At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn the basic parts of the human body. While 'pálpebra' might be a bit specific, you might encounter it when learning about the face. Think of it as the 'door' for your eyes. When you sleep, you close your pálpebras. In a simple sentence, you could say: 'Eu tenho duas pálpebras'. It is important to know that it is a feminine word, so we use 'a' or 'as'. Even if you don't use the word every day yet, knowing it helps you understand basic descriptions of people. You might see it in a picture book or a simple diagram of the face. Focus on the fact that it is the skin part of the eye, different from the hair (eyelashes). At this stage, just being able to point to your eyelid and say 'pálpebra' is a great success.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'pálpebra' in more practical ways. You might use it to describe how you feel. For example, 'Estou cansado, minhas pálpebras estão pesadas' (I am tired, my eyelids are heavy). This level is about basic communication, and being able to describe physical sensations is very helpful. You might also hear this word if you go to a pharmacy to buy eye drops or cream for a small irritation. You can use simple adjectives to describe them, like 'pálpebras vermelhas' (red eyelids) if you have an allergy. It's also a good time to start noticing the accent on the 'á'. Remember, in Portuguese, we don't say 'eye-skin', we use this specific word. Practice saying it out loud to get used to the three-syllable rhythm: PÁL-pe-bra.
At the B1 level, you are expected to have a more detailed vocabulary. You should be able to use 'pálpebra' in contexts like health, beauty, and more complex physical descriptions. You might discuss a visit to the doctor: 'O médico examinou minha pálpebra porque eu tinha um terçol' (The doctor examined my eyelid because I had a stye). You also start to see the word in the context of personal care and grooming. If you are interested in makeup, you will hear this word constantly in tutorials. At B1, you should also be comfortable using the word in the plural and ensuring that your adjectives agree in gender and number. You are moving beyond just 'knowing' the word to 'using' it naturally in conversation about daily life and health.
At the B2 level, your use of 'pálpebra' should be precise. You should understand the difference between 'pálpebra superior' and 'pálpebra inferior'. You might engage in discussions about medical procedures, like 'blefaroplastia', or discuss the effects of aging on the face. You can understand more nuanced descriptions in news articles or health blogs. For instance, you might read about how 'a pálpebra protege o globo ocular de agentes externos'. At this level, you should also be aware of common idioms or more formal ways of speaking. You can use the word in a variety of tenses and complex sentence structures. Your pronunciation should be clear, correctly placing the stress on the first syllable and vocalizing the 'l' according to the regional accent you are learning.
At the C1 level, you can use 'pálpebra' in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You might encounter the word in a biological study or a detailed medical report. You are also able to appreciate the word's use in high-level literature. You can understand metaphors where the 'pálpebra' represents a barrier to truth or a veil over the soul. In professional settings, such as a beauty industry meeting or a medical conference, you can use the term with total confidence. You understand the subtle differences between 'cílio', 'pestana', and 'pálpebra' and never mix them up. You are also capable of discussing the etymology of the word and its relationship to other Romance languages. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'pálpebra' and all its nuances. You can use it in highly specialized medical discussions, technical anatomical descriptions, or complex poetic compositions. You understand the historical evolution of the word from Latin to modern Portuguese. You can detect and use the word in very specific registers, from the most informal slang (where it might be part of a joke about being tired) to the most formal scientific discourse. You are aware of how the word is used in different Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. For you, 'pálpebra' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool that you can use to express exact physical states or profound metaphorical concepts with ease and precision.

pálpebra en 30 secondes

  • Pálpebra is the Portuguese word for 'eyelid', a feminine noun (a pálpebra) used to describe the skin covering the eye.
  • It is a B1 level word essential for medical, beauty, and everyday contexts involving fatigue or eye health.
  • The word is a proparoxítona, meaning it always carries an accent on the first 'á' and is stressed there.
  • Commonly confused with 'pestana' (eyelash), it specifically refers to the protective fold of skin, not the hair.

The word pálpebra refers to the anatomical structure known in English as the eyelid. In the Portuguese language, this term is used both in everyday conversation and in specialized medical or biological contexts. It is a feminine noun, always preceded by the articles 'a' or 'as'. Understanding the word pálpebra is essential for anyone wishing to describe the human face, discuss physical health, or even engage in the world of beauty and cosmetics. The pálpebra serves the vital function of protecting the eye from foreign bodies and spreading tears across the surface of the eye to keep it moist. When you are tired, you might say your pálpebras feel heavy, a sensation common to all humans regardless of the language they speak. In a clinical sense, doctors might refer to the 'pálpebra superior' (upper eyelid) or the 'pálpebra inferior' (lower eyelid). In literature, the pálpebra is often used to describe the act of sleeping or the closing of one's eyes in a moment of deep reflection or grief.

