration must also be feminine plural. Example: 'Bodas maravilhosas' (Wonderful anniversary).
You will encounter the word bodas in several specific social and cultural environments. The most common is within the family circle. When grandparents reach 50 years of marriage, the entire family will talk about the 'Bodas de Ouro'. You will hear it in conversations planning the event: 'Quem vai fazer o discurso nas bodas?' (Who is going to give the speech at the anniversary?).
O convite para as bodas de coral chegou hoje pelo correio.
Another place you will frequently see this word is in the 'Social' or 'Society' pages of newspapers and magazines. These sections often feature photos of prominent couples celebrating their milestones. The headlines often read something like 'Fulano e Beltrana celebram bodas de rubi em grande estilo.' In these contexts, the word serves to add a layer of sophistication and tradition to the reporting.
A revista publicou uma reportagem sobre as bodas imperiais do casal real.
In a religious setting, particularly within the Catholic Church, a priest might mention bodas during a mass if a couple is present to renew their vows. This is a very common practice in Brazil and Portugal. The priest might say, 'Hoje celebramos as bodas deste casal exemplar.' This reinforces the word's connection to the sacredness of the marital bond.
Eles postaram fotos lindas das bodas de linho no Instagram.
Lastly, you might hear it in the jewelry industry. Jewelers often market specific rings or gifts as 'presentes para bodas'. If you go to a jewelry store in Lisbon or São Paulo and ask for an anniversary gift, the clerk might ask, 'É para quais bodas?' (It is for which anniversary?). This shows how deeply the concept of bodas is integrated into the commercial and celebratory fabric of Lusophone societies.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using bodas is using it in the singular form. In English, we say 'an anniversary,' but in Portuguese, even a single anniversary event is referred to as 'as bodas' (plural). Saying 'a boda' sounds archaic or simply incorrect to a modern native speaker's ear.
- Singular vs. Plural
- Incorrect: 'A minha boda de prata foi ontem.' Correct: 'As minhas bodas de prata foram ontem.'
Não diga 'a boda', diga sempre 'as bodas'.
Another common error is confusing bodas with aniversário. While aniversário is a general term for any yearly recurring date (like a birthday or a company's founding), bodas is specific to marriage. You would never say 'bodas' for a birthday. Similarly, while you can say 'aniversário de casamento', you cannot use bodas as a direct synonym in every sentence. Bodas implies the material milestone and the celebration, whereas 'aniversário de casamento' is more of a factual description of the date.
Hoje é meu aniversário, não minhas bodas!
Learners also sometimes forget that bodas is a feminine noun. This means you must use 'as', 'minhas', 'suas', and feminine adjectives. It is common for learners to mistakenly use the masculine 'os' or 'meus' because many other celebration words in Portuguese (like 'aniversário' or 'evento') are masculine.
Eles tiveram bodas muito animadas.
Lastly, be careful with the material names. While English and Portuguese share many (Silver, Gold, Diamond), some are different or less commonly used in English. For instance, 'Bodas de Estanho' (Tin) for 10 years is very common in Portuguese, while some English speakers might say 'Aluminum'. Always check the specific Portuguese material name to avoid confusion during a celebration.
While bodas is a very specific term, there are several other words in Portuguese that relate to the same semantic field. Understanding the nuances between them will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the right word for the right occasion.
- Aniversário de Casamento
- This is the most direct and common alternative. It is neutral and can be used for any year. Use this if you are unsure if 'bodas' is too formal for the situation.
- Casamento
- While 'casamento' refers to the marriage itself or the wedding day, it is often linked to 'bodas'. For example, 'festa de casamento' is the wedding party, whereas 'festa de bodas' is the anniversary party.
- Matrimônio
- This is a more formal, legal, or religious term for marriage. You wouldn't use this for an anniversary, but you might see it on the same documents where 'bodas' are mentioned.
Prefiro dizer 'aniversário de casamento' em vez de 'bodas' no dia a dia.
