At the A1 level, you only need to know that pedregoso comes from the word pedra (stone). It is a word used to describe the ground when there are many stones. You might use it to talk about a beach or a park. Remember that if you talk about a 'praia' (beach), you must say pedregosa because 'praia' is feminine. If you talk about a 'caminho' (path), you say pedregoso. It is a simple way to give more detail to your sentences when describing where you are. Think of it as 'stone-y'. Even at this early stage, knowing a few descriptive words like this helps you sound more natural when talking about nature or your surroundings during a walk.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use pedregoso in basic travel and descriptive contexts. You might use it to explain why you need good shoes for a hike: 'O caminho é pedregoso, preciso de botas.' (The path is stony, I need boots). You should also be comfortable with plural forms: 'Os solos pedregosos' (The stony soils). At this level, you are starting to understand that Portuguese adjectives change their endings to match the noun. You might also encounter this word in simple readings about geography or in travel brochures describing the landscape of different regions in Portugal or Brazil. It is a very practical word for describing the physical world around you.
At the B1 level, you can use pedregoso to provide more nuanced descriptions in both speaking and writing. You might use it in a story to set the scene: 'A carruagem avançava com dificuldade pelo terreno pedregoso.' (The carriage moved with difficulty through the stony terrain). You are also starting to recognize the difference between pedregoso (stony) and rochoso (rocky/mountainous). You can use it to talk about agricultural problems or environmental issues, such as soil erosion. Your ability to use the word in different positions in the sentence is improving, and you understand that while 'caminho pedregoso' is normal, 'pedregoso caminho' sounds more poetic and literary.
At the B2 level, you should be familiar with the metaphorical uses of pedregoso. While it usually describes land, you might see it in an editorial or a book referring to a 'caminho pedregoso para a paz' (a stony/difficult path to peace). You understand the suffix -oso, which means 'full of' or 'characterized by', and you can relate pedregoso to other words like arenoso (sandy) or vultoso (bulky). You can participate in discussions about geology, construction, or hiking with specific vocabulary, and you can explain the difference between a natural terreno pedregoso and a man-made rua empedrada with confidence.
At the C1 level, your use of pedregoso is sophisticated and precise. You can use it in academic or technical contexts, such as describing the specific characteristics of a vineyard's terroir: 'O solo pedregoso do Douro contribui para a retenção de calor.' (The stony soil of the Douro contributes to heat retention). You appreciate the phonetic quality of the word in literature and can analyze its use in poetry to evoke a sense of harshness or rural tradition. You are aware of regional variations and synonyms like cascalhento or lapidoso and can choose the most appropriate word for the specific register and context of your communication.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of pedregoso and its place within the vast web of Portuguese vocabulary. You can use it to discuss the nuances of Lusophone literature, perhaps analyzing how a writer like Miguel Torga uses the 'pedregoso' landscape of Trás-os-Montes as a character in itself. You understand the historical etymology from Latin petrosus and how the word has evolved. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, employing it with perfect grammatical accuracy and stylistic flair in any context, from a casual conversation about a weekend trip to a formal dissertation on Portuguese agricultural history.

pedregoso in 30 Sekunden

  • Pedregoso means 'stony' or 'full of stones', used to describe rough terrain or soil containing many pebbles and rocks.
  • It is a variable adjective (pedregoso/a/os/as) that must agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number.
  • Commonly used in contexts of hiking, agriculture, geography, and occasionally as a metaphor for a difficult life path.
  • It differs from 'rochoso' (solid rock) and 'empedrado' (man-made cobblestones), focusing on natural, loose stones.

The Portuguese word pedregoso is a descriptive adjective primarily used to characterize terrain, paths, or soil that is heavily laden with stones or pebbles. Derived from the root word pedra (stone), it functions similarly to the English word "stony" or "pebbly." When you describe a place as pedregoso, you are conveying a specific sensory and physical reality: the ground is uneven, potentially difficult to walk on, and dominated by mineral fragments rather than smooth earth, sand, or grass. This word is essential for hikers, geologists, farmers, and anyone describing the natural landscape of Lusophone countries, from the rugged mountains of northern Portugal to the arid interiors of Brazil.

Geological Context
In a scientific or agricultural sense, a solo pedregoso refers to land where the presence of stones makes cultivation difficult. It implies a lack of deep, soft topsoil.

