The Levels of Romantic Relationships in Brazil

In Brazilian Portuguese, the following words describe the level of intimacy in relationships:

"amizade colorida"

Ficante – From the verb “ficar” (to hook up) we have the word “ficante,” which is someone you are casually hooking up with. This may be seen as the stage between someone being your friend vs. boyfriend/girlfriend.  You can also describe this with “amizade colorida” which means that it is a friends with benefits situation. A synonym for “ficante” is the word “rolo.” For example: ” Joana e Marcos estão de rolo, apenas isso.”

Paquera – Being flirty with someone. “Paquerar” means to flirt. The word “cantar” which means to sing also means to flirt in Portuguese slang.

Namorado / Namorada – This is what you call a person if they are your boyfriend/girlfriend. “Namorando” is the state of being in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

Noivo / Noiva – This is what you call your fiancé when you are engaged. In Brazil they wear the engagement ring on their right hand and then switch the rings to their left hand when married. “Noivado” is the state of being engaged to someone.

Marido / Mulher – Husband/ Wife. Married people in Brazil wear the ring on their left hand.

“Almas Gemias” – (literally: “twin souls”) means “soul mates.”