This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 13 min read

gazela

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips gazela in 30 Seconds

Explanation gazela in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'gazela' is a type of animal. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'a gazela'. You might learn this word when studying animals or the letter 'G'. For example, 'A gazela é um animal' (The gazelle is an animal). It is important to remember the spelling with one 'L'. You can think of it as a 'fast deer' from Africa. At this stage, don't worry about metaphorical meanings. Just focus on the fact that it is an animal that runs very fast. You might see it in a picture book or a simple zoo sign. The plural is 'gazelas'. Practice saying 'Eu vejo uma gazela' (I see a gazelle). This helps you practice the feminine article and the pronunciation of the 'z' sound, which is like the English 'z' in 'zebra'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'gazela' in simple descriptions. You know that it is fast and lives in Africa. You can use adjectives like 'rápida' (fast) or 'bonita' (beautiful). For example: 'A gazela corre muito rápido na savana' (The gazelle runs very fast in the savannah). You can also use it to compare things using 'como' (like). 'Ela corre como uma gazela' is a simple sentence you can use. You should also be aware that in Portuguese, we don't change the word for male and female gazelles; we just say 'a gazela'. If you want to be specific, you say 'a gazela macho' or 'a gazela fêmea'. This is a good way to practice animal gender rules in Portuguese, which can be different from English.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'gazela' in more complex contexts, such as telling a story or describing a scene in detail. You can use it in the context of nature and the environment. For instance, you might discuss the food chain: 'A gazela é a presa, e o leão é o predador' (The gazelle is the prey, and the lion is the predator). You should also understand the metaphorical use of the word to describe someone's grace or speed. In a B1 conversation, you might describe a dancer or an athlete using this word. You should also be able to use the word with different tenses, like the imperfect: 'Antigamente, havia muitas gazelas nesta região' (In the past, there were many gazelles in this region). This shows you can handle the word in narrative structures.

At the B2 level, you can use 'gazela' in more specialized discussions. You might use it in a debate about wildlife conservation or in a business context when talking about 'empresas-gazela' (high-growth companies). You should understand the nuances of the word, including its poetic associations. You can use it to create vivid imagery in your writing. For example, 'A agilidade da gazela é um exemplo de adaptação evolutiva' (The gazelle's agility is an example of evolutionary adaptation). You should also be aware of the cultural connotations in different Portuguese-speaking countries, such as its use in literature or its potential as a slang term in Brazil, and know when it is appropriate to use it. Your vocabulary should be precise enough to distinguish a 'gazela' from an 'impala' or a 'veado'.

At the C1 level, you use 'gazela' with full native-like precision. You can appreciate its use in classical and modern literature, such as in the works of Portuguese or Brazilian poets who use the 'olhos de gazela' trope. You can discuss the word's etymology (from Arabic) and how that reflects the history of the Portuguese language. In professional or academic settings, you might use the term in biology, ethology, or economics without hesitation. You can use the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understand the subtle social implications of its use in slang. You are also capable of using the word in highly formal writing, such as an essay on biodiversity: 'A preservação das populações de gazelas é fundamental para o equilíbrio do ecossistema das savanas.'

At the C2 level, 'gazela' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it in high-level literary analysis, discussing how the metaphor of the gazelle has evolved from medieval 'cantigas' to contemporary prose. You have a deep understanding of the word's phonetic and rhythmic qualities in poetry. You can navigate the most sensitive cultural contexts, using or avoiding the word based on a profound understanding of social dynamics in various Lusophone regions. You can explain the technical differences between various species of gazelles in Portuguese and use the term in specialized economic theories regarding 'gazelle firms'. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, whether you are writing a scientific paper, a poem, or engaging in a complex debate.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

gazela in 30 Seconds

Gazela means gazelle, a fast and graceful antelope found in Africa and Asia.
It is a feminine noun in Portuguese, regardless of the animal's biological sex.
The word is often used metaphorically to describe someone's speed and agility.
Commonly heard in nature documentaries, sports commentary, and classical literature.

The word gazela refers primarily to a small, slender, and exceptionally fast antelope known for its graceful movements and large, expressive eyes. In the Portuguese language, this noun is always feminine (a gazela), regardless of the actual biological sex of the animal. When you use this word, you are often invoking an image of the African savannah or the vast plains of Asia where these creatures reside. Beyond the biological definition, the term is frequently employed as a metaphor for speed, agility, and aesthetic elegance. For example, a dancer might be described as moving like a gazelle, or a sprinter might be compared to one due to their explosive yet light-footed pace.

