When talking about rocks in Portuguese, you have a few options depending on the size and context. 'Rocha' is the most general term for a rock or a type of rock. For a smaller, hand-sized stone, you'd use 'pedra'.
However, when you encounter a significant, often prominent rock formation, especially one that's been shaped by natural forces over time, 'penedo' is the word you're looking for. It carries a sense of ancientness and natural artistry, suggesting a rock that stands out in the landscape. Think of the large, smooth rocks you might see by the ocean or in a riverbed.
Wichtige Grammatik
Portuguese nouns have gender, either masculine or feminine. 'Penedo' is a masculine noun, so it will typically be preceded by masculine articles (e.g., 'o penedo', 'um penedo') and modified by masculine adjectives (e.g., 'o penedo grande', 'o grande penedo').
O penedo antigo resistiu ao tempo. (The ancient rock resisted time.)
Plural forms of nouns ending in -o usually replace the -o with -os. So, 'penedo' becomes 'penedos' in the plural.
Os penedos na praia são impressionantes. (The rocks on the beach are impressive.)
Adjectives in Portuguese agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. If describing 'penedo' with an adjective, the adjective must also be masculine and singular (e.g., 'o penedo escorregadio' - the slippery rock) or masculine and plural (e.g., 'os penedos escorregadios' - the slippery rocks).
Ele escalou um penedo íngreme. (He climbed a steep rock.)
The definite article 'o' (the, masculine singular) is used with 'penedo' when referring to a specific, known rock. The indefinite article 'um' (a/an, masculine singular) is used when referring to a non-specific rock.
Vimos o penedo no topo da montanha. (We saw the rock on top of the mountain.) / Havia um penedo no caminho. (There was a rock in the path.)
Prepositions often precede nouns and provide context. For example, 'no penedo' (on the rock), 'do penedo' (of the rock/from the rock), 'perto do penedo' (near the rock). Remember to contract prepositions with articles when appropriate (e.g., 'em' + 'o' = 'no'; 'de' + 'o' = 'do').
Ele sentou-se no penedo para descansar. (He sat on the rock to rest.)
Beispiele nach Niveau
O penedo gigante bloqueava a trilha, forçando-nos a encontrar um desvio.
The giant rock blocked the trail, forcing us to find a detour.
Here, 'penedo' is used as a substantial natural obstruction.
As ondas batiam incessantemente no penedo à beira-mar, esculpindo-o ao longo dos séculos.
The waves relentlessly crashed against the rock by the sea, sculpting it over centuries.
'Penedo' describes a large coastal rock shaped by natural forces.
Escalamos o penedo mais alto da região para ter uma vista panorâmica do vale.
We climbed the highest rock in the region to get a panoramic view of the valley.
Used to denote a prominent rock formation that can be climbed.
Dizem que, em tempos antigos, sacrifícios eram feitos no topo daquele penedo.
They say that, in ancient times, sacrifices were made atop that rock.
'Penedo' here refers to a significant, perhaps even sacred, rock.
A vegetação rasteira agarrava-se tenazmente às fendas do penedo, buscando um sustento.
The low-lying vegetation clung tenaciously to the cracks of the rock, seeking sustenance.
Highlights the rugged surface of the 'penedo'.
O sol do meio-dia aquecia o penedo, tornando-o um local agradável para descansar.
The midday sun warmed the rock, making it a pleasant place to rest.
Describes a rock as a physical object interacting with its environment.
Os aventureiros tentaram mover o penedo que obstruía a entrada da caverna, mas era pesado demais.
The adventurers tried to move the rock that obstructed the cave entrance, but it was too heavy.
'Penedo' as a heavy, immovable object.
Observávamos os pássaros marinhos a nidificar nas saliências do penedo, protegidos do vento.
We watched the seabirds nesting on the ledges of the rock, protected from the wind.
Refers to a rock providing shelter or a habitat.
Teste dich selbst 6 Fragen
This sentence describes a large rock dominating a coastal landscape, which aligns with the definition of 'penedo'.
This sentence details how erosion, over a long period, shaped the 'penedo' into sculptural forms, emphasizing its weathered nature.
This sentence shows the 'penedo' being referred to as sacred and believed to possess mystical powers by ancient peoples, demonstrating a more nuanced use of the word.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
à beira
B1On the edge or brink of.
à beira de
B1On the edge of; almost in a state of.
à distância
A2At a far point in space or time.
a favor de
B1In favor of; supporting.
à sombra
A2In an area of darkness or coolness caused by the blocking of direct sunlight.
à volta
A2Around; in the vicinity.
abanar
A2To wave or swing back and forth, like an animal's tail; to wag.
abater
B1To cut down (a tree); to kill (an animal).
Abelha
A2Bee; a stinging winged insect that produces honey.
abeto
A2An evergreen coniferous tree, typically with flat needles.
