This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #7,000 most common 12 min read

bigode

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bigode in 30 Seconds

Explanation bigode in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'bigode' means mustache. It is a masculine noun ('o bigode'). You use it to describe people. For example, 'Ele tem um bigode' (He has a mustache). It is part of the basic vocabulary for describing physical appearance. You will mostly see it with the verb 'ter' (to have). Don't worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on identifying it in pictures and simple sentences. Remember that in Portuguese, we use the singular 'bigode' even though it might look like two parts on the face. It's one of the first words you'll learn when talking about the face, alongside 'olhos' (eyes) and 'boca' (mouth). Practice saying 'o bigode' to get the masculine gender right from the start. You might also see 'bigodinho' in children's books or when talking about a small mustache.

At the A2 level, you start using 'bigode' with more adjectives and verbs. You can say 'Ele tem um bigode grande' (He has a big mustache) or 'O bigode dele é preto' (His mustache is black). You also learn the difference between 'bigode' and 'barba' (beard). You might start to encounter the act of grooming: 'Ele faz o bigode' (He trims/grooms his mustache). You should be able to describe a person's facial hair in more detail. You might also hear the word used for cats' whiskers in simple stories. This is a good time to practice the pronunciation, especially the 'g' sound and the final 'e' which sounds like 'i' in Brazil. You're moving beyond just 'having' a mustache to describing its qualities like color and size.

At the B1 level, you can use 'bigode' in more complex sentences and common expressions. You might say 'Eu estou deixando o bigode crescer' (I am letting my mustache grow). You'll understand the use of the definite article 'o' instead of 'meu' (my). You also start to learn about the 'fio do bigode' expression, meaning a promise or a man's word, though it's a bit old-fashioned. You can describe different styles of mustaches using more specific adjectives like 'aparado' (trimmed) or 'grisalho' (graying). You might also encounter the word in news reports or more detailed descriptions of people. This level involves understanding the cultural context of mustaches in Portuguese-speaking history, such as famous figures known for their 'bigode'.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with idiomatic uses of 'bigode'. You will understand phrases like 'dar um bigode' (to outplay someone) in sports contexts. You can discuss the social implications and fashion trends related to 'bigode'. You'll notice how the word is used in literature to build character. You can use the word in the plural 'bigodes' when referring to animals' whiskers without confusion. You should also be able to use the augmentative 'bigodão' and the adjective 'bigodudo' correctly to add flavor to your descriptions. At this level, you're not just describing a face; you're using the word to convey nuance, humor, and cultural references.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's nuances. You can appreciate its use in 19th-century literature (like Eça de Queirós) where a 'bigode' symbolized social status or virility. You understand the etymology (from 'bei Gott') and how it reflects historical military influences. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors and understand when a speaker is being ironic or nostalgic. You are aware of regional differences in pronunciation and usage between Portugal, Brazil, and Angola. You can participate in complex discussions about gender and identity where 'bigode' might be used as a symbol of traditional masculinity. Your use of the word is fluid and contextually perfect.

At the C2 level, 'bigode' is a tool for stylistic expression. You can use it in creative writing, poetry, or high-level academic discourse about culture and linguistics. You understand even the most obscure regional slang or archaic meanings. You can play with the word's sounds and associations to create puns or double entendres. You have a mastery of the 'fio do bigode' concept in the context of legal history or social contracts in the Lusophone world. You can analyze how the 'bigode' has been used as a political tool or a symbol of rebellion in different eras. For you, the word is not just a noun; it's a piece of a vast cultural and linguistic mosaic that you navigate with native-like ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bigode in 30 Seconds

Bigode is the Portuguese word for mustache, a masculine noun used to describe facial hair specifically located on the upper lip of men.
It is a central part of physical descriptions in Portuguese and carries significant cultural meanings related to honor and traditional masculinity.
Common verbs associated with it include 'ter' (to have), 'aparar' (to trim), and 'raspar' (to shave), always using masculine agreement.
The word also appears in popular idioms like 'dar um bigode' (to outplay) and 'no fio do bigode' (a promise of honor).

