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A2 noun #1,500 most common 15 min read

sexo

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, learners encounter the word 'sexo' almost exclusively in the context of filling out basic forms. When you arrive in a Portuguese-speaking country, you will need to fill out arrival cards, hotel registrations, or basic language school enrollment forms. On these forms, you will see 'Nome' (Name), 'Idade' (Age), and 'Sexo' (Sex). At this stage, you only need to know that 'sexo' means you should check the box for 'M' (Masculino) or 'F' (Feminino). You do not need to use the word in conversation. It is purely a recognition word for administrative survival. Understanding this word prevents confusion when dealing with basic paperwork. You might also hear it in very basic vocabulary lessons when learning about family members or people, distinguishing between male and female categories, though 'homem' (man) and 'mulher' (woman) are far more common in early conversational practice.

At the A2 level, your understanding of 'sexo' expands slightly. You are still primarily using it for forms, but you might now encounter it in simple reading texts, such as short news items about demographics or basic biology texts if you are studying in Portuguese. You should be able to answer the question 'Qual é o seu sexo?' if asked by a receptionist at a clinic, though they will likely just hand you a form. You also become aware of its secondary meaning (sexual intercourse) mainly to avoid using it incorrectly. You learn that to say 'I am male', you don't say 'Meu sexo é masculino', but rather 'Eu sou homem' or just select 'Masculino' on a form. The focus is on accurate comprehension in practical, everyday situations like visiting a doctor or filling out a profile online.

At the B1 level, you start using 'sexo' more actively in descriptive contexts. You can discuss basic statistics, such as 'A maioria dos alunos é do sexo feminino' (The majority of the students are female). You are comfortable distinguishing between 'sexo' (biology) and 'gênero' (social/grammar) in simple discussions. You might also encounter the phrase 'fazer sexo' in media (movies, music) and understand it without confusion. You can talk about animals and ask a vet 'Qual é o sexo do cachorro?' (What is the sex of the dog?) and understand the answer 'macho' or 'fêmea'. Your vocabulary is broad enough to handle the word in both administrative and light conversational contexts without making direct translation errors from English.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more complex discussions involving the word 'sexo'. You can read and understand news articles that discuss demographic trends, workplace equality, or medical studies that use terms like 'distribuição por sexo' (distribution by sex). You can confidently use prepositional phrases like 'independente do sexo' (regardless of sex) when discussing rules or laws. You are fully aware of the cultural nuances and know when it is appropriate to use 'sexo' versus 'gênero'. You can also understand and participate in conversations about relationships where the secondary meaning of the word is used, doing so naturally and with the correct collocations (e.g., 'ter relações sexuais' vs 'fazer sexo' depending on formality).

At the C1 level, your use of 'sexo' is near-native. You can read academic papers, legal documents, and sociological texts where the word is used in highly specific, technical ways. You understand the historical and evolving usage of the word in Portuguese-speaking societies, particularly the ongoing debates regarding biological sex ('sexo biológico') versus gender identity. You can articulate complex arguments about discrimination, biology, or demographics using precise terminology. You never make gender agreement errors with the word, and you seamlessly navigate between its biological, demographic, and intimate meanings based entirely on subtle contextual clues. You can also understand idioms or literary uses of the word.

At the C2 level, you possess a complete, nuanced mastery of the word 'sexo' and all its derivatives and related concepts. You can analyze how the word is used in classic Portuguese literature versus modern media. You understand regional variations in pronunciation or slang related to the word across different Portuguese-speaking countries (e.g., Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola). You can write formal, academic, or legal texts using the word with absolute precision. You are capable of discussing the etymology of the word and how its Latin roots influence its current usage. At this level, the word is just another tool in your vast linguistic arsenal, used flawlessly in any conceivable context.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sexo in 30 Seconds

Means biological sex (male/female).
Always a masculine noun (o sexo).
Crucial for filling out official forms.
Distinct from 'gênero' (gender) in modern use.

The Portuguese word 'sexo' is a masculine noun that primarily translates to 'sex' in English. In the context of a CEFR A2 learner, its most fundamental and common application is to denote the biological state of being male or female, particularly when filling out forms, discussing demographics, or referring to the biological classification of living organisms. Understanding this word is crucial for basic communication, especially in administrative, medical, or formal contexts where personal identification is required.