Biological Context: In a scientific or educational setting, gazela describes various species within the genera Gazella, Eudorcas, and Nanger. Portuguese speakers use this term when discussing wildlife conservation, safaris, or natural history. It is a specific category of antelope, distinct from the larger gnu (wildebeest) or the more robust antílope.
Metaphorical Grace: When describing humans, gazela often highlights a combination of fragility and incredible speed. It is common in sports journalism to see a player described as having the 'legs of a gazelle' (pernas de gazela) to emphasize their rapid acceleration and light touch on the field.
Literary Usage: In Portuguese poetry and classical literature, the gazelle is a symbol of the beloved's beauty, particularly focusing on the eyes (olhos de gazela), which are seen as deep, dark, and soulful. This usage traces back to Middle Eastern influences on Iberian literature.

A gazela saltou sobre o riacho com uma agilidade impressionante, escapando do predador em poucos segundos.

Translation: The gazelle leaped over the stream with impressive agility, escaping the predator in a few seconds.

Understanding when to use gazela versus antílope or veado (deer) is crucial for precision. While all are hoofed mammals, the gazela specifically implies a certain daintiness and extreme velocity that the others might not. In a cultural sense, particularly in Brazil, one should be aware that the term has occasionally been used as a derogatory slang for effeminate men, though this usage is declining in favor of more respectful language. However, in its primary sense, it remains a purely descriptive and often complimentary term for speed and grace.

Os olhos daquela criança eram grandes e doces, como os de uma gazela assustada.

Translation: That child's eyes were large and sweet, like those of a frightened gazelle.

In the context of modern media, you will encounter gazela frequently in nature documentaries dubbed in Portuguese. Narrators will often describe the 'stotting' or 'pronking' behavior—where the animal jumps high into the air with stiff legs—as a signature move of the gazela. This specific biological behavior has a unique term in Portuguese: pulo vertical or simply salto, but the animal performing it is almost always the iconic gazelle.

Durante o safari na África, conseguimos fotografar uma manada de gazelas ao pôr do sol.

Translation: During the safari in Africa, we managed to photograph a herd of gazelles at sunset.

Finally, the word is used in various technical fields. In some engineering or design contexts, 'gazelle' might be used as a codename or a brand name to imply speed and efficiency. In the world of fashion, 'gazelle' might describe a specific shade of light brown or beige, similar to the animal's coat. Whether you are walking through a zoo in Lisbon, watching a documentary in São Paulo, or reading a poem by a Lusophone author, the gazela remains a powerful symbol of nature's delicate strength.

Using gazela correctly in Portuguese requires attention to gender agreement and context. Since gazela is a feminine noun, all accompanying adjectives and articles must also be feminine. This remains true even if the gazelle you are referring to is male. This is a common feature of many animal names in Portuguese, known as substantivos sobrecomuns or epicenos.

Subject-Adjective Agreement: When you describe a gazelle, your adjectives must end in '-a' (if they are variable). For example: A gazela é rápida (The gazelle is fast), not rápido. Even if you specify the sex: A gazela macho é rápida.
Pluralization: The plural is straightforward: as gazelas. When talking about a group, you use the collective noun manada (herd). Example: Uma manada de gazelas atravessou a planície.
Similes and Comparisons: The most common way to use gazela in daily conversation is through the preposition como (like). Ela corre como uma gazela (She runs like a gazelle). This emphasizes speed and fluid motion.

Vimos uma gazela solitária bebendo água no poço ao amanhecer.

Translation: We saw a solitary gazelle drinking water at the well at dawn.

In more complex sentence structures, gazela can function as the object of a verb or within a prepositional phrase. Because it is a B1-level word, you should practice using it with past tenses to describe observations or future tenses to predict animal behavior. For instance: Se o leão se aproximar, a gazela fugirá rapidamente (If the lion approaches, the gazelle will flee quickly).

O documentário focava na migração das gazelas através do Serengeti.

Translation: The documentary focused on the migration of gazelles across the Serengeti.

Another interesting way to use the word is in the context of 'gazelle companies' in economics (though often the English term is used, empresas-gazela is the Portuguese equivalent). These are high-growth companies that increase their revenue by at least 20% annually for four years or more. Using the word in this business context demonstrates a high level of Portuguese proficiency.

