At the A1 level, you are learning the basic building blocks of the Portuguese language, and family vocabulary is a cornerstone of this stage. The word sobrinho (nephew) is introduced as part of the immediate extended family. At this level, you should focus on identifying the word and using it in very simple 'to be' (ser/estar) and 'to have' (ter) sentences. For example, 'Eu tenho um sobrinho' (I have a nephew). You will learn that sobrinho is masculine and sobrinha is feminine. You will also practice using possessive adjectives like meu (my) or seu (your/his/her). The goal is to be able to introduce a nephew or state that you have one during basic introductions. You will also learn the plural form sobrinhos to talk about more than one. Simple descriptions of age or location are also common at this level, such as 'O meu sobrinho tem cinco anos' (My nephew is five years old). Understanding the 'nh' sound is a key phonetic challenge at A1, so you will spend time listening to the pronunciation to ensure you don't say it like a standard 'n'. This level is all about the literal, biological meaning of the word in a personal context.
At the A2 level, you expand your use of sobrinho to include more descriptive and routine-based sentences. You will start to use more adjectives to describe your nephew's personality or appearance, such as inteligente (intelligent), alto (tall), or simpático (nice). You will also use the word in the context of daily activities and past events. For instance, you might say, 'Ontem fui ao cinema com o meu sobrinho' (Yesterday I went to the cinema with my nephew). At A2, you are expected to handle basic contractions like do (de + o) and no (em + o), as in 'A bola é do meu sobrinho' (The ball belongs to my nephew). You will also begin to understand the cultural importance of the sobrinho role in Lusophone families, perhaps discussing family traditions or holiday gatherings. The use of the diminutive sobrinhinho might be introduced to show affection. You are moving from just identifying the relative to describing your relationship and shared activities with them in the present, past, and simple future.
At the B1 level, you can use sobrinho in more complex narrative structures and express opinions or feelings about the relationship. You might describe the responsibilities of being an uncle or aunt, or discuss your nephew's education and future plans. For example, 'Espero que o meu sobrinho consiga entrar na universidade' (I hope my nephew manages to get into university). This level requires the use of the subjunctive mood, which adds a layer of complexity to your sentences. You will also be able to handle more varied prepositions and relative clauses: 'O sobrinho de quem eu te falei está a morar em Lisboa' (The nephew I told you about is living in Lisbon). At B1, you can participate in longer conversations about family dynamics, comparing your sobrinho to other relatives or discussing family resemblances. You will also encounter the word in more diverse media, such as short stories or news articles, and you should be able to understand the context even if the sentence structure is more advanced. Your vocabulary will also include related terms like sobrinho-neto or the concept of a godson (afilhado) who is also a nephew.
At the B2 level, you use sobrinho with a high degree of fluency and accuracy. You can discuss abstract concepts related to family, such as the legal rights of a sobrinho in inheritance laws or the sociological shift in family sizes in Portugal and Brazil. You can use the word in idiomatic expressions and understand subtle nuances in tone. For example, you might discuss the concept of 'nepotismo' (nepotism), which is etymologically related to the Latin word for nephew, and debate its impact on society. Your sentences will be sophisticated, using various tenses and complex connectors: 'Apesar de ser o seu sobrinho mais novo, ele sempre demonstrou uma maturidade invulgar' (Despite being his youngest nephew, he always showed unusual maturity). You can read and understand literary texts where the relationship between a character and their sobrinho is a central theme, analyzing the emotional subtext. At this level, you are also comfortable with regional variations in pronunciation and vocabulary, recognizing how the word might be used differently in different parts of the Portuguese-speaking world.
At the C1 level, your command of the word sobrinho and its context is near-native. You can understand and use the word in specialized fields such as law, history, or high-level literature. You might analyze the role of the 'nephew' in 19th-century Portuguese novels, discussing inheritance and social mobility. You can express subtle emotional states regarding family relationships with precision: 'Havia uma certa condescendência na forma como ele tratava o sobrinho, como se este nunca pudesse estar à altura do legado familiar' (There was a certain condescension in the way he treated his nephew, as if he could never live up to the family legacy). You can navigate complex legal documents involving sucessão legítima (legitimate succession) where the sobrinho is a key figure. Your vocabulary includes archaic or very formal terms related to kinship. You can also engage in deep cultural comparisons between the concept of a 'nephew' in Lusophone cultures versus others, citing historical or social reasons for these differences. Your use of the word is effortless, and you can play with its meaning in creative writing or rhetorical speech.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word sobrinho, including its most obscure uses and historical evolutions. You can appreciate and produce puns, metaphors, and complex literary allusions involving the term. You might study the etymological shift from the Latin sobrinus to the modern Portuguese sobrinho and how this reflects broader changes in European kinship systems. You can critique academic papers on family sociology or legal treatises on family law with ease. In creative contexts, you might use sobrinho in a symbolic way to represent youth, potential, or the burden of heritage. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and historical. You can switch between registers perfectly, from using the most affectionate diminutive in a private family setting to employing the word in a formal academic lecture about genealogy. You are sensitive to the finest nuances of regional slang and archaic forms, and you can interpret the word's meaning in any possible context within the Lusophone world.

sobrinho 30秒で

  • Sobrinho means nephew in Portuguese and is a masculine noun.
  • It refers to the male child of your brother or your sister.
  • The feminine version is sobrinha, and the plural sobrinhos can be inclusive.
  • It is a high-frequency word used in family, social, and legal contexts.

