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