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A2 noun #4,500 más común 9 min de lectura

cola

Top 4,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos cola en 30 segundos

Explicación cola in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cola' is introduced as a basic classroom object. Students learn it alongside words like 'papel' (paper), 'tesoura' (scissors), and 'caneta' (pen). The focus is purely on the physical object: the glue. You will learn to say 'Eu tenho cola' (I have glue) or 'A cola é branca' (The glue is white). At this stage, there is no need to worry about the slang or regional meanings. The goal is to identify the object in a school or office setting and use the correct feminine article 'a'. You might also learn the very basic verb form 'colar' in simple sentences like 'Eu colo o papel' (I glue the paper). This is a foundational word for building basic vocabulary about daily tasks and school life.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'cola' in more descriptive ways. You learn different types of glue, such as 'cola em bastão' (glue stick) and 'cola líquida' (liquid glue). You start to understand instructions, such as 'Passe a cola no verso da foto' (Apply the glue to the back of the photo). This level also introduces the concept of fixing things: 'Vou usar cola para consertar o brinquedo' (I will use glue to fix the toy). You might also encounter the word in simple shopping scenarios, like asking 'Quanto custa esta cola?' (How much does this glue cost?). The focus remains on the physical adhesive, but with more varied sentence structures and practical applications in daily life.

At the B1 level, the Brazilian slang meaning of 'cola' (cheat sheet/cheating) becomes important to recognize, as it frequently appears in informal conversations, movies, and TV shows. You will learn phrases like 'fazer uma cola' (to make a cheat sheet) or 'dar uma cola' (to let someone copy). You also start to use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice: 'O papel foi colado na parede' (The paper was glued to the wall). You begin to see the word in idioms and more abstract contexts. In Portugal, you would now be expected to distinguish between 'cola' (the drink) and 'cola' (the adhesive) based on social context, such as in a restaurant versus a stationery shop.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical and social uses of 'cola' and 'colar'. In Brazil, this includes the slang 'colar' meaning to show up or join a group ('Cola aí no shopping' - Drop by the mall). You also learn about the technical aspects of adhesives in work environments. You can discuss the properties of 'cola'—its 'viscosidade' (viscosity) or 'aderência' (adhesion). You understand the nuance of 'cola' as a tail in European Portuguese and can navigate the regional differences between Brazil and Portugal with ease. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'adesivo', 'selante' (sealant), and 'resina' (resin), knowing when to use 'cola' versus these more specific terms.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its role in various registers of the language. You can use 'cola' in academic or professional discussions about chemistry, art restoration, or industrial manufacturing. You are aware of the subtle differences in connotation between 'cola', 'grude', and 'adesivo'. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors about social cohesion or political 'glue' that holds a group together. You are also proficient in using the verb 'colar' in all its idiomatic forms, including the Brazilian 'colar em alguém' (to stick to someone/follow someone closely). You can switch between Brazilian and Portuguese dialects, using 'cábula' or 'cola' appropriately based on your audience.

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At the C2 level, 'cola' is a tool for stylistic expression. You can use it in literature or high-level journalism to create vivid imagery. You understand the historical development of the word from its Latin roots and how it branched into different meanings across the Lusophone world. You can identify and use rare or archaic expressions involving 'cola'. You are also sensitive to the social implications of using the slang 'cola' in different contexts in Brazil, knowing exactly how it affects the tone of your conversation. Your mastery is such that you can play with the word's multiple meanings in puns or complex wordplay, demonstrating a native-like command of the language's nuances and cultural layers.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

cola en 30 segundos

Primary meaning: Glue (adhesive substance).
Brazilian slang: Cheat sheet or the act of cheating.
Portugal usage: Cola-flavored soda or animal tail.
Feminine noun: Always 'a cola' or 'uma cola'.

The Portuguese word cola is a multifaceted noun that every learner must master, primarily because its meaning shifts significantly depending on the geographical context and the specific social setting. At its most fundamental level, taught at the A1 and A2 CEFR levels, cola refers to glue—the sticky substance used to join two surfaces together. Whether you are in a classroom in Lisbon or an office in São Paulo, if you ask for 'cola', people will understand you are looking for an adhesive. However, the richness of the word lies in its secondary and tertiary meanings, which vary across the Lusophone world.