The Portuguese word bigode refers specifically to the hair that grows on a man's upper lip, known in English as a mustache. While it is a common anatomical term, its usage in the Lusophone world carries deep cultural weight, historical significance, and a variety of idiomatic applications that go far beyond simple facial hair description. In a literal sense, bigode is a masculine noun, and you will almost always see it preceded by the definite article o or the indefinite article um. Physically, a bigode can range from a tiny, thin line, often referred to as a bigodinho, to a thick, bushy growth known as a bigodão.

Anatomical Precision: In Portuguese, we distinguish clearly between the barba (beard), which covers the chin and cheeks, and the bigode, which is strictly restricted to the area between the nose and the mouth. If a man has both, he is said to have barba e bigode.

O barbeiro usou uma navalha afiada para aparar o bigode do cliente com perfeição.

Historically, the bigode has been a symbol of authority, masculinity, and sometimes even political leaning in Brazil and Portugal. During the early 20th century, a well-groomed mustache was a requirement for many formal professions. Today, while it is more of a fashion choice, it remains a central part of many men's identities.

Social Context: In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the word can also appear in expressions related to trust or deals. A 'fio do bigode' (a hair from the mustache) refers to a man's word or a verbal contract, stemming from a time when pulling a hair from one's mustache was a physical pledge of honor.

Ele decidiu deixar o bigode crescer para o evento de caridade em novembro.

In modern pop culture, the 'bigode' has seen a resurgence through movements like Movember, known in Portuguese-speaking countries as 'Novembro Azul'. This has transformed the word from a simple noun into a symbol of health awareness. Whether you are at a hipster barbershop in Lisbon or a traditional 'boteco' in Rio de Janeiro, you will hear men discussing the maintenance, style, and thickness of their bigodes.

Variations: Portuguese speakers often use augmentatives or diminutives to convey emotion. A 'bigodinho' might be seen as stylish or youthful, whereas a 'bigodão' implies a certain ruggedness or vintage appeal.

Aquele ator famoso é reconhecido pelo seu bigode excêntrico e bem cuidado.

O time da casa levou um bigode dos visitantes e perdeu de cinco a zero.

Ultimately, the word is essential for basic descriptions of people and for understanding a wide range of cultural metaphors involving honor, masculinity, and style.

Using bigode in a sentence requires an understanding of how nouns function in Portuguese, specifically regarding gender and number agreement. Since bigode is masculine, any adjective modifying it must also be masculine. For instance, 'a thick mustache' becomes um bigode grosso. If we are talking about multiple mustaches, the plural is bigodes, and the adjective follows: bigodes grossos.

Common Verbs: The most common verbs used with bigode are 'ter' (to have), 'deixar crescer' (to let grow), 'aparar' (to trim), 'fazer' (to shave/style), and 'raspar' (to shave off completely).

Meu avô sempre teve um bigode muito imponente que ele penteava todas as manhãs.

When describing the act of growing a mustache, Portuguese speakers often say estou deixando o bigode crescer. Notice the use of the definite article o. Unlike English, where we might say 'I'm growing my mustache,' Portuguese frequently uses the definite article when referring to body parts or personal attributes, as the ownership is implied by the verb or the context.

Positioning Adjectives: Adjectives usually follow the noun. 'A gray mustache' is um bigode grisalho. However, for emphasis or poetic effect, you might occasionally see the adjective before, though this is rare for this specific word.

Você viu como o bigode dele ficou engraçado depois que ele tentou cortá-lo sozinho?

In more complex sentence structures, bigode can be the subject or the object. For example, O bigode dele chama muita atenção (His mustache draws a lot of attention). Here, o bigode is the subject. In Eu não gosto de bigode (I don't like mustaches), it is the object of the preposition. Note that in Portuguese, we often use the singular bigode to refer to the concept of having a mustache in general.

Para a peça de teatro, o ator precisou colar um bigode falso que caía o tempo todo.

Another nuance is the use of 'de' to describe people. O homem de bigode means 'the man with a mustache'. This 'de' functions as a descriptive marker.

Metaphorical Usage: In a sentence like 'Ele honrou o bigode', it doesn't mean he literally did something to his facial hair, but rather that he acted with integrity and kept his word.

O detetive limpou os restos de café do seu bigode enquanto analisava as pistas.

Antigamente, era comum ver policiais de bigode para transmitir uma imagem de maior seriedade.

By mastering these patterns, you can describe people effectively and understand the subtle social cues embedded in how Portuguese speakers talk about facial hair.

