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A2 noun #4,500 most common 10 min read

Cabra

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Cabra in 30 Seconds

Explanation Cabra in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'cabra' as a basic animal word. It is a female goat. You will most likely see it in picture books or hear it when talking about farm animals. At this stage, focus on the gender: 'a cabra' is feminine. You can use it in simple sentences like 'A cabra é branca' (The goat is white) or 'A cabra dá leite' (The goat gives milk). It is one of the essential farm animals to know, along with 'vaca' (cow), 'porco' (pig), and 'galinha' (chicken). Don't worry about slang or complex meanings yet. Just remember it as the animal with horns that says 'mééé'. You might also see 'queijo de cabra' (goat cheese) on a menu, which is a good practical use for the word. In A1, we keep things literal and simple. The word is easy to pronounce and spell, making it a great addition to your early vocabulary. Try to associate it with an image of a goat on a mountain or a farm. Remember, the male is a different word: 'bode'. If you see a goat, you can now name it in Portuguese!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'cabra' in more descriptive contexts and understand its role in basic culinary terms. You should know that 'leite de cabra' (goat's milk) is a common product. You might describe where the goat lives: 'A cabra vive na fazenda' (The goat lives on the farm). You can also learn the diminutive 'cabrita', which can mean a little goat or be a cute way to refer to the animal. In A2, you might also encounter the children's game 'cabra-cega' (Blind Man's Buff). It's a fun cultural fact that helps you see how words are used in games. You should be able to pluralize it correctly: 'As cabras são animais ágeis' (Goats are agile animals). At this stage, you are building a more solid foundation of nouns and their associated products. You might also start to notice that 'cabra' is used differently in Brazil and Portugal, but you don't need to master the slang yet. Focus on being able to talk about the animal's characteristics, like its horns ('chifres') or its beard ('barba'). This expands your descriptive capabilities.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with 'cabra' in both literal and some idiomatic contexts. You can discuss the importance of goats in rural economies, especially in Mediterranean countries like Portugal or the dry regions of Brazil. You might use the word in a sentence like 'A criação de cabras é fundamental para a produção de queijo artesanal' (Goat farming is fundamental for artisanal cheese production). You should also be aware of the word's dual nature as a slang term. In Brazil, you will start to hear 'cabra' used to mean 'man' or 'guy,' particularly in regional stories or music. You should recognize the expression 'cabra da peste' as a way to describe someone tough or from the Northeast. However, you should also be cautious: in Portugal, calling someone a 'cabra' is usually an insult. At B1, you are moving beyond simple definitions and starting to navigate the cultural and regional nuances of the language. You can also use the adjective 'caprino' to sound more professional when talking about the animal or its products.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'cabra' across different Lusophone cultures. You can analyze how the word is used in literature or film to establish a sense of place. For instance, you can discuss how a Brazilian author uses 'cabra' to evoke the atmosphere of the Sertão. You should be able to use and understand more complex idioms, such as 'cabra-macho' or 'cabra safado,' and know exactly when they are appropriate (informal, regional Brazilian) and when they are not. You should also be aware of the historical context of the word, including its use in 'literatura de cordel' (traditional folk poems from Brazil). In Portugal, you should understand the weight of the word as an insult and be able to identify it in media or literature as a marker of character conflict. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'rebanho' (flock) and 'pastoreio' (herding). You can compare the qualities of a 'cabra' with an 'ovelha' in a metaphorical sense, discussing independence versus conformity.

