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A1 noun #4,500 más común 11 min de lectura

primo

Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos primo en 30 segundos

Explicación primo in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'primo' is introduced as a basic vocabulary word for family members. Students learn to identify their male cousin and differentiate it from 'prima' (female cousin). The focus is on simple sentences like 'Eu tenho um primo' (I have a cousin) or 'Meu primo se chama Pedro' (My cousin's name is Pedro). Learners at this stage should practice the correct masculine article 'o' and possessive 'meu'. This is one of the first words used to build a 'family tree' in introductory Portuguese lessons. It is essential for basic social introductions and sharing personal information about one's family. At this level, students do not need to worry about complex mathematical or metaphorical uses, just the core meaning of a male relative who is the child of an aunt or uncle.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'primo' to include pluralization and more descriptive adjectives. You will learn to say 'meus primos' when talking about multiple cousins. You also begin to use 'primo' in the context of routines and simple past tense stories, such as 'Ontem, eu jantei com meu primo' (Yesterday, I had dinner with my cousin). The distinction between 'primo' and 'sobrinho' (nephew) becomes more important as your family vocabulary grows. You might also start to see the word in simple texts about family traditions or holidays. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'primo' with various possessive pronouns like 'seu primo' (his/your cousin) and 'nosso primo' (our cousin), ensuring gender and number agreement throughout the sentence.

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By the B1 level, you can use 'primo' to describe more complex relationships and social dynamics. You might talk about 'primos-irmãos' (first cousins) to emphasize a close bond, or 'primos distantes' (distant cousins) when discussing genealogy. You can also handle the word in the context of comparative sentences, such as 'Meu primo é mais extrovertido que eu' (My cousin is more outgoing than I am). B1 learners are also introduced to the mathematical term 'número primo' (prime number) in educational or general interest contexts. You should be able to tell longer anecdotes involving your cousins, using a mix of past tenses (Pretérito Perfeito and Imperfeito) to describe shared childhood memories or recent family events.

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At the B2 level, 'primo' appears in more nuanced discussions about cultural differences in family structures. You might analyze the role of 'primos' in Brazilian social networks or the importance of extended family in Portuguese society. You will encounter the word in more sophisticated literature or news articles where it might be used metaphorically to describe things that are closely related or share a common origin. Your understanding of 'número primo' expands into more technical discussions if necessary. You are also expected to understand idiomatic expressions or regional slangs where 'primo' might be used informally as a term of address among friends in specific dialects. Your grammar should be flawless when using 'primo' in complex sentence structures, including relative clauses.

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At the C1 level, you explore the etymological roots of 'primo' from the Latin 'primus', understanding how it links to concepts of 'first' or 'primary'. You can appreciate the word's use in formal legal or historical documents where it might refer to lines of succession or noble lineages. You will understand the subtle differences in how the word is used across the Lusophone world, from the 'primo' of a small village in Portugal to the 'primo' in a bustling favela in Rio de Janeiro. You can use the word in academic writing about sociology, mathematics, or linguistics. Your ability to switch between the literal familial meaning and the more abstract mathematical or historical meanings is fluid and natural.

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At the C2 level, 'primo' is a word you master in all its depth. You can understand archaic uses in 19th-century Portuguese literature, where the nuances of family relationships were often central to the plot (as in the works of Eça de Queirós). You can engage in high-level philosophical or mathematical debates involving 'números primos' or the 'primacy' of certain concepts. You are sensitive to the most subtle regional variations and can use the word with the same cultural weight and emotional resonance as a native speaker. Whether you are analyzing a complex poem, a legal decree, or a scientific paper, you understand exactly why 'primo' was chosen and the specific connotations it carries in that context.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

primo en 30 segundos

Primo means male cousin in Portuguese.
It is a masculine noun; the feminine version is prima.
It also means 'prime' in the context of mathematics (prime numbers).
Family is very important in Portuguese culture, making this a common word.

The word primo is a fundamental noun in the Portuguese language, primarily used to identify a male cousin. In the vast and intricate web of Lusophone family structures, the 'primo' holds a position of significant social importance. Unlike some cultures where extended family members are distant figures, in Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and other Portuguese-speaking nations, a cousin is often treated with the same level of intimacy as a sibling. This closeness is reflected in the language itself, where the term is used frequently and with warmth. The word is masculine; its feminine counterpart is prima. When referring to a group of cousins that includes at least one male, or the general concept of cousins, the masculine plural primos is employed.

