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A2 noun #4,000 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

macaco

Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces macaco en 30 secondes

Explication macaco in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'macaco' as a basic animal word. It is often one of the first animals taught in children's books alongside 'cachorro' (dog) and 'gato' (cat). You should focus on identifying the word in simple sentences like 'The monkey is big' (O macaco é grande) or 'I see a monkey' (Eu vejo um macaco). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the mechanical or idiomatic meanings. Just focus on the spelling, the masculine gender (o macaco), and the plural (os macacos). Practice associating the word with the image of a monkey to build a strong mental link. You might also encounter it in simple songs or nursery rhymes. Remember that the 'o' at the end is pronounced like a soft 'u' in many dialects, so it sounds like 'ma-ca-cu'.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'macaco' to include simple actions and descriptions. You should be able to say what a monkey is doing, such as 'The monkey eats a banana' (O macaco come uma banana) or 'The monkey is in the tree' (O macaco está na árvore). This is also the stage where you should learn the feminine form 'macaca' and the diminutive 'macaquinho' (little monkey), which is very common in Portuguese. You should start recognizing the word in the context of a zoo visit or a nature documentary. Understanding that 'macaco' is a masculine noun and requires matching adjectives (e.g., 'macaco engraçado') is a key goal for A2 learners. You might also be introduced to the idea that 'macaco' can be a tool, but the animal meaning remains the priority.

At the B1 level, you should master the dual meaning of 'macaco'. You are expected to understand that 'macaco' is a essential word for car maintenance. If you are driving in a Portuguese-speaking country and get a flat tire, you must know to look for the 'macaco' in the trunk. You should also be able to use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'If I had a jack, I would change the tire' (Se eu tivesse um macaco, eu trocaria o pneu). This level also introduces the clothing item 'macacão' (overalls/jumpsuit) and 'macaquinho' (romper), which are related linguistically. You should be comfortable using 'macaco' in narratives, such as describing a trip to a forest where you saw different types of monkeys.

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At the B2 level, you should become familiar with the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of 'macaco'. The most important idiom to learn is 'macaco velho' (old monkey), used to describe a wise, experienced person who is hard to trick. You should understand the proverb 'macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca', which means an experienced person doesn't take unnecessary risks. You should also be aware of the verb 'macaquear' (to mimic) and the noun 'macaquice' (monkey business or silly behavior). At this stage, you should also be sensitive to the social implications of the word and understand why it must never be used to describe people in a derogatory way. Your vocabulary should also include more specific primate names like 'mico', 'bugio', and 'símio'.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'macaco' in literature, news, and academic contexts. You should be able to discuss the conservation of primates in the Amazon using terms like 'preservação dos macacos' and 'habitat natural'. You will encounter 'macaco' in more sophisticated idioms and literary descriptions where it might represent agility, curiosity, or even primal instincts. You should be able to distinguish between 'macaco' and 'símio' in a scientific text and understand the nuances of how the word is used in different Lusophone cultures (Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola). You should also be able to use the word confidently in professional settings, such as discussing the mechanics of a 'macaco hidráulico' or the fashion trends involving 'macacões'.

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At the C2 level, you should understand the deepest etymological and cultural roots of the word 'macaco'. This includes its likely origin from Bantu languages and how it spread through the Portuguese empire. You should be able to analyze the use of 'macaco' in classical Portuguese literature and contemporary social commentary. You understand the full spectrum of its meanings, from the most technical mechanical applications to the most subtle metaphorical nuances. You can engage in complex debates about animal rights or environmental policy involving primates. You are also fully aware of the linguistic history of the word and its evolution within the Portuguese language over centuries, including its role in shaping other words and expressions in the Lusophone world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

macaco en 30 secondes

A monkey (animal).
A car jack (tool).
A clever or experienced person (idiom).
A short jumpsuit or romper (fashion).

