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A1 noun #5,200 most common 12 min read

botão

Top 5,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips botão in 30 Seconds

Explanation botão in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 'botão': a clothing fastener. You will use it when talking about getting dressed or shopping for clothes. For example, you might need to say 'O botão é pequeno' (The button is small) or 'Eu gosto destes botões' (I like these buttons). It is also important at this level to learn the masculine gender ('o botão') and the irregular plural ('os botões'). You will also encounter 'botão' in very simple technology contexts, like 'o botão de ligar' (the power button) on a phone or TV. The goal is to recognize the word in daily life and use it in simple Subject-Verb-Object sentences. You should also be able to identify the color or material of a button, such as 'botão branco' (white button) or 'botão de plástico' (plastic button). Mastery of the nasal '-ão' sound is a key pronunciation goal for A1 students using this word.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'botão' to include more common interactions and a wider variety of objects. You should be comfortable using verbs like 'apertar' (to press) and 'abotoar' (to button). You will use 'botão' when navigating public spaces, such as in an elevator ('Aperte o botão do terceiro andar') or on a bus. You will also start to use it in the context of household appliances, like the microwave or the washing machine. At this level, you should be able to describe problems, such as 'O botão está quebrado' (The button is broken) or 'Falta um botão nesta camisa' (A button is missing from this shirt). You are moving beyond simple identification to describing actions and states involving buttons. You might also encounter the word in simple instructions, like 'Pressione o botão para abrir a porta'.

By the B1 level, you can use 'botão' in more complex sentences and understand its metaphorical uses. You should be able to talk about hobbies or repairs, such as sewing a button ('Vou pregar o botão que caiu'). You will also encounter 'botão' in the context of nature, specifically referring to flower buds ('As flores ainda estão em botão'). At B1, you can use the word in more detailed technical descriptions, such as explaining how a device works. You should also be familiar with common phrases like 'botão de pânico' (panic button) and understand how they are used in a figurative sense. Your grammar should be more precise, correctly using 'botão' with various prepositions and in different tenses (e.g., 'Se eu tivesse apertado o botão, a máquina teria funcionado'). You also start to distinguish 'botão' from 'tecla' more consistently.

At the B2 level, you use 'botão' with greater nuance and in more specialized contexts. You can discuss user interface (UI) design, talking about 'botões de navegação' or 'botões de chamada para ação' (call-to-action buttons). You should be comfortable with idiomatic expressions like 'falar com os seus botões' (to mutter to oneself/think out loud). At this level, you can handle abstract discussions where 'botão' might be used as a metaphor for control or triggers. You can describe the tactile feel of a button (e.g., 'um botão com boa resposta tátil') or its aesthetic qualities in a fashion critique. Your pronunciation of the plural 'botões' should be natural and effortless. You can also participate in discussions about traditional cultural activities like 'futebol de botão' in Brazil, understanding its rules and history.

At the C1 level, your use of 'botão' is sophisticated and context-aware. You can use the word in literary or formal writing, perhaps using the 'flower bud' meaning in a poetic description of spring or youth. You understand the historical evolution of the word and can use it in technical manuals or academic discussions about mechanics or electronics. You are fully comfortable with all idiomatic and slang uses of the word and can detect subtle tones when someone uses the word figuratively. For instance, you would understand the nuance in a political commentary about someone 'having their finger on the button' (ter o dedo no botão). Your command of the grammar surrounding the word is perfect, including complex structures and rare collocations. You can also explain the difference between 'botão' and its synonyms in great detail to a lower-level learner.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'botão'. You can appreciate and use the word in all its polysemic glory, from the most mundane physical object to the most abstract metaphorical concept. You can read classic Portuguese or Brazilian literature where 'botão' might be used in archaic or highly stylistic ways. You can engage in deep cultural discussions about the impact of 'futebol de botão' on Brazilian social life or the history of the garment industry in Portugal. Your use of the word is seamless, and you can even play with the word in puns or creative writing. You understand the etymological roots and how they relate to other Romance languages. For a C2 speaker, 'botão' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool used with precision across every possible domain of human experience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

botão in 30 Seconds

Botão means button for clothes or electronics.
The plural is irregular: botões.
It also means flower bud in nature.
Commonly used with verbs like apertar (press) and abotoar (button).

