Portuguese · People & Family
"Girl" in Portuguese: menina
a menina
Note: PT-PT: a rapariga
Girl in Portuguese is a menina. Brazilians also say moleca casually. In Portugal a rapariga is normal; in Brazil rapariga can sound offensive—prefer menina.
School gate
Aquela menina é filha da Ana.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce menina
Say it
meh-NEE-nah
/me.ˈni.na/
meh-NEE-nah
"Girl" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a menina | the girl Standard Brazilian word. | Standard Brazilian word. |
| a moleca | the girl / kid (casual) Informal Brazil. | Informal Brazil. |
| a rapariga | the girl (PT-PT) Portugal; avoid in Brazil. | Portugal; avoid in Brazil. |
| menina pequena | little girl Age nuance. | Age nuance. |
How to use menina in real life
- 1School gate
Aquela menina é filha da Ana.
That girl is Ana's daughter.
Aquela menina.
- 2Birthday
A menina quer bolo de chocolate.
The girl wants chocolate cake.
A menina as subject.
- 3Park
Tem uma menina brincando no balanço.
There's a girl playing on the swing.
Uma menina.
Mistakes English speakers make with menina
Incorrect: O menina correu.
Correct: A menina correu.
Menina is feminine.
Incorrect: Vi uma girl.
Correct: Vi uma menina.
Use menina.
Good to know
Rapariga is fine in Portugal and risky in Brazilian Portuguese. Stick with menina in Brazil unless a local friend teaches a casual alternative.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping at a kids' workshop
ChatPal
Qual menina precisa de cola?
Which girl needs glue?
You
A menina de vestido azul.
The girl in the blue dress.
ChatPal
Ok. Aquela menina também levantou a mão.
Okay. That girl also raised her hand.
You
Levo dois tubos. Cada menina pega um.
I'll take two tubes. Each girl gets 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"Girl" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Girl" in Portuguese
Girl in Brazil?
A menina.
Portugal?
Often a rapariga.
Why avoid rapariga in BR?
It can sound offensive there.
Casual Brazil?
Moleca.
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