The Portuguese word macaco is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a monkey, a primate characterized by its agility, intelligence, and often its long tail. In the biological sense, it is an umbrella term used by laypeople to describe various species of primates, from the small marmosets (often called micos) to larger monkeys like the capuchin. However, the utility of this word extends far beyond the jungle or the zoo. In a mechanical context, a macaco is a 'jack'—the tool used to lift a vehicle to change a tire. This dual meaning is essential for any traveler in Brazil or Portugal to understand, as needing a 'macaco' on a deserted highway has nothing to do with wildlife and everything to do with automotive repair. Furthermore, the word carries significant idiomatic weight. It can describe someone who is very clever, agile, or experienced. For instance, an 'old monkey' (macaco velho) is a metaphor for someone who has seen it all and cannot be easily fooled.

Biological Classification: In common parlance, 'macaco' covers most simians, though scientifically, Portuguese speakers might distinguish between 'macacos' (monkeys) and 'grandes símios' (apes like chimpanzees or gorillas).

O macaco está pulando entre os galhos da mangueira no quintal.

Mechanical Tool: The 'macaco hidráulico' (hydraulic jack) is a standard piece of equipment in any Portuguese-speaking garage.

Preciso do macaco para levantar o carro e trocar o pneu furado.

Metaphorical Usage: Used to describe agility or playfulness, often in children. 'Pare de fazer macaquices' means 'stop monkeying around' or acting silly.

Aquele menino é um macaco, sobe em tudo que vê pela frente!

Using macaco correctly requires attention to gender and number. As a masculine noun, it takes the articles 'o' (the) and 'um' (a). The feminine form is 'macaca', used specifically for female monkeys. When describing the animal, it often appears with verbs like 'pular' (to jump), 'comer' (to eat), or 'escalar' (to climb). In the mechanical sense, it is usually the object of verbs like 'pegar' (to get), 'usar' (to use), or 'posicionar' (to position). Adjectives follow the noun: 'o macaco brincalhão' (the playful monkey). For the mechanical tool, you might specify 'macaco jacaré' (trolley jack) or 'macaco de garrafa' (bottle jack).

Pluralization: The plural is formed simply by adding 's': 'os macacos'. This applies to both the animals and the tools.

Os macacos daquela reserva são muito acostumados com turistas.

Diminutives: 'Macaquinho' is very common, often used affectionately for small monkeys or as a name for a child's romper/jumpsuit clothing item.

Comprei um macaquinho jeans para usar no verão.

Common Verbs: Verbs like 'macaquear' (to mimic or ape someone) are derived directly from the noun.

Ela adora macaquear os gestos do irmão mais velho.

In Brazil, you will hear macaco in a variety of settings. In the lush coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, it's not uncommon to hear someone shout 'Olha o macaco!' when a marmoset appears on a balcony or a power line. In rural areas or near national parks, the word is part of daily ecological descriptions. In the city, you'll encounter it at every 'oficina mecânica' (mechanic shop). If you are watching a movie or reading a book, you might hear the phrase 'macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca', which is a quintessential Brazilian proverb about wisdom and avoiding traps. In the fashion world, 'macaquinho' refers to a short jumpsuit, a very popular summer garment. You might also hear it in sports, specifically 'macaco' is the mascot and nickname for the Ponte Preta football club in Campinas.

The Zoo Context: Families visiting the 'zoológico' will always head to the 'ilha dos macacos' (monkey island).

As crianças ficaram encantadas com os macacos no zoológico de Lisboa.

Mechanical Emergency: On the road, if you have a flat, you might ask a passerby: 'Você tem um macaco que possa me emprestar?'

O motorista pegou o macaco no porta-malas para trocar o pneu.

Fashion Industry: 'Macacão' is a full-length jumpsuit or overalls, while 'macaquinho' is the shorter version.

Ela estava usando um macacão de linho muito elegante na festa.

The most significant mistake English speakers make with macaco is failing to recognize its mechanical meaning. If someone asks for a 'macaco' in a garage, they are not looking for a pet. Another common error is using 'macaco' for all primates. While 'macaco' is a general term, Portuguese has specific words like 'mico' (marmoset), 'chimpanzé' (chimpanzee), and 'gorila' (gorilla). Using 'macaco' for a gorilla is technically incorrect and sounds childish. Additionally, learners often forget the feminine form 'macaca'. If you're talking about a female monkey, 'o macaco' is grammatically male, regardless of the animal's biological sex, unless you specifically use 'a macaca'.

