At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic and essential use of 'escovar': dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth is one of the first daily routine actions you learn. You should be able to conjugate 'escovar' in the present tense for 'eu' (I) and 'você' (you). The phrase 'Eu escovo os dentes' is a foundational sentence. At this stage, do not worry about complex reflexive uses or industrial meanings. Just remember that 'escovar' is the action and 'escova' is the tool. You might also learn 'escovar o cabelo' as part of getting ready in the morning. The main goal is to associate the word with your morning and nightly bathroom routine. Practice saying 'Eu escovo os dentes de manhã e de noite' (I brush my teeth in the morning and at night) to build muscle memory for the regular -ar verb endings.
At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'escovar' to include other people and animals. You should be able to talk about brushing your dog or helping a child brush their teeth. You will also start using the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito) to describe what you did earlier in the day: 'Eu escovei os dentes depois do café da manhã.' You should also be comfortable with the imperative form, as it is frequently used in household instructions: 'Escove o cabelo antes de sair!' This level also introduces the distinction between 'escovar' (brush) and 'pentear' (comb), which is a common point of confusion for learners. You should start to notice that Portuguese speakers rarely use possessive pronouns with body parts when using this verb, opting for the definite article 'os' or 'o' instead.
By B1, you can use 'escovar' in more varied contexts and with more complex sentence structures. You might describe the process of grooming a horse or cleaning a specific type of fabric like suede or wool. You will use the imperfect tense to describe past habits: 'Quando eu era criança, eu não gostava de escovar os dentes.' You should also be familiar with the gerund form 'escovando' to describe ongoing actions. At this level, you might encounter the noun 'escovação' in health-related texts or dental advice. You are expected to understand the verb in the context of professional services, such as at a 'pet shop' or a 'salão de beleza.' You can also start using the future tense and conditional to talk about intentions or hypothetical situations involving grooming and care.
At the B2 level, you should be aware of the more technical and stylistic nuances of 'escovar.' This includes 'metal escovado' (brushed metal) in the context of interior design or electronics. You can participate in discussions about hygiene habits in different cultures or the importance of dental health in public policy. Your use of the verb should be fluid, correctly applying the subtle differences between 'escovar,' 'esfregar,' and 'polir.' You should also understand the passive voice constructions, even if they are less common in speech. You can understand more complex instructions, such as those found on clothing labels ('escovar suavemente') or in beauty tutorials that explain how to achieve a specific look through brushing techniques. Your vocabulary around the verb expands to include specialized tools like 'escova interdental' or 'escova de cerdas naturais.'
At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'escovar' and its related forms. You can use the verb metaphorically if the situation arises, and you understand regional colloquialisms. You are comfortable using the verb in formal writing, perhaps in a report about the manufacturing of 'aço escovado' (brushed steel) or a detailed medical article about oral hygiene. You can distinguish between the European Portuguese 'escovámos' (past) and 'escovamos' (present) by ear. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages. You can also use the verb in complex grammatical structures, such as the personal infinitive: 'É importante escovarmos os dentes regularmente.' Your understanding of the word is deep enough to catch puns or wordplay in advertising that plays on the multiple meanings of brushing and cleaning.
At the C2 level, 'escovar' is a word you use with total spontaneity and precision. You can appreciate the nuances of its use in classical and contemporary Portuguese literature, where it might be used to describe a character's meticulous nature or a specific domestic atmosphere. You can discuss the evolution of the word and its cognates across the Lusophone world. Whether you are translating a technical manual for industrial brushing equipment or writing a poetic description of someone brushing their hair by a window, you choose the word and its accompanying structures with the ease of a native speaker. You are also fully aware of the most obscure idioms or regionalisms that might involve the word, even if they are rarely used in standard discourse. Your mastery includes the ability to use the verb in any tense, mood, or voice perfectly within the flow of complex conversation.

escovar في 30 ثانية

  • Escovar means to brush teeth, hair, or objects.
  • It is a regular -ar verb in Portuguese.
  • Commonly used with definite articles for body parts.
  • Essential for daily routines and hygiene conversations.