Physical Adhesive: In all Portuguese-speaking countries, 'cola' is the standard term for glue. This includes 'cola branca' (white glue), 'cola em bastão' (glue stick), and 'cola instantânea' (super glue). It is an essential item in 'material escolar' (school supplies) and 'artesanato' (crafts). In a hardware store, you might hear about 'cola de madeira' (wood glue) or 'cola de sapateiro' (contact cement/cobbler's glue).
Academic Context (Brazil): In Brazil, 'cola' is the ubiquitous term for a 'cheat sheet' or the act of cheating on an exam. If a student is 'colando', they are copying answers from a hidden piece of paper or a peer. Interestingly, in Portugal, the equivalent term for a cheat sheet is 'cábula', though the verb 'colar' is increasingly understood due to the influence of Brazilian media.
Anatomy (Portugal): In European Portuguese, 'cola' can also refer to the tail of an animal, particularly in formal or specific contexts, though 'cauda' is more common for long tails and 'rabo' is common in informal speech. In Brazil, 'cola' is rarely used for tails, where 'rabo' or 'cauda' are the exclusive terms.

"Preciso de um pouco de cola para consertar este vaso quebrado que era da minha avó."

Translation: I need some glue to fix this broken vase that belonged to my grandmother.

Furthermore, the word 'cola' extends into the social sphere through the verb 'colar'. In Brazilian youth slang, 'colar' means to show up or to arrive at a place. Phrases like 'Cola aí em casa mais tarde' (Drop by my house later) demonstrate how the concept of 'sticking' or 'adhering' has evolved into a social invitation. This versatility makes 'cola' a fascinating study in how a simple physical object's name can transform into complex social behaviors and regional identifiers.

Using the word cola correctly requires an understanding of gender and context. As a feminine noun, it is always preceded by feminine articles (a, uma) or feminine adjectives. When you are describing the properties of the glue, you will use adjectives like 'forte' (strong), 'líquida' (liquid), or 'transparente' (transparent).

The School Environment: In a school setting, 'cola' is used both as a tool and a forbidden action. You might say: 'A professora pediu para usarmos pouca cola no papel' (The teacher asked us to use little glue on the paper). Conversely, a teacher might warn: 'Quem for pego com cola na prova será reprovado' (Whoever is caught with a cheat sheet during the test will fail).
Repair and DIY: When fixing things, 'cola' is often the subject. 'Esta cola não é forte o suficiente para metal' (This glue is not strong enough for metal). You can also use it in compound forms: 'cola quente' (hot glue), which is essential for many craft projects.

"Não esqueça de passar a cola nas bordas do papel antes de unir as partes do projeto escolar."

In Portugal, the beverage usage is very common in imperatives: 'Queres uma cola ou uma água?' (Do you want a cola or a water?). Notice how the context of a restaurant immediately clarifies that we are talking about a drink, not a chemical substance. In Brazil, to avoid confusion, one would say 'uma Coca-Cola' or 'uma Pepsi'.

"A cola de sapateiro tem um cheiro muito forte e deve ser usada em locais ventilados."

Finally, consider the metaphorical usage. In Brazil, 'dar uma cola' means to allow someone to copy your answers. 'Você me dá uma cola na prova de matemática?' (Will you let me cheat off you in the math test?). This usage is informal and should be avoided in formal academic writing, but it is essential for understanding colloquial Brazilian Portuguese.

The word cola resonates through various layers of Lusophone society. If you walk into a 'papelaria' (stationery shop) in any Portuguese-speaking city, 'cola' will be one of the most frequently heard nouns. You will hear parents reminding children to buy 'cola em bastão' for the new school year, and artists discussing the merits of 'cola vinílica' for their canvases.

The Brazilian Schoolyard: In Brazilian schools, the word takes on a clandestine tone. Students whisper about who has the best 'cola' (cheat sheet) or who 'colou' (cheated) on the history exam. It is a central part of the student subculture, often associated with adrenaline and the risk of being caught by the 'inspetor'.
Portuguese Cafés and Terraces: In Lisbon or Porto, the word 'cola' is heard in the clinking of glasses. On a hot summer day, a patron might sit down and simply say, 'Uma cola com gelo e limão, por favor' (A cola with ice and lemon, please). Here, the word is synonymous with refreshment and social leisure.