Biological Connection: A 'primo' is typically the son of your aunt (tia) or uncle (tio). Specifically, a first cousin is called a 'primo de primeiro grau'.

Eu vou visitar o meu primo em Lisboa no próximo verão.

Beyond the immediate family tree, 'primo' can also appear in mathematical contexts. A 'número primo' is a prime number—a number greater than one that cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. This dual meaning highlights the word's Latin roots in 'primus', meaning 'first' or 'primary'. In social settings, you might hear people use 'primo' as a friendly term of address, even if there is no direct blood relation, particularly in close-knit communities or rural areas, signifying a bond that is 'like family'. Understanding 'primo' is essential for any learner, as family is the cornerstone of social life in the Portuguese-speaking world.

Extended Family: In larger families, you might hear 'primo de segundo grau' (second cousin) or 'primo distante' (distant cousin).

O meu primo é como um irmão para mim; crescemos juntos na mesma rua.

In literature and formal speech, 'primo' can also denote something that is primary or original, though this is less common in modern daily conversation. The versatility of the word allows it to bridge the gap between cold mathematical precision and warm familial affection. When you are introduced to someone as a 'primo', it usually signals an immediate level of trust and shared history. In many Brazilian families, Sunday lunches are the primary venue where 'primos' of all ages gather, play, and reinforce their lifelong bonds.

Sete é um número primo, pois só é divisível por um e por ele mesmo.

Social Context: Using the word 'primo' can often break the ice in social situations where a distant relation is discovered between two strangers.

Using the word primo correctly requires attention to gender agreement and possessive pronouns. In Portuguese, adjectives and articles must match the gender of the noun. Since 'primo' is masculine, you will use 'o' (the), 'um' (a), 'meu' (my), 'teu' (your), or 'seu' (his/your). When you are describing your cousin, the adjectives must also be masculine. For example, 'meu primo é alto' (my cousin is tall). If you were talking about a female cousin, it would be 'minha prima é alta'. This distinction is vital for clear communication.

Possessives: Always pair 'primo' with masculine possessive adjectives: meu, teu, seu, nosso, vosso.

Aquele é o primo do João que mora no Canadá.

The plural form, 'primos', is used when referring to multiple male cousins or a mixed group of male and female cousins. This is a standard rule in Romance languages where the masculine plural serves as the default for mixed groups. For instance, if you have five female cousins and one male cousin, you would still refer to them collectively as 'meus primos'. If you want to be specific about only the female cousins, you would use 'minhas primas'. In everyday conversation, 'primo' often appears in the context of introducing someone or explaining a relationship during a story.

Direct Address: It is common to call a cousin simply by the title: 'Oi, primo! Tudo bem?' (Hi, cousin! How are you?).

Eu tenho muitos primos, mas o Ricardo é o meu favorito.

In mathematical sentences, 'primo' functions as an adjective modifying 'número'. While the word 'primo' can stand alone as a noun when referring to a relative, in math, it almost always follows the noun 'número'. 'Dois é o único número primo que é par' (Two is the only prime number that is even). This usage is more formal and academic but nonetheless very common in school settings. Whether you are discussing genealogy or algebra, the word maintains its structural integrity as a masculine element in the sentence.

O professor explicou como identificar um número primo rapidamente.

Comparisons: You can compare cousins using 'mais... que': 'Meu primo é mais velho que eu'.

The word primo is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, echoing through family homes, festive gatherings, and even digital spaces like WhatsApp family groups. If you attend a 'churrasco' (barbecue) in Brazil or a 'festa de família' in Portugal, you will hear the word 'primo' being shouted across the room constantly. It is the sound of childhood playmates reuniting and adults catching up on life. Because family networks are often large, 'primo' serves as a convenient label for a wide range of relatives who might not be immediately identifiable by their specific genealogical position.

Family Gatherings: At Christmas (Natal) or Easter (Páscoa), 'primo' is one of the most frequently spoken words as relatives greet each other.

'E aí, primo! Quanto tempo não te vejo!' - A common greeting.