O caminho para a aldeia era tão pedregoso que tivemos de caminhar com muito cuidado para não torcer o tornozelo.

Translation: The path to the village was so stony that we had to walk very carefully so as not to twist an ankle.

Beyond the literal physical description, pedregoso can also be used metaphorically. Just as a stony path is hard to navigate, a "caminho pedregoso" in life refers to a period of hardship, obstacles, or significant challenges. However, its most frequent usage remains literal. You will hear it in weather reports discussing erosion, in travel guides warning about footwear, and in literature to set a rugged, rustic scene. It carries a connotation of roughness and natural resilience. It is not necessarily a negative word, but it always implies a certain level of physical resistance.

Agricultural Usage
Farmers might complain about a terreno pedregoso because it breaks plow blades and does not retain water as effectively as loamy soil.

As cabras preferem o monte pedregoso onde a erva cresce entre as fendas.

Architectural nuance
While pedregoso describes natural states, empedrado describes a surface man-made with stones, like a cobblestone street.

In summary, use this word when you want to emphasize the presence of small to medium-sized rocks that define the texture of a surface. It is a word that evokes the sound of crunching gravel and the tactile sensation of an uneven surface beneath one's feet. Whether you are describing a riverbed (leito pedregoso) or a mountain trail, this adjective provides the precise detail needed for vivid Portuguese communication.

Using pedregoso correctly requires attention to the noun it modifies. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun, and pedregoso is no exception. Because it ends in '-o', it is a variable adjective. This means it changes to pedregosa for feminine nouns, pedregosos for masculine plurals, and pedregosas for feminine plurals. Understanding this agreement is the first step toward fluency.

Masculine Singular
Este solo é muito pedregoso para plantar tomates.

O leito pedregoso do rio estava seco durante o verão intenso.

When describing a landscape or a journey, you might use it to contrast with other types of terrain. For instance, you could say that a beach is not sandy, but stony. In this case, you would use pedregosa because 'praia' (beach) is feminine. This distinction is crucial for clear descriptions. Note how the word adds a layer of difficulty or texture to the sentence.

Feminine Singular
A subida era uma encosta pedregosa e bastante escorregadia.

Caminhamos por trilhos pedregosos durante toda a tarde na Serra da Estrela.

Furthermore, the placement of the adjective can slightly alter the emphasis. While "caminho pedregoso" is the standard neutral way to describe a stony path, placing it before the noun—"pedregoso caminho"—is much more poetic and literary, often found in classical Portuguese poetry or older novels to emphasize the rugged quality of the journey before even mentioning the path itself. In everyday conversation, however, always stick to the post-nominal position (Noun + Adjective).

Feminine Plural
As margens pedregosas da ribeira estavam cheias de musgo verde.

Encontrámos várias áreas pedregosas no deserto.

Finally, consider the intensity. You can modify pedregoso with adverbs like muito (very), extremamente (extremely), or pouco (slightly/little). For example, "um terreno pouco pedregoso" would be a field with just a few stones, perhaps suitable for building but still requiring some clearing. Mastering these variations allows you to describe the Portuguese landscape with the precision of a native speaker.

You will encounter the word pedregoso in several specific real-world contexts in the Portuguese-speaking world. One of the most common places is in the interior of Portugal or the Sertão of Brazil. In these regions, the soil is often naturally dry and filled with rocks. If you are watching a news report about a drought or agricultural challenges in the Alentejo region, a reporter might describe the parched, stony ground using this term. It evokes a sense of the harsh, unyielding nature of the land.

Outdoor Activities
If you join a hiking group (grupo de caminhada) in Portugal, the guide will often warn: "Atenção, o trilho à frente é muito pedregoso!" (Watch out, the trail ahead is very stony!).

O guia disse que o terreno pedregoso exige botas de caminhada resistentes.

Another frequent context is in real estate and construction, particularly in rural areas. When someone is looking to buy land (um terreno) to build a house or start a small farm, the description will always specify the quality of the soil. A "terreno pedregoso" might be cheaper because it requires more work to level or to prepare for planting. You will see this word in classified ads or hear it in conversations between contractors and landowners.

Esta praia é pedregosa, por isso tragam sapatos de água.

In Portuguese literature and music (like Fado or Brazilian Folk), the word is often used to symbolize a difficult life. A singer might lament a "caminho pedregoso" as a metaphor for a path filled with sorrow and obstacles. This poetic usage is deeply ingrained in the Lusophone psyche, connecting the physical struggle of the land with the emotional struggle of the soul. You will hear it in the lyrics of songs that talk about the hardship of rural life or the journey of a lonely traveler.