The Portuguese verb escovar is a fundamental action verb primarily associated with personal hygiene and maintenance. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to brush.' While the concept is straightforward, the cultural and linguistic application in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal carries specific weight in daily routines. Most commonly, you will encounter this word in the context of morning and evening rituals. It is the definitive word used for cleaning one's teeth or arranging one's hair with a brush. Unlike some verbs that might shift meanings drastically across different contexts, escovar remains relatively stable, always implying the use of a tool with bristles to clean, smooth, or polish a surface.

Dental Hygiene
The most frequent use is 'escovar os dentes' (to brush teeth). In Portuguese culture, dental hygiene is taken very seriously, especially in Brazil, where it is common for professionals to brush their teeth in office bathrooms after lunch.
Hair Care
When you use a brush to untangle or style your hair, you use 'escovar o cabelo.' Note that if you use a comb, the verb changes to 'pentear.'
Animal Grooming
Grooming a horse or a dog with a brush is also described using this verb, such as 'escovar o cavalo.'

É muito importante escovar os dentes após cada refeição para evitar cáries.

Translation: It is very important to brush your teeth after every meal to avoid cavities.

Beyond personal grooming, escovar extends to the maintenance of objects. If you have a suede jacket or a formal suit that has gathered dust, you would use a clothing brush to 'escovar o terno' (brush the suit). In industrial or artistic contexts, it can also refer to the process of 'brushing' metal or wood to create a specific texture, known as 'metal escovado' (brushed metal). This versatility makes it an essential verb for anyone looking to describe cleaning or finishing processes that do not involve heavy water or soap, but rather the mechanical action of bristles.

Ela passa horas a escovar o seu longo cabelo loiro.

Textile Maintenance
Brushing a carpet or upholstery to remove crumbs or hair.

O alfaiate começou a escovar o casaco de lã.

The verb follows the regular first conjugation pattern (-ar), making it relatively easy for beginners to conjugate. Whether you are discussing daily habits, professional grooming, or specialized cleaning, understanding the scope of escovar ensures you can communicate these routine actions with precision and natural flair.

Using escovar correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its common object pairings. In most cases, the verb is followed directly by the object being brushed. However, there is a subtle grammatical nuance regarding reflexivity. While in English we say 'I brush my teeth,' in Portuguese, the common construction is 'Eu escovo os dentes.' The use of the reflexive 'me' (Eu me escovo) is less common unless you are referring to the entire act of brushing oneself, which sounds a bit vague. Instead, the focus is almost always on the specific body part.

Direct Object Usage
The verb acts directly on the noun. Example: 'Vou escovar o tapete' (I am going to brush the rug).
Imperative Forms
Commonly used by parents: 'Escove os dentes agora!' (Brush your teeth now!).

Você já escovou o seu cachorro hoje?

Translation: Have you already brushed your dog today?

When conjugating escovar in the past tense (Pretérito Perfeito), it helps to describe completed actions of the morning. For example, 'Eu escovei os dentes antes de sair' (I brushed my teeth before leaving). In the future tense, it often pairs with the auxiliary verb 'ir' for a more natural, spoken feel: 'Eu vou escovar meu cabelo' (I am going to brush my hair). Note that while possessive pronouns (meu, seu) can be used for emphasis or clarity, the definite article remains the standard choice for native speakers when the owner of the body part is obvious from the subject of the sentence.

Nós escovamos os cavalos todas as manhãs na fazenda.

In more complex sentences, escovar can be used in the gerund form (escovando) to describe an ongoing action. 'Ele está escovando os dentes' (He is brushing his teeth). This is particularly useful in storytelling or when describing a scene in progress. Furthermore, the verb can be used metaphorically in some regions to mean 'to clean up' or 'to refine' a piece of work, though this is much less common than its literal hygiene-based meanings. Always prioritize the literal meaning until you are comfortable with colloquial variations.

Preciso escovar a camurça destes sapatos.

The Passive Voice
Rarely used in daily speech, but possible: 'O cabelo foi escovado pelo cabeleireiro' (The hair was brushed by the hairdresser).

Se você não escovar o pelo do gato, ele terá nós.

