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A2 noun #6,000 mais comum 12 min de leitura

ténis

Top 6,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas ténis em 30 segundos

Explicação ténis in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'ténis' is one of the most useful nouns to learn because it relates to hobbies and daily clothing. You will primarily use it in very simple sentences to express what you like or what you have. For example, 'Eu gosto de ténis' (I like tennis) or 'Eu tenho ténis azuis' (I have blue sneakers). At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex regional differences like 'sapatilhas'. Just focus on the fact that 'ténis' refers to both the sport and the shoes. Remember that it is a masculine word, so you use 'o' for the sport and 'os' for the shoes. It's a great word for practicing basic colors and adjectives, such as 'ténis brancos' (white sneakers) or 'ténis grandes' (big sneakers). You might also see it in basic dialogues about weekend plans: 'O que fazes no sábado?' 'Jogo ténis.' This level is all about building the foundation of the word's dual meaning and its masculine gender.

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As an A2 learner, you can start using 'ténis' in more descriptive contexts. You will learn to use it with verbs like 'calçar' (to put on shoes) and 'descalçar' (to take off shoes). You can also start forming sentences about shopping: 'Quanto custam estes ténis?' (How much do these sneakers cost?). At this level, you should be aware of the difference between 'ténis' (the sport) and 'ténis de mesa' (table tennis). You might also begin to use the word in the context of health and fitness, such as 'Praticar ténis é bom para o coração' (Practicing tennis is good for the heart). You will also encounter the word in more complex sentence structures involving prepositions, like 'Vou ao clube de ténis' (I'm going to the tennis club). This is the stage where you solidify the 'shoes vs. sport' distinction through varied context clues in reading and listening exercises.

At the B1 level, you can discuss 'ténis' in the context of rules, preferences, and more detailed descriptions. You might talk about why you prefer tennis over other sports: 'Prefiro o ténis ao futebol porque é um desporto individual' (I prefer tennis to football because it is an individual sport). You will also be able to describe the equipment in more detail, using words like 'raquete' (racket), 'cordas' (strings), and 'rede' (net). In terms of footwear, you can discuss fashion trends or the technical aspects of shoes: 'Estes ténis têm um bom amortecimento para correr' (These sneakers have good cushioning for running). You will also start to notice the word in idiomatic or more natural-sounding phrases, and you should be comfortable with the regional variation 'sapatilhas' if you are interacting with people from Northern Portugal. Your ability to use 'ténis' in the past and future tenses will also improve, allowing you to talk about matches you played or shoes you plan to buy.

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By B2, you should be able to follow sports commentary about tennis with a reasonable level of understanding. You will recognize technical terms like 'serviço' (serve), 'ponto de break' (break point), and 'vitoria em três sets' (victory in three sets). You can engage in debates about famous tennis players or the evolution of the sport in Portugal. In terms of footwear, you might discuss the commercial and environmental impact of the 'ténis' industry: 'A produção de ténis sustentáveis está a aumentar' (The production of sustainable sneakers is increasing). You will also be more sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use 'calçado desportivo' in a formal report versus 'ténis' in a casual conversation. Your understanding of the word is now nuanced, allowing you to use it in complex conditional sentences, such as 'Se eu tivesse ténis novos, correria a maratona' (If I had new sneakers, I would run the marathon).

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At the C1 level, your use of 'ténis' is near-native. You can appreciate the subtle linguistic history of how the word was adopted into Portuguese and the sociological implications of the sport in different Lusophone countries. You can write detailed essays or give presentations on topics like 'A influência do ténis na moda urbana contemporânea' (The influence of tennis on contemporary urban fashion). You will have a deep understanding of the professional tennis circuit and the terminology used in high-level sports journalism. You might also explore the word's use in literature or more abstract contexts, where 'ténis' might be used to symbolize a certain lifestyle or social class. Your vocabulary around the word will include highly specific terms like 'empunhadura' (grip) or 'efeito' (spin), and you will be able to discuss the biomechanics of the sport or the manufacturing technology of the footwear at a sophisticated level.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery of the word 'ténis' and its place in the Portuguese language. You can navigate the most technical discussions, from the legalities of sports contracts in tennis to the global supply chain of footwear manufacturing. You are fully aware of all regional variations across the entire Lusophone world, including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, and you can switch between them effortlessly. You can use the word in highly creative ways, such as in puns, complex metaphors, or high-level academic writing. You might analyze the phonetic differences between the European 'ténis' and the Brazilian 'tênis' from a linguistic research perspective. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for expressing complex ideas about culture, economy, and society. You can participate in any conversation, whether it's a casual chat at a tennis club or a formal debate on the future of professional sports.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