The Portuguese word sobrinho is a masculine noun that translates directly to 'nephew' in English. It specifically denotes the male child of one's brother or sister. In the rich tapestry of Lusophone family structures, the relationship between an uncle or aunt (tio/tia) and their sobrinho is often characterized by a blend of mentorship, friendship, and deep familial affection. Unlike some languages that might distinguish between a nephew from the paternal or maternal side, Portuguese uses sobrinho universally for both, making it a straightforward term to master once you understand the gender agreement rules.

Grammatical Gender
The word is masculine. If you are referring to a female child of a sibling, you must use the feminine form, sobrinha. When speaking about a group of nephews, or a mixed group of nephews and nieces, the masculine plural sobrinhos is used.
Cultural Nuance
In Brazil and Portugal, family bonds are traditionally very tight. A sobrinho is often treated with the same care as a son. It is common for uncles and aunts to be very involved in the upbringing, attending all school events and birthdays.

O meu sobrinho adora jogar futebol no parque todos os domingos.

Translation: My nephew loves playing football in the park every Sunday.

The term is also used in extended family contexts. Sometimes, the children of cousins might be referred to as sobrinhos-segundos (second nephews) or simply sobrinhos in informal settings to emphasize closeness. This flexibility reflects the importance of the 'extended family' concept in Portuguese-speaking societies. Whether you are at a large Sunday lunch in Lisbon or a birthday party in Rio de Janeiro, you will hear this word used frequently as people introduce their younger relatives with pride.

Vou comprar um presente para o meu sobrinho mais novo.

Social Context
In informal speech, particularly among older generations, the word can sometimes be used affectionately for any young male who is close to the family, though this is less common than the literal meaning.

Ele é como um sobrinho para mim, embora não tenhamos laços de sangue.

In summary, sobrinho is a fundamental kinship term. Its use goes beyond a mere biological label; it carries connotations of duty, affection, and the continuity of the family line. For a learner, mastering this word is a key step in describing your family tree and engaging in personal conversations about your life and loved ones. It is one of the first family words taught because of its high frequency in daily life.

O sobrinho do João vai começar a faculdade este ano.

Etymological Root
Derived from the Latin sobrinus, which originally meant a mother's sister's child (a cousin). Over time, in the transition to Romance languages, the meaning shifted to its current definition.

Quantos sobrinhos você tem?

Using sobrinho in a sentence requires attention to both the gender of the subject and the surrounding adjectives or possessives. Since it is a masculine noun, everything connected to it must also be masculine. For instance, 'my nephew' is o meu sobrinho (in Portugal) or simply meu sobrinho (common in Brazil). If he is 'little' or 'young', you would say pequeno or novo, not pequena or nova.

Possessive Usage
In Portuguese, possessives usually agree with the thing possessed. 'His nephew' is o sobrinho dele, and 'her nephew' is o sobrinho dela. Note that sobrinho remains masculine regardless of whether the aunt or uncle is male or female.

Ela visitou o seu sobrinho no hospital ontem à tarde.

When talking about multiple nephews, the word becomes sobrinhos. A common point of confusion for English speakers is the 'inclusive masculine' plural. If you have one nephew and one niece, you would collectively call them meus sobrinhos. You only use the feminine plural sobrinhas if the entire group is female. This is a standard rule in Portuguese grammar for all people-related nouns.

Os meus sobrinhos vivem em Braga com os pais deles.

Diminutives
Portuguese speakers love using diminutives to show affection. You will frequently hear sobrinho changed to sobrinhinho when referring to a baby nephew or simply to express warmth.

Que sobrinhinho tão fofo você tem!

In more complex sentences, sobrinho can act as the object of a preposition. For example: 'I am proud of my nephew' becomes Tenho orgulho do meu sobrinho. Here, 'do' is the contraction of 'de' (of) and 'o' (the). Understanding these contractions is vital for natural-sounding Portuguese. You might also use it in comparisons: 'He is taller than his nephew' - Ele é mais alto que o seu sobrinho.

Este livro foi escrito pelo meu sobrinho.

Finally, when introducing a nephew to someone else, the standard phrase is Este é o meu sobrinho, [Nome]. This simple structure is the building block for expanding your vocabulary into other family members like primo (cousin) or neto (grandson). By repeating these patterns, the gender and number agreement will become second nature, allowing you to focus on the conversation rather than the grammar rules.

O sobrinho dela é muito inteligente e estuda medicina.

Common Verbs
Verbs often associated with sobrinho include cuidar (to take care of), mimar (to spoil), and apresentar (to introduce).

Eu gosto de mimar o meu sobrinho com doces.

The word sobrinho is ubiquitous in Lusophone daily life. You will hear it most frequently in domestic settings. Family gatherings are the primary 'habitat' for this word. Whether it is a Sunday roast (almoço de domingo) or a birthday party, relatives are constantly identifying each other by their kinship roles. You might hear an aunt shouting, 'Sobrinho, vem comer!' (Nephew, come eat!), using the noun almost as a substitute for a name, which signifies a close, affectionate bond.

Social Media
On platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you will see captions like 'Com o meu sobrinho favorito' (With my favorite nephew) or 'Amor de tia' accompanied by photos of a sobrinho. It is a word that carries significant emotional weight in public displays of family affection.

Postei uma foto com o meu sobrinho no Instagram.

