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A2 noun 10 min de lectura

coxa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos coxa en 30 segundos

Explicación coxa in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'coxa' is a basic vocabulary word used to identify a part of the human body. Students learn it alongside words like 'mão' (hand), 'pé' (foot), and 'cabeça' (head). The focus is on simple identification and very basic descriptions. You might say 'Eu tenho duas coxas' (I have two thighs) or use it to point out a part of the body. In this stage, learners also encounter 'coxa de frango' when learning about food and ordering at a restaurant. It is a concrete noun that is easy to visualize and associate with English 'thigh'. Pronunciation is the main challenge, as the 'x' sounds like 'sh'. A1 learners should focus on the gender (feminine: a coxa) and the simple plural (as coxas).

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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'coxa' in more practical, everyday sentences. This includes describing physical sensations like pain or tiredness after exercise. For example, 'Minhas coxas estão cansadas de caminhar' (My thighs are tired from walking). A2 students also learn to use the word in the context of shopping for clothes, specifically pants or shorts, where the fit around the thighs is mentioned. They also become more familiar with the diminutive 'coxinha', recognizing it as a popular Brazilian snack. The focus shifts from mere identification to using the word in simple communicative contexts like visiting a doctor or a clothing store. They also begin to distinguish 'coxa' from 'perna' (leg) and 'quadril' (hip).

At the B1 level, students start to encounter 'coxa' in more idiomatic and cultural contexts. This is usually when the expression 'fazer nas coxas' (to do something sloppily) is introduced. B1 learners should understand that this is an informal idiom and recognize its negative connotation. They also use 'coxa' in more detailed descriptions of fitness or sports, such as 'O jogador teve uma lesão na coxa' (The player had a thigh injury). Their vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'sobrecoxa' (upper thigh) and 'músculos da coxa' (thigh muscles). At this stage, the learner can engage in more complex conversations about health, cooking, and even sports team nicknames like 'Coxa' for Coritiba FC.

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At the B2 level, the learner is expected to use 'coxa' and its derivatives with greater nuance. They understand the historical and social debates surrounding the idiom 'fazer nas coxas' and can use it appropriately in informal settings. They are also aware of the slang 'coxinha' used to describe a certain type of conservative person in Brazil. In medical or scientific contexts, they might use 'coxa' alongside more technical terms like 'fêmur' or 'artéria femoral'. Their ability to describe physical traits becomes more sophisticated, using adjectives like 'torneada', 'flácida', or 'musculosa'. They can also follow complex recipes that involve specific cuts of the 'coxa de frango'.

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At the C1 level, 'coxa' is used in academic, literary, or highly specialized discussions. The learner can read medical reports or sports physiology articles where 'coxa' appears in the context of biomechanics. They have a deep understanding of the word's etymology from Latin and how it evolved in the Romance languages. C1 learners can appreciate the use of 'coxa' in literature or poetry to describe the human form. They are also fully fluent in the diverse slang and regional variations of the word across the Lusophone world, from Lisbon to Luanda to São Paulo. They can debate the sociopolitical implications of using terms like 'coxinha' in modern Brazilian discourse.

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At the C2 level, mastery of 'coxa' is absolute. The learner uses the word with the same precision and cultural depth as a native speaker. They can play with the word in puns, understand obscure regionalisms, and use the idiom 'fazer nas coxas' with perfect timing and tone. They might explore the word's presence in historical texts or legal documents related to anatomy or food safety. A C2 learner can explain the subtle difference in connotation when using 'coxa' in a poem versus a clinical trial. Their understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, encompassing soccer history, culinary traditions, and social stereotypes.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

coxa en 30 segundos

Coxa means thigh in Portuguese, referring to the upper leg between hip and knee.
It is a feminine noun ('a coxa') and its plural is 'as coxas'.
In food, it refers to chicken drumsticks, often served as 'coxa de frango'.
It is used in the common Brazilian idiom 'fazer nas coxas', meaning poor quality work.