At the C1 level, you should master the sociolinguistic complexities of 'cabra'. You can engage in deep discussions about regional dialects and how words like 'cabra' function as identity markers. You should be able to interpret the word's use in high literature, such as in the works of João Guimarães Rosa or Miguel Torga, where the animal and the human 'cabra' often blend into a symbol of the rugged landscape. You should understand the etymological roots (from the Latin 'capra') and how it has evolved differently in various Portuguese-speaking countries. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors or puns. Furthermore, you should be able to explain the subtle differences between 'cabra', 'sujeito', and 'indivíduo' in a Brazilian context, noting the social and class connotations each word carries. Your understanding of the word should be so complete that you can navigate any social situation—from a rural goat fair to a literary salon—using the word or its alternatives with perfect precision and cultural sensitivity.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of the word 'cabra' and all its myriad connotations. You can detect the slightest irony or regional flavor when the word is used. You are familiar with archaic or very rare uses of the word in historical texts. You can write expertly about the linguistic evolution of 'cabra' from a simple noun to a complex cultural symbol. You understand the semiotics of the goat in Lusophone art and folklore, from the 'cabra-cega' game to the devilish associations in certain myths. You can fluidly switch between the technical language of 'caprinocultura' and the gritty, regional slang of the Brazilian hinterlands. You are also aware of how the word might be used in different African Lusophone countries, such as Cape Verde or Angola, and how their local languages have influenced its usage. At this level, 'cabra' is not just a word; it's a window into the diverse history, geography, and soul of the Portuguese-speaking world. You can use it to add color, depth, and authenticity to your speech and writing, always perfectly tuned to your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Cabra in 30 Seconds

Cabra is the Portuguese word for a female goat, a common farm animal.
It is a feminine noun; the masculine equivalent is 'bode'.
In Brazil, especially the Northeast, it can informally mean 'man' or 'guy'.
In Portugal, it is often used as a pejorative term for a woman.

The Portuguese word cabra is primarily the noun for a female goat. In a literal biological sense, it refers to the female of the species Capra aegagrus hircus. However, the linguistic footprint of this word extends far beyond the farm. In the Lusophone world, the term is deeply embedded in rural traditions, culinary practices, and even complex social slang. When you are in a rural market in Portugal or Brazil, you will hear it used specifically for the animal that produces milk and cheese. In the culinary world, 'leite de cabra' (goat's milk) and 'queijo de cabra' (goat cheese) are staples of the Mediterranean and Northeastern Brazilian diets. But the word undergoes a fascinating transformation when applied to humans. In Northeastern Brazil, the term 'cabra' is often used as a synonym for 'man' or 'fellow,' most famously in the expression 'cabra da peste,' which denotes a tough, resilient, and brave individual. Conversely, in Portugal, using the word to describe a person can carry a much more negative, pejorative weight, often used as an insult toward a woman or to describe someone who is perceived as treacherous. Understanding the context is vital because the same word can signify a source of livelihood, a badge of honor, or a stinging insult depending on which side of the Atlantic you stand.

Biological Context: Refers to the female goat, known for its agility and ability to thrive in harsh, rocky terrains. The masculine counterpart is 'bode'.

A cabra subiu a montanha para pastar.

Regional Identity: In the Brazilian Sertão, 'cabra' is a neutral or even respectful way to address or talk about a person, often linked to the 'cangaceiro' folklore.

Aquele cabra é muito corajoso.

Beyond these uses, the word appears in 'cabra-cega,' the Portuguese name for the game 'Blind Man's Buff.' Here, the word loses its animalistic or human qualities and becomes part of a fixed cultural expression for childhood play. In the textile industry, 'cabra' can also refer to certain types of leather or skins. The versatility of the word requires a learner to be sensitive to tone and geography. While an A2 learner should focus on the animal meaning, a more advanced student must navigate the sociolinguistic minefield of its metaphorical uses. In literature, especially in the works of Brazilian authors like João Guimarães Rosa, the word 'cabra' is used to evoke the ruggedness of rural life and the stoicism of the people living in the backlands. It is a word that carries the scent of the earth and the weight of history.

Idiomatic Usage: Expressions like 'cabra safado' (shameless guy) or 'cabra macho' (manly man) are common in informal Brazilian speech.

Vamos brincar de cabra-cega no quintal?

O queijo de cabra da Serra da Estrela é delicioso.

A cabra fugiu do cercado ontem à noite.

Using cabra correctly involves understanding its gender and its role in a sentence. As a feminine noun, it always takes feminine articles and adjectives. For example, 'a cabra branca' (the white goat). If you are referring to a group of goats that includes males, you might use the collective 'rebanho' or 'fato' (specifically in Portugal). When using the word in its human sense in Brazil, it often functions as a subject or an appositive. For instance, 'Aquele cabra, o João, não desiste nunca.' In this context, it emphasizes the person's character. In more formal writing, you would likely stick to the biological meaning unless you are writing regionalist fiction. In technical agricultural texts, 'cabra' is often accompanied by the breed name, such as 'cabra alpina' or 'cabra saanen'.

