Pronunciation: [pˈɑːdə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "pardos" is spelled as "pahr-dohs." In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈpɑːrdoʊz/. The first syllable "par" is pronounced as /pɑːr/, and the second syllable "dos" is pronounced as /doʊz/. The letter "a" is pronounced as /ɑː/ in the first syllable, while the letter "o" is pronounced as /oʊ/ in the second syllable. The letter "s" is pronounced as /z/ instead of /s/ due to the following vowel sound.
Pardos is a term of Brazilian origin that refers to individuals of mixed race or heritage, specifically those of African and European ancestry. It is commonly used in Brazil to denote individuals who have both black and white ancestry, resulting in various degrees of physical appearance ranging from lighter to darker skin tones.
The term "pardos" is derived from the Portuguese word "pardo," which translates to "brown" in English. However, its connotation extends beyond just the color of one's skin, encompassing a diverse set of racial and ethnic characteristics that reflect the country's complex history of racial mixing.
Pardos occupy an intermediate position in the racial hierarchy of Brazil, as the country's racial classification system acknowledges various categories, including white (branco), black (preto), pardo, indigenous (indígena), and Asian (amarelo). Pardos constitute a significant portion of Brazil's population, illustrating the extensive interracial relationships and mixing that have occurred over generations.
Due to the fluidity of racial self-identification, identifying as pardo can be subjective and depend on personal perceptions, cultural interpretations, and social contexts. The multidimensional nature of pardos highlights Brazil's unique racial dynamics, where racial identity is a complex interplay of physical attributes, family history, and societal expectations.
It is essential to recognize that the definition and understanding of the term "pardos" can vary both historically and within different regions of Brazil, reflecting the diverse perspectives and experiences of its people.
