This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 adjective 11 min read

íntimo

Examples íntimo in 30 Seconds
Explanation íntimo in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'íntimo' primarily as a way to describe very close friends. While you mostly use 'amigo' (friend), 'amigo íntimo' is a simple phrase you can use to talk about your best friend. Imagine you are introducing someone: 'Este é o meu amigo íntimo'. It helps you distinguish between someone you just met and someone you have known for a long time. At this stage, don't worry about the complex legal or literary meanings. Just focus on the masculine 'íntimo' and feminine 'íntima' to describe people. You might also see it on signs in clothing stores under 'Moda Íntima', which means underwear. It's a good word to recognize when shopping for basic needs. Keep it simple: íntimo = very close friend.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'íntimo' to describe not just people, but also small social gatherings. You might say, 'Tivemos um jantar íntimo' (We had an intimate dinner) to explain that only a few people were there. You should also start using the preposition 'de' correctly: 'Eu sou íntimo da família dele' (I am close to his family). This is a step up from just saying 'Eu gosto da família'. It implies a level of trust and frequent visits. You will also notice the word in more contexts, like 'roupa íntima'. Remember to always check the gender of the noun. If you are talking about 'uma conversa' (a conversation), it must be 'íntima'. This level is about expanding the word's application to your immediate social life and daily routines.
By B1, you can use 'íntimo' to talk about feelings and more abstract concepts. You might describe a 'diário' (diary) as a place for 'pensamentos íntimos' (intimate thoughts). You're moving beyond physical closeness to emotional depth. This is also where you should distinguish 'íntimo' from 'próximo'. While 'próximo' can just mean someone who lives nearby or a 'close' friend in a general sense, 'íntimo' suggests you share secrets with them. You can also start using the noun form 'o íntimo' to mean 'the inside' or 'the soul'. For example, 'No meu íntimo, eu não queria ir' (Deep down/In my heart, I didn't want to go). This adds a more sophisticated layer to how you express your internal state in Portuguese.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'íntimo' in professional or semi-formal contexts. For example, describing someone as having 'conhecimento íntimo' of a subject means they are an expert. You will also encounter the term 'foro íntimo' in news or legal discussions. If a politician or judge says they are acting based on 'foro íntimo', you'll understand they mean for personal, private reasons of conscience. You should also be aware of the cultural nuance: in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'intimidade' is built quickly, and calling someone 'íntimo' might happen faster than 'intimate' would in English. You can use the word to discuss social boundaries and the transition from formal to informal relationships.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the literary and psychological depth of 'íntimo'. You might read novels where the author explores the 'recesso íntimo da alma' (the intimate recess of the soul). You should be able to use the word to describe complex nuances in relationships, such as the 'distância íntima' that can exist even between people who know each other well. Your vocabulary should also include related terms like 'intimismo' (a style in art or literature focusing on the private/interior). You can use 'íntimo' to analyze characters in literature or to discuss philosophy. You are now expected to use the word with perfect grammatical agreement and in its most subtle, metaphorical senses, such as 'a natureza íntima das coisas' (the inner nature of things).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, 'íntimo' is a tool for precision and poetic expression. You understand the historical and etymological roots (from the Latin superlative 'intimus') and how that informs its use in legal maxims and high literature. You can use it in legal arguments, such as discussing 'convicção íntima' in a jury trial, or in academic writing about sociology and the 'esfera íntima'. You are sensitive to the rhythmic qualities of the word in poetry and can use it to create specific atmospheres in your own writing. There are no longer any 'false friends' or preposition errors; the word is fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to navigate the most private and the most public spheres of the Portuguese language with total confidence and nuance.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

íntimo in 30 Seconds

  • Íntimo means 'intimate' or 'very close' in terms of relationships and privacy.
  • It agrees in gender and number: íntimo, íntima, íntimos, íntimas.
  • It is used for friends, private thoughts, and even underwear (moda íntima).
  • It is deeper than 'próximo' and often requires the preposition 'de'.

The Portuguese word íntimo is a multifaceted adjective that translates most directly to 'intimate' or 'close' in English. However, its usage in Portuguese-speaking cultures, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, carries specific nuances regarding social proximity and emotional depth. At its core, it describes something that belongs to the innermost part of a person, whether that be a thought, a space, or a relationship. When you describe a friend as íntimo, you are elevating them above a mere acquaintance or even a 'good friend'; you are placing them in your inner circle where secrets are shared and formalities are dropped.

Emotional Closeness
Refers to a deep personal connection where individuals feel safe sharing their true selves without fear of judgment. It is the opposite of 'superficial'.

Nós temos um relacionamento muito íntimo e confiamos um no outro plenamente.