The word escovar is ubiquitous in the domestic sphere. You will hear it every single day in a Portuguese-speaking household. From parents coaxing children to prepare for bed to roommates discussing their morning routines, it is a staple of everyday life. However, its presence extends beyond the home into several professional environments where grooming and maintenance are paramount. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word even when it is spoken quickly or in specialized settings.

At the Dentist (O Dentista)
You will hear 'Como você costuma escovar os dentes?' (How do you usually brush your teeth?). Dentists often provide instructions on the 'técnica de escovar' (brushing technique).
At the Hair Salon (O Salão de Beleza)
Stylists will ask if you want them to 'escovar' your hair after a wash. In Brazil, a 'escova' is also a noun referring to a blow-dry treatment that leaves the hair straight and smooth.

O dentista recomendou escovar a língua também.

Translation: The dentist recommended brushing the tongue as well.

In rural settings or at equestrian centers, escovar is the standard term for grooming livestock. If you are visiting a farm in the Alentejo region of Portugal or a ranch in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, you will hear workers talking about 'escovar os animais' as part of their daily chores. This highlights the verb's connection to care and preparation. Additionally, in the world of fashion and high-end retail, you might hear a salesperson mention that a specific fabric needs to be 'escovado com cuidado' (brushed with care) to maintain its texture and appearance.

Ela foi ao salão para escovar o cabelo para a festa.

Social media and advertising also frequently use this verb. Toothpaste commercials (comerciais de creme dental) are filled with the word escovar, often paired with bright visuals of healthy smiles. Lifestyle influencers might share their 'rotina de escovar o cabelo' (hair brushing routine), discussing the best types of brushes for different hair textures. Because it is a word linked to health and beauty, it carries a generally positive and proactive connotation in public discourse.

Sempre ouvimos na TV que devemos escovar os dentes por dois minutos.

In the Laundry Room
Using a stiff brush to remove mud from boots or heavy fabrics.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using escovar is not the verb itself, but the accompanying grammar. One of the biggest hurdles is the 'Possessive Pronoun Pitfall.' In English, we almost always say 'my teeth' or 'her hair.' In Portuguese, saying 'Eu escovo meus dentes' sounds slightly redundant and 'foreign.' While grammatically correct, a native speaker will almost always say 'Eu escovo os dentes.' The context of the verb makes it clear whose teeth are being brushed.

Confusing with 'Lavar'
Some learners use 'lavar' (to wash) for teeth. While you are cleaning them, 'lavar os dentes' is incorrect. You must use escovar because of the tool used.
Confusing with 'Pentear'
If you are using a comb (pente), you should use 'pentear.' Use escovar only when using a brush (escova).

Incorrect: Eu vou lavar meus dentes.

Correct: Eu vou escovar os dentes.

Another error involves the conjugation of the first-person plural in the past vs. present. In Brazil, 'nós escovamos' is used for both 'we brush' and 'we brushed.' However, in Portugal, the past tense has an open 'á' sound ('escovámos'), though the spelling remains similar in many contexts. Learners often struggle with the nasal sounds at the end of 'escovam' (they brush), which can sound like 'escovão' to the untrained ear. It is important to distinguish the third-person plural present (-am) from the future (-ão), although for 'escovar,' the future would be 'escovarão.'

Não se diz 'escovar o chão' se você estiver usando uma vassoura; use 'varrer'.

Translation: You don't say 'brush the floor' if you are using a broom; use 'sweep' (varrer).

Lastly, be careful with the preposition 'com' (with). While you can say 'escovar com uma escova macia' (brush with a soft brush), you don't need a preposition between the verb and the body part. Beginners sometimes try to translate 'brush through my hair' literally, which results in clunky phrasing. Simply 'escovar o cabelo' is the most natural way to express the idea of brushing through one's hair.

Ele esqueceu de escovar a parte de trás dos dentes.

While escovar is the primary verb for brushing, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the tool, the intensity, and the specific object involved. Understanding these synonyms and related verbs will help you choose the most precise word for your situation and avoid the repetitive use of a single term.