The Portuguese word botão is a versatile noun that every beginner learner must master early in their journey. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the small, typically circular object used to fasten clothing, such as on a shirt, a pair of trousers, or a coat. However, its utility extends far beyond the realm of fashion. In the modern world, botão is the standard term for any push-button or physical interface element on electronic devices, machinery, and household appliances. Whether you are turning on a television, calling an elevator, or launching a missile in a science fiction movie, you are interacting with a botão.

Clothing Context: In fashion, the botão is both functional and decorative. You will hear it used when someone loses a button (perder um botão) or needs to sew one back on (pregar um botão). It is an essential part of the vocabulary for shopping, tailoring, and daily dressing routines.

O botão da minha camisa caiu enquanto eu corria para o trabalho.

Technology and Mechanics: When using a computer mouse, the left and right clicks are referred to as botão esquerdo and botão direito. In an elevator, you press the botão do andar (floor button). This transition from physical clothing fasteners to mechanical triggers highlights the word's evolution alongside technology.

Furthermore, in the natural world, botão takes on a beautiful metaphorical meaning. It refers to a flower bud—a flower that has not yet opened. This is often seen in literature and poetry, where a botão de rosa (rosebud) symbolizes youth, potential, or burgeoning beauty. This semantic range from a plastic shirt fastener to a delicate spring blossom makes botão a rich word for learners to explore. In Brazil, there is also a very popular traditional game called futebol de botão (button football), where players use circular discs (originally real buttons) to play a tactical version of soccer on a tabletop. This cultural touchstone ensures that every Brazilian child grows up knowing the word in a playful, competitive context.

As roseiras do jardim já estão cheias de botões.

Idiomatic Usage: The phrase apertar o botão de pânico (to press the panic button) is used exactly like in English to describe a state of sudden alarm or emergency action. Another interesting use is falar com os seus botões, which literally translates to 'talking with your buttons' but means to mutter to oneself or to think out loud quietly.

Eu estava aqui pensando com os meus botões se deveríamos viajar amanhã.

In summary, whether you are getting dressed, using your smartphone, gardening, or engaging in a traditional Brazilian pastime, the word botão will be an indispensable part of your vocabulary. Its pronunciation, featuring the characteristic Portuguese nasal diphthong '-ão', also serves as excellent practice for mastering one of the language's most distinct sounds.

Using the word botão correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and how it interacts with various verbs. As a masculine noun, it is always accompanied by masculine articles: o botão (the button) or um botão (a button). The plural form is irregular, following the common Portuguese pattern where -ão changes to -ões, resulting in os botões.

Common Verbs with Clothing Buttons: The most frequent verbs used with clothing buttons are abotoar (to button) and desabotoar (to unbutton). If a button is missing, you use pregar (to sew on/attach). Example: 'Preciso abotoar o casaco porque está frio' (I need to button the coat because it is cold).

Você pode me ajudar a pregar este botão que se soltou?

Interacting with Technology: When dealing with machines or software, the primary verb is apertar (to press) or pressionar (to press, more formal). You might say, 'Aperte o botão verde para iniciar' (Press the green button to start). In digital interfaces, you might also see clicar no botão (click on the button).

Não aperte o botão vermelho em hipótese alguma!

In descriptive sentences, botão often takes adjectives to specify its function or appearance. We speak of botões de punho (cufflinks), botões de pressão (snap buttons/poppers), and botões de emergência (emergency buttons). When describing a flower, you would say um botão de flor or um botão de rosa. The word is incredibly stable across these different domains, making it a reliable building block for your sentences.

Esta blusa tem botões de madeira muito bonitos.

Sentence Structure with Prepositions: Commonly, 'botão' is followed by 'de' to indicate what it belongs to or what it is made of. 'Botão da camisa' (Shirt button), 'Botão de ouro' (Gold button), 'Botão de ligar' (Power button). This simple 'Noun + de + Noun' structure is very productive in Portuguese.

