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A2 noun #6,000 más común 10 min de lectura

zebra

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos zebra en 30 segundos

Explicación zebra in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'zebra' as a basic vocabulary word for animals. You focus on its spelling (which is identical to English) and its basic description: 'A zebra é preta e branca' (The zebra is black and white). You learn that it is a feminine noun and that it lives in Africa. The goal is simple identification and the ability to point it out in a picture or at a zoo. You might practice simple sentences like 'Eu gosto da zebra' (I like the zebra) or 'A zebra é um animal' (The zebra is an animal). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the idiomatic meanings or complex grammar. Just remember the 'z' sound and the feminine article 'a'.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'zebra' in more descriptive contexts. You can talk about what the zebra does, such as 'A zebra come grama' (The zebra eats grass) or 'A zebra corre rápido' (The zebra runs fast). You also learn to use plural forms and possessives: 'As listras da zebra são bonitas' (The zebra's stripes are beautiful). This is also where you might first encounter the word in a fashion context, like 'uma camisa de zebra'. You are building the foundation to use the word in everyday conversations about nature, travel, or clothing patterns. You should also be aware that 'zebra' is an epicene noun, meaning the word doesn't change for male or female animals.

As a B1 learner, you start to encounter the idiomatic side of 'zebra', particularly the Brazilian expression 'deu zebra'. You understand that this refers to an unexpected result, usually in sports or games of chance. You can use it in sentences like 'Eu apostei no favorito, mas deu zebra' (I bet on the favorite, but there was an upset). You are also more comfortable with collective nouns, like 'uma manada de zebras'. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'listrado' (striped) and 'savana' (savanna). You can follow a basic news report or a short documentary about African wildlife where the word 'zebra' is used frequently.

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At the B2 level, you have a deeper understanding of why 'deu zebra' is used. You might learn about its origin in the 'Jogo do Bicho' and how it became a staple of Brazilian football culture. You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Se não tivesse dado zebra, eu teria ganhado o prêmio' (If there hadn't been an upset, I would have won the prize). You can also discuss ecological issues, such as the conservation of different zebra species, using more technical vocabulary. Your pronunciation should be more refined, correctly handling the tapped 'r' and the open 'e' sound in Brazilian Portuguese.

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By C1, you use 'zebra' and its related idioms with the same nuance as a native speaker. You can identify the word in literary contexts or sophisticated journalism where it might be used as a metaphor for something that is neither black nor white, or for a situation that is inherently contradictory. You understand the subtle differences in how the word might be perceived in Portugal versus Brazil. You can participate in a heated debate about a football match and use 'zebra' to describe the unpredictability of the sport. You also recognize the word in more specialized fields, such as 'pintura zebrada' in technical or industrial contexts.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 'zebra' in all its forms. You are aware of archaic or rare uses and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or poetry. You understand the scientific nuances between the species (Zebra-das-planícies, Zebra-de-grevy, etc.) and can read academic papers in Portuguese about equine evolution. You can effortlessly switch between the literal animal description and the deep cultural metaphors of the Lusophone world. You might even know historical trivia about how the word 'zebra' entered the Portuguese language from African dialects or its relationship to the word 'zevra' in Old Portuguese.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

zebra en 30 segundos

A zebra is a striped African animal, similar to a horse, known for its unique black and white pattern.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'dar zebra' is a popular idiom meaning an unexpected sports upset or a surprise outcome.
Grammatically, 'zebra' is always feminine in Portuguese, regardless of the animal's actual gender.
The word is a cognate, spelled the same in English and Portuguese, making it easy for beginners to remember.

The word zebra in Portuguese primarily refers to the African equine animal known for its distinctive black-and-white striped coat. However, its usage in the Lusophone world, particularly in Brazil, extends far beyond biology into the realms of sports, gambling, and daily metaphors for unpredictability. When you first learn this word at the A2 level, you are likely focusing on the animal. You will see it in children's books, zoo signage, and nature documentaries. The word is a feminine noun (a zebra), and even when referring to a male zebra, the grammatical gender remains feminine unless specifically modified as zebra-macho.

