beau

[/boʊ/]
nounpl: beaus or beaux
namorado, galã, pretendente
1. A man who is a woman's romantic partner or boyfriend
She introduced her beau to her parents at dinner.
Ela apresentou seu namorado aos pais no jantar.
2. A man who is attentive to his appearance; a fashionable man
He was quite the beau in his tailored suit and polished shoes.
Ele era todo um galã em seu terno sob medida e sapatos polidos.
3. A male admirer or suitor of a woman
She had several beaus vying for her attention during the social season.
Ela tinha vários pretendentes competindo por sua atenção durante a temporada social.
This word is of French origin and was commonly used in English during the 18th and 19th centuries to describe romantic partners and fashionable gentlemen. While still understood, it's considered somewhat archaic or literary in modern English, replaced by 'boyfriend' in casual speech. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'namorado' is the standard modern equivalent, while 'galã' emphasizes charm and good looks. The word reflects historical courtship practices and romantic conventions of earlier centuries.
NYC Slang
boo, man, shorty
Synonyms / Sinônimos
boyfriendsuitorparamouradmirerswainlover
Antonyms / Antônimos
enemyrival

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
namorado
Most common modern translation
General Brazilian
galã
When emphasizing handsome or fashionable qualities
Rio de Janeiro
ficante, namorado
Ficante more colloquial for casual romantic interest
Portugal
namorado, pretendente
Similar usage to Brazil, pretendente for suitor context
USA Historical
boyfriend (modern), beau (archaic/literary)
Term is considered somewhat old-fashioned in contemporary American English

Related Words

belleromancecourtshipsweetheartparamouradmirer

Related Idioms & Phrases

belle of the ball and her beau
a beau ideal (an ideal man or boyfriend)
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