In terms of register, bodas is definitely on the more formal and traditional side. If you are talking to a close friend about their first anniversary, saying 'Parabéns pelo seu aniversário de casamento' is perfect. If you are writing a card for your parents' 50th, 'Felizes Bodas de Ouro' is the way to go. There is also the word jubileu, which is sometimes used for 50th or 25th anniversaries, though this is even more formal and often used for institutions (like a king's jubilee) rather than just couples.
O jubileu de ouro da rainha foi uma grande festa.
To compare bodas and festa: 'festa' is the event, but 'bodas' is the reason for the event. You can have a 'festa de bodas', but you can't just call the anniversary a 'festa'. Similarly, 'união' (union) is often used in romantic speeches alongside 'bodas' to describe the couple's time together. 'Celebrar trinta anos de união' is a common phrase used during 'bodas de pérola' (pearl anniversary).
- Comparison Table
- Bodas: Formal, milestone-focused, ceremonial. Aniversário de Casamento: Neutral, factual, everyday use. Jubileu: Extremely formal, often institutional.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
Even though 'vota' started with a 'V', it shifted to a 'B' in Portuguese and Spanish. This is a common linguistic phenomenon called 'betacism'. This is why 'vows' and 'bodas' are actually distant cousins!
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing the 'o' too closed (like 'boat'). It should be open (like 'ought').
- Forgetting the plural 's' at the end.
- Making the 'd' sound like a 'j' (common in some Brazilian accents, but 'bodas' usually keeps a hard 'd').
- Stress on the second syllable (bo-DAS), which is incorrect.
- Confusing it with the Spanish pronunciation where the 'd' is softer.
Nivel de dificultad
Easy to recognize in context because it looks like 'wedding' or 'anniversary' contexts.
Requires remembering the 's' and the feminine gender.
The open 'o' sound can be tricky for English speakers.
Clear and distinct word, rarely confused with others.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Plural of Feminine Nouns ending in 'a'
A boda -> As bodas (though 'a boda' is rare).
Contraction of 'por' + 'as'
Parabéns pelas (por + as) bodas.
Agreement of Possessive Adjectives
As nossas (feminine plural) bodas.
Use of 'de' to indicate composition/material
Bodas de (of) prata (silver).
Definite Article with Events
As bodas foram ontem (Events often take 'as').
Ejemplos por nivel
As bodas são hoje.
The anniversary is today.
Note the plural feminine 'As bodas'.
Gosto de festas de bodas.
I like anniversary parties.
'Festas de bodas' uses 'de' to link the two nouns.
Minhas bodas são em maio.
My anniversary is in May.
Possessive 'Minhas' agrees with the feminine plural noun.
Ela tem um convite de bodas.
She has an anniversary invitation.
'Convite de bodas' is a common noun phrase.
As bodas foram bonitas.
The anniversary was beautiful.
Past tense 'foram' and adjective 'bonitas' are plural.
Parabéns pelas bodas!
Congratulations on the anniversary!
'Pelas' is the contraction of 'por' + 'as'.
Onde são as bodas?
Where is the anniversary (celebration)?
Using 'ser' to ask about the location of an event.
Eles celebram as bodas.
They celebrate the anniversary.
Present tense verb 'celebram'.
Eles celebram bodas de prata este ano.
They celebrate their silver anniversary this year.
'Bodas de prata' is the fixed term for 25 years.
Vamos comemorar nossas bodas de papel.
We are going to celebrate our paper anniversary.
'Bodas de papel' refers to the 1st year of marriage.
Minha avó quer uma festa de bodas de ouro.
My grandmother wants a golden anniversary party.
'Bodas de ouro' refers to the 50th anniversary.
Vocês já organizaram as bodas?
Have you already organized the anniversary?
Using the perfect tense 'organizaram' for a completed action.
As bodas de madeira são após cinco anos.
The wood anniversary is after five years.
'Bodas de madeira' is the 5-year milestone.
Eles ganharam presentes pelas bodas.
They received gifts for the anniversary.
'Ganharam' (received/won) followed by 'pelas'.
Amanhã são as bodas de meus tios.
Tomorrow is my aunt and uncle's anniversary.
