This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B2 noun 12 min read

trela

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips trela in 30 Seconds

Explanation trela in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'trela' as a physical object. It is the thing you use to walk your dog. You will learn it alongside other basic pet vocabulary like 'cão' (dog), 'gato' (cat), and 'comida' (food). At this stage, focus on simple sentences like 'O cão tem uma trela' (The dog has a leash) or 'A trela é azul' (The leash is blue). You don't need to worry about the idiomatic meanings yet. Just imagine yourself in a park or a pet shop. If you see a dog, you can point and say 'Olha a trela!'. It is a concrete noun that helps you describe your immediate surroundings. Learning this word early is helpful because many people in Portugal have dogs, and you will see 'trelas' everywhere you go. Try to associate the sound of the word with the visual of a dog lead. It starts with a 't' sound like 'top' and ends with 'ela' like the name 'Angela'. Keep it simple and use it to describe what you see. You might also hear it in signs that say 'Cães com trela' (Dogs with leashes), which is a good reading exercise for a beginner.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'trela' in more functional, everyday situations. You should be able to ask for a leash in a store or talk about walking your pet. For example, 'Eu preciso de comprar uma trela nova' (I need to buy a new leash) or 'Onde está a trela do cão?' (Where is the dog's leash?). You will also start using verbs with it, such as 'pôr' (to put on) and 'tirar' (to take off). You might say, 'Vou pôr a trela no cão para irmos passear' (I'm going to put the leash on the dog so we can go for a walk). At A2, you are building the ability to handle basic needs. Understanding that 'trela' is a feminine noun is important here, so you use 'a trela' and 'uma trela'. You might also encounter the word in simple rules, like 'É proibido cães sem trela' (Dogs without leashes are forbidden). This level is about moving from just naming the object to using it in sentences that describe actions. You are becoming more comfortable with the physical world in Portuguese.

At the B1 level, you can start to describe more complex situations involving 'trela'. You might talk about the qualities of a leash—whether it is 'comprida' (long), 'curta' (short), or 'extensível' (retractable). You can also use it in the context of responsibilities and rules. For instance, 'Os donos são responsáveis por manter os animais na trela' (Owners are responsible for keeping animals on a leash). This is also the stage where you might first encounter the idiomatic expression 'dar trela', though you might not use it perfectly yet. You will understand it when someone says 'Não lhe dês trela', recognizing that it means 'don't pay attention to them'. You can explain why a leash is necessary: 'A trela é importante para a segurança do cão e das outras pessoas'. Your vocabulary is expanding to include more adjectives and more complex sentence structures. You are no longer just surviving; you are starting to explain the 'why' and 'how' of pet ownership and basic social interactions.

B2 is the 'sweet spot' for the word 'trela'. At this level, you are expected to master the idiomatic and metaphorical uses of the word. You should be very comfortable with the expression 'dar trela' and use it in social contexts. For example, 'Eu tentei ser simpático, mas ela não me deu trela nenhuma' (I tried to be nice, but she didn't give me any attention/time). You understand the social nuance: that 'giving leash' is a choice to engage. You also understand 'trazer à trela' (to keep someone on a short leash) and can use it to describe controlling relationships or strict management at work. You can participate in discussions about social dynamics using these metaphors. Your grammar should be solid, correctly using the dative 'a' with 'dar trela'. You can also distinguish 'trela' from similar words like 'guia' or 'correia' depending on the specific situation. At B2, you are using the word to express subtle social meanings, not just physical objects. You are becoming a more nuanced communicator who understands Portuguese culture.

At the C1 level, you use 'trela' with total spontaneity and precision. You can use it in a variety of registers, from very informal slang to more sophisticated literary metaphors. You might use 'trela' in a debate about civil liberties, metaphorically discussing how much 'leash' the government gives its citizens. You understand the historical or cultural connotations of the word. You can use complex structures like 'Se não fosse a trela curta que o chefe lhe dá, ele já teria cometido muitos erros' (If it weren't for the short leash the boss gives him, he would have made many mistakes). You are also aware of regional variations in how the idiom 'dar trela' is used across the Portuguese-speaking world. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, especially in how you deploy it to describe complex human interactions, power dynamics, and social boundaries. You can write essays or give presentations where 'trela' serves as a central metaphor for control and connection.

