estreito en 30 segundos
- Describes something with little width.
- Used for roads, paths, spaces, and sometimes clothing.
- Agrees in gender and number with the noun.
- Meaning
- The Portuguese word 'estreito' is an adjective that describes something as being narrow. It is used when the width of an object or space is significantly less than its length, or simply small in width. It conveys the idea of being confined, limited in space, or not wide.
- Usage
- 'Estreito' is a common adjective used in everyday Portuguese to describe physical dimensions. You'll hear it when discussing roads, paths, rivers, clothing, doorways, or any situation where the narrowness of something is a relevant characteristic. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a close relationship or a difficult situation, although this is less common at the A1 level.
A rua é muito estreita.
Este casaco é estreito para mim.
- Contexts
- You will use 'estreito' when describing:
- Physical spaces: 'A ponte é estreita.' (The bridge is narrow.)
- Objects: 'O corredor é estreito.' (The hallway is narrow.)
- Clothing: 'As calças estão estreitas.' (The pants are narrow/tight.)
- Geographical features: 'Um rio estreito.' (A narrow river.)
O caminho na floresta era estreito.
A porta da casa é estreita.
- Basic Structure
- The most common way to use 'estreito' is to place it after the noun it describes, agreeing in gender and number. For masculine singular nouns, it's 'estreito'. For feminine singular nouns, it's 'estreita'. For masculine plural nouns, it's 'estreitos', and for feminine plural nouns, it's 'estreitas'.
O caminho é estreito.
A janela é estreita.
Os corredores são estreitos.
As ruas da cidade velha são estreitas.
- With 'ser' and 'estar'
- 'Estreito' can be used with both 'ser' and 'estar', but the meaning can subtly change.
- With 'ser', it describes a permanent or inherent characteristic: 'Esta é uma porta estreita.' (This is a narrow door.)
- With 'estar', it often describes a temporary state or a personal perception: 'Este vestido está estreito.' (This dress is tight/narrow - perhaps it shrunk or doesn't fit well today.)
O canal é estreito.
O meu casaco está estreito.
- Travel and Geography
- When traveling in Portugal or Brazil, you'll frequently encounter 'estreito' when discussing directions or describing places. For instance, a local might tell you to 'seguir por um caminho estreito' (follow a narrow path) or describe a town with 'ruas estreitas' (narrow streets). When looking at maps or discussing geographical features, you might hear about 'um rio estreito' (a narrow river) or 'um estreito marítimo' (a strait, although this is a more advanced usage).
Preciso virar na próxima rua estreita.
- Everyday Descriptions
- In daily conversations, 'estreito' is used to describe common objects and situations. If you're trying on clothes, you might say 'Esta camisa está um pouco estreita' (This shirt is a bit narrow/tight). When discussing furniture placement, someone might mention that 'o sofá é muito estreito para a sala' (the sofa is too narrow for the living room). Even when talking about a simple doorway, you could hear 'a porta é estreita' (the door is narrow).
O elevador é estreito.
- Construction and Housing
- In discussions about buildings and renovations, 'estreito' is crucial. Architects, builders, and homeowners often talk about 'corredores estreitos' (narrow hallways), 'espaços estreitos' (narrow spaces), or needing to make a space wider because it's currently too 'estreito'.
A casa tem um corredor muito estreito.
- Gender and Number Agreement
- The most frequent mistake for learners is not correctly conjugating 'estreito' to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. For example, saying 'a rua é estreito' instead of 'a rua é estreita', or 'os caminhos são estreita' instead of 'os caminhos são estreitos'. Remember: masculine singular is 'estreito', feminine singular is 'estreita', masculine plural is 'estreitos', and feminine plural is 'estreitas'.
Mistake: A porta é estreito.
Mistake: Os bancos são estreita.
- Confusing with 'apertado'
- Learners sometimes confuse 'estreito' with 'apertado'. While both can relate to a lack of space, 'estreito' specifically refers to narrowness (width), whereas 'apertado' generally means tight, squeezed, or crowded. For example, a 'caminho estreito' is a narrow path, but 'roupa apertada' is tight clothing. A door might be 'estreita' (narrow), but if it's difficult to open because it scrapes the floor, it might be 'apertada' (tight/stuck).