In the workplace, colleagues often share stories about their personal lives. You might hear someone say, 'O meu sobrinho nasceu ontem' (My nephew was born yesterday). It serves as a bridge to share joy and personal milestones. In more formal or legal contexts, such as reading a will or discussing genealogy, sobrinho is used to define legal standing. Lawyers and notaries use it to specify the degree of kinship between individuals, which is crucial for inheritance laws in countries like Portugal and Brazil.

Na novela, o vilão quer roubar a herança do próprio sobrinho.

News and Media
Journalists use the term when reporting on public figures. For instance, if a famous politician's relative is involved in an event, the headline might read 'Sobrinho de ministro é premiado' (Minister's nephew is awarded).

O jornal noticiou o sucesso do sobrinho do presidente.

Additionally, in literature and storytelling, the 'nephew' character often serves as a foil to an older, wiser, or perhaps more cynical protagonist. From the classic works of Machado de Assis to modern Portuguese novels, the sobrinho represents the next generation, bringing themes of inheritance, change, and legacy into the narrative. In school settings, teachers might ask children to talk about their families, leading to a chorus of 'O meu sobrinho...' (even if the child is actually referring to a cousin, as younger children sometimes confuse these terms).

A criança desenhou o seu sobrinho na aula de artes.

Finally, you will encounter the word in religious contexts. In Catholic traditions, which are strong in many Portuguese-speaking countries, the role of godparents often overlaps with that of an uncle or aunt. It is very common for a sobrinho to also be the afilhado (godson) of their uncle, creating a double layer of social and spiritual connection that is frequently discussed during baptisms and religious holidays.

Ele é meu sobrinho e também meu afilhado de batismo.

Idiomatic Use
While not strictly an idiom, the term 'sobrinho do coração' (nephew of the heart) is used for a boy who isn't biological family but is loved as such.

Considero o filho da minha melhor amiga como um sobrinho.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Portuguese is confusing the gender of kinship terms. Because English uses 'nephew' and 'niece' as distinct words, learners sometimes forget that Portuguese uses the root word with a gendered ending. Using sobrinho to refer to a niece is a common slip-up. Always remember: -o for boys, -a for girls. If you say 'minha sobrinho', the mismatch between the feminine possessive and masculine noun sounds jarring to native ears.

The 'Neto' Confusion
Many beginners confuse sobrinho with neto (grandson). This likely happens because both are male relatives in the younger generation. To keep them straight, associate sobrinho with irmão/irmã (sibling) and neto with filho (child). A sobrinho is the son of your sibling, while a neto is the son of your child.

Errado: O meu sobrinho é o filho do meu filho.

Another mistake involves the pluralization of mixed-gender groups. In English, you must say 'nephews and nieces'. In Portuguese, as mentioned before, the masculine plural sobrinhos covers everyone. Beginners often try to create a new word or use both unnecessarily in casual speech. While sobrinhos e sobrinhas is grammatically correct and used for emphasis, meus sobrinhos is the standard way to refer to all of them at once. Over-specifying can make your speech sound unnatural.

Errado: Eu gosto de sobrinho.

Pronunciation Pitfalls
The 'nh' sound is notoriously difficult for English speakers. Avoid pronouncing it as a hard 'n' or as 'ng'. It is not 'sob-rin-no' or 'sob-ring-o'. It is a palatal nasal. Practice by saying 'onion' but holding the 'ny' sound longer and higher in the mouth.

Dica: Pense no som do 'ñ' em espanhol para dizer sobrinho.

Confusion with primo (cousin) is also frequent. In some English dialects, people use 'cousin' loosely for many relatives. In Portuguese, the distinction is strictly maintained in formal speech. A sobrinho is always the next generation down from you, whereas a primo is in your same generational tier (usually). Using sobrinho for a cousin's son is technically sobrinho-segundo, but calling your own cousin sobrinho is a factual error that will confuse your listener.

Errado: Ele é meu sobrinho porque ele é filho da minha tia.

Lastly, avoid using sobrinho to mean 'step-son' or 'godson'. While those relationships might feel similar, the specific words are enteado and afilhado. Misusing these terms can lead to misunderstandings about legal or religious relationships. By focusing on the specific biological link (child of a sibling), you will use sobrinho correctly every time.

Correto: O filho da minha irmã é meu sobrinho.

False Friends
There are no major false friends for sobrinho in English, but the Latin root sobrinus is a false friend with its original Latin meaning (cousin).

Não confunda sobrinho com primo!

While sobrinho is the standard term for a nephew, there are several related words and alternatives that you might encounter depending on the context or the specific nature of the relationship. Understanding these helps build a more nuanced vocabulary of kinship.

Sobrinha
The direct feminine counterpart. Use this for the daughter of your sibling.
Example: A minha sobrinha é muito estudiosa.
Afilhado
This means 'godson'. In many Lusophone cultures, uncles are often chosen as godparents. While not a synonym, an afilhado is often also a sobrinho.
Example: O meu afilhado vem visitar-me hoje.
Parente
A general term for 'relative'. If you forget the specific word for nephew, you can always say ele é meu parente, although it is much less specific.
Example: Tenho muitos parentes que moram no estrangeiro.

O meu sobrinho também é meu afilhado.

For more specific genealogical relationships, you might hear sobrinho-neto. This refers to a grand-nephew (the grandson of your sibling). Conversely, tio-avô would be the great-uncle. These compound terms are essential for accurately describing a large family tree. In casual conversation, however, many people simply use sobrinho for a sobrinho-neto if the relationship is close and the age gap is significant.

