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A2 noun 9 min read

narina

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips narina in 30 Seconds
Explanation narina in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn the names of body parts. While 'nariz' (nose) is usually the first word you learn, 'narina' is a useful addition for being more specific. Think of it as 'the hole in the nose'. You might use it when talking to a doctor or describing a cold. At this level, focus on the fact that it is a feminine word: 'a narina'. You can use simple sentences like 'Eu tenho duas narinas' (I have two nostrils) or 'A narina dói' (The nostril hurts). It's a concrete noun that you can point to, which makes it easier to memorize. Don't worry about complex medical terms yet; just remember it as part of your face. You might see it in basic children's books about the human body. Even at A1, knowing the difference between the whole nose and the nostrils can help you understand instructions better, like when someone tells you to cover your nose when you sneeze.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'narina' in more practical situations. This is the stage where you might need to describe symptoms to a pharmacist or a doctor. For example, you can say 'Minha narina está entupida' (My nostril is blocked). You are also learning about adjectives, so you can describe them: 'narinas pequenas' or 'narinas grandes'. You might encounter this word in health-related texts or simple instructions for hygiene. You'll also notice that 'narina' is used in the plural 'as narinas' very often because we usually talk about both at once. It's important to start noticing the agreement between the noun and adjectives. If you are learning about animals at this level, you might see 'narina' used to describe how a dog or a cat looks. It's a step up from the very basic 'nariz' and shows you are paying more attention to detail in your Portuguese descriptions.
By B1, you are becoming more comfortable with intermediate grammar and more specific vocabulary. You can use 'narina' in contexts like yoga or meditation, where breathing techniques are discussed. Phrases like 'respire pela narina esquerda' (breathe through the left nostril) become common. You also start to understand the use of 'narina' in slightly more descriptive language. For instance, you might read a story where a character's nostrils flare when they are angry. You can also use the word in the context of fashion and personal care, such as discussing a nose piercing ('um piercing na narina'). At this level, you should be able to explain the function of the nostrils in simple terms using the passive voice or relative clauses, like 'As narinas são os orifícios por onde o ar entra'. You are also more aware of the distinction between formal and informal terms, choosing 'narina' over 'buraco do nariz' in most situations.
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At the B2 level, you are expected to handle more technical and abstract discussions. You might encounter 'narina' in scientific articles, health blogs, or detailed literary descriptions. You should be able to discuss the anatomy of the respiratory system with some precision, using related terms like 'septo nasal' (nasal septum) or 'mucosa'. You can understand more nuanced uses, such as 'dilatar as narinas' in a figurative sense to show pride or defiance. Your ability to use the word in various tenses and moods should be solid. For example, 'Se eu tivesse as narinas menos sensíveis, não espirraria tanto' (If I had less sensitive nostrils, I wouldn't sneeze so much). You also start to notice how 'narina' is used in different Portuguese-speaking regions, though the word itself is standard everywhere. You might even explore the etymology (from Latin 'naris') to deepen your understanding of the Romance language family.
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At the C1 level, you have a high degree of fluency and can appreciate the stylistic choices writers make. In literature, 'narina' is used to create sensory imagery. You might read complex descriptions where the 'narinas' are the gateway for evocative smells that trigger memories (like Proust's madeleine, but in a Portuguese context). You can use the word in professional medical or biological discussions without hesitation. You also understand the cultural weight of certain expressions, even if they use synonyms like 'ventas'. You can debate the aesthetics of the human face or the evolution of the respiratory system in animals. Your use of 'narina' is perfectly integrated with advanced grammatical structures, including complex hypothetical situations and formal written reports. You might also notice the word in legal or forensic contexts, such as describing physical evidence in a report.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'narina' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand every possible connotation, from the most clinical medical definition to the most obscure poetic reference. You can use the word in a variety of registers with perfect precision. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis in biology, a sophisticated piece of literary fiction, or a technical manual for medical equipment, 'narina' is a tool you use with ease. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word and its cognates in other Romance languages. You can appreciate subtle puns or wordplay involving 'narina'. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a small part of a vast linguistic web that you navigate effortlessly, understanding how it interacts with the culture, history, and science of the Portuguese-speaking world.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

narina in 30 Seconds

  • Narina refers to the nostril, the external opening of the nose.
  • It is a feminine noun (a narina/as narinas) and used in medical and everyday contexts.
  • Commonly associated with breathing, smelling, and health issues like congestion.
  • Essential for specific anatomical descriptions where 'nariz' is too general.

