trigémeo en 30 segundos
- Trigémeo means triplet in Portuguese, referring to one of three siblings born together.
- The word changes based on gender: trigémeo for male, trigémea for female.
- In Portugal, it's spelled with an acute accent (é), while in Brazil, it's a circumflex (ê).
- It is a common family-related noun used to describe multiple births and sibling identities.
The Portuguese word trigémeo (or trigêmeo in Brazilian Portuguese) is a noun and adjective used to describe one of three children born during the same pregnancy. In a biological context, it refers to the phenomenon of multiple births where three embryos develop simultaneously in the uterus. While the term is primarily used for humans, it can technically apply to animals, though specific terms like 'ninhada' (litter) are more common in veterinary contexts. The word is deeply rooted in the Latin prefix 'tri-' meaning three, combined with 'geminus' meaning twin or double, creating the literal sense of a 'triple-twin'.
- Grammatical Gender
- The word is gender-sensitive. Use trigémeo for a male triplet and trigémea for a female triplet. When referring to the group as a whole, the masculine plural trigémeos is used for a mixed-gender group or a group of boys.
O meu irmão mais novo é um trigémeo, o que significa que tenho mais dois irmãos da mesma idade.
In daily conversation, this word appears most frequently when discussing family trees, medical news, or social curiosities. Because triplets are significantly rarer than twins (gémeos), the word often carries a sense of wonder or logistical complexity. Parents of triplets often use the word when explaining their family dynamics, often followed by a sigh or a laugh regarding the amount of work involved. In clinical settings, doctors use it to categorize the type of pregnancy, often specifying if they are 'monozigóticos' (identical) or 'dizigóticos' (fraternal, though for three, it's usually trizigóticos).
- Social Context
- Being a 'trigémeo' often forms a large part of an individual's identity in Lusophone cultures, where family bonds are typically very strong. It is common for triplets to be dressed similarly in childhood, a practice that is frequently discussed using this noun.
A Maria é a trigémea mais velha, nascida apenas dois minutos antes dos outros.
Beyond the literal meaning, 'trigémeo' can occasionally be used figuratively in literature to describe three things that are identical or inextricably linked, though this is much less common than the biological usage. In the modern era, with the rise of fertility treatments, the frequency of the word in news cycles has increased, often appearing in headlines about 'milagres' (miracles) or 'desafios da parentalidade' (parenting challenges). Understanding this word is essential for reaching A2/B1 proficiency as it rounds out your ability to describe complex family structures and human biology in basic terms.
Eles são trigémeos idênticos, por isso é quase impossível distingui-los.
- Usage in Media
- You will often hear this word in 'telenovelas' (soap operas) when a dramatic plot twist reveals a long-lost sibling, turning a pair of twins into a set of triplets.
O hospital anunciou o nascimento de trigémeos saudáveis esta manhã.
Using trigémeo correctly requires attention to both number and gender agreement, which are pillars of Portuguese grammar. As a noun, it functions like any other person-identifier. When you want to say 'I am a triplet,' you would say 'Eu sou um trigémeo' (if male) or 'Eu sou uma trigémea' (if female). Notice the use of the indefinite article 'um/uma'. If you are referring to the whole set of three, you use the plural 'os trigémeos'.
Os trigémeos partilham o mesmo quarto desde que nasceram.
The word can also function as an adjective. For example, 'uma gravidez trigémea' (a triplet pregnancy). Here, the adjective agrees with the feminine noun 'gravidez'. This is a more formal or clinical way of using the word. In common parlance, people usually stick to the noun form. You might also encounter the phrase 'irmãos trigémeos' to emphasize the sibling relationship, although 'trigémeos' alone usually suffices.
- Common Sentence Patterns
- 1. [Subject] é [trigémeo/a].
2. O nascimento de [trigémeos].
3. Ela deu à luz [trigémeos].
When talking about identity, Portuguese speakers often use the verb 'ser' (to be) because being a triplet is considered an inherent characteristic. 'Eles são trigémeos' is the standard way to identify them. If you are distinguishing one from the others, you might say 'Ele é o trigémeo mais baixo' (He is the shortest triplet).
