neutral
very common
Usage
Native Portuguese speakers use 'quinze' frequently in everyday conversations, especially when discussing age, time, or quantities. For example, you might hear it when someone says they will arrive at fifteen minutes past the hour, or when they mention a group of fifteen friends at a party.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'quinze' specifically means fifteen, the word 'cinco' means five. The distinction is important when counting or stating specific quantities. You would choose 'quinze' when you need to convey the exact number fifteen, as using a different number could lead to confusion.
Culture
'Quinze' has its roots in Latin, derived from 'quindecim,' which means fifteen. In Portuguese culture, the number fifteen is significant as it represents important milestones like a quinceañera in Latin American countries, marking the transition to adulthood for a young girl.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce 'quinze' in Portuguese?
'Quinze' is pronounced as 'keen-zee.' The 'qu' sounds like 'k,' and the 'ze' has a soft 'z' sound, similar to 'zebra,' making it easy to remember.
Q.What is the gender of 'quinze'?
'Quinze' is a numeral and does not have a gender like nouns do in Portuguese. You can use it in any context without worrying about gender agreements.
Q.Do I need to change 'quinze' when using it with nouns?
'Quinze' remains unchanged regardless of the nouns it modifies. For instance, you would say 'quinze livros' (fifteen books) or 'quinze pessoas' (fifteen people) without altering the number.