Anatomical Term
The pálpebra is the thin fold of skin that covers the eye. It is crucial for eye health and protection.
Cosmetic Context
In the beauty industry, the pálpebra is the canvas for eyeshadow (sombra) and eyeliner (delineador).
Medical Context
Conditions like blepharitis are often described as inflammation of the pálpebra.

Sinto um tremor constante na minha pálpebra direita devido ao estresse.

Beyond the physical, the word appears in many idiomatic expressions and poetic descriptions. When someone is on the verge of sleep, their pálpebras are said to be 'pesadas' (heavy). In romantic poetry, a lover might describe the way a partner's pálpebras flutter during a dream. It is a word that bridges the gap between cold scientific description and warm human emotion. Interestingly, while the word is B1 level (Intermediate), it is one of those anatomical terms that students often forget, confusing it with 'pestanas' (eyelashes) or 'sobrancelhas' (eyebrows). Therefore, mastering the distinction is a key step in reaching fluency. The term is derived from the Latin 'palpebra', showing the deep historical roots of the Portuguese language in the Roman tradition. In modern Brazil and Portugal, the word is used identically, though regional accents might shift the vowel sound of the 'á' slightly. Regardless of the accent, the stress is always on the first syllable because of the acute accent mark, making it a proparoxítona word.

A cirurgia na pálpebra ajudou o paciente a enxergar melhor.

Feche as pálpebras e tente relaxar por cinco minutos.

Ela aplicou uma sombra dourada sobre a pálpebra móvel.

O médico examinou a parte interna da pálpebra para procurar infecções.

Using the word pálpebra correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role and its relationship with other parts of the face. As a noun, it often acts as the subject or object in sentences describing physical sensations, medical conditions, or aesthetic choices. When constructing sentences, it is common to use adjectives like 'superior' (upper), 'inferior' (lower), 'inchada' (swollen), 'caída' (droopy), or 'móvel' (mobile/crease area). For example, if you are describing someone who hasn't slept well, you might say: 'As pálpebras dele estão muito inchadas hoje' (His eyelids are very swollen today). This sentence demonstrates the pluralization of the noun and the agreement of the adjective 'inchadas'.

Descriptive Usage
Used to provide details about the appearance of the eye area. Example: 'Ela tem pálpebras duplas'.
Functional Usage
Used to describe the movement or action of the eye. Example: 'O movimento das pálpebras é involuntário'.
Aesthetic Usage
Common in makeup tutorials. Example: 'Esfume a sombra no côncavo da pálpebra'.

É necessário limpar a pálpebra com cuidado para evitar irritações.

Another important aspect of using 'pálpebra' is understanding its connection to the verb 'piscar' (to blink). While 'piscar' is the action, the pálpebra is the instrument. You might hear someone say 'num piscar de olhos' (in the blink of an eye), but in more technical descriptions, you would say 'a pálpebra se fecha rapidamente'. In a professional or medical setting, the word is indispensable. If a patient has a stye, the doctor will refer to it as an infection in the pálpebra. In the world of plastic surgery, 'blefaroplastia' is the formal term for surgery on the pálpebras, but patients will often simply say 'vou fazer uma cirurgia nas pálpebras'.

Ao aplicar o colírio, puxe levemente a pálpebra inferior para baixo.

As pálpebras protegem o globo ocular contra a luz excessiva.

O maquiador disse que eu tenho pálpebras caídas, o que dificulta o delineado.

The word pálpebra is most frequently heard in four specific environments: the doctor's office, the beauty salon, during discussions about sleep and fatigue, and in literature or dramatic storytelling. In a clinical environment, such as an ophthalmologist's office, 'pálpebra' is the standard term. You won't hear a doctor say 'a pele do olho'; they will always use the precise term. For instance, 'Você tem uma inflamação na pálpebra superior'. This is crucial for clarity in medical diagnoses. In the beauty and fashion world, particularly in YouTube tutorials or Instagram reels from Brazilian or Portuguese influencers, the word is ubiquitous. Influencers will guide their audience on where to apply 'corretivo' (concealer) or 'iluminador' (highlighter) relative to the pálpebra.

Beauty Industry
Makeup artists frequently refer to the 'pálpebra luz' technique to brighten the center of the eyelid.
Health & Wellness
Discussions about eye strain from screens often mention 'pálpebras cansadas'.
Literature
Authors use the word to add a layer of anatomical detail to emotional scenes.

No vídeo de hoje, vou ensinar como disfarçar a pálpebra gordinha.