False Friends and Context: Don't confuse 'macaco' with 'macacão'. A 'macacão' is a jumpsuit or overalls, not necessarily a 'big monkey', though the word is derived from it.

Cuidado para não confundir macaco (animal) com macacão (roupa de trabalho).

Pronunciation Pitfall: English speakers often over-nasalize the 'a' sounds. In 'ma-ca-co', the vowels are relatively open and clear.

A pronúncia correta de macaco exige vogais abertas nas duas primeiras sílabas.

Preposition Errors: When saying 'monkey business' or 'monkeying around', don't translate literally. Use 'macaquice' or 'palhaçada'.

Pare com essa macaquice e foque no trabalho!

While macaco is the most common word for monkey, several alternatives exist depending on the species and context. 'Mico' is frequently used in Brazil for smaller New World monkeys, especially marmosets. 'Símio' is a more formal or scientific term for apes and monkeys in general. 'Primata' is the biological term for the order Primates. If you are specifically talking about a chimpanzee, use 'chimpanzé'; for an orangutan, 'orangotango'. In mechanical terms, if you don't have a 'macaco', you might use a 'elevador hidráulico' in a professional shop.

Macaco vs. Mico: 'Macaco' is general; 'Mico' is usually small and often found in urban Brazilian forests.

Vimos vários micos-estrela pulando nos fios da rua.

Scientific Precision: Biologists prefer 'primata' when discussing the evolution of humans and other related species.

O estudo foca no comportamento social dos primatas na natureza.

Apes vs. Monkeys: Portuguese doesn't have a single common word that perfectly maps to the English 'ape' (non-tailed primates) versus 'monkey'. 'Macaco' is often used for both, though 'grandes símios' is the technical term for apes.

O gorila é o maior dos símios conhecidos.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word entered the Portuguese language during the era of the Atlantic slave trade and was later adopted by other European languages, including French (macaque).

Guide de prononciation

UK /məˈkækəʊ/

US /məˈkɑːkoʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: ma-CA-co.

Rime avec

casaco (coat) buraco (hole) tabaco (tobacco) opaco (opaque) fraco (weak) ataco (I attack) destaco (I highlight) saco (bag)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'o' as a hard 'O' like in 'go' (it should be more like 'u' at the end).
Nasalizing the 'a' sounds too much.
Putting the stress on the first or last syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word itself is easy to recognize, but its various meanings require context.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, but remembering the feminine and diminutive forms is important.

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'a' and 'o' vowels can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 2/5

Clear syllables make it easy to hear in most contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

animal árvore carro ferramenta velho

Apprends ensuite

mico símio macacão pneu oficina

Avancé

primatologia antropomorfismo biodiversidade hidráulica

Grammaire à connaître

Gender Agreement

O macaco pequeno vs. A macaca pequena.

Diminutives for Affection

O macaquinho é meu amigo.

Augmentatives for Size or Clothing

O macacão serve para trabalhar.

Preposition Contraction

Eu gosto do (de+o) macaco.

Pluralization of Compound Nouns

Os macacos-prego (usually only the first part changes, but both can in some cases).

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Exemples par niveau

O macaco come a banana.

The monkey eats the banana.

'O' is the masculine singular definite article.

Eu gosto do macaco.

I like the monkey.

'Do' is the contraction of 'de' (of/from) + 'o' (the).

O macaco é pequeno.

The monkey is small.

Adjectives like 'pequeno' must match the gender of the noun.

Vi um macaco na árvore.

I saw a monkey in the tree.

'Um' is the indefinite article 'a/an'.

O macaco pula alto.

The monkey jumps high.

'Pula' is the third-person singular present of 'pular'.

Os macacos são engraçados.

The monkeys are funny.

Plural forms of both noun and adjective.

Aquele é o meu macaco de pelúcia.

That is my stuffed monkey.

'De pelúcia' indicates the material (stuffed/plush).

O macaco tem uma cauda longa.

The monkey has a long tail.

'Cauda' is the word for tail; 'longa' matches its feminine gender.

O macaco está brincando com a bola.

The monkey is playing with the ball.

Present continuous using 'estar' + gerund (-ando).

Nós vimos muitos macacos no zoológico ontem.

