dez — meaning in English: ten

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for ten

dez

sorrir

desafios

paradoxo de Zenão

trem

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Portuguese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Portuguese speakers commonly use the word 'dez' when discussing numbers, whether in everyday conversations or during educational settings. For instance, you might hear it in a classroom while counting or in a store when calculating prices. It's a foundational number that appears frequently in various contexts, from simple math to age announcements.

Synonyms & nuances

'Dez' specifically denotes the number ten, whereas 'décimo' refers to the ordinal number tenth. You would choose 'dez' when counting or indicating quantity, while 'décimo' is used in contexts that require ranking or positioning.

Culture

The word 'dez' comes from the Latin 'decem', which means ten. This connection highlights the enduring influence of Latin on Portuguese vocabulary. Interestingly, in many cultures, the number ten symbolizes completeness or perfection, often reflected in how people celebrate milestones, like reaching the age of ten, which is considered a significant transition in childhood.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'dez' in Portuguese?

'Dez' is pronounced like 'dez' in English, with a soft 'd' sound and a short 'ez' as in 'bed'. It rhymes with 'says'.

Q.Is 'dez' used in any expressions or idioms?

Yes! 'Dez' can appear in expressions like 'dez por cento' (ten percent), commonly used in financial contexts, such as discounts or statistics.

Q.What is the plural form of 'dez'?

'Dez' does not have a plural form because it refers to a specific number. However, if you need to express multiples, you would say 'dez unidades' (ten units).

Learn portuguese with Maspeak →

Portuguese Vocabulary