Pentear vs. Escovar
'Pentear' specifically means to comb. You use a 'pente' (comb). 'Escovar' implies a fuller, volumizing action with a 'escova' (brush). People with curly hair might 'pentear' while wet but 'escovar' only in specific styling contexts.
Limpar vs. Escovar
'Limpar' is the general verb 'to clean.' You can 'limpar' a table with a cloth, but you 'escovar' a suede shoe. 'Escovar' is a method of 'limpar.'
Esfregar vs. Escovar
'Esfregar' means to scrub or rub. While you might 'escovar' gently, 'esfregar' implies more pressure and often a back-and-forth motion to remove stains.

Eu prefiro pentear o cabelo quando está molhado e escovar quando está seco.

Translation: I prefer to comb my hair when it is wet and brush it when it is dry.

In some technical contexts, you might encounter 'polir' (to polish). While escovar can be a step in polishing, 'polir' usually involves making something shine, whereas escovar is about the action of the bristles. For example, you might 'escovar' your shoes to remove dirt before you 'engraxar' (shine) them. In the world of art, 'esfumar' might be used for blending with a brush, which is quite different from the cleaning action of escovar.

Vou esfregar a mancha com uma escova de cerdas duras.

Finally, consider 'desembaraçar' (to untangle). If your goal is specifically to remove knots from hair or wool, 'desembaraçar' is the more descriptive verb, although you would likely use the action of escovar to achieve it. By mixing these verbs, your Portuguese will sound much more descriptive and sophisticated.

É preciso desembaraçar os fios antes de começar a escovar.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The word is related to the English word 'scopa' (used in biology) and the Italian 'scopa', which is both a broom and a popular card game.

دليل النطق

UK /eʃ.kuˈvaɾ/
US /es.koˈvaɾ/
The stress is on the last syllable: vaɾ.
يتقافى مع
cantar falar andar olhar pensar chegar levar passar
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z'.
  • Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' (it should be more like 'eh').
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Vocalizing the final 'r' too strongly like an English 'r'.
  • Confusing the nasal 'am' in 'escovam' with 'ão'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to context.

الكتابة 2/5

Requires remembering the regular -ar endings.

التحدث 2/5

The 'sc' and 'v' sounds require some practice for flow.

الاستماع 2/5

Can be confused with other -ar verbs if spoken very quickly.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

dentes cabelo escova limpar eu

تعلّم لاحقاً

pentear lavar fio dental enxaguar sabonete

متقدم

escovação aço escovado escovadela cerdas gengiva

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Regular -ar Verb Conjugation

Eu escov-o, Tu escov-as, Ele escov-a.

Definite Articles with Body Parts

Escovar *os* dentes (not *meus* dentes).

Gerund Formation

Escovar -> Escovando.

Imperative Mood

Escova (tu) / Escove (você).

Compound Tenses

Eu tenho escovado os dentes.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Eu escovo os dentes.

I brush the teeth.

First person singular, present tense.

2

Você escova o cabelo?

Do you brush the hair?

Second person/formal third person singular, present tense.

3

Ele escova os dentes de manhã.

He brushes the teeth in the morning.

Third person singular, present tense.

4

Nós escovamos os dentes.

We brush the teeth.

First person plural, present tense.

5

Eles escovam o cabelo.

They brush the hair.

Third person plural, present tense.

6

Eu preciso escovar os dentes.

I need to brush the teeth.

Infinitive form after a modal verb.

7

Escova os dentes!

Brush the teeth!

Imperative (informal/Tu).

8

Ela não escova o cabelo.

She does not brush the hair.

Negative sentence in present tense.

1

Eu escovei os dentes hoje cedo.

I brushed the teeth early today.

Pretérito Perfeito (Past Tense).

2

Você já escovou o cachorro?

Have you already brushed the dog?

Past tense question.

3

Ela escovava o cabelo todos os dias.

She used to brush the hair every day.

Pretérito Imperfeito (Past Habit).

4

Nós vamos escovar o tapete.

We are going to brush the rug.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

5

O menino escovou os dentes sozinho.

The boy brushed the teeth by himself.

Past tense, emphasis on 'sozinho'.

6

Eles escovaram os cavalos na fazenda.

They brushed the horses on the farm.

Third person plural, past tense.

7

Você pode escovar o meu casaco?

Can you brush my coat?

Polite request with 'pode'.

8

Eu sempre escovo os dentes após o almoço.