Another very common place to hear this word is in the context of tiredness. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on physical signs of exhaustion. Phrases like 'minhas pálpebras estão pesando' are common when someone is struggling to stay awake during a long meeting or a late-night study session. You might also hear it in news reports concerning health, such as outbreaks of conjunctivitis or other eye-related illnesses. In fictional media, like 'telenovelas', a character might be described as having 'pálpebras trêmulas' (trembling eyelids) to indicate they are pretending to be asleep or are experiencing intense internal conflict. This versatility makes 'pálpebra' a word that, while technical, feels very natural in the mouths of native speakers. It is not considered overly formal, but it is certainly more precise than saying 'olho' (eye) when you specifically mean the skin covering it.

O cansaço era tanto que suas pálpebras se fechavam sozinhas.

Learners of Portuguese often face a few hurdles when using the word pálpebra. The most frequent error is related to pronunciation and orthography. Because 'pálpebra' is a proparoxítona word, many students forget to place the accent on the first 'a'. Without the accent, the word's rhythm changes, and it can become unrecognizable to a native speaker. In Portuguese, all words stressed on the third-to-last syllable must be accented. Another common mistake is confusing 'pálpebra' with other nearby anatomical parts. English speakers, for instance, might accidentally use 'pestana' (eyelash) when they mean 'pálpebra' (eyelid) because they are so physically close. It is vital to remember: pálpebra = skin/fold, pestana = hair/lash.

Confusion with Pestana
Incorrect: 'Passei rímel na pálpebra'. Correct: 'Passei rímel nas pestanas'.
Gender Errors
Incorrect: 'O pálpebra'. Correct: 'A pálpebra'. It is a feminine noun.
Pronunciation of the 'L'
Learners often pronounce the 'L' like an English 'L' at the roof of the mouth, but in Brazil, it should sound like a 'W' or 'U'.

Não confunda: a pálpebra é a pele, a pestana é o pelo.

Furthermore, some students struggle with the plural form. While 'pálpebras' is straightforward, maintaining adjective agreement can be tricky. You must say 'pálpebras inchadas', not 'pálpebras inchado'. Another subtle mistake is the use of the word 'olho' when 'pálpebra' is required for precision. If you have a twitch in your eyelid, saying 'meu olho está tremendo' is acceptable in casual conversation, but 'minha pálpebra está tremendo' is more accurate. Finally, avoid the 'false friend' trap. While 'palpebra' exists in Latin, ensure you don't confuse it with verbs related to 'palpar' (to feel/touch), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and root. Mastering 'pálpebra' shows a high level of attention to detail in your Portuguese studies.

Muitos alunos escrevem palpebra sem acento, o que é um erro gramatical.

While pálpebra is a specific anatomical term, there are several related words that students should know to broaden their vocabulary. The most common alternative in very informal speech is simply 'olho' (eye), although it is less precise. For example, 'feche os olhos' is much more common than 'feche as pálpebras' in a casual setting. However, when talking about the specific skin area, there is no direct synonym for 'pálpebra' that carries the same weight. Related terms include 'pestana' (eyelash), 'cílio' (another word for eyelash, often used in more formal or poetic contexts), and 'sobrancelha' (eyebrow). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for describing the human face accurately.

Cílio vs. Pestana
'Cílio' is often used in medical or scientific contexts, while 'pestana' is more common in daily life and beauty.
Côncavo
The 'crease' of the eyelid, a term very common in makeup tutorials.
Globo Ocular
The eyeball itself, which the pálpebra protects.

O cílio caiu dentro da pálpebra, causando desconforto.

In some literary contexts, you might see the word 'pálpebra' used metaphorically to represent a veil or a covering. For instance, 'a pálpebra da noite' (the eyelid of the night) might be used in a poem to describe the onset of darkness. This use of personification is a hallmark of advanced Portuguese literature. Additionally, when discussing health, the term 'conjuntiva' might come up; it is the thin membrane that lines the inside of the pálpebra. While a learner at the B1 level might not need to use 'conjuntiva' daily, knowing that it is related to the pálpebra helps in understanding medical advice or health-related news. By learning 'pálpebra' alongside 'cílio', 'pestana', and 'sobrancelha', you build a complete 'face-related' vocabulary cluster, which is a highly effective way to memorize new words.

Ela removeu a maquiagem das pálpebras e dos cílios.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word has remained virtually unchanged for over two thousand years, showing how fundamental this anatomical term is.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈpal.pe.bɾɐ/
US /ˈpaw.pe.bɾɐ/
First syllable (PÁL). It is a proparoxítona word.
Rime avec
álgebra pálpebra (itself) vértebra tênebra célebre (near rhyme) fértil (near rhyme) frágil (near rhyme) estéril (near rhyme)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Stressing the second syllable (pal-PÉ-bra).
  • Omitting the 'L' sound entirely.
  • Pronouncing it like 'pal-pe-ber-a'.
  • Mixing up the 'R' sound at the end with an English 'R'.
  • Forgetting the accent mark in writing.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know Latin roots, but requires knowing the accent rules.