Aquelas gazelas são conhecidas por sua resistência ao calor extremo do deserto.

Translation: Those gazelles are known for their resistance to the extreme heat of the desert.

Finally, consider the emotional weight of the word. In literature, a 'gazelle' is often 'frightened' (assustada) or 'graceful' (graciosa). When writing, choosing the right adjective to pair with gazela can change the tone from scientific observation to poetic admiration. Avoid using it to describe heavy or slow things, as it would create a linguistic contradiction that might confuse a native speaker unless used ironically.

You will encounter the word gazela in a variety of real-world Portuguese environments. While you might not use it in every trip to the supermarket, it is a staple of educational, cultural, and descriptive language. Understanding these contexts helps you recognize the nuance behind the word when it pops up in conversation or media.

Nature Documentaries: Channels like National Geographic (Portugal/Brazil) or RTP Play frequently feature wildlife programs. You will hear narrators say: 'A gazela-de-thomson é uma das presas favoritas do guepardo.' This is the most common literal use of the word.
Sports Broadcasting: In football (soccer) commentary, a particularly agile and fast winger might be nicknamed or described as a gazela. Listen for phrases like: 'Ele correu pela lateral como uma gazela, deixando os defesas para trás.'
Zoos and Parks: If you visit the Jardim Zoológico in Lisbon or the Zoo de São Paulo, the information plaques will use gazela to identify the species. You might hear parents telling their children: 'Olha que gazela tão bonita!'

Na escola, aprendemos que a gazela é um animal herbívoro que vive em grupos.

Translation: At school, we learned that the gazelle is a herbivorous animal that lives in groups.

In Portuguese-speaking African countries like Angola and Mozambique, the word has a more immediate connection to the local fauna, although 'impala' is more common in certain regions. However, gazela remains the standard term in literature and formal education across the Lusosphere. You might also hear it in the lyrics of 'Música Popular Brasileira' (MPB) or 'Fado', where singers use the animal's traits to describe a lover's elusive nature.

O poeta descreveu os passos da bailarina como os saltos de uma gazela na savana.

Translation: The poet described the dancer's steps like the leaps of a gazelle in the savannah.

In business news, especially in Portugal, you might hear about PME Gazela. This is a formal designation or award given to small and medium-sized enterprises (PMEs) that show exceptionally rapid growth and job creation. Hearing 'Esta é uma empresa gazela' means the company is a high-performer in the economy. This is a very specific, high-level context that shows how the word's meaning of 'speed' translates into the corporate world.

A gazela é frequentemente usada como símbolo de velocidade em logotipos de empresas de entrega.

Translation: The gazelle is frequently used as a symbol of speed in logos of delivery companies.

Lastly, in the fashion industry, you might hear gazela referring to the Adidas Gazelle sneakers, which are iconic worldwide. While this is a brand name, Portuguese speakers will use the word when shopping: 'Quero comprar umas gazelas novas.' Note the plural use here to refer to a pair of shoes.

Even intermediate learners of Portuguese often stumble when using gazela. The mistakes usually fall into three categories: gender errors, spelling confusion with English, and misapplication of the metaphorical meaning. Awareness of these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

The 'Gazelo' Myth: The most frequent mistake is trying to create a masculine form of the word. Since gazela ends in 'a', learners often assume a male gazelle is a 'gazelo'. This is incorrect. To specify a male, you must say a gazela macho. Using 'o gazela' or 'o gazelo' is a grammatical error.
Spelling: Double 'L' vs Single 'L': English speakers are prone to writing 'gazella' with two 'l's because that is the Latin genus name and close to the English 'gazelle'. In Portuguese, however, we use only one 'l': gazela. This applies to all variations of the word.
Confusing with 'Veado' or 'Corça': Learners often use gazela to describe any deer-like animal. A veado (deer) is generally larger and lives in forests, while a gazela lives in open plains. A corça (roe deer) is also different. Using gazela for a deer in a European forest would be biologically and contextually inaccurate.

Incorreto: O gazelo correu muito.
Correto: A gazela macho correu muito.

Explanation: Always use the feminine article 'a' for the species name.

Another mistake involves the sensitivity of the word in Brazil. As mentioned, gazela can be used as a slur. If you are describing a man as 'graceful' or 'fast' using this word, you might accidentally offend someone or sound like you are using outdated, prejudiced slang. It is safer to use terms like ágil (agile) or veloz (fast) unless you are specifically talking about the animal or using a well-understood literary simile.

