Portuguese Phrase
Uns 20 graus.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘About 20 degrees.’ It is a quick way to give an approximate temperature, whether talking about the weather, a room, or an angle.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a rough estimate of temperature or an angle without being exact. It’s common in casual conversation, weather reports, or when describing how hot or cold something feels.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Uns20graus
Uns (aproximação)
‘Uns’ is an indefinite numeral used before numbers to indicate an approximate amount, similar to ‘about’ or ‘around’ in English.
Números em português
When spoken, the numeral ‘20’ is said ‘vinte’; the written digit can be used in informal notes, but the spoken form is always the word.
Graus (plural)
‘Grau’ means ‘degree’; it is pluralized to ‘graus’ when referring to temperature or angles.
🗨In Conversation
Como está o tempo hoje?
How's the weather today?
Uns 20 graus.
About 20 degrees.
✕Common Mistakes
Um 20 graus.
‘Um’ means ‘one’; it does not convey approximation. Use ‘uns’ for ‘about’.
Uns 20 grau.
When the number is plural, the noun must also be plural: ‘graus’.
Cerca 20 graus.
You need the preposition ‘de’ after ‘cerca’: ‘Cerca de 20 graus’.
↔Alternatives
Cerca de 20 graus.
Around 20 degrees.
Por volta de 20 graus.
Approximately 20 degrees.
Aproximadamente 20 graus.
Approximately 20 degrees.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and most Portuguese‑speaking countries, temperature is expressed in Celsius, not Fahrenheit. Using ‘uns’ makes the statement informal and friendly – perfect for chatting with friends, but you might choose ‘cerca de’ in a more formal setting such as a news broadcast.