Educational Context
In schools, during geography or science classes, students learn about different types of soil, and solo pedregoso is a standard term in the curriculum.

Na aula de geografia, estudámos como a erosão cria solos pedregosos.

Lastly, if you are driving in rural areas, you might see unofficial signs or hear locals giving directions: "Vá sempre em frente até chegar ao caminho pedregoso." (Go straight until you reach the stony path). In these instances, the word serves as a landmark, identifying a specific physical characteristic that distinguishes one road from another. It is a practical, grounded word that connects you to the physical reality of the Portuguese-speaking landscape.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using pedregoso is failing to adjust for gender and number agreement. Because English adjectives like "stony" never change, it is easy to forget that in Portuguese, the adjective must match the noun it describes. Forgetting to change the ending to -a for feminine nouns or -os/-as for plurals is a hallmark of a beginner. Always identify the noun first: is it o solo (masculine) or a estrada (feminine)?

Mistake: Gender Mismatch
Incorrect: "A rua é pedregoso."
Correct: "A rua é pedregosa."

Muitas pessoas dizem 'terreno pedregosa', mas o correto é 'terreno pedregoso'.

Another common confusion arises between pedregoso and rochoso. While they both relate to rocks, they are not strictly interchangeable. Pedregoso specifically implies a surface covered in pedras (stones, pebbles, loose rocks). Rochoso, on the other hand, comes from rocha (rock/boulder) and usually refers to solid rock formations, cliffs, or massive stone structures. Describing a mountain peak as "pedregoso" might imply it is covered in loose scree, while "rochoso" implies it is a solid block of granite.

Não confunda um caminho pedregoso (natural) com uma rua empedrada (construída).

Learners also sometimes confuse pedregoso with duro (hard). While a stony path is indeed hard, "duro" refers to the material consistency, whereas "pedregoso" refers specifically to the presence of stones. You can have a "solo duro" that is made of packed clay with no stones at all. Similarly, avoid using "pedregoso" to describe a person's personality (like "stony-faced" or "cold-hearted") unless you are being very poetic; for a cold personality, Portuguese speakers would more likely use frio, insensível, or de pedra.

Mistake: Over-application
Using pedregoso for a "stony look". Use olhar gélido or expressão de pedra instead.

Ele tem um coração de pedra (not pedregoso).

Finally, watch out for the spelling. Some learners try to spell it with a 'j' or double 'r' based on phonetic guesses. It is always spelled with a single 'g' and single 'r'. Remembering the root pedra will always guide you to the correct spelling and meaning.

To expand your vocabulary beyond pedregoso, it is helpful to look at words that describe similar textures or geological features. Depending on the size of the stones and whether the environment is natural or man-made, you might choose a different term to be more precise in your description.

Rochoso vs. Pedregoso
Rochoso refers to large, solid rock formations or cliffs. Pedregoso refers to smaller, often loose stones covering the ground. Use rochoso for a mountain peak and pedregoso for the gravelly path leading up to it.

A costa é rochosa, mas a pequena enseada tem um fundo pedregoso.

Another useful alternative is cascalhento. This word specifically refers to cascalho (gravel). While pedregoso can describe stones of various sizes, cascalhento is more specific to the small, crushed stones often used in road construction or found in riverbeds. If the ground feels like a driveway made of small pebbles, cascalhento is an excellent, more technical choice.

O solo cascalhento é excelente para a drenagem da água na vinha.

If you want to describe a surface that is specifically paved with stones by humans, use empedrado or calcetado. In Portugal, the famous "calçada portuguesa" (mosaic pavement) makes many streets empedradas. This is a deliberate architectural choice, unlike a terreno pedregoso, which is a natural condition. Knowing the difference between natural and man-made "stoniness" is a mark of an advanced learner.

Pedrento
This is a more colloquial or regional variation of pedregoso, used in some parts of Brazil and rural Portugal to mean "full of stones."

Aquele campo é muito pedrento, vai ser difícil de arar.

Finally, consider antonyms. If a path is not pedregoso, it might be arenoso (sandy), lodoso (muddy/miry), or simply liso (smooth). By contrasting pedregoso with these words, you can provide a complete picture of the environment you are describing. For example: "A trilha começa arenosa mas torna-se pedregosa perto do cume" (The trail starts sandy but becomes stony near the summit).

