Portuguese · Daily Life
Telefone
[/teleˈfoni/]
Phone
Beginnernoun · m
Definition
A device for transmitting spoken messages over distances.
Dispositivo para transmitir mensagens faladas à distância.
Example
Meu telefone celular acabou a bateria.
My cell phone ran out of battery.
Etymology
The word 'telefone' is derived from the Greek word 'tēle' (far) and 'phonē' (voice), indicating its purpose in communication across distances. It was adopted into Portuguese in the late 19th century.
How & Where It’s Used
'Telefone' is used in both spoken and written contexts, generally informal; however, in formal settings, it also appears frequently, especially in business communication.