Incorreto: Eu vi uma gazella no zoo.
Correto: Eu vi uma gazela no zoo.

Explanation: Portuguese spelling avoids double consonants like 'll' unless in specific loanwords.

Finally, watch out for the plural agreement when using the word as an adjective or in a compound phrase. If you are describing 'gazelle-like movements', you would say movimentos de gazela. The word gazela stays singular here because it is part of a prepositional phrase acting as an adjective. Saying movimentos de gazelas would imply movements belonging to multiple animals, which changes the meaning slightly.

Não confunda a gazela com o impala; embora parecidos, são espécies diferentes.

Translation: Don't confuse the gazelle with the impala; although similar, they are different species.

In summary: Stick to the feminine gender, use a single 'l', be mindful of the animal's specific habitat, and use the word carefully when referring to people to avoid unintended slang connotations.

While gazela is a specific term, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on whether you are being scientific, poetic, or casual. Knowing these synonyms and related words allows you to vary your vocabulary and describe nature more accurately.

Antílope: This is the broader category. All gazelles are antílopes, but not all antílopes are gazelles. Use this when you are unsure of the specific species. It sounds more formal and scientific.
Impala: Often confused with the gazelle, the impala is another African antelope. In Portuguese, it is also a feminine noun (a impala). It is generally larger and has distinct black markings.
Corça: This refers to the roe deer. In Portuguese literature, corça is often used interchangeably with gazela for poetic effect, as both represent grace and vulnerability. However, a corça is a forest animal.

O guepardo perseguiu o antílope pela savana, mas a gazela conseguiu escapar.

Translation: The cheetah chased the antelope through the savannah, but the gazelle managed to escape.

If you are looking for adjectives to replace the metaphorical use of gazela, consider these options:

Ágil (Agile): Focuses on the ability to move quickly and easily.
Veloz (Fast/Swift): Focuses purely on speed.
Esbelto/a (Slender/Svelte): Focuses on the physical shape associated with a gazelle.
Gracioso/a (Graceful): Focuses on the elegance of movement.

A bailarina tinha uma figura esbelta e movimentos que lembravam uma gazela.

Translation: The dancer had a slender figure and movements that reminded one of a gazelle.

In a more technical or zoological context, you might hear about the Gerenuk, which is sometimes called gazela-girafa because of its long neck. This shows how gazela acts as a base word for many specific species. In contrast, if you want to describe someone who is clumsy, the antonyms would be desajeitado or lento, which are the polar opposites of the 'gazelle' ideal.

Diferente da gazela, o búfalo é um animal pesado e robusto.

Translation: Unlike the gazelle, the buffalo is a heavy and robust animal.

Understanding these distinctions not only improves your Portuguese but also your ability to describe the natural world with the nuance it deserves. Whether you are comparing a fast car to a gazelle or identifying animals on a safari, these alternatives provide the necessary linguistic tools.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Arabic root 'ghazal' is also related to a form of amatory poem (ghazal), which is why the animal is so deeply linked to beauty and love in literature.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡɐ.ˈzɛ.lɐ/

US /ɡa.ˈzɛ.la/

Second syllable (ga-ZE-la).

Rhymes With

Janela Panela Amarela Bela Tela Fivela Magrela Banguela

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'z' like an 's' (it should be voiced).
Pronouncing the 'e' as a closed 'e' (it should be open like in 'egg').
Adding an 'i' sound after the 'l' (it's not 'gazelia').
Stress on the first or last syllable.
Doubling the 'l' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English word.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the single 'L' and feminine gender.

Speaking 3/5

The open 'e' and voiced 'z' require some practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to identify in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Animal Rápido África Correr Mato

Learn Next

Antílope Savana Guepardo Predador Presa

Advanced

Ungulado Ruminante Artiodáctilo Estepes Taxonomia

Grammar to Know

Epicene Nouns

A gazela macho / A gazela fêmea (The noun doesn't change gender).

Adjective Agreement

A gazela é rápida (Feminine noun + feminine adjective).

Plural Formation

Gazela -> Gazelas (Add 's' to words ending in a vowel).

Open 'E' Pronunciation

The 'e' in gazela is open (ɛ), similar to 'café'.

Voiced 'Z'

The 'z' is always voiced between vowels.

Examples by Level

A gazela é pequena.

The gazelle is small.

Feminine noun 'a gazela' with feminine adjective 'pequena'.

Eu vejo uma gazela.

