Portuguese · Body & Health
"Face" in Portuguese: rosto
o rosto
Note: also: a cara
Face in Portuguese is o rosto, the usual word for the human face. A cara is common too, often for expressions or a quick look at someone. Brazilians say limpar o rosto after washing up, and fazer cara de pau for a blank, cheeky face.
At the sink
Lave bem o rosto antes de dormir.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce rosto
Say it
ROHS-too
/ˈʁos.tu/
ROHS-too. The r at the start is a soft Brazilian h-like sound in many regions. Cara is KAH-rah.
"Face" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| o rosto | the face Neutral word for the face in speech and writing. | Neutral word for the face in speech and writing. |
| a cara | the face (colloquial) Everyday Brazil for looks and expressions. | Everyday Brazil for looks and expressions. |
| lavar o rosto | to wash one's face Morning routine phrase. | Morning routine phrase. |
| fazer cara feia | to make a sour face Disapproval without saying much. | Disapproval without saying much. |
How to use rosto in real life
- 1At the sink
Lave bem o rosto antes de dormir.
Wash your face well before sleeping.
Rosto is the body-part word in care routines.
- 2Photo day
Seu rosto ficou ótimo nessa foto.
Your face looks great in that photo.
Compliments often name o rosto directly.
- 3After a long walk
O sol queimou meu rosto na praia.
The sun burned my face at the beach.
Weather and skin talk sticks with rosto.
Mistakes English speakers make with rosto
Incorrect: Eu lavei minha face.
Correct: Eu lavei o rosto.
Face is English. In Portuguese use o rosto (or a cara in casual talk).
Incorrect: Ele tem uma cara grande (meaning face size only).
Correct: Ele tem o rosto largo. / Ele tem cara de sono.
Cara often means expression or look; for physical face shape, rosto is clearer.
Good to know
Brazilians read a lot into a cara: cara de pau (shameless), cara feia (annoyed look), boa cara (looking well). Friends may touch a cheek in greeting, so talk about the face sits close to warmth and body language, not just anatomy.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Buying sunscreen at a pharmacy
ChatPal
Você precisa de protetor para o rosto ou para o corpo?
Do you need sunscreen for the face or for the body?
You
Para o rosto, por favor. Minha pele é sensível.
For the face, please. My skin is sensitive.
ChatPal
Este aqui é leve e não deixa o rosto oleoso.
This one is light and doesn't leave the face oily.
You
Perfeito. Levo esse.
Perfect. I'll take that one.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Face" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Face" in Portuguese
Is rosto or cara more common?
Both are common. Rosto is clearer for the physical face; cara is great for expressions and casual talk.
How do I say wash your face?
Lave o rosto or lava o rosto in casual speech to a friend.
Does rosto change in the plural?
Yes: os rostos. Cara becomes as caras.
Is there a difference in Portugal?
Rosto and cara are understood in both varieties. Everyday Brazilian speech leans hard on cara for looks and attitude.
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