At the C2 level, 'trela' is just one tool in a vast arsenal of vocabulary. You can play with the word, using it in puns, poetry, or high-level rhetorical devices. You might encounter it in classical Portuguese literature, where it might be used to describe the 'leash of desire' or the 'leash of time'. You understand every possible nuance and can explain the etymological roots if necessary. You can use the word in legal or highly technical contexts if they involve animal control laws or figurative contractual 'leashes'. Your mastery is such that you can use the word ironically or in highly specific cultural references that only a native would typically know. You can deconstruct the idiom 'dar trela' and compare it to similar concepts in other languages with great depth. At this level, 'trela' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to be studied, but a flexible concept that you manipulate with ease to express the most subtle shades of meaning in the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

trela in 30 Seconds

Trela is the Portuguese word for a dog leash, essential for pet owners and urban walks.
The phrase 'dar trela' is a vital B2 idiom meaning to give someone attention or encouragement.
It is a feminine noun, requiring 'a' or 'uma' and matching feminine adjectives like 'curta' or 'longa'.
Metaphorically, it describes control, as in 'trazer à trela curta' (to keep on a short leash).

The Portuguese word trela primarily refers to a physical object: a leash or lead used for animals, most commonly dogs. At its most literal level, it is the essential tool for any pet owner walking their companion through the streets of Lisbon or the parks of Porto. However, the linguistic depth of 'trela' extends far beyond the pet shop. In the Lusophone world, 'trela' is a powerful metaphor for control, attention, and social boundaries. When you use this word, you are often navigating the delicate balance between physical restraint and social permission. The word carries a sense of connection—sometimes a necessary one for safety, and other times a psychological one that can be either welcomed or rebuffed.

Literal Usage: The physical cord attached to a collar. Example: 'Prende a trela ao cão' (Attach the leash to the dog).
Figurative Attention: Used in the expression 'dar trela', meaning to give someone the time of day, to entertain their conversation, or to flirt back.
Control and Freedom: 'Trazer à trela' implies keeping someone under very strict control or 'on a short leash'.

Não devias dar trela a pessoas que não conheces na rua, pode ser perigoso.

In a social context, 'trela' is frequently heard in discussions about dating or annoying acquaintances. If someone is talking too much or trying to flirt with you and you respond, a friend might say, 'Não lhe dês trela!' (Don't encourage them!). This nuance makes it a B2 level word because it requires understanding the cultural implication of 'giving rope' or 'giving lead' to a conversation. It suggests that the listener holds the power to continue or terminate the interaction. Without the 'trela' (the attention/connection), the other person cannot continue their 'walk' or their narrative.

Esqueci-me da trela em casa e agora não posso levar o cão ao parque.

Furthermore, 'trela' appears in professional environments. A boss might keep a new employee 'à trela curta' (on a short leash), meaning they are being closely monitored. This versatility from the backyard to the boardroom is what makes 'trela' such a vibrant part of the Portuguese vocabulary. Whether you are dealing with a rebellious puppy or a persistent salesperson, 'trela' is the word that defines the boundary of your interaction. It is not just about dogs; it is about the strings we choose to hold or let go of in our daily lives.

O rapaz é simpático, mas se lhe deres trela, ele não para de falar o dia todo.

A trela extensível permite que o animal tenha mais liberdade durante o passeio.

Eles andam sempre à trela um do outro, nunca fazem nada sozinhos.

Using 'trela' correctly involves distinguishing between its physical presence and its idiomatic weight. In a physical sense, 'trela' is a feminine noun, so it takes feminine articles and adjectives. You would say 'uma trela comprida' (a long leash) or 'esta trela' (this leash). When constructing sentences about pet care, the verbs 'pôr' (to put on), 'tirar' (to take off), and 'segurar' (to hold) are your primary companions. For instance, 'Segura bem a trela' (Hold the leash tight) is a common command when a dog sees a squirrel. In these cases, the word is straightforward and functional.

Physical Actions: 'Pôr a trela' (Putting the leash on), 'Soltar da trela' (Releasing from the leash).
Social Contexts: 'Dar trela a alguém' (To indulge someone's conversation), 'Não dar trela' (To ignore or shut down someone).