Mistake: A minha calça está estreita.
- Narrow vs. Tight
- 'Estreito' (Narrow): This is the primary word for describing limited width. It's objective and refers to physical dimensions.
'Apertado' (Tight/Squeezed): This word implies something is too small, constricting, or difficult to fit into. It can refer to clothing that is too tight, a space that is cramped, or even a difficult situation. While a narrow space might feel 'apertado', 'apertado' itself doesn't solely mean narrow.
O corredor é estreito, mas o meu casaco está apertado.
- Limited vs. Narrow
- 'Limitado' (Limited): This adjective is broader and can refer to a restriction in quantity, scope, or extent, not just width. A 'tempo limitado' is limited time. A 'espaço limitado' could be limited in size, which might include being narrow, but also small in general. 'Estreito' is more specific to width.
O espaço para estacionar é limitado.
- Thin vs. Narrow
- 'Fino' (Thin): This adjective describes something that is thin in thickness or diameter, like a 'lápis fino' (thin pencil) or 'uma linha fina' (a thin line). While something thin might also be narrow, 'estreito' specifically focuses on the width dimension, especially in relation to length. A plank of wood can be 'fina' (thin) and also 'estreita' (narrow).
A corda é fina e estreita.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The Latin root 'stringere' also gives us English words like 'strict', 'stringent', and 'constrict', all of which carry a sense of tightness, restriction, or being drawn together. This shared origin highlights the fundamental concept of 'tightness' or 'narrowness' embedded in the word.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'x' as 'sh' instead of 'sh' sound.
- Not stressing the second syllable.
- Pronouncing the 'ei' diphthong incorrectly.
- Making the 't' sound too hard or too soft.
- Forgetting the final 'o' sound.
Nivel de dificultad
At the A1-A2 level, 'estreito' is straightforward when used literally to describe physical width. Understanding its metaphorical uses requires higher proficiency.
Basic application is easy, but correct gender and number agreement can be a challenge initially. Metaphorical use is more advanced.
Easy to use in simple descriptive sentences. Fluency comes with practice, especially in applying agreement.
Generally easy to understand in context, especially when describing physical objects or places.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)
Masculine singular: O carro é estreito. Feminine singular: A bicicleta é estreita. Masculine plural: Os carros são estreitos. Feminine plural: As bicicletas são estreitas.
Using 'ser' vs. 'estar' with adjectives
'Ser estreito' describes a permanent characteristic (e.g., A ponte é estreita). 'Estar estreito' describes a temporary state or condition (e.g., O meu sapato está estreito hoje).
Comparative Adjectives
Esta rua é mais estreita que aquela.
Superlative Adjectives
Esta é a rua mais estreita da cidade.
Placement of Adjectives
Usually after the noun: 'um caminho estreito'. Can sometimes precede for emphasis or specific meaning, but less common for 'estreito' in basic contexts.
Ejemplos por nivel
A rua é estreita.
The street is narrow.
Noun 'rua' (street) is feminine singular, so adjective 'estreita' is feminine singular.
O caminho é estreito.
The path is narrow.
Noun 'caminho' (path) is masculine singular, so adjective 'estreito' is masculine singular.
Esta porta é estreita.
This door is narrow.
Noun 'porta' (door) is feminine singular, so adjective 'estreita' is feminine singular.
O rio é estreito aqui.
The river is narrow here.
Noun 'rio' (river) is masculine singular, so adjective 'estreito' is masculine singular.
O corredor é estreito.
The hallway is narrow.
Noun 'corredor' (hallway) is masculine singular, so adjective 'estreito' is masculine singular.
As calças estão estreitas.
The pants are narrow/tight.
Noun 'calças' (pants) is feminine plural, so adjective 'estreitas' is feminine plural. Used with 'estar' to indicate a state.
Ele comprou um casaco estreito.
He bought a narrow coat.
Noun 'casaco' (coat) is masculine singular, so adjective 'estreito' is masculine singular.