Écriture 4/5

The accent on the 'á' is frequently forgotten by learners.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'lp' cluster and the proparoxítona stress can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Clear to hear, though the vocalized 'l' in Brazil might confuse some.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

olho pele rosto corpo ver

Apprends ensuite

cílio pestana sobrancelha íris pupila

Avancé

blefaroplastia conjuntiva córnea retina humor vítreo

Grammaire à connaître

Proparoxítonas

All words stressed on the antepenultimate syllable must have an accent (e.g., pálpebra, médico).

Gender Agreement

Feminine nouns require feminine adjectives (e.g., pálpebra inchada).

Pluralization of Nouns ending in Vowels

Simply add 's' (e.g., pálpebra -> pálpebras).

Contractions with Articles

em + a = na (e.g., na pálpebra).

Vocalized 'L'

In Brazil, 'l' at the end of a syllable sounds like 'u' (e.g., pálpebra sounds like páu-pe-bra).

Exemples par niveau

1

A pálpebra protege o olho.

The eyelid protects the eye.

A pálpebra is a feminine noun.

2

Eu fecho as pálpebras para dormir.

I close my eyelids to sleep.

Plural form: as pálpebras.

3

Ela tem pálpebras bonitas.

She has beautiful eyelids.

Adjective agreement: bonitas (feminine plural).

4

Onde está a pálpebra?

Where is the eyelid?

Basic question structure.

5

A pálpebra é parte do rosto.

The eyelid is part of the face.

Using 'é' (to be) for definitions.

6

Minha pálpebra é pequena.

My eyelid is small.

Possessive pronoun: minha.

7

Lave as pálpebras com água.

Wash your eyelids with water.

Imperative form: lave.

8

As pálpebras são suaves.

The eyelids are soft.

Plural verb: são.

1

Minhas pálpebras estão muito pesadas hoje.

My eyelids are very heavy today.

Use of 'estar' for temporary states.

2

A pálpebra dele está vermelha.

His eyelid is red.

Possessive: dele (his).

3

Não esfregue as pálpebras com força.

Don't rub your eyelids hard.

Negative imperative: não esfregue.

4

Ela usa sombra na pálpebra.

She uses eyeshadow on her eyelid.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

5

A pálpebra superior está inchada.

The upper eyelid is swollen.

Adjective: superior (upper).

6

Você tem algo na sua pálpebra.

You have something on your eyelid.

Use of 'algo' (something).

7

As pálpebras tremem quando estou nervoso.

My eyelids twitch when I am nervous.

Verb: tremer (to twitch/tremble).

8

O bebê abriu as pálpebras devagar.

The baby opened its eyelids slowly.

Adverb: devagar (slowly).

1

O médico disse que a inflamação na pálpebra vai passar.

The doctor said the inflammation on the eyelid will go away.

Reported speech: 'O médico disse que...'.

2

Sinto uma coceira constante na pálpebra inferior.

I feel a constant itch on my lower eyelid.

Adjective: inferior (lower).

3

É importante remover toda a maquiagem das pálpebras antes de dormir.

It is important to remove all makeup from the eyelids before sleeping.

Impersonal expression: 'É importante...'.

4

A pálpebra móvel é onde aplicamos a cor principal da sombra.

The mobile eyelid is where we apply the main color of the eyeshadow.

Term: pálpebra móvel (mobile eyelid/crease area).

5

Ele nasceu com uma pequena mancha na pálpebra esquerda.

He was born with a small spot on his left eyelid.

Preterite tense: nasceu (was born).

6

As pálpebras ajudam a manter os olhos lubrificados.

Eyelids help keep the eyes lubricated.

Verb: manter (to keep/maintain).

7

Se a pálpebra continuar tremendo, procure um especialista.

If your eyelid keeps twitching, see a specialist.

Conditional 'if' clause with future subjunctive.

8

Ela fechou as pálpebras para sentir a brisa no rosto.

She closed her eyelids to feel the breeze on her face.

Purpose clause: 'para sentir'.

1

A blefaroplastia é uma cirurgia que remove o excesso de pele das pálpebras.

Blepharoplasty is a surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids.

Technical term: blefaroplastia.

2

O uso excessivo de telas pode causar fadiga nas pálpebras e nos olhos.

Excessive screen use can cause fatigue in the eyelids and eyes.

Noun: fadiga (fatigue).

3

A dermatite de contato pode afetar a pele sensível das pálpebras.

Contact dermatitis can affect the sensitive skin of the eyelids.

Adjective: sensível (sensitive).

4

As pálpebras se fecham como um reflexo de defesa contra objetos estranhos.

The eyelids close as a defense reflex against foreign objects.

Reflexive verb: se fecham.

5

O paciente apresenta uma queda da pálpebra superior, conhecida como ptose.

The patient shows a drooping of the upper eyelid, known as ptosis.