I always brush the teeth after lunch.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

1

Estou escovando o pelo do gato agora.

I am brushing the cat's fur now.

Present continuous (Gerund).

2

É importante escovar os dentes para evitar cáries.

It is important to brush the teeth to avoid cavities.

Infinitive used as a subject phrase.

3

Se eu tivesse uma escova, eu escovaria o cabelo.

If I had a brush, I would brush the hair.

Conditional mood.

4

O cabeleireiro terminou de escovar o cabelo da cliente.

The hairdresser finished brushing the client's hair.

Verb following a preposition (de).

5

Espero que você escove os dentes bem.

I hope that you brush the teeth well.

Present subjunctive.

6

Nós escovávamos os sapatos antes de ir à igreja.

We used to brush the shoes before going to church.

Imperfect tense for past habits.

7

Ela comprou uma escova elétrica para escovar melhor.

She bought an electric brush to brush better.

Purpose clause with 'para'.

8

Eles estão escovando a camurça com cuidado.

They are brushing the suede with care.

Continuous action with specific material.

1

O metal foi escovado para dar um acabamento fosco.

The metal was brushed to give a matte finish.

Passive voice.

2

Mesmo que você escove os dentes, deve usar fio dental.

Even if you brush the teeth, you must use floss.

Concessive clause with subjunctive.

3

Ao escovar o cabelo, ela percebeu que ele estava caindo.

Upon brushing the hair, she noticed it was falling out.

Temporal 'ao' + infinitive.

4

O terno precisa ser escovado para remover o pó.

The suit needs to be brushed to remove the dust.

Passive infinitive.

5

Duvido que eles tenham escovado os dentes hoje.

I doubt that they have brushed the teeth today.

Past subjunctive.

6

Ela tem o hábito de escovar o cachorro toda noite.

She has the habit of brushing the dog every night.

Noun + preposition + infinitive.

7

Escovando os dentes regularmente, você economiza no dentista.

By brushing the teeth regularly, you save at the dentist.

Gerund expressing means.

8

A técnica de escovar mudou ao longo dos anos.

The technique of brushing changed over the years.

Abstract noun phrase.

1

É imperativo que escovemos os dentes após ingerir açúcar.

It is imperative that we brush the teeth after consuming sugar.

Personal subjunctive after 'imperativo'.

2

O brilho do aço escovado confere modernidade ao ambiente.

The shine of the brushed steel gives modernity to the environment.

Adjective use of the past participle.

3

Caso não escovasses o pelo, o animal sofreria com parasitas.

If you did not brush the fur, the animal would suffer with parasites.

Imperfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.

4

A escovação minuciosa é a base da saúde bucal.

Meticulous brushing is the basis of oral health.

Noun derived from the verb.

5

Ela escovava a seda com tamanha delicadeza que parecia um ritual.

She brushed the silk with such delicacy that it seemed like a ritual.

Descriptive imperfect with 'tamanha'.

6

Tendo escovado o cavalo, o cavalariço levou-o para o pasto.

Having brushed the horse, the groom took it to the pasture.

Compound gerund (Tendo + participle).

7

Não basta escovar; é preciso saber como fazê-lo.

It is not enough to brush; it is necessary to know how to do it.

Infinitive with clitic pronoun 'lo'.

8

A superfície escovada da madeira revela seus veios naturais.

The brushed surface of the wood reveals its natural grains.

Participial adjective.

1

O restauro exigiu escovar a pátina sem danificar o metal original.

The restoration required brushing the patina without damaging the original metal.

Technical use in restoration.

2

Por mais que escovasse, a mancha de tinta permanecia no tapete.

No matter how much he brushed, the ink stain remained on the rug.

Concessive phrase with 'Por mais que'.

3

A minúcia ao escovar os detalhes da escultura impressionou os críticos.

The detail in brushing the sculpture's details impressed the critics.

Gerundial phrase as a noun complement.

4

Oxalá todos escovassem os dentes com a mesma frequência.

Would that everyone brushed their teeth with the same frequency.

Optative use of the subjunctive with 'Oxalá'.

5

A escovadela que o pai deu no filho foi por puro cuidado.

