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B1 adjective 9 min de lectura

bem-cuidado

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos bem-cuidado en 30 segundos

Explicación bem-cuidado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'bem-cuidado' means 'well-kept'. You can use it to describe simple things like your room or your dog. Remember that it changes for boys and girls. If you talk about a 'carro' (boy), say 'bem-cuidado'. If you talk about a 'casa' (girl), say 'bem-cuidada'. It is like saying 'nice' or 'clean' but focusing on the fact that you did work to keep it that way. For example: 'Meu gato é bem-cuidado' (My cat is well-cared-for). It is a long word, but it is just two small words ('bem' + 'cuidado') put together with a dash. You will see it in shops and hear it when people talk about their homes. Just think of it as a way to give a high-quality compliment to an object or a pet. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet, just focus on the 'o' or 'a' at the end to match the thing you are talking about.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'bem-cuidado' to describe more complex situations, like your neighborhood or your appearance. You should understand that it is an adjective that comes from the verb 'cuidar' (to care). When you see a park with green grass and painted benches, you can say: 'Este parque é muito bem-cuidado'. You should also notice how we use 'muito' (very) to make it stronger. At this level, you should be careful with the plural. If you have many 'livros' (books), they are 'bem-cuidados'. If you have many 'plantas' (plants), they are 'bem-cuidadas'. Start looking for this word in advertisements for used cars or apartments. It is a very useful word for shopping because it tells you if the item is in good condition even if it is old. It shows you are moving beyond basic adjectives like 'bom' (good) or 'bonito' (beautiful) to more specific descriptions.

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As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'bem-cuidado' in both formal and informal contexts. You understand that this word implies a process of maintenance over time. You should be able to distinguish between 'estar bem-cuidado' (to be well-kept currently) and 'ser bem-cuidado' (to be a well-kept type of thing). At this level, you should also be aware of the hyphenation rules and the fact that 'bem' is an adverb modifying the participle 'cuidado'. You can use it to talk about abstract things occasionally, like 'uma relação bem-cuidada' (a well-nurtured relationship), though it is most common for physical items. You should also start comparing 'bem-cuidado' with synonyms like 'bem-conservado' or 'estimado'. Use it in your writing to show a higher level of vocabulary. For example, instead of saying 'A casa é boa', say 'A casa é muito bem-cuidada', which provides much more specific information about the owner's habits.

At the B2 level, you should use 'bem-cuidado' with precision and understand its social implications. For instance, describing someone as 'uma pessoa bem-cuidada' suggests a certain social standing or a high level of self-discipline regarding grooming and health. You should be able to use it in professional settings, such as describing the maintenance of equipment or the state of a project's documentation. You should also be fluent in the gender and number transitions without thinking. At this level, you might explore the stylistic choice of placing the adjective before the noun for emphasis in literary or highly formal contexts: 'O bem-cuidado jardim da mansão...' (The well-kept garden of the mansion...). You should also be able to handle negative constructions or irony, such as 'Nada bem-cuidado' (Not well-kept at all). Your understanding of the word should include the cultural value placed on 'capricho' (meticulousness) in Lusophone cultures.

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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced grasp of 'bem-cuidado' and its related forms. You can discuss the etymology and the orthographic rules governing the hyphen. You recognize the subtle differences between 'bem-cuidado', 'zelado', 'preservado', and 'manutenido'. You can use the word in complex sentence structures, such as passive voice or within subordinate clauses: 'Embora o edifício seja antigo, o fato de ter sido sempre bem-cuidado garante a sua integridade estrutural.' You also understand how the word functions in different regional dialects, such as the preference for 'estimado' in certain parts of Portugal versus 'bem-cuidado' in Brazil. You can use it metaphorically in literature or high-level journalism to describe a well-maintained reputation or a carefully curated public image. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the correct prosody and emphasis on the nasal vowel in 'bem'.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'bem-cuidado', including its use in archaic or highly specialized registers. You can evaluate the stylistic impact of using this compound over a single-word synonym. You are aware of how the term has evolved in the Portuguese language and its place within the system of compound adjectives. You can use it to critique architectural restoration, environmental conservation, or social policies regarding public spaces with professional-grade vocabulary. You understand the philosophical underpinnings of 'cuidado' (care) as expressed through this adjective—how it reflects a culture's relationship with material objects and time. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning (a clean car) and the highly abstract (a well-maintained legacy). At this stage, the word is a tool for precise, evocative, and culturally resonant communication in any possible context, from poetry to technical reports.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