Biological Classification: Refers to the anatomical and physiological traits that define male and female organisms.

When you encounter official documents in Portuguese-speaking countries, you will almost always see a field labeled 'Sexo' followed by options like 'M' (Masculino) and 'F' (Feminino). This is the most direct and unavoidable encounter a learner will have with the word. It is a demographic standard used globally, and its Portuguese equivalent operates exactly as one would expect.

Por favor, indique o seu sexo no formulário.

Beyond forms, the word is used in everyday language to discuss gender demographics, such as in marketing, sociology, or general statistics. For instance, one might discuss the ratio of one sex to another in a particular profession or academic field. It is important to note that while 'sexo' refers to biological sex, the word 'gênero' (gender) is increasingly used to discuss social and cultural roles, mirroring the evolution of these terms in English.

Demographic Usage: Used to categorize populations in statistics, surveys, and official documentation.

Learners should also be aware that 'sexo' has a secondary, very common meaning: sexual intercourse. While this might not be the primary focus of an A2 curriculum, it is vital to know this to avoid unintentional misunderstandings. Context is key here. If you are talking about a form or biology, it means biological sex. If you are talking about relationships or intimacy, it means the act.

O sexo do bebê será revelado amanhã.

The pronunciation of 'sexo' is relatively straightforward for English speakers, though the 'x' can sometimes be tricky in Portuguese. In this word, the 'x' is pronounced like 'ks', similar to the 'x' in the English word 'taxi'. The 'e' is open, and the final 'o' is often reduced to a 'u' sound in many dialects, especially in Brazil, making it sound like 'SEK-su'.

Eles não sabem o sexo da criança ainda.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'sexus', which carries the exact same meaning. This Latin root makes it a cognate in many Romance languages and English, which significantly aids memorization for learners. You don't need to learn a completely new concept; you just need to adapt the spelling and pronunciation slightly.

Etymological Root: Derived from Latin 'sexus', meaning state of being male or female.

In summary, 'sexo' is a high-frequency, essential vocabulary word for any Portuguese learner. It bridges the gap between basic personal identification and broader biological or demographic discussions. Mastering its primary meaning and being aware of its secondary meaning will navigate you safely through both formal paperwork and casual conversations.

A pesquisa analisou dados por idade e sexo.

To fully integrate this word into your vocabulary, practice reading forms in Portuguese. Look up examples of Brazilian or Portuguese ID cards (RG or Cartão de Cidadão) online and locate the 'sexo' field. This practical application will solidify the word's primary meaning in your mind, ensuring you are prepared for real-world interactions in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

Qual é o sexo do seu animal de estimação?

Using the word 'sexo' correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its grammatical properties and the specific contexts in which it is appropriate. As a masculine noun, it must always be preceded by masculine articles ('o', 'um') and accompanied by masculine adjectives. This is a fundamental rule of Portuguese grammar that learners must internalize early on to ensure fluency and accuracy in their speech and writing.

Grammatical Gender: Always masculine. Use 'o sexo', 'do sexo', 'no sexo'.

The most frequent use case for a learner is in identifying biological sex. When asked 'Qual é o seu sexo?' (What is your sex?), the standard responses are 'Masculino' (Male) or 'Feminino' (Female). You do not typically say 'Meu sexo é masculino' in casual conversation; you simply state the gender or fill out the form. However, in formal writing or reporting, you might write 'indivíduos do sexo masculino' (individuals of the male sex).

O paciente é do sexo masculino.

Another common structure is 'fazer sexo', which translates to 'to have sex'. While this deviates from the biological definition, it is an essential phrase to recognize. If a doctor asks about your sexual history, they might use this phrase. As a learner, you should be aware of this construction so you can comprehend medical or personal discussions appropriately, even if you don't use it yourself.

Common Collocation: 'Fazer sexo' is the standard verb phrase for engaging in sexual intercourse.

When discussing animals, 'sexo' is also the correct term. If you are adopting a pet or talking to a veterinarian, you might ask about the animal's sex. The terminology remains the same: 'macho' (male animal) or 'fêmea' (female animal) are used to describe the sex of the animal, but the category itself is still 'sexo'.

Precisamos determinar o sexo dos filhotes.