The Portuguese word narina refers specifically to the nostrils—the two external openings of the nose that allow air to enter the respiratory system. While the general word for nose is nariz, narina is used when you need to be precise about the specific anatomy, whether in a medical, biological, or descriptive context. It is a feminine noun, so you will always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as a narina or as narinas.

Anatomical Precision
In medical or health contexts, a doctor might ask you to breathe through one 'narina' while closing the other. This specificity is crucial for diagnosing issues like a deviated septum or congestion.
Descriptive Literature
Authors often use the word to describe physical reactions, such as 'narinas dilatadas' (flaring nostrils) to indicate anger, excitement, or physical exertion.

O médico examinou cada narina com cuidado para encontrar a causa da obstrução.

Beyond the human body, narina is also used for animals. For instance, when describing a horse or a bull, the movement of the nostrils is a key indicator of their mood or health. In everyday life, you might hear this word at the pharmacy when buying nasal sprays, or in a yoga class when the instructor guides you through alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana).

As narinas do cavalo tremiam após a corrida intensa.

Common Adjectives
Narina esquerda (left), narina direita (right), narina obstruída (blocked), narina sensível (sensitive).

The word is derived from the Latin 'naris', and its usage has remained very stable over centuries. In more poetic or archaic Portuguese, you might encounter the word 'ventas', which also means nostrils but is now mostly used in a figurative sense to describe someone who is very angry ('de ventas inchadas'). However, for 99% of modern communication, narina is the standard term.

Sinto uma leve irritação na narina direita por causa do ar seco.

Ao mergulhar, é importante não deixar a água entrar pelas narinas.

Cultural Nuance
In Lusophone cultures, discussing the 'narinas' is common in beauty contexts (cosmetic surgery) and health (respiratory treatments like 'lavagem nasal').

Using narina correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender and its role in different types of sentences. As a feminine noun, you must use feminine modifiers. For example, 'uma narina pequena' or 'as narinas abertas'. It is frequently used with verbs like limpar (to clean), obstruir (to block), dilatar (to dilate/flare), and respirar (to breathe).

Health and Wellness
'Você deve aplicar o soro em cada narina.' (You should apply the saline in each nostril.) This is a common instruction for parents treating a child's cold.

Feche a narina esquerda e inspire profundamente pela direita.

In a literary context, narina is often used to convey emotion. When a character is angry or powerful, writers describe their nostrils flaring. 'Suas narinas dilatavam-se de raiva' (His nostrils flared with rage). This creates a vivid image of physiological reaction without stating the emotion directly.

O piercing na narina dela é muito delicado e discreto.

Usage with Prepositions
Commonly paired with 'em' (in) or 'por' (through). 'O ar entra pelas narinas' (The air enters through the nostrils).

When describing animals, narina is essential. For example, in biology, you might learn about how whales have 'narinas' (blowholes) on the top of their heads, although the specific term for that is 'espiráculo', people often use 'narinas' in a general sense to explain the function.

A poeira do deserto entrou em suas narinas, causando espirros.

Ele sentiu o cheiro do café invadindo as suas narinas logo de manhã.

Scientific Context
'As narinas são revestidas por cílios que filtram o ar.' (The nostrils are lined with cilia that filter the air.)

In the Portuguese-speaking world, you are most likely to encounter narina in professional or semi-professional environments. At a doctor's office (clínica médica), the otolaryngologist (otorrinolaringologista) will use this term constantly. If you are watching a health segment on a Brazilian TV show like 'Bem Estar', the hosts will use narina to explain how to properly use nasal sprays or how allergies affect the body.

The Yoga Studio
Yoga is very popular in Portugal and Brazil. Instructors often say: 'Inspire pela narina direita, retenha o ar, e expire pela esquerda.'

O instrutor de ioga pediu para alternarmos a respiração entre as narinas.

