Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions

"Calm" in Portuguese: calmo/a

calmo/a

KAHL-moo / KAHL-mahadjective/ˈkaw.mu/, /ˈkaw.ma/

Note: also: tranquilo/a

Calm in Portuguese is calmo (m) or calma (f). Fique calmo softens panic; Calma! is a quick reassuring interjection. Tranquilo is a close everyday synonym.

Before a test

Respira fundo e fica calmo.

Breathe deeply and stay calm.

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How to pronounce calmo/a

Say it

KAHL-moo / KAHL-mah

/ˈkaw.mu/, /ˈkaw.ma/

KAHL-moo / KAHL-mah. Stress KAHL.

"Calm" in Portuguese: quick reference

Portuguese	English	When to use
calmo / calma	calm Adjective; agree gender.	Adjective; agree gender.
Fique calmo.	Stay calm. Reassurance.	Reassurance.
Calma!	Calm down! / Easy! Interjection.	Interjection.
mar calmo	calm sea Weather/sea.	Weather/sea.
voz calma	calm voice Tone description.	Tone description.

How to use calmo/a in real life

1Before a test
Respira fundo e fica calmo.
Breathe deeply and stay calm.
Fica calmo as advice.
2Traffic stress
Ela manteve a voz calma no volante.
She kept a calm voice at the wheel.
Calma agrees with voz (f).
3Beach report
O mar está calmo demais hoje.
The sea is too calm today.
Calmo describes conditions.

Mistakes English speakers make with calmo/a

Incorrect: Fica calma (to a man)

Correct: Fica calmo (to a man) / Fica calma (to a woman)

Match gender: calmo/calma.

Incorrect: Estou calm agora.

Correct: Estou calmo / calma agora.

Use calmo/a, not English calm.

Good to know

Calma aí is classic Brazilian pacing—slow down, we're fine. Tranquilo often replaces calmo in casual speech for chill situations. Saying Fica calmo can sound caring or slightly patronizing depending on tone.