I see a gazelle.

Use of indefinite article 'uma' for feminine singular.

A gazela corre.

The gazelle runs.

Simple present tense verb 'corre'.

A gazela é um animal.

The gazelle is an animal.

Basic identification sentence.

A gazela tem quatro pernas.

The gazelle has four legs.

Verb 'ter' in the third person singular.

As gazelas são rápidas.

The gazelles are fast.

Plural agreement: 'as gazelas' + 'são' + 'rápidas'.

A gazela mora na África.

The gazelle lives in Africa.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

A gazela gosta de grama.

The gazelle likes grass.

Verb 'gostar' followed by the preposition 'de'.

A gazela é mais rápida que o leão?

Is the gazelle faster than the lion?

Comparative of superiority: 'mais rápida que'.

Ontem eu vi uma gazela no documentário.

Yesterday I saw a gazelle in the documentary.

Preterite tense 'vi'.

A gazela saltou muito alto.

The gazelle jumped very high.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective/adverb 'alto'.

Existem muitas gazelas na savana.

There are many gazelles in the savannah.

Verb 'existir' in the plural.

A gazela tem chifres bonitos.

The gazelle has beautiful horns.

Noun 'chifres' (masculine plural) with adjective 'bonitos'.

Eu quero ver uma gazela de perto.

I want to see a gazelle up close.

Verb 'querer' followed by infinitive 'ver'.

A gazela fugiu do perigo.

The gazelle fled from danger.

Preterite tense 'fugiu' from 'fugir'.

A cor da gazela é marrom claro.

The gazelle's color is light brown.

Noun phrase 'a cor da gazela'.

A gazela é conhecida pela sua agilidade extraordinária.

The gazelle is known for its extraordinary agility.

Passive voice 'é conhecida' with prepositional phrase.

Se o guepardo não for rápido, a gazela escapará.

If the cheetah is not fast, the gazelle will escape.

Conditional sentence with future tense 'escapará'.

A bailarina movia-se com a graça de uma gazela.

The dancer moved with the grace of a gazelle.

Simile using 'com a graça de'.

É importante proteger o habitat da gazela.

It is important to protect the gazelle's habitat.

Impersonal expression 'É importante' followed by infinitive.

A gazela parou de repente ao ouvir um barulho.

The gazelle stopped suddenly upon hearing a noise.

Phrasal verb 'parar de' followed by infinitive.

Nós observamos a manada de gazelas durante horas.

We observed the herd of gazelles for hours.

Collective noun 'manada' followed by 'de gazelas'.

A gazela-de-thomson é uma das espécies mais famosas.

The Thomson's gazelle is one of the most famous species.

Compound noun with hyphens.

Embora seja pequena, a gazela é muito resistente.

Although it is small, the gazelle is very resilient.

Conjunction 'embora' followed by the subjunctive 'seja'.

O projeto visa transformar a startup em uma empresa-gazela.

The project aims to transform the startup into a gazelle company.

Business terminology: 'empresa-gazela'.

A gazela utiliza o salto vertical para confundir os predadores.

The gazelle uses the vertical leap to confuse predators.

Technical description of animal behavior.

As gazelas adaptaram-se perfeitamente às condições áridas do deserto.

Gazelles have adapted perfectly to the arid desert conditions.

Pronominal verb 'adaptar-se' in the preterite.

A vulnerabilidade da gazela é compensada pela sua velocidade.

The gazelle's vulnerability is compensated for by its speed.

Abstract nouns 'vulnerabilidade' and 'velocidade'.

O autor faz uma analogia entre a liberdade e a gazela selvagem.

The author makes an analogy between freedom and the wild gazelle.

Literary analysis vocabulary: 'analogia'.

A caça à gazela é estritamente proibida nesta reserva natural.

Gazelle hunting is strictly prohibited in this nature reserve.

Passive construction 'é proibida'.

As gazelas são animais sociais que vivem em estruturas complexas.

Gazelles are social animals that live in complex structures.

Relative clause starting with 'que'.

Ao avistar o perigo, a gazela emite um sinal de alerta.

Upon spotting danger, the gazelle emits a warning signal.

Gerund-like construction 'Ao avistar'.

A gazela, com o seu olhar melancólico, inspirou gerações de poetas árabes e lusos.

The gazelle, with its melancholy gaze, inspired generations of Arabic and Portuguese poets.

Appositive phrase and historical context.