The word bigode is ubiquitous in daily life across the Portuguese-speaking world. You will hear it most frequently in casual conversations, barbershops, and when describing people. In Brazil, for example, 'Bigode' is a very common nickname, especially for older men or football players. If you go to a traditional barber, the first thing they might ask is Vai fazer o bigode também? (Are you going to do the mustache too?).

In the Barbershop: Barbers use specific terminology. They might talk about 'alinhar o bigode' (aligning the mustache) or 'tirar o volume do bigode' (reducing the bulk). These are technical but common terms you'll hear in any 'barbearia'.

Fui à barbearia para dar um trato no meu bigode e na barba.

In the world of sports, particularly football (soccer), the word takes on a more dynamic meaning. Commentators often use the phrase levar um bigode to describe a team that is being thoroughly outplayed. It's a colorful way of saying they are being 'taken for a ride' or 'schooled'. You might also hear about a player with a 'bigode de respeito' (a respectable mustache), which is a common way fans show admiration for a player's style.

Literature and Media: In Portuguese literature, characters are often defined by their mustaches. From the works of Machado de Assis to Eça de Queirós, the bigode serves as a marker of class and personality. In movies and 'novelas', a villain might be seen twirling his mustache, referred to as 'enrolar o bigode'.

O gato estava limpando os seus bigodes depois de beber o leite na tigela.

Another interesting place you hear this word is in historical or political discussions. Mustaches were a hallmark of many 20th-century leaders, and people might refer to 'o bigode de Stalin' or 'o bigode de Hitler' when discussing history. In a lighter context, during carnival, you will see many people wearing 'bigodes postiços' (fake mustaches) as part of their costumes.

Everyday Idioms: When someone is very close to achieving something, a Brazilian might say they are 'por um fio de bigode', meaning by a hair's breadth. This highlights how the word is integrated into the very fabric of the language's idiomatic expressions.

O piloto venceu a corrida por um fio de bigode, foi uma chegada emocionante.

O velho marinheiro contava histórias incríveis enquanto alisava o seu bigode branco.

Whether in the high-stakes environment of a stadium or the quiet corner of a neighborhood bakery, 'bigode' is a word that carries stories, humor, and a touch of old-world charm.

For English speakers, the word bigode is relatively straightforward, but there are several linguistic and cultural pitfalls to avoid. The first and most common mistake is gender. Because many words ending in 'e' can be tricky, learners often mistakenly use the feminine article a. Remember: it is always o bigode. Saying a bigode is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Confusion with 'Barba': In English, 'beard' can sometimes be used as a catch-all term for facial hair. In Portuguese, barba and bigode are strictly separate. If you say someone has a barba when they only have a mustache, you are being imprecise. Use bigode for the upper lip and barba for the rest.

Não confunda: ele não tem barba, ele tem apenas um bigode bem fino.

Another mistake involves the plural. While 'mustache' in English is usually singular even if it has two sides, in Portuguese, you can use the plural bigodes to refer to the individual hairs or the two sides of the mustache, particularly when talking about animals. However, for humans, we typically use the singular o bigode to refer to the whole thing. Saying ele tem bigodes sounds like he has multiple mustaches or cat whiskers.

The 'De' Construction: English speakers often try to translate 'the mustached man' literally. While o homem bigodudo exists, the most natural way to say it is o homem de bigode. Forgetting the 'de' and saying o homem bigode is incorrect.

O erro mais comum é dizer 'a bigode'; lembre-se sempre que o gênero é masculino: o bigode.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'o' in bigode is open in some dialects and closed in others, but the final 'e' is almost always reduced to an 'i' sound in Brazil (bee-GOH-jee) or almost disappears in Portugal (bee-GOHTH). Learners often over-pronounce the final 'e' as 'ay', which sounds unnatural.

Idiomatic Misuse: Using 'dar um bigode' in a formal business meeting might be too slangy. It's better suited for sports or casual banter with friends. Understanding the 'register' or formality level is key.

Ele tentou usar a expressão 'dar um bigode' em uma reunião séria e ninguém entendeu o que ele quis dizer.

Muitos alunos esquecem de colocar o artigo antes da palavra: 'Ele tem bigode' é aceitável, mas 'Ele tem o bigode grande' é mais comum.

