Common Card Game Vocabulary in Portuguese
Basic Playing Card Terms
Baralho – Deck of cards
Carta – Card
Naipe – Suit (of cards)
Jogador/Jogadora – Player (male/female)
Distribuir or Dar as cartas – To deal (the cards)
Mão – Hand (the set of cards held by a player)
Monte – Pile/Deck (remaining cards on the table)
Vira – Turn over (to reveal a card)
Trunfo – Trump (the dominant suit in some games)
Card Suits and Values
Paus – Clubs
Ouros – Diamonds
Copas – Hearts
Espadas – Spades
Ás – Ace
Rei – King
Rainha – Queen (sometimes “Dama”)
Valete – Jack
Coringa – Joker
Número – Number card (2-10)
Useful Phrases and Expressions for Card Games
Starting and Playing the Game
Quem começa? – Who starts?
Sua vez – Your turn
Minha vez – My turn
Pule a vez – Skip a turn
Embaralhar – To shuffle
Cortar – To cut (the deck)
Comprar uma carta – To draw a card
Descartar – To discard
Winning, Losing, and Game Results
Ganhar – To win
Perder – To lose
Empate – Tie/Draw
Pontuação – Score
Rodada – Round
Partida – Match/Game
Popular Card Games in Portuguese-Speaking Countries
Truco
Truco is one of the most beloved card games in Brazil and some other Portuguese-speaking regions. Some specific terms you might hear include:
Truco! – A call to raise the stakes
Envido – A bet (from Spanish influence, used in some regions)
Flor – Special hand
Buraco
Buraco is another popular game with its own vocabulary:
Mesa – Table (where melds are placed)
Baixar – To lay down (melds)
Canastra – A run or sequence of cards
Pife
A simple and fun game, especially among friends:
Pifado – “Knocked out” (when a player is eliminated)
Juntar cartas – To collect cards (for a meld)
Tips for Learning Card Game Terms in Portuguese
- Play with Native Speakers: Practicing with Portuguese-speaking friends or using language exchange platforms like Talkpal can help you master these terms in context.
- Watch Video Tutorials: Many YouTube channels demonstrate card games in Portuguese, allowing you to hear the vocabulary used naturally.
- Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the terms and their meanings to reinforce your memory.
- Join Online Forums: Portuguese-language gaming forums are great for picking up slang and regional variations.
Conclusion
Knowing the basic card game terms in Portuguese not only makes playing games more enjoyable but also opens the door to deeper cultural experiences and richer conversations. By familiarizing yourself with this vocabulary, you’ll be better equipped to join in on the fun, whether you’re in Brazil, Portugal, or playing with Portuguese-speaking friends online. Don’t forget to explore more language tips and practice opportunities on the Talkpal AI language learning blog, your trusted companion in mastering Portuguese.