Using the plural 'são' because 'as bodas' is the subject.
Quero comprar flores para as bodas.
I want to buy flowers for the anniversary.
The preposition 'para' indicates the purpose.
Eles decidiram renovar os votos nas bodas de estanho.
They decided to renew their vows on their tin anniversary.
Renovar os votos (renew vows) is a common activity for 'bodas'.
As bodas de cristal marcam quinze anos de união.
The crystal anniversary marks fifteen years of union.
'União' is a sophisticated synonym for marriage here.
Sempre comemoramos nossas bodas com uma viagem.
We always celebrate our anniversary with a trip.
Adverb 'sempre' indicates a recurring habit.
Foi emocionante ver meus pais nas bodas de rubi.
It was emotional to see my parents on their ruby anniversary.
'Bodas de rubi' is the 40th anniversary.
A família toda se reuniu para as bodas de diamante.
The whole family gathered for the diamond anniversary.
'Se reuniu' is the reflexive verb for 'gathered'.
Ninguém esqueceu das bodas de porcelana deles.
No one forgot about their china anniversary.
The verb 'esquecer' takes the preposition 'de'.
As bodas são um momento de reflexão sobre o amor.
The anniversary is a moment of reflection on love.
Abstract noun 'reflexão' adds a B1 level depth.
Ela preparou um discurso lindo para as bodas.
She prepared a beautiful speech for the anniversary.
The adjective 'lindo' matches the masculine 'discurso'.
A tradição das bodas remonta a tempos antigos na Europa.
The tradition of wedding anniversaries dates back to ancient times in Europe.
The verb 'remontar a' means 'to date back to'.
É comum que as bodas de prata incluam uma missa de ação de graças.
It is common for silver anniversaries to include a thanksgiving mass.
Subjunctive 'incluam' used after 'é comum que'.
As bodas de pérola simbolizam a resistência e a beleza da relação.
The pearl anniversary symbolizes the resilience and beauty of the relationship.
Abstract nouns 'resistência' and 'beleza' used here.
Apesar da idade, eles celebraram as bodas com muita energia.
Despite their age, they celebrated the anniversary with a lot of energy.
'Apesar de' is a complex conjunction meaning 'despite'.
O casal optou por umas bodas íntimas, apenas com os filhos.
The couple opted for an intimate anniversary, only with their children.
'Optar por' is a formal way to say 'to choose'.
As bodas de ouro são um marco raramente alcançado hoje em dia.
Golden anniversaries are a milestone rarely reached nowadays.
'Marco' means 'milestone' or 'landmark'.
Ela herdou o anel que sua avó usou em suas bodas.
She inherited the ring that her grandmother used on her anniversary.
Relative clause 'que sua avó usou'.
As bodas de linho representam a durabilidade do compromisso.
The linen anniversary represents the durability of the commitment.
'Compromisso' here means 'commitment' or 'engagement'.
A peça explora o simbolismo trágico das bodas no contexto rural.
The play explores the tragic symbolism of weddings in a rural context.
Here 'bodas' refers to the wedding ceremony itself.
As bodas de diamante exigem uma celebração à altura do feito.
A diamond anniversary requires a celebration worthy of the achievement.
'À altura de' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'worthy of'.
O conceito de bodas mensais é uma tendência recente no Brasil.
The concept of monthly anniversaries is a recent trend in Brazil.
Using 'tendência' to describe a social phenomenon.
Nas bodas do Cordeiro, a teologia vislumbra a união final.
In the Marriage of the Lamb, theology glimpses the final union.
A highly formal, theological use of the term.
As bodas de coral de seus avós foram registradas em um documentário familiar.
Their grandparents' coral anniversary was recorded in a family documentary.
Passive voice 'foram registradas'.
A elegância das bodas de marfim impressionou todos os convivas.
The elegance of the ivory anniversary impressed all the guests.
'Convivas' is a very formal word for 'guests'.
Não se deve subestimar a importância social das bodas de ouro.
One should not underestimate the social importance of golden anniversaries.
Impersonal 'se' construction with 'subestimar'.