Finally, be wary of the word bigodinho. While it often just means 'small mustache', in certain contexts in Brazil, it was a slang term for a specific type of person or style associated with certain subcultures. Always pay attention to the context in which these variations are used.

To truly enrich your Portuguese vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words related to bigode and how they differ. The most obvious related term is barba. While 'bigode' is just the upper lip, barba covers everything else on the face. If someone has hair only on their chin, that is a cavanhaque (goatee). If they have hair on the sides of their face, those are costeletas (sideburns).

Bigode vs. Buço: This is a crucial distinction. Bigode is for men's intentional facial hair. Buço is the technical and polite term for the fine hair on the upper lip of women or children. Using 'bigode' for a woman is usually a joke or an insult.

O ator precisou tirar a barba e deixar apenas o bigode para o seu novo papel no cinema.

Another set of alternatives involves the adjectives used to describe the bigode. Instead of just saying 'bigode', you can use bigodudo (a man with a big mustache). In some regions of Brazil, you might hear bigodeira, which is a more informal, sometimes messy way to refer to a large mustache or the general area of the mustache.

Stylistic Alternatives: There are specific names for mustache styles. A 'bigode de mola' is a handlebar mustache. A 'bigode de broxa' is a thick, brush-like mustache. These terms add a layer of descriptive richness to your speech.

Ele usa um bigode de mola que exige muito tempo e cera para manter o formato.

In terms of verbs, 'raspar' (to shave) is the most common for complete removal, but 'aparar' (to trim) is essential for maintenance. You might also hear 'desenhar o bigode', which means to style or shape it carefully with a razor. This is common in modern 'barbearias' where precision is key.

Comparison Table: Bigode: Upper lip only. Barba: Chin and cheeks. Cavanhaque: Chin only. Costeletas: Sides of the face. Buço: Fine hair (usually on women).

O detetive tinha um bigode tão grande que quase cobria a sua boca inteira.

Não é apenas um bigode, é uma declaração de estilo pessoal.

Understanding these synonyms and related terms allows you to navigate descriptions of appearance with much more precision and avoid the social awkwardness of using the wrong term for the wrong person or style.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O cavalheiro ostentava um bigode meticulosamente aparado."

Neutral

"Ele tem um bigode preto e curto."

Informal

"Cara, que bigodão é esse?"

Child friendly

"O vovô tem um bigode que faz cócegas!"

Slang

"O moleque deu um bigode no zagueiro!"

Fun Fact

In some legends, the word was also associated with the 'Visigoths' (Bisi-godos), but the 'bei Gott' theory is more widely accepted by linguists.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /biˈɡɔ.ði/

US /biˈɡo.dʒi/

The stress is on the second syllable: bi-GO-de.

Rhymes With

Engole (swallows) Pode (can) Bode (goat) Pagode (a music style) Sacode (shakes) Eletrodo (electrode) Roda-viva (rhymes with the 'o' sound) Bigode (itself)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ay' (like 'café'). In most dialects, it's either an 'i' sound or silent.
Using a hard English 'g' as in 'giant'. It should be a hard 'g' as in 'goat'.
Stress on the first syllable. It must be on the 'go'.
Nasalizing the 'i'. It should be a clear, non-nasal vowel.
In Portugal, making the 'd' too explosive. It's often softer, almost like a 'th' in 'this'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its similarity to the Spanish 'bigote'.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember the masculine gender.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the final 'e' varies by region.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'bode' (goat) if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Rosto Cabelo Homem Ter Grande

Learn Next

Barba Cavanhaque Costeletas Sobrancelhas Pele

Advanced

Pilosidade Fio do bigode Navalha Barbearia Estética

Grammar to Know

Gender of nouns ending in -e

O bigode (masculine), a ponte (feminine).

Augmentative with -ão

Bigode -> Bigodão.

Diminutive with -inho

Bigode -> Bigodinho.

Adjective agreement

Bigode grosso, bigodes grossos.

Possessive placement

O bigode dele (His mustache).

Examples by Level

O homem tem um bigode.

The man has a mustache.

Uses the singular masculine article 'um'.

O meu pai não tem bigode.

My father doesn't have a mustache.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

O bigode dele é muito pequeno.

His mustache is very small.

Possessive 'dele' follows the noun.