Sempre que vamos ao veterinário, tenho de usar uma trela mais curta para o controlar melhor.

The complexity increases when we move into the idiom 'dar trela'. This phrase is almost always used with the dative 'a' (to). You give 'trela' *to* someone. In a sentence like 'Eu não lhe dei trela', the 'lhe' represents the person being ignored. It implies a conscious decision to withhold engagement. If you are learning Portuguese for social interactions, mastering this expression is vital. It allows you to describe social dynamics where one person is trying to get attention and the other is either providing it or refusing it. It is often used in the negative to describe avoiding unwanted advances: 'Ela percebeu que ele queria namorar, mas não lhe deu trela nenhuma'.

Se continuares a dar trela a esses boatos, as pessoas vão pensar que são verdade.

Another common structure is 'andar à trela de alguém'. This describes a relationship of dependency or excessive following. 'Ele anda à trela da mulher' (He follows his wife everywhere / He's under her thumb). This usage is slightly more informal and can be derogatory, suggesting a lack of autonomy. When writing, ensure you use the correct preposition 'à' (a + a) to indicate the state of being 'on' the leash of someone else. It paints a vivid picture of someone being led around without their own will. Whether literal or figurative, 'trela' always implies a link between two entities, where one usually has more control than the other.

A polícia exige que todos os cães circulem na via pública com trela.

Não podemos dar trela a pensamentos negativos quando estamos a tentar alcançar um objetivo.

O cão puxou a trela com tanta força que quase me mandou ao chão.

If you spend a morning in a Portuguese 'jardim' (garden) or 'parque' (park), 'trela' will be one of the most frequent nouns you encounter. You will hear owners shouting to their dogs, 'Fica na trela!' (Stay on the leash!) or asking other owners, 'Pode pôr a trela no seu cão?' (Can you put your dog on the leash?). In urban environments like Lisbon, where leash laws are strictly enforced in certain areas, the word is part of the daily civic vocabulary. It is also a staple in 'lojas de animais' (pet shops), where customers debate the merits of a 'trela de couro' (leather leash) versus a 'trela de nylon' (nylon leash) or an 'extensível' (retractable one).

The Park: Hearing owners manage their pets: 'Não soltes a trela!'
The Café: Gossip about social interactions: 'A Maria deu-lhe trela e agora ele não a larga.'
Public Transportation: Rules and regulations: 'É obrigatório o uso de trela e açaime.'

No autocarro, o senhor levava o cão guia numa trela especial muito curta.

Beyond the literal, 'trela' is a common fixture in the Portuguese 'esplanada' (outdoor café terrace) culture. Imagine a group of friends drinking coffee and talking about a recent party. One might say, 'O João esteve a noite toda a dar trela àquela rapariga' (João spent the whole night giving that girl attention/flirting). Here, 'trela' is the currency of social interaction. It is also used in political commentary or news when a politician 'dá trela' to a controversial topic, meaning they are engaging with it instead of dismissing it. You'll hear it in soap operas (telenovelas) constantly, as characters navigate complex webs of attention and rejection.

Os jornalistas tentaram falar com o ministro, mas ele não lhes deu trela.

In schools and playgrounds, 'trela' appears in a more metaphorical sense regarding children. Teachers might talk about keeping a class 'à trela' to maintain order. Parents might joke about needing a 'trela' for a particularly energetic toddler. Even in Portuguese literature and music (Fado), the concept of being tied or led—'preso por uma trela'—serves as a metaphor for being bound by fate or a difficult love. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane act of walking a dog and the profound complexities of human relationships and social control.

Vi uma trela abandonada no banco do jardim, alguém deve ter perdido o seu cão.

Se deres trela àquela criança, ela vai pedir-te doces o tempo todo.

A vizinha é muito coscuvilheira, é melhor não lhe dar trela nenhuma sobre a tua vida.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing trela with coleira. While English uses 'leash' and 'collar' distinctly, learners often mix them up because they are used together. 'Coleira' is the band that goes around the neck, while 'trela' is the long part you hold in your hand. If you say 'Pus a trela no pescoço do cão' (I put the leash on the dog's neck), it sounds physically impossible or very uncomfortable! You put the *coleira* on the neck and attach the *trela* to it. Ensuring you distinguish between the two is the first step toward natural-sounding Portuguese.