The Portuguese word coxa is a fundamental anatomical term that every learner should master early in their journey. At its most basic level, it refers to the thigh—the thick, muscular portion of the human leg situated between the hip (quadril) and the knee (joelho). Understanding this word is essential not only for medical or fitness contexts but also for daily life, as it appears frequently in culinary discussions, sports, and even colorful idiomatic expressions that reflect Brazilian history and culture.

Anatomical Context: In a biological sense, the coxa is the region supported by the femur, the strongest bone in the human body. When you go to the gym to do 'leg day,' you are primarily working on your coxas. You might hear a personal trainer say, 'Mantenha as coxas paralelas ao chão' (Keep your thighs parallel to the floor).

Depois de correr a maratona, senti uma dor intensa na coxa direita.

Culinary Context: If you are at a Brazilian 'churrascaria' or a local supermarket, you will encounter 'coxa de frango' (chicken thigh or drumstick). Brazilians love chicken, and the 'coxa e sobrecoxa' (thigh and upper thigh/drumstick and thigh) is a standard cut of meat found in almost every refrigerator across the country. Ordering a 'coxinha'—the most famous Brazilian snack—is actually a reference to its shape, which resembles a little chicken thigh.

Vou preparar coxas de frango assadas com batatas para o almoço de domingo.

Beyond the physical and the edible, 'coxa' has a massive presence in Brazilian soccer. 'Coxa' is the affectionate nickname for Coritiba Foot Ball Club, one of the oldest and most traditional clubs in the state of Paraná. Fans of the team are called 'Coxas-Brancas.' This nickname originated in the 1940s and has since become a badge of honor for millions of supporters. Furthermore, the word appears in the controversial but ubiquitous idiom 'fazer nas coxas,' which means to do something in a sloppy, rushed, or improvised manner. While its origins are debated—some say it refers to slaves molding roof tiles on their thighs, resulting in uneven shapes—it remains a common way to criticize poor quality work in informal settings.

Usage in Daily Life: Whether you are describing an injury to a doctor, buying clothes (where 'largura da coxa' or thigh width matters), or discussing your favorite soccer team, 'coxa' is a versatile noun that bridges the gap between technical anatomy and colloquial street speech.

Essa calça jeans está muito apertada na minha coxa.

Using coxa correctly involves understanding its gender (feminine) and its plural form (coxas). As a feminine noun, it always takes the feminine article 'a' or 'uma'. When describing the thigh, you will often use adjectives that agree in gender and number, such as 'coxas grossas' (thick thighs) or 'coxa machucada' (injured thigh). In a sentence, it typically functions as the direct object of an action or the subject of a physical sensation.

Physical Sensations: When talking about pain or discomfort, you use 'na' (in the). Example: 'Sinto uma cãibra na coxa' (I feel a cramp in my thigh). This is a common phrase used by athletes or anyone who has been walking for a long time.

O jogador saiu de campo segurando a coxa esquerda com dor.

Shopping and Clothing: When buying pants, you might need to specify if the fit is too tight around the thighs. You would say: 'Estas calças são muito justas nas coxas' (These pants are very tight in the thighs). This is a practical use of the plural form.

Preciso de um número maior porque tenho coxas largas.

In a culinary context, the word is almost always paired with 'de frango' (chicken). You will see it on menus as 'Coxa de Frango Grelhada' (Grilled Chicken Thigh). If you want the whole leg (thigh and drumstick), you order 'coxa e sobrecoxa'. This distinction is important for precise ordering in restaurants. In more metaphorical or idiomatic use, the word doesn't change its form but shifts the meaning of the entire sentence. For instance, 'Ele fez o trabalho nas coxas' doesn't mean anything about physical thighs; it's a fixed expression describing the quality of the work.

Descriptive Usage: Adjectives often follow 'coxa' to describe appearance. 'Coxas torneadas' (well-defined/toned thighs) is a common compliment in the Brazilian fitness culture, where lower body strength is often emphasized.