"Na oficina de marcenaria, o artesão aplicou a cola com precisão para unir as peças da cadeira de carvalho."

In the world of fashion and beauty, you might hear about 'cola para cílios' (eyelash glue) in makeup tutorials or beauty salons. In the construction industry, 'cola-tudo' is a common term for high-strength versatile adhesives. Even in the digital world, the concept of 'copiar e colar' (copy and paste) is a daily reality for millions of Portuguese speakers, making the root of the word 'cola' one of the most functional terms in the modern language.

"O aluno escondeu a cola dentro da manga da camisa, mas o professor percebeu o movimento suspeito."

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is the confusion between cola and other words that look or sound similar. Because English uses 'cola' primarily for the drink, students often forget that in Brazil, this usage is practically non-existent for the beverage, leading to awkward moments at dinner tables.

The 'Cola' vs 'Cauda' Confusion: In Brazil, if you want to talk about a dog's tail, never use 'cola'. Use 'rabo' or 'cauda'. Using 'cola' in this context will sound like you are saying the dog has glue attached to its rear. In Portugal, however, 'cola' is acceptable for tails, but even there, 'cauda' is more formal and 'rabo' more common in speech.
The 'Cola' vs 'Cábula' Distinction: If you are studying in Portugal, using the Brazilian slang 'cola' for cheating might get you blank stares from older professors. The traditional Portuguese term is 'cábula'. While younger Portuguese people might understand 'cola' due to Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas), using 'cábula' shows a deeper mastery of European Portuguese.

"Não confunda cola (glue) com calda (syrup). Você não quer colocar cola na sua panqueca!"

Another error involves the verb 'colar'. Learners often try to use the English 'stick' in contexts where 'colar' doesn't fit. For instance, 'stick to the plan' shouldn't be 'colar ao plano', but rather 'manter o plano' or 'seguir o plano'. 'Colar' is very literal—it involves physical adhesion or the specific slang meanings mentioned before. Finally, remember that 'cola' is feminine. Saying 'o cola' is a frequent gender error that immediately marks one as a beginner.

While cola is the most common word for adhesive, Portuguese offers a variety of synonyms and related terms that can make your speech more precise and sophisticated. Depending on the material and the strength of the bond, different words might be more appropriate.

Adesivo vs. Cola: While 'cola' is the substance, 'adesivo' can refer to the substance but often refers to the object itself, like a sticker or a piece of adhesive tape ('fita adesiva'). In industrial contexts, 'adesivo' is preferred for its technical precision.
Goma and Grude: 'Goma' usually refers to a starch-based paste or gum (like 'goma de mascar'—chewing gum). 'Grude' is a more informal, sometimes derogatory term for a sticky, messy substance. If something is 'um grude', it's annoyingly sticky or someone is being too 'clingy'.
Cábula (Portugal Only): As mentioned, if you are in Portugal and referring to a cheat sheet, 'cábula' is the perfect synonym. Using it will make you sound much more like a local student.

"Para este trabalho de marcenaria, não use cola comum; prefira um adesivo epóxi de alta resistência."

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate different registers of the language. For example, 'super cola' is the colloquial name for cyanoacrylate, but in a professional setting, you might call it 'adesivo instantâneo'. Similarly, knowing that 'colar' can be replaced by 'aderir' (to adhere) in formal documents will improve your writing significantly. The world of 'cola' is much larger than just a bottle of white paste; it's a gateway to understanding how Portuguese speakers describe connection, deception, and even their favorite beverages.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

The word 'protocol' actually comes from the same root—'protokollon' in Greek meant the first leaf glued to a manuscript.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈkɔ.lɐ/

US /ˈkɔ.lə/

The stress is on the first syllable: CO-la.