bem-cuidado en 30 segundos

Bem-cuidado means well-kept or well-maintained, indicating something is in great condition due to effort.
It is a compound adjective that must agree in gender (o/a) and number (s) with the noun.
Commonly used for houses, cars, gardens, and personal appearance to show quality and preservation.
It differs from 'new' by implying that time has passed but care has prevented deterioration.

The Portuguese adjective bem-cuidado is a compound term that translates directly to 'well-cared-for' or 'well-kept' in English. It is a highly versatile word used to describe physical objects, properties, animals, and even people's appearances. At its core, it suggests a state of preservation that is the result of continuous effort, attention, and maintenance. Unlike the word 'novo' (new), which describes something that has just been created, bem-cuidado implies that time has passed, but the object remains in excellent condition because someone has looked after it.

Semantic Nuance: The term combines 'bem' (well) and 'cuidado' (the past participle of 'cuidar', to care). It functions as a single unit of meaning, describing the result of an action rather than the action itself.

In real estate, for example, a house that is bem-cuidada might be fifty years old but lacks cracks, has a fresh coat of paint, and a functioning garden. This word carries a positive connotation, often used to increase the value of something being sold or to compliment someone's hard work.

O carro antigo do meu avô ainda está muito bem-cuidado.

Beyond objects, when applied to people, it refers to grooming and personal hygiene. A man who is bem-cuidado has a neat haircut, clean clothes, and perhaps healthy skin. It does not necessarily mean expensive fashion, but rather a sense of self-respect reflected in one's appearance. You will encounter this word in advertisements for used goods (OLX, Mercado Livre), in conversations about neighborhood aesthetics, and in personal compliments. It is a B1 level word because while the components are simple, the compound usage and gender/number agreement require a more solid grasp of Portuguese grammar. For instance, you must change it to bem-cuidada for feminine nouns like 'casa' or 'cidade'.

As ruas desta vila são muito bem-cuidadas.

Contextual Usage: While 'limpo' means clean, 'bem-cuidado' means maintained. A clean car can be falling apart, but a 'bem-cuidado' car is mechanically sound and aesthetically preserved.

Um jardim bem-cuidado valoriza qualquer imóvel.

Emotional Resonance: Using this word often expresses appreciation for the effort someone has put into something. It's a way of recognizing 'capricho' (meticulousness).

Ela tem uma pele muito bem-cuidada.

Documentos bem-cuidados facilitam a organização do escritório.

In summary, bem-cuidado is the bridge between mere existence and excellence through effort. It is the adjective of choice for the responsible owner and the observant admirer.

Using bem-cuidado correctly requires understanding its role as a compound adjective. This means it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For a masculine singular noun like 'livro' (book), you use bem-cuidado. For a feminine singular noun like 'planta' (plant), it becomes bem-cuidada. For plurals, you add an 's': bem-cuidados and bem-cuidadas.

Grammar Rule: The prefix 'bem-' remains invariable, while the participle 'cuidado' changes to match the noun.

It usually follows the noun it describes, which is the standard position for adjectives in Portuguese. However, it can also follow linking verbs like 'ser' or 'estar'. Using 'estar' suggests a temporary or current state (e.g., 'The garden is well-kept right now'), whereas 'ser' might imply an inherent quality or a long-term reputation of being well-maintained.

Este prédio é muito bem-cuidado pelo síndico.

As ferramentas estão bem-cuidadas e prontas para o uso.

You can intensify the meaning by using adverbs like 'muito' (very), 'extremamente' (extremely), or 'bastante' (quite).

O museu possui um acervo extremamente bem-cuidado.

