Signification
To eat the first meal of the day.
Contexte culturel
Breakfast is often eaten at a 'pastelaria'. A typical order is a 'galão' and a 'torrada'. The term 'pequeno-almoço' is standard, following the European Portuguese influence. Brazilians will find 'pequeno-almoço' very formal or strange; they always use 'café da manhã'. Regional breads like 'bolo lêvedo' or 'bolo do caco' are staples of the local pequeno-almoço.
The 'O' is Key
Always say 'o pequeno-almoço'. Without the 'o', it sounds like you are using it as an adjective.
Brazil vs Portugal
If you use this in Brazil, people will know you are a tourist or learned Portuguese in Europe immediately.
Signification
To eat the first meal of the day.
The 'O' is Key
Always say 'o pequeno-almoço'. Without the 'o', it sounds like you are using it as an adjective.
Brazil vs Portugal
If you use this in Brazil, people will know you are a tourist or learned Portuguese in Europe immediately.
Pastelaria Culture
In Portugal, 'tomar o pequeno-almoço' is often a 10-minute standing affair at a counter. Don't always expect a sit-down meal!
Mata-bicho
If an older person in a village asks if you've 'killed the bug', they are asking if you've had breakfast!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct present tense form.
Eu ______ o pequeno-almoço às oito horas.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'tomar' must be conjugated in the first person singular present: 'tomo'.
Which of these is the most natural way to say 'I had breakfast' in Portugal?
Ontem de manhã...
In Portugal, 'tomei o pequeno-almoço' is the most idiomatic past tense form, including the definite article.
Complete the dialogue between a hotel guest and a receptionist.
Hóspede: A que horas é o pequeno-almoço? Rececionista: O pequeno-almoço ______ das 7h às 10h.
In a hotel context, breakfast 'is served' (é servido).
Match the phrase to the correct region.
Where would you say 'Tomar o pequeno-almoço'?
This term is used in Portugal and African Lusophone countries, but not typically in Brazil.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Typical Portuguese Breakfast Items
Bebidas
- • Galão
- • Meia de leite
- • Sumo de laranja
Comida
- • Torrada
- • Pastel de nata
- • Pão com manteiga
Portugal vs Brazil
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu ______ o pequeno-almoço às oito horas.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'tomar' must be conjugated in the first person singular present: 'tomo'.
Ontem de manhã...
In Portugal, 'tomei o pequeno-almoço' is the most idiomatic past tense form, including the definite article.
Hóspede: A que horas é o pequeno-almoço? Rececionista: O pequeno-almoço ______ das 7h às 10h.
In a hotel context, breakfast 'is served' (é servido).
Where would you say 'Tomar o pequeno-almoço'?
This term is used in Portugal and African Lusophone countries, but not typically in Brazil.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, you can, but 'tomar' is much more common and sounds more natural to native speakers.
Yes, in European Portuguese it is written as 'pequeno-almoço'.
Usually bread (torrada or carcaça) with butter or cheese, and coffee with milk (galão or meia de leite).
No, Brazilians use 'café da manhã'.
Ask: 'A que horas é o pequeno-almoço?'
It's a light breakfast with bread, jam, and coffee, common in European hotels.
No, for lunch we use the verb 'almoçar'.
It's a linguistic habit in Romance languages to 'take' meals, similar to 'prendre' in French.
It is neutral and appropriate for any situation.
Usually between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.
No, it's the standard term for all ages.
The verb 'desjejuar' exists but is almost never used in conversation.
Expressions liées
Tomar um café
similarTo have a coffee
Almoçar
builds onTo have lunch
Lanchar
similarTo have an afternoon snack
Mata-bicho
slangBreakfast (slang)
Pequeno-almoço buffet
specialized formBuffet breakfast
