This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun #2,500 most common 9 min read

calças

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips calças in 30 Seconds
Explanation calças in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'calças' is introduced as a basic vocabulary item for clothing. Students learn to identify the object in pictures and use it in simple sentences like 'Eu tenho calças azuis' (I have blue pants). The focus is on the plural nature of the word and basic color agreement. Learners are taught that 'calças' are something you 'veste' (wear). They learn to distinguish 'calças' from other basics like 'camisola' (sweater) or 'sapatos' (shoes). The goal is functional recognition in a shopping or dressing context. Exercises usually involve matching colors to the word or identifying the garment in a suitcase. Understanding that 'calças' is feminine is the primary grammatical hurdle here, as many beginners assume clothing might be masculine.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, the learner expands their use of 'calças' to include shopping interactions and describing physical attributes. You will learn to ask for sizes ('Qual é o tamanho destas calças?') and express preferences ('Gosto mais destas calças do que daquelas'). The distinction between materials starts to appear, such as 'calças de ganga' (jeans) versus 'calças de algodão' (cotton pants). Learners also begin to use verbs like 'ficar' to describe fit ('As calças ficam curtas'). Cultural nuances, such as the preference for the singular 'calça' in Brazil versus the plural 'calças' in Portugal, are introduced to help the student sound more natural. The focus is on using the word in daily routines and simple social transactions.
At the B1 level, 'calças' is used in more complex descriptive tasks and narratives. A student might describe what someone was wearing at an event: 'Ele vestia umas calças de linho bege e uma camisa branca'. The vocabulary expands to include parts of the trousers, such as 'bolsos' (pockets) or 'cinto' (belt). Learners start to encounter common idioms like 'vestir as calças' (to be the boss). They can also discuss clothing care, such as 'lavar a seco' (dry clean) or 'passar a ferro' (iron). At this stage, the learner should be comfortable using 'calças' with a variety of adjectives and in different tenses, describing past outfits or future shopping plans with ease. The grammar of agreement becomes second nature.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, the learner uses 'calças' in the context of fashion, social norms, and professional standards. They can participate in discussions about dress codes ('O código de vestimenta proíbe calças de ganga rasgadas') and express nuanced opinions on style and sustainability in the textile industry. Vocabulary becomes more specialized: 'calças de cintura subida' (high-waisted), 'corte reto' (straight cut), 'bainha' (hem). The learner understands the register shifts between 'calças sociais' and 'calças de lazer'. They can also handle more complex idiomatic usage and understand humor or irony related to clothing. Writing tasks might include a review of a clothing brand or a description of a traditional costume where 'calças' play a specific role.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, 'calças' appears in literary, historical, and highly technical contexts. The learner can discuss the historical evolution of 'calças' in Portuguese society or analyze the semiotics of clothing in a film or book. They are familiar with rare or archaic terms related to trousers and can use sophisticated metaphors. For example, they might understand the nuance of 'apanhado de calças na mão' (caught off guard) in a political commentary. The learner's command of the word includes technical knowledge of tailoring ('alfaiataria') and fabric composition. They can switch effortlessly between regional dialects (PT-PT vs PT-BR) and use the appropriate singular or plural forms and regionalisms (like 'ganga' vs 'jeans') to suit the audience.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, the word 'calças' is a tool for masterful expression. The learner understands the deepest etymological roots and the most subtle sociolinguistic implications of the word. They can appreciate wordplay, puns, and high-level cultural references involving 'calças'. Whether writing a fashion critique for a high-end magazine or translating a complex text, the C2 learner uses 'calças' with the precision of a native speaker. They are aware of how the word has been used in Portuguese poetry and music. At this level, the garment is no longer just an item of clothing but a symbol that can be manipulated to convey authority, vulnerability, or cultural identity in sophisticated discourse.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

calças in 30 Seconds

  • Calças is the Portuguese word for trousers or pants, used in both formal and casual contexts.
  • In Portugal, it is a plural-only noun (pluralia tantum), while in Brazil, the singular is common.
  • It is a feminine noun, requiring agreement with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., as calças novas).
  • Common types include calças de ganga (jeans), calças sociais (dress pants), and calções (shorts).

The Portuguese word calças refers to the primary lower-body garment known in English as trousers or pants. Historically and linguistically, the term has a rich background that reflects the evolution of fashion and language in the Lusophone world. In European Portuguese (PT-PT), the word is almost exclusively used in the plural form, as calças, even when referring to a single pair of trousers. This is similar to the English 'pants' or 'trousers'. However, in Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR), it is extremely common to hear the singular form a calça to refer to one item. Understanding this distinction is crucial for learners navigating different Portuguese-speaking regions.