Sentence Structure: [Noun] + [Verb] + [Adverb] + [bem-cuidado/a/os/as]. Example: 'As unhas dela estão sempre bem-cuidadas.'

Um condomínio bem-cuidado atrai novos moradores.

Sua barba está muito bem-cuidada hoje.

Common Pairs: Often paired with 'limpo' (clean), 'organizado' (organized), or 'preservado' (preserved).

In professional writing, such as a CV or a property listing, bem-cuidado is a power word that signals reliability and attention to detail. If you say a project was bem-cuidado, it implies you oversaw it with great diligence. It is a word that builds trust between the speaker and the listener by highlighting the quality of maintenance.

You will hear bem-cuidado in a variety of real-life settings across the Portuguese-speaking world. In Brazil, for instance, it is very common in the 'mercado imobiliário' (real estate market). Real estate agents use it to describe houses that don't need immediate repairs. You'll hear: 'A casa é antiga, mas é muito bem-cuidada.' This tells the buyer that despite the age, they won't find leaky pipes or rotting wood.

Everyday Conversations: Friends might use it when visiting each other's homes: 'Nossa, seu jardim está tão bem-cuidado!' (Wow, your garden is so well-kept!).

Another major area is the automotive world. When buying a 'carro usado' (used car), the most important thing a buyer looks for is a carro bem-cuidado. This implies the previous owner changed the oil on time, kept the interior clean, and drove responsibly. You will see this phrase in thousands of online ads.

Vende-se moto seminova, único dono, muito bem-cuidada.

In the beauty and fashion industry, 'estética' (aesthetics) is key. Beauty vloggers or magazines often talk about cabelos bem-cuidados (well-maintained hair) or pele bem-cuidada (well-cared-for skin). Here, the word moves away from mechanical maintenance toward self-care and health.

Para ter uma pele bem-cuidada, é preciso usar protetor solar diariamente.

Public Spaces: In political or civic contexts, citizens might complain that the 'praças' (squares) or 'parques' (parks) are not 'bem-cuidados' by the city council.

O centro histórico é bem-cuidado para atrair turistas.

Crianças bem-cuidadas crescem mais saudáveis.

Social Media: On Instagram, hashtags like #jardimbemcuidado or #casabemcuidada are popular for home decor enthusiasts showing off their efforts.

Whether it's a compliment to a neighbor or a requirement for a purchase, the word is a staple of descriptive Portuguese.

The most frequent error English speakers make with bem-cuidado is failing to adjust for gender and number. In English, 'well-kept' is static. In Portuguese, you must look at the noun. If you say 'A casa está bem-cuidado', it sounds jarringly wrong to a native ear; it must be 'bem-cuidada'.

Gender Agreement Error: Wrong: As flores estão bem-cuidado. Correct: As flores estão bem-cuidadas.

Another mistake is confusing bem-cuidado with cuidadoso. While they look similar, cuidadoso is a personality trait (careful/cautious). A person is 'cuidadosa' (careful) when driving, but a car is 'bem-cuidado' (well-kept). You cannot call a car 'cuidadoso' because a car doesn't have the capacity to be cautious.

Ele é um motorista cuidadoso, por isso o carro dele é bem-cuidado.

Spelling is also a pitfall. After the 1990 Orthographic Agreement, some hyphens were removed from Portuguese, but 'bem-' compounds generally kept theirs when the meaning is a specific adjective. Writing 'bem cuidado' without the hyphen is common in informal chats but is technically incorrect in formal writing when it acts as an adjective before or after a noun.

False Friends: Don't confuse it with 'bom cuidado'. 'Bom' is an adjective (good), 'bem' is an adverb (well). You need the adverb 'bem' to modify the participle 'cuidado'.

O cachorro é muito bem-cuidado pelos donos.

Aquelas ferramentas não estão bem-cuidadas; estão enferrujadas.

Finally, avoid using bem-cuidado for people to mean 'healthy' in a medical sense. Use 'saudável' for health. Bem-cuidado for a person is strictly about appearance and grooming.

To enrich your Portuguese, it's helpful to know words that overlap with bem-cuidado but offer different shades of meaning.