Biological Context: In a literal sense, zebra describes the three species of equids: the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and the Grévy's zebra. In Portuguese, you might describe their stripes as listras or riscas. Scientists and nature enthusiasts use the term when discussing African biodiversity or evolutionary biology.
The Sporting Metaphor: In Brazil, zebra is a ubiquitous term in football (soccer). It refers to an 'upset'—when a heavily favored team loses to an underdog. If a bottom-tier team beats the national champion, fans and journalists will exclaim, 'Deu zebra!' (It gave zebra!). This originates from a popular illegal lottery called 'Jogo do Bicho', where the zebra was not one of the animals on the list, making its 'appearance' an impossible or highly improbable event.
Urban and Visual Use: The term is also used to describe patterns. A 'passadeira' or 'faixa de pedestres' (pedestrian crossing) is sometimes colloquially referred to as a zebra because of the white stripes on the black asphalt. While 'faixa' is more common in Brazil and 'passadeira' in Portugal, the visual association with the animal remains a strong mnemonic for learners.

Vimos uma zebra correndo livremente pela savana durante o safári na África do Sul.

Translation: We saw a zebra running freely through the savanna during the safari in South Africa.

Ninguém esperava que o time pequeno vencesse, mas realmente deu zebra no jogo de ontem.

Translation: Nobody expected the small team to win, but it really was an upset (gave zebra) in yesterday's game.

A estampa de zebra está muito na moda nesta coleção de inverno.

Translation: Zebra print is very fashionable in this winter collection.

As listras da zebra servem para confundir os predadores na natureza.

Translation: The zebra's stripes serve to confuse predators in nature.

O fotógrafo capturou o momento exato em que a zebra bebia água no rio.

Translation: The photographer captured the exact moment the zebra was drinking water at the river.

Using the word zebra effectively requires understanding its dual nature as both a common noun and an idiomatic powerhouse. In basic sentences, it functions like any other animal name. However, as you progress to intermediate and advanced Portuguese, you will need to master the syntax of its metaphorical applications. Whether you are describing a pattern, an animal at the zoo, or a shocking sports result, the word remains versatile and phonetically simple for English speakers to pronounce.

Describing the Animal: When talking about the animal, you will often use adjectives related to its appearance or habitat. For example: 'A zebra africana é muito bonita' (The African zebra is very beautiful). Notice the agreement between the feminine noun zebra and the feminine adjective africana. You might also describe its behavior: 'A zebra pasta calmamente' (The zebra grazes calmly).
Using Idiomatic Expressions: The most common idiom is 'dar zebra'. It is almost always used in the third person singular (deu, dá, vai dar). Example: 'Eu acho que vai dar zebra no campeonato este ano' (I think there will be an upset in the championship this year). It conveys a sense of shock or a break from the expected hierarchy of power or probability.
Pluralization and Groups: The plural of zebra is zebras. When referring to a group, you can use the word manada (herd). For example: 'Uma manada de zebras atravessou a estrada' (A herd of zebras crossed the road). This is a great way to expand your collective noun vocabulary in Portuguese.

As zebras são conhecidas por suas listras únicas, como impressões digitais.

Translation: Zebras are known for their unique stripes, like fingerprints.

Se o azarão ganhar a corrida, terá sido uma grande zebra.

Translation: If the underdog wins the race, it will have been a huge upset.

Comprei um tapete com estampa de zebra para a sala de estar.

Translation: I bought a zebra-print rug for the living room.

A criança desenhou uma zebra azul em seu caderno de artes.

Translation: The child drew a blue zebra in their art notebook.

O documentário explicou como a zebra se protege dos leões.

Translation: The documentary explained how the zebra protects itself from lions.

In a Portuguese-speaking environment, you will encounter the word zebra in a variety of settings. From the casual atmosphere of a sports bar to the educational environment of a school, and even in the world of fashion and interior design, the word is more common than you might expect for a non-native animal. Understanding these contexts will help you identify whether the speaker is talking about wildlife, a shocking event, or a visual pattern.

Sports Journalism and TV: This is perhaps the most frequent place to hear 'zebra' in Brazil. After a weekend of football matches, sports commentators on channels like Globo or ESPN Brasil will analyze the results. If a major team like Flamengo or Palmeiras loses to a team from a lower division, the headline will almost certainly include the word 'zebra'. You'll hear phrases like: 'A rodada foi cheia de zebras' (The round was full of upsets).
Educational and Family Settings: Parents and teachers use the word when teaching children about animals. It's a staple in alphabet books (often representing the letter 'Z'). Children might sing songs about zebras or play with toy zebras. In this context, it is purely biological and descriptive.
Fashion and Street Style: When shopping in Lisbon, Luanda, or São Paulo, you might hear shoppers or sales assistants referring to estampa de zebra (zebra print). It is a classic 'animal print' alongside oncinha (leopard/jaguar print). You might hear: 'Essa blusa de zebra combina com a calça preta' (This zebra blouse goes well with the black pants).

