chord

[/kɔːrd/]
nounpl: chords
acorde
1. A combination of three or more musical notes sounded together
The pianist played a beautiful chord progression.
O pianista tocou uma bela progressão de acordes.
2. A straight line connecting two points on a curve or circle
The chord of the circle divides it into two segments.
A corda do círculo o divide em dois segmentos.
3. An emotional response or connection (figurative)
That movie really struck a chord with the audience.
Aquele filme realmente tocou as emoções do público.
4. A string of a musical instrument
He plucked the chord on his guitar.
Ele puxou a corda de seu violão.
In both Brazilian and American music cultures, 'chord' is fundamental to musical education and performance. Brazilian music, particularly samba, bossa nova, and forró, relies heavily on complex chord progressions. The term is universally understood among musicians in both countries. The figurative use 'strike a chord' is common in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking contexts when discussing emotional resonance.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
harmonytriadprogressionstring

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
acorde
Standard term used throughout Brazil for musical chord
Rio de Janeiro
acorde
No regional variation; same as standard Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
acorde
No regional variation; same as standard Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
acorde
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also used in European Portuguese

Related Words

harmonymelodynotemusical scaleprogressionintervalinstrument

Related Idioms & Phrases

strike a chord - tocar uma corda sensível (to evoke an emotional response)
touch a chord - comover (to move emotionally)
hit the right chord - acertar na tecla (to say or do the right thing)
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