Grammar Tip: The plural is 'cabras'. The diminutive is 'cabrita', which is also the word for a young female goat.

As cabras estão pastando no vale.

When talking about products derived from the animal, 'de cabra' acts as an adjectival phrase. 'Leite de cabra' is a common example. Notice how 'cabra' remains singular in these phrases even if the milk comes from many goats. This is a common pattern in Portuguese for indicating the source of a product. In metaphorical use, especially in Brazil, the word can be modified by adjectives that change the sentiment entirely. 'Cabra bom' implies a good, reliable person, while 'cabra ruim' implies someone wicked. In Portugal, the word is rarely used neutrally for people; 'Que cabra!' said about a woman is almost always a serious insult, implying she is mean-spirited or malicious. Therefore, the sentence structure might be the same, but the pragmatic effect is worlds apart.

Common Structure: [Article] + cabra + [Adjective] -> A cabra pequena. [Noun] + de cabra -> Queijo de cabra.

Comprei um sabonete de leite de cabra.

A cabra deu à luz dois cabritos.

Ele é um cabra de palavra.

You will hear cabra in a variety of settings. In the countryside of Portugal, especially in regions like Trás-os-Montes or Alentejo, it is a daily word used by shepherds and farmers. You might hear a shepherd shouting to his dogs to herd the 'cabras'. In these regions, the word is strictly agricultural and functional. In Brazilian music, particularly 'Forró' and 'Sertanejo', the word 'cabra' is ubiquitous. It represents the identity of the 'sertanejo' (the person from the backlands). Songs often tell stories of a 'cabra valente' (brave fellow) who faces the hardships of the drought. If you watch Brazilian films like 'O Auto da Compadecida', you will hear the characters using 'cabra' constantly to refer to one another. It adds a layer of regional authenticity to the dialogue.

Cultural Hubs: Feiras (open-air markets), rural festivals, and traditional folk songs.

O pastor guia as cabras pelo monte.

In urban environments, the word appears in different contexts. In a high-end restaurant in Lisbon or São Paulo, you might see 'queijo de cabra' on the menu. In this setting, the word is associated with gourmet food and health benefits. However, in an argument on the streets of Porto, you might hear 'cabra' used as a sharp insult. This duality is one of the most interesting aspects of the word. In the world of children's games, 'cabra-cega' is a term every Lusophone child knows. During birthday parties or school breaks, you will hear kids shouting 'Vamos brincar de cabra-cega!'. This usage is completely neutral and nostalgic. Finally, in religious or symbolic contexts, the goat sometimes carries negative connotations, similar to Western traditions where it is contrasted with the sheep, though this is less common in everyday speech than the agricultural or slang uses.

Media Usage: Documentaries about nature, regional news reports, and classic Brazilian literature.

Este cabra não tem medo de nada.

O leite de cabra é bom para a saúde.

Cuidado com aquela cabra, ela é traiçoeira.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is assuming cabra is a gender-neutral term for the animal. In English, 'goat' can be male or female, but in Portuguese, 'cabra' is strictly female. If you refer to a male goat as 'a cabra', a native speaker will immediately correct you to 'o bode'. Another mistake is the misuse of the slang term. An English speaker might learn that 'cabra' means 'guy' in Brazil and try to use it in Portugal, which could lead to a very awkward or even hostile situation. It is essential to remember that 'cabra' as a synonym for 'man' is very regional (mostly Northeastern Brazil) and informal. Using it in a business meeting in São Paulo would be out of place, even if it's not offensive there. It sounds very 'country' or 'rustic'.

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'cabra' (female) with 'bode' (male). Always check the animal's sex if you want to be precise.

Errado: O cabra tem chifres grandes. (Unless referring to a man in slang)

Another common error is with the word 'cabrito'. While it sounds like a diminutive of 'cabra', it specifically refers to a kid (young goat) and is very commonly used in the context of meat. If you are at a restaurant and want goat meat, you usually look for 'cabrito assado' rather than 'cabra assada'. 'Cabra' meat is generally tougher and less sought after. Learners also sometimes confuse 'cabra' with 'cobra' (snake). While the words look similar, the pronunciation of the vowel is different ('ah' for cabra, 'oh' for cobra). Saying 'vi uma cabra no jardim' when you meant a snake will definitely cause some confusion! Finally, avoid using 'cabra' to describe a woman unless you are absolutely sure of the context and your relationship with the person, as it is a common derogatory term in many dialects.