O comentarista disse: 'Se o lanterna vencer o líder, vai ser a maior zebra do ano!'

Translation: The commentator said: 'If the last-place team beats the leader, it will be the biggest upset of the year!'

Na aula de biologia, aprendemos que cada zebra tem um padrão de listras diferente.

Translation: In biology class, we learned that each zebra has a different stripe pattern.

A modelo desfilou usando um vestido longo com estampa de zebra.

Translation: The model paraded wearing a long zebra-print dress.

While zebra is a cognate and relatively straightforward, English speakers often stumble on grammatical gender, pronunciation nuances, and the specific cultural idiomatic constraints. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise. Let's break down the most frequent errors made by learners at the A2 and B1 levels.

The Gender Trap: In Portuguese, animals have fixed grammatical genders. Zebra is always feminine (a zebra). A common mistake is trying to create a masculine version like 'o zebro' to refer to a male zebra. This word does not exist. If you need to specify the sex, you must say a zebra macho. Even then, the article 'a' remains feminine because it agrees with the noun 'zebra'.
Misusing 'Deu Zebra': Learners often try to translate 'upset' literally or use 'zebra' in contexts where it doesn't fit. You cannot say 'Eu estou zebra' (I am zebra) to mean you are surprised. The idiom is specifically dar zebra. Also, remember this is highly informal and primarily Brazilian. Using it in a formal academic paper in Portugal might be seen as out of place.
Pronunciation of the 'R': The 'r' in zebra is a single tapped 'r' (like the 'tt' in the American pronunciation of 'better'). English speakers often use a rhotic 'r' (as in 'red') or a guttural French-style 'r'. To sound authentic, the tip of your tongue should quickly touch the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth.

Errado: O zebra é um animal listrado.
Correto: A zebra é um animal listrado.

Explanation: 'Zebra' is a feminine noun regardless of the animal's biological sex.

Errado: Foi uma zebra que ele ganhou.
Correto: Deu zebra e ele acabou ganhando.

Explanation: To describe an unexpected win, use the verbal phrase 'dar zebra'.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding zebra, it is helpful to look at related animals, synonyms for its metaphorical meanings, and descriptive terms for its patterns. Portuguese has a rich set of words that can either replace 'zebra' in specific contexts or provide more nuance to your descriptions. Comparing these terms will help you understand the boundaries of the word's usage.

Animal Comparisons

Cavalo: (Horse) The most closely related common animal. Zebras are often described as 'cavalos listrados'.
Burro: (Donkey) Another equid. In some regions, a zebra's body shape is compared more to a donkey than a horse.
Quagga: An extinct subspecies of zebra often mentioned in scientific contexts.

Synonyms for 'Upset' (Metaphorical)

Surpresa: (Surprise) A neutral term for any unexpected event.
Azarão: (Underdog) Refers to the competitor who is not expected to win. If the azarão wins, it deu zebra.
Inesperado: (Unexpected) The formal adjective to describe the outcome.

Pattern Descriptors

Listrado: (Striped) The standard adjective for something with stripes.
Rajado: Often used for striped fur, especially in cats, but can be applied to zebra-like patterns.
Estampa animal: (Animal print) The general fashion term.

Embora pareça um cavalo, a zebra tem um temperamento muito mais selvagem.

Translation: Although it looks like a horse, the zebra has a much wilder temperament.

O time era o azarão, mas a vitória deles foi uma zebra histórica.

Translation: The team was the underdog, but their victory was a historic upset.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'zebra' was actually given by Portuguese explorers to the African animal because it reminded them of the 'zevra' from home.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈzɛbrə/

US /ˈziːbrə/

The stress is on the first syllable: ZE-bra.