A janela é estreita.
The window is narrow.
Noun 'janela' (window) is feminine singular, so adjective 'estreita' is feminine singular.
O túnel é muito estreito para o carro.
The tunnel is very narrow for the car.
Focus on comparison and suitability.
Precisamos de um caminho menos estreito.
We need a less narrow path.
Using comparative ('menos').
As escadas são estreitas e íngremes.
The stairs are narrow and steep.
Using multiple adjectives.
Esta mesa é estreita para jantar.
This table is narrow for dining.
Describing suitability for an activity.
As ruas antigas eram mais estreitas.
The old streets were narrower.
Past tense and comparative.
Ele tem um corpo estreito.
He has a narrow body.
Describing a physical characteristic.
A passagem entre os prédios é estreita.
The passage between the buildings is narrow.
Describing a specific location.
A bicicleta é estreita.
The bicycle is narrow.
Describing an object's dimension.
A construção da ponte resultou em uma estrada mais estreita.
The bridge construction resulted in a narrower road.
Using past tense and cause/effect.
O espaço de manobra é estreito, por isso precisamos de cuidado.
The maneuvering space is narrow, so we need caution.
Connecting description with a consequence.
A revista tem um design estreito e elegante.
The magazine has a narrow and elegant design.
Describing abstract qualities like design.
Evite usar o corredor estreito durante a evacuação.
Avoid using the narrow hallway during evacuation.
Imperative mood and context of emergency.
O tecido era muito estreito para o projeto.
The fabric was too narrow for the project.
Past tense, expressing inadequacy.
A linha de visão era estreita devido às árvores.
The line of sight was narrow due to the trees.
Figurative use related to visibility.
Eles moram numa casa com um jardim estreito.
They live in a house with a narrow garden.
Describing a feature of a property.
O barco entrou no canal estreito com dificuldade.
The boat entered the narrow canal with difficulty.
Describing a challenge in movement.
A política econômica atual visa estreitar o déficit público.
The current economic policy aims to narrow the public deficit.
Metaphorical use related to economic indicators.
O fotógrafo capturou a essência da cidade através de suas ruas estreitas e labirínticas.
The photographer captured the city's essence through its narrow and labyrinthine streets.
Descriptive language, combining adjectives.
A falta de espaço na embarcação tornava a circulação bastante estreita.
The lack of space on the vessel made circulation quite narrow.
Describing circulation and movement constraints.
O estreito geográfico representa um ponto estratégico crucial.
The geographical strait represents a crucial strategic point.
Specific geographical term ('estreito' as a noun).
A evolução tecnológica tem estreitado as distâncias entre as pessoas.
Technological evolution has narrowed the distances between people.
Metaphorical use regarding communication and connection.
O debate público sobre o tema permaneceu em um canal estreito, sem explorar todas as nuances.
The public debate on the topic remained in a narrow channel, without exploring all the nuances.
Metaphorical use related to scope and depth of discussion.
A interpretação literal da lei pode levar a um entendimento estreito de seus propósitos.
A literal interpretation of the law can lead to a narrow understanding of its purposes.
Metaphorical use related to understanding and interpretation.
Com o tempo, a relação deles se tornou mais estreita, apesar das dificuldades.
Over time, their relationship became closer/narrower, despite the difficulties.
Figurative use related to relationships, often implying closeness or intimacy.
A arquitetura modernista frequentemente emprega linhas retas e espaços estreitos para criar uma sensação de minimalismo.
Modernist architecture often employs straight lines and narrow spaces to create a sense of minimalism.
Sophisticated vocabulary and abstract concepts.
A crise econômica global forçou muitas empresas a estreitar seus orçamentos e reavaliar suas prioridades.
The global economic crisis forced many companies to narrow their budgets and re-evaluate their priorities.
Business context, metaphorical use of 'estreitar'.
O livro explora a condição humana através de uma narrativa que se desenrola em um cenário geograficamente estreito.
The book explores the human condition through a narrative that unfolds in a geographically narrow setting.
Literary analysis and abstract description.