Preservado: Focuses on the state of remaining unchanged or protected from decay. Often used for historical buildings or nature reserves. 'Um palácio preservado'.

Estimado: Very common in Portugal (European Portuguese) to describe used items that were loved and kept in good condition. 'Um carro estimado'. In Brazil, this sounds more like 'esteemed' or 'estimated'.

Zelado: A more formal term, derived from 'zelo' (zeal/care). It implies a sense of duty or stewardship. 'O patrimônio foi bem zelado'.

A biblioteca é bem-conservada, apesar da idade.

Bem-conservado is perhaps the closest synonym. The difference is subtle: bem-cuidado emphasizes the active 'care' (cuidar), while bem-conservado emphasizes the 'conservation' (conservar). You care for a baby or a garden; you conserve a statue or a vintage wine. However, for a car or a house, they are interchangeable.

Impecável: Means 'impeccable'. This is a stronger version of 'bem-cuidado'. If something is impeccable, it has zero flaws.

O apartamento está impecável, parece novo.

Um trabalho bem-feito é sempre bem-cuidado.

Aseado: Specifically for people and their hygiene. It's a bit old-fashioned but very precise for someone who is always clean and neat.

Knowing these alternatives allows you to choose the exact level of formality and intensity needed for your description.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'cuidado' is also a common warning in Portuguese, meaning 'Watch out!' or 'Be careful!', but as a participle in 'bem-cuidado', it loses its urgency and gains a sense of calm preservation.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˌbẽj kwijˈðadu/

US /ˌbeɪn kwaɪˈdɑːdoʊ/

The primary stress is on the syllable 'da' of 'cuidado'.

Rima con

passado estado cansado obrigado feriado dourado educado gelado

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'm' in 'bem' as a hard English 'm'.
Forgetting to nasalize the first vowel.
Over-enunciating the 'u' in 'cuidado'.
Missing the stress on the penultimate syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a hard 'oh' instead of a soft 'oo' sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Easy to recognize the roots 'bem' and 'cuidar'.

Escritura 5/5

Hyphenation and gender/number agreement require focus.

Expresión oral 4/5

Nasal 'bem' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 3/5

Usually clearly articulated in descriptive contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

bem cuidar bom casa carro

Aprende después

bem-conservado zelar manutenção caprichoso impecável

Avanzado

esmero primor esteticamente preservação stewardship

Gramática que debes saber

Gender Agreement

A casa (f) -> bem-cuidada.

Number Agreement

Os carros (m.pl) -> bem-cuidados.

Hyphenation with 'bem-'

Used before most consonants to form adjectives.

Adverbial Modification

'Bem' modifies the participle 'cuidado'.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'Jardim bem-cuidado'.

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Ejemplos por nivel

O meu quarto é bem-cuidado.

My room is well-kept.

Masculine singular agreement.

A sua gata é bem-cuidada.

Your cat (female) is well-cared-for.

Feminine singular agreement.

O jardim é bem-cuidado.

The garden is well-kept.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Os meus livros são bem-cuidados.

My books are well-cared-for.

Masculine plural agreement.

As flores são bem-cuidadas.

The flowers are well-cared-for.

Feminine plural agreement.

Este carro é bem-cuidado.

This car is well-kept.

Demonstrative pronoun + noun + adjective.

Ela é uma menina bem-cuidada.

She is a well-cared-for girl.

Adjective follows the noun.

O cão está bem-cuidado.

The dog is well-kept.

Use of 'estar' for current state.

A praça da cidade é muito bem-cuidada.

The city square is very well-kept.

Use of intensifier 'muito'.

Eles têm uma casa muito bem-cuidada.

They have a very well-kept house.

Direct object description.

Sua pele parece muito bem-cuidada.

Your skin looks very well-cared-for.

Linking verb 'parecer'.

Nós compramos um carro usado bem-cuidado.

We bought a well-kept used car.

Compound adjective modifying a noun phrase.

As ruas deste bairro são bem-cuidadas.

The streets of this neighborhood are well-kept.

Plural feminine agreement.

O material escolar dele é bem-cuidado.

His school supplies are well-kept.