Technical medical term: ptose.

6

É fundamental hidratar a região das pálpebras com produtos específicos.

It is fundamental to hydrate the eyelid region with specific products.

Adjective: fundamental.

7

As pálpebras estavam tão pesadas que ele mal conseguia manter o foco.

His eyelids were so heavy that he could barely maintain focus.

Adverbial phrase: 'tão... que' (so... that).

8

A luz intensa fez com que ela apertasse as pálpebras com força.

The intense light made her squeeze her eyelids tightly.

Causative structure: 'fez com que'.

1

A anatomia da pálpebra é composta por várias camadas, incluindo a pele e o músculo orbicular.

The anatomy of the eyelid is composed of several layers, including the skin and the orbicularis muscle.

Complex technical vocabulary.

2

Sua expressão era indecifrável, escondida sob pálpebras semicerradas.

Her expression was indecipherable, hidden under half-closed eyelids.

Literary adjective: semicerradas (half-closed).

3

O estudo analisou a frequência do piscar de pálpebras em situações de estresse.

The study analyzed the frequency of eyelid blinking in stressful situations.

Gerund/Noun usage: 'o piscar'.

4

A fragilidade das pálpebras exige um manuseio extremamente delicado durante a cirurgia.

The fragility of the eyelids requires extremely delicate handling during surgery.

Abstract noun: fragilidade.

5

Havia uma leve pigmentação nas pálpebras que sugeria falta de sono crônica.

There was a slight pigmentation on the eyelids that suggested chronic lack of sleep.

Subjunctive mood: sugeria (suggested).

6

As pálpebras funcionam como um obturador biológico para a retina.

Eyelids function as a biological shutter for the retina.

Metaphorical/Technical comparison.

7

Ao entardecer, as pálpebras do mundo parecem se fechar sobre a paisagem.

At dusk, the world's eyelids seem to close over the landscape.

Poetic personification.

8

A disfunção das glândulas de Meibômio nas pálpebras é uma causa comum de olho seco.

Meibomian gland dysfunction in the eyelids is a common cause of dry eye.

Highly specialized medical term.

1

A fenomenologia do olhar perpassa pela sutil movimentação das pálpebras, que revelam o que a voz oculta.

The phenomenology of the gaze passes through the subtle movement of the eyelids, which reveal what the voice hides.

Philosophical and abstract language.

2

O autor descreve a morte como o repouso eterno das pálpebras sob o peso da terra.

The author describes death as the eternal rest of the eyelids under the weight of the earth.

Complex metaphorical structure.

3

A precisão do neurocirurgião ao operar a região adjacente à pálpebra foi notável.

The neurosurgeon's precision when operating on the region adjacent to the eyelid was remarkable.

Advanced adjective: adjacente.

4

Nas entrelinhas do poema, a pálpebra surge como o limiar entre o sonho e a vigília.

In the lines of the poem, the eyelid emerges as the threshold between dream and wakefulness.

Literary term: limiar (threshold).

5

A atrofia dos tecidos da pálpebra é um processo fisiológico indissociável do envelhecimento.

Atrophy of the eyelid tissues is a physiological process inseparable from aging.

Technical adjective: indissociável.

6

O esteticista explicou a complexa rede vascular que irriga as pálpebras.

The aesthetician explained the complex vascular network that supplies the eyelids.

Verb: irrigar (to supply with blood/water).

7

A penumbra da sala fazia com que suas pálpebras parecessem esculpidas em mármore.

The dim light of the room made her eyelids look as if they were carved in marble.

Simile with 'parecessem' (subjunctive).

8

O espasmo involuntário da pálpebra, embora benigno, causava-lhe um transtorno desmedido.

The involuntary eyelid spasm, although benign, caused him excessive distress.

Advanced adjective: desmedido (excessive).

Synonymes

tarsal tecido ocular externo revestimento do olho pela do olho palpebral dobra cutânea proteção ocular membrana

Antonymes

olho aberto exposição interior do olho visão desimpedida

Collocations courantes

pálpebra superior
pálpebra inferior
pálpebra inchada
pálpebra móvel
pálpebra caída
pálpebra trêmula
puxar a pálpebra
limpar a pálpebra
inflamação na pálpebra
fechar as pálpebras

Phrases Courantes

Peso nas pálpebras

— Used to describe extreme tiredness or sleepiness.

Depois de dez horas de trabalho, sinto um peso nas pálpebras.

Tremor na pálpebra

— Referring to an involuntary muscle twitch, usually due to stress.

O tremor na pálpebra está me incomodando muito hoje.

Côncavo da pálpebra

— The crease of the eyelid, a key term in makeup.

Marque o côncavo da pálpebra com uma sombra marrom.

Pálpebras cerradas

— Eyelids that are closed or nearly closed, often in a serious way.