A dinâmica populacional das gazelas flutua de acordo com a pluviosidade.

The population dynamics of gazelles fluctuate according to rainfall.

Scientific terminology: 'dinâmica populacional'.

Seria negligente ignorar o declínio das gazelas no norte da África.

It would be negligent to ignore the decline of gazelles in North Africa.

Conditional 'seria' and formal adjective 'negligente'.

A gazela personifica a fragilidade inerente à beleza da natureza.

The gazelle personifies the fragility inherent in the beauty of nature.

Abstract verb 'personificar'.

As gazelas-dorcas são particularmente resistentes à escassez de água.

Dorcas gazelles are particularly resistant to water scarcity.

Specific species name with hyphenation.

O movimento das gazelas é uma coreografia natural de sobrevivência.

The movement of gazelles is a natural choreography of survival.

Metaphorical use of 'coreografia'.

A gazela-macho defende o seu território com vigor durante a época de acasalamento.

The male gazelle defends its territory with vigor during the mating season.

Gender specification 'gazela-macho'.

A agilidade da gazela permite-lhe executar curvas fechadas em alta velocidade.

The gazelle's agility allows it to execute sharp turns at high speed.

Object pronoun 'lhe' attached to the verb.

A exegese do poema revelou a gazela como um símbolo da alma em busca do divino.

The exegesis of the poem revealed the gazelle as a symbol of the soul in search of the divine.

High-level literary term 'exegese'.

A taxonomia das gazelas tem sido objeto de intenso debate científico recentemente.

The taxonomy of gazelles has been the subject of intense scientific debate recently.

Scientific term 'taxonomia'.

A gazela, em sua efemeridade, espelha a transitoriedade da própria vida.

The gazelle, in its ephemerality, mirrors the transience of life itself.

Philosophical vocabulary: 'efemeridade', 'transitoriedade'.

O mimetismo cromático da gazela confere-lhe uma vantagem tática contra predadores.

The gazelle's chromatic mimicry gives it a tactical advantage against predators.

Advanced biology: 'mimetismo cromático'.

As gazelas-de-cuvier são endémicas das montanhas do Atlas, enfrentando riscos severos.

Cuvier's gazelles are endemic to the Atlas Mountains, facing severe risks.

Adjective 'endémicas'.

A gazela é amiúde retratada como a antítese da força bruta do leão.

The gazelle is often portrayed as the antithesis of the lion's brute force.

Adverb 'amiúde' and noun 'antítese'.

A resiliência fisiológica da gazela permite a sua subsistência em biomas hostis.

The gazelle's physiological resilience allows its subsistence in hostile biomes.

Formal nouns 'subsistência' and 'biomas'.

A gazela-saltitante, ou springbok, é o símbolo nacional da África do Sul.

The jumping gazelle, or springbok, is the national symbol of South Africa.

Alternative names and cultural significance.

Common Collocations

Gazela veloz

Olhos de gazela

Pernas de gazela

Manada de gazelas

Salto de gazela

Empresa-gazela

Gazela assustada

Couro de gazela

Cor de gazela

Grácil gazela

Common Phrases

Correr como uma gazela

— To run very fast and gracefully.

O menino corre como uma gazela no parque.

Ter olhos de gazela

— To have large, beautiful, and expressive eyes.

A noiva tinha olhos de gazela.

Ágil como uma gazela

— To be extremely agile and quick in movements.

O goleiro foi ágil como uma gazela na defesa.

Uma gazela na savana

— A metaphor for being in one's natural element or being vulnerable.

Ele sentia-se como uma gazela na savana.

Passo de gazela

— A light and elegant way of walking.

Ela caminhava com passo de gazela.

Gazela ferida

— A metaphor for someone who is vulnerable or hurt.

Ele parecia uma gazela ferida após a derrota.

Salto da gazela

— A specific high jump or a sudden move.

O salto da gazela impressionou os turistas.

Pele de gazela

— Used to describe very soft and smooth skin.

Ela tinha uma pele de gazela.

Fugir como uma gazela

— To escape very quickly from a situation.

O ladrão fugiu como uma gazela.

Gazela-de-thomson

— The most common specific species mentioned in Portuguese.

A gazela-de-thomson é muito comum no Quénia.

Often Confused With

gazela vs Gazeta

Means newspaper or skipping school. Sounds similar.

gazela vs Gaxeta

A technical term for a gasket or seal in mechanics.

gazela vs Gaze

Means gauze (medical fabric).

