cidade

[siˈda.dɨ]
nounfemininepl: cidades
city
1. A large urban area with a high population density, typically serving as a center of commerce, culture, and administration
São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil.
São Paulo é a maior cidade do Brasil.
2. A municipality or urban settlement with defined boundaries and local government
The city council approved the new budget.
A câmara da cidade aprovou o novo orçamento.
3. The inhabitants or population of an urban area collectively
The entire city came out to celebrate.
Toda a cidade saiu para celebrar.
In Brazil, 'cidade' holds significant cultural weight as urbanization is a dominant theme in Brazilian society. The word is often used with pride when referring to major metropolitan centers like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. Brazilians distinguish strongly between 'cidade' (urban) and 'campo' (rural), reflecting the country's ongoing urban-rural divide. The term also connotes opportunities, culture, and modernity in Brazilian discourse.
NYC Slang
city (generic), Big Apple (specifically for New York City)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
metrópolemunicípiourbeaglomeração urbana
Antonyms / Antônimos
campozona ruralaldeiasertão

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cidade
Standard usage across all of Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
cidade
Often used with reference to Rio de Janeiro as 'a Cidade Maravilhosa' (the Marvelous City)
São Paulo
cidade
São Paulo is referred to as 'a Cidade que Não Dorme' (the City That Never Sleeps)
Portugal
cidade
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; refers to urban areas with historical significance and formal status

Related Words

cidadãourbanometrópolebairroruaavenidacentro

Related Idioms & Phrases

morar na cidade (to live in the city)
cidade grande (big city)
sair da cidade (to leave the city)
a vida da cidade (city life)
problema de cidade (urban problem)
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