Beyond relationships, íntimo can describe physical spaces or specific types of clothing. For instance, 'roupa íntima' refers to underwear, emphasizing the private nature of these garments. In a literary or psychological context, 'o íntimo' (used as a noun) refers to one's soul or the deepest part of the psyche. Understanding this word is crucial because Portuguese speakers often navigate social circles with a clear distinction between the public self and the 'foro íntimo' (the private forum of the heart).

Privacy and Secrecy
Used to describe things that are not meant for public consumption, such as journals, private thoughts, or domestic settings.

Escrevo meus pensamentos mais íntimos neste diário trancado.

In a professional setting, being 'íntimo' with a subject means you have a profound, expert knowledge of it. For example, a lawyer might be 'íntimo' with the nuances of a specific code. This demonstrates the word's versatility—moving from the emotional realm to the intellectual. It suggests a lack of distance, whether that distance is physical, emotional, or conceptual.

Expert Knowledge
To be intimately familiar with a topic or a piece of work, suggesting mastery and long-term engagement.

Ele é um conhecedor íntimo da obra de Fernando Pessoa.

Culturally, Portuguese speakers might use the diminutive 'intimidade' to describe the comfort level between people. 'Ter intimidade' with someone means you can walk into their house without knocking or help yourself to their fridge. It is a state of social grace where the barriers of formal etiquette have dissolved into genuine connection. However, one must be careful; 'tomar intimidade' without permission is seen as 'folga' (being too forward or cheeky).

Não gosto quando estranhos tentam ser muito íntimos logo no primeiro encontro.

O jantar foi uma celebração íntima, apenas para a família.

Using íntimo correctly requires attention to gender and number agreement, as it is a standard adjective. It changes to íntima for feminine nouns, íntimos for masculine plural, and íntimas for feminine plural. Because it often describes relationships, it frequently follows the verb ser (to be permanent) or tornar-se (to become).

Agreement with People
When describing friends or couples, ensure the adjective matches the gender of the group.

Maria e Joana são amigas íntimas desde a infância.

When íntimo is used to describe abstract concepts like 'convívio' (living together/socializing) or 'contato' (contact), it usually precedes or follows the noun to emphasize the quality of the interaction. In 'contato íntimo', it suggests a very close physical or emotional proximity. Note that in these cases, the word adds a layer of depth that 'próximo' (near/close) lacks.

Abstract Concepts
Used with nouns like 'pensamento', 'desejo', or 'sentimento' to indicate they are deeply personal.

Ele revelou seus desejos mais íntimos durante a sessão de terapia.

Another common structure is using íntimo with the preposition de to specify what someone is close to. 'Ser íntimo de alguém' is the standard way to express being close with someone. This 'de' is essential for connecting the adjective to the object of the intimacy.

The 'De' Preposition
Always use 'de' (or its contractions do/da) when specifying the person or entity one is intimate with.

Você é íntimo do diretor da empresa?

In formal writing, íntimo can be used to describe the nature of a gathering or an event. An 'evento íntimo' suggests a small guest list, usually limited to family and very close friends. This contrasts with 'público' or 'oficial'. Here, the word acts as a qualifier for the scale and tone of the event.

Eles optaram por uma cerimônia íntima no jardim de casa.

Finally, consider the superlative form intimíssimo. While somewhat rare and very emphatic, it can be used to describe someone who is your absolute closest confidant. It adds a touch of exaggeration or extreme affection to the description.

Ele é um amigo intimíssimo, quase um irmão para mim.

Não se sinta mal, ele não é íntimo de ninguém por aqui.

You will encounter íntimo in a variety of settings, ranging from the highly emotional to the strictly legal. In everyday conversation, it's most common when discussing social circles or explaining why someone was invited to a private event. If you are watching a Brazilian soap opera (telenovela), you'll hear it frequently in scenes involving family drama, secret affairs, or deep confessions between protagonists.

Daily Conversations
Used to clarify the relationship status between people, often to justify trust or lack thereof.

'Você conhece ele?' 'Sim, somos muito íntimos.'

In the world of fashion and retail, íntimo is the standard term for lingerie and underwear. If you go to a department store in Lisbon or São Paulo, look for the 'Moda Íntima' section. This is a very practical use of the word that every learner should know to avoid confusion when shopping. It emphasizes that these items are for the most private parts of the body.

Retail and Fashion
Specifically used to categorize undergarments and sleepwear in stores.

A loja está com uma promoção incrível de moda íntima feminina.

In journalism and literature, íntimo often describes the 'inner world' of a public figure. An 'entrevista íntima' (intimate interview) implies that the celebrity shared personal details they usually keep hidden. Similarly, a biographer might spend years trying to understand the 'íntimo' of their subject. In these contexts, the word suggests a breaking of the 'fourth wall' between the public persona and the private individual.

Media and Literature
Refers to the private lives and internal thoughts of famous or historical figures.

