When talking about people, "delgado" means thin or slim. But you can use it to describe objects too. For example, a delicate chain or a thin book can be described as "delgado." It's a pretty straightforward word, so you'll hear it a lot.
When talking about people, "delgado" means thin or slim in a positive way, often implying elegance. Think of a ballerina's figure.
It's generally a compliment, similar to saying someone is svelte or slender in English. It's not typically used to describe someone who is unhealthily underweight.
For objects, "delgado" can also mean thin, like a thin book or a delicate piece of fabric. It emphasizes a lack of width or thickness.
Example:
- "Ela tem uma figura delgada e elegante." (She has a thin and elegant figure.)
- "O livro é muito delgado, cabe facilmente na minha bolsa." (The book is very thin, it fits easily in my bag.)
When talking about someone's build, "delgado" is often used to describe a person who is thin or slim in a generally positive or neutral way, emphasizing a slender physique. For example, you might say, "Ela tem um corpo delgado e elegante." (She has a thin and elegant body.) It can also be used for objects, like a "lápis delgado" (a thin pencil).
However, it can sometimes carry a connotation of being too thin or fragile, depending on the context. Consider the sentence, "Depois da doença, ele ficou muito delgado." (After the illness, he became very thin.) In this case, it implies an unhealthy thinness.
While "magro" is a more common and general term for thin, "delgado" often suggests a more refined or delicate kind of thinness, though it can still describe a sickly appearance.
§ Understanding "delgado"
You're learning Portuguese, and understanding how words like "delgado" are used in real life is super helpful. This word is an adjective, and it means 'thin' or 'slim'. It's not a super rare word; you'll hear it in various contexts, from talking about people to describing objects or even abstract concepts.
- DEFINITION
- Thin, slim
The most common use of "delgado" is to describe physical thinness, whether it's a person, an animal, or an object. It's pretty straightforward. Think of it like describing someone's build or the thickness of something.
Ela tem uma figura delgada.
In this example, "Ela tem uma figura delgada" means "She has a thin (or slim) figure." You're directly describing a person's body type. This is probably the most intuitive way you'll encounter the word.
O livro é muito delgado, com poucas páginas.
Here, "O livro é muito delgado" means "The book is very thin." You're talking about the physical thickness of an object. This is a common way to use it for things, not just people.
§ "Delgado" in professional and formal settings
While you might think of "thin" as a simple word, "delgado" can appear in more formal or technical contexts too. It's often used when precision is needed in descriptions.
- In architecture or design: You might hear it describing a thin structure or a sleek design.
- In science: When discussing samples or materials, a researcher might refer to a "camada delgada" (thin layer).
- In medical contexts: A doctor might describe a "osso delgado" (thin bone) or a "parede delgada" (thin wall) of an organ.
Foi encontrada uma camada delgada de gelo na superfície.
This translates to "A thin layer of ice was found on the surface." This shows how "delgado" is used in a more observational or scientific context. It's not just about people.
§ Subtle uses and nuances of "delgado"
Sometimes, "delgado" can be used in a more figurative sense, though less commonly than its literal meaning. It can imply something that is not robust or is easily broken, or something that is fine and delicate.
A linha de raciocínio era muito delgada.
Here, "A linha de raciocínio era muito delgada" means "The line of reasoning was very thin (or weak)." This is a more abstract use, referring to the strength or substance of an argument. While not as common, it's good to be aware of this potential figurative meaning.
For example, you'd say "o homem delgado" (the thin man) but "a mulher delgada" (the thin woman).
In news reports, you might hear "delgado" describing a legislative proposal that lacks substance, or a budget that is very tight. For instance, a headline could say: "Proposta de lei delgada enfrenta resistência" (Thin (or weak) bill faces resistance).
The key takeaway is that "delgado" is a versatile adjective. While its primary meaning is 'thin' or 'slim' for physical descriptions, its usage extends to more nuanced contexts, making it a useful word to have in your Portuguese vocabulary arsenal. Pay attention to context, and you'll quickly get the hang of it!
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'g' as a soft 'j' sound (like in 'gin') instead of a hard 'g' (like in 'go').
- Failing to fully pronounce the 'o' at the end, making it sound like 'delgad' instead of 'delgado'.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
O gato é muito delgado.
The cat is very thin.
Ela tem uma figura delgada.
She has a slim figure.
A ponte é longa e delgada.
The bridge is long and thin.
Ele é um homem alto e delgado.
He is a tall and thin man.
As folhas das árvores são delgadas.
The tree leaves are thin.
A linha do anzol é delgada.
The fishing line is thin.
A caneta é delgada e fácil de segurar.
The pen is thin and easy to hold.
Para ser bailarina, precisa ser bem delgada.
To be a ballerina, you need to be very slim.
O modelo era tão delgado que parecia flutuar na passarela.
The model was so thin that she seemed to float on the runway.
Here, 'delgado' refers to a person's physique.
As folhas da árvore eram delgadas e frágeis.
The leaves of the tree were thin and fragile.