A diplomacia busca evitar conflitos, mantendo um diálogo que não se torne excessivamente estreito em suas propostas.
Diplomacy seeks to avoid conflicts by maintaining a dialogue that does not become excessively narrow in its proposals.
Political and diplomatic context, abstract meaning of 'estreito'.
A pesquisa científica avançou, mas ainda enfrentamos um caminho estreito para a cura definitiva.
Scientific research has advanced, but we still face a narrow path to a definitive cure.
Scientific context, metaphorical path.
O diretor optou por um plano de filmagem que enfatizava os espaços estreitos para intensificar a sensação de claustrofobia.
The director opted for a filming plan that emphasized the narrow spaces to intensify the feeling of claustrophobia.
Cinematic terminology and psychological effect.
A reforma tributária visa estreitar a margem de manobra para a evasão fiscal.
The tax reform aims to narrow the room for tax evasion.
Legal and financial context, metaphorical narrowing.
O relacionamento entre as duas nações tornou-se mais estreito após o acordo comercial.
The relationship between the two nations became closer after the trade agreement.
International relations, figurative closeness.
A análise semiótica revelou que a representação do espaço na obra era deliberadamente estreita, confinada a um único eixo.
The semiotic analysis revealed that the representation of space in the work was deliberately narrow, confined to a single axis.
Academic and theoretical context, specialized vocabulary.
A política de austeridade implicou um estreitamento drástico do leque de serviços públicos oferecidos à população.
The austerity policy implied a drastic narrowing of the range of public services offered to the population.
Complex socio-economic term, abstract noun form ('estreitamento').
O livro de memórias narra a jornada de autodescoberta num percurso existencial frequentemente estreito e solitário.
The memoir narrates the journey of self-discovery on an existential path that was often narrow and lonely.
Philosophical and introspective context, metaphorical path.
A linguagem jurídica, por sua natureza, tende a ser estritamente definida, limitando a ambiguidade e o espaço para interpretações amplas.
Legal language, by its nature, tends to be strictly defined, limiting ambiguity and the scope for broad interpretations.
Legal terminology, emphasis on strictness and limitation.
A expansão urbana descontrolada muitas vezes resulta em corredores de transporte estreitos e ineficientes, estrangulando o desenvolvimento.
Uncontrolled urban expansion often results in narrow and inefficient transport corridors, strangling development.
Urban planning and critical analysis of development.
O confronto ideológico exacerbou a divisão, criando um fosso estreito entre as facções.
The ideological confrontation exacerbated the division, creating a narrow chasm between the factions.
Political science and conflict analysis, metaphorical division.
A tradição artística, quando excessivamente conservadora, pode limitar o alcance da inovação, mantendo-se num cânone estreito.
Artistic tradition, when excessively conservative, can limit the scope of innovation, remaining within a narrow canon.
Art history and criticism, discussing artistic boundaries.
A negociação foi tensa, com ambos os lados mantendo posições estreitas, dificultando um acordo satisfatório.
The negotiation was tense, with both sides maintaining narrow positions, making a satisfactory agreement difficult.
Business negotiation and interpersonal dynamics, metaphorical positions.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— A narrow view (can be literal or figurative).
Ele tem uma vista estreita sobre os problemas.
Se confunde a menudo con
While 'apertado' can mean tight or cramped, 'estreito' specifically refers to narrowness (lack of width). A tight shoe is 'apertado', but a narrow hallway is 'estreito'.
'Largo' is the direct opposite of 'estreito', meaning wide. Confusing them would reverse the intended meaning.
'Fino' means thin, referring to thickness or diameter, not width. A pencil is 'fino', but a narrow path is 'estreito'.
Fácil de confundir
Both 'estreito' and 'apertado' can describe a lack of space or a feeling of being constricted.
'Estreito' specifically means narrow in width. 'Apertado' means tight, squeezed, or crowded. Clothes that don't fit are 'apertadas', while a narrow road is 'estreita'. A very narrow space might also feel 'apertado'.
A porta é estreita (narrow), mas o elevador está apertado (crowded/tight).