Rima con

bola (ball) mola (spring) escola (school) sacola (bag) gola (collar) sola (sole) viola (guitar) bitola (gauge)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'o' as closed (/o/), which makes it sound like 'co-la' (rhyming with 'boat'). It should rhyme with 'ball'.
Pronouncing the final 'a' too long like 'ahhh'. It should be short.
In Brazil, confusing the 'l' sound with 'w' (cowa) - though in this specific word, the 'l' is usually preserved before the vowel.
Confusing it with 'coluna' (column).
Confusing it with 'escola' (school) due to the similar sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, but context is needed for the specific meaning.

Escritura 2/5

Simple spelling, but remember it is feminine.

Expresión oral 3/5

Requires correct open 'o' pronunciation to sound natural.

Escucha 3/5

Can be confused with other words like 'escola' if the speaker is fast.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

papel caneta escola fazer usar

Aprende después

adesivo grudar consertar cábula cauda

Avanzado

viscosidade aderência aglutinante solvente

Gramática que debes saber

Gender Agreement

A cola (fem) + branca (fem).

Preposition 'de' with 'precisar'

Eu preciso DE cola.

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Cola DE madeira, cola DE sapateiro.

Imperative Mood for Instructions

PASSE a cola no papel.

Verb 'Colar' Conjugation

Eu colo, tu colas, ele cola...

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Ejemplos por nivel

A cola está na mesa.

The glue is on the table.

Simple subject + verb 'estar' + location.

Eu preciso de uma cola.

I need a glue.

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

A cola é branca.

The glue is white.

Adjective 'branca' agrees with feminine noun 'cola'.

Onde está a cola?

Where is the glue?

Interrogative sentence with 'onde'.

A menina usa cola.

The girl uses glue.

Present tense of 'usar'.

Não tenho cola aqui.

I don't have glue here.

Negative sentence with 'ter'.

A cola é para o papel.

The glue is for the paper.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose.

Comprei uma cola nova.

I bought a new glue.

Past tense 'comprei' and adjective 'nova'.

Use a cola em bastão para não fazer sujeira.

Use the glue stick so as not to make a mess.

Imperative 'use' and compound noun 'cola em bastão'.

Esta cola seca muito rápido.

This glue dries very fast.

Verb 'secar' in the third person singular.

A cola não está colando bem.

The glue is not sticking well.

Present continuous 'está colando'.

Passe um pouco de cola na madeira.

Apply a little glue on the wood.

Imperative 'passe' and quantity 'um pouco de'.

A criança sujou a roupa com cola.

The child got glue on their clothes.

Past tense 'sujou' and 'com' indicating the substance.

Precisamos de cola forte para o vidro.

We need strong glue for the glass.

Adjective 'forte' following the noun.

A cola líquida é melhor para este trabalho.

Liquid glue is better for this job.

Comparative 'melhor' and adjective 'líquida'.

Guarde a cola na gaveta.

Store the glue in the drawer.

Imperative 'guarde' and preposition 'na' (em+a).

O aluno foi pego usando cola durante a prova.

The student was caught using a cheat sheet during the exam.

Passive voice 'foi pego' and Brazilian slang 'cola'.

Ele fez uma cola minúscula para o teste de história.

He made a tiny cheat sheet for the history test.

Adjective 'minúscula' and the expression 'fazer uma cola'.

Se você usar essa cola, o sapato vai consertar.

If you use this glue, the shoe will be fixed.

Conditional sentence 'se você usar'.

A professora proibiu qualquer tipo de cola.

The teacher forbade any type of cheat sheet.

Verb 'proibir' in the past tense.

Ela sempre dá cola para os amigos dela.

She always lets her friends cheat off her.

Expression 'dar cola' meaning to help someone cheat.

A cola de contato é ideal para couro.

Contact cement is ideal for leather.

Specific term 'cola de contato'.

Não aguento mais esse grude de cola nas mãos.

I can't stand this glue stickiness on my hands anymore.

Noun 'grude' related to the stickiness of 'cola'.

Em Portugal, pedi uma cola no restaurante.

In Portugal, I ordered a cola at the restaurant.

Contextual usage of 'cola' as a beverage in Portugal.

A adesão da cola depende da limpeza da superfície.

The adhesion of the glue depends on the cleanliness of the surface.

Abstract noun 'adesão' related to 'cola'.