'Delgadas' is the feminine plural form, agreeing with 'folhas'.
Ele usava um relógio de pulso muito delgado.
He wore a very slim wristwatch.
'Delgado' describes the thinness of an object.
A linha que separava os dois países era bem delgada.
The line separating the two countries was very thin.
Used metaphorically to describe a narrow distinction.
Após a doença, ele ficou muito delgado.
After the illness, he became very thin.
Indicates a loss of weight or a gaunt appearance.
A estrutura de metal era delgada, mas resistente.
The metal structure was thin, but resistant.
Describes the physical characteristic of a structure.
Ela tinha os dedos longos e delgados de uma pianista.
She had the long, slender fingers of a pianist.
'Delgados' is the masculine plural form, agreeing with 'dedos'.
O tecido era tão delgado que dava para ver através dele.
The fabric was so thin that you could see through it.
Refers to the lack of thickness in a material.
A modelo tinha um corpo naturalmente delgado e elegante.
The model had a naturally thin and elegant body.
Feminine singular adjective agreeing with 'corpo' (body).
As folhas das árvores eram delgadas e balançavam suavemente com o vento.
The leaves of the trees were thin and swayed gently in the wind.
Feminine plural adjective agreeing with 'folhas' (leaves).
Ele usava óculos com armações delgadas que se encaixavam perfeitamente no seu rosto.
He wore glasses with thin frames that fit his face perfectly.
Feminine plural adjective agreeing with 'armações' (frames).
A linha do horizonte estava delgada e indistinta devido à neblina.
The horizon line was thin and indistinct due to the fog.
Feminine singular adjective agreeing with 'linha' (line).
Com o passar dos anos, o cabelo dela ficou mais delgado e ralo.
Over the years, her hair became thinner and sparser.
Masculine singular adjective agreeing with 'cabelo' (hair).
O arquiteto projetou uma ponte com pilares delgados para dar uma sensação de leveza.
The architect designed a bridge with thin pillars to give a sense of lightness.
Masculine plural adjective agreeing with 'pilares' (pillars).
A taça de cristal tinha um gargalo tão delgado que parecia frágil.
The crystal glass had such a thin neck that it seemed fragile.
Masculine singular adjective agreeing with 'gargalo' (neck).
Mesmo após a refeição, ele continuava com uma figura delgada e esguia.
Even after the meal, he still had a thin and slender figure.
Feminine singular adjective agreeing with 'figura' (figure).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Ela tem um corpo muito delgado.
She has a very thin body.
Sua figura é delgada e elegante.
Her figure is slim and elegant.
Ele tem mãos longas e delgadas.
He has long and thin hands.
As pernas dela são delgadas e fortes.
Her legs are slim and strong.
Coma mais, você está muito delgado.
Eat more, you are too thin.
A modelo tinha uma cintura muito delgada.
The model had a very slim waist.
O pescoço do pássaro era longo e delgado.
The bird's neck was long and thin.
Ele desenhou uma linha delgada no papel.
He drew a thin line on the paper.
Os seus dedos delgados tocavam o piano.
His slim fingers played the piano.
O galho da árvore era delgado e frágil.
The tree branch was thin and fragile.
يُخلط عادةً مع
Often used for thin people/animals, sometimes with a connotation of being underweight.
Used for things that are not thick, like paper or fabric. Less common for people.
Refers to graceful or elegant thinness, usually with a positive aesthetic connotation.
سهل الخلط
'Magro' also means thin, but it's typically used to describe people or animals who are naturally thin or underweight, often implying a lack of flesh or muscle. 'Delgado' is more generally applicable.
'Delgado' can describe objects and people, often with a positive or neutral connotation, focusing on slenderness. 'Magro' is usually for living beings and can sometimes imply being too thin.
Ele é um homem *magro* mas saudável. (He is a *thin* but healthy man.)
'Fino' can mean thin, especially when referring to things that are not very thick, like paper or a line. It's less common for people.
'Delgado' is more about the overall slender shape, often for people or long objects. 'Fino' is about lack of thickness, like a fine thread or a thin slice.
O papel é muito *fino*. (The paper is very *thin*.)
'Esbelto' means slender or graceful, and it's often used for people or objects with an elegant, delicate, and aesthetically pleasing thinness. It has a very positive connotation.
'Delgado' is a neutral term for thinness, while 'esbelto' emphasizes graceful and elegant thinness.
Ela tem uma figura *esbelta*. (She has a *slender* figure.)
'Estreito' means narrow, which can sometimes be confused with thin, especially when describing spaces or objects that have limited width.
'Delgado' refers to a lack of thickness or flesh. 'Estreito' refers to a lack of width or space.
A rua é muito *estreita*. (The street is very *narrow*.)
While not directly meaning 'thin,' 'fraco' (weak) can be confused because a very thin person might also be perceived as weak. However, the words describe different attributes.
'Delgado' describes physical size (thinness). 'Fraco' describes strength or power (weakness).
Ele estava *fraco* depois da doença. (He was *weak* after the illness.)