Idioms & Expressions

"Fazer gazeta"

— To skip school or work without permission. (Note: uses a related word 'gazeta', often confused).

Os alunos fizeram gazeta para ir ao cinema.

Informal

"Pulo de gazela"

— A sudden, agile movement to avoid something.

Ele deu um pulo de gazela para não ser atropelado.

Neutral

"Olhar de gazela"

— A look of innocence or fear.

Não me olhes com esse olhar de gazela.

Literary

"Mais rápido que uma gazela"

— Extremely fast.

O novo trem é mais rápido que uma gazela.

Colloquial

"Elegância de gazela"

— Supreme grace in posture or movement.

Ela desfilou com uma elegância de gazela.

Neutral

"Gazela do asfalto"

— A fast runner who trains on city streets.

Ele é conhecido como a gazela do asfalto.

Sports Slang

"Virar uma gazela"

— To suddenly become very fast or agile.

Quando viu o cachorro, ele virou uma gazela.

Informal

"Coração de gazela"

— Someone who scares easily.

Ele tem coração de gazela, assusta-se com tudo.

Informal

"Pernas de gazela"

— Long, thin, and strong legs.

A modelo tem pernas de gazela.

Neutral

"Espírito de gazela"

— A free and elusive nature.

Ela tem um espírito de gazela, ninguém a prende.

Poetic

Easily Confused

gazela vs Veado

Both are hoofed, fast animals.

Veado is a deer (forests, antlers), gazela is an antelope (plains, horns).

O veado vive na floresta, a gazela na savana.

gazela vs Impala

Very similar appearance and habitat.

Impala is generally larger and has different horn shapes and markings.

A impala é maior que a gazela-de-thomson.

gazela vs Antílope

Gazelle is a type of antelope.

Antílope is the general category; gazela is a specific, smaller type.

Toda gazela é um antílope, mas nem todo antílope é uma gazela.

gazela vs Corça

Both symbolize grace and are small.

Corça is specifically a roe deer, typically found in Europe.

A corça é o símbolo da floresta europeia.

gazela vs Cervo

Generic term for deer-like animals.

Cervo usually refers to larger deer species with branched antlers.

O cervo tem galhadas grandes, a gazela tem chifres.

Sentence Patterns

A [animal] é [adjective].

A gazela é rápida.

Eu vi uma [animal] no [place].

Eu vi uma gazela no zoo.

[Subject] corre como uma [animal].

O jogador corre como uma gazela.

A [animal] é conhecida por sua [noun].

A gazela é conhecida por sua agilidade.

A [noun] da [animal] permite-lhe [verb].

A velocidade da gazela permite-lhe escapar.

A [animal] funciona como uma metáfora para [concept].

A gazela funciona como uma metáfora para a liberdade.

Se a [animal] [verb in subjunctive], ela [verb in future].

Se a gazela vir o leão, ela fugirá.

As [animal] são [adjective plural].

As gazelas são bonitas.

Word Family

Nouns

Gazela-macho

Gazela-fêmea

Gazela-saltitante

Adjectives

Gazelino (rare, poetic)

Antílope

Savana

Ruminante

Bovídeo

Ungulado

How to Use It

frequency

Common in specific contexts (nature, sports, literature).

Common Mistakes

O gazela → A gazela
Even if the animal is male, the noun remains feminine.
Gazella → Gazela
Portuguese spelling uses only one 'l'.
Gazelo → Gazela macho
There is no masculine form 'gazelo' in Portuguese.
Veado (for an African antelope) → Gazela
Use the specific name for African savannah species.
Fazer gazela → Fazer gazeta
Confusing the animal with the idiom for skipping school.

Tips

Gender Consistency

Always keep adjectives feminine. Say 'gazela linda', never 'gazela lindo'. This applies even if you are talking about a male gazelle.

Use Similes

To sound more natural, use 'como uma gazela' when describing someone's movement. It's a very common and descriptive idiom.

Single L Rule

Portuguese rarely uses double consonants. Remember: one 'l' for gazela, just like 'janela' (window) or 'canela' (cinnamon).

African Connection

When learning about Portuguese-speaking African countries, the gazela is a frequent topic in biology and geography lessons.

Economic Gazelles

If you read Portuguese financial news, look out for 'PME Gazela'. It's a sign of a very healthy and fast-growing small business.

The Open E

The middle 'e' is stressed and open. Think of the English word 'set' or 'met'. This is key to a good accent.