Ela faz muitos agachamentos para fortalecer as coxas.

You will encounter the word coxa in a surprisingly diverse range of environments in Brazil and Portugal. It is a word that transitions seamlessly from the sterile environment of a doctor's office to the smoky atmosphere of a backyard barbecue (churrasco). Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the word's full semantic range.

At the Gym (Academia): In Brazil's vibrant fitness culture, 'coxa' is a keyword. You will hear instructors shouting about 'treino de coxa' (thigh workout) or 'extensão de coxa' (leg extension). It's a point of pride for many gym-goers to have 'coxas fortes' (strong thighs).

Hoje o treino é focado em glúteos e coxas.

In the Kitchen and Restaurants: When looking at a menu or shopping for groceries, 'coxa' is the standard term for chicken drumsticks. You'll hear: 'Quero dois quilos de coxa de frango, por favor' (I want two kilos of chicken thighs, please). You also cannot escape the 'coxinha', the ubiquitous pear-shaped deep-fried snack filled with shredded chicken.

A coxa de frango está em promoção no supermercado hoje.

In a medical or therapeutic setting, a physiotherapist might ask, 'Onde exatamente na coxa você sente a dor?' (Where exactly in the thigh do you feel the pain?). It's the standard, non-slang term for that body part. However, in an office or school, you might hear the idiom 'nas coxas' used to describe a project that was poorly executed. For example, a boss might complain, 'Este relatório foi feito nas coxas' (This report was done sloppily). This wide variety of contexts—from physical health to culinary choices, to sports fandom, to workplace criticism—makes 'coxa' a high-frequency word that provides a window into the multifaceted nature of Portuguese-speaking cultures.

Soccer Stadiums (Estádios): For fans of Coritiba Foot Ball Club, 'Coxa' is their identity. You will see it on banners, jerseys, and social media hashtags (#SempreCoxa). It is one of the few anatomical terms that has become a major sports brand.

O estádio do Coxa estava lotado para o grande clássico.

Learning coxa might seem straightforward, but English speakers often trip over a few specific hurdles involving pronunciation, spelling, and false friends. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

Spelling Confusion: Coxa vs. Colcha: One of the most frequent errors is confusing 'coxa' (thigh) with 'colcha' (quilt/bedspread). They look and sound somewhat similar to a beginner's ear. If you tell someone you are 'sleeping under a coxa,' they will be very confused! Remember: 'X' for anatomy, 'LCH' for the bedroom.

Errado: Comprei uma coxa nova para a cama. (Correct: colcha)

Gender Agreement: A Coxa vs. O Coxo: While 'coxa' is the noun for thigh, 'coxo' (masculine) is an adjective or noun meaning someone who limps or is 'lame'. If you use the masculine 'o coxa', you are technically referring to the soccer club nickname or making a grammatical error. Always use 'a coxa' for the body part.

Correto: A minha coxa está doendo. (My thigh is hurting.)

Another mistake involves the regional use of 'coxinha'. While it literally means 'little thigh', in modern Brazilian slang, it can be a derogatory term for someone who is very conservative, 'square', or overly concerned with status and rules. Using this term without understanding the social context can lead to awkward situations. Additionally, English speakers sometimes try to use 'coxa' to refer to the 'hip'. In Portuguese, the hip is 'quadril'. While the coxa starts near the hip, they are distinct anatomical regions. Finally, avoid overusing the idiom 'nas coxas' in formal business meetings unless you have a very close relationship with your colleagues, as it can sound a bit too informal or even vulgar depending on the company.

Regional Differences: In some parts of Portugal, 'coxa' is used strictly for the thigh, whereas in Brazil, 'coxa de frango' is the standard for drumstick. In Portugal, they might use 'perna de frango' more broadly. Always pay attention to local variations!

Não confunda coxa com quadril ao descrever uma dor ao médico.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding the leg and lower body, it's helpful to compare coxa with its linguistic neighbors. This will help you choose the most precise word for any given situation.