Trela vs. Coleira: Trela = Leash (the rope). Coleira = Collar (the neck band).
Confusion with 'Corda': While a leash can be made of rope, calling it a 'corda' is too generic and lacks the specific function of a 'trela'.
Wrong Verb with 'Dar Trela': Some learners try to say 'falar trela' or 'fazer trela'. The idiom specifically requires 'dar' (to give).

Errado: O cão fugiu porque a coleira de mão partiu. Correto: A trela partiu.

Another common error is the literal translation of 'give someone rope' (meaning to let them fail) into 'dar trela'. While they sound similar, 'dar trela' in Portuguese is much more about engagement and attention than about setting someone up for failure. If you want to say 'give someone enough rope to hang themselves', the Portuguese equivalent is more likely 'dar corda' (to give rope). 'Dar trela' is about the *interplay* of conversation. If you 'dar trela' to a salesperson, you are encouraging them to keep talking. If you 'dar corda' to them, you might be letting them talk until they make a mistake. Understanding this subtle difference is key for B2 learners.

Não confundas trela com alça; a alça é para a mala, a trela é para o cão.

Finally, be careful with the preposition after 'dar trela'. It must be 'a' or 'ao/à'. Beginners often forget this and say 'dar trela o cão' or 'dar trela ele'. It must be 'dar trela ao cão' (in a literal sense of letting the dog lead) or 'dar trela a ele' (in a figurative sense). Also, remember that 'trela' is never used for human clothing belts (which are 'cintos'). If you call a belt a 'trela', people will think you are treating the wearer like a pet! Precision in these nouns shows a high level of linguistic competence and cultural awareness.

Muitos alunos dizem 'cinto do cão', mas o termo correto é sempre trela.

Cuidado para não usares trela quando queres dizer 'guia' num contexto de montanha.

Esquecer a trela é um erro comum, mas chamar-lhe 'corda' mostra falta de vocabulário específico.

While 'trela' is the most common word for a leash, several alternatives exist depending on the context and the specific type of restraint. One common synonym is guia. Although 'guia' can mean 'guide' or 'manual', in the world of pets, it often refers to a professional or short lead used in training or shows. 'Guia' sounds slightly more technical or formal than 'trela'. If you are at a high-end dog show, you might hear 'guia' more often. Another related word is correia. A 'correia' is generally a leather strap. It is used for machinery, but also for more heavy-duty or traditional leather dog leads.

Trela vs. Guia: 'Trela' is everyday use. 'Guia' is often used for training leads or guide-dog harnesses.
Trela vs. Correia: 'Correia' implies a leather material or a more industrial strap.
Trela vs. Corda: 'Corda' is a generic rope. Using it for a dog is informal and implies an improvised leash.

O treinador prefere usar uma guia de nylon para as aulas de obediência.

In figurative language, if you want to avoid 'dar trela', you might use 'dar confiança'. 'Não dês confiança a esse tipo' (Don't get too familiar with that guy). While 'trela' focuses on the act of listening and engaging, 'confiança' focuses on the level of intimacy or permission you are granting. Another alternative in a metaphorical sense is 'dar corda'. As mentioned before, 'dar corda' means to encourage someone to keep going, often with the implication that they might overreach or make a fool of themselves. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact level of 'leash' or 'rope' you want to describe in your Portuguese conversations.

A correia da mochila rebentou, mas a trela do cão ainda está boa.

For those interested in more regional variations, in some parts of the Lusophone world, particularly in rural areas, you might hear 'atadura' or 'amarradouro', though these are quite rare for pets and more common for livestock. In Brazil, 'trela' is used similarly, but the expression 'dar trela' is extremely common and perhaps even more ubiquitous in informal speech than in Portugal. Regardless of where you are, 'trela' remains the gold standard for describing that physical or invisible line that connects us to our pets, our friends, and our social responsibilities. Mastering its synonyms ensures you don't sound repetitive and can adapt to different social registers.

Ele não me deu corda nenhuma, por isso desisti de explicar o plano.

A trela de couro é mais resistente, mas a de tecido é mais fácil de lavar.