In television dramas known as 'telenovelas', the 'primo' is a classic character archetype—often the one who brings news from another city or becomes a rival in a love triangle. These shows reflect the reality that cousins are often deeply integrated into each other's lives. In rural areas, you might hear the term 'primo-irmão' (first cousin, literally 'cousin-brother'), which emphasizes a bond so close it rivals that of siblings. This specific phrase is used to distinguish first cousins from second or third cousins, who are simply called 'primos'.

Social Media: Look at photo captions on Instagram: '#familia #primos' is a very common tag for group photos.

Meus primos e eu fomos à praia no fim de semana.

In educational settings, particularly in mathematics classes, 'primo' is heard in the context of 'números primos'. Students learn to identify them early on, and the term becomes part of their academic vocabulary. Furthermore, in some legal or bureaucratic contexts, you might hear 'primo' when discussing inheritance or family law, although formal documents might use more technical terms. Overall, 'primo' is a word that spans the entire spectrum of life, from the most intimate family moments to the abstract world of mathematics.

O primo dele é o dono daquela padaria na esquina.

Pop Culture: Songs often mention 'primos' when describing childhood memories or family roots in the countryside.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning the word primo is neglecting gender agreement. In English, 'cousin' is gender-neutral, but in Portuguese, you must always choose between 'primo' (male) and 'prima' (female). Using 'meu primo' to refer to a female cousin is a glaring error that can cause confusion, especially in a language where gender is so deeply embedded in the grammar. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'primo' and 'primeiro' (first). Because both words derive from the same Latin root, beginners often mix them up when trying to say 'first'.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: Calling a girl 'meu primo'. Correct: 'minha prima'.

Não diga 'o meu primo Maria'; o correto é 'a minha prima Maria'.

Another error involves the pluralization of mixed groups. While 'primos' is correct for a group of males or a mixed group, students sometimes try to create a new word or use 'primas' for a group that includes even one male. Remember: the masculine plural is the 'umbrella' term. Additionally, learners often struggle with the term 'primo-irmão'. They might translate it literally as 'cousin-brother' and think it refers to a brother who is also a cousin, which is biologically impossible. It simply means 'first cousin'—the child of your parent's sibling.

The 'Prime' Confusion: Don't use 'primo' to mean 'prime' in contexts like 'prime time' or 'prime rib'; those use different Portuguese words.

O número treze é primo, mas a primeira pessoa na fila não é a 'pessoa prima'.

Finally, English speakers sometimes use 'primo' to describe something of high quality, as in the English slang 'primo condition'. In Portuguese, this usage does not exist. If something is of high quality, you would say it is 'de primeira' or 'excelente'. Using 'primo' in this way will likely result in a confused look from a native speaker who will think you are talking about your relative. Avoiding these common traps will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

Evite usar primo para dizer 'excelente'; use 'ótimo' ou 'de primeira qualidade'.

False Friends: While 'primo' is similar to 'prime', it only shares that meaning in mathematics, not in general quality descriptions.

To truly master the vocabulary of relationships, it is helpful to look at words similar to primo and how they differ in usage. The most obvious alternative is 'prima', the feminine version. Beyond that, we have 'parente', which is a general term for any relative. It is a common 'false friend' because it looks like 'parent' (mother or father), but it actually means any family member including cousins, aunts, and uncles. If you want to talk about your parents, you must use 'pais'.

Parente vs. Primo: 'Parente' is the whole forest; 'primo' is a specific tree in that forest.

Ele não é meu irmão, é apenas um primo distante.

Another related term is 'familiar', which can be used as both a noun (a family member) and an adjective (related to family). While 'primo' is specific, 'familiar' is more formal. For example, 'reunião familiar' (family meeting). There is also 'sobrinho' (nephew), which is often confused with 'primo' by beginners. A 'sobrinho' is the son of your sibling, while a 'primo' is the son of your aunt or uncle. Keeping these generations clear is key to describing family trees accurately.

Specific Relations: Primo-irmão: First cousin. Primo de segundo grau: Second cousin.

Nós somos primos-irmãos, nossas mães são irmãs gêmeas.

In some contexts, the word 'mano' or 'brother' (borrowed from English) might be used in slang to refer to a close friend, much like 'primo' is used in certain regions. However, 'primo' carries a more traditional, blood-related weight. In Portugal, you might also hear 'parentela' to refer to a whole group of relatives. Knowing these alternatives allows you to navigate the nuances of Portuguese social life, where knowing exactly who is related to whom—and how—is often a major topic of conversation.

Toda a minha parentela virá para o meu casamento.