Coxa vs. Perna: 'Perna' is the general word for 'leg'. While 'coxa' is a specific part of the leg, 'perna' covers everything from the hip to the ankle. If you say 'Minha perna dói', it's general. If you say 'Minha coxa dói', you are being more specific about the upper part.

Coxa vs. Quadril: 'Quadril' means 'hip'. Many learners confuse the two. The 'coxa' is the muscular part below the 'quadril'. In exercise, you might do 'movimentos de quadril' (hip movements) which engage the 'coxas'.

A coxa é apenas uma parte da perna inteira.

Coxa vs. Panturrilha: 'Panturrilha' is the 'calf' (the back of the lower leg). These are often trained together in the gym. Knowing both allows you to describe a full leg workout: 'Treinei coxa e panturrilha hoje'.

In a culinary context, you might see 'sobrecoxa' (upper thigh) alongside 'coxa'. The 'sobrecoxa' is generally considered juicier and is a favorite in Brazilian roasts. Another related word is 'canela' (shin), which is the front part of the lower leg. If you are playing soccer, you protect your 'canela' with shin guards, but you use the power of your 'coxa' to kick the ball. Understanding these distinctions—'coxa' (upper), 'joelho' (middle), 'canela/panturrilha' (lower)—will give you a complete anatomical vocabulary for the lower body. Finally, remember the diminutive 'coxinha'—while it's a snack, it's also a word you'll hear much more often than 'coxa' in social gatherings!

Formal vs. Informal: In formal anatomy, 'região femoral' is used. In everyday life, 'coxa' is perfect. There aren't many slang alternatives for the body part itself, other than describing them as 'pernas' more broadly.

Para um frango assado perfeito, use a coxa e a sobrecoxa.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The idiom 'fazer nas coxas' is famously linked to the legend that colonial Brazilian slaves molded clay roof tiles on their thighs. Because every slave had a different thigh size, the tiles didn't fit together well, leading to 'sloppy' roofs. Most historians now consider this a folk myth, but the phrase remains!

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈkɒʃə/

US /ˈkoʊʃə/

First syllable: CO-xa.

Rima con

roxa trouxa broxa moxa coxa (soccer) recoxa afrouxa desfrouxa

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like 'taxi'). In Portuguese 'coxa', it is always 'sh'.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'u' (cuxa).
Making the 'a' at the end too long like 'ahhh'. It's a short, neutral 'a'.
Confusing it with 'caixa' (box), which has an 'ai' diphthong.
Confusing it with 'cocha' (not a standard word, but a misspelling).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially in anatomical or culinary contexts.

Escritura 3/5

The 'x' can be tricky for beginners who might want to use 'ch'.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronouncing the 'sh' sound for 'x' is key to sounding native.

Escucha 2/5

Distinct sound, though can be confused with 'caixa' if spoken quickly.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

perna corpo osso frango carne

Aprende después

quadril joelho panturrilha canela tornozelo

Avanzado

fêmur quadríceps isquiotibiais sartório

Gramática que debes saber

Gender of Body Parts

A maioria das partes do corpo terminadas em 'a' são femininas: a coxa, a perna, a cabeça.

Prepositional Contraction

Em + a = na. 'Dor na coxa'.

Adjective Agreement

Coxas (plural) fortes (plural). As coxas são fortes.

Diminutives

Coxa + inha = coxinha (little thigh or the snack).

Augmentatives

Coxa + ona = coxona (big thigh).

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Ejemplos por nivel

A coxa é parte da perna.

The thigh is part of the leg.

Simple subject-verb-complement structure.

Eu como coxa de frango.

I eat chicken thigh.

Direct object usage.

Ela tem coxas longas.

She has long thighs.

Adjective agreement (feminine plural).

A coxa dói.

The thigh hurts.

Intransitive verb usage.

Onde está a coxa?

Where is the thigh?

Interrogative sentence.

Uma coxa de frango, por favor.