The 'brushing down' (scolding) the father gave the son was out of pure care.

Colloquial noun use 'escovadela'.

6

Se vós escovásseis o vosso orgulho, seríeis mais humildes.

If you (plural) brushed away your pride, you would be humbler.

Archaic/Formal second person plural subjunctive.

7

O ato de escovar transcende a higiene, tornando-se meditação.

The act of brushing transcends hygiene, becoming meditation.

Philosophical subject construction.

8

Escovaram-se as dúvidas assim que a verdade veio à tona.

The doubts were brushed away as soon as the truth came to light.

Metaphorical use in passive 'se' construction.

تلازمات شائعة

escovar os dentes
escovar o cabelo
escova de dentes
escova de cabelo
metal escovado
escovar o terno
escovar o cavalo
escovar bem
técnica de escovar
parar de escovar

العبارات الشائعة

Vou escovar os dentes.

— I am going to brush my teeth. A standard way to announce you are going to the bathroom.

Dê-me um minuto, vou escovar os dentes.

Escova isso!

— Brush that! An imperative used for cleaning a spot or object.

Tem lama no sapato, escova isso!

Fazer uma escova.

— To get a professional blow-dry at a salon.

Vou ao salão fazer uma escova hoje.

Escovar a seco.

— To dry brush, often referring to skin or fabric cleaning without water.

É melhor escovar a seco este casaco.

Escovar para fora.

— To brush outwards, usually referring to hair styling.

Escove as pontas para fora.

Escovar para dentro.

— To brush inwards, for hair styling.

Ela prefere escovar o cabelo para dentro.

Escovar com força.

— To brush hard. Often a warning not to do so for teeth.

Não deve escovar com força para não ferir a gengiva.

Escovar suavemente.

— To brush gently.

Escove suavemente a seda.

Escovar os sapatos.

— To brush shoes, part of traditional grooming.

Sempre escovo os sapatos antes de sair.

Mandar escovar.

— To have something brushed (by someone else).

Vou mandar escovar este tapete na lavanderia.

يُخلط عادةً مع

escovar vs pentear

Pentear is only for combs; escovar is for brushes.

escovar vs lavar

Lavar involves water/soap; escovar involves bristles.

escovar vs limpar

Limpar is general; escovar is a specific method of cleaning.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Levar uma escovadela"

— To receive a scolding or a sharp reprimand. It is like being 'brushed down.'

O aluno levou uma escovadela do professor por chegar atrasado.

informal
"Dar uma escovada"

— To give something a quick, superficial clean or a quick fix.

Dê uma escovada rápida na sala antes das visitas chegarem.

informal
"Escovar o pavão"

— To show off or groom oneself excessively to impress others (regional/rare).

Lá vai ele, escovando o pavão para a festa.

informal
"Escovar o bico"

— To clean one's beak, sometimes used metaphorically for eating or preparing to speak.

O passarinho está a escovar o bico na pedra.

neutral
"Cabelo de escovinha"

— A crew cut or very short hair that stands up like brush bristles.

Ele cortou o cabelo de escovinha.

neutral
"Escovar a alma"

— To refresh oneself or clear one's thoughts (poetic).

Uma caminhada na praia serve para escovar a alma.

literary
"Escovado na malandragem"

— Someone who is very street-smart or 'polished' in their trickery (Brazilian slang).

Aquele ali é escovado na malandragem, cuidado.

slang
"Passar a escova"

— To cancel or wipe something out (rare).

Passaram a escova nos planos antigos.

informal
"Escovar o rastro"

— To hide one's tracks or cover up what was done.

Ele tentou escovar o rastro, mas foi descoberto.

neutral
"Dentes de escova"

— A humorous way to refer to someone who brushes constantly.

Lá vem o dentes de escova!

informal

سهل الخلط

escovar vs escova

It is the noun (brush).

Escova is the object; escovar is the action.

Eu uso a escova para escovar.

escovar vs esfregar

Both involve friction.

Esfregar is harder and more general; escovar is specific to a brush.

Esfregue o chão, mas escove o terno.

escovar vs varrer

Both involve cleaning with bristles.

Varrer is for floors with a broom; escovar is for smaller objects or hair.