Mathematical Synonyms: In math, there are no synonyms for 'número primo'; it is a fixed technical term.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'primo' shares the same root as 'primeiro' (first) and 'número primo' (prime number) because prime numbers are the 'first' or basic building blocks of all numbers.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈpɾi.mu/

US /ˈpɾi.moʊ/

The stress is on the first syllable: PRI-mo.

Rima con

hino pino destino menino ensino pequeno (slant) fino platino

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' (it should be a soft 'u').
Using an English 'r' instead of the Portuguese tapped 'r'.
Pronouncing the 'i' too short, like in 'it' (it should be long like 'ee').
Stressing the second syllable (pri-MO).
Nasalizing the vowel when it's not necessary.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize and read for beginners.

Escritura 1/5

Simple spelling with no special characters.

Expresión oral 2/5

Requires mastering the tapped 'r' and the final 'u' sound.

Escucha 1/5

Clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

pai mãe tio tia irmão

Aprende después

sobrinho neto sogro cunhado padrinho

Avanzado

genealogia linhagem ascendência descendência consanguinidade

Gramática que debes saber

Gender Agreement

Meu primo é alto / Minha prima é alta.

Pluralization

Um primo / Dois primos.

Possessive Adjectives

Meu primo, seu primo, nosso primo.

Contractions with 'de'

A casa do primo (de + o).

Masculine as Default Plural

Meus primos (can mean male cousins or a mixed group).

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Ejemplos por nivel

O meu primo é brasileiro.

My cousin is Brazilian.

Uses 'o meu' (masculine singular possessive).

Eu tenho um primo pequeno.

I have a little cousin.

Adjective 'pequeno' matches masculine 'primo'.

Como se chama o seu primo?

What is your cousin's name?

Question form with 'seu'.

O primo do Paulo mora aqui.

Paulo's cousin lives here.

Possessive 'do' (de + o).

Meu primo gosta de futebol.

My cousin likes soccer.

Subject-verb agreement.

Ele é meu primo.

He is my cousin.

Simple identification.

Onde está o seu primo?

Where is your cousin?

Locative question.

Um primo meu vem amanhã.

A cousin of mine is coming tomorrow.

Indefinite article 'um'.

Os meus primos são muito divertidos.

My cousins are very fun.

Plural agreement 'os meus primos são'.

Eu vi o meu primo no shopping ontem.

I saw my cousin at the mall yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito (past tense).

Você conhece o primo da Maria?

Do you know Maria's cousin?

Direct object with 'o'.

Nós vamos à festa com nossos primos.

We are going to the party with our cousins.

Preposition 'com' + plural possessive.

O primo dele é médico em São Paulo.

His cousin is a doctor in São Paulo.

Possessive 'dele' (of him).

Eu comprei um presente para o meu primo.

I bought a gift for my cousin.

Indirect object 'para o meu primo'.

Meus primos moram em Portugal.

My cousins live in Portugal.

Plural subject.

Aquele rapaz alto é o primo do Bruno.

That tall boy is Bruno's cousin.

Demonstrative 'aquele'.

Meu primo-irmão é como um melhor amigo para mim.

My first cousin is like a best friend to me.

Compound noun 'primo-irmão'.

Quando éramos crianças, eu e meu primo brincávamos muito.

When we were children, my cousin and I played a lot.

Pretérito Imperfeito for habitual actions.

O professor explicou o que é um número primo.

The teacher explained what a prime number is.

Mathematical usage.

Eu não vejo esse meu primo há mais de dez anos.

I haven't seen this cousin of mine for over ten years.

Use of 'há' for time duration.

Dizem que o primo dele ganhou na loteria.

They say his cousin won the lottery.

Indirect speech.

Se o meu primo vier, nós iremos ao cinema.

If my cousin comes, we will go to the cinema.

Future subjunctive 'vier'.

Eu tenho um primo que fala cinco línguas fluentemente.

I have a cousin who speaks five languages fluently.

Relative clause with 'que'.

Apesar de sermos primos, não somos muito parecidos.

Despite being cousins, we are not very alike.

Conjunction 'apesar de'.

A relação entre primos no Brasil costuma ser muito próxima.

The relationship between cousins in Brazil tends to be very close.

Abstract noun 'relação'.

A criptografia moderna baseia-se em grandes números primos.