A chicken thigh, please.

Request with indefinite article.

A coxa é grande.

The thigh is big.

Singular feminine agreement.

Minha coxa está azul.

My thigh is blue (bruised).

Color adjective used as a state.

Sinto uma dor na coxa quando corro.

I feel a pain in my thigh when I run.

Use of 'na' (em + a).

Vou comprar coxas de frango para o jantar.

I will buy chicken thighs for dinner.

Future tense with 'vou'.

Esta calça é muito apertada na coxa.

These pants are very tight in the thigh.

Adjective 'apertada' modifying 'calça'.

Ele caiu e machucou a coxa.

He fell and hurt his thigh.

Past tense 'machucou'.

As coxas dela são muito fortes.

Her thighs are very strong.

Possessive 'dela'.

Você prefere coxa ou peito de frango?

Do you prefer thigh or chicken breast?

Comparative choice.

A coxa dele está engessada.

His thigh is in a cast.

Passive state description.

Lave bem a coxa de frango antes de cozinhar.

Wash the chicken thigh well before cooking.

Imperative mood.

O médico disse que tive um estiramento na coxa.

The doctor said I had a thigh strain.

Reported speech.

Não faça o trabalho nas coxas, faça com cuidado.

Don't do the work sloppily, do it with care.

Idiomatic expression usage.

O Coritiba, também conhecido como Coxa, venceu o jogo.

Coritiba, also known as Coxa, won the game.

Apposition with nickname.

Ela faz agachamentos para definir as coxas.

She does squats to define her thighs.

Purpose clause with 'para'.

A sobrecoxa é mais suculenta que a coxa.

The upper thigh is juicier than the drumstick.

Comparative of superiority.

Ele sempre reclama de cãibras nas coxas à noite.

He always complains of cramps in his thighs at night.

Plural prepositional contraction 'nas'.

A tatuagem na coxa dele é muito bonita.

The tattoo on his thigh is very beautiful.

Prepositional phrase as modifier.

Preciso medir a circunferência da minha coxa.

I need to measure the circumference of my thigh.

Noun phrase with 'da'.

A musculatura da coxa é composta por vários grupos.

The thigh musculature is composed of several groups.

Passive voice 'é composta'.

O termo 'coxinha' ganhou uma conotação política no Brasil.

The term 'coxinha' gained a political connotation in Brazil.

Abstract noun usage.

Ele agiu de forma apressada, fazendo tudo nas coxas.

He acted in a hurried way, doing everything sloppily.

Gerund 'fazendo' indicating manner.

A artéria femoral passa por dentro da coxa.

The femoral artery passes inside the thigh.

Technical vocabulary.

As coxas-brancas comemoraram o título do Coritiba.

The 'white-thighs' (fans) celebrated Coritiba's title.

Compound noun 'coxas-brancas'.

O impacto causou um hematoma profundo na coxa esquerda.

The impact caused a deep bruise on the left thigh.

Cause and effect structure.

A largura da coxa influencia no tamanho da calça jeans.

Thigh width influences the size of the jeans.

Subject-verb agreement.

Ela sentiu um formigamento que subia pela coxa.

She felt a tingling that went up her thigh.

Relative clause 'que subia'.

A reabilitação foca no fortalecimento do quadríceps da coxa.

The rehabilitation focuses on strengthening the thigh's quadriceps.

Specialized medical terminology.

A expressão 'nas coxas' remete ao período colonial brasileiro.

The expression 'nas coxas' refers back to the Brazilian colonial period.

Historical reference.

A estética das coxas volumosas é valorizada em certas culturas.

The aesthetics of voluminous thighs is valued in certain cultures.

Complex noun phrases.

O rompimento do tendão na coxa exige cirurgia imediata.

The rupture of the tendon in the thigh requires immediate surgery.

Formal medical register.

O debate sobre o termo 'coxinha' revela divisões sociais profundas.

The debate about the term 'coxinha' reveals deep social divisions.