ténis em 30 segundos

Ténis refers to the racket sport and sneakers.
It is a masculine noun: 'o ténis' (sport), 'os ténis' (shoes).
Spelled 'ténis' in Portugal and 'tênis' in Brazil.
In Northern Portugal, 'sapatilhas' is often used for the shoes.

The word ténis is a versatile noun in Portuguese, particularly in the European variant, where it serves a dual purpose that often surprises English speakers. Primarily, it refers to the sport of tennis—a game played with rackets and a ball on a court. However, in Portugal, it is also the standard term for 'sneakers' or 'trainers.' This linguistic overlap means that context is king when you hear the word. If someone says they are going to buy 'ténis,' they might be heading to a sports shop for footwear or a sporting goods store for a new racket. In Brazil, the spelling shifts slightly to tênis, reflecting the phonetic preference for the closed 'ê' sound, but the dual meaning remains largely consistent across the Lusophone world, though regionalisms like sapatilhas in Northern Portugal often replace it for footwear.

Sporting Context: Refers to the competitive game, involving terms like 'serviço' (serve), 'rede' (net), and 'raquete' (racket).
Footwear Context: Refers to athletic shoes used for running, walking, or general casual wear.

Vou jogar ténis amanhã de manhã com o meu irmão.

Estes ténis novos são muito confortáveis para correr.

O torneio de ténis foi cancelado devido à chuva intensa.

Preciso de lavar os meus ténis brancos; estão cheios de lama.

Ela comprou uma raquete de ténis profissional na semana passada.

Grammar Note: The word ends in 's', but it is used for both singular and plural contexts for shoes. 'Um par de ténis' or simply 'os ténis'.

Understanding 'ténis' requires an appreciation for how Portuguese absorbs international sports terminology. The word is a direct phonetic adaptation of the English 'tennis'. While the sport's rules are universal, the cultural placement of tennis in Portugal is often associated with social clubs and fitness. When you are invited to 'bater umas bolas' (hit some balls), it almost always refers to a casual tennis match. In the context of fashion, the rise of 'athleisure' has made the word 'ténis' ubiquitous in daily conversation, moving far beyond the court. Whether you are discussing the latest Wimbledon final or the newest Nike release, this word is your essential tool.

Social Context: Tennis is seen as a prestigious but accessible sport in many Portuguese urban centers.

Using ténis correctly involves mastering its role as both a mass noun (the sport) and a count noun (the shoes). When discussing the sport, we typically use the verb 'jogar' (to play) or 'praticar' (to practice). For example, 'Eu jogo ténis todas as terças-feiras' (I play tennis every Tuesday). Note that in Portuguese, we often include the definite article 'o' before the sport in certain syntactic structures, though it's frequently omitted after 'jogar' in casual speech. When referring to footwear, the word is almost always pluralized in the speaker's mind, even if referring to the style. 'Estes ténis são caros' (These sneakers are expensive).

Action Verbs: Jogar (to play), Calçar (to put on shoes), Comprar (to buy), Treinar (to train).

Ela calçou os ténis e saiu para correr no parque.

O meu filho quer entrar numa escola de ténis este ano.

Gosto de ver o torneio de ténis de Roland Garros na televisão.

Não podes entrar no ginásio sem ténis adequados.

Onde é que puseste os meus ténis de corrida?

Adjective Agreement: Since 'ténis' (shoes) is masculine plural, adjectives must match: 'ténis novos', 'ténis confortáveis', 'ténis caros'.