Apresento-lhe o meu sobrinho-neto, o filho da minha sobrinha.

In some regional dialects, particularly in rural areas, you might hear archaic or slang terms for young male relatives, but sobrinho remains the standard and most respectful choice. Another interesting term is sobrinho-torto, an informal and somewhat humorous way to refer to a nephew-in-law or a nephew by a non-biological connection, though this is becoming less common in modern urban speech.

Descendente
Meaning 'descendant'. In a legal or historical context, a sobrinho is a collateral descendant.
Example: Ele é o único descendente masculino da família.

O sobrinho herdou a casa da tia.

Finally, consider the word menino (boy) or rapaz (young man). If you are talking to a third party and don't want to emphasize the family link, you might just say aquele rapaz (that young man). However, using sobrinho is always more precise and conveys a warmer tone. In Portuguese, claiming the relationship by using the specific kinship term is a way of showing social integration and family pride.

Aquele rapaz ali é o meu sobrinho.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word shifted meaning during the development of Romance languages. In most, it came to mean 'nephew', while the Latin word 'consobrinus' evolved into 'cousin' (primo in Portuguese, from 'consobrinus primus').

発音ガイド

UK /suˈβɾi.ɲu/
US /soˈbɾĩ.ɲu/
The stress is on the second syllable: so-BRI-nho.
韻が合う語
caminho carinho vizinho vinho ninho sozinho adivinho moinho
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing 'nh' as a simple 'n' (e.g., 'sobrino').
  • Pronouncing 'nh' as 'ng' (e.g., 'sobringo').
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable.
  • Making the final 'o' too long and open like 'oh'.
  • Over-pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' instead of a tap.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text. The 'nh' is the only distinct feature.

ライティング 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the 'h' after the 'n'.

スピーキング 3/5

The 'nh' /ɲ/ sound requires practice for English speakers.

リスニング 2/5

Clear sound, though the final 'o' can be very soft in Portugal.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

pai mãe irmão irmã família

次に学ぶ

sobrinha tio tia primo neto

上級

sobrinho-neto afilhado sucessão parentesco genealogia

知っておくべき文法

Gender Agreement

O meu sobrinho (masculine) vs A minha sobrinha (feminine).

Pluralization

Um sobrinho -> Dois sobrinhos.

Inclusive Masculine

Os meus sobrinhos (can mean nephews and nieces).

Possessive Agreement

O seu sobrinho (his/her nephew) - 'seu' agrees with 'sobrinho'.

Contractions with Articles

De + o = Do meu sobrinho; Em + o = No meu sobrinho.

レベル別の例文

1

O meu sobrinho é pequeno.

My nephew is small.

Uses the masculine article 'O' and possessive 'meu'.

2

Eu tenho um sobrinho.

I have a nephew.

Uses the indefinite article 'um'.

3

O nome do meu sobrinho é Pedro.

My nephew's name is Pedro.

Uses the contraction 'do' (de + o).

4

O meu sobrinho mora em Lisboa.

My nephew lives in Lisbon.

Simple present tense verb 'mora'.

5

Onde está o teu sobrinho?

Where is your nephew?

Question form with 'onde'.

6

O meu sobrinho gosta de gatos.

My nephew likes cats.

Verb 'gostar' followed by the preposition 'de'.

7

Ele é o meu sobrinho favorito.

He is my favorite nephew.

Adjective 'favorito' follows the noun.

8

Os meus sobrinhos são divertidos.

My nephews are fun.

Plural form 'sobrinhos' and plural verb 'são'.

1

Ontem, comprei uma bola para o meu sobrinho.

Yesterday, I bought a ball for my nephew.

Preterite tense 'comprei'.

2

O meu sobrinho está a aprender a nadar.

My nephew is learning to swim.

Present continuous 'está a aprender' (European Portuguese style).

3

Vou visitar o meu sobrinho no próximo fim de semana.

I am going to visit my nephew next weekend.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

4

O meu sobrinho é mais alto que a irmã dele.

My nephew is taller than his sister.

Comparative 'mais alto que'.

5

O meu sobrinho sempre me telefona no meu aniversário.

My nephew always calls me on my birthday.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

6

O meu sobrinho quer ser bombeiro quando crescer.

My nephew wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.

Future subjunctive 'crescer' after 'quando'.

7

Gosto muito de brincar com o meu sobrinho no jardim.

I really like playing with my nephew in the garden.

Prepositional phrase 'com o'.

8

O meu sobrinho já sabe ler e escrever.

My nephew already knows how to read and write.

Adverb 'já' (already).

1

Duvido que o meu sobrinho se lembre daquela viagem.

I doubt that my nephew remembers that trip.

Present subjunctive 'lembre' after 'duvido que'.

2

O meu sobrinho, que vive no Porto, vem passar o Natal connosco.

My nephew, who lives in Porto, is coming to spend Christmas with us.

Relative clause 'que vive no Porto'.

3

Se eu tivesse dinheiro, levaria o meu sobrinho à Disney.

If I had money, I would take my nephew to Disney.

Conditional structure 'se tivesse... levaria'.

4

O meu sobrinho está a tornar-se um jovem muito responsável.

My nephew is becoming a very responsible young man.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se'.

5

Foi o meu sobrinho quem me ensinou a usar este aplicativo.