Etymology
Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'calcea', which originally referred to a type of shoe or covering for the foot and lower leg.
Grammatical Gender
Feminine. Always takes feminine adjectives and articles: 'as calças novas', 'minhas calças'.
Regional Variation
Portugal: plural only ('umas calças'). Brazil: singular or plural ('uma calça' or 'umas calças').

Beyond the literal garment, calças serves as a foundational vocabulary word for anyone learning Portuguese, as it appears in various social contexts, from formal business settings to casual everyday life. The garment itself has evolved from heavy wool structures to modern synthetic blends, but the word has remained a constant in the lexicon. In a broader sense, calças represents the transition from childhood to adulthood in many traditional cultures, where 'vestir calças' (wearing long pants) was a rite of passage for young boys who previously wore 'calções' (shorts).

Preciso de comprar umas calças novas para a entrevista de emprego amanhã.

When discussing calças, one must also consider the variety of styles. We have calças de ganga (jeans in Portugal), calças de brim (denim/twill in Brazil), calças sociais (dress pants), and calças de fato de treino (sweatpants in Portugal) or calça de moletom (Brazil). Each variation carries its own social weight and register. For instance, wearing calças sociais implies a level of formality and respect, whereas calças rasgadas (ripped pants) are strictly casual or fashion-forward.

Estas calças de linho são perfeitas para o calor do verão em Luanda.

The word also permeates the metaphorical landscape of the language. To 'vestir as calças' in a household often means to be the one in charge or the primary decision-maker, a phrase rooted in older patriarchal structures but still heard today in various contexts. Furthermore, the fit of the calças—whether they are apertadas (tight) or largas (loose)—can be used to describe not just clothing but also situations that are restrictive or comfortable.

Fabric Types
Algodão (cotton), Linho (linen), Ganga/Jeans (denim), Lã (wool).
Parts of the Pants
Bolsos (pockets), Braguilha (fly), Cós (waistband), Bainha (hem).

Using calças correctly involves mastering the verbs associated with dressing and the adjectives that describe clothing. The most common verb is vestir (to put on/to wear). For example, 'Vou vestir as minhas calças pretas'. Conversely, to take them off, you use tirar or despir. In a retail context, you would use experimentar (to try on). 'Posso experimentar estas calças?'.

Adjective agreement is the next hurdle. Since calças is feminine and plural, every describing word must match. 'Calças compridas' (long pants), 'calças curtas' (short pants/cropped), 'calças azuis' (blue pants). Note that colors like 'azul' or 'verde' change to 'azuis' and 'verdes', while colors like 'rosa' or 'laranja' often remain invariable in casual speech but should technically agree in formal writing.

Ela prefere calças de cintura subida porque são mais confortáveis.

When discussing the fit, you will use verbs like ficar. 'Estas calças ficam-me bem' (These pants look good on me/fit me well). If they are too small, they are apertadas; if too big, largas. If you need to adjust them, you go to a costureira (seamstress) or alfaiate (tailor) to fazer a bainha (do the hem) or apertar a cintura (take in the waist).

Common Verbs
Vestir, tirar, despir, lavar, passar a ferro (to iron), dobrar (to fold).
Descriptive Phrases
Calças à boca de sino (bell-bottoms), calças justas (skinny jeans), calças de pinças (pleated trousers).

In professional settings, calças sociais or calças de fato (suit trousers) are the standard. You might hear 'O código de vestimenta exige calças escuras'. In casual settings, calças de ganga are ubiquitous. It is important to distinguish between calças and calções (shorts). In some regions, 'calças curtas' might refer to capris, but 'calções' is the distinct word for shorts.

You will encounter the word calças in a variety of everyday environments. The most obvious is in lojas de roupa (clothing stores) and centros comerciais (malls). Shop assistants will ask: 'Procura algum modelo de calças específico?' or 'Qual é o seu tamanho de calças?'. You will see signs for 'Secção de Calças' in department stores.

At home, the word is part of the daily routine. Parents tell children: 'Veste as calças, estamos atrasados!' or 'Põe as calças sujas no cesto da roupa'. In the context of housework, you'll hear it regarding lavar a roupa or passar a ferro. 'É difícil passar estas calças de linho a ferro'.

Onde puseste as minhas calças de ganga favoritas?

In the workplace, especially in offices with dress codes, calças are a frequent topic of HR guidelines or casual Friday discussions. 'Às sextas-feiras podemos vir de calças de ganga'. In more formal environments like banks or law firms, the emphasis is on calças de tecido or calças sociais.