You will also hear it in the context of beauty and aesthetics. If someone is getting a nose job (rinoplastia), the surgeon will discuss the symmetry of the narinas. Similarly, in a tattoo and piercing shop, the artist will ask exactly where on the narina you want the jewelry placed.

Ela colocou um pequeno brilhante na narina esquerda.

Sports Commentary
Commentators might mention a fighter having a 'narina sangrando' (bleeding nostril) after a heavy blow in an MMA match.

In a classroom setting, especially in biology or science classes, teachers use the term to describe the respiratory system. Children learn that humans have two narinas separated by the 'septo nasal'. It's a fundamental part of basic anatomical vocabulary taught at a young age.

As narinas dos atletas dilatam-se para permitir maior entrada de oxigênio.

O perfume das flores era tão forte que inundou suas narinas.

Veterinary Science
Vets use 'narina' for almost all mammals. 'O cão tem as narinas úmidas e saudáveis.'

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is the gender of the word. Since 'nose' (nariz) is masculine in Portuguese (o nariz), learners often assume narina is also masculine. However, it is strictly feminine: a narina. Saying 'o narina' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Gender Confusion
Mistake: 'O narina esquerda está bloqueado.' Correct: 'A narina esquerda está bloqueada.' Note how both the article and the adjective must agree with the feminine noun.

Ela sentiu uma dor aguda na narina ao respirar o ar gelado.

Another mistake is using 'narina' when 'nariz' is more appropriate. While 'narina' is accurate, if you want to say someone has a big nose, you say 'ele tem um nariz grande'. Saying 'ele tem narinas grandes' specifically focuses on the openings, which might sound like a strange or overly clinical observation unless you are an artist or a doctor.

Muitos alunos confundem o gênero de narina com o de nariz.

Pluralization Errors
Some learners try to pluralize it as 'narizes' (which is the plural of nariz) instead of 'narinas'. Remember: 1 narina, 2 narinas.

In writing, ensure you don't confuse narina with 'marina' (a harbor/marina). The words are only one letter apart but have entirely different meanings. Context usually clears this up, but a typo in a text message can lead to humorous misunderstandings.

A água salgada entrou pelas minhas narinas durante o mergulho.

Limpar as narinas com soro fisiológico ajuda a prevenir sinusite.

Agreement Check
Always check your adjectives: 'narinas sujas' (dirty), 'narinas limpas' (clean), 'narinas inflamadas' (inflamed).

While narina is the most common and standard term, there are several alternatives depending on the register and context. Understanding these will help you navigate different social situations, from a scientific conference to a casual chat with friends.

Nariz vs. Narina
'Nariz' is the whole organ. If you say 'meu nariz dói', it's general. 'Minha narina dói' is specific to the opening.
Fossas Nasais
This is the technical/anatomical term for the entire nasal cavity, often used by doctors. 'Infeção nas fossas nasais' is more formal than 'narina inflamada'.
Ventas
Often used for animals or in literature to denote intense emotion. 'Expulsar ar pelas ventas' implies a snort of anger.

O médico explicou que o desvio de septo afetava ambas as fossas nasais.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might encounter the phrase 'buraco do nariz' (nose hole). While technically correct, it's considered very colloquial and perhaps a bit childish. If you're an adult, using narina shows a better command of the language.

O touro bufava, soltando fumaça pelas ventas no frio da manhã.

Espiráculo
Specific to marine mammals like whales and dolphins. It's the equivalent of a 'narina' but located on top of the head.

When comparing narina to its English equivalent 'nostril', they are direct translations. There isn't much cultural divergence in how the physical object is perceived, but the Portuguese word sounds slightly more elegant than its English counterpart in certain literary contexts.

As narinas humanas são capazes de detectar milhares de odores diferentes.

Ele limpou a narina com um lenço de papel após espirrar.

Summary of Alternatives
Formal: Fossas nasais; Literary: Ventas; Informal: Buraco do nariz; General: Nariz.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Latin plural 'nares' is still used in medical English today to refer to the nostrils.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɐ.ˈɾi.nɐ/
US /na.ˈɾi.na/
The stress is on the second syllable: na-RI-na.
Rhymes With
menina piscina rotina doutrina cortina neblina buzina sina
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be a tap).
  • Making the final 'a' too long or open (it should be reduced).
  • Stressing the first or last syllable.
  • Confusing the nasal 'n' with a nasal vowel (the first 'a' is not nasal).
  • Pronouncing the 'i' like 'ih' instead of 'ee'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'nasal' or 'naris'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering it is feminine and ends in 'a'.