Furthermore, the word appears in compound expressions. 'Campo de ténis' (tennis court), 'bola de ténis' (tennis ball), and 'jogador de ténis' (tennis player). When you are at a sporting goods store, you might ask: 'Têm ténis para terra batida?' (Do you have shoes for clay courts?). This sentence beautifully combines both meanings—the footwear specialized for the specific surface of the sport. As you progress in Portuguese, you will notice that 'ténis' is a 'stable' word; it doesn't change much across different registers, making it a reliable part of your vocabulary. Whether you're writing a formal article about the benefits of physical exercise or texting a friend to meet for a match, 'ténis' remains the same.

Regional Tip: In Brazil, you will hear 'tênis' used for both. In Portugal, if you want to be very specific about 'sneakers' for fashion, you might occasionally hear 'sapatilhas', but 'ténis' is globally understood.

You will encounter ténis in a variety of everyday environments. In a shopping mall (centro comercial), signs for shoe stores like Foot Locker or local boutiques will prominently feature the word. You'll hear sales assistants asking, 'Que tamanho de ténis calça?' (What shoe size do you wear?). In the media, during the summer months, Portuguese sports news is filled with updates on the Estoril Open or Wimbledon, where commentators will discuss 'o estado do ténis nacional' (the state of national tennis). School environments are another common place; children are frequently reminded to bring their 'ténis' for 'Educação Física' (PE class).

At the Gym: 'É obrigatório o uso de ténis limpos no ginásio' (It is mandatory to use clean sneakers in the gym).
On Television: 'A final de ténis começa às três da tarde' (The tennis final starts at 3 PM).

Viste os ténis que o Cristiano Ronaldo estava a usar?

O clube de ténis local tem ótimas infraestruturas.

O árbitro de ténis anunciou o fim da partida.

Aqueles ténis de lona são perfeitos para o verão.

Ele gasta muito dinheiro em ténis de marca.

In the News: Headlines like 'Portugal brilha no ténis internacional' (Portugal shines in international tennis) are common when local players like João Sousa perform well.

Beyond the physical world, social media is a huge driver for the word 'ténis'. Influencers often post 'unboxing' videos of new 'ténis', and fitness enthusiasts share their 'treinos de ténis' (tennis workouts). If you are browsing a Portuguese website for sports gear, the 'Calçado' (Footwear) section will almost certainly have a subcategory named 'Ténis'. In movies or dubbed TV shows, when a character is told to 'put on their shoes' for a run, the translation will invariably use 'ténis'. This consistency makes it one of the most reliable nouns for learners to identify in the wild.

Travel Context: When packing, a Portuguese person might say, 'Não te esqueças de levar uns ténis confortáveis para caminhar' (Don't forget to take some comfortable sneakers for walking).

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is assuming ténis behaves like 'tennis' (singular) and 'sneakers' (plural) in terms of word form. In Portuguese, the word 'ténis' ends in an 's' in its base form. This leads many students to think it is always plural. While 'os ténis' (the shoes) is indeed plural, 'o ténis' (the sport) is singular. You would never say 'os ténis são um desporto' (the tennis are a sport). Another common pitfall is the regional variation between Portugal and Brazil. Using the acute accent (é) in Brazil or the circumflex (ê) in Portugal is a spelling mistake that reveals your source of learning, though it doesn't usually hinder communication.

Mistake: Gender Confusion: Thinking 'ténis' is feminine because it might end in a sound learners associate with other words. It is always masculine: 'O ténis', 'Um ténis'.
Mistake: Regional Vocabulary: Using 'ténis' in Porto (Northern Portugal) when everyone else is saying 'sapatilhas'. While not 'wrong', it marks you as an outsider or someone from the South.

Errado: Eu gosto de jogar a ténis. (Don't use 'a' before the sport here).

Errado: Comprei uma ténis nova. (Ténis is masculine: 'um ténis novo' or 'uns ténis novos').

Errado: O meu téni está sujo. (The word is 'ténis' even in the singular for a single shoe).

Errado: Eu pratico ténis de mesa com raquetes grandes. (Table tennis uses small paddles, not large rackets!).