O diretor descobriu o esquema de cola na escola.

The principal discovered the cheating scheme at the school.

Noun 'esquema' used with 'cola'.

Essa cola epóxi requer a mistura de dois componentes.

This epoxy glue requires the mixing of two components.

Technical term 'cola epóxi'.

Cola aí na festa hoje à noite!

Show up at the party tonight!

Brazilian slang verb 'colar' meaning to arrive/show up.

A cola do selo já não funciona mais.

The glue on the stamp doesn't work anymore.

Noun 'cola' referring to pre-applied adhesive.

Ele é um verdadeiro 'grude', não sai da minha cola.

He is really clingy, he doesn't leave my side.

Idiom 'na minha cola' meaning 'right behind me' or 'following me'.

A indústria química produz diversos tipos de cola.

The chemical industry produces various types of glue.

Formal sentence structure.

O cão abanava a cola com alegria.

The dog wagged its tail with joy.

European Portuguese usage of 'cola' for tail.

A eficácia da cola é comprometida pela umidade excessiva.

The effectiveness of the glue is compromised by excessive humidity.

Formal vocabulary: 'eficácia', 'comprometida'.

O uso de cola em exames nacionais é severamente punido.

The use of cheat sheets in national exams is severely punished.

Passive voice 'é punido' and formal register.

A resina serve como uma cola natural para a árvore.

The resin serves as a natural glue for the tree.

Metaphorical/Biological usage.

Eles colaram um no outro desde o primeiro dia de aula.

They stuck to each other since the first day of class.

Figurative use of the verb 'colar'.

A cola quente pode causar queimaduras graves se não for manuseada com cuidado.

Hot glue can cause serious burns if not handled with care.

Conditional 'se não for' and noun 'manuseada'.

A restauração do quadro exigiu uma cola especial reversível.

The restoration of the painting required a special reversible glue.

Technical art vocabulary.

O detetive estava na cola do suspeito há semanas.

The detective had been on the suspect's tail for weeks.

Idiomatic expression 'na cola de alguém'.

A cola de amido é frequentemente usada em encadernação manual.

Starch paste is frequently used in manual bookbinding.

Specific material 'cola de amido'.

A coesão social é a cola que mantém a comunidade unida em tempos de crise.

Social cohesion is the glue that keeps the community united in times of crisis.

High-level metaphorical usage.

O manuscrito antigo apresentava vestígios de uma cola de origem animal.

The ancient manuscript showed traces of an animal-based glue.

Academic register.

Sua argumentação carece de 'cola', as ideias estão desconexas.

Your argument lacks 'glue'; the ideas are disconnected.

Abstract usage in literary criticism.

A empresa busca um líder que seja a cola entre os diferentes departamentos.

The company seeks a leader who is the glue between the different departments.

Corporate metaphor.

A substância agia como uma cola molecular, facilitando a reação química.

The substance acted as a molecular glue, facilitating the chemical reaction.

Scientific context.

O autor utiliza a metáfora da cola para descrever a persistência da memória.

The author uses the glue metaphor to describe the persistence of memory.

Literary analysis.

Não se deve subestimar o poder da 'cola' informal na disseminação de informações.

One should not underestimate the power of informal 'cheating/sharing' in the dissemination of information.

Sociological usage.

A cola de peixe, ou ictiocola, era muito valorizada por antigos mestres da pintura.

Fish glue, or isinglass, was highly valued by old masters of painting.

Specialized historical vocabulary.

Colocaciones comunes

cola branca

cola em bastão

cola quente

passar cola

fazer cola

dar cola

cola de madeira

cola instantânea

na minha cola

sem cola

Frases Comunes

Colar um no outro

— To stick together, physically or emotionally.

Os dois amigos não se desgrudam, vivem colados um no outro.

Pegar na cola

— To follow someone closely or monitor them.

Minha mãe pegou na minha cola para eu estudar.

Estar na cola

— To be right behind someone or chasing them.

A polícia está na cola dos ladrões.

Cola aí!

— Brazilian slang for 'Come here' or 'Show up'.

Vai ter churrasco em casa, cola aí!

Copiar e colar

— The digital action of copy-pasting.