Eu vejo um bigode na foto.

I see a mustache in the photo.

Direct object 'um bigode'.

O gato tem bigodes brancos.

The cat has white whiskers.

Plural 'bigodes' used for animal whiskers.

Aquele senhor de bigode é meu avô.

That gentleman with the mustache is my grandfather.

Use of 'de' to mean 'with'.

O bigode é preto.

The mustache is black.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Onde está o bigode postiço?

Where is the fake mustache?

Question form with 'Onde está'.

Ele gosta de usar bigode no inverno.

He likes to wear a mustache in the winter.

Verb 'gostar de' followed by the noun.

O bigode dele ficou sujo de leite.

His mustache got dirty with milk.

Verb 'ficar' used to describe a change in state.

Você prefere barba ou bigode?

Do you prefer a beard or a mustache?

Comparative question using 'ou'.

O barbeiro cortou o bigode muito curto.

The barber cut the mustache too short.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective 'curto'.

O detetive do filme tem um bigode famoso.

The detective in the movie has a famous mustache.

Adjective 'famoso' following the noun.

Eu preciso aparar o meu bigode hoje.

I need to trim my mustache today.

Infinitive 'aparar' after 'preciso'.

O bigode dele é grisalho e elegante.

His mustache is graying and elegant.

Two adjectives connected by 'e'.

Ninguém reconheceu o ator sem o bigode.

Nobody recognized the actor without the mustache.

Preposition 'sem' (without).

Ele está deixando o bigode crescer para o Movember.

He is letting his mustache grow for Movember.

Present continuous 'está deixando'.

O avô sempre dizia que a palavra dele era no fio do bigode.

The grandfather always said his word was as good as a mustache hair (a bond).

Idiomatic expression 'no fio do bigode'.

O bigode dele é tão grosso que esconde o sorriso.

His mustache is so thick that it hides his smile.

Consecutive clause with 'tão... que'.

Aparar o bigode exige muita paciência e uma mão firme.

Trimming the mustache requires a lot of patience and a steady hand.

Gerund-like infinitive use at the start of the sentence.

Ele se sente mais maduro agora que tem bigode.

He feels more mature now that he has a mustache.

Conjunction 'agora que' (now that).

O personagem principal é um vilão de bigode comprido.

The main character is a villain with a long mustache.

Adjective 'comprido' (long).

Não se esqueça de pentear o bigode antes de sair.

Don't forget to comb your mustache before going out.

Imperative 'não se esqueça'.

O bigode ruivo dele combina com o cabelo.

His red mustache matches his hair.

Verb 'combinar com' (to match/suit).

O time visitante deu um bigode no campeão em pleno estádio.

The visiting team outplayed the champion right in their own stadium.

Idiomatic use of 'dar um bigode' (to outplay).

Ele ostenta um bigode imperial que atrai olhares por onde passa.

He sports an imperial mustache that draws looks wherever he goes.

Verb 'ostentar' (to show off/sport).

A moda do bigode voltou com força entre os jovens urbanos.

The mustache trend has returned strongly among urban youth.

Abstract noun 'moda' as the subject.

Ele raspou o bigode por causa de uma aposta que perdeu.

He shaved his mustache because of a bet he lost.

Prepositional phrase 'por causa de'.

O detetive limpou o bigode pensativamente enquanto ouvia o suspeito.

The detective wiped his mustache thoughtfully while listening to the suspect.

Adverb 'pensativamente' (thoughtfully).

Muitos atores usam bigode para parecerem mais velhos em cena.

Many actors wear a mustache to look older on stage.

Finality clause 'para' + infinitive.

Aquele bigodudo ali é o dono da padaria.

That man with the big mustache over there is the bakery owner.

Use of the adjective/noun 'bigodudo'.

O bigode pode mudar completamente a expressão de um rosto.

A mustache can completely change a face's expression.

Modal verb 'pode' (can/may).

A literatura do século XIX está repleta de cavalheiros de bigode impecável.

19th-century literature is full of gentlemen with impeccable mustaches.

Adjective 'repleta de' (full of).

O político tentou dar um bigode nos jornalistas, mas foi desmascarado.

The politician tried to trick the journalists, but he was exposed.

Metaphorical use of 'dar um bigode' as 'to trick'.