Ele ouviu a notícia com as pálpebras cerradas.

Cirurgia de pálpebras

— Common way to refer to blepharoplasty.

Ela fez uma cirurgia de pálpebras para parecer mais jovem.

Pálpebra gordinha

— Informal way to describe hooded eyes or monolid eyes in makeup.

Quem tem pálpebra gordinha deve evitar sombras muito escuras.

Puxar a pálpebra inferior

— The action of pulling down the lower lid, usually for medicine.

Puxar a pálpebra inferior facilita a aplicação do colírio.

Pálpebra irritada

— A common complaint regarding allergies or infections.

Minha pálpebra está irritada por causa do pó.

Pálpebras coladas

— When eyelids are stuck together, often due to infection (conjunctivitis).

O menino acordou com as pálpebras coladas.

Debaixo da pálpebra

— Referring to something that got inside or behind the lid.

Acho que tem um cisco debaixo da minha pálpebra.

Souvent confondu avec

pálpebra vs pestana

Pestana is the eyelash (hair), while pálpebra is the eyelid (skin).

pálpebra vs cílio

Cílio is another word for eyelash, often used more formally than pestana.

pálpebra vs sobrancelha

Sobrancelha is the eyebrow, located above the eyelid.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sem pregar o olho"

— While it uses 'olho', it implies not closing the pálpebras to sleep.

Passei a noite sem pregar o olho.

Informal
"Num piscar de olhos"

— In the blink of an eye; very quickly.

Tudo mudou num piscar de olhos.

Neutral
"Fechar os olhos para algo"

— To ignore something intentionally.

Não podemos fechar os olhos para a injustiça.

Neutral
"Estar com os olhos pesados"

— To be very sleepy (eyelids feel heavy).

Estou com os olhos pesados, preciso ir para a cama.

Informal
"Abrir os olhos de alguém"

— To alert someone to a truth they haven't seen.

Eu precisei abrir os olhos dela sobre aquele namorado.

Informal
"Ver com bons olhos"

— To approve of something.

O chefe viu o projeto com bons olhos.

Neutral
"Custar os olhos da cara"

— To be very expensive.

Aquele carro custou os olhos da cara.

Informal
"Aos olhos de"

— In the opinion of.

Aos olhos de sua mãe, ele era perfeito.

Neutral
"Olho vivo"

— Stay alert/watch out.

Fique de olho vivo nessa situação.

Slang
"Bater o olho"

— To notice something instantly.

Bati o olho e soube que era mentira.

Informal

Facile à confondre

pálpebra vs palpar

Similar sound and root.

Palpar is a verb meaning 'to feel' or 'to touch', while pálpebra is the noun for eyelid.

O médico vai palpar o seu abdômen, mas examinar a sua pálpebra.

pálpebra vs pálpebra vs. pupila

Both are parts of the eye.

The pálpebra is external skin; the pupila is the internal black opening of the eye.

A pálpebra fecha para proteger a pupila da luz forte.

pálpebra vs pálpebra vs. córnea

Both protect the eye.

The pálpebra is a skin fold; the córnea is the transparent front part of the eye itself.

A pálpebra limpa a córnea ao piscar.

pálpebra vs pálpebra vs. pálpito

Similar sound.

Pálpito means a hunch or a feeling, whereas pálpebra is a body part.

Tenho um pálpito de que minha pálpebra vai parar de tremer.

pálpebra vs pestana vs. pálpebra

Physical proximity.

Pestanas are the hairs attached to the edge of the pálpebra.

Passei rímel nas pestanas, não na pálpebra.

Structures de phrases

A1

A pálpebra é [adjective].

A pálpebra é fina.

A2

Minha pálpebra está [adjective].

Minha pálpebra está vermelha.

B1

Eu sinto [noun] na pálpebra.

Eu sinto um tremor na pálpebra.

B1

É preciso [verb] a pálpebra.

É preciso limpar a pálpebra.

B2

A pálpebra [verb] quando [condition].

A pálpebra treme quando estou cansado.

B2

Devido a [cause], a pálpebra [state].

Devido à alergia, a pálpebra inchou.

C1

Sob as pálpebras [adjective], [clause].

Sob as pálpebras cerradas, ele imaginava o futuro.

C2

A sutil [noun] da pálpebra revela [abstract noun].

A sutil contração da pálpebra revela sua ansiedade.

Famille de mots

Noms

pálpebra
palpebração (the act of blinking)

Verbes

palpebrar (to blink - less common than 'piscar')
palpar (to feel - related root but different meaning)

Adjectifs

palpebral (related to the eyelid)
bipalpebral

Apparenté

olho
cílio
pestana
sobrancelha
conjuntiva

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in medical, beauty, and health contexts; less common than 'olho' in everyday general talk.