Não podemos dar trela a estes comportamentos na escola.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a distant cousin of the English word 'trail' and 'train', all coming from the idea of pulling or dragging something along.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɾɛ.lɐ/

US /ˈtɾɛ.lə/

The stress is on the first syllable: TRE-la.

Rhymes With

vela janela amarela ela tabela fivela cadela magrela

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as a French or English 'r'. It must be a flap.
Closing the 'e' too much (sounding like 'trêla' instead of 'tréla').
Stressing the final syllable.
Using a long 'e' like 'tree-la'.
Nasalizing the final 'a'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'e' is open and the dative 'a' for idioms.

Speaking 4/5

Idiomatic use requires practice to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Common in fast speech, especially in the phrase 'dar trela'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cão corda dar prender passear

Learn Next

coleira açaime veterinário conversa atrelado

Advanced

subserviência controlo interação vínculo

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

A trela é nova (not 'novo').

Dative Case with 'Dar'

Dou trela ao (a + o) cão.

Preposition 'de' for material

Trela de nylon.

Contraction 'à'

Andar à trela (a + a).

Imperative Mood for commands

Põe a trela!

Examples by Level

O cão tem uma trela azul.

The dog has a blue leash.

Simple noun-adjective agreement (trela azul).

Onde está a trela?

Where is the leash?

Basic question structure.

Eu vejo uma trela.

I see a leash.

Direct object usage.

A trela é curta.

The leash is short.

Verb 'ser' with an adjective.

A minha trela é nova.

My leash is new.

Possessive adjective 'minha'.

Tens a trela?

Do you have the leash?

Informal 'tu' form of 'ter'.

O cão precisa de trela.

The dog needs a leash.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

Não tenho trela.

I don't have a leash.

Negative sentence structure.

Vou pôr a trela no cão.

I am going to put the leash on the dog.

Future with 'vou' + infinitive.

Quero comprar uma trela de couro.

I want to buy a leather leash.

Noun + preposition + material (trela de couro).

Podes tirar a trela ao animal?

Can you take the leash off the animal?

Verb 'tirar' with dative 'ao'.

A trela está no carro.

The leash is in the car.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

Ele traz sempre a trela na mão.

He always carries the leash in his hand.

Present tense of 'trazer'.

Esta trela é muito comprida.

This leash is very long.

Demonstrative pronoun 'esta'.

Não saias sem a trela.

Don't go out without the leash.

Negative imperative.

O cão roeu a trela toda.

The dog chewed the whole leash.

Past tense 'roeu'.

É obrigatório usar trela no parque.

It is mandatory to use a leash in the park.

Impersonal expression 'é obrigatório'.

Se a trela partir, o cão foge.

If the leash breaks, the dog runs away.

Conditional sentence (Se + present).

Gosto desta trela porque é extensível.

I like this leash because it is retractable.

Causal conjunction 'porque'.

Ela segura a trela com as duas mãos.

She holds the leash with both hands.

Verb 'segurar' in present tense.

O cão não gosta de andar na trela.

The dog doesn't like walking on the leash.

Verb 'gostar' with preposition 'de'.

Comprei uma trela nova ontem.

I bought a new leash yesterday.

Pretérito Perfeito 'comprei'.

Tens de prender a trela à coleira.

You have to attach the leash to the collar.

Obligation with 'ter de'.

A trela é feita de material resistente.

The leash is made of resistant material.

Passive structure 'é feita de'.

Não lhe dês trela, ele só quer atenção.

Don't give him the time of day, he just wants attention.

Idiomatic use of 'dar trela'.

O meu chefe traz-me sempre à trela curta.

My boss always keeps me on a short leash.

Metaphorical use of 'trela curta'.

Ela deu trela ao rapaz e agora ele não para de ligar.

She encouraged the guy and now he won't stop calling.

Pretérito Perfeito of 'dar trela'.

Apesar de estarem zangados, ele ainda lhe dá trela.

Despite being angry, he still engages with her.

Concessive conjunction 'apesar de'.

Não podemos dar trela a boatos sem fundamento.

We cannot give credence to unfounded rumors.

Figurative use in a professional/serious context.

Ele anda à trela dela para todo o lado.

He follows her everywhere like a puppy.

Idiom 'andar à trela de alguém'.

Se deres trela àquela criança, ela vai pedir tudo.