Rima con

Quebra Gleba Célebre (partial) Febre (partial) Algebra (partial) Vértebra Pálpebra Cerebra

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'z' as 's' (it must be voiced).
Using a long 'ee' sound like in the US English 'zebra'.
Using an English 'r' instead of a Portuguese tap.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Spelled exactly like English, very easy to recognize.

Escritura 1/5

No spelling changes, just remember the gender.

Expresión oral 2/5

The tapped 'r' and voiced 'z' require some practice for English speakers.

Escucha 2/5

Can be confused with 'cebra' in some Spanish-influenced ears, but usually clear.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Animal Preto Branco Cavalo África

Aprende después

Leão Elefante Girafa Listra Surpresa

Avanzado

Azarão Jogo do Bicho Inesperado Savana Equino

Gramática que debes saber

Epicene Nouns

A zebra (always feminine, even for males).

Adjective Agreement

A zebra listrada (feminine singular).

Pluralization of Nouns ending in Vowels

Zebra -> Zebras (just add -s).

Contractions with 'De'

As listras da zebra (de + a).

Verbal Expression 'Dar'

Deu zebra (using 'dar' to indicate an occurrence).

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Ejemplos por nivel

A zebra é bonita.

The zebra is beautiful.

'Bonita' agrees with the feminine noun 'zebra'.

Eu vejo uma zebra.

I see a zebra.

Use 'uma' for the indefinite feminine article.

A zebra é preta e branca.

The zebra is black and white.

Colors as adjectives follow the noun.

A zebra mora na África.

The zebra lives in Africa.

'Mora' is the present tense of 'morar' (to live).

Onde está a zebra?

Where is the zebra?

Question word 'Onde' starts the sentence.

A zebra tem quatro patas.

The zebra has four legs.

'Tem' is the third person singular of 'ter'.

Gosto da zebra no zoológico.

I like the zebra at the zoo.

'Da' is the contraction of 'de' + 'a'.

A zebra é um animal.

The zebra is an animal.

'Animal' is a masculine noun, but 'zebra' remains feminine.

As zebras correm na grama.

The zebras run on the grass.

Plural form 'zebras' requires the plural verb 'correm'.

A zebra pequena segue a mãe.

The small zebra follows its mother.

'Pequena' describes the size of the zebra.

O leão caça a zebra.

The lion hunts the zebra.

Subject-Verb-Object order.

Eu quero uma camisa de zebra.

I want a zebra shirt.

'De zebra' indicates the pattern/style.

A zebra bebe água no rio.

The zebra drinks water in the river.

Present tense usage.

Nós tiramos fotos da zebra.

We took photos of the zebra.

Past tense 'tiramos' (Pretérito Perfeito).

A zebra não é um cavalo.

The zebra is not a horse.

Negative sentence structure using 'não'.

As listras da zebra são únicas.

The zebra's stripes are unique.

'Únicas' agrees with 'listras' (feminine plural).

Acho que vai dar zebra no jogo de hoje.

I think there will be an upset in today's game.

The idiom 'dar zebra' is used for unexpected results.

Uma manada de zebras atravessou o caminho.

A herd of zebras crossed the path.

'Manada' is the collective noun for zebras.

A estampa de zebra é clássica na moda.

Zebra print is a classic in fashion.

'Estampa' means print or pattern.

Se você for ao safári, verá muitas zebras.

If you go on a safari, you will see many zebras.

Future subjunctive 'for' and future indicative 'verá'.

A zebra se protege ficando em grupo.

The zebra protects itself by staying in a group.

Reflexive verb 'se proteger'.

Não deu zebra e o favorito ganhou.

There was no upset and the favorite won.

Negative use of the idiom 'dar zebra'.

O filhote de zebra já consegue correr.

The zebra foal can already run.

'Filhote' is the word for baby animal/foal.

As zebras vivem em grupos sociais complexos.

Zebras live in complex social groups.

Adjective 'complexos' agrees with 'grupos'.

A expressão 'dar zebra' nasceu no Jogo do Bicho.

The expression 'dar zebra' was born in the Jogo do Bicho.

Historical context of an idiom.

O resultado foi uma zebra total para os apostadores.

The result was a total upset for the bettors.

'Zebra' used as a noun meaning 'upset'.

Diferente dos cavalos, as zebras nunca foram domesticadas.

Unlike horses, zebras were never domesticated.

'Diferente de' used for comparison.