In academic or sociological contexts, you might encounter the phrase 'sexo biológico' (biological sex) to distinguish it explicitly from 'identidade de gênero' (gender identity). This distinction is becoming as common in Portuguese as it is in English, reflecting global shifts in how we discuss identity and biology. Using 'sexo biológico' adds clarity to your statements in these nuanced conversations.

O sexo biológico é determinado pelos cromossomos.

It is also important to note the prepositional phrases associated with 'sexo'. You will often see 'por sexo' (by sex), as in 'dados divididos por sexo' (data divided by sex). This is standard in statistical reporting. You might also see 'independente do sexo' (regardless of sex), which is useful for expressing equality or universal application of a rule or condition.

Prepositional Usage: Often used with 'por' (by) or 'do' (of the) in statistical or descriptive contexts.

When writing, ensure you spell it correctly. A common mistake for English speakers is to accidentally use an English spelling variant or to mispronounce the 'x'. Practice writing sentences like 'O formulário pede o meu sexo' to build muscle memory. Reading news articles about demographics or health will also expose you to the correct usage and spelling in context.

A discriminação por sexo é ilegal.

Finally, remember that language is fluid. While 'sexo' is the traditional term for biological categorization, always be respectful of how individuals choose to identify. In modern Portuguese, just as in English, navigating the vocabulary of sex and gender requires both grammatical knowledge and cultural sensitivity. Mastering 'sexo' is your first step in this important linguistic journey.

Eles organizaram os alunos por idade e sexo.

The word 'sexo' is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments, appearing in a wide variety of contexts ranging from the highly formal to the intimately personal. For a language learner, knowing where you are likely to encounter this word helps in anticipating its meaning and preparing the appropriate response. The most common and immediate place you will see 'sexo' is on any official form, document, or application.

Administrative Contexts: Visas, bank accounts, hospital registrations, and school enrollments.

When you apply for a visa, open a bank account, or register at a hospital in Brazil or Portugal, you will be handed a form. On that form, alongside 'Nome' (Name) and 'Data de Nascimento' (Date of Birth), you will find 'Sexo'. This is a universal standard. In these situations, the word is purely administrative and requires a simple 'M' or 'F' checkmark. There is no conversational nuance here; it is strictly demographic data collection.

Preencha o campo indicando o seu sexo.

You will also hear 'sexo' frequently in medical environments. Doctors and nurses use the term to discuss biological traits, risks associated with specific sexes, or when performing ultrasounds. A very common cultural event in Brazil is the 'chá de revelação' (gender reveal party), where the 'sexo do bebê' (sex of the baby) is announced to friends and family. This is a joyous, everyday context where the word is used constantly.

Medical and Health: Used by healthcare professionals to discuss anatomy, genetics, and patient demographics.

In the news and media, 'sexo' is used in statistical reporting. You might read an article about employment rates that breaks down the data 'por sexo' (by sex). Sociological studies, census data, and market research all rely heavily on this term to categorize populations. When listening to the news in Portuguese, hearing this word usually signals that demographic data is being presented.

O censo coleta informações sobre idade, renda e sexo.

In educational settings, particularly in biology classes, 'sexo' is the standard scientific term. Teachers will discuss the 'sexo' of plants, animals, and humans when teaching reproduction and genetics. This academic usage is straightforward and mirrors the English use of the word in scientific contexts. It is devoid of any colloquial or slang connotations in this environment.

Na aula de biologia, estudamos a determinação do sexo.

Of course, in casual conversation or popular media like soap operas (novelas) and movies, 'sexo' is frequently used to mean sexual intercourse. Phrases like 'fazer sexo' or discussions about 'vida sexual' (sex life) are common. While learners might not use these phrases immediately, they will undoubtedly hear them if they consume Portuguese media. Recognizing this dual meaning is essential for full comprehension.

Pop Culture and Media: Frequently used in movies, music, and literature to refer to intimacy.

Finally, you might hear the word in legal contexts, particularly concerning discrimination. Laws and regulations often state that discrimination based on 'raça, religião ou sexo' (race, religion, or sex) is prohibited. In these formal, legal texts, the word carries significant weight and is used to protect individuals' rights based on their biological categorization.

A lei proíbe a discriminação baseada no sexo.

By understanding these diverse contexts—from the sterile environment of a government office to the dramatic scenes of a telenovela—you can accurately interpret the word 'sexo' whenever you hear it. It is a versatile word that anchors much of human demographic and biological discussion in the Portuguese language.