Erreurs courantes
  • O pálpebra A pálpebra

    Pálpebra is a feminine noun. Using the masculine article is a common gender error for learners.

  • Palpebra (no accent) Pálpebra

    Portuguese rules require an accent on proparoxítonas. Without it, the word is spelled incorrectly.

  • Passei rímel na pálpebra Passei rímel nos cílios

    Mascara is applied to the lashes (cílios), not the eyelid (pálpebra). This is a common semantic confusion.

  • Minha pálpebra está inchado Minha pálpebra está inchada

    Adjectives must agree with the feminine noun 'pálpebra'.

  • Pal-PE-bra (wrong stress) PÁL-pe-bra

    The stress must be on the first syllable. Misplacing the stress can make the word hard to understand.

Astuces

The Stress is Key

Always stress the 'PÁL'. If you stress the middle, people might not understand you. It's like 'PAL-peh-brah'.

Feminine Always

Associate 'pálpebra' with 'a' (the). Think of 'A pálpebra' as a single unit to remember its gender easily.

Don't Forget the Accent

In Portuguese tests, forgetting the accent on 'pálpebra' is a major error. The accent mark is non-negotiable.

Learn the Trio

Learn pálpebra (lid), cílio (lash), and sobrancelha (brow) together. They form a natural group that is easier to remember.

Upper vs Lower

Remember 'superior' and 'inferior'. These are the same as in English and are used constantly with 'pálpebra'.

Makeup Terms

If you watch makeup videos, listen for 'côncavo' and 'pálpebra móvel'. These will help you understand the geometry of the eye.

Tiredness

When you want to say you are tired, 'pálpebras pesadas' is a very natural and slightly more sophisticated way to say it.

Brazilian 'L'

Expect to hear 'Páu-pe-bra' in Brazil. If you listen for a hard 'L', you might miss the word entirely.

Regional Differences

While the word is the same, the accent varies. In Portugal, it's 'Pál-pe-bra' with a very short 'e'. In Brazil, it's more open.

Pal's Pálpebra

Imagine your 'Pal' has a 'Pebra'. It's silly, but the rhyme helps the word stick in your long-term memory.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of the word 'Palpable'. Your pálpebra is the most palpable (touchable) part of your eye area.

Association visuelle

Imagine a tiny 'pal' (friend) living on your 'pebra' (eyelid) who closes the curtains every night.

Word Web

olho visão sono maquiagem proteção pele rosto piscar

Défi

Try to use the word 'pálpebra' in three different sentences today: one about being tired, one about health, and one about appearance.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'palpebra', which has the same meaning. It is connected to the Proto-Indo-European root *pel- meaning 'to shake' or 'to swing', referring to the movement of blinking.

Sens originel : The covering of the eye.

Romance (Latin)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'pálpebras caídas' (droopy eyelids) as it can be a sensitive topic related to aging or medical conditions.

English speakers often say 'eyelid', which is a compound of 'eye' and 'lid'. Portuguese uses a single Latin-derived word.

The poem 'As Pálpebras' by various Portuguese poets. Common descriptions in the works of Machado de Assis. Lyrics in Bossa Nova songs describing the 'olhar'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the ophthalmologist

  • Minha pálpebra dói.
  • Tenho um caroço na pálpebra.
  • A pálpebra está vermelha.
  • Sinto coceira na pálpebra.

Applying makeup

  • Passe a sombra na pálpebra.
  • Use corretivo na pálpebra.
  • Esfume o côncavo.
  • O delineado na pálpebra.

Feeling tired

  • Minhas pálpebras estão pesadas.
  • Não consigo abrir as pálpebras.
  • Vou fechar as pálpebras um pouco.
  • Peso nas pálpebras.

First aid

  • Lave bem a pálpebra.
  • Não toque na pálpebra.
  • Coloque uma compressa.
  • Limpeza palpebral.

Describing someone

  • Ela tem pálpebras grandes.
  • Ele tem pálpebras caídas.
  • Pálpebras amendoadas.
  • Olhar de pálpebras pesadas.

Amorces de conversation

"Você já teve aquele tremor chato na pálpebra por causa de estresse?"

"Qual é a melhor forma de remover maquiagem das pálpebras sem irritar os olhos?"

"Você acha que cirurgia nas pálpebras muda muito o rosto de uma pessoa?"

"Minhas pálpebras estão tão pesadas hoje, você também está com sono?"

"Você sabe a diferença entre cílios e pálpebras em português?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva como você se sente quando suas pálpebras estão pesadas no final de um longo dia.

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve um problema nos olhos, como uma pálpebra inchada.

Como a maquiagem nas pálpebras pode mudar a confiança de uma pessoa?

Imagine que você é um médico. Explique a um paciente como cuidar de uma pálpebra inflamada.