Speaking 3/5

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

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nariz corpo rosto respirar abertura

Learn Next

septo mucosa pulmões olfato alergia

Advanced

otorrinolaringologia sinusite congestão rinoplastia epistaxe

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

A narina (feminine article) + pequena (feminine adjective).

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'a'

Narina -> Narinas (add 's').

Preposition contraction with 'a'

Em + a narina = Na narina.

Preposition contraction with 'as'

Por + as narinas = Pelas narinas.

Tapped 'r' pronunciation

The 'r' in na-ri-na is a single tap, not a roll.

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Examples by Level

1

Eu tenho uma narina direita e uma esquerda.

I have a right nostril and a left one.

Uses basic feminine noun agreement.

2

O bebê tem narinas muito pequenas.

The baby has very small nostrils.

Plural feminine 'narinas' with 'pequenas'.

3

Limpe a sua narina com um lenço.

Clean your nostril with a tissue.

Imperative 'limpe' with the noun.

4

A água entrou na minha narina.

The water entered my nostril.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

5

A narina é parte do nariz.

The nostril is part of the nose.

Simple definition sentence.

6

Minha narina esquerda está fechada.

My left nostril is closed.

Adjective agreement 'esquerda' and 'fechada'.

7

Ele tem um piercing na narina.

He has a piercing in the nostril.

Common use of 'na narina'.

8

As narinas ajudam a respirar.

The nostrils help to breathe.

Plural subject with plural verb.

1

O médico colocou o remédio em cada narina.

The doctor put the medicine in each nostril.

Use of 'cada' (each) with the noun.

2

Quando estou gripado, minhas narinas ficam vermelhas.

When I have the flu, my nostrils get red.

Plural agreement 'minhas' and 'vermelhas'.

3

Você deve respirar pelas narinas, não pela boca.

You should breathe through your nostrils, not through your mouth.

Preposition 'pelas' (por + as).

4

O cachorro cheirou o chão com as narinas dilatadas.

The dog sniffed the ground with flared nostrils.

Past tense 'cheirou' with descriptive noun phrase.

5

Sinto um cheiro estranho na narina direita.

I feel a strange smell in the right nostril.

Specific location 'narina direita'.

6

As narinas do cavalo são muito grandes.

The horse's nostrils are very large.

Possessive 'do cavalo'.

7

Não coloque objetos pequenos na narina.

Do not put small objects in the nostril.

Negative imperative 'não coloque'.

8

Ela limpou a narina do filho com cuidado.

She cleaned her son's nostril carefully.

Direct object 'a narina'.

1

Na aula de ioga, aprendemos a alternar as narinas ao respirar.

In yoga class, we learned to alternate nostrils while breathing.

Infinitive 'alternar' as a direct object.

2

O ar seco causou um pequeno sangramento na narina esquerda.

The dry air caused a small bleed in the left nostril.

Causal relationship expressed with 'causou'.

3

É importante manter as narinas limpas para evitar alergias.

It is important to keep the nostrils clean to avoid allergies.

Adjective 'limpas' describing the object.

4

O perfume era tão forte que irritou as minhas narinas.

The perfume was so strong that it irritated my nostrils.

Consecutive clause 'tão... que'.

5

Ele tem uma cicatriz logo abaixo da narina.

He has a scar just below the nostril.

Prepositional phrase 'logo abaixo da'.

6

O especialista examinou o interior das narinas com um endoscópio.

The specialist examined the inside of the nostrils with an endoscope.

Genitive 'das narinas'.

7

Senti o ar gelado entrando pelas minhas narinas.

I felt the cold air entering through my nostrils.

Present participle 'entrando'.

8

As narinas dela dilataram-se quando ela ouviu a notícia.

Her nostrils flared when she heard the news.

Reflexive verb 'dilatar-se'.

1

A mucosa que reveste as narinas é extremamente sensível.

The mucosa that lines the nostrils is extremely sensitive.