O médico perguntou sobre o sexo biológico do paciente.

When learning the word 'sexo', English speakers often make a few predictable mistakes. These errors usually stem from direct translation issues, confusion over grammatical gender, or a misunderstanding of cultural nuances between 'sex' and 'gender'. Addressing these mistakes early on will help you sound more natural and avoid potentially awkward situations in Portuguese-speaking environments.

Gender Agreement Error: Treating 'sexo' as a feminine noun because it ends in 'o' but refers to both genders.

The most frequent grammatical mistake is incorrect gender agreement. Because 'sexo' can refer to females, some learners mistakenly say 'a sexo' when referring to the female sex. This is incorrect. 'Sexo' is strictly a masculine noun. You must always say 'o sexo', regardless of whether you are talking about males or females. For example, 'o sexo feminino' is correct; 'a sexo feminino' is wrong.

Correto: O sexo da pessoa é feminino.

Another common mistake is confusing 'sexo' with 'gênero'. In English, 'gender' is often used interchangeably with 'sex' on forms and in casual conversation. In Portuguese, while this interchangeability is increasing, 'sexo' remains the strict biological term, and 'gênero' refers more to social identity or grammatical gender. If a form asks for 'sexo', do not cross it out and write 'gênero'; simply fill it in as requested.

Vocabulary Confusion: Using 'gênero' when 'sexo' is the required biological or demographic term.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The letter 'x' in Portuguese has multiple sounds (sh, z, s, ks). In 'sexo', it is pronounced as 'ks' (like in 'taxi'). Many learners, especially Spanish speakers, might try to pronounce it with an 's' sound ('seso'), which means 'brain' in Spanish and sounds incorrect in Portuguese. Practice the 'ks' sound to ensure you are understood clearly.

Pronúncia correta: /sék.su/.

Learners also sometimes misuse the verb when talking about having sex. In English, we say 'to have sex'. A direct translation would be 'ter sexo', which sounds very unnatural in Portuguese. The correct phrase is 'fazer sexo' (literally, to make sex). Using 'ter sexo' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker translating directly from English.

Incorreto: Eles vão ter sexo. Correto: Eles vão fazer sexo.

When talking about animals, do not use 'masculino' and 'feminino' to describe their sex. This is a common error. For humans, we use 'masculino/feminino'. For animals, we use 'macho' (male) and 'fêmea' (female). So, you would say 'O sexo do cachorro é macho', not 'O sexo do cachorro é masculino'. This distinction is important for sounding natural.

Animal Terminology: Use 'macho/fêmea' for animals, not 'masculino/feminino'.

Finally, be careful with context. Because 'sexo' means both biological sex and sexual intercourse, blurting it out without context can cause giggles or confusion. If you are trying to ask where the men's/women's clothing section is, do not ask 'Onde está a seção de sexo?'. Ask 'Onde está a seção masculina/feminina?'. Contextual awareness prevents embarrassing direct translations.

Use 'masculino/feminino' como adjetivos, não a palavra sexo isolada para roupas.

By keeping these common pitfalls in mind—grammatical gender, pronunciation, verb collocations, animal terminology, and contextual appropriateness—you will master the use of 'sexo' quickly and confidently. It is a simple word, but its nuances require a bit of attention to detail.

Preste atenção ao contexto ao usar a palavra sexo.

Expanding your vocabulary around the word 'sexo' involves learning related terms that either share its meaning, provide more specific nuances, or are used in similar contexts. The most prominent similar word is 'gênero' (gender). While 'sexo' refers to biology, 'gênero' refers to social constructs, identity, and grammar. Understanding the distinction between these two is crucial in modern Portuguese.

Gênero vs. Sexo: 'Gênero' is social/grammatical; 'sexo' is biological.

When filling out forms, you might sometimes see 'gênero' instead of 'sexo', especially on more progressive or modern platforms. However, 'sexo' remains the standard for government and medical documents. Another related set of words are the adjectives 'masculino' (male/masculine) and 'feminino' (female/feminine). These are the answers you provide when asked about your 'sexo'. They are indispensable companions to the noun.

O formulário pergunta o sexo, e a resposta é masculino.