We saw many monkeys at the zoo yesterday.

'Muitos' (many) agrees with the masculine plural 'macacos'.

A macaca cuida do seu filhote.

The female monkey takes care of her baby.

'Macaca' is the feminine form of 'macaco'.

O macaquinho é muito fofo.

The little monkey is very cute.

The suffix '-inho' creates the diminutive.

O macaco subiu no telhado da casa.

The monkey climbed onto the roof of the house.

'Subiu' is the preterite (past tense) of 'subir'.

Você quer ver o macaco?

Do you want to see the monkey?

'Ver' is the infinitive 'to see'.

O macaco pegou o óculos do turista.

The monkey took the tourist's glasses.

'Pegou' means took or grabbed.

Não dê comida para o macaco.

Do not give food to the monkey.

Negative imperative 'não dê'.

Onde está o macaco para eu trocar o pneu?

Where is the jack so I can change the tire?

'Macaco' here refers to the car jack tool.

O macaco hidráulico é mais fácil de usar.

The hydraulic jack is easier to use.

'Hidráulico' specifies the type of jack.

Ela comprou um macaquinho azul para ir à praia.

She bought a blue romper to go to the beach.

'Macaquinho' can refer to a short jumpsuit/romper.

O mecânico usou o macaco para levantar o caminhão.

The mechanic used the jack to lift the truck.

'Levantar' is the verb used for lifting.

O macaco-prego é uma espécie muito inteligente.

The capuchin monkey is a very intelligent species.

'Macaco-prego' is a specific species name.

Sempre verifique se o macaco está bem posicionado.

Always check if the jack is well positioned.

'Verifique' is the formal imperative.

O pneu furou e eu não tinha um macaco no carro.

The tire went flat and I didn't have a jack in the car.

'Tinha' is the imperfect past of 'ter'.

Os biólogos estão estudando o comportamento do macaco.

The biologists are studying the monkey's behavior.

'Comportamento' means behavior.

Ele é um macaco velho, não vai cair nessa conversa.

He is an old monkey (wise), he won't fall for that talk.

Idiomatic use of 'macaco velho' for an experienced person.

Macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca.

An old monkey doesn't put his hand in a gourd (trap).

A famous Brazilian proverb about caution.

Pare de fazer macaquice e leve o trabalho a sério.

Stop monkeying around and take the work seriously.

'Macaquice' refers to silly or childish behavior.

O macaco-aranha consegue se pendurar pelo rabo.

The spider monkey can hang by its tail.

'Pendurar-se' is the reflexive verb to hang oneself.

O termo 'símio' é frequentemente usado como sinônimo de macaco.

The term 'simian' is often used as a synonym for monkey.

'Frequente' becomes the adverb 'frequentemente'.

O garoto é um verdadeiro macaco, escala qualquer muro.

The boy is a true monkey; he climbs any wall.

Metaphorical use for someone agile.

A ponte preta tem o macaco como seu mascote oficial.

Ponte Preta has the monkey as its official mascot.

Specific cultural reference to a Brazilian football club.

Ele macaqueou todos os meus movimentos durante a dança.

He mimicked all my moves during the dance.

'Macaquear' is a verb meaning to mimic.

A preservação dos habitats dos macacos é crucial para a biodiversidade.

The preservation of monkey habitats is crucial for biodiversity.

'Preservação' is a formal noun.

O autor usa o macaco como uma metáfora para a curiosidade humana.

The author uses the monkey as a metaphor for human curiosity.

'Metáfora' is a common literary term.

A evolução dos primatas, incluindo o macaco, é um tema fascinante.

The evolution of primates, including the monkey, is a fascinating theme.

'Incluindo' is the present participle of 'incluir'.

É necessário um macaco de alta tonelagem para levantar esse ônibus.

A high-tonnage jack is necessary to lift this bus.

'Tonelagem' refers to weight capacity.

O uso pejorativo da palavra macaco é inaceitável em nossa sociedade.

The pejorative use of the word monkey is unacceptable in our society.

'Pejorativo' describes a negative or insulting use.

O macaco-prego demonstrou habilidades cognitivas avançadas no teste.

The capuchin monkey demonstrated advanced cognitive skills in the test.