At the Tailor
'Preciso de encurtar estas calças' (I need to shorten these pants).
At the Laundry
'Limpeza a seco para estas calças de lã' (Dry clean for these wool trousers).

In media and fashion, calças are discussed in terms of trends. Fashion bloggers might talk about 'as calças da estação' (the pants of the season) or 'tendências em calças femininas'. On TV, news anchors are usually seen wearing calças de fato, even if only the top half of their body is visible!

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is the gender of the word. Since 'pants' is gender-neutral in English, learners often default to the masculine 'os calças' because many Portuguese nouns ending in 'as' are feminine, but they might get confused with other clothing items like 'os sapatos' or 'os casacos'. Remember: as calças is always feminine.

Another common error is the confusion between calças (trousers) and calçar (the verb to put on shoes/gloves). You veste calças, but you calça sapatos. Using 'vou calçar as calças' is a classic 'false friend' style error in logic. You 'veste' anything you put your limbs through that isn't footwear or gloves.

Errado: Eu vou calçar as calças.
Correto: Eu vou vestir as calças.

The singular/plural trap is also significant. In Portugal, saying 'comprei uma calça' sounds like you bought only one leg of the trousers. Always use 'umas calças' or 'um par de calças'. In Brazil, however, 'uma calça' is perfectly acceptable and standard in daily speech. Learners should adapt based on their target dialect.

Agreement Error
Saying 'calças preto' instead of 'calças pretas'.
Word Confusion
Confusing 'calças' with 'calcinhas' (which means women's underwear/panties in Brazil).

Finally, watch out for the word cuecas. In Portugal, 'cuecas' refers to underwear (briefs/panties), but in some contexts or older translations, people might confuse the two. Ensure you are using calças for the outer garment and not accidentally referring to your undergarments!

To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words related to calças. The most immediate relative is calções (shorts). In Brazil, the word bermuda is more common for knee-length shorts, while short (borrowed from English) is used for shorter versions. In Portugal, calções covers most types of short trousers.

For denim, the terminology varies wildly. In Portugal, you wear calças de ganga. The word 'ganga' refers to the denim fabric itself. In Brazil, everyone says calça jeans or just jeans. If you ask for 'ganga' in São Paulo, you might get a blank stare.

Prefiro usar calções no verão e calças no inverno.

Other similar garments include jardineiras (overalls/dungarees), fatos de macaco (jumpsuits/boilersuits), and leggings. For formal wear, you have calças de alfaiataria, which are tailored trousers. There is also the saia-calça (culottes), which combines the appearance of a skirt with the structure of pants.

Calções
Shorts. Essential for beach weather.
Ganga / Jeans
The most common material for casual calças.
Pijama
Specifically 'calças de pijama' for sleeping.

In terms of verbs, calçar is a 'cousin' word. While you 'veste' calças, you 'calça' sapatos (shoes), botas (boots), or meias (socks). Understanding the 'vestir' vs 'calçar' divide is a key milestone in reaching intermediate Portuguese proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -as

Adjective agreement

Contractions with demonstratives (destas, naquelas)

Verbs of movement and dressing

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Eu visto calças azuis.

I wear blue pants.

Feminine plural agreement: azuis.

2

As calças são novas.

The pants are new.

Use of 'são' for plural subject.

3

Onde estão as minhas calças?

Where are my pants?

Possessive 'minhas' matches 'calças'.

4

Estas calças são pretas.

These pants are black.

Demonstrative 'estas' is feminine plural.

5

Eu preciso de calças.

I need pants.

Simple verb 'precisar de'.

6

As calças são grandes.

The pants are big.

Adjective 'grandes' is plural.

7

Ela compra calças brancas.

She buys white pants.

Verb 'comprar' in present tense.

8

Gosto destas calças.

I like these pants.

Contraction 'de + estas = destas'.

1

Quero experimentar estas calças de ganga.

I want to try on these jeans.

'De ganga' is the standard PT-PT term for denim.

2

As calças ficam-me muito apertadas.

The pants are very tight on me.

Verb 'ficar' used for fit.

3

Quanto custam aquelas calças verdes?

How much are those green pants?

Plural verb 'custam'.

4

Vou levar estas calças para a festa.

I'm going to take these pants to the party.

Future with 'ir + infinitive'.

5

As calças de linho são frescas.

Linen pants are cool/fresh.

Material description using 'de'.

6

Podes passar as calças a ferro?

Can you iron the pants?

Idiomatic 'passar a ferro'.

7

Não encontro as calças do meu fato.