A camuflagem da zebra funciona contra insetos.

The zebra's camouflage works against insects.

Scientific explanation sentence.

Houve uma zebra e o candidato menos votado venceu.

There was an upset and the least voted candidate won.

'Houve' is the past tense of 'haver' (there was).

A zebra-de-grevy é a maior das espécies.

The Grévy's zebra is the largest of the species.

Specific species naming convention.

Muitos turistas viajam para ver a migração das zebras.

Many tourists travel to see the zebra migration.

'Migração' is a feminine noun.

A estampa zebrada pode ser usada em detalhes da decoração.

The zebra-striped print can be used in decor details.

'Zebrada' is an adjective derived from 'zebra'.

A imprevisibilidade do futebol é o que permite a zebra.

The unpredictability of football is what allows for the upset.

Abstract usage of 'zebra'.

O documentário aborda a taxonomia das zebras africanas.

The documentary addresses the taxonomy of African zebras.

High-level academic vocabulary.

A zebra é frequentemente usada como metáfora para o binarismo.

The zebra is often used as a metaphor for binarism.

Metaphorical analysis.

Caso dê zebra, o mercado financeiro reagirá mal.

Should there be an upset, the financial market will react poorly.

Subjunctive mood 'dê' for hypothetical situations.

A pelagem da zebra intriga biólogos há séculos.

The zebra's coat has intrigued biologists for centuries.

'Pelagem' refers to the coat/fur of an animal.

A zebra tornou-se um ícone da cultura pop brasileira.

The zebra has become an icon of Brazilian pop culture.

Reflexive 'tornou-se'.

Não podemos descartar a possibilidade de uma zebra eleitoral.

We cannot rule out the possibility of an electoral upset.

'Zebra eleitoral' is a common journalistic term.

A morfologia da zebra é adaptada para longas caminhadas.

The zebra's morphology is adapted for long walks.

Technical term 'morfologia'.

A etimologia de 'zebra' remete ao termo 'zevra' do português arcaico.

The etymology of 'zebra' refers back to the term 'zevra' in archaic Portuguese.

Etymological discussion.

O fenômeno da 'zebra' subverte a lógica das probabilidades esportivas.

The 'zebra' phenomenon subverts the logic of sporting probabilities.

Complex philosophical/mathematical sentence.

A zebra, enquanto símbolo, transcende sua existência biológica.

The zebra, as a symbol, transcends its biological existence.

Abstract philosophical structure.

Analisou-se a divergência genética entre as subespécies de zebra.

The genetic divergence between zebra subspecies was analyzed.

Passive voice 'analisou-se'.

A zebra é um elemento recorrente na tapeçaria de certas tribos.

The zebra is a recurring element in the tapestry of certain tribes.

Cultural and artistic context.

A vitória foi tamanha zebra que paralisou a cidade.

The victory was such an upset that it paralyzed the city.

'Tamanha' used for emphasis.

O mimetismo visual da zebra é um tema de debate evolutivo.

The zebra's visual mimicry is a subject of evolutionary debate.

Advanced scientific terminology.

A zebra permanece como o enigma listrado da savana.

The zebra remains as the striped enigma of the savanna.

Literary/poetic description.

Colocaciones comunes

Deu zebra

Estampa de zebra

Manada de zebras

Listras de zebra

Zebra africana

Pintura zebrada

Zebra no futebol

Filhote de zebra

Padrão de zebra

Zebra-da-montanha

Frases Comunes

Vai dar zebra

— Something unexpected is going to happen (usually negative for the favorite).

Se você não estudar, vai dar zebra na prova.

Pode dar zebra

— There is a possibility of an upset.

O time é bom, mas pode dar zebra.

Que zebra!

— What a surprise! / What an upset!

O favorito perdeu? Que zebra!

Resultado de zebra

— An outcome that was completely unexpected.

Aquele foi um resultado de zebra total.

Correr como uma zebra

— To run fast (though less common than 'correr como um cavalo').

O menino correu como uma zebra pelo campo.

Parece uma zebra

— Used to describe someone wearing black and white stripes.

Com essa camisa, você parece uma zebra.

Zebra histórica

— A legendary, massive upset.

A vitória do pequeno time foi uma zebra histórica.

Evitar a zebra

— When the favorite plays carefully to ensure they win.