Sociological analysis.

A coxa, do ponto de vista biomecânico, é o motor da locomoção.

The thigh, from a biomechanical point of view, is the engine of locomotion.

Parenthetical phrase.

Houve uma necrose tecidual na região da coxa após a picada.

There was tissue necrosis in the thigh region after the bite.

Advanced clinical vocabulary.

A pele da coxa é particularmente sensível a certos estímulos.

The skin of the thigh is particularly sensitive to certain stimuli.

Adverbial modification 'particularmente'.

A etimologia de 'coxa' deriva do latim clássico para quadril.

The etymology of 'coxa' derives from the classical Latin for hip.

Philological discussion.

A obra literária descreve as coxas de mármore da estátua grega.

The literary work describes the marble thighs of the Greek statue.

Literary/Poetic register.

O autor utiliza a metáfora 'nas coxas' para criticar a burocracia.

The author uses the 'nas coxas' metaphor to criticize bureaucracy.

Metaphorical analysis.

A inervação da coxa é um labirinto de complexidade anatômica.

The innervation of the thigh is a labyrinth of anatomical complexity.

Highly formal/Scientific.

O fenômeno do 'Coxa-Branca' transcende o simples torcer esportivo.

The 'Coxa-Branca' phenomenon transcends simple sports rooting.

Abstract sociological concept.

Analisando a coxa sob a ótica da evolução, percebemos sua adaptação.

Analyzing the thigh from an evolutionary perspective, we notice its adaptation.

Participial phrase.

A fragilidade da coxa em idosos é uma preocupação geriátrica.

Thigh fragility in the elderly is a geriatric concern.

Specific medical sub-field register.

A coxa, enquanto símbolo de força, permeia a iconografia clássica.

The thigh, as a symbol of strength, permeates classical iconography.

Philosophical/Artistic register.

Colocaciones comunes

coxa de frango

dor na coxa

treino de coxa

lesão na coxa

coxa grossa

extensão de coxa

músculo da coxa

coxa e sobrecoxa

largura da coxa

cãibra na coxa

Frases Comunes

Bater a coxa

— To hit one's thigh against something.

Bati a coxa na quina da mesa.

Coxa de frango frita

— Fried chicken drumstick.

Adoro coxa de frango frita com batatas.

Passar a mão na coxa

— To touch someone's thigh (can be flirtatious or inappropriate).

Ele passou a mão na coxa dela no cinema.

Coxa torneada

— Toned or well-shaped thigh.

Ela tem coxas torneadas de tanto correr.

Coxa branca

— Nickname for Coritiba FC fans.

Meu tio é um coxa-branca fanático.

Sentar no colo (na coxa)

— To sit on someone's lap/thigh.

A criança sentou na coxa do avô.

Medir a coxa

— To measure the thigh.

O alfaiate mediu a coxa para fazer o terno.

Coxa flácida

— Flabby or loose thigh.

Ela quer fazer exercícios para não ter a coxa flácida.

Fratura de coxa

— Thigh fracture (usually referring to the femur).

A fratura de coxa é muito grave em idosos.

Tatuagem na coxa

— Thigh tattoo.

Ela fez uma tatuagem de flor na coxa.

Se confunde a menudo con

coxa vs caixa

Means 'box'. Pronounced with 'ai' (kai-sha) vs 'o' (ko-sha).

coxa vs colcha

Means 'quilt'. Has an 'l' sound and different spelling.

coxa vs coxo

Means 'lame' or 'limping' (adjective/noun for a person).

Modismos y expresiones

"Fazer nas coxas"

— To do something in a sloppy, rushed, or poorly executed way.

Não faça esse relatório nas coxas; precisamos de qualidade.

informal

"Ser um coxinha"

— To be a person who is very traditional, conservative, or 'square'.

Ele é muito coxinha, não gosta de nada alternativo.

slang (Brazil)

"Varrer para baixo da coxa"

— To ignore or hide a problem (less common variant of 'debaixo do tapete').