A manutenção de um bigode de mola exige ceras específicas e técnica apurada.

Maintaining a handlebar mustache requires specific waxes and refined technique.

Subject is a complex noun phrase.

Sua promessa, firmada no fio do bigode, era mais sagrada que qualquer contrato.

His promise, made on his honor, was more sacred than any contract.

Appositive phrase 'firmada no fio do bigode'.

O ator recusou-se a cortar o bigode, alegando que era sua marca registrada.

The actor refused to cut his mustache, claiming it was his trademark.

Reflexive verb 'recusar-se'.

A imagem do português típico de bigode e tamancos é um estereótipo ultrapassado.

The image of the typical Portuguese man with a mustache and clogs is an outdated stereotype.

Adjective 'ultrapassado' (outdated).

Ele alisava o bigode com um gesto nervoso, revelando sua ansiedade.

He stroked his mustache with a nervous gesture, revealing his anxiety.

Gerund 'revelando' expressing consequence.

O bigode de Dalí tornou-se um ícone do surrealismo mundial.

Dalí's mustache became an icon of global surrealism.

Proper noun possessive 'de Dalí'.

A semântica da palavra 'bigode' transcende a mera descrição pilosa, adentrando o campo da honra.

The semantics of the word 'bigode' transcends mere hair description, entering the field of honor.

High-level vocabulary like 'pilosa' and 'transcende'.

O autor utiliza o bigode do protagonista como uma metonímia para sua rigidez moral.

The author uses the protagonist's mustache as a metonymy for his moral rigidity.

Literary term 'metonímia'.

Naquela época, a ausência de bigode em um homem adulto era vista com desconfiança social.

At that time, the absence of a mustache on an adult man was viewed with social suspicion.

Passive voice 'era vista'.

A etimologia germânica de 'bigode' ilustra as complexas trocas linguísticas na Península Ibérica.

The Germanic etymology of 'bigode' illustrates the complex linguistic exchanges in the Iberian Peninsula.

Subject-verb agreement with a complex subject.

O dândi exibia um bigode cujas pontas eram meticulosamente esculpidas com pomada.

The dandy displayed a mustache whose tips were meticulously sculpted with pomade.

Relative pronoun 'cujas' (whose).

A desconstrução do 'bigode' como símbolo fálico é um tema recorrente nos estudos de gênero contemporâneos.

The deconstruction of the 'mustache' as a phallic symbol is a recurring theme in contemporary gender studies.

Complex abstract noun phrases.

O orador, de bigode imponente, proferiu um discurso que ecoou pelas décadas seguintes.

The orator, with an imposing mustache, delivered a speech that echoed through the following decades.

Parenthetical descriptive phrase 'de bigode imponente'.

Não se tratava apenas de estética; o bigode era o estandarte de uma masculinidade em xeque.

It wasn't just about aesthetics; the mustache was the banner of a masculinity under scrutiny.

Metaphorical use of 'estandarte' (banner/standard).

Common Collocations

Aparar o bigode

Deixar o bigode crescer

Bigode grosso

Bigode ralo

Bigode postiço

Fazer o bigode

Bigode grisalho

Sujeira no bigode

Pente para bigode

Bigode de respeito

Common Phrases

Homem de bigode

— A man who has a mustache. It is the most common way to describe this physical trait.

Aquele homem de bigode é o meu professor.

Bigode a bigode

— Face to face or in a very close competition. Similar to 'neck and neck'.

A corrida foi disputada bigode a bigode até o fim.

Passar a mão no bigode

— A gesture of thinking or preparing for something, often showing confidence.

Ele passou a mão no bigode antes de dar a resposta final.

Bigode de leite

— The white residue left on the upper lip after drinking milk.

A criança ficou com um bigode de leite engraçado.

Cuidado com o bigode

— Watch out; be careful. A humorous way to tell someone to be cautious.

Cuidado com o bigode ao entrar nessa sala baixa!

Bigode de mola

— A handlebar mustache with curled ends.

O artista de circo usava um bigode de mola impecável.

Bigode de broxa

— A very thick, straight mustache that resembles a brush.

O sargento tinha um bigode de broxa assustador.

Bigode de chinês

— The nasolabial folds (wrinkles from the nose to the mouth corners).

Ela quer fazer um tratamento para o bigode de chinês.