Não pode apenas copiar e colar o texto da internet.

Cola de sapateiro

— Contact cement, often associated with industrial use or substance abuse.

O sapateiro usou a cola para fixar a sola.

Não desgruda da cola

— Someone who is being very clingy.

Esse menino não desgruda da minha cola.

Fazer uma cola

— To create a cheat sheet for a test.

Ele fez uma cola na palma da mão.

Sair da cola

— To stop following or bothering someone.

Sai da minha cola, eu quero ficar sozinho!

Cola tudo

— A brand name or generic term for universal super glue.

Comprei uma cola tudo para consertar o vaso.

Se confunde a menudo con

cola vs calda

Means syrup (like for pancakes). Don't put cola on your food!

cola vs cauda

Means tail. Use this in formal Brazil contexts instead of cola.

cola vs escola

Means school. Sounds similar but very different meaning.

Modismos y expresiones

"Estar na cola de alguém"

— To be following someone very closely, often in a suspicious or annoying way.

O detetive está na cola do suspeito.

Informal

"Dar uma cola"

— To help someone cheat by providing answers.

Você me dá uma cola na prova de amanhã?

Slang (Brazil)

"Não sair da cola"

— To be inseparable from someone or to persistent follow them.

O cachorrinho não sai da cola do dono.

Informal

"Levar uma cola"

— To be scolded or to receive a strict follow-up (less common).

Levei uma cola do chefe por causa do atraso.

Regional

"Fazer cola"

— To prepare a cheat sheet.

Ele foi pego fazendo cola no banheiro.

Slang (Brazil)

"Colar o brinco"

— To be very close to someone, often in a romantic or dancing context.

Eles estavam dançando de colar o brinco.

Old-fashioned Slang

"Colar a placa"

— To be stunned or confused (Brazilian slang).

Depois daquela notícia, eu colei a placa.

Slang

"Colar em alguém"

— To join someone or go where they are going.

Vou colar em você para chegar na festa.

Youth Slang

"Ser um grude/cola"

— To be a very clingy person.

Aquela namorada dele é uma cola.

Informal

"Colar os olhos"

— To fall asleep or have heavy eyes.

Estava tão cansado que mal conseguia colar os olhos.

Literary/Informal

Fácil de confundir

cola vs cábula

Both mean cheat sheet.

Cábula is used in Portugal; Cola is used in Brazil.

Em Lisboa, dizemos cábula.

cola vs adesivo

Both mean adhesive.

Adesivo is more technical or refers to stickers; Cola is the substance.

Este adesivo é para metal.

cola vs rabo

Both can mean tail.

Rabo is common for animals; Cola is specific/formal in Portugal for tails.

O rabo do gato.

cola vs refrigerante

Related to the drink usage.

Refrigerante is the category (soda); Cola is the specific flavor.

Quero um refrigerante de cola.

cola vs grude

Both refer to stickiness.

Grude is informal and usually describes a mess or a clingy person.

Que grude é esse?

Patrones de oraciones

Onde está [objeto]?

Onde está a cola?

Eu uso [objeto] para [verbo].

Eu uso cola para colar o papel.

Ele foi pego [gerúndio].

Ele foi pego usando cola.

[Pessoa] está na cola de [Pessoa].

O policial está na cola do ladrão.

A [substantivo] é a cola que [verbo].

A amizade é a cola que nos une.

Carecer de [substantivo].

O texto carece de cola lógica.

Slang

Cola aí em [lugar].

Cola aí em casa.

Instructional

Passe a cola em [superfície].

Passe a cola na borda.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and school/office environments.

Errores comunes

O cola → A cola
The word is feminine.
Quero uma cola (in Brazil restaurant) → Quero uma Coca
In Brazil, 'cola' is adhesive, not the drink.
O cachorro tem uma cola → O cachorro tem um rabo
In Brazil, 'cola' is not used for tails.
Eu usei uma cola na prova (in Portugal) → Eu usei uma cábula
Portugal uses 'cábula' for cheat sheets.
Colar ao plano → Seguir o plano
Don't translate 'stick to' literally in metaphors.