Relative clause 'que reveste'.

2

O desvio de septo pode obstruir uma das narinas permanentemente.

A deviated septum can block one of the nostrils permanently.

Modal verb 'pode' with infinitive.

3

As narinas dos cetáceos evoluíram para o topo da cabeça.

The nostrils of cetaceans evolved to the top of the head.

Scientific historical context.

4

Inalar substâncias tóxicas pelas narinas pode causar danos cerebrais.

Inhaling toxic substances through the nostrils can cause brain damage.

Gerund subject 'inalar'.

5

O cirurgião ajustou a simetria das narinas durante a rinoplastia.

The surgeon adjusted the symmetry of the nostrils during the rhinoplasty.

Technical medical vocabulary.

6

As narinas filtram partículas de poeira antes que o ar chegue aos pulmões.

The nostrils filter dust particles before the air reaches the lungs.

Conjunction 'antes que' with subjunctive.

7

A inflamação nas narinas tornava a respiração difícil e ruidosa.

The inflammation in the nostrils made breathing difficult and noisy.

Imperfect tense 'tornava' for description.

8

Ele notou uma pequena protuberância na borda da narina.

He noticed a small bump on the edge of the nostril.

Precise anatomical description.

1

O touro bufava, expelindo vapores densos pelas narinas escancaradas.

The bull snorted, expelling thick vapors from its wide-open nostrils.

Literary style with evocative adjectives.

2

Suas narinas tremiam, denunciando a fúria que ele tentava conter.

His nostrils trembled, betraying the fury he was trying to contain.

Metonymy: using a body part to show emotion.

3

A fragrância de jasmim invadiu-lhe as narinas, evocando memórias de infância.

The fragrance of jasmine invaded his nostrils, evoking childhood memories.

Pronominal use 'invadiu-lhe'.

4

A anatomia das narinas varia significativamente entre as diferentes raças caninas.

The anatomy of the nostrils varies significantly among different dog breeds.

Academic register.

5

Houve uma leve dilatação das narinas, um sinal quase imperceptível de desdém.

There was a slight flaring of the nostrils, an almost imperceptible sign of disdain.

Noun phrase 'dilatação das narinas'.

6

O ar gélido da montanha parecia queimar o interior de suas narinas.

The freezing mountain air seemed to burn the inside of his nostrils.

Simile/Metaphorical usage.

7

A sensibilidade das narinas aos odores é mediada pelo nervo olfativo.

The sensitivity of the nostrils to odors is mediated by the olfactory nerve.

Passive voice 'é mediada'.

8

As narinas, embora pequenas, desempenham um papel vital na homeostase.

The nostrils, though small, play a vital role in homeostasis.

Concessive clause 'embora'.

1

A descrição camoniana das 'ventas' ecoa a força das narinas na epopeia.

The Camonian description of 'ventas' echoes the strength of the nostrils in the epic.

Literary analysis register.

2

A patologia manifestava-se por uma necrose tecidual nas bordas das narinas.

The pathology manifested itself by tissue necrosis on the edges of the nostrils.

High-level medical terminology.

3

O escultor captou com mestria a tensão nas narinas da estátua de mármore.

The sculptor masterfully captured the tension in the nostrils of the marble statue.

Art criticism register.

4

A permeabilidade das narinas é um fator determinante na qualidade do sono.

The permeability of the nostrils is a determining factor in sleep quality.

Abstract scientific noun 'permeabilidade'.

5

O autor utiliza a dilatação das narinas como um leitmotiv para a arrogância aristocrática.

The author uses the flaring of the nostrils as a leitmotif for aristocratic arrogance.

Literary theory terminology.

6

A instilação de fármacos pelas narinas permite uma absorção sistêmica rápida.

The instillation of drugs through the nostrils allows for rapid systemic absorption.

Technical pharmaceutical term 'instilação'.

7

Observou-se uma assimetria congênita nas narinas do espécime analisado.

A congenital asymmetry was observed in the nostrils of the analyzed specimen.

Impersonal 'observou-se'.

8

A poética do olfato reside na capacidade das narinas de filtrar o mundo.

The poetics of smell resides in the capacity of the nostrils to filter the world.