Phonetic Pitfall: Cabra (goat) vs. Cobra (snake). The first vowel is the key difference.

Correto: A cabra produz leite, o bode não.

Não confunda cabra com cobra!

O cabrito é o filhote da cabra.

If you want to avoid using cabra or want to expand your vocabulary, there are several related terms. For the animal, 'caprino' is the adjective and technical term used in livestock farming. 'Gado caprino' refers to the whole category of goats. If you are talking about a male goat, 'bode' is the word. For a young goat, 'cabrito' or 'chibo' (the latter more common in certain parts of Portugal and Brazil) are excellent alternatives. If you are looking for synonyms for the slang 'cabra' (meaning guy), you can use 'sujeito', 'indivíduo', 'cara', 'tipo', or 'gajo' (in Portugal). Each of these has its own nuance; 'cara' is very informal and common in Brazil, while 'gajo' is the standard informal term for a man in Portugal.

Animal Synonyms

Bode:: The male goat. Used literally and sometimes metaphorically for a grumpy person or a 'bad vibe' in Brazil (dar bode).
Cabrito:: A young goat, often used when referring to meat.

O rebanho caprino cresceu este ano.

In terms of the negative slang used in Portugal, alternatives like 'víbora' (viper) or 'traidora' (traitress) might convey a similar meaning without using the animal name. When comparing 'cabra' to 'ovelha' (sheep), 'cabra' is often seen as more independent and difficult to herd, which reflects in its metaphorical use for people who are rebellious or stubborn. In Brazil, 'cabra-macho' is a very specific cultural term that doesn't have a direct one-word synonym but can be approximated by 'homem valente'. Understanding these alternatives helps you choose the right level of formality and the correct regional dialect. For example, using 'gajo' in the middle of rural Ceará would sound as out of place as using 'cabra da peste' in the middle of Lisbon.

Human Synonyms (Brazil)

Sujeito:: A neutral way to say 'individual' or 'fellow'.
Cara:: The most common informal word for 'guy'.

Aquele sujeito é muito estranho.

O bode expiatório foi o gerente.

Prefiro leite de ovelha ao de cabra.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A caprinocultura é um setor vital para a economia local."

Neutral

"A cabra está no campo."

Informal

"E aí, cabra, tudo bem?"

Child friendly

"Olha a cabrita saltitante!"

Slang

"Aquele cabra safado fugiu!"

Fun Fact

The word 'capricious' in English comes from the same Latin root 'capra', inspired by the goat's unpredictable and jumpy behavior.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈka.bɾɐ/

US /ˈkɑ.bɾə/

The stress is on the first syllable: CA-bra.

Rhymes With

Abra Labra Macabra Palavra (near rhyme) Lavra Gabra Sabra Chabra

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (retroflex). It should be a quick tap.
Confusing it with 'cobra' (snake) by using an 'o' sound instead of an 'a' sound.
Pronouncing the final 'a' too clearly in Portugal (where it's almost silent/schwa).
Making the 'ca' sound like 'kay'. It should always be 'kah'.
Stress on the second syllable: ca-BRA (incorrect).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and frequent in many types of texts.

Writing 2/5

Simple spelling, follows standard feminine noun rules.

Speaking 3/5

The tapped 'r' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Needs to be distinguished from 'cobra' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Animal Fazenda Leite Bode Fêmea

Learn Next

Ovelha Vaca Touro Sertão Regionalismo

Advanced

Caprinocultura Cordel Cangaceiro Pejorativo Semântica

Grammar to Know

Gender of Nouns

A cabra (feminine) vs. O bode (masculine).

Adjective Agreement

A cabra branca (feminine adjective).

Diminutives

Cabrita (small goat/cute).

Contractions

Leite da cabra (de + a).

Compound Nouns

Cabra-cega (use of hyphen).

Examples by Level

A cabra é um animal.

The goat is an animal.

'A' is the feminine article.

Eu vi uma cabra na fazenda.