O livro oferece um olhar íntimo sobre a vida da pintora Frida Kahlo.

Lastly, legal and formal documents use íntimo to discuss matters of conscience or private jurisdiction. The term 'foro íntimo' is frequently used by judges or officials when they recuse themselves from a case for personal reasons they are not required to disclose. It essentially means 'for reasons known only to my own conscience'. This shows the word's highest level of formality and its connection to personal ethics.

O juiz se afastou do processo por motivos de foro íntimo.

Eles compartilharam um momento íntimo antes da partida.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with íntimo is assuming it always has a sexual connotation. While it can refer to sexual intimacy (as in 'relações íntimas'), it is much broader in Portuguese. Using it to describe a best friend is perfectly normal and does not imply romance. If you avoid the word because you're afraid of sounding inappropriate, you'll miss out on a key way to describe deep friendships.

Over-sexualization
Mistakenly thinking 'amigo íntimo' means 'friends with benefits'. It actually just means 'best' or 'very close' friend.

Errado: Eu não posso dizer que ele é meu amigo íntimo porque as pessoas vão pensar bobagem.

Another mistake involves gender agreement. Because the word ends in '-o', many learners forget to change it to íntima when referring to a woman or a feminine noun like 'amizade' (friendship) or 'festa' (party). Remember: the relationship is 'uma amizade íntima', not 'um amizade íntimo'.

Gender Mismatch
Failing to match the ending to the gender of the noun being described.

Correto: Ela é minha amiga mais íntima.

Learners also struggle with the preposition. You are 'íntimo de alguém', not 'íntimo com alguém'. While 'com' might be understood, 'de' is the grammatically correct choice that native speakers use. Using 'com' is a direct translation from the English 'intimate with', which is a classic 'Anglicism'.

Wrong Preposition
Using 'com' instead of 'de' when describing a relationship with someone.

Incorreto: Eu sou muito íntimo com meu irmão. (Use 'do meu irmão').

Finally, don't confuse the adjective íntimo with the verb intimar (to summon or subpoena). They look similar, but intimar is a legal action where a court orders someone to appear. If you say 'Eu vou intimar você', you are telling them you're taking them to court, not that you want to be close friends!

Cuidado: 'Intimar' é um verbo jurídico; 'íntimo' é um adjetivo de afeto.

Evite: 'Ele é um contato íntimo' (sounds like a medical or technical term). Use 'Ele é um amigo chegado'.

While íntimo is a powerful word, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific type of closeness you want to convey. Understanding these synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to fine-tune your descriptions of people and situations.

Próximo vs. Íntimo
'Próximo' means near or close. It is safer and less intense than 'íntimo'. You can have many 'amigos próximos', but usually only a few 'amigos íntimos'.

João é um colega próximo, mas não somos íntimos.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the word chegado is a very common alternative for íntimo. If you say someone is 'muito chegado', you mean you are tight with them. It's less 'poetic' than íntimo but very natural in street speech. In Portugal, you might hear familiar used in a similar way to describe a close, easy-going relationship.

Chegado (Slang/Informal)
Common in Brazil to describe a close friend or someone you see often and get along with well.

O Paulo é muito chegado da minha família.

For things that are private or personal, you can use particular or privado. While íntimo suggests an emotional or internal depth, particular often refers to ownership or exclusivity. A 'conversa particular' is a private chat, but a 'conversa íntima' is a heart-to-heart. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to emphasize the 'privacy' or the 'emotion'.

Particular vs. Íntimo
'Particular' is about boundaries; 'Íntimo' is about the contents within those boundaries.

Esta é uma questão particular, mas vou compartilhar meu sentimento íntimo com você.

Finally, the word entranhável is a more literary and intense version of íntimo, often used in Portugal. It suggests something that has 'entered the guts' (entranhas) or is deeply rooted. It's a beautiful, sophisticated word to use when íntimo doesn't feel strong enough to describe a lifelong bond or a deep-seated habit.

Eles possuem um carinho entranhável um pelo outro.

O círculo íntimo do presidente se reuniu hoje cedo.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Ele é meu amigo íntimo.

He is my close friend.

Masculine singular agreement with 'amigo'.

2

Ela é uma amiga íntima.

She is a close friend.

Feminine singular agreement with 'amiga'.

3

Onde fica a seção de moda íntima?

Where is the underwear section?

'Moda íntima' is a fixed expression for underwear/lingerie.

4

Eles são muito íntimos.

They are very close.

Plural masculine agreement.

5

Eu não sou íntimo dele.

I am not close to him.

Uses 'de' + 'ele' = 'dele'.

6

É um jantar íntimo.

It is an intimate dinner.

'Íntimo' describes the small, private scale of the dinner.

7

Minha família é íntima da sua.

My family is close to yours.

