quay

[/kiː/]
nounpl: quays
cais
1. A wharf or artificial bank where ships are loaded and unloaded; a waterfront structure for mooring vessels
The cargo ships were docked at the quay early in the morning.
Os navios de carga estavam atracados no cais no início da manhã.
2. A paved area along a waterfront, typically a harbor or river, used for loading and unloading goods
Tourists walked along the quay admiring the boats and sea views.
Os turistas caminhavam pelo cais apreciando os barcos e as vistas do mar.
The word 'quay' is particularly relevant in Brazil given its extensive Atlantic coastline and major ports like Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'cais' is the standard architectural and maritime term used in both formal and casual contexts. The term is more commonly found in written or formal speech rather than everyday colloquial language.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
wharfdockpierjettywaterfront

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cais
Standard term used in coastal cities and ports
Rio de Janeiro
cais
Commonly used around Guanabara Bay and Porto do Rio
São Paulo
cais
Used for Port of Santos and other waterfront areas
Portugal
cais
Identical to Brazilian Portuguese; widely used in Lisbon and Porto

Related Words

portharbormaritimemooringshipyardanchorage

Related Idioms & Phrases

down at the quay
quay-side activities
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