Errado: Os ténis é bom para a saúde. (Correct: O ténis [the sport] é bom...).

Pronunciation Error: English speakers often say 'tennis' with a soft 's'. In Portuguese, the final 's' in 'ténis' is often pronounced like 'sh' in Portugal (tén-ish) or 's' in Brazil, depending on the following word.

Finally, avoid using 'ténis' to mean 'socks'. Socks are 'meias'. It might seem obvious, but in the heat of a conversation about sports gear, learners often mix up the two. Also, remember that 'ténis' as a sport does not have a plural form in common usage. You don't play 'vários ténis'; you play 'várias partidas de ténis'. Keeping these distinctions clear will help you sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the 'foreigner' label in casual sports discussions.

Contextual Tip: If you are in a shop and want a pair, say 'um par de ténis'. If you say 'quero um ténis', it sounds like you only want the left or right shoe!

While ténis is the go-to word, several alternatives exist depending on the context and region. The most prominent alternative for footwear is sapatilhas. In Northern Portugal, this is the dominant term for what people in Lisbon call 'ténis'. However, in Lisbon, 'sapatilhas' often refers specifically to ballet shoes or very thin gym shoes. For the sport itself, there aren't many direct synonyms, but you will often hear related sports mentioned in the same breath.

Sapatilhas: Used in Northern Portugal for sneakers. In other regions, it may mean ballet slippers.
Calçado Desportivo: A more formal, technical term meaning 'sports footwear'. Often seen in catalogs.

No Porto, as pessoas compram sapatilhas em vez de ténis.

O padel é um desporto semelhante ao ténis que está muito na moda.

Ele prefere usar sapatos de lona para caminhar na cidade.

O squash também se joga com raquetes, mas contra uma parede.

Preciso de comprar botas de caminhada para a montanha, não ténis.

Comparison: Ténis vs. Sapatos: Ténis: Casual, athletic, rubber soles. Sapatos: Formal, leather, often used for work or weddings.

Another term you might encounter is 'sneakers', especially among the younger generation in Portugal who are influenced by American culture. However, 'ténis' remains the standard. For children's shoes, sometimes the word 'sapatinhos' is used generally, but if they are athletic, they are still 'ténis'. In the world of competitive sports, you might hear about 'court' (sometimes used in its English form or translated as 'campo') and 'piso' (the surface). Understanding these nuances helps you navigate both the sports world and the fashion world in Portugal with ease.

Summary of Alternatives: Footwear: Sapatilhas (North), Sneakers (Slang), Calçado Desportivo (Formal). Sport: Modalidade (Formal), Raquetes (Metonymy).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A prática de ténis promove o bem-estar cardiovascular."

Neutro

"Eu jogo ténis todos os fins de semana."

Informal

"Bora bater umas bolas de ténis?"

Child friendly

"O coelhinho calçou os seus ténis saltitantes."

Gíria

"Aqueles ténis são bué de giros!"

Curiosidade

The reason 'ténis' means shoes in Portugal is likely because these were the specific shoes worn to play the sport, and the name of the sport eventually transferred to the footwear itself.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈtɛnɪs/

US /ˈtɛnɪs/

The stress is on the first syllable: TÉ-nis.

Rima com

pénis fénix vénus hímen abdómen gémeos prémios vómitos

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it without the accent, making the 'e' sound neutral.
In Portugal, forgetting to turn the final 's' into a 'sh' sound before a consonant or at the end of a sentence.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Using a closed 'e' in Portugal (it should be open).
Using an open 'e' in Brazil (it should be closed).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to English similarity.

Escrita 2/5

The accent must be remembered correctly.

Expressão oral 2/5

Final 's' pronunciation varies by region.

Audição 1/5

Clear and distinct sound.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

jogar sapatos desporto campo bola

Aprenda a seguir

raquete rede vencer perder treinar

Avançado

biomecânica articulação hegemonia sustentabilidade customização

Gramática essencial

Masculine nouns ending in 's'

O ténis, o lápis, o atlas.

Plural of nouns ending in 's' with stress on the first syllable

O ténis (singular) -> Os ténis (plural) - stays the same.

