Carrinho

Carrinho is a Portuguese noun that functions as a diminutive of carro, meaning a small cart or trolley. It is a generic term used for various types of wheeled devices designed to transport goods or people, and it appears in both Portugal and Brazil, as well as other Portuguese-speaking communities. The form is commonly found in everyday speech and in compound phrases such as carrinho de compras or carrinho de bebê.

Etymology and usage notes: the word derives from carro, which in turn comes from Latin carrus. The diminutive suffix -inho/-inha creates a sense of smallness or familiarity. In everyday usage, carrinho can refer to different kinds of carts, depending on the region and context, and it often appears in compound terms that specify the purpose of the cart.

Common senses include: a shopping cart (carrinho de compras) used in supermarkets and online stores, often in phrases like adicionar ao carrinho; a baby stroller (carrinho de bebê) for transporting an infant; a wheelbarrow (carrinho de mão) used in gardening or construction; a toy or model car (carrinho de brinquedo) for children. The term also appears in service environments as a generic cart, such as a hotel or cafeteria trolley.

Regional usage and related terms: while widely understood across Lusophone countries, the preferred sense can vary by region. It is important not to confuse carrinho with carinho, which means tenderness or affection. Related terms include carro, carruagem, and carrinho de mão or carrinho de compras, depending on the context.

See also: carro, carruagem, carrinho de mão, carrinho de compras.