A minha tia teve trigémeas, três meninas idênticas!
In more complex sentences, you might use 'trigémeo' to compare ages or developmental milestones. 'Embora sejam trigémeos, cada um tem uma personalidade única' (Even though they are triplets, each has a unique personality). This sentence demonstrates the contrast between their biological grouping and their individual identities, a common theme in discussions involving this word.
- Possessive Usage
- When talking about someone's triplets: 'Os teus trigémeos são muito bem comportados' (Your triplets are very well-behaved).
O trigémeo do meio chama-se Ricardo.
Lastly, consider the use in historical or literary contexts where 'trigémeo' might describe a set of three mythical objects or figures. While rare, the structure remains the same. The key is always to ensure the ending (-o, -a, -os, -as) matches the gender and number of the subjects being described.
The word trigémeo resonates through several specific spheres of Portuguese life. The most common place is, unsurprisingly, the maternity ward of a hospital. In Portugal, the 'Serviço Nacional de Saúde' (SNS) often tracks multiple births closely. You might hear a nurse say, 'A mãe dos trigémeos já pode receber visitas' (The mother of the triplets can now receive visitors). Because triplet births are high-risk, they are often the talk of the medical staff.
Ouvi dizer que vão nascer trigémeos no quarto 302.
Another common setting is the school environment. Teachers and administrators often have to decide whether to place 'os trigémeos' in the same class or separate them to foster individual growth. At a parent-teacher meeting, you might hear: 'Os trigémeos têm estilos de aprendizagem muito diferentes' (The triplets have very different learning styles). This is a frequent topic of debate in pedagogical circles in Portugal and Brazil.
Social media and local news are also 'trigémeo' hotspots. Stories about triplets graduating together, getting married on the same day, or simply a photo of three identical babies in 'carrinhos de bebé' (strollers) often go viral. Headlines like 'Trigémeos de Coimbra celebram 100 anos' (Triplets from Coimbra celebrate 100 years) capture the public's imagination. The word here serves as a hook for human-interest stories.
- Casual Conversations
- In a café, you might overhear gossip: 'Viste a Maria? Ela está grávida de trigémeos! Imagina o trabalho!' (Did you see Maria? She's pregnant with triplets! Imagine the work!).
Eles não são apenas gémeos, são trigémeos!
Lastly, in the context of genetics and science documentaries (often dubbed into Portuguese), you'll hear the word used to explain reproductive biology. Terms like 'trigémeos fraternos' or 'trigémeos idênticos' are common in these educational settings. Whether in a high-tech lab or a cozy kitchen, the word remains the standard way to refer to this specific trio of siblings.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning trigémeo is forgetting the gender agreement. In English, 'triplet' is gender-neutral, but in Portuguese, you must switch between trigémeo (male) and trigémea (female). Calling a girl a 'trigémeo' is a common slip-up that sounds very unnatural to native ears.
- Mistake: Gender Mismatch
- Incorrect: 'A minha irmã é um trigémeo.'
Correct: 'A minha irmã é uma trigémea.'
Another confusion arises with the spelling and pronunciation of the accent. In European Portuguese, the 'é' is an open sound (like the 'e' in 'met'). In Brazilian Portuguese, it's 'trigêmeo' with a closed 'ê' (like the 'a' in 'gate' but without the 'y' sound). Learners often mix these up or omit the accent entirely, which changes the stress of the word. Without the accent, a native speaker might not even recognize the word.
Não confunda trigémeo com 'trimestre' só porque ambos começam com 'tri'.
There is also the 'plural default' trap. If you are talking about three girls, you must use trigémeas. Many learners defaults to trigémeos for any group of three. While trigémeos is correct for a mixed group, using it for all-female triplets is technically incorrect and misses a nuance of the language.