كيفية الاستخدام
When talking about people, "delgado" is often used to describe someone who is naturally slender or svelte, rather than someone who is underweight or unhealthy. For example, you might say, "Ela é muito delgada e elegante," meaning, "She is very slim and elegant." It can also be used for objects, like a "lápis delgado" (a thin pencil).
A common mistake is confusing "delgado" with "magro." While both can mean thin, "magro" often implies a more extreme thinness, sometimes with a connotation of being underweight or even unhealthy. "Delgado" is generally more neutral and can even be complimentary, suggesting a graceful slimness. So, while you could say "Ele está magro porque esteve doente" (He is thin because he has been sick), you wouldn't typically use "delgado" in that context.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Describing people's physique
- Ela é muito delgada. (She is very thin.)
- Ele tem um corpo delgado e atlético. (He has a slim and athletic body.)
- Muitas modelos são delgadas. (Many models are thin.)
Describing objects that are narrow or fine
- A linha é muito delgada. (The line is very fine/thin.)
- Ele escreveu com uma caneta de ponta delgada. (He wrote with a thin-tipped pen.)
- As folhas dessa planta são delgadas. (The leaves of this plant are slender.)
Figurative use, indicating something slight or tenuous
- A esperança era delgada, mas existia. (The hope was tenuous, but it existed.)
- Há uma delgada fronteira entre os dois conceitos. (There is a fine line between the two concepts.)
Medical or health descriptions
- A pele dele é muito delgada. (His skin is very thin.)
- Ele perdeu peso e ficou mais delgado. (He lost weight and became thinner.)
Describing parts of animals or plants
- O tronco da árvore é delgado. (The tree trunk is slender.)
- As pernas do veado são delgadas. (The deer's legs are slender.)
بدايات محادثة
"Você prefere pessoas com corpo mais delgado ou mais robusto? (Do you prefer people with a thinner or more robust body?)"
"Qual é o objeto mais delgado que você consegue pensar? (What's the thinnest object you can think of?)"
"Em que situações você diria que a esperança é "delgada"? (In what situations would you say hope is "tenuous"?)"
"Você conhece alguém que ficou muito delgado depois de uma doença? (Do you know anyone who became very thin after an illness?)"
"Há algo "delgado" na natureza que te impressiona? (Is there something "slender" in nature that impresses you?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Descreva uma pessoa ou um objeto usando a palavra "delgado" em diferentes contextos. (Describe a person or an object using the word "delgado" in different contexts.)
Pense em uma situação onde a esperança era "delgada" para você. O que aconteceu? (Think of a situation where hope was "tenuous" for you. What happened?)
Compare a palavra "delgado" com outras palavras em português que significam "thin" ou "slim". Quais são as diferenças? (Compare "delgado" with other Portuguese words meaning "thin" or "slim". What are the differences?)
Escreva sobre um animal ou uma planta que você considera "delgado". Por que você escolheu esse exemplo? (Write about an animal or plant that you consider "slender". Why did you choose this example?)
Como a percepção de ser "delgado" é vista na sua cultura? É algo positivo, negativo ou neutro? (How is the perception of being "thin" viewed in your culture? Is it positive, negative, or neutral?)
اختبر نفسك 12 أسئلة
A modelo era tão ______ que podia vestir qualquer roupa.
The context implies the model can wear 'any clothes' due to her figure, so 'delgada' (thin) is the most suitable adjective.
Depois de perder peso, ele ficou mais ______ e saudável.
Losing weight leads to becoming 'delgado' (thin) and healthier.
Ela tem dedos muito ______ e longos, perfeitos para tocar piano.
'Delgados' (slender) describes fingers that are 'long' and good for playing piano.
O gato era tão ______ que mal se via de perfil.
If the cat was 'mal se via de perfil' (hardly visible in profile), it means it was 'delgado' (thin).
Para passar pela fenda, ele teve que se tornar o mais ______ possível.
To pass through a 'fenda' (crack/gap), one needs to be 'delgado' (thin).
As árvores da floresta eram altas e ______, com poucas folhas.
Trees described as 'altas' (tall) and 'com poucas folhas' (with few leaves) would likely be 'delgadas' (slender).
The model was very thin for the fashion show.
He has slim legs, like a runner.
The black cat is quite thin, despite eating a lot.
Read this aloud:
As árvores da floresta eram altas e delgadas.
Focus: delgadas
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
Ela comprou um vestido que a fazia parecer mais delgada.
Focus: delgada
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
A sua figura delgada chamou a atenção de todos.
Focus: delgada
قلت:
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/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
مثال
A caneta tinha um design elegante e delgado.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات general
a cerca de
B1About; approximately.
à direita
A2To the right side.
à esquerda
A2To the left side.
a fim de
A2in order to
à frente
A2In front of.
a frente
A2At or toward the front.
À frente de
A2In front of
a tempo
A2on time, punctually
à volta de
A2Around.
abaixo
A1At a lower level or layer than; below.
