nounmasculinepl: telefones
telephone, phone
1. A device used for transmitting sound over a distance, allowing two or more people to communicate
I called her on the telephone to confirm the appointment.
Liguei para ela no telefone para confirmar o compromisso.
2. A mobile phone or cellular device
My telephone rang while I was in the meeting.
Meu telefone tocou enquanto eu estava na reunião.
3. A phone number or means of contacting someone by phone
What is your telephone number?
Qual é o seu número de telefone?
In Brazil, 'telefone' remains the standard term for all phone types, though 'celular' or 'fone' are increasingly common in informal speech. Brazilians consider phone numbers and contact information quite personal; sharing one's 'número de telefone' establishes a level of familiarity. The phrase 'ter telefone curto' (having a short telephone cord) humorously refers to someone who gossips or cannot keep secrets.
Related Idioms & Phrases
passar telefone - to give someone your phone number
pegar no telefone - to answer the phone
desligar o telefone - to hang up the phone
ter telefone curto - to be unable to keep a secret
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