It was my nephew who taught me how to use this app.

Emphatic construction 'Foi... quem'.

6

Tenho de ir buscar o meu sobrinho à escola hoje.

I have to pick up my nephew from school today.

Modal verb 'ter de'.

7

O meu sobrinho interessa-se muito pela história de Portugal.

My nephew is very interested in Portuguese history.

Reflexive verb 'interessar-se' + preposition 'por'.

8

Embora seja jovem, o meu sobrinho tem opiniões muito fortes.

Although he is young, my nephew has very strong opinions.

Conjunction 'embora' requires the subjunctive 'seja'.

1

O meu sobrinho herdou o talento musical do seu avô.

My nephew inherited his grandfather's musical talent.

Use of 'herdou' in a figurative/biological sense.

2

É fundamental que o meu sobrinho aprenda a gerir o seu próprio dinheiro.

It is fundamental that my nephew learns to manage his own money.

Impersonal expression requiring the subjunctive 'aprenda'.

3

O meu sobrinho foi selecionado para uma bolsa de estudos no estrangeiro.

My nephew was selected for a scholarship abroad.

Passive voice 'foi selecionado'.

4

Sinto-me orgulhoso por ver o meu sobrinho a ter tanto sucesso profissional.

I feel proud to see my nephew having so much professional success.

Gerund construction 'a ter'.

5

O meu sobrinho sempre foi o elo de ligação entre os irmãos.

My nephew has always been the link between the siblings.

Metaphorical use of 'elo de ligação'.

6

Caso o meu sobrinho precise de ajuda, estarei sempre disponível.

In case my nephew needs help, I will always be available.

Conditional conjunction 'caso' with subjunctive 'precise'.

7

O meu sobrinho dedica-se afincadamente aos seus estudos de medicina.

My nephew dedicates himself diligently to his medical studies.

Adverb 'afincadamente'.

8

Não creio que o meu sobrinho tenha consciência da gravidade da situação.

I don't believe my nephew is aware of the gravity of the situation.

Negative belief 'Não creio que' + compound subjunctive 'tenha consciência'.

1

A relação entre o tio e o sobrinho é explorada de forma magistral nesta obra.

The relationship between the uncle and the nephew is masterfully explored in this work.

Formal literary analysis register.

2

O sobrinho, na qualidade de herdeiro legítimo, reivindicou a posse das terras.

The nephew, as the legitimate heir, claimed possession of the lands.

Legal terminology 'herdeiro legítimo' and 'reivindicou'.

3

É imperativo que se analise o comportamento do sobrinho sob uma ótica psicológica.

It is imperative to analyze the nephew's behavior from a psychological perspective.

Passive reflexive 'se analise'.

4

O sobrinho demonstrou uma resiliência notável perante as adversidades familiares.

The nephew showed remarkable resilience in the face of family adversities.

High-level vocabulary 'resiliência' and 'adversidades'.

5

Raramente vi um sobrinho tão dedicado ao bem-estar dos seus tios idosos.

I have rarely seen a nephew so dedicated to the well-being of his elderly uncles.

Inverted sentence structure with 'Raramente'.

6

A ascensão social do sobrinho foi o tema central das fofocas da aldeia.

The nephew's social climb was the central theme of the village gossip.

Abstract concept 'ascensão social'.

7

O sobrinho agiu como se fosse o dono da verdade, ignorando os conselhos alheios.

The nephew acted as if he were the master of truth, ignoring others' advice.

Hypothetical 'como se fosse'.

8

A herança foi dividida equitativamente entre o filho e o sobrinho do falecido.

The inheritance was divided equally between the deceased's son and nephew.

Adverb 'equitativamente'.

1

A figura do sobrinho, amiúde negligenciada na historiografia, merece uma nova análise.

The figure of the nephew, often neglected in historiography, deserves a new analysis.

Archaic/formal adverb 'amiúde'.

2

O autor utiliza o sobrinho como um arquétipo da renovação geracional e do conflito de valores.

The author uses the nephew as an archetype of generational renewal and value conflict.

Sophisticated literary terminology 'arquétipo' and 'renovação geracional'.

3

Subjaz à conduta do sobrinho uma profunda inquietação existencial que o impele à rebeldia.

Underlying the nephew's conduct is a deep existential restlessness that impels him to rebellion.

Complex verb 'subjaz' (subjazer).

4

A sucessão dinástica foi posta em causa pela ambição desmedida do sobrinho do monarca.

The dynastic succession was called into question by the monarch's nephew's excessive ambition.

Historical/political register.

5

O sobrinho viu-se enredado numa teia de intrigas palacianas de difícil resolução.

The nephew found himself entangled in a web of palace intrigues difficult to resolve.

Metaphorical 'teia de intrigas'.

6

Pese embora a sua juventude, o sobrinho revelou uma sagacidade política invulgar.

Despite his youth, the nephew revealed an unusual political sagacity.

Formal concession 'Pese embora'.

7

O sobrinho personifica a antítese do conservadorismo que caracteriza a sua linhagem.

The nephew personifies the antithesis of the conservatism that characterizes his lineage.

Abstract philosophical terms 'personifica' and 'antítese'.

8

A lealdade do sobrinho foi o único esteio que amparou o tio no ocaso da sua vida.

The nephew's loyalty was the only pillar that supported the uncle in the twilight of his life.

Poetic register 'esteio' and 'ocaso'.

