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A1 noun #6,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

Cesto

Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Cesto en 30 secondes

Explication Cesto in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'cesto' means 'basket'. It is a common object you will see in a house or a shop. You should learn it as a masculine noun: 'o cesto'. You might use it in simple sentences like 'O cesto é grande' (The basket is big) or 'Eu tenho um cesto' (I have a basket). Focus on identifying the object in your immediate environment, such as a laundry basket or a bread basket. It is a fundamental word for basic vocabulary building.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'cesto' in more specific contexts. You will learn to describe what is inside the basket using the preposition 'de' (e.g., 'um cesto de fruta' - a basket of fruit). You will also encounter the word in shopping scenarios, such as 'cesto de compras'. You should be able to ask where a basket is: 'Onde está o cesto da roupa suja?'. You also begin to see the diminutive 'cestinho' and the plural 'cestos'.

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At the B1 level, you can use 'cesto' in more complex sentences and understand its role in sports, specifically basketball ('basquetebol'). You will learn phrases like 'lançar ao cesto' (to shoot at the basket). You also begin to distinguish between 'cesto' and 'cesta', noting that 'cesta' is often used for picnics or bread. You can describe the materials used to make baskets, like 'vime' (wicker) or 'palha' (straw). You are also becoming aware of homophones like 'sexto' (sixth).

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At the B2 level, you understand the word in idiomatic and cultural contexts. You might hear about 'cestos de Natal' (Christmas hampers) and understand the social tradition behind them. You can follow news reports that mention the 'cesto de compras' as a metaphor for the consumer price index. Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'cabaz' or 'alcofa', and you can choose the most appropriate word for the situation. You are comfortable using the word in professional or formal settings.

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At the C1 level, you appreciate the cultural and historical nuances of 'cestaria' (basketry) in Portugal. You might read literature that uses 'cesto' metaphorically or in descriptions of traditional rural life. You understand the regional variations in the word, such as 'balaio' in Brazil or the 'carros de cesto' in Madeira. You can discuss the craftsmanship involved in making baskets and the impact of modernization on these traditional arts. Your use of the word is precise and context-aware.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of the word 'cesto' and all its derivatives. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as discussing the technical aspects of weaving or the etymological roots of the word. You can understand and use rare or archaic terms related to baskets in classical literature. You are also aware of subtle puns or wordplay involving 'cesto' and its homophones. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for nuanced expression in both spoken and written Portuguese.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Cesto en 30 secondes

Cesto means 'basket' and is a masculine noun used for various containers.
It is also the word for a basketball hoop and a score in basketball.
Common types include 'cesto da roupa' (laundry) and 'cesto do lixo' (trash).
Be careful not to confuse it with 'sexto', which means 'sixth'.

The Portuguese word cesto refers to a basket. At its most fundamental level, it describes a container traditionally made by weaving flexible materials like wicker, cane, straw, or plastic. For an English speaker, the translation is straightforward, but the cultural weight and variety of the word in Portuguese life offer a deeper layer of meaning. Whether you are at a traditional market in Lisbon, doing laundry in a Porto apartment, or watching a basketball game, the word cesto will inevitably appear. It is a masculine noun, preceded by the article 'o'.

Physical Utility: In domestic settings, a cesto is used for storage. You have the 'cesto da roupa suja' (laundry basket) and the 'cesto do lixo' (trash can/wastebasket). In rural Portugal, 'cestos' are essential for the harvest, especially during the 'vindimas' (grape harvest), where large wicker baskets are carried on the back.

Coloquei as maçãs acabadas de colher no cesto de vime.

Beyond the physical object, cesto is the word used in sports, specifically basketball. The hoop itself is the 'cesto', and the act of scoring is often described as 'fazer um cesto'. This highlights the word's versatility from ancient agricultural roots to modern professional sports. In the business world, the term 'cabaz' is sometimes used interchangeably for a gift basket, but 'cesto' remains the most common term for the physical structure of the container.

O jogador de basquetebol lançou a bola e acertou no cesto no último segundo.