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'petra' is also the source of the name 'Peter' (Pedro in Portuguese), meaning 'rock'. So, 'pedregoso' is etymologically related to the name Pedro!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pɨ.ðɾɨ.ˈɡo.zu/
US /pe.dɾe.ˈɡo.zu/
The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'go'.
Reimt sich auf
formoso curioso famoso perigoso precioso bondoso nervoso vultoso
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'g' as a 'j' (like 'pedre-jo-so'). It should be a hard 'g' as in 'go'.
  • Stress on the last syllable. It is 'pe-dre-GO-so', not 'pe-dre-go-SO'.
  • Failing to make the 's' sound like a 'z' between vowels.
  • Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' instead of a Portuguese tap.
  • Over-enunciating the first 'e' in European Portuguese.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'pedra'. Common in descriptive texts.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'r' and 'g' needs care.

Hören 2/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

pedra caminho solo muito chão

Als Nächstes lernen

rochoso arenoso cascalho montanha trilho

Fortgeschritten

orografia sedimentação geológico estrato telúrico

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

O solo pedregoso / A terra pedregosa.

Suffix -oso

Pedra -> Pedregoso; Areia -> Arenoso.

Adjective Placement

Usually after the noun: 'caminho pedregoso'.

Pluralization of -o adjectives

Pedregoso -> Pedregosos.

Gender of Nouns

Knowing 'praia' is feminine is key to using 'pedregosa'.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

A praia é pedregosa.

The beach is stony.

Feminine singular agreement with 'praia'.

2

O caminho é pedregoso.

The path is stony.

Masculine singular agreement with 'caminho'.

3

Eu vejo um solo pedregoso.

I see a stony soil.

Basic Noun + Adjective structure.

4

As pedras são pequenas no chão pedregoso.

The stones are small on the stony ground.

Using 'pedregoso' to describe 'chão' (ground).

5

Não gosto de caminhar em sítios pedregosos.

I don't like to walk in stony places.

Masculine plural agreement with 'sítios'.

6

Esta terra é muito pedregosa.

This land is very stony.

Feminine singular with 'terra'.

7

O rio tem um fundo pedregoso.

The river has a stony bottom.

Describing the 'fundo' (bottom).

8

Eles têm um jardim pedregoso.

They have a stony garden.

Masculine singular with 'jardim'.

1

Precisas de sapatos fortes para este trilho pedregoso.

You need strong shoes for this stony trail.

Agreement with 'trilho'.

2

As estradas pedregosas são más para os pneus.

Stony roads are bad for tires.

Feminine plural agreement.

3

Onde está o caminho pedregoso?

Where is the stony path?

Definite article 'o' matches 'caminho'.

4

Viemos por uma ladeira pedregosa.

We came by a stony slope.

Indefinite article 'uma' matches 'ladeira'.

5

O terreno pedregoso dificulta a construção.

The stony terrain makes construction difficult.

Subject of the sentence.

6

Há muitas zonas pedregosas nesta região.

There are many stony zones in this region.

Feminine plural 'zonas'.

7

O cavalo correu pelo campo pedregoso.

The horse ran through the stony field.

Preposition 'pelo' (por + o).

8

As margens do rio são bastante pedregosas.

The river banks are quite stony.

Predicate adjective after 'são'.

1

A carruagem saltitava no leito pedregoso da estrada antiga.

The carriage bounced on the stony bed of the old road.

Descriptive narrative style.

2

Apesar de ser pedregoso, o solo é bom para as oliveiras.

Despite being stony, the soil is good for olive trees.

Concessive clause with 'Apesar de'.

3

Encontrámos fósseis num estrato pedregoso da montanha.

We found fossils in a stony layer of the mountain.

Technical but accessible context.

4

A descida foi perigosa devido ao solo pedregoso e solto.

The descent was dangerous due to the stony and loose soil.

Compound description 'pedregoso e solto'.

5

O jardim japonês tem um estilo pedregoso e minimalista.

The Japanese garden has a stony and minimalist style.

Aesthetic description.

6

Os agricultores limparam o campo pedregoso antes de semear.

The farmers cleared the stony field before sowing.

Action verb with adjective.

7

A paisagem pedregosa da ilha é de tirar o fôlego.

The island's stony landscape is breathtaking.

Feminine singular 'paisagem'.