'Demonstrou' is formal for 'showed'.

A literatura brasileira está repleta de referências ao macaco em fábulas.

Brazilian literature is full of references to the monkey in fables.

'Repleta de' means 'full of'.

O antropomorfismo do macaco em desenhos animados é muito comum.

The anthropomorphism of the monkey in cartoons is very common.

'Antropomorfismo' is a complex academic term.

A semântica da palavra macaco variou consideravelmente ao longo dos séculos.

The semantics of the word monkey have varied considerably over the centuries.

'Semântica' refers to the meaning of words.

A influência das línguas bantas na palavra macaco é um objeto de estudo linguístico.

The influence of Bantu languages on the word monkey is an object of linguistic study.

'Bantas' refers to the Bantu linguistic group.

O macaco, enquanto arquétipo, aparece em diversas mitologias ao redor do mundo.

The monkey, as an archetype, appears in various mythologies around the world.

'Arquétipo' is a high-level psychological/literary term.

A destreza do macaco-barrigudo impressionou os pesquisadores de campo.

The dexterity of the woolly monkey impressed the field researchers.

'Destreza' means skill or dexterity.

O provérbio do macaco velho reflete a valorização da experiência na cultura lusófona.

The old monkey proverb reflects the valuation of experience in Lusophone culture.

'Lusófona' refers to Portuguese-speaking countries.

A taxonomia dos macacos do Novo Mundo passou por revisões recentes.

The taxonomy of New World monkeys has undergone recent revisions.

'Taxonomia' is the science of classification.

A representação do macaco na arte sacra pode ter significados ambivalentes.

The representation of the monkey in sacred art can have ambivalent meanings.

'Ambivalentes' means having mixed or contradictory feelings.

A complexidade social dos macacos bugios é comparável à de alguns cetáceos.

The social complexity of howler monkeys is comparable to that of some cetaceans.

'Cetáceos' refers to whales and dolphins.

Collocations courantes

macaco hidráulico

macaco velho

macaco-prego

macaquinho de pelúcia

pular como um macaco

macaco jacaré

ilha dos macacos

macaquinho jeans

fazer macaquice

macaco-aranha

Phrases Courantes

Cada macaco no seu galho

— Mind your own business or stay in your place.

Não se meta na minha vida, cada macaco no seu galho.

Pagar mico

— To embarrass oneself in public.

Eu paguei o maior mico quando caí na frente dele.

Macaco velho

— An experienced and wise person.

Ele já sabe o que fazer, ele é macaco velho.

Macaquice

— Silly behavior or monkey business.

Chega de macaquice e vamos trabalhar.

Macaquear

— To mimic or copy someone.

Ele adora macaquear os professores.

Macaco de auditório

— Someone who always goes to TV shows to be in the audience.

Ela é macaca de auditório e aparece em todos os programas.

Macaco elétrico

— A very hyperactive or energetic person (slang).

Esse menino é um macaco elétrico, não para quieto.

Nariz de macaco

— A type of knot or a specific shape (informal).

Ele fez um nó de nariz de macaco na corda.

Macaco de carga

— Someone who carries a lot of weight or works very hard (colloquial).

Ele é o macaco de carga da empresa.

Macaquinho

— A short jumpsuit or romper.

Vou usar um macaquinho para o passeio no parque.

Souvent confondu avec

macaco vs macacão

Often confused by learners; 'macacão' is a jumpsuit/overalls, while 'macaco' is the animal or jack.

macaco vs mico

Learners use 'macaco' for everything, but 'mico' is more specific for small marmosets common in Brazil.

macaco vs macaquinho

Can mean a small monkey OR a romper. Context is key.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca"

— An experienced person doesn't fall for obvious traps or take unnecessary risks.

Ele recusou a proposta duvidosa; macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca.

informal/proverb

"Cada macaco no seu galho"

— Everyone should mind their own business and stay in their respective roles.

Eu cuido do meu trabalho e você do seu, cada macaco no seu galho.

informal

"Pagar mico"

— To do something embarrassing or ridiculous.

Eu paguei um mico enorme ao esquecer o nome dela.

slang

"Macaco de auditório"

— A person who frequently attends television show tapings to be in the audience.

