What Does Tipo Mean in Brazilian Portuguese? ‘Like’ and ‘Type’
Tipo means ‘type’ or ‘kind’ as a noun; in casual speech, it can also work as a filler similar to ‘like’ or ‘sort of.’
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Tipo is a masculine noun meaning ‘type,’ ‘kind,’ or ‘category.’ It often appears after a demonstrative or quantifier: esse tipo de música (this kind of music), vários tipos de café (several types of coffee). In this use, it carries clear information about a group or category.
Use tipo as a noun for a kind or category
Before a singular noun, the pattern tipo de + noun is common. The preposition de connects tipo to the category that follows; add the article required by the sentence.
Que tipo de comida você prefere?
What type of food do you prefer?
Esse tipo de exercício ajuda na pronúncia.
This kind of exercise helps with pronunciation.
Existem vários tipos de café no Brasil.
There are several types of coffee in Brazil.
Recognize tipo as a casual speech filler
In informal conversation, tipo can be a filler similar to ‘like’ or ‘sort of.’ A speaker may use it while choosing words, introducing an example, or softening an approximation: era tipo uma festa (it was kind of like a party). This use is common in casual speech but usually unnecessary in formal writing.
Learners can understand the filler without copying every repetition. If you want to sound clear, give the example directly: parecia uma festa, por exemplo (it seemed like a party, for example). One well-placed tipo is more natural than inserting it into every sentence.
Foi tipo um ensaio antes do evento.
It was kind of like a rehearsal before the event.
Eu fiquei, tipo, sem saber o que responder.
I was, like, unsure what to answer.
Ela trouxe um doce, tipo um bolo de milho.
She brought a dessert, like a corn cake.
Put it into practice
Tipo is a useful noun for ‘type’ or ‘kind’ and a frequent informal filler like ‘like.’ Recognize the casual filler, but use it sparingly in your own speech and writing.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “It was kind of like a rehearsal before the event”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.