8

Não é fácil conduzir em trilhos tão pedregosos.

It's not easy to drive on such stony trails.

Use of 'tão' for emphasis.

1

O autor utiliza o caminho pedregoso como metáfora para a vida do protagonista.

The author uses the stony path as a metaphor for the protagonist's life.

Metaphorical usage.

2

A erosão constante transformou a encosta verdejante num declive pedregoso.

Constant erosion transformed the green slope into a stony incline.

Process of change.

3

Esta variedade de uva adapta-se perfeitamente a terrenos pedregosos.

This grape variety adapts perfectly to stony terrains.

Agricultural B2 level vocabulary.

4

A fundação da casa deve ser profunda, dado que o subsolo é pedregoso.

The house foundation must be deep, given that the subsoil is stony.

Causal conjunction 'dado que'.

5

Caminhar por estas praias pedregosas exige calçado apropriado.

Walking along these stony beaches requires appropriate footwear.

Gerund phrase as subject.

6

O relevo pedregoso da região impede a mecanização da agricultura.

The region's stony relief prevents the mechanization of agriculture.

Formal vocabulary 'relevo' and 'mecanização'.

7

A expedição atravessou um deserto pedregoso durante semanas.

The expedition crossed a stony desert for weeks.

Historical/Adventure narrative.

8

As cabras montesas saltam com agilidade pelos cumes pedregosos.

Mountain goats jump with agility across the stony peaks.

Biological context.

1

A porosidade do solo pedregoso é um fator determinante para a drenagem pluvial.

The porosity of stony soil is a determining factor for rainwater drainage.

Scientific/Technical register.

2

A prosa de Saramago, por vezes pedregosa, exige uma leitura atenta.

Saramago's prose, at times stony (difficult), requires careful reading.

Literary criticism; metaphorical.

3

A orografia pedregosa de Trás-os-Montes moldou o caráter das suas gentes.

The stony orography of Trás-os-Montes shaped the character of its people.

High-level vocabulary 'orografia'.

4

O leito pedregoso do ribeiro criava uma melodia constante com o correr da água.

The brook's stony bed created a constant melody with the flow of the water.

Poetic/Descriptive register.

5

A implementação do projeto enfrentou um percurso pedregoso no parlamento.

The project's implementation faced a stony (difficult) journey in parliament.

Abstract/Political metaphor.

6

A vegetação rasteira é a única que sobrevive neste planalto pedregoso.

Low-lying vegetation is the only kind that survives on this stony plateau.

Botanical/Geographical precision.

7

O arqueólogo identificou um estrato pedregoso que datava da Idade do Ferro.

The archaeologist identified a stony layer dating back to the Iron Age.

Academic context.

8

A aspereza do caminho pedregoso refletia-se no rosto cansado do peregrino.

The harshness of the stony path was reflected in the pilgrim's tired face.

Literary parallelism.

1

A dialética entre o homem e o meio pedregoso é central na literatura regionalista.

The dialectic between man and the stony environment is central to regionalist literature.

Philosophical/Literary analysis.

2

A geologia local caracteriza-se por um substrato predominantemente pedregoso e xistoso.

The local geology is characterized by a predominantly stony and schistous substrate.

Specialized scientific terminology.

3

Sob a égide de um sol impiedoso, o trilho pedregoso tornava-se uma provação bíblica.

Under the aegis of a merciless sun, the stony trail became a biblical ordeal.

Highly formal/Archaic phrasing ('sob a égide').

4

A inóspita charneca pedregosa estendia-se até onde a vista alcançava.

The inhospitable stony heath stretched as far as the eye could see.

Precise landscape vocabulary ('charneca').

5

A minúcia com que descreve o solo pedregoso revela o seu conhecimento telúrico.

The detail with which he describes the stony soil reveals his telluric knowledge.

Advanced literary critique.

6

O fluxo de lava arrefeceu, deixando para trás um campo pedregoso e estéril.

The lava flow cooled, leaving behind a stony and sterile field.

Volcanological context.

7

A sonoridade das passadas no chão pedregoso ecoava pelo desfiladeiro.

The sound of footsteps on the stony ground echoed through the gorge.

Focus on phonetics and atmosphere.

8

A resiliência das videiras em solos tão pedregosos é um prodígio da natureza.

The resilience of vines in such stony soils is a prodigy of nature.

Elegant, sophisticated structure.

