vigas, raios, feixes
1. Long, sturdy pieces of wood, metal, or concrete used as structural supports in buildings
The ceiling was supported by thick wooden beams.
O teto era suportado por vigas de madeira espessas.
2. Rays of light that shine from a source
Beams of sunlight streamed through the windows.
Raios de luz solar entravam pelas janelas.
3. A broad smile or expression of joy
Her face beams with happiness.
Seu rosto irradia felicidade.
4. Third person singular present tense of the verb 'beam' - to smile broadly or to shine brightly
He beams with pride at his daughter's achievement.
Ele resplandece de orgulho com a realização de sua filha.
5. In nautical contexts, the widest part of a ship's hull
The ship's beams were reinforced for stability.
As vigas do navio foram reforçadas para estabilidade.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'vigas' is the standard architectural term, while 'raios' is used for light. The verb 'brilhar' or 'irradiar' are common equivalents for 'beam' when describing a person's happy expression. In American English, particularly in NYC and urban contexts, 'beams' as slang has gained popularity in hip-hop and street culture to describe attractive or valuable items.
NYC Slang
beams can refer to excellent or flashy items (e.g., 'nice beams' for fancy jewelry or car details), or a broad smile of excitement
Related Idioms & Phrases
beam with pride - irradiar de orgulho
beam of light - raio de luz
broad beam smile - sorriso radiante
on the beam - na linha certa
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