Use of 'de' for purpose/type

Bola de ténis, raquete de ténis.

Adjective agreement with masculine plural

Ténis brancos, ténis novos.

Prepositions with sports

Jogar ténis (no 'a'), praticar ténis.

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Exemplos por nível

Eu jogo ténis.

I play tennis.

Subject + Verb + Object.

Os meus ténis são brancos.

My sneakers are white.

Plural masculine agreement.

Onde está a bola de ténis?

Where is the tennis ball?

Use of 'de' to show purpose.

Gosto de ver ténis na TV.

I like to watch tennis on TV.

Infinitive after 'gostar de'.

Ele tem uns ténis novos.

He has some new sneakers.

Indefinite article 'uns'.

O ténis é um desporto divertido.

Tennis is a fun sport.

Definite article 'o' for the sport.

Quero comprar ténis pretos.

I want to buy black sneakers.

Adjective after the noun.

Nós jogamos ténis no parque.

We play tennis in the park.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

Preciso de calçar os ténis para sair.

I need to put on my sneakers to go out.

Verb 'calçar' specifically for footwear.

O meu irmão joga ténis muito bem.

My brother plays tennis very well.

Adverb 'bem' modifying the verb.

Estes ténis são confortáveis para caminhar.

These sneakers are comfortable for walking.

Preposition 'para' + infinitive.

Vamos ao campo de ténis às dez horas?

Shall we go to the tennis court at ten o'clock?

Contraction 'ao' (a + o).

Ela comprou uma raquete de ténis cara.

She bought an expensive tennis racket.

Adjective 'cara' agreeing with 'raquete'.

Não encontro os meus ténis de corrida.

I can't find my running sneakers.

Negative 'não' before the verb.

O ténis de mesa é popular na escola.

Table tennis is popular at school.

Specific term 'ténis de mesa'.

Podes emprestar-me os teus ténis?

Can you lend me your sneakers?

Pronominal verb 'emprestar-me'.

Se o tempo estiver bom, jogamos ténis amanhã.

If the weather is good, we will play tennis tomorrow.

Future subjunctive 'estiver'.

Sempre usei ténis da mesma marca porque são resistentes.

I've always used sneakers from the same brand because they are durable.

Preterite perfect 'usei'.

O ténis exige muita concentração e rapidez.

Tennis requires a lot of concentration and speed.

Verb 'exigir' (to require).

Gostaria de saber onde fica a loja de ténis mais próxima.

I would like to know where the nearest sneaker store is.

Conditional 'gostaria'.

Antigamente, as pessoas jogavam ténis com raquetes de madeira.

In the past, people played tennis with wooden rackets.

Imperfect tense 'jogavam'.

Acho que estes ténis não combinam com estas calças.

I think these sneakers don't match these pants.

Verb 'combinar' (to match/suit).

Ele foi assistir a um jogo de ténis profissional no Estoril.

He went to watch a professional tennis match in Estoril.

Verb 'assistir a' (to watch/attend).

É importante lavar os ténis depois de correr na lama.

It's important to wash your sneakers after running in the mud.

Personal infinitive 'lavar'.

O ténis tornou-se um dos desportos mais praticados no país.

Tennis has become one of the most practiced sports in the country.

Reflexive 'tornou-se'.

Embora os ténis sejam caros, a qualidade compensa o investimento.

Although the sneakers are expensive, the quality makes up for the investment.

Conjunction 'embora' with subjunctive 'sejam'.

O jogador de ténis foi desqualificado por mau comportamento.

The tennis player was disqualified for bad behavior.

Passive voice 'foi desqualificado'.

A tecnologia usada nestes ténis ajuda a prevenir lesões.

The technology used in these sneakers helps prevent injuries.

Past participle 'usada' as an adjective.

Duvido que ele consiga ganhar o torneio de ténis este ano.

I doubt that he can win the tennis tournament this year.

Subjunctive 'consiga' after 'duvido que'.

Os ténis de cano alto voltaram a estar na moda.

High-top sneakers are back in fashion.

Idiomatic 'estar na moda'.

Ele treina ténis intensivamente para subir no ranking.