Häufige Kollokationen

caminho pedregoso
solo pedregoso
terreno pedregoso
leito pedregoso
encosta pedregosa
praia pedregosa
trilho pedregoso
fundo pedregoso
margem pedregosa
estrada pedregosa

Häufige Phrasen

um percurso pedregoso

— A difficult journey, often used metaphorically for a period of life.

Ela teve um percurso pedregoso até ao sucesso.

chão pedregoso

— Simply the stony ground beneath one's feet.

Cuidado com o chão pedregoso.

zona pedregosa

— A specific area characterized by many stones.

Esta é uma zona pedregosa da quinta.

monte pedregoso

— A hill or mount that is covered in rocks.

O castelo fica num monte pedregoso.

declive pedregoso

— A stony slope or incline.

O declive pedregoso era muito inclinado.

superfície pedregosa

— A surface that is stony.

A superfície pedregosa da Lua.

campo pedregoso

— A field full of stones.

O campo pedregoso era difícil de cultivar.

ribanceira pedregosa

— A stony bank or cliffside.

A ribanceira pedregosa descia até ao mar.

deserto pedregoso

— A desert made of stones rather than sand.

Atravessaram o deserto pedregoso.

passagem pedregosa

— A narrow stony passage.

A passagem pedregosa era muito estreita.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

pedregoso vs rochoso

Rochoso refers to large rocks/cliffs; pedregoso refers to smaller stones/pebbles.

pedregoso vs empedrado

Empedrado is man-made (cobblestones); pedregoso is natural.

pedregoso vs duro

Duro is hard (consistency); pedregoso is stony (composition).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"caminho pedregoso"

— A life or career path full of difficulties and obstacles.

O caminho pedregoso da política.

Metaphorical
"semear em solo pedregoso"

— To put effort into something that will not yield results (biblical origin).

Tentar convencê-lo é semear em solo pedregoso.

Literary
"coração pedregoso"

— A cold, unfeeling heart (less common than 'coração de pedra').

Ele tem um coração pedregoso e cruel.

Poetic
"pés no chão pedregoso"

— To face a harsh or difficult reality.

Temos de manter os pés no chão pedregoso da realidade.

Informal
"leito pedregoso"

— Can refer to a rough or uncomfortable place to sleep.

O meu leito pedregoso na tenda.

Informal
"pedregoso destino"

— A hard or difficult fate.

O seu pedregoso destino foi traçado cedo.

Poetic
"voz pedregosa"

— A rough, gravelly voice.

Ele falou com uma voz pedregosa.

Literary
"olhar pedregoso"

— A hard, unforgiving look.

Lançou-me um olhar pedregoso.

Literary
"silêncio pedregoso"

— A heavy, uncomfortable silence.

Houve um silêncio pedregoso na sala.

Poetic
"alma pedregosa"

— A person who is tough or emotionally hardened.

Uma alma pedregosa forjada na guerra.

Poetic

Leicht verwechselbar

pedregoso vs pedregulho

Both start with 'pedreg-'.

Pedregulho is a noun (boulder); pedregoso is an adjective (stony).

Havia um pedregulho no caminho pedregoso.

pedregoso vs pedreira

Related to stones.

Pedreira is a stone quarry.

A pedreira fica perto do monte pedregoso.

pedregoso vs pedregal

Very similar meaning.

Pedregal is a noun meaning 'a place full of stones'.

Atravessámos o pedregal pedregoso.

pedregoso vs pedrada

Related to stones.

Pedrada is the act of throwing a stone or being hit by one.

Ele levou uma pedrada no caminho pedregoso.

pedregoso vs pedra

The root word.

Pedra is the noun (stone).

Apanhei uma pedra no solo pedregoso.

Satzmuster

A1

O [Noun] é pedregoso.

O caminho é pedregoso.

A2

Eu ando no [Noun] pedregoso.

Eu ando no solo pedregoso.

B1

Apesar do [Noun] ser pedregoso, [Clause].

Apesar do terreno ser pedregoso, as flores crescem.

B1

É um [Noun] muito pedregoso.

É um trilho muito pedregoso.

B2

O [Noun] tornou-se pedregoso devido a [Reason].

O solo tornou-se pedregoso devido à erosão.

B2

Não é fácil [Verb] em zonas pedregosas.

Não é fácil conduzir em zonas pedregosas.

C1

A natureza pedregosa do [Noun] [Verb].