It's the direct antonym, so confusion would lead to the opposite meaning.
'Estreito' means narrow. 'Largo' means wide. A street can be either estreita or larga.
A rua estreita dificulta o trânsito, mas a rua larga é mais fácil de atravessar.
Both can describe a small dimension.
'Estreito' refers to width. 'Fino' refers to thickness or diameter. A plank of wood can be 'estreita' (narrow) and also 'fina' (thin). A thread is 'fino' but not necessarily 'estreito'.
A linha é fina (thin) e o fio é estreito (narrow).
It describes a general lack of spatial constraint, the opposite of 'estreito'.
'Espaçoso' means spacious or roomy, implying a lot of space. 'Estreito' means narrow, implying a lack of width and confinement.
O quarto é espaçoso, não é estreito como o corredor.
Both can imply restriction.
'Limitado' means limited, restricted, or finite. It can apply to space, time, resources, or scope. 'Estreito' specifically refers to narrowness in width. A 'espaço limitado' might be narrow, but it could also be small in all dimensions.
O espaço de estacionamento é limitado (limited). A entrada para o estacionamento é estreita (narrow).
Patrones de oraciones
O/A [Noun] é estreito/a.
O caminho é estreito.
Um/Uma [Noun] estreito/a.
Uma rua estreita.
O/A [Noun] é muito estreito/a.
A porta é muito estreita.
O/A [Noun] é [Adverb] estreito/a.
O túnel é mais estreito.
O/A [Noun] estava [Adverb] estreito/a.
O casaco estava um pouco estreito.
Para [Noun], o espaço é estreito.
Para o camião, o espaço é estreito.
A [Noun] tornou-se mais estreita.
A passagem tornou-se mais estreita.
O uso de [Noun] resultou em [Noun] estreito/a.
O uso de tijolos resultou em paredes estreitas.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
High, especially in descriptive contexts.
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Incorrect gender/number agreement.
→
A rua é estreita.
The noun 'rua' (street) is feminine singular, so the adjective must also be feminine singular ('estreita'). Saying 'A rua é estreito' is incorrect.
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Confusing 'estreito' with 'apertado' for clothing.
→
As calças estão apertadas.
'Estreito' refers to width. If pants are too tight, they are 'apertadas' (tight), not necessarily 'estreitas' (narrow in cut).
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Using 'estreito' for thinness instead of width.
→
Um fio fino.
'Fino' means thin (diameter/thickness). 'Estreito' means narrow (width). A wire can be fine and narrow, but the words describe different dimensions.
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Forgetting the plural form.
→
Os caminhos são estreitos.
When referring to multiple narrow things (masculine plural 'caminhos'), the adjective must be plural ('estreitos'). Saying 'Os caminhos são estreito' is incorrect.
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Overusing 'estreito' metaphorically too early.
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O meu amigo tem uma visão limitada do mundo.
While 'estreito' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'visão estreita' for limited view), for beginners, it's best to focus on the literal meaning of physical narrowness. Using 'limitado' is safer for abstract concepts at lower levels.
Consejos
Mastering the 'ei' sound
The 'ei' in 'estreito' sounds like the 'ay' in the English word 'say'. Practice saying 'estrei-to' clearly, focusing on that diphthong. Repeating words like 'leito' (bed) or 'peito' (chest) can help you get the sound right.
Gender and Number Agreement
Always check the noun 'estreito' is describing! If it's a masculine singular noun like 'caminho', use 'estreito'. If it's feminine singular like 'rua', use 'estreita'. For plurals, it's 'estreitos' (masculine) and 'estreitas' (feminine). This is crucial for correct Portuguese.
Visual Associations
Imagine a very skinny person trying to fit through a tiny door. The visual of someone being squeezed through a narrow opening can help you remember the word 'estreito'.
Describe Your Surroundings
Take a walk around your house or neighborhood and try to describe narrow objects or spaces you encounter using 'estreito'. For example, 'The gap between the sofa and the wall is estreito.'
Confusing with 'apertado'
Remember: 'estreito' is about width, 'apertado' is about tightness or being crowded. A narrow road is 'estreita', but tight pants are 'apertadas'.
