When you hear the word "motel" in Portugal or Brazil, don't think of the American-style roadside inn. In these countries, a motel is typically a place rented by the hour, designed for romantic encounters or discreet meetings.
These establishments offer privacy and themed rooms, often with amenities like hot tubs or elaborate decor. While they might still be located on the roadside, their purpose is distinctly different from a conventional hotel.
If you're looking for a place to stay overnight during a road trip, you should look for a "hotel," "pousada," or "residencial." Using "motel" in that context would likely lead to a misunderstanding and an unexpected experience.
motel در ۳۰ ثانیه
- roadside accommodation
- parking at room
- for motorists
نکته جالب
The word "motel" is a portmanteau of "motor" and "hotel," coined in the United States in the early 20th century.
مثالها بر اساس سطح
O casal decidiu passar a noite em um motel à beira da estrada.
The couple decided to spend the night in a motel by the side of the road.
Here, 'à beira da estrada' means 'by the side of the road'.
Todos os quartos do motel têm estacionamento privativo.
All motel rooms have private parking.
'Todos os quartos' means 'all the rooms'.
Chegamos tarde e encontramos um motel com vagas disponíveis.
We arrived late and found a motel with available spots.
'Vagas disponíveis' refers to 'available vacancies' or 'available parking spots'.
O motel era simples, mas limpo e confortável.
The motel was simple, but clean and comfortable.
Notice the use of 'mas' for 'but'.
Muitos motéis oferecem serviço de quarto 24 horas.
Many motels offer 24-hour room service.
'Serviço de quarto' means 'room service'.
Ela reservou um motel com piscina para as férias.
She booked a motel with a swimming pool for the holidays.
'Com piscina' means 'with a swimming pool'.
Perguntamos ao recepcionista se havia um motel por perto.
We asked the receptionist if there was a motel nearby.
'Por perto' means 'nearby'.
O motel tinha um restaurante que servia café da manhã.
The motel had a restaurant that served breakfast.
'Que servia' means 'that served'.
نکات
False friends can trick you
Be careful! The word "motel" in Portuguese is a false friend. It sounds like the English word, but it has a very different meaning and connotation. In English, a motel is a common, often budget-friendly, roadside accommodation. In Brazil, a 'motel' is typically a place rented by the hour for romantic encounters, often quite discreet and with themed rooms. It's not usually where families or business travelers stay overnight.
Don't confuse 'motel' with 'hotel'
If you're looking for a standard place to sleep during your travels in Brazil, you should be looking for a "hotel" or a "pousada" (a type of guesthouse or inn). Asking for a 'motel' when you mean 'hotel' will lead to awkward situations and potentially a very different experience than you intended!
Cultural context of 'motel' in Brazil
In Brazilian culture, 'motels' are strongly associated with privacy and intimacy for couples. They often offer special features like hydromassage tubs or themed decor. It's a very common concept there, but understanding its specific use is key to avoiding misunderstandings.
When to use 'motel' in Portuguese
You would use "motel" in Portuguese when you specifically mean a short-stay accommodation for couples, designed for privacy and romantic rendezvous. For example, "Eles foram a um motel para passar a noite" (They went to a motel to spend the night - implying a romantic purpose).
Alternative words for 'hotel'
If you need a standard hotel in Portuguese, use "hotel". For smaller, more rustic or charming accommodations, especially in tourist towns, use "pousada". These are your go-to words for typical overnight lodging.
Pay attention to context
When you hear or read the word "motel" in Portuguese, always consider the context. If it's in a conversation about travel plans with family, it's highly likely a misunderstanding. If it's in a romantic comedy, it's probably being used in its Brazilian sense.
Avoid using 'motel' when asking for directions
If you are lost and asking for directions to a place to stay overnight, do not say "Onde fica um motel?" (Where is a motel?). Instead, ask "Onde fica um hotel?" or "Onde posso encontrar um hotel para pernoitar?" (Where can I find a hotel to stay overnight?).
Motels as a business model
In Brazil, motels are a significant business, and you'll see many prominently advertised along highways and in cities. They are distinct establishments from hotels, catering to a different clientele and purpose. This is a key cultural difference to grasp.
Expressions related to 'motel'
While less common in everyday conversation, you might hear phrases like "passar umas horas no motel" (to spend a few hours at the motel) or "ir para o motel" (to go to the motel), which reinforce the short-stay, intimate nature of these establishments.
Practice the correct usage
The best way to solidify your understanding is to practice. When planning an imaginary trip, make sure you consistently use "hotel" or "pousada" for accommodation. Reserve "motel" only for its specific Brazilian meaning.
ریشه کلمه
Borrowed from English "motel"
معنای اصلی: Motorist's hotel
English (Germanic)بافت فرهنگی
<p>In Brazil, the word 'motel' has taken on a specific cultural connotation. While still referring to establishments with private parking, they are typically used for short-stay, intimate encounters rather than as a general lodging option for travelers. They often offer themed rooms and discreet service.</p>
تمرین در زندگی واقعی
موقعیتهای واقعی
Planning a road trip through Portugal and need to find a place to stay for the night.