A natureza pedregosa do solo impede a agricultura.

C2

Sob o [Noun], estendia-se um vasto [Noun] pedregoso.

Sob o céu azul, estendia-se um vasto planalto pedregoso.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

pedra (stone)
pedregulho (boulder/large stone)
pedreira (quarry)
pedregal (stony place)
pedrada (blow with a stone)

Verben

apedrejar (to stone)
empedrar (to pave with stone)

Adjektive

pedregoso (stony)
pedrento (stony - colloquial)
pétreo (stony/of stone - formal)

Verwandt

rocha
cascalho
seixo
geologia
mineral

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in descriptive speech and writing.

Häufige Fehler
  • A praia é pedregoso. A praia é pedregosa.

    The adjective must match the feminine noun 'praia'.

  • Os caminhos são pedregoso. Os caminhos são pedregosos.

    The adjective must match the plural noun 'caminhos'.

  • O solo é pedrejo. O solo é pedregoso.

    Do not invent endings; use the standard '-oso' suffix.

  • Caminho rochoso (for a gravel path). Caminho pedregoso.

    'Rochoso' is for large rocks, not small stones.

  • Ele tem um rosto pedregoso. Ele tem um rosto de pedra.

    'Pedregoso' is rarely used for human features; use 'de pedra' for 'stony'.

Tipps

Agreement is Key

Always check if your noun is masculine or feminine. 'O solo pedregoso' but 'A terra pedregosa'.

Root Recognition

If you forget the word, think of 'pedra' (stone) and add the suffix '-oso' (full of).

Hiking Context

This is a very common word in hiking guides. Learn it before your next trip to Portugal!

Life Paths

Use 'caminho pedregoso' in your writing to describe a difficult time in someone's life.

Single G

Remember it's 'pedregoso' with one 'g'. Don't be tempted to use a 'j'.

Soft D

In European Portuguese, the 'd' is very soft. Practice saying 'pe-dre' quickly.

Pedregoso vs Rochoso

Use 'pedregoso' for pebbles and 'rochoso' for giant boulders or cliffs.

Regional Flair

Use 'pedrento' if you want to sound like a local in a rural Portuguese village.

Nature Docs

Watch Portuguese nature documentaries; you will hear this word often when they describe mountains.

Soil Science

If you study agriculture or geology in Portuguese, 'solo pedregoso' is an essential term.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Pedestrian' walking on 'Pedras' (stones) and feeling 'Gross' (goso) because the path is so bumpy and 'pedregoso'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a pair of hiking boots crunching down on a path made entirely of gray, jagged pebbles. Hear the sound of the stones rubbing together.

Word Web

pedra caminho solo montanha difícil natureza geologia trilho

Herausforderung

Try to describe the most difficult walk you have ever taken using the word 'pedregoso' at least three times in Portuguese.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Portuguese noun 'pedra' (stone), which comes from the Latin 'petra'. The suffix '-oso' is from the Latin '-osus', meaning 'full of' or 'abounding in'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally 'full of stones'.

Romance (Latin-based).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that describing someone's land as 'pedregoso' might be seen as a negative comment on its value.

English speakers often use 'stony' or 'rocky'. 'Stony' is the closest literal and metaphorical match.

Miguel Torga's poetry about the rugged Douro region. Descriptions of the 'Sertão' in 'Os Sertões' by Euclides da Cunha. Biblical parables about sowing seeds in stony ground (solo pedregoso).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Hiking/Outdoors

  • trilho pedregoso
  • botas de caminhada
  • terreno difícil
  • cuidado com as pedras

Agriculture

  • solo pedregoso
  • limpar o terreno
  • arar a terra
  • falta de água

Geography

  • relevo pedregoso
  • formação rochosa
  • erosão do solo
  • leito do rio

Travel

  • praia pedregosa
  • estrada de terra
  • paisagem natural
  • sapatos confortáveis

Literature

  • caminho pedregoso da vida
  • destino difícil
  • metáfora
  • descrição rústica

Gesprächseinstiege

"Achas que este caminho é demasiado pedregoso para as nossas bicicletas?"

"Já alguma vez estiveste numa praia pedregosa? Gostaste da experiência?"

"Como é que os agricultores conseguem plantar em solos tão pedregosos?"

"Preferes caminhar num terreno arenoso ou num terreno pedregoso?"

