celular

[se-lu-ˈlar]
noun/adjectivemasculinepl: celulares
mobile phone, cell phone
1. A portable wireless telephone device used for communication
She received a call on her cellular phone while driving.
Ela recebeu uma ligação no seu celular enquanto dirigia.
2. Relating to or consisting of cells, especially biological cells
Cellular respiration is a fundamental biological process.
A respiração celular é um processo biológico fundamental.
3. A cellular network or mobile network infrastructure
The cellular network coverage in this area is excellent.
A cobertura de rede celular nessa área é excelente.
In Brazil, 'celular' is the standard and ubiquitous term for mobile phones, reflecting the country's widespread mobile technology adoption. The word is used across all social classes and age groups. Brazilians often use shortened forms like 'cel' in casual conversation. Unlike Portugal, where 'telemóvel' is preferred, Brazilian Portuguese has fully embraced 'celular' as the primary term.
NYC Slang
cell, mobile, burner (if disposable)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
telemóvel (Portugal)móveltelefone móveltelefone celularaparelho celular
Antonyms / Antônimos
telefone fixotelefone de linha

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
celular
Most common term for mobile phone in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
celular
Standard usage, sometimes shortened to 'cel'
São Paulo
celular
Standard usage among all age groups
Portugal
telemóvel
Preferred term in Portugal; 'celular' is also understood but less common

Related Words

smartphoneaplicativoredesinalbateriatela

Related Idioms & Phrases

estar com o celular na mão (to be with cell phone in hand - ready to communicate)
deixar o celular desligado (to turn off the cell phone - to disconnect)
viciado em celular (addicted to the cell phone - to be glued to one's phone)
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