Vou varrer a sala e escovar o tapete.

escovar vs pintar

Both use a 'brush' in English.

Pintar is to apply paint; escovar is to clean or style.

Vou pintar a parede, não escovar.

escovar vs polir

Both can use a brush.

Polir focuses on the shine; escovar focuses on the cleaning/styling action.

Escove os sapatos antes de polir.

أنماط الجُمل

A1

Eu escovo [objeto].

Eu escovo os dentes.

A2

Eu vou escovar [objeto].

Eu vou escovar o cachorro.

B1

Eu estava escovando [objeto] quando...

Eu estava escovando o cabelo quando o telefone tocou.

B1

É preciso escovar [objeto].

É preciso escovar o tapete.

B2

Depois de ter escovado [objeto]...

Depois de ter escovado os dentes, fui dormir.

C1

Caso você escovasse [objeto]...

Caso você escovasse o terno, ele estaria limpo.

C2

O ato de escovar [objeto] implica...

O ato de escovar o metal implica paciência.

C2

Escovaram-se as [abstração].

Escovaram-se as mágoas do passado.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

escova
escovação
escovadela
escovinha

الأفعال

escovar

الصفات

escovado
escovável

مرتبط

pente
dentista
higiene
cerdas
cabelo

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very frequent in daily life contexts.

أخطاء شائعة
  • Eu lavo os dentes. Eu escovo os dentes.

    You brush teeth, you don't wash them in Portuguese.

  • Vou escovar meu cabelo com o pente. Vou pentear meu cabelo com o pente.

    If you use a comb (pente), the verb is pentear, not escovar.

  • Ele escovou seus dentes. Ele escovou os dentes.

    Possessive pronouns are redundant for body parts in this context.

  • Eu escova o cachorro. Eu escovo o cachorro.

    Incorrect conjugation for the first person singular.

  • Escovar a parede. Pintar a parede.

    English 'brush' for paint is not 'escovar' in Portuguese.

نصائح

Definite Articles

Always use 'o', 'a', 'os', 'as' with body parts. 'Escovar os dentes' sounds much more native than 'escovar meus dentes'.

Tool vs. Action

Remember: Escova (noun) -> Escovar (verb). If you have the tool, the verb follows.

Brazilian Habits

In Brazil, don't be surprised to see people brushing their teeth in public or office bathrooms after lunch.

The 'V' sound

Make sure to bite your lower lip slightly for the 'v' in escovar; don't let it sound like a 'b'.

Industrial Use

Use 'escovado' as an adjective for textures like 'aço escovado' (brushed steel).

Imperatives

Use 'Escove!' when telling someone else to brush. It is a common command for kids.

Ending sounds

Distinguish between 'escovam' (they brush - present) and 'escovarão' (they will brush - future).

S-Cover

Mnemonic: You use a brush to 'S-Cover' the surface of your teeth.

Hair Styling

In a salon, 'fazer uma escova' is the term for a professional blow-dry.

Home Life

This is a key verb for discussing 'rotinas diárias' (daily routines).

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of 'Escovar' as 'S-Cover'. You use a brush to 'Cover' the 'S'urface of your teeth to clean them.

ربط بصري

Imagine a giant toothbrush shaped like the letter 'E' scrubbing a shiny white tooth.

Word Web

Dentes Cabelo Escova Pasta Limpeza Manhã Noite Saúde

تحدٍّ

Try to say 'Eu escovo os dentes com a escova' five times fast without tripping over the 's' and 'v' sounds.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Late Latin 'scopa', which referred to a broom or a bunch of twigs used for sweeping.

المعنى الأصلي: To sweep or clean with a bundle of twigs.

Romance (Latin root).

السياق الثقافي

Always be polite when suggesting someone should 'escovar os dentes' as hygiene is a sensitive topic.

English speakers often use 'wash' for many things, but Portuguese is very specific about using 'escovar' for anything involving a brush.

Brazilian toothpaste commercials are famous for their high production value. Dental tourism in Brazil is a known phenomenon. Traditional Portuguese barbershops often use 'escovadelas' for cleaning hair off capes.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Morning Routine

  • Acordar e escovar os dentes.
  • Escovar o cabelo no espelho.
  • Onde está a escova?
  • Preciso de pasta.