Artisanal Craft: Portugal has a rich history of 'cestaria' (basketry). Master artisans in regions like the Algarve or Madeira weave intricate designs that are both functional and artistic. Buying a 'cesto' in these regions is not just buying a container; it is acquiring a piece of Portuguese heritage.

Este cesto de verga foi feito à mão por um artesão local.

Modern Usage: In the digital age, 'cesto' is also used for the virtual shopping cart on many Portuguese e-commerce websites, although 'carrinho' (little cart) is more common. However, for 'laundry basket' or 'bread basket' (cesto do pão), the word remains the undisputed standard.

Não te esqueças de pôr o pão no cesto antes de servir o jantar.

O cesto da roupa está cheio, precisamos de lavar a roupa hoje.

Using cesto correctly requires understanding its gender and common associations. Since it is masculine, you will use 'o', 'um', 'este', or 'aquele'. When talking about plural baskets, it becomes 'os cestos'. The word is very versatile and can be modified by adjectives to specify the material or purpose, such as 'cesto de plástico' (plastic basket) or 'cesto de vime' (wicker basket).

Subject of the Sentence: When the basket is the main focus: 'O cesto caiu da mesa' (The basket fell from the table). Here, the basket is performing the action (or receiving the gravity).

O cesto de vime é muito resistente e dura muitos anos.

Object of the Sentence: When you are doing something to the basket: 'Eu comprei um cesto novo' (I bought a new basket). Or, 'Ela carregou o cesto com flores' (She filled the basket with flowers).

Podes levar este cesto para a cozinha, por favor?

In sports contexts, the word functions as the target. 'Lançar ao cesto' means to shoot at the basket. In these cases, it is often used with the preposition 'ao' (a + o). In a more figurative sense, if someone is 'um cesto roto' (a broken basket), it implies they cannot keep a secret, though 'saco roto' is a more common variant of this idiom.

Ele treina lançamentos ao cesto todas as manhãs no parque.

Prepositional Use: Often used with 'no' (em + o) to indicate location: 'As chaves estão no cesto' (The keys are in the basket). Or 'para o' to indicate direction: 'Deita o papel para o cesto' (Throw the paper into the [waste]basket).

Guardamos os brinquedos das crianças num cesto grande na sala.

A avó guarda as linhas e agulhas num pequeno cestinho.

In summary, whether you are describing a physical container or a sports goal, cesto follows the standard rules for masculine nouns. Pay attention to the material it is made of, as that is the most common way to further describe it in daily conversation.

You will encounter the word cesto in a variety of real-life scenarios in Portuguese-speaking countries. One of the most common places is the supermarket or a local 'mercado'. While many people use a 'carrinho' (cart), smaller purchases are carried in a 'cesto de compras'. In traditional open-air markets, you will see vendors displaying their fruits and vegetables in large wooden or wicker 'cestos'. Hearing a vendor shout about the price of a 'cesto de laranjas' is a quintessential Mediterranean experience.

At Home: In a domestic context, the word is part of the daily vocabulary of chores. 'Onde está o cesto da roupa?' is a common question. Parents will tell children to 'pôr os brinquedos no cesto' (put the toys in the basket). It is an essential word for organizing a household.

Podes passar-me o cesto das molas para eu estender a roupa?

In Sports and News: Turn on a sports channel during a basketball game, and the commentator will repeatedly say 'cesto!'. They might also use 'bola ao cesto' to refer to the sport itself in a more colloquial or old-fashioned way. In news reports about the economy, you might hear about the 'cesto de compras' or 'cabaz de compras' in the context of inflation and the price of essential goods.

A equipa da casa marcou um cesto incrível no último segundo do jogo.

In traditional festivals, especially in Madeira with the 'Carros de Cesto' (basket cars/toboggans), the word takes on a unique cultural meaning. These are large wicker baskets mounted on wooden runners that slide down the steep streets of Funchal. This is perhaps one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal involving a 'cesto'.

Andar nos carros de cesto no Monte é uma experiência obrigatória na Madeira.