Agreement with 'família' (feminine singular).

8

Você tem amigos íntimos?

Do you have close friends?

Plural masculine.

1

Nós tivemos uma festa íntima no sábado.

We had a private party on Saturday.

Feminine singular.

2

Ele conhece o meu lado íntimo.

He knows my private side.

Used here as an adjective for 'lado'.

3

Eles tornaram-se íntimos rapidamente.

They became close quickly.

Verb 'tornar-se' + adjective.

4

Esta é uma pergunta íntima demais.

This is too personal a question.

'Íntima' modifying 'pergunta'.

5

Eu gosto de roupas íntimas de algodão.

I like cotton underwear.

Feminine plural.

6

Maria é íntima da diretora da escola.

Maria is close to the school principal.

Preposition 'da' (de + a).

7

O ambiente do restaurante é muito íntimo.

The restaurant atmosphere is very cozy/intimate.

Masculine singular.

8

Quero um casamento íntimo, só para nós.

I want an intimate wedding, just for us.

Masculine singular.

1

No meu íntimo, eu sabia que ela viria.

In my heart, I knew she would come.

Used as a noun: 'o íntimo'.

2

Escrevo meus segredos íntimos no diário.

I write my private secrets in the diary.

Masculine plural.

3

Não temos tanta intimidade para isso.

We aren't that close for that.

Noun form 'intimidade'.

4

Foi um momento íntimo entre pai e filho.

It was an intimate moment between father and son.

Masculine singular.

5

Ela revelou detalhes íntimos da sua vida.

She revealed private details of her life.

Masculine plural.

6

O autor descreve o íntimo das personagens.

The author describes the inner world of the characters.

Noun form.

7

Eles compartilham um vínculo íntimo.

They share an intimate bond.

Masculine singular.

8

Eu me sinto íntimo desta cidade.

I feel close to this city.

Metaphorical use for a place.

1

O juiz alegou motivo de foro íntimo.

The judge cited personal reasons of conscience.

Legal term 'foro íntimo'.

2

Ele tem um conhecimento íntimo da lei.

He has an intimate knowledge of the law.

Means expert knowledge.

3

A revista publicou fotos íntimas do casal.

The magazine published private photos of the couple.

Feminine plural.

4

É preciso respeitar o espaço íntimo de cada um.

It's necessary to respect everyone's private space.

Masculine singular.

5

O cantor deu uma entrevista muito íntima.

The singer gave a very personal interview.

Feminine singular.

6

Eles vivem em um convívio íntimo há anos.

They have lived in close proximity for years.

Masculine singular.

7

A peça explora o universo íntimo feminino.

The play explores the female private universe.

Masculine singular.

8

Não quero ser inconveniente, mas somos íntimos.

I don't want to be inconvenient, but we are close.

Justifying a question or action.

1

A obra reflete o recesso íntimo do artista.

The work reflects the artist's inner recess.

Literary use.

2

Há uma conexão íntima entre o corpo e a mente.

There is an intimate connection between body and mind.

Philosophical context.

3

O poema capta a essência íntima da saudade.

The poem captures the intimate essence of longing.

Abstract essence.

4

Ele agiu por uma convicção íntima inabalável.

He acted out of an unwavering inner conviction.

Internal moral certainty.

5

A arquitetura cria uma atmosfera íntima e acolhedora.

The architecture creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

Describing space.

6

O diário foi sua única companhia íntima na prisão.

The diary was his only intimate companion in prison.

Feminine singular.

7

Ela possui uma compreensão íntima da natureza humana.

She has an intimate understanding of human nature.

Feminine singular.

8

O silêncio era o seu diálogo mais íntimo.

Silence was his most intimate dialogue.

Poetic use.

1

A decisão repousa no foro íntimo do magistrado.

The decision rests within the magistrate's private conscience.

Formal legal language.

2

A subjetividade é o reduto íntimo do ser.

Subjectivity is the intimate stronghold of the being.

Philosophical/Existential.

3

O autor perscruta os meandros íntimos da psique.

The author scrutinizes the intimate meanders of the psyche.

High-level literary.

4

Ninguém tem acesso ao âmago íntimo de sua dor.

No one has access to the intimate core of his pain.

Intense emotional depth.

5

O pacto foi selado em um círculo íntimo de poder.

The pact was sealed in an intimate circle of power.

Political nuance.

6

A mística busca a união íntima com o divino.

Mysticism seeks an intimate union with the divine.

Religious/Spiritual.

7

Sua escrita é um exercício de desnudamento íntimo.

His writing is an exercise in intimate self-exposure.

Metaphorical 'stripping' of the soul.

8

O direito à vida íntima é garantido pela constituição.

The right to a private life is guaranteed by the constitution.

Legal/Constitutional right.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

íntimo Spanish
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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