If you are talking about the act of intimacy, a more formal or clinical synonym for 'fazer sexo' is 'relações sexuais' (sexual relations) or 'cópula' (copulation, mostly used in biology). In everyday conversation, people might use slang, but 'relações sexuais' is safe for any formal or medical context. It is the exact equivalent of 'sexual intercourse' in English.

Formal Synonyms: 'Relações sexuais' is a formal alternative when referring to the act.

For animals, as mentioned earlier, the related terms are 'macho' and 'fêmea'. These function similarly to 'masculino' and 'feminino' but are strictly reserved for flora and fauna. You would never call a human man a 'macho' unless you were using it as slang (meaning macho or tough), and calling a woman a 'fêmea' is highly offensive and degrading in Portuguese, just as 'female' can be when used as a noun in English.

Para animais, indicamos o sexo como macho ou fêmea.

Another related concept is 'sexualidade' (sexuality), which encompasses a person's sexual orientation or preferences. This is a broader term than 'sexo' and is used in psychological, sociological, or personal discussions. Words like 'heterossexual', 'homossexual', and 'bissexual' fall under the umbrella of 'sexualidade', not 'sexo'.

A sexualidade é diferente do sexo biológico.

In grammatical contexts, you will hear 'sexo' less often than 'gênero'. Portuguese nouns have grammatical gender (gênero gramatical), which is either masculine or feminine. While this is conceptually related to biological sex, linguists and teachers use 'gênero' to describe whether a word takes 'o' or 'a'. For example, 'mesa' (table) is of the feminine gender, but it obviously has no biological 'sexo'.

Grammar Terminology: Use 'gênero' for grammar, not 'sexo'. Words have gender, not sex.

To summarize, while 'sexo' is the core term for biological categorization, surrounding yourself with words like 'gênero', 'masculino', 'feminino', 'macho', 'fêmea', and 'sexualidade' will give you a complete and nuanced vocabulary. This allows you to navigate everything from a vet visit to a sociology lecture with confidence and precision.

Aprender palavras relacionadas ao sexo enriquece seu vocabulário.

By mastering this web of related terms, you ensure that you are never at a loss for words when discussing demographics, biology, or identity in Portuguese. It is a fundamental semantic field that every learner must conquer to achieve true fluency.

O conceito de sexo está ligado a várias outras palavras.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Informal

Slang

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

Nome, idade e sexo.

Name, age, and sex.

Used as a simple noun on a form.

Qual é o seu sexo?

What is your sex?

Basic interrogative sentence.

Sexo: Masculino.

Sex: Male.

Standard form response.

Sexo: Feminino.

Sex: Female.

Standard form response.

O sexo do bebê.

The sex of the baby.

Possessive construction with 'do'.

Marque o seu sexo.

Mark your sex.

Imperative verb with the noun.

Não sei o sexo.

I don't know the sex.

Basic negation.

O sexo é masculino.

The sex is male.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

O paciente é do sexo masculino.

The patient is male (of the male sex).

Using 'do sexo' as an adjectival phrase.

Eles descobriram o sexo da criança.

They found out the sex of the child.

Past tense verb with the noun.

Qual é o sexo do seu cachorro?

What is the sex of your dog?

Applying the concept to animals.

O formulário pede o meu sexo.

The form asks for my sex.

Using the noun as a direct object.

Há mais pessoas do sexo feminino aqui.

There are more female people here.

Comparative quantity with the adjectival phrase.

O sexo biológico é importante na medicina.

Biological sex is important in medicine.

Using an adjective to specify the type of sex.

Eles separaram os grupos por sexo.

They separated the groups by sex.

Using the preposition 'por' for categorization.

Eu preenchi o campo do sexo.

I filled in the sex field.

Referring to the specific part of a form.

A pesquisa mostra diferenças entre os sexos.

The research shows differences between the sexes.

Using the plural form 'os sexos'.

É ilegal discriminar alguém por causa do seu sexo.

It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of their sex.

Complex sentence discussing legal concepts.

Na biologia, estudamos a reprodução e o sexo.

In biology, we study reproduction and sex.

Using the word in an academic context.

Eles organizaram uma festa para revelar o sexo do bebê.

They organized a party to reveal the baby's sex.

Cultural context (chá de revelação).

O médico perguntou sobre a minha vida sexual, não o meu sexo.