Philosophical register.

Common Collocations

Narina direita
Narina esquerda
Dilatar as narinas
Limpar as narinas
Narina obstruída
Narinas largas
Cada narina
Interior da narina
Borda da narina
Narinas sensíveis

Common Phrases

Respirar pelas narinas

— To breathe through the nostrils. Used in health and yoga contexts.

Tente respirar apenas pelas narinas durante o exercício.

Narina entupida

— Blocked nostril. Very common when talking about colds.

Estou com uma narina entupida desde ontem.

Piercing na narina

— Nostril piercing. Common in fashion.

Ela decidiu fazer um piercing na narina.

Lavagem das narinas

— Nasal wash. A common health practice.

A lavagem das narinas com soro é recomendada.

Asas das narinas

— The wings/sides of the nostrils.

As asas das narinas estavam avermelhadas.

Narinas de fogo

— Metaphorical for someone very angry (like a dragon).

Ele parecia soltar fogo pelas narinas.

Entrar pela narina

— To enter through the nostril (dust, water, smells).

A água do mar entrou pela narina dele.

Pelos das narinas

— Nasal hair.

Os pelos das narinas filtram as impurezas.

Inflamação na narina

— Inflammation in the nostril.

A inflamação na narina causa desconforto.

Narinas abertas

— Open nostrils (wide).

Ele respirava com as narinas bem abertas.

Often Confused With

narina vs Marina

A place for boats. Only one letter difference (M vs N).

narina vs Nariz

The whole nose. Narina is just the opening.

narina vs Nata

Cream. Sounds slightly similar but completely different.

Idioms & Expressions

"De ventas inchadas"

— To be very angry or arrogant. Uses 'ventas' (synonym).

Ele chegou em casa de ventas inchadas.

Informal/Literary
"Soprar pelas ventas"

— To be fuming with rage.

A patroa estava a soprar pelas ventas.

Colloquial
"Até às narinas"

— To be fed up or completely full of something (like 'up to the neck').

Estou cheio de trabalho até às narinas.

Informal
"Não ver um palmo à frente das narinas"

— To be very short-sighted or unable to see the obvious.

Ele não vê um palmo à frente das narinas.

Informal
"Meter o nariz onde não é chamado"

— To stick one's nose where it doesn't belong (related to narina/nariz).

Pare de meter o nariz onde não é chamado!

Informal
"Ficar com o nariz torcido"

— To be displeased or suspicious.

Ela ficou com o nariz torcido com a proposta.

Informal
"Levar pelo nariz"

— To lead someone by the nose (manipulate).

Ele deixa-se levar pelo nariz pela esposa.

Informal
"Dar com o nariz na porta"

— To find a closed door (be disappointed).

Fui visitá-lo, mas dei com o nariz na porta.

Informal
"Nariz empinado"

— Stuck-up or snobbish.

Aquela rapariga tem o nariz muito empinado.

Informal
"Limpar o sebo às narinas"

— A very old, rare expression meaning to give someone a hard time.

Vou limpar o sebo às narinas daquele sujeito.

Archaic

Easily Confused

narina vs Nariz

Both refer to the nose area.

Nariz is the entire external organ; narina is specifically the hole/opening.

Lave o nariz, mas limpe a narina.

narina vs Ventas

They are synonyms.

Ventas is more literary or used for animals; narina is the standard anatomical term.

O touro bufava pelas ventas.

narina vs Septo

They are adjacent parts of the nose.

The septo is the wall; the narina is the opening.

O septo divide as duas narinas.

narina vs Mucosa

Both related to the nose interior.

Mucosa is the tissue lining; narina is the opening itself.

A mucosa das narinas está irritada.

narina vs Nasal

Related adjective.

Nasal is an adjective describing things related to the nose; narina is a noun.

Uma cavidade nasal tem duas narinas.

Sentence Patterns

A1

A minha narina está [adjective].

A minha narina está suja.

A2

Eu tenho um problema na narina [direction].

Eu tenho um problema na narina esquerda.

B1

É necessário [verb] as narinas.

É necessário limpar as narinas.

B2

As narinas permitem que o ar [verb].

As narinas permitem que o ar entre.

C1

Com as narinas [adjective], ele [verb].