O botão de volume do rádio está quebrado.

Finally, consider the use of botão in the context of user interfaces (UI). If you are translating a website or an app into Portuguese, every 'Submit', 'Cancel', or 'Save' button is a botão. You will see phrases like clique no botão abaixo (click on the button below) frequently in digital environments. Mastering these common patterns will allow you to navigate both physical and virtual Portuguese-speaking worlds with ease.

The word botão is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking countries, echoing through various daily environments. From the domestic sphere to high-tech offices, you will encounter this word in both literal and figurative senses. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when it's spoken quickly or in a noisy setting.

In the Home: In a household setting, 'botão' is heard most often during morning routines or chores. Parents might tell their children: 'Abotoa esse casaco!' (Button up that coat!). You'll also hear it when someone is looking for a lost button from a favorite garment or when using appliances like the microwave or washing machine.

Mãe, você viu onde caiu o botão do meu pijama?

Public Spaces and Elevators: Step into any elevator in Lisbon, Luanda, or Rio de Janeiro, and you will hear or use the word. People might ask: 'Qual botão eu aperto para o térreo?' (Which button do I press for the ground floor?). In public transport or street crossings, 'botão' refers to the request-stop buttons or pedestrian crossing signals.

Por favor, aperte o botão do quinto andar para mim.

In the professional world, especially in tech-heavy environments, botão is a constant. Software developers, UX designers, and office workers use it to describe interface elements. 'O botão de enviar não está funcionando' (The submit button is not working). Even in automotive contexts, the dashboard is full of botões for air conditioning, hazard lights, and volume control. You might hear a mechanic say: 'O problema é no botão do vidro elétrico' (The problem is in the power window button).

O botão de ligar o projetor está na lateral do aparelho.

Cultural and Sporting Events: In Brazil, you might hear the word at a social club or a friend's house in the context of 'futebol de botão'. Enthusiasts might discuss the quality of their 'botões' (the circular pieces representing players). In gardening circles or flower shops, customers and florists use it to describe the state of plants: 'Essas rosas ainda estão em botão' (These roses are still in bud).

Vamos jogar uma partida de botão depois do almoço?

From the click of a mouse to the fastening of a suit jacket, botão is a word that connects the physical and digital, the mundane and the poetic. By paying attention to these various settings, you will start to see how this simple A1-level word forms the backbone of many everyday Portuguese conversations.

While botão is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often encounter a few common pitfalls. These range from pronunciation challenges to confusion with similar-sounding words or incorrect pluralization. Awareness of these mistakes can significantly improve your fluency and prevent misunderstandings.

The Nasal Pronunciation: The biggest hurdle for most learners is the '-ão' sound. English speakers often pronounce it like 'bō-tan' (rhyming with 'man') or 'bō-tão' (rhyming with 'now' but without the nasal quality). If you don't nasalize the sound, it can be hard for native speakers to understand. It should sound like you're starting to say 'ow' but sending the air through your nose.

Errado: Eu perdi um botan. Correto: Eu perdi um botão.

Incorrect Plural Form: Portuguese words ending in '-ão' have three possible plurals: '-ões', '-ães', or '-ãos'. 'Botão' belongs to the most common group: '-ões'. Many students try to simplify it to 'botãos' or 'botães', both of which are incorrect and sound very jarring to a native ear. Always remember: um botão, dois botões.

Errado: Minha camisa tem cinco botãos. Correto: Minha camisa tem cinco botões.

Another frequent mistake is confusing botão with tecla. In English, we use 'button' for almost everything you press. However, in Portuguese, if you are talking about the keys on a computer keyboard or a piano, you must use tecla. Using botão in these contexts sounds unnatural. For example, you 'press a key' (aperta uma tecla) on your laptop, but you 'press a button' (aperta um botão) on the elevator.

Errado: Qual botão do teclado eu uso? Correto: Qual tecla do teclado eu uso?

Confusion with 'Boteco' or 'Bota': Beginners sometimes mix up 'botão' with 'boteco' (a small bar or pub) or 'bota' (a boot). While the roots are different, the phonetic similarity can cause a momentary lapse. Ensure you distinguish between the nasal '-ão' and the clear 'o' or 'a' endings of these other words.