As bodas de estanho celebram a flexibilidade necessária ao matrimônio.
The tin anniversary celebrates the flexibility necessary for marriage.
'Matrimônio' is used as a formal synonym for marriage.
A etimologia de 'bodas' remete ao plural neutro latino 'vota'.
The etymology of 'bodas' refers back to the Latin neuter plural 'vota'.
Technical linguistic terminology used here.
O arcaismo 'boda' ainda ressoa em certas variantes dialetais.
The archaism 'boda' still resonates in certain dialectal variants.
'Ressoar' used metaphorically to mean 'to persist'.
As bodas de carvalho são um testemunho da longevidade humana.
Oak anniversaries (80 years) are a testament to human longevity.
'Testemunho' means 'testament' or 'witness'.
A literatura luso-brasileira frequentemente utiliza as bodas como metáfora da reconciliação.
Luso-Brazilian literature frequently uses weddings/anniversaries as a metaphor for reconciliation.
Complex subject 'A literatura luso-brasileira'.
As bodas de brilhante representam o ápice da fidelidade conjugal.
The brilliant (75 years) anniversary represents the pinnacle of marital fidelity.
'Ápice' means 'pinnacle' or 'peak'.
Houve uma querela sobre qual material definiria aquelas bodas específicas.
There was a dispute over which material would define those specific anniversaries.
'Querela' is a very formal word for 'dispute' or 'quarrel'.
A suntuosidade das bodas imperiais contrastava com a simplicidade do cotidiano.
The sumptuousness of the imperial anniversary contrasted with the simplicity of daily life.
'Suntuosidade' (sumptuousness) and 'cotidiano' (daily life).
As bodas de alabastro evocam uma pureza que transcende o tempo.
The alabaster anniversary (46 years) evokes a purity that transcends time.
'Evocar' and 'transcender' are high-level verbs.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A standard way to wish someone a happy anniversary. It is respectful and warm.
Felizes bodas de prata para o casal!
— To reach a specific anniversary milestone. It implies a successful journey.
Eles completam bodas de madeira hoje.
— A more colloquial way to say someone is having an anniversary. Similar to 'having a birthday'.
Meus pais fazem bodas de ouro este mês.
— A question asking which specific material anniversary is being celebrated. Used to find out the years.
Vocês estão comemorando bodas de quê?
— An expression meaning 'heading towards the anniversary of...'. Shows future goals.
Estamos rumo às bodas de diamante!
— A party favor or souvenir given to guests at an anniversary celebration.
A lembrança de bodas era um pequeno porta-retratos.
— Specifically refers to the wedding night (the night of the marriage ceremony).
A noite de bodas foi em um hotel de luxo.
— A special mass held to celebrate a couple's anniversary. Common in Catholic traditions.
A missa de bodas será às dez horas.
— The practice, common in Brazil, of celebrating every month of the first year of marriage.
Eles fazem questão de celebrar as bodas mensais.
— A photo album dedicated to the anniversary celebration.
O álbum de bodas ficou pronto hoje.
Se confunde a menudo con
Means 'boots'. Only one letter different ('d' vs 't').
A general birthday/anniversary, while 'bodas' is only for marriage.
Rarely used in modern Portuguese except in literature.
Modismos y expresiones
— Literally 'Blood Wedding'. Refers to a wedding that ends in tragedy, often referencing Lorca's play.
O filme parecia uma versão moderna de Bodas de Sangue.
literary— The Wedding at Cana. Used to refer to a situation where a miracle or something unexpected happens.
Foi um milagre como nas Bodas de Caná.
religious— An archaic expression meaning to be in a state of great joy or celebration.
O vilarejo estava em bodas com a notícia.
archaic— A theological term for the union of Christ and the Church. Used in sermons.
O pastor pregou sobre as Bodas do Cordeiro.
religious— While not using the word 'bodas', it often describes a massive anniversary party.
As bodas de prata foram uma festa de arromba.
informal— Until death do us part. The vow that leads to many years of 'bodas'.