O campeão jogou sério para evitar a zebra.

A zebra apareceu

— The upset finally happened.

No final do jogo, a zebra apareceu.

Não teve zebra

— Everything went as expected.

O favorito venceu, não teve zebra.

Se confunde a menudo con

zebra vs Zebra (English)

Spelled the same, but the pronunciation of the 'e' and 'r' differs significantly.

zebra vs Cebra (Spanish)

Learners of both languages might mix the 'z' and 'c' spelling.

zebra vs Faixa de pedestres

Sometimes people call the stripes 'zebra', but the official term is 'faixa'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Dar zebra"

— To have an unexpected result, especially in sports or gambling.

Apostei no Brasil, mas deu zebra e Camarões venceu.

Informal/Slang

"Zebra de estimação"

— A recurring or favorite 'underdog' or unexpected situation.

Aquele time é a minha zebra de estimação.

Humorous

"Pintar a zebra"

— To create a mess or cause a surprising problem (rare, regional).

Ele foi lá e pintou a zebra na reunião.

Regional Slang

"Estar com a zebra"

— To be having bad luck or facing unexpected problems.

Hoje eu estou com a zebra, nada dá certo.

Informal

"Chamar a zebra"

— To act in a way that invites an upset or bad luck.

Não comemore antes da hora para não chamar a zebra.

Informal

"Zebra voadora"

— Something extremely impossible or absurd.

Achar que ele vai ganhar é como esperar uma zebra voadora.

Sarcastic

"Olhar para a zebra"

— To focus on the unexpected details.

Pare de olhar para a zebra e foque no óbvio.

Metaphorical

"Listra de zebra"

— Something that is clearly defined or black-and-white.

A situação dele é clara como listra de zebra.

Metaphorical

"Onde a zebra dorme"

— In the middle of nowhere (referring to the wild).

Ele mora lá onde a zebra dorme.

Informal/Humorous

"Festa da zebra"

— A celebration of underdogs.

A final do campeonato foi uma verdadeira festa da zebra.

Journalistic

Fácil de confundir

zebra vs Zebu

Both start with 'Ze' and are animals.

A zebu is a type of cattle (ox), while a zebra is an equid.

O zebu tem uma corcova, a zebra tem listras.

zebra vs Zero

Phonetically similar start.

Zero is the number 0.

O placar foi zero a zero, não deu zebra.

zebra vs Zebra-macho

Learners try to say 'o zebro'.

You must use 'macho' to specify sex because the noun is epicene.

A zebra-macho é muito forte.

zebra vs Listra vs Risca

Both mean stripe.

'Listra' is more common in Brazil; 'risca' is very common in Portugal.

A zebra tem riscas pretas (Portugal).

zebra vs Azarão

Related to the 'zebra' outcome.

The 'azarão' is the participant; the 'zebra' is the event of them winning.

O azarão causou uma zebra.

Patrones de oraciones

A zebra é [adjetivo].

A zebra é grande.

Eu gosto de [animal].

Eu gosto de zebras.

Eu acho que vai dar [expressão].

Eu acho que vai dar zebra.

Se o [substantivo] vencer, será uma zebra.

Se o time vencer, será uma zebra.

Apesar da [substantivo], o resultado foi zebra.

Apesar da preparação, o resultado foi zebra.

A zebra enquanto [conceito] é fascinante.

A zebra enquanto arquétipo é fascinante.

All

Estampa de [animal].

Estampa de zebra.

All

Manada de [animal].

Manada de zebras.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Zebragem (the act of marking with stripes)

Zebrinha (little zebra)

Verbos

Zebrar (to mark with stripes or to cause an upset)

Adjetivos

Zebrado (striped like a zebra)

Relacionado

Listra

Savana

Equino

África

Manada

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High (especially in Brazil due to sports)

Errores comunes

O zebra → A zebra
The word is feminine. Using 'O' is a basic gender error.
Eu sou zebra → Deu zebra para mim
You don't 'become' a zebra; the situation 'gives' zebra.
Zebro → Zebra macho
There is no masculine form of the word zebra.
Listas da zebra → Listras da zebra
'Listas' are lists (like a shopping list); 'listras' are stripes.
Pronouncing like 'Zeeb-ra' → Pronouncing like 'Zeh-bra'
The Portuguese 'e' is never a long 'ee' sound.