Seasonal Contexts: During Christmas, companies often give 'cestos de Natal' (Christmas hampers) to their employees. These are filled with wine, bacalhau, olive oil, and sweets. In this context, 'cesto' is synonymous with celebration and gratitude.

Este ano, o cesto de Natal da empresa foi muito generoso.

Por favor, deite os rascunhos no cesto da reciclagem.

One of the most frequent mistakes for learners of Portuguese involves the homophone sexto (sixth). In many Brazilian accents, 'cesto' and 'sexto' are pronounced identically. In European Portuguese, the distinction is slightly clearer due to the vowel quality, but it can still be confusing. When writing, remember that 'cesto' starts with a 'C' and refers to the basket, while 'sexto' starts with an 'S' and refers to the number six in an ordinal sequence.

Gender Confusion: Learners often confuse 'cesto' (masculine) with 'cesta' (feminine). While both are translated as 'basket', they are not always interchangeable. Using 'a cesto' or 'o cesta' is a common grammatical error. Stick to 'o cesto' for general utility and 'a cesta' for things like picnics or smaller, more decorative items.

Errado: Eu vi o sexto de lixo. Correto: Eu vi o cesto de lixo.

Another mistake is using 'cesto' when 'caixa' (box) or 'saco' (bag) would be more appropriate. A 'cesto' specifically implies a woven or perforated structure. If the container is solid and made of cardboard, use 'caixa'. If it is flexible and made of paper or plastic film, use 'saco'. Confusing these can lead to minor misunderstandings in a shopping context.

Não confunda: cesto (basket) vs. sexto (sixth) vs. sexta (Friday/sixth fem.).

Preposition Errors: When talking about basketball, some learners say 'jogar no cesto' (play in the basket), but the correct idiomatic expression for shooting is 'lançar ao cesto'. 'No cesto' would mean you are physically inside the basket!

O menino atirou a bola ao cesto, não no cesto.

Finally, be careful with pluralization. It is 'os cestos'. Some learners try to apply irregular plural rules, but 'cesto' is perfectly regular. The 'o' sound in 'cestos' might become more closed /'seʃ.tuʃ/ in some dialects, but the spelling remains consistent.

Comprei dois cestos para organizar a despensa.

While cesto is the most common term, Portuguese offers a variety of synonyms and related words depending on the size, material, and region. Understanding these nuances will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise. For example, if you are talking about a very large, sturdy basket used for heavy loads, you might use 'canastra'. If you are referring to a gift basket, 'cabaz' is the preferred term.

Cesta vs. Cesto: This is the most common comparison. 'Cesta' (feminine) is often smaller, lighter, and used for food (cesta de piquenique, cesta de pão). 'Cesto' (masculine) is usually larger or used for more utilitarian purposes like laundry or trash.

Preparamos uma cesta de piquenique, mas levámos o lixo num cesto grande.

Cabaz: A 'cabaz' is specifically a basket of goods, often given as a gift or prize. You will see 'cabazes de Natal' in every supermarket in December. While it is a type of 'cesto', the word 'cabaz' emphasizes the contents more than the container.

Ganhámos um cabaz de produtos regionais no sorteio.

Other words include 'alcofa', which is a flexible basket with handles, often used for carrying babies or heavy shopping, and 'açafate', which is a smaller, often lidless basket used for sewing or delicate items. 'Gofre' is a less common term for a specific type of weaving. Knowing these helps you describe exactly what you see in a Portuguese market or home.

A mãe levava o bebé numa alcofa de palha confortável.

Canastra: A large, rectangular basket. In the past, 'canastreiros' were people who made or sold these. It's also the name of a famous card game, which refers to the 'basket' of cards.

Os pescadores descarregaram o peixe em grandes canastras.

O açafate estava cheio de pétalas de rosa para o casamento.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'cesto' is related to the English word 'cistern' and 'chest', all tracing back to the same ancient root for a container.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsɛʃ.tu/

US /ˈses.tu/

The stress is on the first syllable: CES-to.