Modern cryptography is based on large prime numbers.

Passive voice 'baseia-se'.

Ele é meu primo de segundo grau, mas nos vemos sempre.

He is my second cousin, but we see each other all the time.

Degree of kinship.

O primo dele envolveu-se em um projeto inovador na universidade.

His cousin got involved in an innovative project at the university.

Pronominal verb 'envolver-se'.

Sempre que meu primo visita a cidade, saímos para jantar.

Whenever my cousin visits the city, we go out for dinner.

Temporal conjunction 'sempre que'.

Meu primo foi selecionado para a equipe nacional de natação.

My cousin was selected for the national swimming team.

Passive voice with 'foi selecionado'.

Não suporto o primo da minha namorada; ele é muito arrogante.

I can't stand my girlfriend's cousin; he is very arrogant.

Negative verb 'não suporto'.

O primo dela decidiu mudar-se para o Japão para estudar artes.

Her cousin decided to move to Japan to study arts.

Infinitive after 'decidiu'.

A obra do autor explora as tensões familiares entre primos de linhagens rivais.

The author's work explores family tensions between cousins of rival lineages.

Complex noun phrases.

A descoberta de um novo número primo de Mersenne é um evento raro.

The discovery of a new Mersenne prime number is a rare event.

Technical scientific terminology.

Embora fossem primos, a herança os transformou em inimigos mortais.

Although they were cousins, the inheritance turned them into mortal enemies.

Concessive clause with 'embora' and imperfect subjunctive.

O conceito de 'primo' na sociologia rural brasileira merece uma análise profunda.

The concept of 'cousin' in Brazilian rural sociology deserves a deep analysis.

Formal academic tone.

Meu primo atua como intermediário nas negociações diplomáticas.

My cousin acts as an intermediary in diplomatic negotiations.

Verb 'atuar como'.

A genealogia revelou que somos primos em décimo grau.

Genealogy revealed that we are tenth cousins.

Ordinal numbers with kinship.

O comportamento do primo foi considerado inadmissível pela matriarca da família.

The cousin's behavior was considered inadmissible by the family matriarch.

Passive voice with agent 'pela matriarca'.

Nenhum primo meu jamais ousou desafiar as tradições da aldeia.

No cousin of mine ever dared to challenge the village traditions.

Negative subject 'nenhum'.

A interconectividade entre primos nas monarquias europeias moldou a história do continente.

The interconnectivity between cousins in European monarchies shaped the continent's history.

High-level historical analysis.

A busca pela infinitude dos números primos permanece um dos pilares da matemática pura.

The search for the infinity of prime numbers remains one of the pillars of pure mathematics.

Abstract philosophical/mathematical tone.

Em sua última crônica, o escritor descreve o primo como um vestígio de um tempo esquecido.

In his last chronicle, the writer describes the cousin as a vestige of a forgotten time.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

A ambiguidade da palavra 'primo' em certos dialetos arcaicos reflete a evolução da língua.

The ambiguity of the word 'primo' in certain archaic dialects reflects the evolution of the language.

Linguistic metadiscourse.

O primo, outrora confidente, tornara-se agora um estranho sob o peso da ganância.

The cousin, once a confidant, had now become a stranger under the weight of greed.

Use of 'outrora' and pluperfect 'tornara-se'.

Raramente se vê tamanha dedicação entre primos como a que eles demonstram.

Rarely does one see such dedication between cousins as that which they demonstrate.

Inverted word order for emphasis.

A primariedade do vínculo entre primos é frequentemente subestimada em estudos urbanos.

The primacy of the bond between cousins is often underestimated in urban studies.

Technical sociological term 'primariedade'.

Seja ele primo ou irmão, a lealdade deve ser o princípio norteador de suas ações.

Whether he be cousin or brother, loyalty must be the guiding principle of his actions.

Subjunctive 'seja' for hypothetical alternatives.

Colocaciones comunes

meu primo

número primo

primo distante

primo-irmão

primo de segundo grau

visitar o primo

casa do primo

falar com o primo

brincar com o primo

ajudar o primo

Frases Comunes

E aí, primo!

— A casual greeting used between cousins or close friends.

E aí, primo! Como vai a vida?

Primo de primeiro grau

— A first cousin (child of an aunt or uncle).

Ele é meu primo de primeiro grau.

Coisa de primo

— Something typical or expected between cousins.