Eles cumpriram o 'até que a morte nos separe' em suas bodas de diamante.
neutral— Rice rain. Symbolic of the wedding day, often recalled during 'bodas'.
Lembramos da chuva de arroz em nossas bodas.
neutral— To exchange rings. A ritual often repeated during major 'bodas'.
Eles vão trocar as alianças novamente nas bodas de ouro.
neutral— To start on the right foot. Used to describe the beginning of the marriage.
Começamos o casamento com o pé direito e hoje celebramos bodas.
informal— Eternal love. The central theme of any 'bodas' celebration.
As bodas são a prova do amor eterno.
neutralFácil de confundir
Both relate to weddings.
Casamento is the wedding ceremony or the state of being married. Bodas is the anniversary of that wedding.
O casamento foi em 1990; as bodas de prata foram em 2015.
Both sound formal and relate to marriage.
Núpcias usually refers to the wedding night or the immediate wedding event, not the anniversary.
Eles viajaram em núpcias logo após a festa.
Both mark long-term milestones.
Jubileu is more institutional (churches, companies, monarchs). Bodas is personal (couples).
A empresa celebrou seu jubileu de ouro.
A 'boda' often involves a 'festa'.
Festa is any party. Bodas is the specific reason for a marriage anniversary party.
Tivemos uma festa para celebrar as bodas.
Bodas comes from the word for vows.
Votos are the actual promises made; bodas is the anniversary celebration of those promises.
Eles renovaram os votos nas bodas.
Patrones de oraciones
As bodas são [Adjective].
As bodas são divertidas.
Eles fazem bodas de [Material].
Eles fazem bodas de papel.
Vamos celebrar nossas bodas em [Place].
Vamos celebrar nossas bodas em Portugal.
Parabéns pelas suas bodas de [Material]!
Parabéns pelas suas bodas de ouro!
As bodas de [Material] marcam [Number] anos.
As bodas de cristal marcam quinze anos.
O casal decidiu festejar as bodas com [Activity].
O casal decidiu festejar as bodas com um cruzeiro.
Dada a importância das bodas, houve uma recepção.
Dada a importância das bodas, houve uma recepção luxuosa.
As bodas funcionam como um rito de passagem para [Concept].
As bodas funcionam como um rito de passagem para a maturidade do casal.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High in social and family contexts, particularly for milestones.
-
O meu boda de prata.
→
As minhas bodas de prata.
'Bodas' is feminine and plural. You must use 'As' and 'minhas'.
-
Feliz bodas!
→
Felizes bodas!
The adjective 'feliz' must agree with the plural noun 'bodas', becoming 'felizes'.
-
Minhas bodas de aniversário.
→
Minhas bodas de casamento.
'Bodas' already implies an anniversary. Adding 'aniversário' is redundant, but 'de casamento' is acceptable for clarity.
-
Comemorar as bodas de 50 anos.
→
Comemorar as bodas de ouro.
While '50 anos' is correct, using the material 'ouro' is much more natural and traditional.
-
Eu fui para a boda dele.
→
Eu fui para as bodas dele.
Always use the plural form 'as bodas' for the event.
Consejos
Always Plural
Treat 'bodas' like the English word 'glasses' (spectacles)—it's plural by nature. Use 'as bodas' and 'elas'.
The Materials Matter
Learning the materials (papel, prata, ouro) is key to using 'bodas' correctly in social situations.
The Open 'O'
Make sure to pronounce the 'o' in 'bodas' with an open sound, like in the English word 'hot'.
Capitalization
In formal invitations, capitalize the material name: 'Bodas de Ouro'.
Respect the Milestone
Using 'bodas' instead of 'aniversário' shows you recognize the importance of the couple's long journey together.
Monthly Bodas
In Brazil, look up 'bodas mensais' to learn fun, informal terms for the first 12 months of marriage.
Context Clues
If you hear 'bodas', look for numbers like 25 or 50 nearby; they are the most common companions.
Vows Connection
Connect 'bodas' to 'vows' (vota) to remember it's about the anniversary of those promises.
Invitations
If you see 'Bodas' on an envelope, it's an anniversary party, not a first-time wedding.