He trains tennis intensively to move up in the rankings.

Adverb 'intensivamente'.

A superfície do campo de ténis influencia o estilo de jogo.

The surface of the tennis court influences the style of play.

Noun 'superfície' (surface).

A democratização do ténis permitiu que mais jovens tivessem acesso ao desporto.

The democratization of tennis allowed more young people to have access to the sport.

Abstract noun 'democratização'.

A indústria dos ténis enfrenta críticas devido ao seu impacto ambiental.

The sneaker industry faces criticism due to its environmental impact.

Verb 'enfrentar' (to face/confront).

O ténis é muitas vezes visto como um barómetro do status social.

Tennis is often seen as a barometer of social status.

Metaphorical use of 'barómetro'.

É fascinante observar a evolução técnica das raquetes de ténis ao longo das décadas.

It is fascinating to observe the technical evolution of tennis rackets over the decades.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

Os ténis de edição limitada esgotaram em poucos minutos após o lançamento.

The limited edition sneakers sold out in a few minutes after the launch.

Compound noun 'edição limitada'.

A resiliência psicológica é um fator determinante no ténis de alta competição.

Psychological resilience is a determining factor in high-competition tennis.

Adjective 'determinante'.

Muitas marcas de luxo estão agora a produzir os seus próprios ténis.

Many luxury brands are now producing their own sneakers.

Present continuous 'estão a produzir'.

O impacto do ténis na articulação do joelho pode ser significativo a longo prazo.

The impact of tennis on the knee joint can be significant in the long term.

Prepositional phrase 'a longo prazo'.

A semântica da palavra 'ténis' ilustra a divergência lexical entre as variantes do português.

The semantics of the word 'ténis' illustrates the lexical divergence between Portuguese variants.

Academic terminology.

O ténis, enquanto fenómeno cultural, transcende a mera prática desportiva.

Tennis, as a cultural phenomenon, transcends mere sporting practice.

Use of 'enquanto' (as/while).

A obsolescência programada nos ténis modernos é uma preocupação para os consumidores conscientes.

Planned obsolescence in modern sneakers is a concern for conscious consumers.

Complex noun phrase 'obsolescência programada'.

Analisar a biomecânica do serviço no ténis exige um conhecimento profundo da anatomia humana.

Analyzing the biomechanics of the serve in tennis requires a deep knowledge of human anatomy.

Gerund-like infinitive 'analisar'.

A hegemonia de certos jogadores no ténis mundial tem gerado debates sobre a competitividade do circuito.

The hegemony of certain players in world tennis has generated debates about the circuit's competitiveness.

Present perfect 'tem gerado'.

A customização de ténis tornou-se uma forma de expressão artística urbana.

Sneaker customization has become a form of urban artistic expression.

Noun 'customização'.

O ténis de mesa, outrora negligenciado, goza agora de um renovado prestígio olímpico.

Table tennis, once neglected, now enjoys a renewed Olympic prestige.

Adverb 'outrora' (formerly).

A convergência entre o desporto e a alta-costura é evidente no design dos novos ténis de passerelle.

The convergence between sport and haute couture is evident in the design of new runway sneakers.

Noun 'convergência'.

Colocações comuns

jogar ténis

campo de ténis

raquete de ténis

bola de ténis

par de ténis

ténis de mesa

calçar os ténis

torneio de ténis

ténis de corrida

jogador de ténis

Frases Comuns

Bater umas bolas

— To play a casual match of tennis.

Queres ir bater umas bolas ao clube?

Ir de ténis

— To wear sneakers to an event.

Posso ir de ténis ao jantar?

Ténis brancos

— A classic style of sneakers.

Os ténis brancos combinam com tudo.

Escola de ténis

— A place where one learns to play.

Inscrevi o meu filho na escola de ténis.

Aula de ténis

— A tennis lesson.

Tenho uma aula de ténis às cinco.

Ténis de marca

— Branded or designer sneakers.

Ele só usa ténis de marca.

Sola dos ténis

— The sole of the sneakers.

A sola dos ténis está gasta.

