malandro
rogue, rascal, street-smart
Advanced Noun Masculine
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Pronunciation
/mɐˈlɐ̃.dɾu/
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Cultural Note
The malandro is an iconic cultural archetype in Brazil — the charming, street-smart trickster who lives by his wits. Celebrated in samba and literature, the malandro represents both a critique and romanticization of survival in urban Brazilian life. Famous malandros include characters in Jorge Amado's novels.
📝 Example Sentences
Ele é um malandro, nunca trabalhou na vida.
He's a rogue, he's never worked in his life.
O malandro carioca é um personagem cultural.
The Rio rascal is a cultural character.
Não sejas malandro, faz as coisas direito.
Don't be a cheat, do things properly.