類義語

familiar parente afilhado descendente menino rapaz sucessor sobrinho-neto

反対語

tio sobrinha avô estranho

よく使う組み合わせ

meu sobrinho
sobrinho mais velho
sobrinho mais novo
sobrinho favorito
sobrinho do coração
visitar o sobrinho
cuidar do sobrinho
sobrinho legítimo
orgulho no sobrinho
educar o sobrinho

よく使うフレーズ

Como está o teu sobrinho?

— A standard way to ask about the well-being of someone's nephew. It is used in polite social conversation.

Olá! Como está o teu sobrinho Pedro?

O meu sobrinho manda cumprimentos.

— Used to relay greetings from a nephew to the person you are talking to. It is a common social courtesy.

Falei com ele ontem e o meu sobrinho manda cumprimentos.

Ele é a cara do sobrinho.

— Used to say that someone looks exactly like their nephew. It highlights family resemblance.

O João é a cara do seu sobrinho mais novo.

Vou ser tio/tia de um sobrinho!

— An exclamation used when someone finds out their sibling is expecting a baby boy. It expresses excitement.

A minha irmã está grávida! Vou ser tia de um sobrinho!

O meu sobrinho é um génio.

— A common (and often exaggerated) way for relatives to praise the intelligence of their nephew. It shows family pride.

Ele já sabe xadrez? O meu sobrinho é um génio!

É para o meu sobrinho.

— A phrase used in shops when buying a gift or item specifically for a nephew. It explains the purpose of the purchase.

Pode embrulhar, por favor? É para o meu sobrinho.

O meu sobrinho não para quieto.

— A colloquial way to say that a nephew is very energetic or restless. It is often said with a mix of exhaustion and affection.

Levei-o ao parque, mas o meu sobrinho não para quieto!

Pareces o meu sobrinho.

— Used to compare someone's behavior (usually playful or immature) to that of a nephew. It can be teasing.

Estás a fazer birra? Pareces o meu sobrinho!

O meu sobrinho é o meu mundo.

— An emotional expression showing that the nephew is the most important person in the speaker's life. It is very common on social media.

Amo-o tanto! O meu sobrinho é o meu mundo.

Vem cá, sobrinho!

— A direct call to a nephew. In Portuguese, it's common to use the kinship term as a vocative. It is warm and direct.

Vem cá, sobrinho! Dá um abraço ao tio.

よく混同される語

sobrinho vs neto

Neto is grandson (child of child); sobrinho is nephew (child of sibling).

sobrinho vs primo

Primo is cousin (child of aunt/uncle); sobrinho is nephew (child of sibling).

sobrinho vs sobrinha

Sobrinha is the feminine form (niece).

慣用句と表現

"Sobrinho do coração"

— Refers to a boy who is not a biological nephew but is loved and treated as one. It emphasizes emotional rather than blood ties.

O filho da Maria é meu sobrinho do coração.

informal
"Amor de sobrinho"

— Describes a specific, pure kind of love that a nephew has for their uncle/aunt, or vice-versa. Often used in sentimental contexts.

Não há nada como o amor de sobrinho.

informal
"Ser o sobrinho preferido"

— To be the favorite among all nephews. Often used jokingly in families to create playful competition.

Eu sei que sou o sobrinho preferido da tia Luísa.

informal
"Tio babado / Tia babada"

— While not using 'sobrinho' in the phrase, it describes the state of an uncle/aunt who is obsessed with their nephew. It means 'drooling uncle/aunt'.

Estou um tio babado com as fotos do meu sobrinho.

informal
"Filho de peixe, sobrinho de peixinho"

— A play on the idiom 'Filho de peixe, peixinho é' (like father, like son). It suggests the nephew has inherited traits from the family.

Ele também gosta de música? Filho de peixe, sobrinho de peixinho!

informal
"Herança de sobrinho"

— Sometimes used to refer to a windfall or inheritance that comes from a collateral line, though less common than 'herança de tia'.

Ele comprou o carro com uma herança de sobrinho.

neutral
"Fazer de sobrinho"

— To act like a nephew, often implying acting younger or needing guidance. Not a standard idiom but used contextually.

Ele tem 40 anos mas ainda faz de sobrinho com o tio.

informal
"O sobrinho do Rameau"

— A literary reference to Diderot's work, sometimes used in intellectual circles to discuss social parasites or critics.

Ele comporta-se como o Sobrinho de Rameau.

academic
"Sobrinho de conveniência"

— A cynical term for someone who only claims kinship when it benefits them. It is used to criticize opportunistic behavior.

Ele só aparece quando precisa de dinheiro; é um sobrinho de conveniência.

informal
"Casa de tia, mesa de sobrinho"

— A rare saying suggesting that in an aunt's house, the nephew is always well-fed and taken care of. It celebrates family hospitality.

Sempre que vou lá, como imenso. Casa de tia, mesa de sobrinho!

informal

間違えやすい

sobrinho vs neto

Both refer to the younger generation in a family.

A 'neto' is the son of your son or daughter. A 'sobrinho' is the son of your brother or sister. They are different branches of the family tree.

O meu neto é filho do meu filho; o meu sobrinho é filho do meu irmão.

sobrinho vs afilhado

Many nephews are also godsons.

An 'afilhado' is a religious/social relationship (godson). A 'sobrinho' is a biological relationship (nephew). You can be one without being the other.