Finally, learners sometimes confuse trigémeos with gémeos (twins). While they are related, 'tri-' specifically denotes three. It sounds obvious, but in fast-paced conversation, many students accidentally use the more common word 'gémeos' when they actually mean triplets. Practice saying 'gémeos, trigémeos, quadrigémeos' in sequence to train your brain to distinguish the prefixes.
- Mistake: Confusing with Twins
- Context: A woman has 3 babies.
Wrong: 'Ela teve gémeos.' (She had twins).
Right: 'Ela teve trigémeos.'
While trigémeo is the most precise term for a triplet, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the context. The most obvious related word is gémeo (twin). If you have four children, the word is quadrigémeo. These all follow the same pattern of prefix + '-gémeo'.
- Trigémeo vs. Trio
- Trigémeo: Specifically refers to siblings born at the same time.
Trio: A more general term for any group of three people or things (e.g., a musical trio).
In a more informal or affectionate setting, you might hear people refer to triplets as 'os três manos' (the three brothers/siblings) or 'os três mosqueteiros' (the three musketeers) if they are particularly close. However, these are not synonyms; they are playful nicknames. In medical terminology, you might encounter 'gestação tripla' (triple gestation) to describe the pregnancy itself.
Eles formam um trio inseparável, como bons trigémeos que são.
Another interesting comparison is with the word trindade (trinity). While 'trindade' has a religious or spiritual connotation, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a powerful group of three. However, you would never call three children 'uma trindade' in a literal sense. For biological triplets, 'trigémeo' remains the only accurate term.
- Related Multiples
- Gémeo (2)
- Trigémeo (3)
- Quadrigémeo (4)
- Quinquagémeo (5 - very rare)
In summary, while you can use 'trio' to describe the group's activity, 'trigémeo' is the essential word for their biological identity. Knowing when to use the technical term versus a more casual one like 'irmãos' will help your Portuguese sound more natural and precise.
Ejemplos por nivel
Eu tenho três irmãos trigémeos.
I have three triplet brothers.
Uses masculine plural 'trigémeos'.
Ela é uma trigémea.
She is a triplet.
Uses feminine singular 'trigémea'.
Os trigémeos são pequenos.
The triplets are small.
Agreement between 'os', 'trigémeos', and 'pequenos'.
Onde estão os trigémeos?
Where are the triplets?
Simple question structure.
Eles são trigémeos idênticos.
They are identical triplets.
Adjective 'idênticos' follows the noun.
A Maria tem trigémeas.
Maria has (female) triplets.
Feminine plural 'trigémeas'.
O meu amigo é um trigémeo.
My friend is a triplet.
Masculine singular 'trigémeo'.
Os trigémeos comem muito.
The triplets eat a lot.
Present tense verb 'comem'.
Os trigémeos fazem anos hoje.
The triplets have their birthday today.
'Fazer anos' is the idiomatic way to say 'to have a birthday'.
A minha mãe é uma trigémea, por isso tenho muitas tias.
My mother is a triplet, so I have many aunts.
Connective 'por isso' (so/therefore).
Vimos os trigémeos no parque ontem.
We saw the triplets in the park yesterday.
Past tense 'vimos'.
É difícil cuidar de trigémeos recém-nascidos.
It is difficult to take care of newborn triplets.
Adjective 'recém-nascidos' (newborn).
Os trigémeos usam roupas de cores diferentes.
The triplets wear clothes of different colors.
Plural agreement throughout.
Ela deu à luz três trigémeos saudáveis.
She gave birth to three healthy triplets.
'Dar à luz' means 'to give birth'.
Os trigémeos andam na mesma turma.
The triplets are in the same class.
'Andar em' can mean 'to attend' or 'to be in' a class.
O quarto dos trigémeos é muito grande.
The triplets' room is very big.
Possessive 'dos' (de + os).
Ser trigémeo significa nunca estar sozinho.
Being a triplet means never being alone.
Infinitive 'ser' used as a subject.
