perna — meaning in English: leg

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colorido

perna

maçã

prato

sempre

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Portuguese speakers often use 'perna' in everyday conversations when talking about body parts, physical activities, or health. For instance, you might hear a friend say, 'Dói a minha perna' (My leg hurts) after a long run, or 'Ela tem pernas compridas' (She has long legs) when discussing someone's appearance.

Synonyms & nuances

'Perna' specifically refers to the leg as a whole, while 'coxa' refers to the thigh. You would choose 'perna' when discussing the entire limb, while 'coxa' is more suitable when focusing on that upper portion of the leg.

Culture

'Perna' comes from the Latin word 'perna', which referred to a leg or a ham. In Portuguese culture, legs are often associated with grace and movement, especially in traditional dances like the samba, where the leg's movement is crucial to the rhythm and expression.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'perna' in Portuguese?

The plural form of 'perna' is 'pernas'. So, you would say 'duas pernas' for 'two legs'.

Q.How do you use 'perna' in a sentence?

You can use 'perna' like this: 'Eu quebrei a perna' which means 'I broke my leg'. It's a straightforward way to convey information about your leg.

Q.Are there any common phrases using 'perna'?

'Perna' appears in several idiomatic expressions. For example, 'perna de pau' means 'wooden leg' and is used to describe someone who is clumsy.

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Portuguese Vocabulary