Reflita sobre a frase: 'As pálpebras são as cortinas da alma'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Escreve-se com acento agudo no primeiro 'a' (pálpebra). É uma palavra proparoxítona, e todas as proparoxítonas em português são acentuadas. Sem o acento, a pronúncia estaria errada.

É um substantivo feminino. Portanto, dizemos 'a pálpebra', 'uma pálpebra', 'as pálpebras' ou 'umas pálpebras'. Nunca use o artigo masculino 'o'.

A pálpebra é a dobra de pele que cobre o olho. O cílio (ou pestana) são os pelos que crescem na borda da pálpebra. São estruturas diferentes com funções complementares.

Refere-se a uma condição onde a pálpebra superior desce mais do que o normal, podendo cobrir parte da pupila. Em termos médicos, isso pode ser chamado de ptose palpebral.

Em Portugal, a palavra usada é a mesma: pálpebra. A única diferença pode ser na pronúncia do 'l', que em Portugal é mais velar (no céu da boca) e no Brasil soa como 'u'.

Geralmente, o tremor na pálpebra é causado por estresse, cansaço ou excesso de cafeína. Em português, dizemos 'minha pálpebra está tremendo' ou 'estou com um tique no olho'.

Sim, o plural é 'pálpebras'. Como termina em vogal, basta adicionar o 's'. Exemplo: 'Feche as pálpebras'.

É a parte da pálpebra superior que se move quando você abre e fecha os olhos. É um termo muito comum em tutoriais de maquiagem para indicar onde aplicar a sombra.

Você pode usar em um contexto médico ou descritivo. Exemplo: 'O paciente apresenta uma laceração na pálpebra inferior que requer sutura imediata'.

Não existem sinônimos exatos na linguagem comum, mas em contextos médicos usa-se o adjetivo 'palpebral' para se referir a tudo que é relativo a ela.

Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Escreva uma frase descrevendo como suas pálpebras se sentem após um dia longo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Descreva a função da pálpebra para uma criança.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Explique por que é importante limpar as pálpebras.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre maquiagem nas pálpebras.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Como você diria a um médico que sua pálpebra está tremendo?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Crie uma frase poética usando a palavra pálpebra.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

O que você faz se algo cair debaixo da sua pálpebra?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Descreva a aparência de uma pálpebra inchada.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'pálpebras pesadas'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Qual a diferença entre pálpebra superior e inferior?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escreva um diálogo curto entre um paciente e um oftalmologista sobre a pálpebra.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Por que as proparoxítonas como 'pálpebra' são importantes na gramática?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Descreva o movimento da pálpebra ao piscar.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

O que é blefaroplastia? Escreva em suas palavras.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Como as pálpebras protegem nossos olhos?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Crie uma frase com a palavra 'palpebral'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre o uso de colírio e a pálpebra.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

O que acontece com as pálpebras quando envelhecemos?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Escreva uma instrução de maquiagem usando 'pálpebra'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Como você se sente quando alguém toca sua pálpebra?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronuncie a palavra 'pálpebra' três vezes, focando na sílaba tônica.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Minha pálpebra está tremendo hoje'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explique em voz alta para que serve a pálpebra.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'As pálpebras dele estão muito inchadas'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pratique a frase: 'Vou fazer uma cirurgia nas pálpebras'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga rapidamente: 'A pálpebra protege o olho, o cílio protege a pálpebra'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Sinto um peso nas pálpebras porque não dormi'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronuncie 'palpebral' e 'pálpebra' e note a diferença.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Lave as pálpebras com água morna'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'A pálpebra superior é móvel'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Tenho uma coceira na pálpebra inferior'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pratique: 'O delineado na pálpebra ficou perfeito'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Pálpebra é uma palavra proparoxítona'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Feche as pálpebras e imagine uma praia'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'O médico examinou minha pálpebra'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Minhas pálpebras estão vermelhas devido à alergia'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'Não esfregue suas pálpebras'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'A pálpebra gordinha dificulta a maquiagem'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'A ptose é a queda da pálpebra'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Diga: 'O movimento das pálpebras é essencial'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça a frase e escreva a palavra que falta: 'A ____ está inchada.'

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique se o falante disse pálpebra ou pestana.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça a frase: 'As pálpebras pesam'. O que o falante sente?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Cirurgia nas pálpebras'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique o adjetivo: 'Pálpebra superior'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva a frase completa: 'A pálpebra protege o olho'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva o plural: 'pálpebras'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique o problema: 'Minha pálpebra está tremendo'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça a instrução: 'Lave as pálpebras'. O que deve ser feito?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Pálpebra móvel'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique o número: 'Duas pálpebras'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Tremor palpebral'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique a cor: 'Pálpebra vermelha'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Maquiagem para pálpebras'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Ouça e identifique o órgão: 'A pálpebra do olho'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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