Com as narinas dilatadas, ele gritou.

C2

A patologia das narinas relaciona-se com [noun].

A patologia das narinas relaciona-se com o septo.

A2

Não coloque [noun] na narina.

Não coloque o dedo na narina.

B1

Sinto [noun] em ambas as narinas.

Sinto dor em ambas as narinas.

Word Family

Nouns

nariz
narigada
narigão
nasalidade

Verbs

nasalizar

Adjectives

nasal
nasalado
narigudo

Related

septo
mucosa
olfato
respiração
otorrinolaringologia
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How to Use It

frequency

Common in medical, health, and descriptive contexts.

Common Mistakes
  • O narina → A narina

    Narina is a feminine noun, despite 'nariz' being masculine.

  • Narizes → Narinas

    When referring to the two openings, use the plural of narina, not the plural of nariz (unless you mean multiple noses).

  • Respirar pelo nariz esquerda → Respirar pela narina esquerda

    You breathe through a specific nostril (narina), and the adjective must be feminine.

  • O buraco do nariz (in formal settings) → A narina

    'Buraco do nariz' is too colloquial for a doctor's visit or a professional setting.

  • Pronouncing 'r' as a guttural sound → Tapped 'r'

    The 'r' in the middle of a word like narina is never guttural in Portuguese.

Tips

Gender Check

Always pair 'narina' with feminine articles like 'uma' or 'a'. This is a common mistake for learners who know 'o nariz' is masculine.

Be Specific

Use 'narina' when talking about medical issues or breathing exercises to sound more advanced and precise than using 'nariz'.

The Tapped R

Don't roll the 'r'. It's a quick tap. Practice with the word 'caro' (expensive) to get the same sound.

Nasal Hygiene

In Portuguese, 'lavagem nasal' involves the 'narinas'. It's a useful phrase if you need to buy saline at a pharmacy.

Literary Flair

If you see 'ventas' in a book, remember it's a dramatic way to say 'narinas'.

Yoga Context

If you practice yoga in Portuguese, 'narina' is a word you will hear in every session regarding 'respiração'.

Avoid Typos

Be careful not to write 'marina' (harbor). The 'n' and 'm' change the meaning entirely.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'naris' helps if you are familiar with medical terminology in English.

Animal Anatomy

When describing a horse or dog, 'narina' is the correct term for their nostrils.

Descriptive Writing

Use adjectives like 'delicadas', 'largas', or 'obstruídas' to add detail to your descriptions of 'narinas'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Narina' as the 'Nose Arena'—the open space where air enters your nose.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny ballerina dancing inside a 'narina' (they rhyme!) to remember the word and its feminine gender.

Word Web

nariz respirar cheirar ar corpo rosto saúde limpeza

Challenge

Try to say 'A minha narina direita está livre' five times fast while holding your left nostril closed.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'naris', meaning 'nostril' or 'nose'.

Original meaning: The external opening of the respiratory tract.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid making fun of someone's 'narinas' as it focuses on a specific physical trait.

English speakers often just use 'nose' for everything, whereas Portuguese speakers are more likely to use 'narina' in health and beauty contexts.

Cyrano de Bergerac (Portuguese translation) - famous descriptions of the nose. Os Lusíadas - mentions of physical traits of explorers. Medical manuals used in Coimbra University.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Doctor

  • Dói nesta narina.
  • Tenho um desvio de septo.
  • Sinto a narina seca.
  • Sangra com frequência.

Yoga Class

  • Tape a narina esquerda.
  • Inspire pela narina direita.
  • Sinta o ar nas narinas.
  • Respire alternadamente.

Describing People

  • Ela tem narinas delicadas.
  • Ele dilata as narinas.
  • Tem um piercing na narina.
  • As narinas são simétricas.

Swimming

  • A água entrou na narina.
  • Use um protetor de narinas.
  • Solte o ar pelas narinas.
  • Sinto cloro na narina.

Animal Biology

  • O cavalo tem narinas grandes.
  • As narinas dos cães são úmidas.
  • O tubarão usa as narinas.
  • O touro bufa pelas narinas.

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve problemas com narinas entupidas por causa de alergia?"

"O que você acha de piercings na narina? São bonitos?"