Possessive + noun + adjective.

A barba do João está sempre bem-cuidada.

João's beard is always well-kept.

Adverb 'sempre' with 'estar'.

Aquelas plantas não estão bem-cuidadas.

Those plants are not well-kept.

Negative construction.

Um imóvel bem-cuidado valoriza-se com o tempo.

A well-kept property increases in value over time.

General statement using 'se' reflexive.

Ela sempre foi uma pessoa muito bem-cuidada.

She has always been a very well-groomed person.

Compound past tense with 'ser'.

O acervo do museu é extremamente bem-cuidado.

The museum's collection is extremely well-kept.

Adverb of intensity 'extremamente'.

Para manter o carro bem-cuidado, faça revisões anuais.

To keep the car well-maintained, do annual check-ups.

Infinitive purpose clause.

As ferramentas de trabalho devem estar bem-cuidadas.

The work tools must be well-kept.

Modal verb 'dever' + 'estar'.

Apesar da idade, o mobiliário continua bem-cuidado.

Despite its age, the furniture remains well-kept.

Concession clause with 'apesar de'.

É difícil encontrar um apartamento tão bem-cuidado por este preço.

It's hard to find such a well-kept apartment for this price.

Impersonal construction 'É difícil'.

As unhas dela estão impecáveis e bem-cuidadas.

Her nails are impeccable and well-kept.

Pairing synonyms for emphasis.

A reputação da empresa deve ser bem-cuidada pelos gestores.

The company's reputation must be well-nurtured by the managers.

Metaphorical usage for 'reputação'.

Um cabelo bem-cuidado exige produtos de qualidade.

Well-maintained hair requires quality products.

Subject as a noun phrase.

Os detalhes bem-cuidados da decoração chamaram a atenção.

The well-kept details of the decoration caught everyone's attention.

Adjective in attributive position.

Ele se orgulha de ter um pomar tão bem-cuidado.

He takes pride in having such a well-kept orchard.

Reflexive verb 'orgulhar-se'.

A documentação do projeto está muito bem-cuidada e organizada.

The project documentation is very well-maintained and organized.

Professional context.

Cidades bem-cuidadas costumam atrair mais investimentos.

Well-kept cities usually attract more investment.

Generalizing plural subject.

O paciente precisa de uma alimentação bem-cuidada para recuperar.

The patient needs a well-managed diet to recover.

Usage for 'diet/nutrition'.

As memórias de família são bem-cuidadas através das fotos.

Family memories are well-preserved through photos.

Passive voice with 'ser'.

A preservação de um arquivo tão bem-cuidado exige recursos constantes.

The preservation of such a well-kept archive requires constant resources.

Complex noun phrase.

Sua escrita é bem-cuidada, com um vocabulário rico e preciso.

His/her writing is well-crafted, with a rich and precise vocabulary.

Usage for 'writing style'.

O patrimônio histórico, se bem-cuidado, conta a história da nação.

Historical heritage, if well-kept, tells the nation's story.

Conditional 'se' + adjective.

Notava-se que era uma criança bem-cuidada e amada.

One could tell it was a well-cared-for and loved child.

Impersonal 'notava-se'.

A gestão bem-cuidada dos recursos públicos evitou a crise.

The careful management of public resources avoided the crisis.

Abstract management context.

Ela mantém uma aparência bem-cuidada sem parecer artificial.

She maintains a well-groomed appearance without looking artificial.

Contrast using 'sem'.

O texto apresenta uma revisão bem-cuidada, sem erros ortográficos.

The text shows a careful revision, without spelling errors.

Usage for 'editing/revision'.

Um relacionamento bem-cuidado sobrevive a qualquer tempestade.

A well-nurtured relationship survives any storm.

Metaphorical/Emotional context.

A estética bem-cuidada da obra reflete a meticulosidade do autor.

The well-crafted aesthetics of the work reflect the author's meticulousness.

High-level artistic criticism.

Raramente se vê um ecossistema tão bem-cuidado em áreas urbanas.

Rarely does one see such a well-maintained ecosystem in urban areas.