Rime avec

Gesto Manifesto Resto Pretexto Lesto Modesto Honesto Molesto

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of a soft 'u'.
Confusing the open 'e' with a closed 'e'.
Making the 's' sound too much like a 'z'.
Confusing it with 'sexto' (sixth).
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize and read.

Écriture 2/5

Easy, but watch out for the 'c' and 's' placement.

Expression orale 2/5

Requires correct vowel openness and 's' pronunciation.

Écoute 3/5

Can be confused with 'sexto' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

O Um Grande Pequeno Ter

Apprends ensuite

Cesta Vime Roupa Lixo Pão

Avancé

Cestaria Encestar Cabaz Alcofa Canastra

Grammaire à connaître

Masculine Noun Agreement

O cesto novo (not A cesto nova).

Plural Formation

Um cesto -> Dois cestos.

Preposition Contraction

No cesto (Em + O).

Diminutive Suffix

Cestinho (Cesto + inho).

Augmentative Suffix

Cestão (Cesto + ão).

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Exemples par niveau

O cesto é azul.

The basket is blue.

Masculine singular noun with the article 'o'.

Eu tenho um cesto.

I have a basket.

Use of the indefinite article 'um'.

O cesto está na mesa.

The basket is on the table.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

É um cesto de pão.

It is a bread basket.

Noun + de + noun to indicate purpose.

Onde está o cesto?

Where is the basket?

Basic question structure.

O cesto é pequeno.

The basket is small.

Adjective agreement (masculine).

Põe a maçã no cesto.

Put the apple in the basket.

Imperative verb + preposition 'no' (em + o).

Os cestos são novos.

The baskets are new.

Plural agreement.

O cesto da roupa está cheio.

The laundry basket is full.

Compound noun phrase 'cesto da roupa'.

Comprei um cesto de compras no mercado.

I bought a shopping basket at the market.

Past tense verb 'comprei'.

Há muitos cestos de fruta aqui.

There are many baskets of fruit here.

Use of 'há' for existence.

O cesto de vime é mais caro.

The wicker basket is more expensive.

Comparative structure 'mais... do que'.

Ela leva o cesto para a cozinha.

She takes the basket to the kitchen.

Preposition 'para' indicating direction.

Precisamos de um cesto para o lixo.

We need a basket for the trash.

Verb 'precisar' + preposition 'de'.

O gato está a dormir no cesto.

The cat is sleeping in the basket.

Present continuous 'está a dormir'.

Podes esvaziar o cesto, por favor?

Can you empty the basket, please?

Polite request using 'podes'.

O jogador fez um cesto espetacular.

The player made a spectacular basket.

Sports context: 'fazer um cesto' means to score.

Gosto de cestos feitos de materiais naturais.

I like baskets made of natural materials.

Passive participle 'feitos' used as an adjective.

Não confundas 'cesto' com 'sexto'.

Don't confuse 'basket' with 'sixth'.

Imperative negative 'não confundas'.

O cesto de papéis está debaixo da secretária.

The wastepaper basket is under the desk.

Prepositional phrase 'debaixo de'.

Eles usam grandes cestos para a vindima.

They use large baskets for the grape harvest.

Specific cultural vocabulary: 'vindima'.

Este cestinho é perfeito para as chaves.

This little basket is perfect for the keys.

Diminutive 'cestinho'.

O basquetebol é um desporto de bola ao cesto.

Basketball is a ball-to-basket sport.

Traditional name for basketball.

Ela colocou o cesto no chão com cuidado.

She placed the basket on the floor carefully.

Adverbial phrase 'com cuidado'.

O cesto de compras básico subiu de preço este mês.

The basic shopping basket rose in price this month.

Economic metaphor: 'cesto de compras'.

Recebemos um cabaz de Natal num cesto de verga.

We received a Christmas hamper in a wicker basket.

Distinction between 'cabaz' (contents) and 'cesto' (container).

A técnica de entrelaçar o vime no cesto é complexa.

The technique of weaving wicker in the basket is complex.

Gerund/Infinitive use: 'entrelaçar'.