Bigode de foca

— A thin mustache that droops down at the ends.

Ele não gosta do seu bigode de foca e quer mudá-lo.

Bigode de gato

— Referring to cat whiskers or a person with very thin, long mustache hairs.

O menino desenhou um bigode de gato no rosto para a festa.

Often Confused With

bigode vs Barba

Barba is the whole beard; bigode is only the upper lip.

bigode vs Bode

Bode means goat. The words sound similar but are unrelated.

bigode vs Buço

Buço is for women/kids; bigode is for men's styled hair.

Idioms & Expressions

"No fio do bigode"

— Based on a verbal promise or honor alone, without a written contract.

Antigamente, os negócios eram feitos no fio do bigode.

Old-fashioned/Informal

"Dar um bigode"

— To outplay, outsmart, or humiliate an opponent, especially in sports.

O Brasil deu um bigode na Argentina naquele jogo.

Informal/Sports

"Levar um bigode"

— To be outplayed or defeated soundly.

O meu time levou um bigode no domingo passado.

Informal

"De bigode"

— Something serious, high-quality, or done with authority.

Aquele foi um gol de bigode!

Informal/Regional

"Por um fio de bigode"

— By a very narrow margin; by a hair's breadth.

Ele escapou do acidente por um fio de bigode.

Informal

"Cair o bigode"

— To be extremely surprised or shocked.

Quando ouvi a notícia, quase me caiu o bigode.

Humorous/Rare

"Molhar o bigode"

— To have a drink, usually alcoholic.

Vamos ali no bar molhar o bigode?

Informal

"Papo de bigode"

— A serious, honest conversation between men.

Isso aqui é papo de bigode, não conte para ninguém.

Informal/Slang

"Honrar o bigode"

— To act with integrity and keep one's word.

Ele é um homem que honra o bigode.

Traditional

"Botar o bigode de molho"

— To wait, to be patient, or to take a break (similar to 'barba de molho').

Depois dessa confusão, é melhor botar o bigode de molho.

Informal/Regional

Easily Confused

bigode vs Bigodudo

Learners think it's a separate noun.

It is an adjective meaning 'having a big mustache'.

Aquele homem bigodudo é meu tio.

bigode vs Mostacho

Sounds like 'mustache'.

It's a more informal or literary synonym.

Ele limpou o mostacho após a sopa.

bigode vs Cavanhaque

Both are facial hair.

Cavanhaque is a goatee (chin hair).

Ele usa bigode e cavanhaque.

bigode vs Costeleta

Both are facial hair.

Costeleta is sideburns.

Ele cortou as costeletas mas deixou o bigode.

bigode vs Pêlo

General vs. specific.

Pêlo is any hair on the body; bigode is specific to the lip.

O bigode é feito de pêlos grossos.

Sentence Patterns

Ele tem [bigode].

Ele tem bigode.

O [bigode] é [adjetivo].

O bigode é preto.

Deixar o [bigode] crescer.

Vou deixar o bigode crescer.

Aparar o [bigode].

Ele precisa aparar o bigode.

Dar um [bigode] em [alguém].

O atacante deu um bigode no goleiro.

No fio do [bigode].

Fizemos o acordo no fio do bigode.

Um homem de [bigode] [adjetivo].

Um homem de bigode farto.

[Bigode] como símbolo de [conceito].

O bigode como símbolo de virilidade.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech and descriptions.

Common Mistakes

A bigode → O bigode
'Bigode' is a masculine noun. Using 'a' is a gender error.
Ele tem bigodes → Ele tem bigode
In Portuguese, we use the singular for the facial hair style of a human.
O homem bigode → O homem de bigode
You need the preposition 'de' to describe a person with a mustache.
Eu corto meu bigode → Eu aparo o meu bigode
'Aparar' is the more specific and natural verb for trimming facial hair.
Usar 'bigode' para mulheres educadamente → Usar 'buço'
'Bigode' is masculine and can be offensive if used for women's facial hair.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'bigode' with masculine adjectives: 'bigode bonito', 'bigode aparado'.

The Honor Code

Understand that 'no fio do bigode' is a powerful idiom about trust and history.

Animals vs Humans

Use plural 'bigodes' for your cat's whiskers but singular 'bigode' for your uncle.