I saw a goat on the farm.

'Uma' is the indefinite feminine article.

A cabra come grama.

The goat eats grass.

Present tense of the verb 'comer'.

O leite de cabra é branco.

Goat's milk is white.

'De cabra' indicates the source.

A cabra tem dois chifres.

The goat has two horns.

'Chifres' is plural.

As cabras saltam muito.

Goats jump a lot.

Plural subject and verb.

Minha avó tem uma cabra.

My grandmother has a goat.

Possessive 'minha' matches the feminine 'vó'.

A cabra é pequena.

The goat is small.

Adjective 'pequena' is feminine.

O queijo de cabra é muito famoso em Portugal.

Goat cheese is very famous in Portugal.

Focus on 'queijo de cabra' as a compound noun.

As cabras vivem nas montanhas rochosas.

Goats live in the rocky mountains.

Use of preposition 'nas' (em + as).

Vamos brincar de cabra-cega no jardim?

Shall we play blind man's buff in the garden?

'Cabra-cega' is a fixed expression for the game.

A cabra deu à luz um cabritinho.

The goat gave birth to a little kid.

'Cabritinho' is the diminutive of 'cabrito'.

O pastor cuida das suas cabras com carinho.

The shepherd takes care of his goats with affection.

'Das' is the contraction of 'de' + 'as'.

A pele da cabra é usada para fazer couro.

Goat skin is used to make leather.

'Pele' is a feminine noun.

A cabra é um animal muito ágil e curioso.

The goat is a very agile and curious animal.

Adjectives 'ágil' and 'curioso'.

Eu prefiro o leite de cabra ao leite de vaca.

I prefer goat's milk to cow's milk.

Comparison structure 'preferir X a Y'.

No Nordeste do Brasil, 'cabra' pode significar um homem.

In Northeast Brazil, 'cabra' can mean a man.

Explaining regional slang usage.

Aquele cabra é conhecido pela sua valentia no sertão.

That fellow is known for his bravery in the backlands.

'Aquele cabra' uses the word as a noun for a person.

A indústria caprina cresceu significativamente nesta região.

The goat industry has grown significantly in this region.

'Caprina' is the formal adjective for 'cabra'.

Tenha cuidado, pois chamar alguém de cabra em Portugal é um insulto.

Be careful, because calling someone a 'cabra' in Portugal is an insult.

Cultural warning about pragmatics.

O rebanho de cabras pastava calmamente ao pôr do sol.

The flock of goats grazed calmly at sunset.

'Rebanho' is the collective noun.

Ela comprou uma bolsa feita de couro de cabra legítimo.

She bought a bag made of genuine goat leather.

'Feita de' indicates material.

O 'cabra da peste' é um personagem icônico da cultura brasileira.

The 'cabra da peste' is an iconic character in Brazilian culture.

Fixed cultural idiom.

Muitas pessoas têm alergia ao leite de vaca e bebem o de cabra.

Many people are allergic to cow's milk and drink goat's milk.

Using 'o de' to avoid repeating 'leite'.

O autor descreve o protagonista como um cabra rude, mas honesto.

The author describes the protagonist as a rugged but honest fellow.

Literary use of the slang term.

A cabra-cega é uma metáfora para a falta de visão política.

Blind man's buff is a metaphor for the lack of political vision.

Metaphorical extension of a game's name.

A produção de queijo de cabra artesanal exige técnicas ancestrais.

The production of artisanal goat cheese requires ancestral techniques.

Complex subject phrase.

Não seja uma cabra e conte-me a verdade sobre o que aconteceu.

Don't be a 'cabra' (treacherous) and tell me the truth about what happened.

Pejorative use in an imperative sentence.

O termo 'cabra' no sertão evoca uma identidade de resistência.

The term 'cabra' in the sertão evokes an identity of resistance.

Sociolinguistic analysis.

As cabras são frequentemente associadas à teimosia e independência.

Goats are frequently associated with stubbornness and independence.

Passive voice 'são associadas'.

O governo investiu em programas de fomento à criação de cabras.

The government invested in programs to encourage goat farming.

Formal vocabulary like 'fomento'.

Ele é um cabra safado que enganou toda a vizinhança.

He is a shameless guy who tricked the whole neighborhood.