Ele é meu afilhado de batismo, mas não é meu sobrinho.

sobrinho vs primo

In some languages/dialects, terms for cousins and nephews overlap.

In Portuguese, 'primo' is strictly for cousins. A nephew is always a 'sobrinho'.

O meu primo é filho da minha tia; o meu sobrinho é filho da minha irmã.

sobrinho vs enteado

Both are younger male relatives.

An 'enteado' is a stepson (the son of your spouse from a previous relationship).

O meu enteado vive connosco, mas o meu sobrinho vive com a minha irmã.

sobrinho vs irmão

Sometimes people say 'brother' to mean a close relative.

An 'irmão' is your brother. His son is your 'sobrinho'.

O meu irmão tem um filho, que é o meu sobrinho.

文型パターン

A1

O [possessivo] sobrinho é [adjetivo].

O meu sobrinho é alto.

A2

Eu vou [verbo] com o meu sobrinho.

Eu vou brincar com o meu sobrinho.

B1

Gostaria que o meu sobrinho [subjuntivo].

Gostaria que o meu sobrinho viesse aqui.

B2

O meu sobrinho, que [oração relativa], é [adjetivo].

O meu sobrinho, que estuda em Londres, é muito inteligente.

C1

Dada a relação com o seu sobrinho, [conclusão].

Dada a relação com o seu sobrinho, ele decidiu ajudá-lo.

A1

Este é o meu sobrinho.

Este é o meu sobrinho, o Carlos.

A2

O meu sobrinho tem [número] anos.

O meu sobrinho tem dez anos.

B1

Tenho orgulho do meu sobrinho por [razão].

Tenho orgulho do meu sobrinho por ter passado no exame.

語族

名詞

sobrinha (niece)
sobrinhos (nephews/nieces)
sobrinhinho (little nephew)
sobrinhagem (collective term for nephews, rare/literary)

形容詞

sobrinhal (relating to a nephew, very rare/technical)

関連

tio (uncle)
tia (aunt)
irmão (brother)
irmã (sister)
primo (cousin)

使い方

frequency

Very high in family-oriented cultures.

よくある間違い
  • Using 'sobrinho' for a niece. sobrinha

    Kinship terms in Portuguese are strictly gendered. 'Sobrinho' is only for males.

  • Saying 'minha sobrinho'. meu sobrinho

    The possessive adjective must agree with the masculine noun 'sobrinho'.

  • Pronouncing it 'sobrino'. sobrinho (/ɲ/ sound)

    The 'nh' sound is essential. Pronouncing it as 'n' is a Spanish influence or a phonetic error.

  • Confusing 'sobrinho' with 'neto'. sobrinho (nephew), neto (grandson)

    A nephew is your sibling's son; a grandson is your child's son. This is a common conceptual error.

  • Using 'sobrinhos e sobrinhas' every time for a mixed group. sobrinhos

    While not 'wrong', it's redundant. The masculine plural 'sobrinhos' already includes everyone.

ヒント

Gender Check

Always match the adjective to the noun. It's 'sobrinho lindo', not 'sobrinho linda'. This is a basic but essential rule for A1 learners.

Master the 'NH'

Don't say 'so-brin-no'. The 'nh' is one sound. Practice by saying 'canyon' and focusing on the middle part. It's a key sound in Portuguese.

Family Ties

In Portugal and Brazil, being a 'tio' or 'tia' is a big deal. Expect to be very involved in your sobrinho's life. It's more than just a name!

Inclusive Plural

If you have 5 nieces and 1 nephew, you still call them 'meus sobrinhos' collectively. The masculine plural is the default for mixed groups.

Spelling 'NH'

Remember that Portuguese uses 'nh' where Spanish uses 'ñ'. Never write 'sobrino' if you are writing in Portuguese!

Introductions

When introducing your nephew, say 'Este é o meu sobrinho'. Adding the name after makes it more personal and polite.

The 'Inho' Trick

Since most nephews start as 'little' boys, the '-inho' ending (which means little) is a great memory hook for the word 'sobrinho'.

Avoid 'Neto' Confusion

Think: S-obrinho = S-ibling's son. N-eto = N-ext generation of your own kids. The first letters don't match, but the logic helps!

Listen for the 'U'

In many accents, the final 'o' in 'sobrinho' sounds like a 'u'. Don't be confused; it's still spelled with an 'o'.

Latin Roots

Knowing that it comes from Latin 'sobrinus' can help if you study other Romance languages, though the meaning shifted slightly.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Sober' + 'Inho'. Imagine your nephew is the only one 'sober' at a party because he is too young to drink, and he is a 'little' guy (-inho).

視覚的連想

Visualize a family tree where a branch comes off your brother/sister and leads to a boy. Label that boy 'Sobrinho'. Picture him wearing a shirt with the letters 'NH' to remember the sound.

Word Web

Tio Tia Irmão Irmã Família Criança Herança Afilhado

チャレンジ

Try to write three sentences about a real or imaginary nephew using the words 'sobrinho', 'inteligente', and 'gostar'.

語源

Derived from the Latin word 'sobrinus'. In Classical Latin, 'sobrinus' specifically referred to a cousin on the mother's side (the child of a mother's sister).

元の意味: Maternal cousin.

Romance (Indo-European).

文化的な背景

The word is entirely neutral and safe to use. Be mindful of gender agreement (sobrinho vs sobrinha).

