Portuguese · Body & Health
"Back" in Portuguese: costas
as costas
Back in Portuguese—for the body—is as costas, always plural. Say dor nas costas for backache. De costas means facing away.
At the gym
Minhas costas doem depois do treino.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce costas
Say it
KOS-tahs
/ˈkos.tas/
KOS-tahs. Stress on kos.
"Back" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| as costas | the back Body part; plural form. | Body part; plural form. |
| dor nas costas | backache Health complaint. | Health complaint. |
| de costas | with one's back turned Position. | Position. |
| nas costas | on the back Location phrase. | Location phrase. |
How to use costas in real life
- 1At the gym
Minhas costas doem depois do treino.
My back hurts after the workout.
Costas takes plural verb agreement often: doem.
- 2Asking for cream
Pode passar protetor nas costas?
Can you put sunscreen on my back?
Nas costas = on the back.
- 3Describing posture
Ele ficou de costas para a câmera.
He stood with his back to the camera.
De costas for facing away.
Mistakes English speakers make with costas
Incorrect: A costa dói (for the body).
Correct: As costas doem.
Body back is as costas (plural). A costa can mean coast.
Incorrect: Meu back está dolorido.
Correct: Minhas costas estão doloridas.
Use costas.
Good to know
Costas is plural even for one person's back. A costa (singular) often means coast—false friend territory for learners talking about pain vs beaches.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
After a long bus ride
ChatPal
Suas costas estão bem depois da viagem?
Is your back okay after the trip?
You
Mais ou menos. As costas estão rígidas.
So-so. My back is stiff.
ChatPal
Quer um alongamento para as costas?
Want a stretch for your back?
You
Quero. Minhas costas agradecem.
Yes. My back thanks you.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Back" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Back" in Portuguese
How do I say back?
As costas for the body.
Why plural?
Portuguese uses plural costas for the back.
Backache?
Dor nas costas.
Facing away?
De costas.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