Essa briga é coisa de primo, logo eles fazem as pazes.

Parecer primo

— To look like a cousin or be very similar.

Vocês dois parecem primos!

Tratar como primo

— To treat someone with the familiarity of a cousin.

Eu trato o vizinho como se fosse meu primo.

Reunião de primos

— A gathering specifically for cousins.

Vamos ter uma reunião de primos no sábado.

O primo rico

— A stereotypical reference to a wealthy relative.

Ele se tornou o primo rico da família.

O primo pobre

— A stereotypical reference to a less wealthy relative.

Naquela época, eu era o primo pobre.

Festa de primo

— A party hosted by or for a cousin.

A festa de primo foi ótima.

Lembranças do primo

— Memories involving a cousin.

Tenho ótimas lembranças do meu primo.

Se confunde a menudo con

primo vs primeiro

Means 'first'. Beginners often mix them up because they sound similar.

primo vs sobrinho

Means 'nephew'. Students sometimes confuse the generation (sibling's son vs. aunt's son).

primo vs prima

The feminine version. Using the wrong one is a common gender error.

Modismos y expresiones

"Primo-irmão"

— A first cousin; someone very close to you like a sibling.

Ele não é só meu primo, é meu primo-irmão.

neutral

"Deus te dê um bom primo"

— An old, rare expression wishing someone a good helper or partner.

Vá com cuidado, e Deus te dê um bom primo.

archaic

"Ser primo de alguém"

— To have a connection or shared interest with someone.

Nesse assunto, somos quase primos.

informal

"Primo de segundo grau"

— A second cousin; often implies a slightly more distant but still recognized bond.

Ele é apenas um primo de segundo grau.

neutral

"Conversa de primo"

— Informal, friendly chat between relatives.

Ficamos horas em uma conversa de primo.

informal

"Sangue de primo"

— Sharing the same family blood and traits.

Isso está no sangue de primo deles.

informal

"Relação prima"

— A primary or fundamental relationship (rare/literary).

A relação prima entre os elementos foi estabelecida.

formal

"Primo chegado"

— A very close cousin.

Ele é meu primo mais chegado.

informal

"Primo da cidade"

— A cousin who lives in the city (often used in rural stories).

O primo da cidade chegou para as férias.

neutral

"Primo da roça"

— A cousin from the countryside.

Meu primo da roça trouxe queijo fresco.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

primo vs Primeiro

Similar root and sound.

Primo is a relative; primeiro is an ordinal number (1st).

Ele é o primeiro primo a chegar.

primo vs Próprio

Starts with 'pr' and ends in 'o'.

Próprio means 'own' or 'self'.

Eu tenho meu próprio primo.

primo vs Pronto

Similar sound.

Pronto means 'ready'.

Meu primo está pronto.

primo vs Parente

False friend with 'parent'.

Parente means any relative (including cousins); parents are 'pais'.

Meu primo é meu parente.

primo vs Sobrinho

Both are male relatives of a similar age group.

Sobrinho is a nephew; primo is a cousin.

Meu sobrinho brinca com meu primo.

Patrones de oraciones

Eu tenho um primo.

Eu tenho um primo chamado Carlos.

Meu primo é [adjective].

Meu primo é inteligente.

Eu vou para a casa do meu primo.

Eu vou para a casa do meu primo no sábado.

Meus primos são [adjective].

Meus primos são muito legais.

O primo que mora em [place]...

O primo que mora em Londres vem nos visitar.

Eu e meu primo [verb in past].

Eu e meu primo jogávamos bola todo dia.

Apesar de ser meu primo...

Apesar de ser meu primo, eu não o vejo muito.

O número primo é...

O número primo é essencial para a matemática.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

prima (female cousin)

primado (primacy)

primazia (priority)

primogênito (firstborn)

Verbos

primar (to excel or prioritize)

Adjetivos

primário (primary)

primeiro (first)

primoroso (exquisite)

Relacionado

família

tio

tia

sobrinho

parente

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily life.

Errores comunes

Using 'primo' for a female cousin. → prima
Portuguese is strictly gendered. 'Primo' is only for males.
Using 'primeiro' to mean cousin. → primo
'Primeiro' means 'first', not 'cousin'.
Using 'primas' for a mixed group. → primos
The masculine plural 'primos' is used for mixed-gender groups.
Translating 'first cousin' as 'primeiro primo'. → primo-irmão
'Primeiro primo' is literal but not the natural idiomatic term.
Using 'primo' for 'prime quality'. → de primeira
'Primo' does not mean high quality in Portuguese.