Eles tentaram varrer o erro para baixo da coxa.

informal

"Coxa de grilo"

— Very thin legs/thighs.

Ele é tão magro que tem coxa de grilo.

informal/humorous

"Coxa de elefante"

— Very thick or swollen thighs.

Depois da picada, ele ficou com uma coxa de elefante.

informal

"Empurrar com a coxa"

— To procrastinate or do something with minimal effort (similar to 'empurrar com a barriga').

Ele está empurrando o curso com a coxa.

informal

"Dar a coxa"

— To offer support or a place to rest (literal and metaphorical).

Ela deu a coxa para o filho dormir no ônibus.

neutral

"Coxa de moça"

— A type of sweet bread or pastry in some regions.

Comi uma coxa de moça deliciosa na padaria.

regional

"Ter coxa"

— To have endurance or strength (sports context).

Esse ciclista realmente tem coxa para subir o morro.

informal

"Coxa-firme"

— Someone reliable or strong-willed (regional).

Ele é um sujeito coxa-firme, pode confiar.

regional

Fácil de confundir

coxa vs perna

Both refer to the lower limb.

Perna is the whole leg; coxa is just the thigh.

A coxa é a parte de cima da perna.

coxa vs quadril

They are adjacent body parts.

Quadril is the hip joint; coxa is the muscular area below it.

O fêmur liga o quadril à coxa.

coxa vs joelho

They meet at the same point.

Joelho is the knee joint; coxa is the area above it.

A coxa termina no joelho.

coxa vs sobrecoxa

Used in chicken cuts.

Coxa is the drumstick; sobrecoxa is the actual thigh part of the bird.

Comprei um pacote de coxa e sobrecoxa.

coxa vs canela

Both are parts of the leg.

Canela is the shin (lower leg); coxa is the upper leg.

Ele levou um chute na canela e outro na coxa.

Patrones de oraciones

A coxa é [adjective].

A coxa é grande.

Eu tenho dor na [body part].

Eu tenho dor na coxa.

Eu prefiro [part] de frango.

Eu prefiro coxa de frango.

Fazer algo nas coxas.

Ele fez o dever nas coxas.

O treino de hoje é [muscle group].

O treino de hoje é coxa e glúteo.

A lesão ocorreu na região da coxa.

A lesão ocorreu na região da coxa proximal.

A expressão remete a...

A expressão 'nas coxas' remete ao passado escravocrata.

Sob a ótica de...

Analisando a coxa sob a ótica da anatomia funcional...

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

coxinha

sobrecoxa

coxo

coxeadura

Verbos

coxear

acoxar

Adjetivos

coxo

coxal

Relacionado

perna

fêmur

quadril

joelho

canela

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in daily life, fitness, and culinary contexts.

Errores comunes

Eu tenho uma dor no coxa. → Eu tenho uma dor na coxa.
Coxa is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article 'a'.
Vou comprar uma caixa de frango. → Vou comprar uma coxa de frango.
Caixa means box; coxa means thigh/drumstick. Common phonetic confusion.
Ele fez o trabalho nas cochas. → Ele fez o trabalho nas coxas.
Misspelling 'x' as 'ch'. The pronunciation is the same, but the spelling is wrong.
Minha perna dói (pointing to the thigh). → Minha coxa dói.
While not 'wrong', it lacks the precision expected at higher levels.
O coxo de frango. → A coxa de frango.
Using masculine article and noun. 'Coxo' as a noun means a person who limps.

Consejos

The 'SH' sound

Always remember the 'x' in coxa sounds like 'sh'. Practicing this will prevent you from saying 'cock-sa', which sounds very foreign.

Chicken cuts

In a supermarket, look for 'coxa e sobrecoxa'. This is the best value cut and usually the tastiest for roasting.

Quality control

Use 'nas coxas' to describe something done poorly, but only with friends. 'Ele fez o reparo nas coxas'.