Eu preciso comprar um botão (button) vs. Eu preciso comprar uma bota (boot).

By focusing on the nasal pronunciation, mastering the '-ões' plural, and distinguishing between 'botão' and 'tecla', you will avoid the most common errors made by English speakers and sound much more like a native Portuguese speaker.

While botão is the most common word for a button, Portuguese offers several alternatives and related terms depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most precise word for your situation, whether you are talking about fashion, technology, or home repair.

Tecla vs. Botão: As mentioned previously, 'tecla' is the specific word for keys on a keyboard (computer, typewriter, piano). 'Botão' is more general for push-buttons on machines or clothing. You 'aperta um botão' on a remote control, but you 'digita numa tecla' on a laptop.

A tecla de espaço do meu computador está travando.

Interruptor: For light switches, the most technical and common term is 'interruptor'. While you might hear someone say 'o botão da luz' informally, 'interruptor' is the correct term for the wall switch that turns lights on and off.

Onde fica o interruptor para acender a luz da sala?

In the context of clothing, you might encounter other types of fasteners. A zíper (zipper) or fecho éclair (common in Portugal) is a frequent alternative to buttons. There are also colchetes (hooks and eyes) and velcro. If you are specifically talking about the hole the button goes into, that is called a casa (literally 'house') or casa de botão.

A casa do botão está muito apertada para este casaco.

Botão vs. Broche: A 'broche' (brooch or pin) is decorative and pinned onto clothing, whereas a 'botão' is usually sewn and functional. However, some decorative buttons can look like brooches. In Brazil, 'botton' (using the English loanword) is sometimes used specifically for pin-back buttons (badges) worn on bags or denim jackets.

Ela usa um broche de ouro na lapela do terno.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms, you can describe objects and actions with greater precision. While botão will get you through most situations, knowing when to use tecla, interruptor, or zíper will make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'botão' originally referred to flower buds before it was used for clothing fasteners. The idea was that the button 'buds' out from the fabric.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /buˈtɐ̃w̃/

US /buˈtaʊn/

The stress is on the last syllable: bo-TÃO.

Rhymes With

mão pão cão chão limão avião coração ação

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'bo-tan' (rhyming with 'man').
Missing the nasal quality of the 'ão'.
Pronouncing the 'o' as a clear 'o' instead of a soft 'u' sound (especially in Portugal).
Stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the plural 'botões' with 'botãos'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize in text, but the plural 'botões' can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 2/5

The tilde (~) in 'ão' is a new concept for English speakers.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal pronunciation is the main challenge for learners.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, but can be confused with other '-ão' words if not paying attention.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

camisa roupa mão apertar cor

Learn Next

abotoar zíper tecla interruptor agulha

Advanced

hapticidade atuador madrepérola solilóquio

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -ão

Botão -> Botões (Most common pattern).

Nasalization with Tilde (~)

The tilde makes the vowel sound come through the nose.

Masculine Gender Agreement

O botão (masculine), not A botão (feminine).

Position of Adjectives

Botão azul (Noun + Adjective).

Verbs ending in -ar (Apertar/Abotoar)

Eu aperto o botão, você abotoa a camisa.

Examples by Level

O botão é azul.

The button is blue.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adjective.

Minha camisa tem um botão.

My shirt has a button.

Use of the indefinite article 'um'.

Onde está o botão?

Where is the button?

Interrogative sentence with 'onde'.

Este botão é de plástico.

This button is made of plastic.

Preposition 'de' indicating material.

Eu vejo três botões.

I see three buttons.

Irregular plural 'botões'.

O botão de ligar é verde.

The power button is green.

Compound noun phrase 'botão de ligar'.

Aperte o botão.

Press the button.

Imperative mood of the verb 'apertar'.

O botão caiu no chão.

The button fell on the floor.

Past tense of the verb 'cair'.

Você precisa apertar o botão para chamar o elevador.

You need to press the button to call the elevator.

Infinitive 'apertar' after 'precisa'.

