In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'to take a shower' in Portuguese.
- Used daily and is socially essential in Lusophone cultures.
- Can be used in any setting, from home to work.
Meaning
While it literally means taking a shower, it's the universal way to describe the act of washing yourself, whether in a tub or under a showerhead.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a morning routine
Eu sempre tomo banho logo depois de acordar.
I always take a shower right after waking up.
Texting a friend to explain a delay
Peraí, só vou tomar um banho rapidinho e já saio!
Wait, I'll just take a quick shower and I'm leaving!
A parent talking to a child
Filho, já está na hora de tomar banho!
Son, it's already time to take a bath/shower!
Cultural Background
Brazil is often cited as the country that showers the most in the world, averaging 14 showers per week. This habit originates from indigenous cultures like the Tupinambá, who bathed in rivers multiple times daily. Today, it is a social norm; showing up sweaty to a social event is considered quite rude.
The 'Shower Invite'
If a Brazilian host asks if you want to 'tomar um banho', they aren't saying you smell! It's a high form of hospitality in a hot climate.
Don't say 'Fazer Banho'
In English you 'take' or 'make' things, but in Portuguese, you never 'make' a bath. Always use 'tomar'.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'to take a shower' in Portuguese.
- Used daily and is socially essential in Lusophone cultures.
- Can be used in any setting, from home to work.
What It Means
Tomar banho is your go-to phrase for personal hygiene. In Brazil and Portugal, it almost always refers to a shower. We rarely use bathtubs for daily cleaning. It is a simple, essential part of the daily routine. You will hear it every single day.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'to shower' in English. It is a verb-noun combination. You can conjugate tomar in any tense. Want to say you are busy? Say Estou tomando banho. Want to tell someone they smell? Maybe don't, but you'd use this phrase! It is flexible and works for everyone from toddlers to CEOs.
When To Use It
Use it when you are heading to the bathroom. Use it when discussing your morning routine. It is perfect for texting a friend to explain why you're late. 'Sorry, I was tomando banho!' is the ultimate universal excuse. It is also used when coming back from the beach or gym.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it as a metaphor for 'getting in trouble' like some English idioms. Also, don't confuse it with dar banho. That means you are washing someone else, like a dog or a baby. If you say vou dar banho to a friend, they might look at you very strangely. Unless they are a very, very close friend.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are famous for taking multiple showers a day. It is not uncommon to tomar banho three times in the summer. It is a point of national pride and cleanliness. If you visit someone's house, they might even offer you a shower. It is a gesture of hospitality, not an insult to your scent! This stems from indigenous roots and the tropical climate.
Common Variations
You might hear tomar uma ducha for a quick rinse. In some regions, people say tomar um chuveiro, though it is less common. There is also the slang tomar um banho de loja. This means going on a massive shopping spree to change your look. It has nothing to do with water, but everything to do with a fresh start!
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally applicable across all social classes and regions. It is neutral in register, meaning it's never too formal or too rude.
The 'Shower Invite'
If a Brazilian host asks if you want to 'tomar um banho', they aren't saying you smell! It's a high form of hospitality in a hot climate.
Don't say 'Fazer Banho'
In English you 'take' or 'make' things, but in Portuguese, you never 'make' a bath. Always use 'tomar'.
Sea vs. Shower
You can also say 'tomar banho de mar' to mean swimming in the ocean. It's not about soap, just enjoying the water!
Examples
6Eu sempre tomo banho logo depois de acordar.
I always take a shower right after waking up.
A standard description of a daily habit.
Peraí, só vou tomar um banho rapidinho e já saio!
Wait, I'll just take a quick shower and I'm leaving!
The word 'rapidinho' makes it sound more casual and urgent.
Filho, já está na hora de tomar banho!
Son, it's already time to take a bath/shower!
Common household command.
Gostaria de tomar um banho antes do jantar, o quarto está pronto?
I would like to take a shower before dinner, is the room ready?
Shows the phrase is perfectly acceptable in formal service contexts.
Está tão quente que eu quero tomar banho de gelo!
It's so hot that I want to take a bath in ice!
Hyperbole used to complain about the weather.
Tudo que eu preciso agora é tomar um banho e dormir.
All I need now is to take a shower and sleep.
Expresses a deep need for comfort and reset.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct conjugation for 'I need to shower'.
Eu preciso ___ banho agora.
After the verb 'precisar de' (or just 'precisar' in casual speech), we use the infinitive 'tomar'.
How do you say 'He is showering'?
Ele está ___ banho.
We use the gerund 'tomando' to describe an action happening right now.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Tomar Banho'
Talking to siblings or roommates.
Vou tomar banho, tchau!
Standard daily usage.
Ele está tomando banho.
Polite inquiry or explanation.
O senhor deseja tomar um banho?
When to use 'Tomar Banho'
After the gym
Preciso de um banho urgente!
Morning routine
Tomo banho às 7h.
Before a date
Vou me arrumar e tomar banho.
At the beach
Vou tomar banho de mar.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu preciso ___ banho agora.
After the verb 'precisar de' (or just 'precisar' in casual speech), we use the infinitive 'tomar'.
Ele está ___ banho.
We use the gerund 'tomando' to describe an action happening right now.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically no, it can mean a bathtub too, but since showers are the norm in Brazil and Portugal, that is what people will assume. If you specifically mean a bathtub, you might say tomar banho de banheira.
Yes, if it's relevant! For example, if you're explaining why you'll be late to a dinner after work, saying Vou passar em casa para tomar um banho is perfectly professional.
Tomar banho is the complete act of showering. Se lavar usually refers to just washing your hands or face, or a specific part of the body.
No, that is a literal translation from English 'take a bath' that doesn't work. Always use the verb tomar.
You might hear entrar no chuveiro (get in the shower), but tomar banho is so short and easy that slang isn't really necessary.
You can say Vou tomar banho. It's the most natural way to express the future intent.
It means to get soaked by the rain. It's often used when you get caught in a storm without an umbrella.
Yes, it is the standard phrase in all Portuguese-speaking countries, including Portugal and Angola.
For animals, we usually say dar banho no cachorro (give the dog a bath). The animal toma banho, but you dá o banho.
This is a funny expression for a 'cat wash'—when you just wash the essential parts quickly with a wet cloth instead of taking a full shower.
Related Phrases
tomar uma ducha
banho de banheira
dar banho
banho de sol
banho de mar