The doctor asked about my sex life, not my sex.

Distinguishing between the noun and the adjective 'sexual'.

A loja tem roupas para ambos os sexos.

The store has clothes for both sexes.

Using 'ambos os' (both).

Eles não querem saber o sexo antes do nascimento.

They don't want to know the sex before birth.

Discussing preferences regarding the baby's sex.

A taxa de desemprego varia de acordo com o sexo.

The unemployment rate varies according to sex.

Using 'de acordo com' (according to).

O censo demográfico coleta dados detalhados por idade e sexo.

The demographic census collects detailed data by age and sex.

Formal demographic terminology.

A discussão sobre sexo biológico e identidade de gênero é complexa.

The discussion about biological sex and gender identity is complex.

Contrasting 'sexo' with 'gênero'.

A constituição garante direitos iguais, independentemente do sexo.

The constitution guarantees equal rights, regardless of sex.

Using the formal phrase 'independentemente do'.

Certos medicamentos têm efeitos colaterais diferentes dependendo do sexo do paciente.

Certain medications have different side effects depending on the patient's sex.

Medical context requiring precise terminology.

A segregação por sexo em escolas públicas é um tema controverso.

Sex segregation in public schools is a controversial topic.

Discussing sociological issues.

O estudo analisou a proporção entre os sexos na população de aves.

The study analyzed the sex ratio in the bird population.

Scientific application to animals.

A mudança de sexo nos documentos oficiais agora é um processo mais simples.

Changing one's sex on official documents is now a simpler process.

Legal and administrative context.

Estatísticas mostram uma disparidade salarial entre os sexos.

Statistics show a wage gap between the sexes.

Economic and sociological context.

A dicotomia tradicional dos sexos tem sido amplamente questionada pela sociologia contemporânea.

The traditional dichotomy of the sexes has been widely questioned by contemporary sociology.

Academic phrasing and complex vocabulary.

O dimorfismo sexual refere-se às diferenças fenotípicas entre os sexos de uma mesma espécie.

Sexual dimorphism refers to the phenotypic differences between the sexes of the same species.

Highly technical biological terminology.

A legislação trabalhista visa mitigar as desigualdades inerentes à divisão do trabalho por sexo.

Labor legislation aims to mitigate the inequalities inherent in the division of labor by sex.

Formal legal and economic discourse.

A construção social do gênero frequentemente se sobrepõe à realidade do sexo biológico.

The social construction of gender often overlaps with the reality of biological sex.

Nuanced discussion of sociological concepts.

A análise estratificada por sexo revelou nuances que os dados agregados ocultavam.

The sex-stratified analysis revealed nuances that the aggregated data concealed.

Statistical and research terminology.

A determinação cromossômica do sexo é o primeiro passo no desenvolvimento embrionário.

Chromosomal sex determination is the first step in embryonic development.

Advanced medical/genetic context.

O viés de sexo em ensaios clínicos históricos prejudicou a eficácia de tratamentos para mulheres.

Sex bias in historical clinical trials has hindered the efficacy of treatments for women.

Discussing historical medical ethics.

A terminologia oficial ainda se apega rigidamente à classificação binária de sexo.

Official terminology still rigidly adheres to the binary classification of sex.

Critique of administrative language.

A ontologia do sexo, enquanto categoria analítica, transcende a mera constatação anatômica.

The ontology of sex, as an analytical category, transcends mere anatomical observation.

Philosophical and highly abstract usage.

O escrutínio das políticas públicas revela uma subjacente normatividade atrelada ao sexo.

The scrutiny of public policies reveals an underlying normativity linked to sex.

Advanced political science discourse.

A intersecção entre classe, raça e sexo conforma a matriz de dominação na sociedade capitalista.

The intersection of class, race, and sex forms the matrix of domination in capitalist society.

Intersectionality and advanced sociological theory.

A fluidez semântica do termo contrasta com a rigidez taxonômica imposta pela biologia do sexo.

The semantic fluidity of the term contrasts with the taxonomic rigidity imposed by the biology of sex.

Linguistic and scientific analysis.

A jurisprudência tem evoluído para abarcar as complexidades que a designação de sexo no nascimento suscita.

Jurisprudence has evolved to encompass the complexities that sex designation at birth raises.

High-level legal analysis.