Agreement

Since coxa is feminine, adjectives must end in 'a' or 'as'. 'Coxa grossa', 'coxas largas'.

Soccer talk

If you are in Curitiba, knowing the word 'Coxa' will help you make friends with Coritiba fans.

Describing pain

Be specific! Tell the doctor 'dor na coxa' (thigh) instead of 'dor na perna' (leg) to get a faster diagnosis.

Pant fitting

If you lift weights, ask for 'calças com mais espaço na coxa'. Brazilian jeans often account for this!

Avoid 'Coxinha' in politics

Unless you want to start a debate, be careful calling someone a 'coxinha' in Brazil.

The 'Coxinha' snack

Try a 'coxinha de catupiry'. It's the most famous version of the snack named after the coxa.

The Tile Myth

Remember the tile story to help you memorize 'nas coxas', even if the story isn't 100% historically proven.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'COach' (COxa) teaching you how to strengthen your thighs. Coaches focus on the coxa!

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant chicken drumstick (coxa de frango) being used as a leg. The shape is unmistakable.

Word Web

corpo perna músculo frango academia dor calça futebol

Desafío

Try to use 'coxa' in three different contexts today: physical health, food, and an idiom.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin 'coxa', which originally meant 'hip'. Over time, in the transition to Romance languages, the meaning shifted from the hip joint to the thigh region specifically.

Significado original: Hip or hip-bone.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Portuguese.

Contexto cultural

The term 'coxinha' can be used as a political slur in Brazil; use with caution in political discussions.

English speakers often use 'thigh' for the body and 'drumstick' for chicken. Portuguese uses 'coxa' for both.

Coritiba Foot Ball Club (The 'Coxa') The song 'Coxinha, Creme e Cerveja' The 'Coxinha' political archetype in Brazilian social media

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Gym

Agachamento para coxa
Cadeira extensora de coxa
Minhas coxas estão queimando
Fortalecer as coxas

At a Restaurant

Coxa de frango assada
Porção de coxinha
Eu prefere a coxa
Vem com coxa e sobrecoxa?

At the Doctor

Dor na parte interna da coxa
Hematoma na coxa
Cãibra constante na coxa
Dificuldade em mover a coxa

Clothing Store

Apertado na coxa
Largura da coxa
Calça para quem tem coxa grossa
Medida da coxa

Sports Discussion

O Coxa ganhou o jogo
Torcida do Coxa
Jogador com lesão na coxa
O estádio do Coxa

Inicios de conversación

"Você prefere comer a coxa ou o peito do frango?"

"Você já sentiu uma cãibra forte na coxa?"

"Você conhece a origem da expressão 'fazer nas coxas'?"

"Qual é o melhor exercício para definir as coxas na sua opinião?"

"Você torce para o Coritiba, o famoso Coxa?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um dia em que você fez um esforço físico e suas coxas ficaram doloridas.

Escreva sobre sua comida favorita que use coxa de frango como ingrediente.

Você já fez algo 'nas coxas'? Conte como foi o resultado final.

Explique a importância dos músculos da coxa para um atleta de elite.

O que você acha da moda de valorizar coxas musculosas no Brasil?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, anatomically it means thigh. However, in food, it means drumstick, and in idioms, it can mean sloppy work.

It is pronounced like the English 'sh' in 'show'. Never like 'ks'.

It is a popular Brazilian snack made of dough and chicken, shaped like a little thigh.

It is informal and can be slightly vulgar or rude in professional settings, but it's very common in casual speech.

It's a nickname based on 'Coxa-Branca', which started as a description of a fair-skinned player and became the club's identity.

It is feminine: 'a coxa'.

Perna is the whole leg; coxa is specifically the thigh (upper leg).

Yes, 'coxa de frango' (chicken drumstick) is very common. It can also be used for turkey or other birds.

It's Brazilian slang for someone who is very conservative, proper, or boringly conventional.

You can say 'Minhas coxas estão doloridas' or 'Estou com dor nas coxas'.

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