The Final E

In Brazil, say 'bigo-jee'. In Portugal, say 'bigo-th' (almost silent e).

Sports Slang

Use 'dar um bigode' when your favorite team plays exceptionally well.

Grooming Verbs

Learn 'aparar' (trim) and 'raspar' (shave) to talk like a local at the barber.

Description

Use 'de bigode' as a shortcut: 'O homem de bigode' is 'The man with the mustache'.

History

Remember 'bei Gott' to help you remember the word 'bigode'.

Movember

Use 'Novembro Azul' if you want to talk about the mustache for health awareness.

Villains

Mustaches are often used in Portuguese stories to characterize villains or serious figures.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Big-Old-Day' where you decided to grow a 'Bigode'. The 'go' is where you 'go' for it!

Visual Association

Imagine the letter 'B' turned sideways; it looks like a curly handlebar mustache.

Word Web

Barba Rosto Homem Pêlo Navalha Barbearia Estilo Movember

Challenge

Try to describe three famous people who have a 'bigode' using at least two different adjectives for each.

Word Origin

The word 'bigode' has a fascinating origin, likely coming from the German phrase 'bei Gott' (by God).

Original meaning: It is believed that German mercenaries in the 16th century would swear 'bei Gott' while stroking their mustaches, leading the Spanish and Portuguese to associate the phrase with the hair itself.

Germanic origin, adopted into Ibero-Romance languages.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use the word mockingly toward women, as it refers to masculine traits.

Mustaches in English-speaking cultures share similar cycles of popularity, such as the Victorian era and the modern Movember movement.

Salvador Dalí (famous for his eccentric mustache) Freddie Mercury (iconic 80s mustache) Eça de Queirós (Portuguese writer known for his mustache and literary descriptions of them)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Barbershop

Quero aparar o bigode.
Pode desenhar o meu bigode?
Não mexa no bigode, por favor.
Use a navalha no bigode.

Describing a suspect

Ele tinha um bigode fino.
O suspeito usava bigode e óculos.
Era um homem de bigode grisalho.
Ele não tinha bigode na foto.

Sports

Ele deu um bigode na defesa.
Que bigode ele levou!
O técnico tem um bigode clássico.
O time levou um bigode histórico.

Family

O vovô sempre teve bigode.
Você vai deixar o bigode crescer?
Seu bigode está sujo de comida.
O bigode do papai pinica.

History/Literature

O imperador tinha um bigode longo.
Era a moda dos bigodes encerados.
O autor descreve o bigode do vilão.
O bigode era sinal de status.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o bigode está na moda hoje em dia?"

"Qual é o bigode mais famoso que você conhece?"

"Você prefere homens com ou sem bigode?"

"Você já tentou deixar o seu bigode crescer?"

"O que você acha da expressão 'no fio do bigode'?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma pessoa da sua família que tem ou teve um bigode marcante.

Escreva sobre a importância da aparência física e como um bigode muda um rosto.

Você faria um negócio baseado apenas 'no fio do bigode'? Por que sim ou por que não?

Imagine um personagem de um livro que é definido pelo seu bigode. Como ele seria?

Reflita sobre como as tendências de barba e bigode mudaram nos últimos 50 anos.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always masculine: 'o bigode'. Even if you are talking about hair on a woman, the word itself remains masculine, though 'buço' is the preferred term for women.

The plural is 'bigodes'. For humans, we usually use the singular to refer to the mustache as a whole. For animals, 'bigodes' refers to their whiskers.

You say 'deixar o bigode crescer'. You can also use 'cultivar um bigode' in a more formal or poetic sense.

It is a slang expression, mostly used in sports, meaning to completely outplay or trick someone. For example, 'O jogador deu um bigode na defesa'.

Yes, 'bigodes' (plural) is the common word for the whiskers of cats, dogs, and other animals.

'Bigode' is the standard word. 'Mostacho' is a synonym often used to describe a very large, impressive, or funny mustache.

Technically you can, but it is considered rude or a joke. The polite word for the fine hair on a woman's upper lip is 'buço'.

It refers to an old tradition where a man's word was his bond. 'No fio do bigode' means a deal made on honor without papers.

You say 'bigode postiço'. These are common during Carnival or for costumes.

It is an adjective (or noun) for a man who has a large or prominent mustache.