If you indulge that child, she will ask for everything.

Conditional future 'se deres'.

O autor não deu trela às críticas negativas.

The author didn't pay any mind to the negative reviews.

Negative figurative usage.

A política de comunicação não deve dar trela a extremismos.

The communication policy should not give room to extremisms.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

Ele sente-se preso por uma trela invisível às tradições da família.

He feels bound by an invisible leash to family traditions.

Complex literary metaphor.

A empresa mantém os fornecedores à trela através de contratos rígidos.

The company keeps suppliers on a short leash through rigid contracts.

Business context metaphor.

Não dês trela ao teu medo, senão nunca sairás de casa.

Don't indulge your fear, or you'll never leave the house.

Psychological metaphorical usage.

A discussão prolongou-se porque o moderador deu demasiada trela aos oradores.

The discussion went on because the moderator gave too much leeway to the speakers.

Context of management and control.

Ela é mestre em não dar trela a quem não lhe interessa.

She is a master at not engaging with those who don't interest her.

Nuanced social description.

O mercado financeiro não dá trela a incertezas políticas.

The financial market does not tolerate/engage with political uncertainties.

High-level economic metaphor.

Andar à trela da opinião pública pode ser fatal para um líder.

Being led by public opinion can be fatal for a leader.

Political commentary metaphor.

A narrativa despoja-se de artifícios, não dando trela a divagações desnecessárias.

The narrative strips away artifices, giving no room for unnecessary digressions.

Literary analysis register.

O destino, essa trela inexorável, conduz-nos por caminhos que não escolhemos.

Fate, 그 inexorable leash, leads us through paths we do not choose.

Poetic/philosophical usage.

Sob a trela da lei, a liberdade encontra o seu verdadeiro contorno social.

Under the leash of the law, freedom finds its true social outline.

Legal/philosophical discourse.

O realizador não deu trela ao sentimentalismo barato, preferindo a crueza da realidade.

The director didn't indulge in cheap sentimentalism, preferring the rawness of reality.

Artistic criticism register.

A alma humana, por vezes, parece andar à trela de instintos primordiais.

The human soul sometimes seems to be led by primordial instincts.

Existential metaphorical usage.

Não se deve dar trela à soberba, sob pena de se perder a lucidez.

One must not indulge pride, at the risk of losing clarity.

Ethical/moral discourse.

O texto jurídico é estrito, não dando trela a interpretações ambíguas.

The legal text is strict, leaving no room for ambiguous interpretations.

Technical/legal register.

A história, vista à trela do tempo, revela padrões que a curta distância ignoramos.

History, seen through the leash of time, reveals patterns we ignore at short range.

Historical/philosophical metaphor.

Synonyms

guia correia cordel amarra tirante atadura corda liame

Antonyms

liberdade independência desprezo autonomia

Common Collocations

pôr a trela

tirar a trela

dar trela

trela extensível

trela curta

andar à trela

segurar a trela

soltar da trela

trela de couro

preso pela trela

Common Phrases

Dar trela a alguém

— To pay attention to someone, often in a social or flirting context.

Não dês trela a esse rapaz, ele não é de confiança.

Andar à trela

— To be controlled by someone else, usually a partner or boss.

Ele não tem vontade própria, anda à trela da mulher.

Trazer à trela curta

— To keep someone under very strict control.

O novo gerente traz os funcionários à trela curta.

Soltar a trela

— Literally to let go of the leash; figuratively to give more freedom.

É preciso soltar a trela aos filhos de vez em quando.

Puxar a trela

— To exert control or restrain someone.

O governo teve de puxar a trela aos gastos públicos.

Sem trela

— Without a leash; figuratively, without restraint.

Ele fala sem trela, diz tudo o que lhe vem à cabeça.

Trela de nylon

— A common type of synthetic leash.

A trela de nylon é leve e barata.

Prender na trela

— To attach something/someone to a leash.

Vou prender o cão na trela para atravessar a estrada.

Dar trela a boatos

— To entertain or listen to rumors.

Não deves dar trela a boatos de corredor.

Ficar na trela

— To stay on the leash; to remain controlled.

O cão tem de ficar na trela durante o voo.