Minha tia é macaca de auditório desde os anos 80.

informal

"Fazer macaquice"

— To act in a silly, playful, or foolish way.

As crianças estavam fazendo macaquice no quintal.

informal

"Macaquear"

— To imitate or mimic someone's actions without understanding them.

Não adianta macaquear o que eu faço, você precisa aprender a lógica.

informal

"Lá onde o macaco perdeu as botas"

— A place that is very far away or hard to reach.

Ele mora lá onde o macaco perdeu as botas.

informal

"Macaco me morda"

— An expression of surprise or disbelief (similar to 'well, I'll be a monkey's uncle').

Macaco me morda se isso for verdade!

old-fashioned/informal

"Estar com o macaco"

— To be in a bad mood or angry (regional/older usage).

Não fale com ele agora, ele está com o macaco.

informal

"Macaco-prego"

— Besides the animal, can refer to someone who is very persistent or 'clings' to things.

Ele é um macaco-prego, não desiste nunca.

informal

Facile à confondre

macaco vs macacão

Similar sound and shared root.

Macacão is a piece of clothing (overalls), while macaco is the animal or tool.

Vou vestir meu macacão para consertar o carro com o macaco.

macaco vs mico

Both are primates.

Mico is specifically for very small monkeys (marmosets); macaco is general.

O mico é menor que o macaco.

macaco vs símio

Símio is formal/scientific; macaco is common/everyday.

O cientista observou o símio; a criança viu o macaco.

macaco vs gorila

Both are primates.

A gorila is an ape (no tail), macaco usually implies a monkey (with tail) in common speech.

O gorila é muito mais forte que o macaco.

macaco vs primata

General vs. Specific.

Primata includes humans, apes, and monkeys; macaco is just monkeys.

Todos os macacos são primatas.

Structures de phrases

O macaco é [adjective].

O macaco é marrom.

O macaco está [verb-ing].

O macaco está comendo.

Eu preciso do macaco para [verb].

Eu preciso do macaco para trocar o pneu.

Ela usa um macaquinho [color].

Ela usa um macaquinho verde.

Não seja [noun], faça a coisa certa.

Não seja macaco, faça a coisa certa.

Como diz o ditado, [idiom].

Como diz o ditado, cada macaco no seu galho.

A preservação do [animal] é [adjective].

A preservação do macaco-aranha é essencial.

A simbologia do macaco remete a [concept].

A simbologia do macaco remete à astúcia.

Famille de mots

Noms

macaca (female monkey)

macaquinho (little monkey/romper)

macacão (overalls/jumpsuit)

macaquice (monkey business)

macacada (group of monkeys)

Verbes

macaquear (to mimic)

Adjectifs

macacal (monkey-like)

Apparenté

primata

símio

mico

antropóide

evolução

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both animal and mechanical contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'macaco' for a jumpsuit. → macacão
A 'macacão' is the clothing item; 'macaco' is the animal or tool.
Pronouncing it 'ma-kay-ko'. → ma-ca-co (ah sounds)
The 'a' in Portuguese is never pronounced like the 'a' in 'cake'.
Using 'macaco' as a racial slur. → Never use it this way.
It is a severe insult and illegal in some contexts.
Thinking 'macaco' only means monkey. → macaco (jack)
Don't forget the mechanical meaning, especially in emergencies.
Forgetting the feminine 'macaca'. → a macaca
If the sex of the animal is important, use the feminine form.

Astuces

Clear Vowels

Focus on making the 'a' sounds clear and open. Don't swallow the vowels. Practice saying 'ma-ca-co' slowly.

Learn Species

If you are in Brazil, learning 'mico' and 'bugio' will make you sound much more like a local than just using 'macaco'.

Tool Location

Always check where the 'macaco' is located in a rental car before you start your trip.

Use Proverbs

Using 'macaco velho' in a conversation about experience will instantly impress native speakers.

Mascots

If you are in Campinas, remember that 'Macaco' is the nickname for the Ponte Preta fans.

Gender Check

Always use masculine articles (o, um) with 'macaco' unless you are specifically talking about a female animal.

Shopping Tip

In a clothing store, 'macaquinho' is a great summer item to ask for. It's very popular in Brazil.