Minha avó sabe pregar botões muito bem.

My grandmother knows how to sew on buttons very well.

Verb 'pregar' in the context of sewing.

Este casaco tem botões de madeira.

This coat has wooden buttons.

Plural noun with a prepositional phrase.

Não aperte o botão vermelho!

Don't press the red button!

Negative imperative.

O botão do volume está travado.

The volume button is stuck.

Adjective 'travado' describing the state.

Eu perdi um botão da minha calça jeans.

I lost a button from my jeans.

Past tense 'perdi' (perder).

Quantos botões faltam na sua blusa?

How many buttons are missing from your blouse?

Interrogative 'quantos' with plural 'botões'.

Pressione o botão para iniciar a lavagem.

Press the button to start the wash.

Formal imperative 'pressione'.

As roseiras estão cheias de botões que vão abrir logo.

The rosebushes are full of buds that will open soon.

Metaphorical use of 'botão' as a flower bud.

Se você apertar esse botão, o alarme vai tocar.

If you press that button, the alarm will sound.

First conditional (If + future).

Eu estava pensando com os meus botões sobre o que fazer.

I was thinking to myself about what to do.

Idiomatic expression 'pensar com os seus botões'.

O controle remoto tem botões demais, é confuso.

The remote control has too many buttons, it's confusing.

Adverb 'demais' modifying 'botões'.

Ela comprou botões novos para reformar o vestido antigo.

She bought new buttons to renovate the old dress.

Adjective 'novos' agreeing with 'botões'.

O botão de pânico deve ser usado apenas em emergências.

The panic button should only be used in emergencies.

Passive voice 'deve ser usado'.

Ele sempre esquece de abotoar os punhos da camisa.

He always forgets to button the cuffs of his shirt.

Verb 'abotoar' and noun 'punhos'.

A criança apertou todos os botões do elevador ao mesmo tempo.

The child pressed all the elevator buttons at the same time.

Quantifier 'todos os' with plural noun.

O designer sugeriu mudar a cor do botão de 'enviar' para destacar mais.

The designer suggested changing the color of the 'submit' button to stand out more.

Subjunctive mood 'sugeriu que mudasse' (implied).

Quando a situação ficou tensa, ele apertou o botão de pânico emocional.

When the situation got tense, he pressed the emotional panic button.

Figurative use in a psychological context.

O futebol de botão é uma tradição que passa de pai para filho no Brasil.

Button football is a tradition passed from father to son in Brazil.

Cultural reference to a specific game.

Certifique-se de que todos os botões estejam devidamente presos antes da lavagem.

Make sure all buttons are properly attached before washing.

Subjunctive 'estejam' after 'certifique-se de que'.

O painel do avião estava repleto de botões e interruptores complexos.

The airplane's panel was full of complex buttons and switches.

Adjective 'repleto de' with plural nouns.

Ela desabotoou o casaco assim que entrou no ambiente aquecido.

She unbuttoned her coat as soon as she entered the heated room.

Verb 'desabotoar' in the past tense.

O botão de ouro é uma flor muito comum nestas pastagens.

The buttercup (botão-de-ouro) is a very common flower in these pastures.

Specific biological common name.

Apertar o botão errado pode causar um erro fatal no sistema.

Pressing the wrong button can cause a fatal system error.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive 'apertar'.

A narrativa floresce como um botão de rosa que se abre gradualmente.

The narrative flourishes like a rosebud that opens gradually.

Simile using 'como' and metaphorical 'botão'.

O político falava com os seus botões enquanto aguardava o resultado das urnas.

The politician was muttering to himself while waiting for the election results.

Advanced idiomatic usage in a formal context.

A precisão tátil dos botões deste dispositivo é o seu maior diferencial competitivo.

The tactile precision of this device's buttons is its greatest competitive advantage.

Technical and business vocabulary.

A artesã esculpiu botões de madrepérola para a coleção de alta costura.

The artisan carved mother-of-pearl buttons for the haute couture collection.

Specific materials and high-register vocabulary.

Não se deve apertar o botão de pânico sem antes analisar todas as variáveis.