Inversion with 'Raramente'.

A diplomacia exige uma retórica bem-cuidada para evitar conflitos.

Diplomacy requires well-crafted rhetoric to avoid conflicts.

Usage for 'rhetoric/speech'.

O acervo bibliográfico, primorosamente bem-cuidado, é um tesouro nacional.

The bibliographic collection, exquisitely well-kept, is a national treasure.

Use of adverb 'primorosamente'.

Uma herança bem-cuidada transcende gerações.

A well-managed heritage transcends generations.

Abstract concept of 'legacy'.

A urbanização bem-cuidada harmoniza o concreto e a natureza.

Well-planned urbanization harmonizes concrete and nature.

Urban planning context.

Sua argumentação foi bem-cuidada, não deixando margem para dúvidas.

His argumentation was well-crafted, leaving no room for doubt.

Usage for 'argumentation'.

O jardim de infância é um ambiente bem-cuidado e seguro.

The kindergarten is a well-maintained and safe environment.

Environmental description.

Colocaciones comunes

jardim bem-cuidado

carro bem-cuidado

aparência bem-cuidada

pele bem-cuidada

imóvel bem-cuidado

unhas bem-cuidadas

espaço bem-cuidado

cabelo bem-cuidado

ruas bem-cuidadas

animal bem-cuidado

Frases Comunes

muito bem-cuidado

— Very well-kept. Used to emphasize the high level of maintenance.

O apartamento é pequeno, mas muito bem-cuidado.

sempre bem-cuidado

— Always well-kept. Suggests a habit of maintenance.

O jardim dele está sempre bem-cuidado.

extremamente bem-cuidado

— Extremely well-kept. Used for top-tier maintenance.

Este relógio é extremamente bem-cuidado.

nada bem-cuidado

— Not well-kept at all. A negative way to describe neglect.

O parque não está nada bem-cuidado.

mais ou menos bem-cuidado

— Somewhat well-kept. Implies average maintenance.

O carro está mais ou menos bem-cuidado.

tão bem-cuidado quanto

— As well-kept as. Used for comparisons.

Meu jardim é tão bem-cuidado quanto o seu.

parecer bem-cuidado

— To look well-kept.

Tudo aqui parece muito bem-cuidado.

manter bem-cuidado

— To keep well-maintained.

É caro manter um barco bem-cuidado.

visivelmente bem-cuidado

— Visibly well-kept.

O acervo é visivelmente bem-cuidado.

pouco bem-cuidado

— Not very well-kept.

O prédio parece pouco bem-cuidado.

Se confunde a menudo con

bem-cuidado vs cuidadoso

Cuidadoso means 'careful' (a person's trait), while bem-cuidado means 'well-kept' (the state of an object).

bem-cuidado vs cuidado

Cuidado can mean 'care' (noun) or 'Watch out!' (interjection). Don't confuse the warning with the adjective.

bem-cuidado vs bom cuidado

This is grammatically incorrect as an adjective; always use the adverb 'bem'.

Modismos y expresiones

"estar um brinco"

— To be extremely clean and well-kept, like a shiny earring.

A casa dela está um brinco!

informal

"tratar a pão de ló"

— To treat someone or something with extreme care and pampering.

Ele trata o carro a pão de ló.

informal

"estar nos trinques"

— To be in perfect condition, well-dressed, or well-maintained.

O motor está nos trinques.

slang/old-fashioned

"de lamber os dedos"

— Usually for food, but can imply something so good it was perfectly made/kept.

O jardim ficou de lamber os dedos.

informal

"com todo o capricho"

— With all the meticulous care.

Ela fez a decoração com todo o capricho.

neutral

"estar um luxo"

— To be luxurious and very well-presented.

Sua casa está um luxo!

informal

"na ponta dos cascos"

— In top form or perfect condition (originating from horse racing).

O atleta está na ponta dos cascos.

informal

"de ponta em branco"

— To be dressed impeccably and well-groomed.

Ele sempre anda de ponta em branco.

idiomatic

"como novo"

— Like new. Used for well-kept old items.