Know its Opposite
The direct opposite of 'estreito' is 'largo' (wide). Remembering this pair helps solidify the meaning of both words.
Literal vs. Figurative
At first, focus on the literal meaning of narrowness. As you advance, you'll encounter figurative uses, like 'estreitar laços' (to strengthen ties), but the core meaning of physical narrowness is the foundation.
'Ser' vs. 'Estar'
Use 'ser estreito' for permanent characteristics (e.g., 'O rio é estreito') and 'estar estreito' for temporary states, often with clothing (e.g., 'A camisa está estreita').
Picture Narrow Streets
Think of the charming, narrow streets found in old cities in Portugal and Brazil. This visual connection to 'ruas estreitas' can make the word more memorable and relevant.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine a very tight hug ('estreito' sounds a bit like 'straight') where you can barely move because the arms are drawn in so tightly. This 'straight' and tight embrace makes you feel narrow and confined.
Asociación visual
Picture a very thin, long road winding through mountains. It's so narrow that only one car can pass at a time. This visual of a confined, long path helps remember 'estreito'.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe five objects in your home using the word 'estreito' or its feminine/plural forms. For example, 'A minha mesa de centro é estreita.' (My coffee table is narrow.)
Origen de la palabra
The word 'estreito' comes from the Latin word 'strictus', which is the past participle of the verb 'stringere', meaning 'to draw tight', 'to press together', or 'to compress'. This Latin root clearly indicates the concept of being compressed or squeezed, which directly relates to having little width.
Significado original: Originally, 'strictus' referred to something that was drawn tight, constricted, or compressed. This sense of being held tightly or squeezed naturally led to the meaning of narrowness.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance languages > PortugueseContexto cultural
When describing spaces as 'estreito', be mindful of context. While it's a neutral descriptor of size, in certain situations, it could imply difficulty or lack of comfort. However, for describing roads, paths, or general dimensions, it's purely descriptive.
In English, we use 'narrow' for physical width, 'tight' for clothing or spaces that are difficult to fit into, and 'confined' for a general sense of restriction. 'Estreito' primarily maps to 'narrow'.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Describing roads and paths.
- A rua é estreita.
- O caminho é estreito.
- Uma estrada estreita.
Describing buildings and interiors.
- A porta é estreita.
- O corredor é estreito.
- Um espaço estreito.
Describing natural features.
- O rio é estreito.
- Um vale estreito.
Describing clothing and personal items.
- As calças estão estreitas.
- Este casaco é estreito.
Giving directions or describing locations.
- Vire na rua estreita.
- Onde a passagem é estreita.
Inicios de conversación
"Can you describe the street you live on? Is it narrow or wide?"
"When you travel, do you prefer to explore places with narrow streets or wide avenues?"
"Have you ever been stuck in a narrow space? How did it feel?"
"What kind of clothing do you find most comfortable – tight or loose?"
"If you were designing a house, would you want narrow hallways or spacious ones?"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you had to navigate a narrow space. What challenges did you face?
Think about a piece of clothing that is too tight or too narrow for you. Write about why it doesn't fit.
Imagine you are exploring an old city. Write a short paragraph describing the narrow streets and the atmosphere.
What are some situations where a narrow path might be preferable to a wide one?
Reflect on the meaning of 'narrow' in a metaphorical sense. Can a mindset be narrow? Can an opportunity be narrow?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntas'Estreito' specifically refers to narrowness, meaning having little width. It's about the dimension of width. 'Apertado' means tight, squeezed, or crowded. It can refer to clothing that is too tight, a space that is difficult to fit into because it's too small or crowded, or even a difficult situation (like a 'tight spot'). So, a road can be 'estreita' (narrow), but if you can barely walk down it because people are too close, it might feel 'apertado' (crowded/tight).
'Estreito' means narrow, while 'largo' means wide. They are direct opposites. If something has little width, it's 'estreito'. If it has a lot of width, it's 'largo'. For example, 'uma rua estreita' (a narrow street) versus 'uma rua larga' (a wide street).