One should not press the panic button without first analyzing all variables.

Impersonal 'se' construction with complex advice.

O autor utiliza a imagem do botão fechado para simbolizar a inocência da protagonista.

The author uses the image of the closed bud to symbolize the protagonist's innocence.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

Os botões de punho de prata eram a única herança que ele guardava do avô.

The silver cufflinks were the only inheritance he kept from his grandfather.

Specific term 'botões de punho'.

A interface minimalista eliminou quase todos os botões físicos do aparelho.

The minimalist interface eliminated almost all the physical buttons from the device.

Discussion of design trends.

A dialética entre o botão funcional e o adorno estético reflete a evolução da moda.

The dialectic between the functional button and the aesthetic adornment reflects the evolution of fashion.

High-level philosophical/sociological vocabulary.

Ele ruminava a decisão, falando com os seus botões em um solilóquio interminável.

He ruminated on the decision, talking to himself in an endless soliloquy.

Advanced literary verbs and idioms.

A eclosão do botão floral é um espetáculo biológico de complexidade subestimada.

The hatching of the flower bud is a biological spectacle of underestimated complexity.

Scientific and formal register.

O controle social é exercido, muitas vezes, pelo simples apertar de um botão burocrático.

Social control is often exercised by the simple pressing of a bureaucratic button.

Metaphorical use in political philosophy.

A sutil diferença entre um botão de pressão e um de casa altera toda a estrutura da peça.

The subtle difference between a snap button and a traditional one alters the entire structure of the garment.

Expert-level industry knowledge.

Nas entrelinhas do texto, o botão de rosa surge como um presságio de renovação espiritual.

Between the lines of the text, the rosebud emerges as an omen of spiritual renewal.

Advanced literary criticism.

A obsolescência dos botões analógicos marca a transição para a era da hapticidade digital.

The obsolescence of analog buttons marks the transition to the era of digital haptics.

Complex technical and historical analysis.

Ele se via preso em um labirinto de botões, onde cada escolha levava a um novo dilema.

He saw himself trapped in a labyrinth of buttons, where each choice led to a new dilemma.

Metaphorical narrative style.

Common Collocations

apertar o botão

pregar um botão

botão de ligar

botão de pânico

botão de rosa

botão direito

casa de botão

botão de pressão

botão de emergência

botão de volume

Common Phrases

Estar com o botão ligado

— To be very energetic or hyperactive. Often used for children.

Hoje o João está com o botão ligado!

Botão de ouro

— The common name for the buttercup flower. Also used for something precious.

O campo estava amarelo de botões de ouro.

Aperte o botão!

— A command to start something or make a choice. Very common in games.

Vamos, aperte o botão logo!

Botão de punho

— The Portuguese term for cufflinks used in formal shirts.

Ele esqueceu os botões de punho em casa.

Botão de rosa

— A rosebud, often used as a term of endearment or to describe potential.

Ela é linda como um botão de rosa.

Futebol de botão

— A popular Brazilian tabletop game using circular discs.

Eu era campeão de futebol de botão na escola.

Botão de emergência

— A physical switch to stop a machine in case of danger.

Onde está o botão de emergência desta máquina?

Botão da calça

— The main button on a pair of trousers.

O botão da calça apertou depois do jantar.

Botão de reset

— A button to restart a device; also used metaphorically for starting over.

Às vezes eu queria apertar o botão de reset na vida.

Sem botões

— Something that does not have buttons (like a t-shirt or a touchscreen).

Esta blusa é simples, sem botões.

Often Confused With

botão vs tecla

English uses 'button' for keyboards; Portuguese uses 'tecla'.

botão vs boteco

Phonetically similar but means a small bar/pub.

botão vs bota

Means 'boot'. Don't confuse footwear with fasteners.

Idioms & Expressions

"Falar com os seus botões"

— To think out loud or mutter to oneself quietly while reflecting.

Ele andava pela sala falando com os seus botões.

informal/common

"Apertar o botão de pânico"

— To react with sudden alarm or to start an emergency procedure.

Não precisa apertar o botão de pânico por causa de um erro pequeno.

neutral

"Estar em botão"

— To be in an early stage of development; not yet fully formed (like a flower).