At the Dentist

  • Escove três vezes ao dia.
  • Use uma escova macia.
  • Como você escova?
  • Não esqueça a língua.

Grooming Pets

  • O gato adora ser escovado.
  • Escovar para tirar os pelos.
  • Cadê a escova do cachorro?
  • Ele não gosta de escovar.

Cleaning Clothes

  • Escovar a lama do sapato.
  • Escovar o casaco de lã.
  • Use a escova de cerdas duras.
  • Escovar suavemente.

Industrial/Design

  • Acabamento em aço escovado.
  • Textura escovada.
  • Máquina de escovar metal.
  • Superfície escovada.

بدايات محادثة

"Com que frequência você costuma escovar os dentes?"

"Você prefere escovar o cabelo com escova de madeira ou plástico?"

"Você já teve que escovar um animal grande, como um cavalo?"

"Qual é a melhor marca de escova de dentes na sua opinião?"

"Você acha que escovar os dentes no trabalho é um hábito comum no seu país?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Descreva sua rotina matinal detalhadamente, incluindo o momento de escovar os dentes.

Escreva sobre a importância da higiene pessoal e como o ato de escovar faz parte disso.

Você já levou uma 'escovadela' de alguém? Conte como foi essa experiência.

Imagine que você é um dentista. Escreva um pequeno guia sobre como escovar os dentes corretamente.

Descreva a sensação de escovar o cabelo após um longo dia.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, 'escovar os dentes' is the correct and only natural way to say it in Portuguese. 'Lavar' implies washing with water/soap like hands or dishes.

Yes, but only if you use a brush. If you use a comb, use the verb 'pentear'.

The most natural way is 'escovar os dentes'. You don't need to say 'meus' (my).

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb, following the standard conjugation pattern of verbs like 'falar' or 'cantar'.

Usually no. For a floor, you use 'varrer' (sweep) or 'lavar' (wash). You might use 'escovar' for a small spot on a carpet.

It means 'brushed metal,' a common finish for appliances like refrigerators or watches.

Yes, informally it can mean a scolding or a quick, superficial cleaning.

It is 'Eu escovo'. 'Escova' is for 'he/she/it/you (formal)'.

Yes, especially horses, dogs, and cats. It means to groom them with a brush.

It is a popular Brazilian hair straightening treatment.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

writing

Write 'I brush my teeth' in Portuguese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'He brushes the hair' in Portuguese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'I brushed the dog' in Portuguese.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'We are going to brush the rug'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'She is brushing her hair now'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'It is important to brush the teeth'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Describe a brushed metal refrigerator.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'I would brush the horse if I had a brush'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write a sentence using 'escovação'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Explain the difference between escovar and pentear.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'They brush their teeth'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'Brush your hair!' (Imperative).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'I was brushing the cat'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'The suit was brushed'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Use 'escovar' metaphorically.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'You (formal) brush'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'We brushed the horses'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'I need to brush my shoes'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'Don't forget to brush the tongue'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
writing

Write 'The restoration required brushing'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Eu escovo os dentes.'

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovar'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Eu escovei'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escova o cabelo!'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovando'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovamos'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Aço escovado'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovação'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovadela'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Escovássemos'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'I brush'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'We brushed'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'She is brushing'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Brushed metal'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Meticulous brushing'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Toothbrush'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Hairbrush'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Brush the dog'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'Brushing technique'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
speaking

Say: 'To brush away doubts'.

Read this aloud:

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and transcribe: 'Eu escovo os dentes.'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and transcribe: 'Você já escovou o cabelo?'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and transcribe: 'Eles estão escovando o tapete.'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and transcribe: 'O aço escovado é moderno.'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Listen and transcribe: 'A escovação é fundamental.'

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What word do you hear? [escovar]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What word do you hear? [escovei]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What word do you hear? [escovando]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What word do you hear? [escovado]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

What word do you hear? [escovadela]

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the object: 'escova'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the action: 'escovar'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the tense: 'escovava'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the noun: 'escovação'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
listening

Identify the mood: 'escovássemos'.

صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:
صحيح! ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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