I can't find my suit trousers.

'Fato' means suit in PT-PT.

8

Estas calças têm muitos bolsos.

These pants have many pockets.

Plural 'têm' with circumflex accent.

1

Ele sempre veste calças sociais no trabalho.

He always wears dress pants at work.

'Sociais' refers to formal/business style.

2

A costureira vai fazer a bainha das calças.

The seamstress is going to hem the pants.

'Bainha' is the hem.

3

Prefiro calças de cintura subida.

I prefer high-waisted pants.

'Cintura subida' is high-waisted.

4

As calças rasgaram-se quando me baixei.

The pants ripped when I bent down.

Reflexive verb 'rasgar-se'.

5

Ela combinou as calças com uma blusa de seda.

She matched the pants with a silk blouse.

Verb 'combinar' for matching clothes.

6

Estas calças de bombazina são muito quentes.

These corduroy pants are very warm.

'Bombazina' is corduroy.

7

Preciso de um cinto para estas calças largas.

I need a belt for these loose pants.

'Largas' means loose/wide.

8

As calças curtas estão na moda este verão.

Cropped pants are in style this summer.

'Estar na moda' means to be in style.

1

O protocolo exige o uso de calças escuras e discretas.

The protocol requires the use of dark and discreet trousers.

Formal vocabulary: 'protocolo', 'exige'.

2

As calças de ganga tornaram-se um símbolo de rebeldia.

Jeans became a symbol of rebellion.

Historical/Sociological context.

3

Apertei as calças porque perdi peso recentemente.

I took in the pants because I lost weight recently.

'Apertar' used for altering size.

4

Não suporto calças que não têm elasticidade.

I can't stand pants that don't have elasticity.

Relative clause with 'que'.

5

As calças boca de sino voltaram às passarelas.

Bell-bottom pants have returned to the runways.

'Passarelas' (BR) or 'Passerelles' (PT).

6

Ele foi apanhado de calças na mão pela pergunta do jornalista.

He was caught off guard by the journalist's question.

Idiomatic expression 'apanhado de calças na mão'.

7

O tecido destas calças é impermeável.

The fabric of these pants is waterproof.

Technical adjective 'impermeável'.

8

As calças cargo são práticas para caminhadas.

Cargo pants are practical for hiking.

Specific style: 'cargo'.

1

A sofisticação das calças de alfaiataria é inquestionável.

The sophistication of tailored trousers is unquestionable.

Abstract noun 'sofisticação'.

2

O corte das calças acentua a silhueta de forma elegante.

The cut of the pants accentuates the silhouette elegantly.

Refined verb 'acentua'.

3

Houve uma época em que as mulheres eram proibidas de usar calças.

There was a time when women were forbidden from wearing pants.

Passive voice 'eram proibidas'.

4

As calças de veludo cotelê remetem a uma estética vintage.

Corduroy pants evoke a vintage aesthetic.

'Veludo cotelê' (BR) for corduroy.

5

A versatilidade das calças pretas permite inúmeras combinações.

The versatility of black pants allows for numerous combinations.

Complex sentence structure.

6

As calças de equitação possuem um reforço na parte interna.

Riding breeches have a reinforcement on the inside.

Technical term 'reforço'.

7

O caimento das calças depende da qualidade do tecido.

The drape of the pants depends on the quality of the fabric.

'Caimento' refers to how fabric hangs.

8

Ele é quem veste as calças naquela relação.

He is the one who wears the pants in that relationship.

Metaphorical use of the phrase.

1

A desconstrução das calças tradicionais é o cerne da nova coleção.

The deconstruction of traditional trousers is the core of the new collection.

Academic/Artistic register.

2

A fluidez das calças de seda contrasta com a rigidez do corpete.

The fluidity of the silk trousers contrasts with the rigidity of the bodice.

Literary contrast.

3

As calças, outrora meros instrumentos de labor, ascenderam ao status de alta-costura.

Trousers, once mere tools of labor, have ascended to the status of high fashion.

Use of 'outrora' and 'ascenderam'.

4

A meticulosidade do alfaiate ao medir as calças é impressionante.

The tailor's meticulousness when measuring the trousers is impressive.

High-level noun 'meticulosidade'.

5

O simbolismo das calças na literatura feminista do século XX é vasto.

The symbolism of trousers in 20th-century feminist literature is vast.

Thematic analysis.

6

As calças bombachas são emblemáticas da cultura gaúcha.

Bombachas pants are emblematic of Gaúcho culture.

Regional cultural specific term.

7

A perenidade das calças jeans no guarda-roupa contemporâneo é um fenómeno sociológico.