Often Confused With

trela vs coleira

A collar. The trela connects to the coleira.

trela vs cinto

A belt for pants or a seatbelt. Never use trela for clothes.

trela vs alça

A strap for a bag or backpack.

Idioms & Expressions

"Dar trela"

— To entertain someone's conversation or advances.

Se lhe deres trela, ele vai falar durante horas.

Informal

"Andar à trela de alguém"

— To be submissive or always follow someone.

O assistente anda sempre à trela do diretor.

Informal

"Trazer à trela curta"

— To monitor someone very closely.

A mãe traz o filho à trela curta porque ele é rebelde.

Colloquial

"Não dar trela"

— To ignore or shut someone down.

Ela não lhe deu trela e ele foi-se embora.

Informal

"Puxar a trela"

— To restrict someone's freedom after they've had too much.

O banco decidiu puxar a trela ao crédito fácil.

Neutral

"Soltar a trela"

— To allow someone more autonomy.

O treinador soltou a trela aos jogadores no fim de semana.

Neutral

"Estar na trela"

— To be under someone's control.

Ele está na trela da empresa desde que aceitou o bónus.

Informal

"Dar trela ao azar"

— To take unnecessary risks (lit. give leash to bad luck).

Conduzir sem cinto é dar trela ao azar.

Colloquial

"Trela de ouro"

— A situation where someone is controlled by wealth (like a golden cage).

Ele vive numa trela de ouro naquele emprego bem pago.

Literary

"Sem trela nem coleira"

— Completely free and without rules (often used for wild behavior).

Os miúdos andavam no jardim sem trela nem coleira.

Informal

Easily Confused

trela vs trilha

Sounds similar to an English speaker.

Trilha means a trail or a path in the woods. Trela is a leash.

Seguimos a trilha na floresta, mas o cão estava na trela.

trela vs tela

Only one letter difference.

Tela means a screen (TV, phone) or a canvas. Trela is a leash.

Vi a imagem na tela enquanto segurava a trela.

trela vs cela

Similar phonetics for some learners.

Cela means a cell (prison). Trela is a leash.

O prisioneiro está na cela; o cão está na trela.

trela vs estrela

Contains the word 'trela'.

Estrela means a star. Trela is a leash.

A estrela brilha no céu enquanto passeio o cão com a trela.

trela vs treva

Similar start and length.

Treva means darkness or gloom (usually plural: trevas). Trela is a leash.

Nas trevas da noite, perdi a trela do cão.

Sentence Patterns

O [animal] tem uma trela.

O cão tem uma trela.

Vou pôr a trela no [animal].

Vou pôr a trela no gato.

É preciso usar trela em [lugar].

É preciso usar trela em Lisboa.

Não dês trela a [pessoa].

Não dês trela ao vizinho.

Manter [alguém] à trela curta.

O diretor mantém a equipa à trela curta.

A trela de [conceito] prende-nos.

A trela do passado prende-nos ao medo.

A trela é de [material].

A trela é de couro.

Ele anda à trela de [alguém].

Ele anda à trela da irmã.

Word Family

Nouns

trelagem (rare: act of leashing)

Verbs

atrelar (to hitch, to hook up, to leash)

Adjectives

atrelado (hitched, hooked up; also used for trailers)

coleira

açaime

passeio

cão

atrelado

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and informal social speech.

Common Mistakes

Pôr a trela no pescoço. → Pôr a coleira no pescoço.
You put the collar on the neck, not the leash itself.
O cão está no trela. → O cão está na trela.
Trela is feminine, so it uses the feminine article 'a' (em + a = na).
Não dês trela ele. → Não lhe dês trela / Não dês trela a ele.
The idiom requires the preposition 'a' or a dative pronoun.
A trela do meu calção. → O cordão do meu calção.
Use 'cordão' for drawstring or 'cinto' for belt. 'Trela' is only for animals or metaphors.
Fazer trela. → Dar trela.
The verb 'dar' (to give) is the only one used in this specific idiom.

Tips

Pet Pair

Always learn 'trela' and 'coleira' together. Trela = Leash, Coleira = Collar. They are the dynamic duo of pet walks.

Dative Pronouns

With 'dar trela', use pronouns like 'lhe' (to him/her) or 'lhes' (to them). 'Não lhe dês trela!'