O sofá tem dez anos mas está como novo.

neutral

"fino trato"

— Of fine treatment/maintenance.

É um móvel de fino trato.

formal

Fácil de confundir

bem-cuidado vs cuidadoso

Similar root.

Cuidadoso is about the person acting; bem-cuidado is about the object being acted upon.

O motorista cuidadoso tem um carro bem-cuidado.

bem-cuidado vs conservado

Synonymous.

Conservado is more technical; bem-cuidado is more personal/emotional.

O museu está conservado; minha casa está bem-cuidada.

bem-cuidado vs novo

Both imply good condition.

Novo means recently made; bem-cuidado means old but kept in good shape.

O carro não é novo, mas está bem-cuidado.

bem-cuidado vs limpo

Both are positive traits.

Limpo is just about dirt; bem-cuidado is about structure and maintenance.

A sala está limpa, mas os móveis não estão bem-cuidados.

bem-cuidado vs arrumado

Relates to appearance.

Arrumado is about organization; bem-cuidado is about long-term care.

O quarto está arrumado, mas a pintura não está bem-cuidada.

Patrones de oraciones

O [noun] é bem-cuidado.

O gato é bem-cuidado.

A [noun] está muito bem-cuidada.

A praça está muito bem-cuidada.

Um [noun] bem-cuidado é [adjective].

Um carro bem-cuidado é seguro.

Para ter um [noun] bem-cuidado, é preciso [verb].

Para ter um jardim bem-cuidado, é preciso regar.

Apesar de [adjective], o [noun] continua bem-cuidado.

Apesar de antigo, o livro continua bem-cuidado.

Nota-se que o [noun] é bem-cuidado.

Nota-se que o acervo é bem-cuidado.

A [noun] bem-cuidada reflete o [abstract noun].

A estética bem-cuidada reflete o capricho.

[Adverb] bem-cuidado, o [noun] [verb].

Primorosamente bem-cuidado, o palácio impressiona.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

cuidado (care)

cuidador (caregiver)

cuidadora (caregiver)

zelo (zeal/care)

Verbos

cuidar (to care for)

descuidar (to neglect)

Adjetivos

cuidadoso (careful)

descuidado (careless)

bem-cuidado (well-kept)

Relacionado

manutenção (maintenance)

preservação (preservation)

limpeza (cleanliness)

capricho (meticulousness)

zelo (diligence)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Errores comunes

A casa está bem-cuidado. → A casa está bem-cuidada.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'casa'.
Os carros estão bem-cuidado. → Os carros estão bem-cuidados.
The adjective must agree with the plural noun 'carros'.
Ele é um homem cuidadoso (meaning groomed). → Ele é um homem bem-cuidado.
'Cuidadoso' means he is careful/cautious, not that he is well-groomed.
O jardim é bom cuidado. → O jardim é bem-cuidado.
You must use the adverb 'bem' to modify the participle 'cuidado', not the adjective 'bom'.
Eu tenho um bem cuidado carro. → Eu tenho um carro bem-cuidado.
In Portuguese, adjectives usually come after the noun in standard speech.

Consejos

Check the Noun

Always look at the word before 'bem-cuidado'. If it's feminine (ends in a), change it to 'bem-cuidada'.

Use for Compliments

It's a very safe and polite way to compliment someone's home, car, or pet.

Hyphen Matters

In formal Portuguese, the hyphen is essential for compound adjectives starting with 'bem'.

Nasalize

Practice the nasal 'bem' to sound more like a native. Avoid the hard English 'm'.

Real Estate Trick

If an ad says 'bem-cuidado', it usually means 'old but good'. It's a key word for bargain hunters.

Cuidado vs Cuidadoso

Remember: The person is 'cuidadoso' (careful), the thing is 'bem-cuidado' (well-kept).

Intensify

Use 'impecável' if 'bem-cuidado' isn't strong enough for how clean something is.

Used Cars

When selling something, always include 'bem-cuidado' in the description to attract better buyers.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Lisbon, try using 'estimado' for objects; in São Paulo, stick with 'bem-cuidado'.

