This is the 2184th most frequent Portuguese word.
placa
"Placa" in English means "plate," "sign," or "tablet," depending on context.
In this sentence, 'placa' refers to a traffic sign or road sign that provides information or instructions to drivers.
Eu parei o carro porque vi uma placa de trânsito indicando parada obrigatória.
I stopped the car because I saw a traffic sign indicating mandatory stop.
Here, 'placa' means a sign or plate usually containing written information, such as the name of an establishment or instructions.
Na entrada do edifício, havia uma placa com o nome da empresa.
At the entrance of the building, there was a plaque with the name of the company.
In this context, 'placa' relates to a flat, usually large piece of material used structurally or decoratively, such as a panel.