- Preciso de um motel para esta noite.
- Há algum motel por perto?
- Quanto custa uma noite no motel?
Discussing different types of accommodation available when traveling.
- Prefiro um motel a um hotel quando estou na estrada.
- Motéis são geralmente mais baratos que hotéis.
- Você já ficou em um motel antes?
Giving directions to someone who is looking for a place to stay on the outskirts of a town.
- O motel fica depois do posto de gasolina.
- Você vai ver o motel à sua direita.
- É fácil de chegar ao motel pela autoestrada.
Talking about the features of a motel, such as parking or accessibility.
- Este motel tem estacionamento em frente aos quartos.
- Gosto da privacidade que um motel oferece.
- O motel é conveniente para quem viaja de carro.
Comparing a motel experience to a hotel experience.
- Um motel é mais prático para uma estadia curta.
- A diferença entre um hotel e um motel.
- Motéis são ideais para paradas rápidas.
شروعکنندههای مکالمه
"Você já ficou em um motel durante uma viagem?"
"Qual é a sua opinião sobre motéis comparados a hotéis?"
"Você acha que motéis são uma boa opção para viajantes?"
"Qual foi a sua melhor (ou pior) experiência em um motel?"
"Em que situações você escolheria um motel em vez de outro tipo de alojamento?"
موضوعات نگارش
Descreva uma experiência de viagem em que você ficou em um motel. O que você gostou ou não gostou?
Imagine que você está planejando uma viagem de carro por Portugal. Como você incluiria a busca por motéis no seu plano?
Compare e contraste as vantagens e desvantagens de ficar em um motel versus um hotel.
Se você fosse proprietário de um motel, que tipo de serviços ou características você ofereceria para atrair clientes?
Escreva um diálogo curto entre dois amigos discutindo onde se hospedar durante uma viagem de estrada, usando a palavra 'motel'.
خودت رو بسنج 12 سوال
I'm going to the motel today.
The motel has a large parking lot.
Do you like motels?
این را بلند بخوانید:
Eu preciso de um motel com estacionamento.
تمرکز: motel, estacionamento
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
Onde está o motel mais próximo?
تمرکز: onde, motel, próximo
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
این را بلند بخوانید:
Este é um bom motel.
تمرکز: este, bom, motel
تو گفتی:
تشخیص گفتار در مرورگر شما پشتیبانی نمیشود. از کروم یا اج استفاده کنید.
This sentence means 'The motel is on the road.' The order of words is Subject (O motel) + Verb (fica) + Prepositional Phrase (na estrada).
This sentence means 'They slept in the motel last night.' The order is Subject (Eles) + Verb (dormiram) + Location (no motel) + Time (ontem à noite).
This sentence means 'This motel has a good price.' The order is Subject (Este motel) + Verb (tem) + Object (um bom preço).
/ 12 درست
نمره کامل!
Summary
Motels offer convenient, often direct, parking for travelers needing an overnight stay by the road.
- roadside accommodation
- parking at room
- for motorists
False friends can trick you
Be careful! The word "motel" in Portuguese is a false friend. It sounds like the English word, but it has a very different meaning and connotation. In English, a motel is a common, often budget-friendly, roadside accommodation. In Brazil, a 'motel' is typically a place rented by the hour for romantic encounters, often quite discreet and with themed rooms. It's not usually where families or business travelers stay overnight.
Don't confuse 'motel' with 'hotel'
If you're looking for a standard place to sleep during your travels in Brazil, you should be looking for a "hotel" or a "pousada" (a type of guesthouse or inn). Asking for a 'motel' when you mean 'hotel' will lead to awkward situations and potentially a very different experience than you intended!
Cultural context of 'motel' in Brazil
In Brazilian culture, 'motels' are strongly associated with privacy and intimacy for couples. They often offer special features like hydromassage tubs or themed decor. It's a very common concept there, but understanding its specific use is key to avoiding misunderstandings.
When to use 'motel' in Portuguese
You would use "motel" in Portuguese when you specifically mean a short-stay accommodation for couples, designed for privacy and romantic rendezvous. For example, "Eles foram a um motel para passar a noite" (They went to a motel to spend the night - implying a romantic purpose).
محتوای مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر travel
a aterragem
A2The act of an aircraft descending to the ground; landing.
a conta, por favor
A2The bill, please.
a pé
A2on foot, walking
abarrotado
A2Filled to capacity; crowded or packed.
abastecer
A2To supply with something necessary, such as fuel.
abertura
A2Opening; the action of beginning or opening something.
acertado
A2Correct or accurate; well-chosen.
acessórios
A2Additional items, typically small, that complement something else.
acidente
A2An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury.
acolá
A2In, at, or to that place; over there.