Common Brazilian idiom 'cabra safado'.

A versatilidade semântica de 'cabra' reflete a diversidade do português.

The semantic versatility of 'cabra' reflects the diversity of Portuguese.

Advanced linguistic terminology.

Na obra de Guimarães Rosa, o 'cabra' é quase uma extensão da terra.

In the work of Guimarães Rosa, the 'cabra' is almost an extension of the land.

Literary analysis.

A pejoratividade do termo em Portugal contrasta com a sua neutralidade no Brasil.

The pejorative nature of the term in Portugal contrasts with its neutrality in Brazil.

Noun 'pejoratividade'.

O pastoreio de cabras em regime extensivo preserva a biodiversidade local.

Extensive goat herding preserves local biodiversity.

Technical environmental terms.

A expressão 'cabra da peste' transcende o regionalismo e torna-se um símbolo nacional.

The expression 'cabra da peste' transcends regionalism and becomes a national symbol.

Verb 'transcende' and 'torna-se'.

O uso de 'cabra' como insulto feminino tem raízes em preconceitos de gênero arcaicos.

The use of 'cabra' as a feminine insult has roots in archaic gender prejudices.

Sociological explanation.

A cabra, na simbologia cristã medieval, era muitas vezes associada ao pecado.

The goat, in medieval Christian symbology, was often associated with sin.

Historical and symbolic context.

Analisar as variações de 'cabra' permite compreender as clivagens sociais e geográficas.

Analyzing the variations of 'cabra' allows for an understanding of social and geographical divides.

Infinitive as a subject.

A polissemia de 'cabra' é um desafio para lexicógrafos e tradutores.

The polysemy of 'cabra' is a challenge for lexicographers and translators.

Highly technical linguistic term 'polissemia'.

O étimo latino 'capra' ramificou-se em aceções díspares através da lusofonia.

The Latin etymon 'capra' branched into disparate meanings throughout the Lusophony.

Formal verb 'ramificou-se'.

A reificação do 'cabra' na literatura regionalista serve para sublinhar a dureza da vida rural.

The reification of the 'cabra' in regionalist literature serves to underline the harshness of rural life.

Philosophical/Literary term 'reificação'.

A ambivalência do termo permite jogos de palavras sutis em contextos poéticos.

The ambivalence of the term allows for subtle wordplay in poetic contexts.

Abstract noun 'ambivalência'.

O 'cabra' como arquétipo do herói sertanejo é central para a identidade do Nordeste.

The 'cabra' as an archetype of the backlands hero is central to the identity of the Northeast.

Analytical structure.

Observa-se uma diacronia interessante na evolução do uso insultuoso de 'cabra' em Portugal.

An interesting diachrony is observed in the evolution of the insulting use of 'cabra' in Portugal.

Technical term 'diacronia'.

A transposição de 'cabra' do campo para a gíria urbana demonstra a porosidade da língua.

The transposition of 'cabra' from the countryside to urban slang demonstrates the porosity of the language.

Metaphorical use of 'porosidade'.

A nuance entre 'cabra' e 'bode' no imaginário popular reflete distinções de gênero e poder.

The nuance between 'cabra' and 'bode' in the popular imagination reflects distinctions of gender and power.

Complex conceptual sentence.

Common Collocations

Leite de cabra

Queijo de cabra

Cabra da peste

Cabra-cega

Criação de cabras

Couro de cabra

Cabra macho

Pé de cabra

Cabra safado

Cheiro de cabra

Common Phrases

Cabra da peste

— A tough, brave, or resilient person, typically from Northeast Brazil.

Lampião era um cabra da peste.

Brincar de cabra-cega

— To play the game Blind Man's Buff.

Vamos brincar de cabra-cega?

Pé de cabra

— A crowbar (literally 'goat's foot').

Preciso de um pé de cabra para abrir esta caixa.

Cabra macho

— A man who displays traditional masculine qualities like bravery and strength.

Ele quer provar que é um cabra macho.

Cabra safado

— A shameless or untrustworthy man.

Aquele cabra safado me enganou!

Leite de cabra

— Goat's milk.

O leite de cabra é mais fácil de digerir.

Queijo de cabra

— Goat cheese.

Adoro salada com queijo de cabra.