O projeto ainda está em botão, precisamos de tempo.

literary/metaphorical

"Apertar os botões de alguém"

— To know exactly how to annoy or provoke someone (similar to 'pushing buttons').

Ele sabe exatamente como apertar os meus botões.

informal

"Botão de ligar/desligar"

— Used metaphorically for someone who can switch their focus or mood instantly.

Ela tem um botão de desligar para o estresse do trabalho.

informal

"Perder o botão"

— Sometimes used informally to mean losing one's cool or losing a small but vital part of something.

Cuidado para não perder o botão com essa discussão.

informal

"Botão de rosa"

— A metaphor for a young girl or someone very young and beautiful.

A debutante parecia um botão de rosa.

poetic

"Apertar o botão certo"

— To say or do the exact thing needed to get a desired result.

Para convencer o chefe, você precisa apertar o botão certo.

neutral

"Botão de ouro"

— Used to describe something small but very valuable or bright.

Aquela criança é um botão de ouro.

affectionate

"Tirar o botão"

— Regional slang in some places for finishing something or 'unplugging'.

Vou tirar o botão por hoje e ir dormir.

slang

Easily Confused

botão vs tecla

Both are things you press.

Tecla is for keyboards and pianos. Botão is for machines, elevators, and clothes.

Aperte a tecla 'A' vs. Aperte o botão do elevador.

botão vs interruptor

Both control electricity.

Interruptor is specifically for wall light switches.

Onde está o interruptor da luz?

botão vs broche

Both are on clothes.

Broche is a decorative pin; botão is a functional fastener.

Ela colocou um broche no casaco abotoado.

botão vs gatilho

Both trigger an action.

Gatilho is a trigger (like on a gun or a psychological trigger).

Não puxe o gatilho.

botão vs botão-de-ouro

It sounds like a golden button.

It is actually the name of a specific yellow flower (buttercup).

O campo está cheio de botões-de-ouro.

Sentence Patterns

O botão é [cor/material].

O botão é preto.

Aperte o botão de [função].

Aperte o botão de ligar.

Eu preciso [verbo] o botão.

Eu preciso pregar o botão.

Se eu [verbo no subjuntivo], o botão [verbo no futuro].

Se eu apertar o botão, a luz acenderá.

O botão simboliza [conceito abstrato].

O botão simboliza o início da vida.

Entre os botões e as teclas, reside a [nuance].

Entre os botões e as teclas, reside a evolução tátil.

Any

Onde fica o botão?

Onde fica o botão de volume?

Any

Faltam [número] botões.

Faltam dois botões.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation.

Common Mistakes

Eu aperto a tecla do elevador. → Eu aperto o botão do elevador.
Elevators have buttons (botões), not keyboard keys (teclas).
A camisa tem muitos botãos. → A camisa tem muitos botões.
The plural of 'botão' is 'botões', not 'botãos'.
Eu perdi um botan. → Eu perdi um botão.
The nasal sound '-ão' is not a simple 'n' or 'an' sound.
Vou costurar um botão. → Vou pregar um botão.
While 'costurar' means to sew, 'pregar' is the specific verb used for attaching buttons.
O botão da luz na parede. → O interruptor da luz na parede.
The technical and most common term for a wall light switch is 'interruptor'.

Tips

Master the Nasal Sound

To pronounce 'ão', try to say 'ah' and then 'oo' while keeping your soft palate down so air escapes through your nose. It's the most important sound to master for this word.

Irregular Plural

Don't fall into the trap of saying 'botãos'. Always use 'botões'. This applies to many common words like 'limão' (limões) and 'avião' (aviões).

Button vs. Key

Remember: Elevators and shirts have 'botões', but laptops and pianos have 'teclas'. Distinguishing these two will make you sound much more fluent.

Brazilian Hobby

If you are in Brazil, mention 'futebol de botão'. It's a great conversation starter and shows you know something about local traditions.

Sewing Verbs

Use 'pregar' for sewing a button on. If you use 'costurar', it's not wrong, but 'pregar' is the specific collocation everyone uses.