Consejos

Gender Check

Always match 'primo' with masculine words: 'O meu primo é brasileiro'.

Family Bonds

Don't be surprised if someone has 50 cousins. Family networks are very large!

Math Context

If you see 'primo' with numbers, it means 'prime'.

Soft 'O'

The final 'o' is almost like a whispery 'u'. Avoid saying 'pree-MOH'.

Compound Terms

Use 'primo-irmão' for your closest cousins in essays.

Context Clues

If someone mentions a name after 'primo', they are talking about a relative.

Primary Relative

Remember: Primo = Primary extended family member.

Friendly Address

You can call your cousin just 'primo' when talking to him.

Not 'Primeiro'

Don't say 'Ele é o primo da fila' if you mean 'first in line'.

Expand Your Tree

Learn 'tio' and 'tia' at the same time to understand the 'primo' link.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of your 'PRIME' male relative who isn't your brother. He is your 'PRIMO'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a family tree where the first branch off the main trunk is your cousin. He is 'primary' to your extended family.

Word Web

família tio tia parente primeiro sangue irmão amigo

Desafío

Write down the names of three male cousins you have and use 'meu primo [Name]' in a sentence for each.

Origen de la palabra

From the Latin word 'primus', which means 'first'. In Latin, a cousin was often referred to as 'consobrinus primus', meaning the 'first' degree of relationship among siblings' children.

Significado original: The first or primary relative in the extended family line.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that in some contexts, 'primo' can be used loosely for people who aren't blood-related.

In English, 'cousin' is one word for both genders. In Portuguese, you MUST distinguish between primo and prima.

O Primo Basílio (famous novel by Eça de Queirós) The concept of 'Primos' in Brazilian comedy sketches Songs by Brazilian artists like Jorge & Mateus mentioning family.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Family Dinners

Passe o sal, primo.
Como vai sua mãe, primo?
Meu primo cozinha bem.
Onde está seu primo?

Math Class

O número dois é primo.
Liste os números primos.
Fatoração em primos.
Números primos entre si.

Introductions

Este é o meu primo.
Conheça o meu primo.
Ele é primo do João.
Vocês já conhecem meu primo?

Childhood Memories

Eu brincava com meu primo.
Meu primo era travesso.
Fomos à praia com meu primo.
Lembro-me do meu primo.

Travel

Vou ficar na casa do meu primo.
Meu primo mora no exterior.
Meu primo conhece este lugar.
Vou viajar com meu primo.

Inicios de conversación

"Você tem muitos primos ou sua família é pequena?"

"Qual é o seu primo favorito e por quê?"

"O seu primo mora perto de você ou em outra cidade?"

"Você costuma sair com seus primos no final de semana?"

"Qual é a lembrança mais engraçada que você tem com um primo?"

Temas para diario

Escreva sobre um dia divertido que você passou com seu primo.

Descreva a personalidade do seu primo mais velho.

Como é a relação entre os primos na sua cultura comparada à cultura brasileira?

Se você pudesse viajar com qualquer primo, para onde iria?

Explique por que o seu primo é uma pessoa importante na sua vida.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Primarily, yes. However, in mathematics, it refers to a 'prime number' (número primo). In some rare, archaic contexts, it can mean 'first' or 'primary', but you won't hear that in daily life.

You say 'prima'. Just change the final 'o' to an 'a'.

You use the masculine plural: 'meus primos'. This covers the whole group regardless of gender.

In some Brazilian regions and subcultures, 'primo' can be used among friends similarly to 'bro' or 'man', though it is less common than 'cara' or 'mano'.

It is a first cousin. The term 'irmão' (brother) is added to emphasize the close biological and social bond between children of siblings.

It is a 'tapped r', similar to the 'tt' in the English word 'butter' or 'water' in a US accent. It's a quick flick of the tongue.

It is not a very common last name in Portuguese, but it does exist as a surname in some families.

No. For 'prime time', Portuguese uses 'horário nobre'. 'Primo' is only 'prime' in mathematics.

You say 'primo de segundo grau'.

The core meaning is the same. However, the social closeness of cousins might be expressed with different regional slangs in each country.

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