Bodas vs Aniversário
Use 'aniversário' for age/birthdays. Use 'bodas' for marriages. Never mix them up!
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'BOdas' as a 'BOuncy' celebration of 'Vows' (Vota). The 'B' replaces the 'V', and the 'S' at the end means there are many years of vows to celebrate!
Asociación visual
Imagine a giant silver '25' or golden '50' made of cake. This visual of a milestone is the heart of the word 'bodas'.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to list five different materials for 'bodas' in Portuguese without looking at a dictionary. (Hint: Prata, Ouro, Papel, Madeira, Diamante).
Origen de la palabra
The word 'bodas' comes from the Latin word 'vota', which is the plural of 'votum', meaning 'vow' or 'promise'. This refers to the marriage vows made during the ceremony.
Significado original: Originally, it referred to the solemn promises or vows made to a deity or during a marriage contract.
Romance (Latinate)Contexto cultural
None. It is a very positive and celebratory word.
In the US or UK, we often just say '25th Anniversary'. Portuguese speakers prefer the poetic 'Silver Anniversary' (Bodas de Prata) in almost all formal contexts.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family Gatherings
- Parabéns pelas bodas!
- Quantos anos de casados?
- A festa está linda.
- Um brinde ao casal!
Religious Ceremonies
- Renovação de votos
- Missa de ação de graças
- Bênção das alianças
- Vida longa ao casal
Jewelry Shopping
- Anel de bodas de prata
- Presente para 50 anos
- Gravação na aliança
- Joia comemorativa
Event Planning
- Lista de convidados
- Decoração para bodas
- Bolo de aniversário
- Buffet para a festa
Social Media
- Nossas bodas
- Amor de uma vida
- Sempre juntos
- Bodas de [Material]
Inicios de conversación
"Vocês costumam celebrar as bodas de casamento todos os anos?"
"Qual foi a festa de bodas mais bonita que você já foi?"
"O que você daria de presente em umas bodas de ouro?"
"Você sabe qual material representa dez anos de casados?"
"Seus pais já celebraram as bodas de prata?"
Temas para diario
Descreva como seria a sua festa de bodas ideal daqui a 25 anos.
Escreva uma mensagem de parabéns para um casal que faz bodas de ouro.
Reflita sobre a importância de celebrar as bodas em uma família.
Quais tradições de bodas existem no seu país que são diferentes do Brasil?
Imagine que você está organizando as bodas de seus avós. O que você faria?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, in modern Portuguese, 'bodas' is almost exclusively used in the plural form, even when referring to a single anniversary date or event. You should say 'As bodas' rather than 'A boda'.
Technically, 'bodas' is for marriage. However, in Brazil, it has become popular among young people to use 'bodas de namoro' for dating anniversaries (like 'bodas de beijinho' for one month). In Portugal, this is much less common.
This refers to the 25th wedding anniversary. It is one of the most celebrated milestones in Portuguese-speaking cultures, often involving a large party or a second ceremony.
This is the 50th wedding anniversary. It is considered a massive achievement and is usually celebrated with the entire extended family.
'Aniversário de casamento' is a neutral, factual term for any wedding anniversary. 'Bodas' is more formal, traditional, and usually implies a celebration or a specific material milestone (like Silver or Gold).
'Bodas' is a feminine noun. Therefore, you must use feminine articles and adjectives, such as 'as bodas', 'nossas bodas', or 'bodas maravilhosas'.
You can say 'Felizes bodas!' or more specifically 'Parabéns pelas suas bodas de prata!' if you know the specific milestone they are celebrating.
In poetic, literary, or archaic contexts, yes. For example, 'Bodas de Sangue' refers to a wedding ceremony. However, in daily life, it almost always means the anniversary.
It is the 1st wedding anniversary. In Brazil, it's very common to celebrate this first milestone with a small gift or dinner.
Yes, 'bodas' is used in Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and all other Lusophone nations, though the specific traditions and frequency of use for minor milestones may vary.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
Write a simple sentence using 'as bodas'.
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Translate: 'My parents celebrate their silver anniversary today.'
