physical traits

[ˈfɪzɪkəl treɪts]
nounpl: physical traits
características físicas
1. Distinguishing or distinctive bodily features and attributes of a person or organism that are observable and measurable
Her physical traits include blonde hair, blue eyes, and a tall stature.
Suas características físicas incluem cabelo louro, olhos azuis e estatura alta.
2. Inherited or genetic features that determine appearance and physical constitution
Physical traits are often passed down from parents to their children.
As características físicas são frequentemente herdadas dos pais para os filhos.
3. Observable physical properties used for identification, description, or classification
The witness described the suspect's physical traits to the police officer.
A testemunha descreveu as características físicas do suspeito para o policial.
In Brazil, 'características físicas' is commonly used in medical, educational, and legal contexts (police reports, official documentation). The term is culturally significant in discussions about identity, ancestry, and racial classification. In the USA, 'physical traits' is frequently used in genetics education, anthropology, and diversity discussions. Both cultures recognize the distinction between observable physical traits and non-physical characteristics like personality or intelligence.
NYC Slang
looks, features, appearance (colloquial); physical game (in sports context)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
physical characteristicsbodily featuresappearancephysical attributesdistinctive features
Antonyms / Antônimos
personality traitsmental characteristicsbehavioral traitspsychological attributes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
características físicas
Standard and most commonly used term across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
traços físicos
Alternative form used in informal contexts
São Paulo
características físicas
Predominant usage in business and formal contexts
Portugal
características físicas
Identical to Brazilian usage; traços físicos also acceptable in informal speech

Related Words

phenotypegenotypehereditygeneticsappearancemorphologybiometrics

Related Idioms & Phrases

judge by appearance
takes after someone (herança física)
spitting image of
a chip off the old block
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