Ténis rotos

— Torn or worn-out sneakers.

Não podes sair com esses ténis rotos.

Equipamento de ténis

— Tennis gear/outfit.

Onde está o meu equipamento de ténis?

Ranking de ténis

— Tennis rankings.

Ele subiu no ranking de ténis.

Frequentemente confundido com

ténis vs tênis

This is the Brazilian spelling. Use 'ténis' in Portugal.

ténis vs sapatos

Sapatos are formal shoes; ténis are athletic shoes.

ténis vs meias

Meias are socks. Don't mix them up when getting dressed!

Expressões idiomáticas

"Estar com os ténis na mão"

— To be ready to leave quickly or to be in a hurry.

Ele já está com os ténis na mão para sair.

informal

"Trocar as voltas"

— While not using the word 'ténis', it's common in sports to describe confusing an opponent.

Ele trocou as voltas ao adversário no campo.

informal

"Serviço de mestre"

— A perfect execution, like a master serve in tennis.

Aquele relatório foi um serviço de mestre.

metaphorical

"À rede"

— To be in a decisive or confrontational position.

Ele foi à rede para resolver o problema.

metaphorical

"Jogo, set e partida"

— It's over; a definitive conclusion.

Depois daquela prova, foi jogo, set e partida.

popular

"Amorti"

— A drop shot; used metaphorically for softening a blow.

Ele fez um amorti na discussão.

informal

"Fora de campo"

— Out of bounds or irrelevant.

Essa tua ideia está fora de campo.

informal

"Bater na rede"

— To fail at the last moment.

O projeto bateu na rede e não avançou.

informal

"Ponto de ouro"

— A crucial moment or opportunity.

Esta venda é o nosso ponto de ouro.

informal

"Em cima da linha"

— Just in time or barely acceptable.

Entreguei o trabalho em cima da linha.

informal

Fácil de confundir

ténis vs Sapatilhas

Means sneakers in the North, but ballet shoes in the South.

Region-dependent. In Lisbon, it's specific; in Porto, it's general.

Ela usa sapatilhas de ballet.

ténis vs Sapatos

General word for shoes.

Sapatos are usually formal or leather. Ténis are for sport/casual.

Ele veste fato e sapatos.

ténis vs Chuteiras

Both are sports shoes.

Chuteiras are specifically football boots with studs.

O jogador de futebol calçou as chuteiras.

ténis vs Sandálias

Summer footwear.

Sandálias are open; ténis are closed and athletic.

No verão uso sandálias.

ténis vs Botas

Both cover the feet.

Botas are heavy/high; ténis are light/athletic.

Botas de neve.

Padrões de frases

Eu tenho [cor] ténis.

Eu tenho ténis verdes.

Eu vou jogar ténis com [pessoa].

Eu vou jogar ténis com o meu pai.

Eu prefiro [desporto] a ténis.

Eu prefiro futebol a ténis.

Estes ténis são ideais para [atividade].

Estes ténis são ideais para correr na montanha.

A prática de ténis requer [qualidade].

A prática de ténis requer disciplina mental.

O impacto dos ténis na cultura é [adjetivo].

O impacto dos ténis na cultura é inegável.

Any

Onde estão os meus ténis?

Onde estão os meus ténis de ginásio?

Any

Gostas de jogar ténis?

Gostas de jogar ténis de mesa?

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and sports news.

Erros comuns

Eu jogo a ténis. → Eu jogo ténis.
Don't use the preposition 'a' after 'jogar' when talking about sports in this context.
Comprei uma ténis. → Comprei uns ténis.
Ténis is masculine, not feminine.
O meu téni está velho. → O meu ténis está velho.
The word always ends in 's', even in the singular.
Tenis (without accent) → Ténis
The accent is mandatory for correct spelling and pronunciation.
O ténis são um desporto. → O ténis é um desporto.
When referring to the sport, the noun is singular.

Dicas

Invariable Plural

The word 'ténis' doesn't change from singular to plural. Only the article does: 'o ténis' vs 'os ténis'.

The Portugal 'SH'

Remember to pronounce the final 's' as 'sh' in Portugal. It adds that native touch!