Cabra-cega (metaphor)

— Acting without knowing what is happening or without direction.

O governo está jogando cabra-cega com a economia.

Ser uma cabra

— In Portugal, to be a mean or treacherous woman.

Não acredites nela, ela é uma cabra.

Fato de cabras

— In Portugal, a collective noun for a flock of goats.

O pastor leva o fato de cabras para o monte.

Often Confused With

Cabra vs Cobra

Cobra means snake. The difference is the first vowel (a vs o).

Cabra vs Bode

Bode is the male goat. Cabra is only the female.

Cabra vs Cabrito

Cabrito is a baby goat or goat meat. Cabra is the adult female.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cabra da peste"

— A resilient and courageous person, specifically from the Brazilian Northeast.

Ele enfrentou a seca como um verdadeiro cabra da peste.

Informal/Regional

"Pé de cabra"

— A tool used for prying things open (crowbar).

Eles usaram um pé de cabra para arrombar a janela.

Neutral

"Cabra-cega"

— A state of confusion or lack of information; also the children's game.

Estamos todos em uma cabra-cega sobre o novo projeto.

Neutral/Informal

"Cabra macho"

— A man who is very brave and determined.

No sertão, ele é visto como um cabra macho.

Informal/Regional

"Cabra safado"

— A person who is dishonest or lacks character.

Aquele cabra safado fugiu com o dinheiro.

Informal/Insult

"Cada cabra com seu par"

— Everyone should be with their own kind; birds of a feather flock together.

Eles se dão bem porque é cada cabra com seu par.

Proverbial

"Cabra de lapinha"

— In some Brazilian contexts, someone who is very small or fragile.

Ele é um cabra de lapinha, coitado.

Regional

"Cabra de peia"

— Someone who deserves to be punished or a low-life.

Não ande com aquele cabra de peia.

Regional/Slang

"Cabra bom"

— A good, reliable man.

O Seu José é um cabra bom demais.

Informal/Regional

"Dar uma de cabra-cega"

— To pretend not to see something or to act confused.

Ele deu uma de cabra-cega quando perguntei sobre o erro.

Informal

Easily Confused

Cabra vs Cobra

Visual and auditory similarity.

Cabra has an 'a' and means goat; Cobra has an 'o' and means snake.

Vi uma cabra no pasto e uma cobra na mata.

Cabra vs Bode

Both are goats.

Bode is masculine; Cabra is feminine.

O bode tem chifres maiores que a cabra.

Cabra vs Ovelha

Both are small ruminants.

Ovelha is a sheep (wool); Cabra is a goat (hair/horns).

A ovelha dá lã, a cabra dá leite.

Cabra vs Caba

Regional pronunciation or similar spelling.

Caba is a regional term for a wasp in parts of Brazil.

Cuidado com a caba, ela pica!

Cabra vs Gajo

Both can mean 'guy'.

Gajo is used in Portugal; Cabra (as 'guy') is used in Northeast Brazil.

Aquele gajo é de Lisboa, aquele cabra é de Quixadá.

Sentence Patterns

A cabra é [adjective].

A cabra é preta.

Eu gosto de [product] de cabra.

Eu gosto de queijo de cabra.

No [place], cabra significa [meaning].

No Brasil, cabra significa homem.

Apesar de ser um animal [adjective], a cabra é [adjective].

Apesar de ser um animal pequeno, a cabra é muito forte.

O termo cabra evoca [concept].

O termo cabra evoca a resistência do sertanejo.

A polissemia inerente ao vocábulo cabra...

A polissemia inerente ao vocábulo cabra dificulta a tradução direta.

Vamos brincar de [game]?

Vamos brincar de cabra-cega?

O [tool] é usado para [action].

O pé de cabra é usado para abrir portas.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in rural, culinary, and regional contexts).

Common Mistakes

Using 'o cabra' for a male goat. → O bode.
Cabra is feminine only.
Calling a woman 'cabra' in Lisbon as a joke. → Avoid it.
It's a serious insult in Portugal.
Pronouncing it like 'cobra'. → Cabra (with an 'ah' sound).
Cobra means snake.
Using 'cabra' for goat meat in a menu. → Cabrito.
Cabrito is the standard term for the meat.
Thinking 'cabra' is neutral slang in all Brazil. → It's mostly Northeastern.
In the South, 'cara' or 'sujeito' is more common.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always pair 'cabra' with feminine articles (a/uma) and adjectives (bonita/pequena).