O determinismo biológico ancorado no sexo foi cabalmente refutado pelas correntes construtivistas.

Biological determinism anchored in sex was thoroughly refuted by constructivist currents.

Academic debate terminology.

A exegese dos textos clássicos revela uma concepção de sexo profundamente distinta da contemporânea.

The exegesis of classical texts reveals a conception of sex profoundly distinct from the contemporary one.

Literary and historical analysis.

A patologização de variações no desenvolvimento do sexo é um resquício de práticas médicas anacrônicas.

The pathologization of variations in sex development is a remnant of anachronistic medical practices.

Advanced medical ethics and history.

Common Collocations

fazer sexo

sexo masculino

sexo feminino

sexo biológico

por sexo

do sexo

revelação do sexo

mudança de sexo

discriminação por sexo

vida sexual

Common Phrases

Qual é o seu sexo?

Indique o seu sexo.

Pessoas do sexo feminino.

Pessoas do sexo masculino.

Fazer sexo.

Sem distinção de sexo.

O sexo do bebê.

O sexo forte.

O sexo frágil.

Educação sexual.

Often Confused With

sexo vs gênero

sexo vs seis

sexo vs seção

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

sexo vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

note

While 'sexo' means sexual intercourse, A2 learners should focus on its demographic meaning first to ensure they can handle basic administrative tasks.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'a sexo' instead of 'o sexo'.
Pronouncing the 'x' as 'sh' (sesho).
Saying 'ter sexo' instead of 'fazer sexo'.
Using 'macho/fêmea' to describe human gender.
Crossing out 'sexo' on a form to write 'gênero'.

Tips

Always Masculine

Never say 'a sexo'. It is always 'o sexo', 'do sexo', 'no sexo'.

The 'KS' Sound

Practice saying 'sek-su'. The 'x' is hard, not soft.

Forms and Documents

Memorize this word for any paperwork you do in a Portuguese-speaking country.

Baby Parties

If invited to a 'chá de revelação', you are going to find out the 'sexo do bebê'.

Animals vs Humans

Humans are masculino/feminino. Animals are macho/fêmea.

Fazer Sexo

Remember the verb is 'fazer' (to make), not 'ter' (to have).

One X

It is spelled exactly like in English but with an 'o' at the end. S-E-X-O.

News Reports

Listen for 'dados por sexo' when watching the news to practice numbers and demographics.

Biology vs Identity

Use 'sexo' for biology and 'gênero' for identity.

Cognate Advantage

Use the fact that it looks like English to learn it instantly.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

Gender reveal parties are huge events.

Used strictly on the Cartão de Cidadão (ID card).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Você já sabe o sexo do bebê?"

"Qual é o sexo do seu cachorro?"

"Onde preencho o sexo no formulário?"

"A pesquisa dividiu os dados por sexo?"

"Você acha que o sexo biológico define tudo?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre a primeira vez que você preencheu um formulário em português.

Qual é a diferença entre sexo e gênero na sua opinião?

Descreva um chá de revelação (gender reveal party) que você viu.

Como a palavra sexo é usada nas notícias do seu país?

Escreva 5 frases usando 'do sexo masculino' e 'do sexo feminino'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always a masculine noun. You must say 'o sexo'. Even if you are referring to the female sex, the word itself is masculine: 'o sexo feminino'.

Historically yes, but modern usage prefers 'gênero' for social identity and 'sexo' for biological traits. On forms, 'sexo' is still the standard.

Pronounce it like 'ks', similar to the English word 'taxi'. Do not pronounce it like 'sh' or 'z'.

The correct phrase is 'fazer sexo'. Do not say 'ter sexo', as that is a direct translation from English and sounds unnatural.

You typically write 'M' for Masculino (Male) or 'F' for Feminino (Female).

No, 'macho' and 'fêmea' are strictly for animals. Using them for humans is considered offensive or highly clinical. Use 'masculino' and 'feminino'.

It is a gender reveal party. It is very common in Brazil to gather friends and family to announce 'o sexo do bebê'.

No, it is a standard biological and demographic term. However, because it also means sexual intercourse, use it with appropriate context.

It means 'by sex'. It is used when presenting statistical data divided into male and female categories.

Yes, in biology, you can discuss the 'sexo' of plants, just as you would in English.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence stating that the form asks for your sex.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Basic sentence structure with direct object.