Compound Logic

Think of it as 'Well + Cared'. It's one of the most logical compound words in Portuguese.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'BEM' as 'BEN' (like a good friend Ben) and 'CUIDADO' as 'CARE'. Ben takes Care of his stuff. Ben-Care = Bem-Cuidado.

Asociación visual

Imagine a shiny vintage car in a clean garage with a man polishing it. The car is 'bem-cuidado'.

Word Web

jardim carro casa pele cabelo unhas limpo organizado

Desafío

Try to find three things in your house that are 'bem-cuidados' and three that are 'malcuidados' (neglected). Describe them in a sentence.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'bene' (well) and 'cogitatus' (thought out/considered), which evolved into the Portuguese 'bem' and 'cuidado'. The transformation of 'cogitatus' to 'cuidado' reflects the shift from 'thinking' to 'taking care'.

Significado original: Originally implied something that was well-thought-out or handled with deliberation.

Romance (Latin roots).

Contexto cultural

Generally a positive term. Describing a person as 'bem-cuidado' is a compliment, but ensure it doesn't sound like you are surprised by their cleanliness.

Equivalent to 'well-kept' or 'well-maintained', but used more frequently for personal grooming than in English.

Commonly used in 'anúncios de classificados' (classified ads). Often heard in Brazilian 'novelas' to describe wealthy estates. Used in lifestyle magazines like 'Vogue Brasil' to describe skincare.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Real Estate

Apartamento bem-cuidado
Prédio bem-cuidado
Jardim bem-cuidado
Imóvel bem-cuidado

Automotive

Carro bem-cuidado
Motor bem-cuidado
Interior bem-cuidado
Veículo bem-cuidado

Beauty/Grooming

Pele bem-cuidada
Cabelo bem-cuidado
Unhas bem-cuidadas
Aparência bem-cuidada

Public Spaces

Parque bem-cuidado
Praça bem-cuidada
Cidade bem-cuidada
Rua bem-cuidada

Personal Items

Livros bem-cuidados
Roupas bem-cuidadas
Ferramentas bem-cuidadas
Objetos bem-cuidados

Inicios de conversación

"Você acha que este bairro é bem-cuidado pela prefeitura?"

"Qual é o segredo para manter um jardim tão bem-cuidado?"

"Você prefere comprar um carro novo ou um usado bem-cuidado?"

"Como você faz para manter sua pele sempre bem-cuidada?"

"Você conhece algum museu que seja excepcionalmente bem-cuidado?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um objeto que você possui há muito tempo e que está bem-cuidado.

O que significa para você ser uma pessoa bem-cuidada?

Escreva sobre um lugar público na sua cidade que não está bem-cuidado.

Como a manutenção de um bem-cuidado reflete a personalidade do dono?

Quais são os passos necessários para manter uma amizade bem-cuidada?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, when used as a compound adjective (e.g., 'um jardim bem-cuidado'), it traditionally uses a hyphen. In informal texting, people often omit it, but for formal writing, it is required.

Yes, but it refers to their grooming and physical appearance (hair, skin, clothes), not their health or personality. It means they look like they take care of themselves.

The feminine plural is 'bem-cuidadas'. For example: 'As casas são bem-cuidadas'.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. However, in Portugal, you might also hear 'estimado' quite frequently for the same meaning.

Technically, the hyphen should remain if it's acting as a single adjective. However, many modern speakers and some style guides are flexible when an adverb like 'muito' precedes it.

They are very similar. 'Bem-cuidado' emphasizes the active effort of caring (cuidar), while 'bem-conservado' emphasizes the state of preservation (conservar). Use 'bem-cuidado' for things that need daily attention like gardens or pets.

Yes, 'malcuidado' is the direct antonym, meaning neglected or poorly kept. It also follows gender and number agreement.

Yes, metaphorically. 'Um relacionamento bem-cuidado' means a relationship where both parties put in effort to keep it healthy.

It is a nasal vowel. Don't close your lips fully for the 'm'. It sounds like the 'eng' in 'sung' but with an 'e' sound.

Yes, because while the concept is simple, using the correct compound form and making it agree with nouns in complex sentences is a B1 skill.

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