FILHA

Filha is a feminine noun in the Portuguese language that refers to a daughter, the female offspring of a parent or guardian. It is used to describe a girl or woman in relation to her parents or family and appears in both everyday speech and formal writing.

It derives from Latin filia. Related terms in Romance languages include Italian figlia and Spanish hija, while the masculine counterpart in Portuguese is filho. The plural form is filhas, and diminutives such as filhinha convey affection for a young daughter.

In usage, common phrases include minha filha, a filha única, or forms used in genealogical or legal contexts such as o registro de nascimento da filha (the birth record of the daughter). The term is typically literal, though it can appear in figurative expressions about lineage or generational ties.

In cultural contexts, the concept of filhas is central to family structures in Portuguese-speaking regions, with varying expectations and practices regarding daughters’ education, autonomy, and roles within the household. Modern norms and legal frameworks continue to influence how daughters are valued and named within families, reflecting broader social changes across Portuguese-speaking communities.