The perennial nature of jeans in the contemporary wardrobe is a sociological phenomenon.

Sociological register.

8

Subverter o uso das calças formais em contextos disruptivos é uma marca do designer.

Subverting the use of formal trousers in disruptive contexts is a hallmark of the designer.

Infinitive as subject.

Common Collocations

Vestir calças
Tirar calças
Calças de ganga
Calças sociais
Calças pretas
Tamanho de calças
Bolsos das calças
Bainha das calças
Cinto para calças
Calças justas

Common Phrases

Vou vestir as calças.
Onde estão as minhas calças?
Estas calças não me servem.
Preciso de comprar calças novas.
As calças estão sujas.
Gosto do corte destas calças.
As calças são de boa qualidade.
Faz a bainha das calças.
As calças ficaram na lavandaria.
Veste calças quentes hoje.

Often Confused With

calças vs Calçar

calças vs Calções

calças vs Calcinhas

Idioms & Expressions

"Vestir as calças (To be the boss/authority)"
"Apanhado de calças na mão (Caught off guard)"
"Estar nas sete quintas (To be very comfortable - related to ease of wear)"
"Dar um passo maior que a perna (To overextend oneself - related to leg movement)"
"Apertar o cinto (To save money/austerity)"
"Cair as calças (To be extremely surprised)"
"Deitar-se com as calças vestidas (To be very tired/lazy)"
"Não ter onde cair morto (To be very poor - often implies lack of clothes)"
"Fazer nas calças (To be very scared)"
"A calça de veludo e a barriga de farelo (Appearance of wealth vs reality of poverty)"

Easily Confused

calças vs Calções

calças vs Calcinhas

calças vs Calçados

calças vs Calçar

calças vs Calços

Sentence Patterns

Sign up free to see all examples

How to Use It

verbs

Vestir (to put on) vs Calçar (only for shoes/socks).

material names

Ganga (PT) vs Jeans (BR).

singular vs plural

Portugal = Plural; Brazil = Singular/Plural.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'os calças' (wrong gender).
  • Using 'calçar as calças' (wrong verb).
  • Using 'calça' in Portugal for a single pair (sounds unnatural).
  • Forgetting to pluralize adjectives (calças azul).
  • Confusing 'calças' with 'calcinhas' in Brazil (can be embarrassing).

Tips

Agreement

Always match adjectives to the feminine plural form: calças pretas, not calças preto.

Jeans

Use 'ganga' in Lisbon and 'jeans' in Rio to sound like a local.

Vestir vs Calçar

You 'veste' calças (body) but 'calça' sapatos (feet). Don't mix them up!

Fitting Room

Ask for the 'provador' to try on your 'calças'.

Formality

'Calças de fato' is the term for suit trousers in Portugal.

Laundry

Check the label for 'lavar a frio' (wash cold) to protect your calças.

Authority

Use 'Quem veste as calças aqui?' to ask who is in charge.

The 'ç'

The 'ç' is always a soft 's' sound, never a 'k' sound.

Brazil Tip

In Brazil, 'calça' (singular) is the most natural way to refer to one pair.

Visual

Picture a pair of pants with the letter 'A' on each leg to remember it's feminine (as).

Memorize It

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Mix of PT-PT and local influences; 'calças' is standard.

Singular 'calça' is common. 'Jeans' is the word for denim.

Plural usage is strictly followed. 'Ganga' is the word for denim.

Follows PT-PT conventions generally.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Onde compraste essas calças?"

"Achas que estas calças me ficam bem?"

"Preferes calças de ganga ou calças de tecido?"

"Qual é o teu tamanho de calças?"

"Estas calças são confortáveis para viajar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve as tuas calças favoritas.

O que vestes num dia de trabalho formal?

Conta uma história sobre uma vez que rasgaste as calças.

Como mudou o estilo das calças nos últimos 20 anos?

Preferes comprar calças online ou na loja? Porquê?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You say 'as calças'.

In Portugal, use 'umas calças'. In Brazil, 'uma calça' is common.

In Portugal, 'calças de ganga'. In Brazil, 'calça jeans'.

You say 'passar as calças a ferro'.

It means to be the person in charge or the boss in a situation.

No, shorts are 'calções'.

Ask: 'Qual é o meu tamanho de calças?'

They are formal dress pants or suit trousers.

Yes, but it sounds like a 'u' in Brazil and a dark 'l' in Portugal.

It is called 'a bainha'.

Sign up free for tips & notes

Test Yourself 180 questions

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Sign up free to practice

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!