Consejos

Gender Check

Always pair 'cola' with feminine words: 'a cola nova', 'muita cola'.

Types of Glue

Learn 'cola branca', 'cola quente', and 'cola em bastão' together.

Regional Differences

Remember: Soda in Portugal, Cheat sheet in Brazil.

Social Stickiness

Use 'na minha cola' when someone is following you too closely.

Open O

The 'o' in 'cola' is open like in 'stop'.

Digital Context

Use 'copiar e colar' for copy-paste.

Verb vs Noun

Context tells if 'cola' is 'the glue' or 'he/she glues'.

Avoid 'Cola' for Tail in Brazil

Stick to 'rabo' or 'cauda' to avoid confusion.

Super Glue

In Brazil, 'Super Bonder' is often used as a generic term for 'cola instantânea'.

Sticky Memory

Imagine a 'cola' bottle sticking to a 'cola' soda can.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a girl named COLA who sticks to everything because she is made of GLUE.

Asociación visual

Visualize a bottle of white glue with a student's cheat sheet stuck to the side of it.

Word Web

Papel Escola Adesivo Cheating Soda (Portugal) Tail (Portugal) Stick Crafts

Desafío

Try to use 'cola' in three different ways today: as an adhesive, as a slang for cheating, and as a verb for arriving somewhere (if practicing Brazilian slang).

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Latin 'colla', which itself comes from the Greek 'kolla' (κόλλα), meaning glue.

Significado original: A sticky substance used for binding materials.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'cola' (cheat sheet) in serious academic environments; it implies dishonesty. In Portugal, 'rabo' (tail) is more common but can also mean 'butt', so 'cola' or 'cauda' is safer for animals in formal settings.

English speakers often associate 'cola' only with the drink. In Portuguese, you must broaden this to 'adhesive' first.

The song 'Colo de Menina' (though 'colo' means lap, it is often phonetically confused by beginners). Brazilian memes about 'cola na prova'. The brand 'Super Bonder' is the most famous 'cola' in Brazil.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

School/Classroom

Posso emprestar sua cola?
A cola acabou.
Não faça cola na prova.
Cole as figuras aqui.

Office/Work

Preciso de fita-cola.
Onde fica a cola de bastão?
Cole o recibo no relatório.
A cola não é forte o suficiente.

Restaurant (Portugal)

Uma cola, por favor.
Tem cola zero?
Quero uma cola com gelo.
Traga outra cola.

DIY/Home Repair

Vou usar cola de madeira.
A cola secou no tubo.
Passe a cola com pincel.
Essa cola é instantânea.

Street Slang (Brazil)

Cola aí em casa.
Ele está na minha cola.
Vou colar na festa.
Parei na cola dele.

Inicios de conversación

"Você prefere usar cola em bastão ou cola líquida para seus trabalhos?"

"Já aconteceu de você ser pego com uma cola na escola quando era criança?"

"Qual é a melhor marca de cola instantânea para consertar sapatos?"

"Em Portugal, você sabia que 'cola' pode ser um refrigerante?"

"Você acha que usar 'cola' na prova ajuda ou atrapalha o aprendizado?"

Temas para diario

Descreva um momento em que você teve que consertar algo importante usando cola.

Escreva sobre a ética de usar 'cola' (cheat sheets) nas escolas modernas.

Se você pudesse ser a 'cola' que une duas pessoas ou grupos, quem seriam?

Relate uma situação engraçada envolvendo confusão de palavras em português, como 'cola'.

Faça uma lista de materiais escolares essenciais e explique por que a cola é um deles.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually no. In Brazil, you say 'Coca' or 'refrigerante de cola'. If you say 'cola', people will think of glue.

It is always feminine: a cola.

You say 'cola em bastão'.

The verb is 'colar'.

No, Brazilians use 'rabo' or 'cauda'. Using 'cola' for a tail in Brazil is very rare and sounds Portuguese.

The most common word is 'cábula'.

Yes, metaphorically. If someone is 'uma cola', they are very clingy.

It's a Brazilian slang for 'come here' or 'join us'.

No, Brazilians say 'fita adesiva' or 'durex'.

Yes, the basic meaning of 'glue' is learned very early.

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