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Write an invitation sentence for your 10th anniversary (estanho).
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Explain in Portuguese why 'bodas' is plural.
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Write a formal congratulatory note for a couple celebrating 50 years.
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List three materials for 'bodas' in Portuguese.
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Describe a typical 'bodas de ouro' celebration.
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Compare 'bodas' with 'aniversário de casamento'.
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Discuss the symbolism of materials in 'bodas' celebrations.
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Write 'Happy silver anniversary!' in Portuguese.
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Write a short dialogue between two people planning an anniversary party.
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Translate: 'We are organizing the party for the diamond anniversary.'
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Write a paragraph about a couple you know who had 'bodas de ouro'.
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Analyze the etymological shift from 'vota' to 'bodas'.
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What is the difference between 'bodas' and 'núpcias'?
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Complete: 'Eles estão casados há 5 anos, por isso celebram bodas de...'
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Write a speech for a 25th anniversary.
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Describe the religious mass for 'bodas de prata'.
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How do you say 'The anniversary was fun'?
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Translate: 'I bought a gift for their anniversary.'
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Pronounce 'as bodas' correctly.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Say 'Happy silver anniversary' in Portuguese.
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Dijiste:
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Tell a story about your parents' or grandparents' anniversary.
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Dijiste:
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Explain the difference between 'bodas' and 'aniversário' to a friend.
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Dijiste:
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Give a short toast for a 50th wedding anniversary.
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Dijiste:
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Ask someone which anniversary they are celebrating.
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Dijiste:
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Discuss the importance of long-term commitment in Portuguese.
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Dijiste:
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Describe a dream anniversary party you would like to have.
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Dijiste:
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Debate whether 'bodas mensais' are a good tradition.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'The party is today' in Portuguese.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'We are celebrating 10 years of marriage'.
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Dijiste:
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Say 'I love my parents' anniversary'.
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Dijiste:
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Discuss the symbolic meaning of silver and gold in anniversaries.
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Dijiste:
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Deliver a formal speech for a diamond anniversary.
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Dijiste:
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Ask a waiter where the anniversary party is located.
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Dijiste:
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Listen to the word 'bodas' and repeat it.
Identify which material is mentioned: 'Eles fazem bodas de prata'.
Listen to a short dialogue and determine how many years they have been married.
Listen to an invitation and write down the date and time.
Listen to a radio report about a famous couple's anniversary.
Distinguish between 'bodas' and 'botas' in a recording.
Listen: 'Minhas bodas são em junho.' Which month was mentioned?
Listen to a toast and identify who is being celebrated.
Listen to a priest speaking about 'bodas' and summarize his message.
Listen to a podcast about Portuguese traditions and note the 'bodas' facts.
Is the speaker happy or sad when they say 'bodas'?
Identify the material: 'Bodas de madeira'.
Listen for the number of guests mentioned in the anniversary planning.
Listen: 'Vamos fazer uma festa.' What are they doing?
Listen to a complex literary analysis of 'Bodas de Sangue'.
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Summary
The word 'bodas' is your go-to term for wedding anniversaries in Portuguese. While 'aniversário de casamento' works, 'bodas' adds a layer of tradition and celebration. Example: 'Parabéns pelas suas bodas de ouro!' (Congratulations on your golden anniversary!).
- Bodas is a feminine plural noun in Portuguese used to describe wedding anniversaries.
- It is most commonly used for major milestones like 25 years (prata) and 50 years (ouro).
- The word comes from the Latin for 'vows' and implies a festive and formal celebration.
- Always use it in the plural form 'as bodas' when referring to the event or date.
Always Plural
Treat 'bodas' like the English word 'glasses' (spectacles)—it's plural by nature. Use 'as bodas' and 'elas'.
The Materials Matter
Learning the materials (papel, prata, ouro) is key to using 'bodas' correctly in social situations.
The Open 'O'
Make sure to pronounce the 'o' in 'bodas' with an open sound, like in the English word 'hot'.
Capitalization
In formal invitations, capitalize the material name: 'Bodas de Ouro'.
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