Yes, 'estreito' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. The forms are: 'estreito' (masculine singular), 'estreita' (feminine singular), 'estreitos' (masculine plural), and 'estreitas' (feminine plural).
Yes, 'estreito' can be used metaphorically, but this is more advanced. For example, 'um laço estreito' means a close bond, and 'uma visão estreita' means a narrow-minded or limited perspective. For beginners, focus on the literal meaning of physical narrowness.
'Ser estreito' is used to describe a permanent or inherent characteristic of something's width. For example, 'O canal é estreito' (The canal is narrow) describes its nature. 'Estar estreito' is used to describe a temporary state or condition, often when something has become narrow or tight, like clothing that has shrunk or doesn't fit well today: 'As minhas calças estão estreitas' (My pants are tight/narrow).
'Estreito' is primarily for width. For thinness (referring to thickness or diameter), the word 'fino' is used. For example, a 'lápis fino' (thin pencil) and a 'caminho estreito' (narrow path). Sometimes, an object can be both 'fino' and 'estreito'.
In geography, 'estreito' (used as a noun) refers to a strait, which is a narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water, like the 'Estreito de Gibraltar' (Strait of Gibraltar).
For masculine nouns, add '-s' to the singular: 'estreito' -> 'estreitos'. For feminine nouns, add '-s' to the singular: 'estreita' -> 'estreitas'. Just like most Portuguese adjectives.
Less commonly, but it can be used metaphorically to describe a sound that is thin or high-pitched, similar to 'fino' or 'agudo'. However, this is not a primary meaning and is more advanced.
Yes, 'estreito' is a very common adjective used in everyday Portuguese to describe physical dimensions, making it essential for learners.
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Summary
The Portuguese adjective 'estreito' is used to describe something that is narrow, meaning it has little width. It is essential to remember that 'estreito' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, changing to 'estreita', 'estreitos', or 'estreitas' as needed. You will hear this word frequently when people describe physical spaces like streets, hallways, or rivers, as well as objects and clothing that are not wide or are too tight.
- Describes something with little width.
- Used for roads, paths, spaces, and sometimes clothing.
- Agrees in gender and number with the noun.
Mastering the 'ei' sound
The 'ei' in 'estreito' sounds like the 'ay' in the English word 'say'. Practice saying 'estrei-to' clearly, focusing on that diphthong. Repeating words like 'leito' (bed) or 'peito' (chest) can help you get the sound right.
Gender and Number Agreement
Always check the noun 'estreito' is describing! If it's a masculine singular noun like 'caminho', use 'estreito'. If it's feminine singular like 'rua', use 'estreita'. For plurals, it's 'estreitos' (masculine) and 'estreitas' (feminine). This is crucial for correct Portuguese.
Context is Key
While 'estreito' means narrow, the context will tell you if it's a narrow road, a narrow passage, or even tight clothing. Pay attention to the surrounding words to grasp the specific nuance.
Visual Associations
Imagine a very skinny person trying to fit through a tiny door. The visual of someone being squeezed through a narrow opening can help you remember the word 'estreito'.
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Más palabras de general
a cerca de
B1Significa 'a unos' o 'aproximadamente' al hablar de distancia o tiempo futuro.
à direita
A2A la derecha. Se usa para dar direcciones o indicar ubicación.
à esquerda
A2A la izquierda. Se usa para dar direcciones o describir una ubicación.
a fim de
A2A fin de; tener ganas de. 'Estudia a fin de aprobar.' / 'Tengo ganas de salir.'
à frente
A2En frente de; delante de. 'Ella está à frente del grupo.'
a frente
A2Al frente; delante.
À frente de
A2Delante de o al frente de. 'El coche está à frente de la casa' (El coche está delante de la casa).
a tempo
A2A tiempo, puntualmente. Indica que algo sucede dentro del plazo necesario.
à volta de
A2Alrededor de. Se usa para espacio (alrededor de la mesa) o aproximaciones (alrededor de las cinco).
abaixo
A1Debajo de; más abajo.