Consejos

The Voiced Z

Make sure your 'Z' vibrates. It shouldn't sound like a 'S'. Think of a bee buzzing: zzzzzebra.

Epicene Nouns

Don't be tempted to say 'o zebra'. It's always 'a zebra'. This is a common rule for many animals in Portuguese.

The Animal Game

Learning about 'Jogo do Bicho' will help you understand many Brazilian idioms, not just 'zebra'.

Animal Prints

Learn 'oncinha' (leopard) along with 'zebra' to master the two most common fashion print terms.

Sports Talk

Use 'deu zebra' when your favorite team loses to a weak team to sound like a native Brazilian fan.

Stripes vs. Lines

Remember that 'listras' are for patterns like zebras, while 'linhas' are usually thinner or more geometric.

Same Spelling

Since the spelling is the same as English, focus 100% of your energy on the pronunciation and gender.

Agreement

Ensure all adjectives around 'zebra' end in 'a' (e.g., zebra rápida, zebra bonita).

Brazilian Vowels

Listen for the 'é' sound in zebra (ZEH-bra) which is very common in most Brazilian accents.

Safe Slang

'Deu zebra' is safe to use in almost any informal social setting without being offensive.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

ZEbras have Zero-shame about their BRight Stripes. (ZE-BRA)

Asociación visual

Imagine a soccer player in a striped referee shirt (the 'zebra') scoring a goal against a champion—that's a 'zebra' (upset)!

Word Web

Animal Stripes Africa Upset Soccer Fashion Black and White Horse

Desafío

Try to use 'zebra' in three different ways today: as an animal, as a pattern, and as a sports metaphor.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Portuguese 'zevra', which originally referred to a wild ass in the Iberian Peninsula.

Significado original: Wild ass or wild horse.

Romance (Latin roots mixed with African loanword influence later).

Contexto cultural

The term 'dar zebra' is informal and fun, but avoid using it in very somber or tragic unexpected situations.

English speakers use 'zebra crossing' for pedestrian paths, which is a great link to the Portuguese visual use.

A Zebrinha do Fantástico (a famous puppet used in Brazilian TV to announce lottery results) Madagascar (the movie featuring Marty the Zebra) The 'Jogo do Bicho' history.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At the Zoo

Onde ficam as zebras?
A zebra está comendo.
O filhote de zebra é fofo.
Não alimente a zebra.

Watching Football

Vai dar zebra hoje!
Que zebra foi essa?
O time pequeno é a zebra.
Não deu zebra dessa vez.

Shopping for Clothes

Você tem estampa de zebra?
Essa blusa de zebra é linda.
Não gosto de padrão de zebra.
A zebra está na moda.

Biology Class

As espécies de zebra.
A função das listras.
O habitat da zebra.
Zebras e cavalos.

Daily Life (Brazil)

Deu zebra no meu plano.
A vida não é só zebra.
Cuidado para não dar zebra.
Foi uma zebra total.

Inicios de conversación

"Você já viu uma zebra de perto em um safári?"

"O que você acha da moda de estampa de zebra?"

"Qual foi a maior zebra que você já viu no futebol?"

"Você sabia que as listras da zebra são como digitais?"

"Você acha que vai dar zebra nas eleições deste ano?"

Temas para diario

Descreva como seria a sua zebra ideal se ela pudesse ter outras cores.

Escreva sobre um momento da sua vida em que 'deu zebra' (algo inesperado aconteceu).

Você prefere estampas de zebra ou de oncinha? Por quê?

Imagine que você é uma zebra na savana. Como é o seu dia?

Explique a expressão 'dar zebra' para um amigo que não fala português.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is always feminine ('a zebra'). To specify a male, say 'a zebra macho'.

It means an unexpected result occurred, usually an underdog winning a sports match.

Yes, but mainly for the animal. The idiom 'deu zebra' is Brazilian, though understood in Portugal.

You say 'listras de zebra' or 'listras da zebra'.

Not usually, unless you are commenting on their striped clothing.

In Portuguese, it is always spelled with a 'Z' ('zebra').

A group is called a 'manada' (herd).

Because the zebra was not an animal in the 'Jogo do Bicho' lottery, so its 'win' was considered impossible.

Yes, the plural is 'zebras'.

It is a single tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'tt' in 'city'.

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