"Você consegue respirar por apenas uma narina de cada vez?"

"Qual é o melhor remédio para limpar as narinas quando estamos gripados?"

"Você sabia que as baleias têm narinas no topo da cabeça?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva a sensação de respirar o ar puro da manhã entrando pelas suas narinas.

Escreva sobre uma vez que você ficou com o nariz entupido e como isso afetou o seu dia.

Imagine que você é um médico explicando a um paciente como cuidar de uma narina inflamada.

Descreva as diferenças físicas entre o nariz de um humano e o de um animal que você gosta.

Reflita sobre como o sentido do olfato, mediado pelas narinas, influencia suas memórias.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

É sempre 'a narina'. A palavra é feminina em português, ao contrário de 'o nariz', que é masculino. Exemplo: A narina esquerda.

A tradução exata é 'narina'. Em contextos muito informais, pode-se dizer 'buraco do nariz'.

Nariz é o órgão completo. Narina refere-se apenas aos dois orifícios externos por onde o ar passa.

O plural é 'narinas'. Basta adicionar um 's' ao final da palavra.

Sim, mas 'ventas' soa muito literário ou é usado para animais. No dia a dia, prefira 'narinas'.

Significa abrir mais os orifícios do nariz, geralmente por causa de esforço físico, raiva ou surpresa.

É um 'r' vibrante simples, produzido com um toque da língua no céu da boca, como em 'caro' ou 'arara'.

Sim, é bastante comum entre jovens e é chamado de 'piercing na narina' ou 'piercing no nariz'.

Você pode dizer 'estou com a narina obstruída' ou, mais comum, 'estou com a narina entupida'.

É a parede de cartilagem e osso que separa as duas narinas.

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Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Escreva uma frase sobre uma narina entupida.

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writing

Descreva a função das narinas em português.

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writing

Como você pediria ao médico para examinar seu nariz?

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writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'narinas dilatadas'.

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writing

Explique a diferença entre nariz e narina.

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writing

Crie uma instrução de yoga sobre respiração.

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writing

Escreva sobre um piercing na narina.

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writing

O que acontece quando entra água na narina?

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writing

Descreva as narinas de um cavalo.

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writing

Escreva uma frase com 'ambas as narinas'.

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writing

Use a palavra 'narina' em um contexto médico.

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writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre o olfato.

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writing

Como você diria que alguém está com raiva usando 'narinas'?

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writing

Escreva sobre a importância de limpar as narinas.

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writing

Crie um diálogo curto na farmácia.

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writing

Escreva uma frase poética sobre o perfume e as narinas.

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writing

Descreva um desvio de septo.

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writing

Escreva sobre o ar frio nas narinas.

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writing

Crie uma frase com 'narinas simétricas'.

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writing

Escreva sobre os pelos do nariz.

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speaking

Diga: 'A minha narina está entupida'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Respire pelas narinas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Eu tenho um piercing na narina'.

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speaking

Diga: 'A narina esquerda dói'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Lave as narinas com soro'.

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speaking

Diga: 'O cavalo dilatou as narinas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Tape a narina direita'.

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speaking

Diga: 'As narinas filtram o ar'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Sinto um cheiro na narina'.

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speaking

Diga: 'As minhas narinas são pequenas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'O ar entra pelas narinas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'A narina está sangrando'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Cada narina é importante'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Limpe a narina do bebê'.

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speaking

Diga: 'As narinas estão vermelhas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'Não coloque o dedo na narina'.

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speaking

Diga: 'O ar seco queima a narina'.

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speaking

Diga: 'As narinas são orifícios'.

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speaking

Diga: 'O perfume chegou às narinas'.

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speaking

Diga: 'A narina direita está livre'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva a palavra: 'narina'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva a frase: 'A narina dói'.

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listening

Ouça e identifique o número de narinas mencionadas: 'Duas narinas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Narinas dilatadas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Pelas narinas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'A narina esquerda'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Limpar as narinas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Cada narina'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Narina entupida'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Asas da narina'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'O septo e as narinas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Interior da narina'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Narinas úmidas'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Sangue na narina'.

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listening

Ouça e escreva: 'Narinas abertas'.

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/ 180 correct

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