A notícia sobre os trigémeos saiu no jornal local.
The news about the triplets came out in the local newspaper.
Prepositional phrase 'sobre os trigémeos'.
Eles são trigémeos, mas têm personalidades opostas.
They are triplets, but they have opposite personalities.
Adversative conjunction 'mas'.
A gravidez trigémea requer muitos cuidados médicos.
A triplet pregnancy requires a lot of medical care.
'Trigémea' used as an adjective modifying 'gravidez'.
Os trigémeos decidiram estudar em cidades diferentes.
The triplets decided to study in different cities.
Compound verb 'decidiram estudar'.
Não é comum ver trigémeos na nossa aldeia.
It is not common to see triplets in our village.
Impersonal expression 'Não é comum'.
Os pais dos trigémeos ganharam um prémio da autarquia.
The triplets' parents won a prize from the local council.
'Autarquia' is a common term for local government in Portugal.
Sempre que os trigémeos saem, todos olham para eles.
Whenever the triplets go out, everyone looks at them.
Temporal conjunction 'Sempre que'.
A probabilidade de conceber trigémeos naturalmente é baixa.
The probability of conceiving triplets naturally is low.
Abstract noun 'probabilidade' followed by 'de'.
Estudos científicos sobre trigémeos ajudam a entender a genética.
Scientific studies on triplets help understand genetics.
Subject-verb agreement with 'Estudos'.
Os trigémeos foram separados à nascença no filme que vimos.
The triplets were separated at birth in the movie we saw.
Passive voice 'foram separados'.
A mãe conseguiu amamentar os trigémeos durante seis meses.
The mother managed to breastfeed the triplets for six months.
Verb 'conseguir' followed by infinitive.
Existem associações de apoio a pais de trigémeos e múltiplos.
There are associations to support parents of triplets and multiples.
Use of 'existem' to indicate presence.
Os trigémeos idênticos partilham 100% do seu material genético.
Identical triplets share 100% of their genetic material.
Technical scientific vocabulary.
A logística de transportar trigémeos exige um carro espaçoso.
The logistics of transporting triplets requires a spacious car.
Noun 'logística' as the subject.
Apesar de serem trigémeos, eles não são fisicamente iguais.
Despite being triplets, they are not physically identical.
Concessive conjunction 'Apesar de' + personal infinitive 'serem'.
A individualidade dos trigémeos é muitas vezes negligenciada pela sociedade.
The individuality of triplets is often neglected by society.
Complex noun phrase as subject.
O autor utiliza a metáfora do trigémeo para explorar a fragmentação do 'eu'.
The author uses the triplet metaphor to explore the fragmentation of the 'self'.
Literary analysis vocabulary.
A incidência de nascimentos trigémeos aumentou com a procriação assistida.
The incidence of triplet births increased with assisted procreation.
Formal term 'incidência' and 'procriação assistida'.
É imperativo que os trigémeos sejam tratados como indivíduos distintos.
It is imperative that the triplets be treated as distinct individuals.
Subjunctive mood 'sejam tratados' after 'é imperativo que'.
A dinâmica psicológica entre trigémeos é um campo de estudo fascinante.
The psychological dynamics among triplets is a fascinating field of study.
Abstract academic register.
Raramente encontramos trigémeos que não desenvolvam uma linguagem própria.
We rarely find triplets who do not develop their own language.
Negative structure with 'raramente' and subjunctive 'desenvolvam'.
A complexidade de uma cesariana de trigémeos exige uma equipa vasta.
The complexity of a triplet C-section requires a large team.
Technical medical noun 'cesariana'.
Os trigémeos, conquanto unidos, trilharam caminhos profissionais distintos.
The triplets, although united, followed distinct professional paths.
Conjunction 'conquanto' (although) for high-level register.
A simbiose existencial observada em certos trigémeos desafia as teorias clássicas da psicanálise.
The existential symbiosis observed in certain triplets challenges classical theories of psychoanalysis.
Highly formal and specialized vocabulary.
