coração
/ko.ɾaˈsɐ̃w̃/
Definition
The heart — both the organ that pumps blood and a symbol of love, emotion, or the core of something.
Example
Ela sentiu o coração acelerar de alegria.
Show translation
She felt her heart speed up with joy.
Etymology
From Latin *cor* (heart) + the augmentative/abstract suffix *-ação* (from Latin *-actionem*). The Latin root *cor* is also the ancestor of English "core" and "cordial," and of Spanish *corazón* and Italian *cuore*.
Cultural note
In Brazilian Portuguese, *coração* goes far beyond anatomy. Brazilians use it as a term of endearment ("meu coração!" = "my love!") and in everyday expressions like *de coração* (sincerely, from the heart) and *coração partido* (broken heart). The word also appears in countless song titles in samba, forró, and MPB (Música Popular Brasileira), reflecting how central emotion and warmth are in Brazilian culture. Note: don't confuse with the Spanish false friend *corazón*, which is identical in meaning — a rare case where the two languages fully agree!