In English, 'nephew' is gender-specific, just like 'sobrinho'. However, Portuguese lacks a gender-neutral term like 'nibbling', relying on the masculine plural 'sobrinhos' for mixed groups.

O Sobrinho do Mago (The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis, Portuguese title). O Sobrinho de Rameau (Le Neveu de Rameau by Diderot, translated). Donald Duck's nephews (Huguinho, Zezinho e Luisinho) are famous 'sobrinhos' in Brazil/Portugal.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Family Gathering

  • Apresento-te o meu sobrinho.
  • Como cresceu o teu sobrinho!
  • Onde estão os teus sobrinhos?
  • O meu sobrinho é a cara do pai.

Gift Shopping

  • Estou à procura de um presente para o meu sobrinho.
  • O meu sobrinho faz anos amanhã.
  • Ele é meu sobrinho, o que me recomenda?
  • O meu sobrinho adora dinossauros.

School/Education

  • O meu sobrinho anda no primeiro ano.
  • Vou buscar o meu sobrinho à escola.
  • O meu sobrinho é muito bom a matemática.
  • A professora do meu sobrinho é simpática.

Social Media

  • Com o meu sobrinho lindo.
  • Dia de passeio com o sobrinho.
  • Amor de tia/tio por este sobrinho.
  • O meu sobrinho favorito!

Legal/Administrative

  • Ele é sobrinho do falecido.
  • O sobrinho tem direito à herança.
  • Grau de parentesco: sobrinho.
  • Documentos do meu sobrinho menor.

会話のきっかけ

"Você tem algum sobrinho ou sobrinha?"

"O que você costuma fazer quando visita o seu sobrinho?"

"Qual é a idade do seu sobrinho mais novo?"

"O seu sobrinho se parece com você ou com os pais dele?"

"Você já comprou o presente de aniversário para o seu sobrinho?"

日記のテーマ

Descreva uma memória feliz que você tem com o seu sobrinho ou um primo mais novo.

Quais são as responsabilidades de ser um bom tio ou uma boa tia para um sobrinho?

Como a vida da sua família mudou quando o seu primeiro sobrinho nasceu?

Escreva sobre um talento ou hobby que o seu sobrinho possui.

Se você pudesse levar o seu sobrinho a qualquer lugar do mundo, para onde iriam?

よくある質問

10 問

You say 'sobrinho'. It is a masculine noun. For example, 'O meu sobrinho' means 'My nephew'. Make sure to use the 'nh' sound correctly.

The feminine form is 'sobrinha', which means 'niece'. You would use it for the daughter of your brother or sister. For example, 'A minha sobrinha'.

Yes, in Portuguese, the masculine plural 'sobrinhos' is used to refer to a group of nephews or a mixed-gender group of nephews and nieces. You only use 'sobrinhas' if the group is entirely female.

A 'sobrinho-neto' is a grand-nephew. He is the grandson of your brother or sister (or the son of your nephew or niece).

The 'nh' is a palatal nasal sound. It is similar to the 'ny' in the English word 'onion' or the 'ñ' in Spanish 'mañana'. Your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth.

No, 'sobrinho' is only for the son of a sibling. The word for cousin is 'primo'. However, 'sobrinho-segundo' can be used for a cousin's son.

It is an affectionate term for a boy who is not a biological nephew but is loved as if he were one, such as the son of a very close friend.

In European Portuguese, it is standard to use the article: 'O meu sobrinho'. In Brazilian Portuguese, it is often omitted: 'Meu sobrinho'. Both are understood everywhere.

The diminutive is 'sobrinhinho'. It is used to refer to a baby nephew or to show deep affection for a nephew of any age.

Yes, it is extremely common. Family is very important in Lusophone cultures, so kinship terms like 'sobrinho' are used daily in conversation.

自分をテスト 187 問

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'My nephew is ten years old.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I have three nephews.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'This is my favorite nephew.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'My nephew lives in Portugal.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I am going to visit my nephew.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'My nephew is very intelligent.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The ball is for the nephew.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'My nephew likes to play soccer.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'I love my nephews.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'His nephew is tall.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sobrinho' and 'escola'.

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'sobrinho' and 'presente'.

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I am proud of my nephew.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'My nephew is my godson.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The nephew inherited the house.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe your nephew in 3 sentences.

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Where is your nephew?'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'My nephews are at the park.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I have a baby nephew.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'My nephew wants to be a doctor.'

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

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'sobrinho' aloud.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I have a nephew' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce the plural 'sobrinhos'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My nephew is small' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The nephew's name is Pedro'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew likes soccer'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I'm going to see my nephew'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Pronounce 'sobrinhinho'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He is my nephew'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew is very smart'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I love my nephew'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'How is your nephew?'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew is ten'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'He is like a nephew to me'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew is at school'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I need to call my nephew'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'My nephew is tall'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'The gift is for the nephew'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'My nephew lives in Lisbon'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho é um menino.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Tenho orgulho no meu sobrinho.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O sobrinho está a dormir.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Os meus sobrinhos são engraçados.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Vou comprar um brinquedo para o meu sobrinho.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho chama-se Tiago.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ele é o sobrinho da Maria.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho gosta de gelado.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'A mala é do meu sobrinho.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho já sabe andar.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho é muito simpático.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho-neto é lindo.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Onde está o teu sobrinho?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'O meu sobrinho estuda muito.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and write: 'Os meus sobrinhos vivem no Porto.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 187 correct

Perfect score!

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