O registo paroquial de 1750 atesta o nascimento de trigémeos, um evento raríssimo à época.
The parish register of 1750 attests to the birth of triplets, a very rare event at the time.
Historical register 'atesta' and 'à época'.
Subjaz à condição de trigémeo uma constante negociação de espaço e identidade.
Underlying the condition of being a triplet is a constant negotiation of space and identity.
Verb 'subjaz' (underlies) used in a sophisticated way.
A legislação vigente prevê subsídios específicos para progenitores de trigémeos.
Current legislation provides for specific subsidies for parents of triplets.
Legal terminology 'legislação vigente' and 'progenitores'.
A representação pictórica de trigémeos na arte renascentista é frequentemente alegórica.
The pictorial representation of triplets in Renaissance art is often allegorical.
Art history terminology.
A síncope do desenvolvimento em trigémeos prematuros é uma preocupação constante na neonatologia.
Developmental syncope in premature triplets is a constant concern in neonatology.
Advanced medical terminology.
Não obstante a sua condição de trigémeos, a sua divergência ideológica é absoluta.
Notwithstanding their status as triplets, their ideological divergence is absolute.
Formal connector 'Não obstante'.
A eclosão de trigémeos em espécies não multíparas é um fenómeno biológico digno de nota.
The emergence of triplets in non-multiparous species is a biological phenomenon worthy of note.
Specialized biological terms 'eclosão' and 'multíparas'.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— The Musketeers' motto, often applied to triplets. It means solidarity.
Como bons trigémeos, vivem pelo lema: um por todos e todos por um.
— Literally 'triple dose'. Used to describe the intensity of having triplets.
Ter trigémeos é ter alegria em dose tripla.
— A common Portuguese saying meaning 'three is the perfect number'.
Vocês são trigémeos? Pois, três é a conta que Deus fez!
— Used for identical triplets. It means they look exactly alike.
Estes trigémeos parecem três gotas de água.
— Work tripled. Often said to parents of triplets.
Com trigémeos em casa, o trabalho é a triplicar.
— To win the lottery (figuratively). Used when someone has triplets unexpectedly.
Saíram-lhe os trigémeos na rifa!
— Everything in triplicate. Refers to buying three of everything.
Nesta casa, compramos tudo em triplicado por causa dos trigémeos.
— To mix up names. A common problem with triplets.
A avó está sempre a confundir os nomes dos trigémeos.
— Special connection. Refers to the bond between triplets.
Os trigémeos têm uma ligação especial desde o útero.
— Staircase. Used to contrast triplets with siblings born years apart.
Eles não são em escadinha, são trigémeos!
Modismos y expresiones
— To see double or triple. Used when seeing identical triplets.
Quando os vi, pensei que estava a ver a triplicar!
informal— Three heads are better than one. Often joked about with triplets.
Eles resolveram o problema rápido; afinal, três cabeças pensam melhor que uma.
colloquial— To be the third wheel. Sometimes used if one triplet feels left out.
Às vezes, um dos trigémeos sente-se como o terceiro elemento.
informal— In a pack. Used when triplets always move together.
Os trigémeos andam sempre em bando pela escola.
informal— Used metaphorically for how triplets might know each other's thoughts.
Eles são trigémeos, conhecem o santo e a senha um do outro.
idiomaticSummary
The word 'trigémeo' is essential for describing triplets. Always remember to match the gender (o/a) and number (s) to the people you are talking about. Example: 'Os trigémeos são muito unidos' (The triplets are very united).
- Trigémeo means triplet in Portuguese, referring to one of three siblings born together.
- The word changes based on gender: trigémeo for male, trigémea for female.
- In Portugal, it's spelled with an acute accent (é), while in Brazil, it's a circumflex (ê).
- It is a common family-related noun used to describe multiple births and sibling identities.
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à medida que
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abençoado
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abrigo
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acarinhar
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aceito
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acenar
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acolher
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acolhimento
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acolitar
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acomodar
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