Flirting context

In a bar, 'dar trela' is the standard way to say someone is flirting back or showing interest.

Park Rules

In Portugal, even if a park seems empty, always have a 'trela' handy. Fines for 'cães soltos' can be high.

Short Leash

Use 'trela curta' for strict bosses or overprotective parents. It's a very vivid and understood metaphor.

Open E

The 'e' in 'trela' is open (like 'egg'). If you close it, it sounds like a different, non-existent word.

Avoid Corda

Don't use 'corda' (rope) when you mean 'trela'. It makes you sound like you don't know the specific word for the object.

Fast Idioms

Natives often say 'dartrela' as if it's one word. Listen for that specific rhythmic pattern.

Brazilian Trela

In Brazil, 'dar trela' can also mean to burst out laughing in some specific contexts, but the 'attention' meaning is universal.

Dog Safety

When translating safety manuals, 'trela' is the mandatory term for any leading device.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a dog named **Trela** who loves to be on her **trela** (leash) because it's her **trail** to the park.

Visual Association

Picture a bright red leash connecting a hand to a dog's collar. The shape of the leash looks like a cursive 'T' for Trela.

Word Web

Cão Coleira Passeio Parque Segurar Dar trela Atrelar Extensível

Challenge

Try to use 'dar trela' in a sentence today to describe a conversation you had or avoided.

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin 'tragula', which referred to a drag-net or a javelin thrown with a strap.

Original meaning: A strap or cord used for pulling or throwing.

Romance (Latin)

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'andar à trela' for a person, as it can be offensive, implying they have no backbone or are subservient.

Equivalent to 'leash' (US) or 'lead' (UK). The idiom 'dar trela' is similar to 'giving someone the time of day' or 'giving someone rope'.

Portuguese pop songs often use 'dar trela' in lyrics about dating. The phrase 'andar à trela' appears in classic Portuguese literature to describe weak-willed characters. Animal rights campaigns in Portugal use 'Põe a trela' as a slogan for responsible ownership.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Walking the dog

Onde está a trela?
Põe a trela.
Ele puxa muito a trela.
Trela extensível.

Socializing/Dating

Não lhe dês trela.
Ele deu-me trela.
Estás a dar muita trela.
Parar de dar trela.

Pet Shop

Queria uma trela de couro.
Esta trela é resistente?
Têm trelas para dois cães?
O preço da trela.

Workplace

À trela curta.
Dar trela a ideias.
Puxar a trela ao projeto.
Controlo à trela.

Legal/Rules

Obrigatório o uso de trela.
Multa por falta de trela.
Cães sem trela proibidos.
Lei da trela.

Conversation Starters

"O seu cão porta-se bem na trela ou puxa muito?"

"Achas que devemos dar trela a estas notícias novas?"

"Onde compraste essa trela tão gira para o teu cão?"

"Costumas dar trela a estranhos que te metem conversa na rua?"

"O teu chefe costuma trazer-te à trela curta ou dá-te liberdade?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve um passeio com um animal e como usaste a trela.

Escreve sobre uma situação em que decidiste não dar trela a alguém.

O que pensas sobre as leis que obrigam ao uso de trela nas cidades?

Já te sentiste 'à trela' de alguma situação ou pessoa? Explica.

Inventa uma história sobre uma trela mágica que fala.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While most commonly used for dogs, it can apply to any animal led by a strap, like cats or even ferrets. Metaphorically, it applies to humans too.

'Trela' is the everyday word. 'Guia' is more technical, often used for training leads or the harnesses used by guide dogs for the blind.

It's best to avoid it. Use 'dar atenção' or 'dar seguimento' instead. 'Dar trela' is quite informal and social.

Yes, it is very common in Brazil, especially the expression 'dar trela', which is used exactly the same way as in Portugal.

You say 'solto' (loose) or 'sem trela'. For example: 'O cão está solto'.

It is feminine: 'a trela', 'uma trela'.

No. A belt for clothing is a 'cinto'. Using 'trela' for a belt would sound very strange.

It means to keep someone under strict control, monitoring their every move, like a boss with a micromanaging style.

It is called a 'trela extensível'.

Yes, you can 'dar trela' to rumors (boatos) or thoughts (pensamentos), meaning you are entertaining them.