namorado

Namorado is a masculine noun in Portuguese that designates a male partner in a romantic relationship. The feminine form is namorada, and the verb from which the noun derives is namorar, meaning to date or to be in a relationship. The gerund namorando is used to describe the act of dating or being in a relationship. The term is widely used in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese.

Etymology and usage context: Namorar originates from the broader Portuguese verb family for dating and courtship. In everyday speech, a person’s significant other may be referred to as “meu namorado” (my boyfriend) or, less formally, simply “ele é meu namorado.” The concept covers a range of relationship stages, from initial dating to longer-term partnerships, and is distinct from formal commitments such as engagement or marriage.

Social and cultural notes: In many Lusophone contexts, namorar implies an ongoing romantic relationship that may or may not be exclusive, depending on the individuals involved. The term contrasts with casual dating terms such as ficar (to hook up) and with legal forms of partnership like a stable union or marriage. The usage can vary by region and generation, influencing how openly the relationship is discussed and presented publicly.

Grammatical notes: The plural form is namorados for groups of male partners or mixed-gender groups, and namoradas for groups of female partners. The phrase “estar namorando” means to be dating, while “o namorado” refers to a specific boyfriend. Related terms include namorada, noivo (fiancé), and casamento (marriage).