Vocabulary: Inherent Characteristics and Temporary States in Portuguese

This comprehensive vocabulary list will help you describe both inherent characteristics (using “ser”) and temporary states (using “estar”) in Portuguese. The words are categorized to aid in understanding and usage.

Physical Attributes

  • alto/a – tall
  • baixo/a – short
  • magro/a – thin
  • gordo/a – fat
  • forte – strong
  • fraco/a – weak
  • bonito/a – beautiful
  • feio/a – ugly
  • jovem – young
  • velho/a – old
  • calvo/a – bald
  • cabeludo/a – hairy

Personality Traits

  • inteligente – intelligent
  • esperto/a – clever
  • tímido/a – shy
  • extrovertido/a – outgoing
  • corajoso/a – brave
  • medroso/a – fearful
  • honesto/a – honest
  • desonesto/a – dishonest
  • generoso/a – generous
  • egoísta – selfish
  • paciente – patient
  • impaciente – impatient

Nationalities and Affiliations

  • brasileiro/a – Brazilian
  • português/portuguesa – Portuguese
  • americano/a – American
  • católico/a – Catholic
  • judeu/judia – Jewish
  • ateu/ateia – atheist
  • solteiro/a – single
  • casado/a – married
  • divorciado/a – divorced

Essential Qualities (for objects)

  • redondo/a – round
  • quadrado/a – square
  • macio/a – soft
  • duro/a – hard
  • pesado/a – heavy
  • leve – light
  • caro/a – expensive
  • barato/a – cheap
  • valioso/a – valuable
  • frágil – fragile

Temporary Physical Conditions

  • doente – sick
  • saudável – healthy
  • cansado/a – tired
  • descansado/a – rested
  • grávida – pregnant
  • ferido/a – injured
  • bêbado/a – drunk
  • sóbrio/a – sober

Emotions and Moods

  • feliz – happy
  • triste – sad
  • zangado/a – angry
  • calmo/a – calm
  • ansioso/a – anxious
  • preocupado/a – worried
  • entusiasmado/a – excited
  • entediado/a – bored
  • surpreso/a – surprised
  • confuso/a – confused

Temporary Situations and Appearances

  • ocupado/a – busy
  • livre – free
  • pronto/a – ready
  • atrasado/a – late
  • sujo/a – dirty
  • limpo/a – clean
  • cheio/a – full
  • vazio/a – empty
  • aberto/a – open
  • fechado/a – closed

Changing States

  • quente – hot
  • frio/a – cold
  • molhado/a – wet
  • seco/a – dry
  • maduro/a – ripe
  • verde (for fruit) – unripe
  • aceso/a – lit
  • apagado/a – turned off

Remember, many of these words can be used with both “ser” and “estar”, but the meaning will change depending on which verb you use. The context and the verb choice will indicate whether you’re describing an inherent characteristic or a temporary state.

Next: Examples: Ser for Permanent and Inherent Characteristics in Brazilian Portuguese

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