Social Sensitivity

Be extremely careful with the word around people. Stick to the literal animal or car tool context until you are fluent.

Wildlife

In Rio, look at the trees near the Botanical Garden; you will almost certainly see a 'macaco' or 'mico'.

Creative Writing

Use 'macaquice' instead of 'palhaçada' to add variety to your descriptions of silly behavior.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Mac' (Apple computer) sitting on a 'CO' (company) desk, and a monkey is trying to use it. Ma-ca-co.

Association visuelle

Visualize a monkey holding a car jack (macaco) while wearing a jumpsuit (macacão). This links all three main meanings.

Word Web

animal primata banana árvore ferramenta carro pneu macaquinho

Défi

Try to use the word 'macaco' in three different sentences today: one about an animal, one about a tool, and one using the idiom 'macaco velho'.

Origine du mot

The word 'macaco' is believed to have originated from the Bantu languages of West Africa, specifically from the word 'makako' in Kimbundu or similar forms in other Niger-Congo languages.

Sens originel : It originally referred to the primates found in the African regions where these languages were spoken.

Bantu / Niger-Congo.

Contexte culturel

Extreme caution: Never use 'macaco' to refer to a person in a way that could be perceived as racial. It is a serious insult and can lead to legal consequences in Brazil (racial injury).

English speakers might find the use of 'macaco' for a car jack strange, as 'jack' is a name and 'monkey' is an animal. In English, 'monkeying around' is similar to 'macaquice'.

The proverb 'Macaco velho não mete a mão em cumbuca'. The mascot of the Ponte Preta football team. 'Mico-leão-dourado', the iconic golden lion tamarin of Brazil.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Zoo

Onde ficam os macacos?
Podemos dar comida para o macaco?
Olha o macaquinho pulando!
Quantos macacos existem aqui?

Car Trouble

O pneu furou.
Você tem um macaco?
O macaco está no porta-malas.
Como eu uso esse macaco?

Clothing Store

Você tem esse macaquinho em azul?
Onde estão os macacões de trabalho?
Esse macaquinho é muito curto.
Quero um macacão de linho.

Nature Hike

Ouvi um barulho de macaco.
Cuidado com os macacos, eles pegam comida.
Aquilo é um macaco ou um mico?
Os macacos vivem no topo das árvores.

Giving Advice

Seja macaco velho e não aceite isso.
Cada macaco no seu galho, não se meta.
Pare de fazer macaquice.
Ele está macaqueando você, ignore.

Amorces de conversation

"Você já viu um macaco de perto na natureza?"

"O que você faria se um macaco roubasse sua bolsa no parque?"

"Você sabe como usar um macaco para trocar o pneu de um carro?"

"Qual é o seu tipo preferido de macaco no zoológico?"

"Você conhece o ditado do 'macaco velho'? O que ele significa para você?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva uma vez que você viu um animal interessante, como um macaco.

Se você fosse um macaco, em que tipo de árvore você moraria?

Escreva sobre uma situação em que você teve que ser um 'macaco velho' e usar sua experiência.

Você acha que os macacos devem ser mantidos em zoológicos? Por quê?

Imagine que seu carro quebrou e você esqueceu o macaco. O que você faz?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, in common speech, people often call chimpanzees 'macacos', although 'chimpanzé' is more accurate.

You can say: 'Você tem um macaco para me emprestar?' or 'Onde está o macaco?'

'Mico' is a type of 'macaco'. The phrase means to embarrass yourself, likely from the idea of acting like a silly monkey.

Yes, 'a macaca' is the correct feminine form for a female monkey.

The word is an augmentative of 'macaco', possibly because the garment allows for monkey-like movement or because it's a 'big' one-piece item.

Yes, it is highly offensive and racially charged. Only use it metaphorically in established idioms like 'macaco velho'.

It is the Capuchin monkey, one of the most common and intelligent monkey species in Brazil.

Yes, the verb 'macaquear' means to mimic, and someone who mimics can be called a 'macaco' in a joking way.

A 'macacão' has long legs (overalls/jumpsuit), while a 'macaquinho' has short legs (romper).

It literally means 'each monkey on its own branch', but it means 'mind your own business'.

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