"Conheces alguma região em Portugal que seja famosa pela sua paisagem pedregosa?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreve uma caminhada que fizeste num trilho pedregoso. Como te sentiste?

Escreve sobre uma fase da tua vida que consideres um 'caminho pedregoso'. O que aprendeste?

Imagina que tens de construir uma casa num terreno pedregoso. Quais seriam os teus maiores desafios?

Descreve a diferença entre uma praia de areia e uma praia pedregosa usando os cinco sentidos.

Como é que a natureza se adapta a um ambiente pedregoso? Escreve as tuas observações.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is rarely used for people. To say someone is 'stony' or cold, use 'insensível' or 'coração de pedra'. Using 'pedregoso' for a person would sound very strange unless in a highly poetic context.

'Pedregoso' is the standard, correct word. 'Pedrento' is a more colloquial or regional version often heard in rural areas of Portugal or Brazil. Use 'pedregoso' in exams and formal writing.

Yes, in Portuguese, a beach that has stones instead of sand is called a 'praia pedregosa'. This is common in the Azores and Madeira.

You say 'caminhos pedregosos'. Both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, it is often used to describe the dry, rocky soil of the interior (Sertão).

Usually, yes. Physically, it makes walking or farming harder. Metaphorically, it always refers to a path with many obstacles.

Yes, 'leito pedregoso' (stony bed) is a common way to describe a river with many stones at the bottom.

The most common opposites are 'arenoso' (sandy) or 'fértil' (fertile/rich), depending on what aspect you want to contrast.

The stress is on the 'go'. PE-DRE-GO-SO.

It's better to say 'uma rua empedrada' or 'uma rua de calçada'. 'Pedregosa' implies natural, loose stones, while 'empedrada' implies man-made pavement.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Escreva uma frase descrevendo uma praia usando 'pedregosa'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva um caminho difícil usando a palavra 'pedregoso'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explique por que razão é difícil cultivar num solo pedregoso.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'pedregoso' como uma metáfora para uma situação difícil.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Compare um terreno arenoso com um terreno pedregoso.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva um pequeno parágrafo sobre uma caminhada na montanha usando 'pedregosos'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Como você avisaria um amigo sobre uma estrada em mau estado?

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva a paisagem de uma ilha vulcânica usando 'pedregosa'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase poética usando 'voz pedregosa'.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva o fundo de um rio límpido.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre a limpeza de um terreno para construção.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'pedregosas' para descrever montanhas.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre sapatos e terrenos difíceis.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva o jardim de uma casa rústica.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Crie um diálogo curto entre dois caminhantes.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva a importância da drenagem em solos pedregosos.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva sobre um deserto de pedras.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'pedregoso' num contexto geológico.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Descreva o caráter de uma região através do seu solo.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre o som das pedras.

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

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'O caminho é pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga em voz alta: 'A praia é pedregosa.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncie o plural: 'Caminhos pedregosos.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncie o plural feminino: 'Estradas pedregosas.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'Este solo é muito pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'Cuidado com o trilho pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'As margens do rio são pedregosas.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'A vida é um caminho pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'O terreno pedregoso dificulta a obra.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'As botas são boas para solos pedregosos.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'O leito pedregoso estava seco.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'A ladeira pedregosa é perigosa.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'Vimos fósseis num estrato pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'A orografia pedregosa da região.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'O som pedregoso dos passos.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'A charneca pedregosa e inóspita.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'O agricultor limpou o campo pedregoso.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'Não gosto de praias pedregosas.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'O deserto pedregoso é vasto.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Diga: 'A escrita dele é um pouco pedregosa.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique: 'pedregoso' ou 'rochoso'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça a frase e escreva o adjetivo: 'O caminho é muito pedregoso.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifique o género: 'A terra é pedregosa.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifique o número: 'Os solos são pedregosos.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e complete: 'A praia _________.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e complete: 'Trilhos _________.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Qual é o substantivo modificado em: 'O leito pedregoso do rio'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e escreva a frase completa: 'Este terreno é pedregoso.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique o erro: 'O caminho são pedregoso.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique a palavra: 'pedregulho' ou 'pedregoso'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'A vida tem caminhos pedregosos.' É literal ou metafórico?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e escreva: 'As encostas pedregosas da serra.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e complete: 'Um substrato _________.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça: 'A prosa pedregosa de Saramago.' O que está a ser descrito?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Ouça e identifique a tónica: 'pe-dre-go-so'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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