Ténis vs Sapatilhas

Use 'ténis' in Lisbon and 'sapatilhas' in Porto to sound like a local.

Don't Forget the Accent

The accent on the 'é' is vital. Without it, the word is incorrect in Portuguese.

Tennis de Mesa

Always add 'de mesa' if you mean ping-pong, otherwise people will think of the court sport.

Athleisure

If you ask if you can wear 'ténis' to a party, you're asking about the dress code.

Tamanho

When buying 'ténis', ask: 'Que tamanhos têm?' (What sizes do you have?).

Raquete

Associate 'ténis' with 'raquete' to help remember the sport context.

Corrida

'Ténis de corrida' is the specific term for running shoes.

Listen to the News

Sports news is a great way to hear 'ténis' used in a professional context.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Ten-year-old' playing 'Tennis' in 'Ten-nis' (shoes). Ten-Ten-Ten!

Associação visual

Imagine a bright yellow tennis ball stuck inside a sneaker.

Word Web

Raquete Bola Rede Campo Sola Atacadores Desporto Calçado

Desafio

Try to use 'ténis' in a sentence where it refers to both the sport and the shoes without being confusing.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the English word 'tennis', which itself comes from the Old French 'tenez', meaning 'hold!' or 'receive!'.

Significado original: A call made by the server to the receiver in the early forms of the game.

Germanic (English) via Romance (French).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware of the North/South vocabulary preference in Portugal to avoid sounding out of place.

English speakers should note that 'tennis shoes' is a term used in the US, but 'sneakers' or 'trainers' is more common elsewhere. Portuguese 'ténis' covers all these.

Gustavo Kuerten (Brazilian tennis legend) João Sousa (Most successful Portuguese tennis player) Estoril Open (Major Portuguese tournament)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Sports Club

Quero reservar um campo.
Onde estão os balneários?
Tens uma raquete extra?
O jogo foi renhido.

Shoe Store

Queria ver estes ténis.
Tem o tamanho 42?
São confortáveis?
Qual é o preço?

School/PE

Não te esqueças dos ténis.
Vamos correr hoje?
Onde guardo a raquete?
Professor, posso jogar?

Watching TV

Quem está a ganhar?
Grande serviço!
Foi fora!
Que jogada incrível!

Fashion Discussion

Gosto da cor desses ténis.
São a última moda.
Combinam com a roupa.
Onde os compraste?

Iniciadores de conversa

"Tu costumas jogar ténis ou preferes outros desportos?"

"Quais são os melhores ténis para fazer caminhadas longas?"

"Já viste o último jogo do torneio de ténis na televisão?"

"Preferes jogar ténis em terra batida ou em relva?"

"Onde é que costumas comprar os teus ténis em Lisboa?"

Temas para diário

Descreve a tua primeira experiência a jogar ténis ou a usar ténis novos.

Porque é que achas que o ténis é um desporto tão popular em todo o mundo?

Escreve sobre a importância de usar ténis adequados para evitar lesões.

Se pudesses desenhar o teu próprio par de ténis, como seriam?

Explica as diferenças entre o ténis de campo e o ténis de mesa.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, 'ténis' is the base form. You never say 'téni'. It remains 'ténis' whether you are talking about one shoe or the whole sport.

You say 'Eu jogo ténis'. You don't need to add 'a' or 'o' after the verb in casual speech, though 'pratico ténis' is also common.

Yes, but remember to spell it 'tênis' with a circumflex accent. The meaning is the same.

It is masculine. Always use 'o' (o ténis) or 'os' (os ténis).

It is 'ténis de mesa'. You can also say 'ping-pong' informally.

You still call it 'um ténis'. For example: 'Perdi um ténis no balneário'.

It's a regional linguistic variation. Both 'ténis' and 'sapatilhas' are correct, but 'sapatilhas' is culturally preferred in the North.

Yes, it is very popular, especially as a recreational sport and with tournaments like the Estoril Open.

Use masculine plural adjectives: 'ténis confortáveis', 'ténis novos', 'ténis caros'.

No, it only refers to the sport and the footwear.

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