O cesto da bicicleta estava cheio de flores frescas.

The bicycle basket was full of fresh flowers.

Noun adjunct 'da bicicleta'.

O árbitro validou o cesto apesar da falta.

The referee validated the basket despite the foul.

Formal sports terminology.

É um cesto de lixo com pedal, muito prático.

It's a trash basket with a pedal, very practical.

Descriptive phrase 'com pedal'.

A artesã dedica-se à cestaria há trinta anos.

The artisan has been dedicated to basketry for thirty years.

Use of 'há' for duration of time.

O cesto de ovos deve ser manuseado com precaução.

The basket of eggs must be handled with caution.

Passive voice 'deve ser manuseado'.

A descida nos carros de cesto é uma tradição secular.

The descent in the basket cars is a centuries-old tradition.

Cultural reference to Madeira.

O autor usa o cesto como metáfora para a memória.

The author uses the basket as a metaphor for memory.

Literary analysis context.

A indústria da cestaria sofreu com a introdução do plástico.

The basketry industry suffered with the introduction of plastic.

Socio-economic discussion.

O cesto de vime, embora rústico, é uma peça de design.

The wicker basket, although rustic, is a piece of design.

Concessive clause 'embora'.

Antigamente, os cestos eram a principal forma de transporte.

In the past, baskets were the main form of transport.

Imperfect tense for habitual past actions.

O cesto de vime apresentava sinais de desgaste pelo uso.

The wicker basket showed signs of wear and tear from use.

Formal vocabulary: 'desgaste'.

A versatilidade do cesto torna-o indispensável na agricultura.

The versatility of the basket makes it indispensable in agriculture.

Object pronoun 'o' attached to the verb 'torna'.

O cesto de costura da minha bisavó é uma relíquia.

My great-grandmother's sewing basket is a relic.

Possessive 'da minha bisavó'.

A ontologia do cesto remete para as necessidades primordiais.

The ontology of the basket refers back to primordial needs.

High-level philosophical usage.

A tecelagem do cesto reflete a cosmogonia daquela tribo.

The weaving of the basket reflects the cosmogony of that tribe.

Anthropological context.

O cesto, enquanto objeto antropológico, revela muito sobre a técnica.

The basket, as an anthropological object, reveals much about technique.

Use of 'enquanto' meaning 'as/in the capacity of'.

Subjacente à simplicidade do cesto, reside uma perícia milenar.

Underlying the simplicity of the basket lies an ancient expertise.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

A fragilidade do cesto de palha contrastava com a dureza do solo.

The fragility of the straw basket contrasted with the hardness of the soil.

Literary contrast.

O cesto de verga é um testemunho da resiliência artesanal.

The wicker basket is a testament to artisanal resilience.

Metaphorical use of 'testemunho'.

O cesto de oferendas foi colocado solenemente no altar.

The basket of offerings was placed solemnly on the altar.

Adverbial usage 'solenemente'.

A desconstrução da forma do cesto é um tema recorrente na arte.

The deconstruction of the basket's form is a recurring theme in art.

Abstract noun 'desconstrução'.

Collocations courantes

Cesto de vime

Cesto da roupa

Cesto do lixo

Cesto de compras

Cesto do pão

Cesto de basquetebol

Cesto de Natal

Lançar ao cesto

Cesto de papéis

Cesto de fruta

Phrases Courantes

Encher o cesto

— To fill the basket; often used in shopping or harvesting.

Vamos encher o cesto com uvas.

Cesto roto

— Literally 'broken basket'; refers to someone who can't keep a secret.

Não lhe contes nada, ele é um cesto roto.

Fazer um cesto

— To score a basket in basketball.

Ele fez um cesto de três pontos.

Cesto de gávea

— The crow's nest on a ship.

O marinheiro subiu ao cesto de gávea.

Pôr no cesto

— To put something away or discard it.

Põe os brinquedos no cesto.

Cesto da gávea

— Alternative for crow's nest.

Vê-se terra do cesto da gávea!