Pressing Verbs

Use 'apertar' for everyday pressing (like an elevator) and 'pressionar' for more formal or technical instructions.

Nature's Button

Use 'botão' to describe flower buds. It's a poetic way to talk about the beginning of spring or the potential of something new.

Thinking Out Loud

Use 'falando com meus botões' when you want to explain that you were just thinking to yourself. It's a very natural-sounding idiom.

Buying Clothes

When buying a shirt, check the 'botões'. You might ask: 'Tem botões extras?' (Are there extra buttons?).

Emergency

Look for the 'botão de emergência' in elevators or near machinery. Knowing this word is actually a safety skill!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Boat on' (botão) a shirt. You need a button to keep your 'boat on' the right track!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red 'botão' on an elevator. When you press it, a rose 'botão' (bud) pops out.

Word Web

Camisa Elevador Rosa Apertar Abotoar Plástico Eletrônico Punho

Challenge

Go around your house and count how many 'botões' you can find. Say 'Um botão, dois botões...' out loud as you touch them.

Word Origin

From the Old French 'bouton', which comes from the verb 'bouter' (to push, thrust, or bud).

Original meaning: A bud or a knob that pushes out from a surface.

Romance (via Germanic roots of 'bouter').

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and safe to use in all contexts.

English speakers use 'button' for almost everything, but must learn to switch to 'tecla' for keyboards in Portuguese.

The game 'Futebol de Botão' in Brazilian pop culture. The song 'Botão de Rosa' (various artists). The phrase 'falar com os seus botões' in classical Portuguese literature (e.g., Machado de Assis).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Clothing/Dressing

Onde está o botão?
Preciso de um botão novo.
Abotoa sua camisa.
O botão caiu.

Technology/UI

Aperte o botão verde.
O botão não funciona.
Clique no botão de enviar.
Onde é o botão de ligar?

In an Elevator

Qual botão eu aperto?
Aperte o botão do térreo.
O botão está quebrado.
Segure o botão da porta.

Gardening/Nature

A rosa está em botão.
Cuidado com os botões.
O botão vai abrir amanhã.
Muitos botões no jardim.

Tabletop Games

Vamos jogar botão?
Meus botões são de acrílico.
O botão dele é muito rápido.
Perdi meu botão favorito.

Conversation Starters

"Você sabe onde eu posso encontrar um botão igual a este?"

"Você prefere camisas com botões ou camisetas simples?"

"Qual botão eu devo apertar para começar a apresentação?"

"Você já jogou futebol de botão quando era criança?"

"Você viu como os botões de rosa estão bonitos hoje?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você apertou o botão errado por acidente.

Escreva sobre uma peça de roupa favorita que tenha botões interessantes.

Imagine que você tem um botão de 'reset' para a sua vida. O que você mudaria?

Descreva a sensação de ver um botão de flor se abrindo na primavera.

Explique como se joga futebol de botão para alguém que nunca ouviu falar.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is pronounced bo-TÕY-sh. The 'ões' sound is a nasal 'oy' followed by a soft 'sh' or 's' sound. Practice by saying 'boy' but through your nose.

No, you should use 'tecla'. Using 'botão' for a keyboard key sounds like a mistake to native speakers. However, you can use 'botão' for the buttons on a computer mouse (botão direito/esquerdo).

It means to talk to yourself or think out loud. It's a very common idiom used when someone is deep in thought or muttering quietly.

It is masculine: o botão, um botão. All nouns ending in '-ão' that pluralize to '-ões' are masculine.

The verb is 'abotoar'. For example, 'Abotoa o casaco' means 'Button up the coat'.

Literally a 'panic button'. It's used for physical emergency buttons and also as a metaphor for reacting with alarm.

'Botão' is the general word. 'Botão de rosa' specifically means a rosebud. In many contexts, just 'botão' can mean a bud if the topic is flowers.

Yes, the things you press on a remote control are called 'botões'.

You use the verb 'pregar'. So, 'pregar um botão' is the correct phrase.

Yes! Especially in Brazil, it remains a popular hobby and competitive sport for both children and adults.