Brazilian Portuguese word guide
What does domingo mean in Portuguese?
Domingo means Sunday in Portuguese. It is the day of rest at the end of the week, and in Brazilian Portuguese it is a masculine noun: o domingo. You will hear it constantly in schedules, small talk, and phrases like 'domingo de manhã' (Sunday morning) or 'no domingo' (on Sunday).
By Renata · October 30, 2026 · 4 min
The basic meaning and gender of domingo
Domingo is the Portuguese word for Sunday. It comes from Latin and is a masculine noun, so you say o domingo, not a domingo. This matters because many learners assume all days are feminine, but in Brazilian Portuguese only some days follow that pattern.
Unlike English, you do not capitalise days of the week in Portuguese unless they start a sentence. So you write domingo, not Domingo, in the middle of a sentence. The plural is domingos, meaning Sundays.
- o domingo = Sunday (masculine)
- os domingos = Sundays
- no domingo = on Sunday
- aos domingos = on Sundays (habitual)
How to pronounce domingo in Brazilian Portuguese
In Brazilian Portuguese, domingo is pronounced roughly doh-MEEN-goo. The first o is open like in 'door', the i is nasal, and the final o is reduced to a soft 'oo'. The stress is on the second syllable: do-MIN-go.
Be careful not to pronounce it like the English word 'domino'. The nasal sound in the middle is the key difference. Listen to a native speaker and repeat: domingo, domingo, domingo.
Common phrases with domingo
Domingo appears in many everyday expressions. Some are literal, like domingo de manhã (Sunday morning), and others are idiomatic, like fazer um domingo (to spend a Sunday). Here are the most useful ones for learners.
Note that in Brazil, 'domingo' is often associated with family, football, and churrasco. So you will hear phrases like 'domingo é dia de descanso' (Sunday is a day of rest) and 'domingo de sol' (sunny Sunday).
| Portuguese | English | Note |
|---|---|---|
| domingo de manhã | Sunday morning | Common time expression |
| domingo à tarde | Sunday afternoon | Use à, not a |
| no domingo | on Sunday | Specific Sunday |
| aos domingos | on Sundays | Habitual |
| domingo de Páscoa | Easter Sunday | Religious |
| fazer um domingo | to spend a Sunday | Informal |
| domingo é dia de... | Sunday is a day for... | Common saying |
Domingo in Brazilian culture
In Brazil, domingo is a day for family lunches, church, beach trips, and football. Many Brazilians watch 'Domingão do Faustão' or go to 'feira' (street market) on Sunday morning. The phrase 'domingo é dia de descanso' reflects the slower pace of the day.
If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, knowing how to talk about domingo helps you join small talk. Try saying 'No domingo, eu gosto de...' (On Sunday, I like to...) to practise.
European Portuguese vs Brazilian Portuguese: domingo
The word domingo itself is the same in European and Brazilian Portuguese. However, pronunciation differs: in Portugal, the final o is often pronounced more clearly, while in Brazil it is reduced. Also, some expressions may vary.
If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, avoid mixing in European Portuguese phrases you find online. For example, in Portugal you might hear 'ao domingo' more often, while in Brazil 'no domingo' is more common for a specific Sunday. Our focus here is Brazilian usage.
Learn more Brazilian Portuguese with Renata
If you want to speak Brazilian Portuguese naturally, including words like domingo and everyday expressions, I offer online lessons for English speakers. I am Brazilian and Brazilian Portuguese is my native language. I teach evening hours only, a few per week, so capacity is small.
I do not teach European Portuguese or prepare students for the CIPLE exam, because that exam tests European Portuguese and marks Brazilian usage wrong. My lessons are for learners who want Brazilian Portuguese as it is really spoken.
- Paid diagnostic lesson: 45 EUR (credited against a later package, never a free trial)
- One-to-one evening lesson: 65 EUR/hour
- 5-lesson pack: 300 EUR
- Small group (max 4 people): 89 EUR/month
- Children: 69 EUR/month
- No A1-A2 self-study course yet, only a waiting list
Common questions
Is domingo masculine or feminine?
Domingo is masculine. You say o domingo. This is different from some other days of the week like segunda-feira (feminine). So use masculine articles and adjectives: 'o domingo foi ótimo' (the Sunday was great).
How do you say 'on Sunday' in Brazilian Portuguese?
For a specific Sunday, say 'no domingo'. For Sundays in general or habitual Sundays, say 'aos domingos'. For example: 'No domingo, vou à praia' (On Sunday, I go to the beach) and 'Aos domingos, eu descanso' (On Sundays, I rest).
What is the plural of domingo?
The plural is domingos. It means Sundays. For example: 'Todos os domingos eu visito minha avó' (Every Sunday I visit my grandmother).
Is domingo the same in European and Brazilian Portuguese?
Yes, the word is the same. But pronunciation and some usage differ. In Brazil, the final o is reduced, and 'no domingo' is common for a specific Sunday. In Portugal, you might hear 'ao domingo' more. If you are learning Brazilian Portuguese, focus on Brazilian usage.
What are some common expressions with domingo?
Common expressions include 'domingo de manhã' (Sunday morning), 'domingo à tarde' (Sunday afternoon), 'domingo de Páscoa' (Easter Sunday), and 'fazer um domingo' (to spend a Sunday). Also 'domingo é dia de descanso' (Sunday is a day of rest).
Can I learn more Brazilian Portuguese with Renata?
Yes, I offer online lessons for English speakers. I am Brazilian and Brazilian Portuguese is my native language. I teach evening hours only, a few per week. Contact me on WhatsApp +351 935 328 206 for details. I do not teach European Portuguese or prepare for the CIPLE exam.
Learning this with someone is faster
Renata teaches Brazilian Portuguese one to one, in the evening, in small numbers. A paid diagnostic lesson is 45 EUR and it is credited against a later package.
Keep going
Brazilian Portuguese explained
What does 'oy' mean in Portuguese? Brazilian answer
Brazilian Portuguese basics
Oi Brazil Meaning: What Oi Really Means in Brazil
Brazilian Portuguese Basics
Brazilian Portuguese Days of the Week: Complete Guide
Brazilian Portuguese basics
Oi in Portuguese: What It Really Means
Free resources
Brazilian vs European Portuguese
Free resources
Lessons and prices