Cesto de vime

— A wicker basket.

Ela leva um cesto de vime.

Cesto de palha

— A straw basket.

O cesto de palha é leve.

Cesto de plástico

— A plastic basket.

Usa o cesto de plástico para a roupa.

Cesto de metal

— A metal basket.

O cesto de metal é muito resistente.

Souvent confondu avec

Cesto vs Sexto

Means 'sixth'. Pronounced similarly in many dialects.

Cesto vs Sexta

Means 'Friday' or 'sixth (feminine)'.

Cesto vs Cesta

Often refers to smaller or food-related baskets.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Pôr todos os ovos no mesmo cesto"

— To risk everything on a single venture.

Não ponhas todos os ovos no mesmo cesto, diversifica os teus investimentos.

Common

"Ser um cesto roto"

— To be unable to keep a secret.

Cuidado com o que dizes, ele é um cesto roto.

Informal

"Bola ao cesto"

— A colloquial way to refer to basketball.

Vamos jogar uma partida de bola ao cesto?

Informal

"Dar um cesto"

— In some regions, to give a 'basket' can mean to reject someone (like 'dar uma bota').

Ela deu-lhe um cesto quando ele a convidou para sair.

Slang/Regional

"Cesto de caranguejos"

— A situation where people pull each other down.

Aquela empresa parece um cesto de caranguejos.

Metaphorical

"Cesto de costura"

— A metaphor for a messy or complicated situation.

A minha vida está um cesto de costura.

Informal

"Cesto de lixo da história"

— The dustbin of history.

Essas ideias pertencem ao cesto de lixo da história.

Formal

"Mais vale um pássaro na mão que dois no cesto"

— A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush (variant).

Aceita a oferta agora, mais vale um pássaro na mão que dois no cesto.

Proverb

"Cesto de verga"

— Used as a symbol of traditional, honest work.

Ele é um homem do cesto de verga.

Poetic

"Cesto de ovos"

— Refers to something fragile that needs care.

Trata este projeto como um cesto de ovos.

Metaphorical

Facile à confondre

Cesto vs Sexto

Homophone in many dialects.

Cesto is a basket; Sexto is the number six in order.

O cesto está no sexto andar.

Cesto vs Cesta

Gender variation of the same concept.

Cesto is usually for utility/laundry; Cesta is for picnics/bread.

Leva a cesta do piquenique e o cesto do lixo.

Cesto vs Sesta

Similar sound.

Sesta means a nap.

Dormi uma sesta ao lado do cesto.

Cesto vs Cesto

Spelling.

Don't spell it 'Sesto'.

O cesto (basket) vs Sesto (not a word).

Cesto vs Caixa

Similar function.

Caixa is a solid box; Cesto is woven/perforated.

Põe na caixa de cartão, não no cesto.

Structures de phrases

O cesto é [Adjective].

O cesto é verde.

Eu tenho um cesto de [Noun].

Eu tenho um cesto de fruta.

Onde está o cesto de [Noun]?

Onde está o cesto da roupa?

Põe o [Noun] no cesto.

Põe o pão no cesto.

O [Noun] marcou um cesto.

O jogador marcou um cesto.

Gosto deste cesto feito de [Material].

Gosto deste cesto feito de vime.

O cesto de compras [Verb].

O cesto de compras aumentou.

A tradição do cesto de [Noun] é [Adjective].

A tradição do cesto de vime é antiga.

Famille de mots

Noms

Cestaria

Cesteiro

Cestinho

Cestão

Cestada

Verbes

Encestar

Adjectifs

Cesteiro

Apparenté

Vime

Palha

Verga

Entrelaçar

Tecelagem

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in everyday speech.

Erreurs courantes

A cesto → O cesto
Cesto is masculine, so it requires the masculine article 'o'.
Sesto → Cesto
Sesto is the spelling for 'sixth' (ordinal number), not 'basket'.
Lançar no cesto → Lançar ao cesto
In basketball, the correct preposition for shooting at the hoop is 'ao'.
Cesto de piquenique → Cesta de piquenique
While 'cesto' is understood, 'cesta' is the more common and traditional term for a picnic basket.
Os cestos são novas → Os cestos são novos
Adjectives must agree with the masculine gender of 'cesto'.