Avoid Placeholder Words

Instead of saying 'aquele animal rápido', use 'aquela gazela' to show you have a specific and rich vocabulary.

Poetic Eyes

If you see 'olhos de gazela' in a book, it's a compliment about the depth and beauty of someone's eyes.

Not a Deer

Remember the habitat difference. If it's in the savannah, it's a gazela. If it's in a snowy forest, it's a veado or rena.

Gaza to Gazela

Imagine a gazelle running through the region of Gaza to link the name to its Middle Eastern/Arabic roots.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Gazelle' jumping through a 'Gaze' (gaze-la). It's so fast you can only 'gaze' at it for a second.

Visual Association

Imagine a beautiful animal with a 'Z' shape on its side (for ga-Z-ela) running across the grass.

Word Web

Animal Rápido África Chifres Salto Elegância Savana Herbívoro

Challenge

Try to use 'gazela' in a sentence describing your favorite athlete or dancer today.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Arabic 'ghazal', which refers to the animal. It entered Portuguese via Old French 'gazelle' and Italian 'gazella' during the medieval period.

Original meaning: A small, fast antelope.

Afroasiatic (Arabic) -> Romance (French/Italian/Portuguese).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'gazela' to describe men in Brazil, as it can be interpreted as a homophobic slur. Stick to describing animals or using it in clear literary similes.

English speakers often use 'gazelle' similarly, but 'impala' might be more common in casual conversation about African animals.

Adidas Gazelle (iconic sneakers) The song 'Gazela' by various Lusophone artists National Geographic documentaries in Portuguese

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Wildlife Documentary

A gazela está em alerta.
O predador observa a gazela.
A migração das gazelas.
O habitat natural da gazela.

Sports and Fitness

Ele tem a agilidade de uma gazela.
Corre como uma gazela.
Movimentos rápidos de gazela.
Pernas fortes de gazela.

Poetry and Literature

Olhos doces de gazela.
A graça da gazela selvagem.
Passos leves de gazela.
A gazela fugitiva.

Business/Economy

Uma empresa-gazela de sucesso.
Crescimento tipo gazela.
Estratégia da gazela.
Mercado para empresas-gazela.

Visit to the Zoo

Onde estão as gazelas?
A gazela está comendo.
Que gazela tão pequena!
Não alimente a gazela.

Conversation Starters

"Você já viu uma gazela de perto em um safari ou no zoológico?"

"Por que você acha que a gazela é usada como símbolo de velocidade?"

"Você conhece algum atleta que corre tão rápido quanto uma gazela?"

"O que você faria se encontrasse uma gazela no seu jardim?"

"Você prefere a elegância da gazela ou a força do leão?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva como seria um dia na vida de uma gazela na savana africana.

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve que ser ágil como uma gazela para resolver um problema.

Compare a gazela com outro animal de sua escolha, focando em suas habilidades.

Crie um poema curto usando a palavra gazela para descrever a natureza.

Explique por que uma empresa em crescimento é chamada de 'empresa-gazela'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

É sempre 'a gazela'. A palavra é feminina em português, independentemente do sexo do animal. Para distinguir, usamos 'a gazela macho' ou 'a gazela fêmea'.

Não, biologicamente a gazela é um antílope, pertencente à família dos bovídeos, enquanto os veados pertencem à família dos cervídeos. Elas são parentes distantes.

Escreve-se com apenas um 'l': G-A-Z-E-L-A. Diferente do inglês 'gazelle', não usamos o 'l' duplo nem o 'e' final.

É um termo econômico para empresas jovens que crescem muito rápido, geralmente mais de 20% ao ano. O nome vem da velocidade do animal.

Elas vivem principalmente nas savanas e desertos da África, mas também são encontradas em partes da Ásia Central e do Médio Oriente.

Sim, como um elogio à sua velocidade ou elegância. No entanto, no Brasil, tenha cuidado, pois pode ser usado de forma pejorativa para homens.

O plural é 'gazelas'. Exemplo: 'As gazelas correm pelo campo'.

Sim, a maioria das espécies de gazela tem chifres, que costumam ser curvados e anelados. Em algumas espécies, apenas os machos têm chifres.

Extremamente rápida! Algumas espécies podem atingir velocidades de até 80 km/h para escapar de predadores como o guepardo.

Pronuncia-se ga-ZÉ-la, com o 'e' aberto como em 'pé' e o 'z' com som de abelha.