Regional Awareness

Use 'cabra' for people only in Brazil, and even then, mostly in the Northeast or informal settings.

The Tapped R

Don't roll the 'r' in 'cabra' like in Spanish; just tap it once against the roof of your mouth.

Food Terms

Learn 'queijo de cabra' and 'leite de cabra' together as they are very common phrases.

Playful Language

Use 'cabra-cega' to talk about childhood memories; it's a great conversation starter.

Avoid Insults

Be careful in Portugal; calling a woman a 'cabra' is a very offensive way to call her a 'bitch'.

Professional Use

Use 'caprino' if you are talking about the goat industry or biology.

Cabra da Peste

Use this phrase to compliment someone's toughness or resilience in a Brazilian context.

Latin Roots

Remembering 'Capra' (Latin) helps you connect it to English words like 'Capricorn' or 'capricious'.

Goat vs Snake

Remember: C-A-bra (Animal) vs C-O-bra (Other - Snake).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a goat wearing a CAB (taxi) hat. It's a CAB-ra!

Visual Association

Visualize a goat standing on a mountain peak, its beard blowing in the wind, forming the shape of the letter 'C'.

Word Web

Animal Leite Queijo Fazenda Bode Chifres Sertão Cabra-cega

Challenge

Try to use 'cabra' in three different ways today: as an animal, as a food product (cheese/milk), and as a slang term for a person (if you are practicing Brazilian Portuguese).

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'capra', which also means female goat.

Original meaning: Female goat.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

Be extremely careful with 'cabra' in Portugal as it is a common and offensive insult for women.

English speakers might find the gender distinction (cabra/bode) more rigid than the general word 'goat'.

The book 'Grande Sertão: Veredas' by Guimarães Rosa. The film 'O Auto da Compadecida'. Traditional 'Cordel' poetry.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

On a farm

Onde estão as cabras?
A cabra precisa de água.
O rebanho está pastando.
A cabra deu cria.

At a restaurant

Tem queijo de cabra?
Eu gostaria de leite de cabra.
O cabrito está assado?
A salada leva queijo de cabra.

In Northeast Brazil

E aí, cabra da peste!
Aquele cabra é valente.
Cabra safado!
Um cabra de respeito.

Playing with children

Vamos jogar cabra-cega!
Quem vai ser a cabra-cega?
Não vale espiar!
A cabra-cega pegou você!

In a hardware store

Você tem um pé de cabra?
Preciso de um pé de cabra grande.
Quanto custa o pé de cabra?
Onde estão as ferramentas?

Conversation Starters

"Você já provou queijo de cabra artesanal?"

"Sabe como se chama o jogo 'Blind Man's Buff' em português?"

"Você sabia que 'cabra' tem significados diferentes no Brasil e em Portugal?"

"Já viu uma cabra subindo em montanhas?"

"O que você acha do sabor do leite de cabra?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma visita a uma fazenda onde havia muitas cabras.

Escreva sobre as diferenças culturais do uso da palavra 'cabra' entre Brasil e Portugal.

Imagine que você está jogando cabra-cega com seus amigos de infância. Descreva a cena.

Explique por que a cabra é um símbolo importante para o Nordeste brasileiro.

Você prefere produtos de cabra ou de vaca? Justifique sua resposta.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'cabra' is strictly feminine. The male goat is called 'bode'.

Usually no. In Brazil, especially the Northeast, it's a common way to say 'man' or 'fellow'. However, adding negative adjectives like 'safado' makes it an insult.

It's the name of the children's game 'Blind Man's Buff'.

It is 'queijo de cabra'.

No, in Portugal it is almost exclusively used for the animal or as a feminine insult.

It is a crowbar, a tool used for prying.

In Portugal, 'fato' is common; generally, 'rebanho' is used for any flock.

It's a quintessential expression of Northeastern Brazilian identity, meaning a tough and brave person.

Yes, it is very common, especially for making traditional cheeses.

Cabra is the adult female; cabrito is the young kid, often referred to in a culinary context.