Favela Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A "favela" is a type of informal community or slum in Brazil, often found on the outskirts of major cities, where many people live in simple, self-built houses.

Usage & Nuances

"Favela" is a Portuguese word borrowed directly into English, mostly used when talking about Brazilian cities. It refers specifically to Brazilian slums and not general slums worldwide. It is neutral in English but can carry different tones in other languages or contexts.

• Spanish: favela (barrio pobre de Brasil)
• Portuguese (BR): favela
• Portuguese (PT): favela
• Chinese (Simplified): 贫民窟（巴西）
• Chinese (Traditional): 貧民窟（巴西）
• Hindi: फवेला (ब्राज़ील की झुग्गी बस्ती)
• Arabic: فافيلا (حي فقير في البرازيل)
• Bengali: ফাভেলা (ব্রাজিলীয় বস্তি)
• Russian: фавела (бразильские трущобы)
• Japanese: ファヴェーラ（ブラジルのスラム街）
• Vietnamese: khu ổ chuột Favela (ở Brazil)
• Korean: 파벨라(브라질 빈민가)
• Turkish: favela (Brezilya gecekondusu)
• Urdu: فیویلا (برازیلی کچی آبادی)
• Indonesian: favela (permukiman kumuh Brasil)

Example Sentences

A favela is usually found on the edge of a big city.

basic

The houses in a favela are built by the people who live there.

basic

He grew up in a favela and now works to help his community.

natural

There are music and dance festivals held in the favelas every year.

natural

Many people live in a favela in Rio de Janeiro.

basic

Visitors sometimes take tours to learn about life in a favela.

natural