Astuces

Gender Matters

Always pair 'cesto' with masculine articles and adjectives. 'O cesto está cheio' is correct. This is a common pitfall for beginners who might assume all containers are feminine.

Material Matters

To sound more native, specify the material. 'Cesto de vime' (wicker), 'Cesto de palha' (straw), or 'Cesto de plástico' (plastic). It adds precision to your speech.

Basketball Terms

In a basketball game, 'cesto' is both the hoop and the point scored. If you score a three-pointer, it's a 'cesto de três pontos'. It's a great word for sports fans.

Madeira Tradition

If you visit Madeira, look for 'Carros de Cesto'. They are a unique part of Portuguese history and a great way to remember the word in a fun context.

Secrets

Use 'cesto roto' to describe a gossip. It's a colorful way to expand your idiomatic range beyond basic vocabulary.

Supermarket Choice

When you enter a 'Pingo Doce' or 'Continente', look for the 'cestos'. It's one of the first words you'll use in a practical Portuguese environment.

The 'E' Sound

In European Portuguese, the 'e' in 'cesto' is open. Practice saying it like the 'e' in 'best'. This helps distinguish it from other words.

Spelling Check

Never start 'cesto' with an 'S'. Even though it sounds like 'sexto', the 'C' is crucial for the correct meaning.

Organization

Use 'cesto' for any woven-style organizer. It's a very common word in interior design and home organization contexts in Portugal.

Holiday Spirit

Remember 'Cesto de Natal'. If you work in Portugal, you might be lucky enough to receive one! It's a key part of corporate culture.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a 'C' shaped basket holding an 'E'gg, a 'S'poon, a 'T'oy, and an 'O'range. C-E-S-T-O.

Association visuelle

Visualize a basketball player named 'Cesto' who always carries his laundry in a basket.

Word Web

Roupa Lixo Pão Fruta Vime Basquetebol Compras Natal

Défi

Try to find three different 'cestos' in your house and name them in Portuguese (e.g., cesto da roupa, cesto do lixo, cesto do pão).

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'cistus' or 'cista', which referred to a chest or basket made of wicker.

Sens originel : A container or box, specifically one used for sacred objects or general storage.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'cesto roto' can be a mild insult for someone who talks too much.

English speakers might use 'bin' for trash, but in Portuguese, 'cesto' covers both decorative baskets and waste containers.

Carros de Cesto (Madeira) Cesto de Natal (Portuguese tradition) Cesta Básica (Brazil)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Supermarket

Onde estão os cestos?
Este cesto está sujo.
Preciso de um cesto maior.
Vou deixar o cesto aqui.

Home

Põe a roupa no cesto.
O cesto do lixo está cheio.
Onde está o cesto do pão?
Arruma os brinquedos no cesto.

Sports

Grande cesto!
Ele falhou o cesto.
Lança a bola ao cesto.
Quantos cestos ele marcou?

Tradition

Um cesto de Natal.
Cestos feitos à mão.
Venda de cestos de vime.
A arte da cestaria.

Office

O cesto de papéis.
Deita no cesto da reciclagem.
O meu cesto está vazio.
Procura no cesto.

Amorces de conversation

"Onde é que guardas o teu cesto da roupa suja?"

"Já alguma vez andaste nos carros de cesto na Madeira?"

"Preferes usar um cesto ou um carrinho no supermercado?"

"Gostas de receber um cesto de Natal com produtos típicos?"

"Sabes onde posso comprar um cesto de vime tradicional?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve um cesto que tenhas em casa e o que guardas nele.

Escreve sobre uma memória de um piquenique e o que levaste no cesto.

Qual é a importância dos cestos tradicionais na cultura do teu país?

Imagina que recebes um cesto de presentes. O que gostarias que estivesse lá dentro?

Explica como se joga basquetebol usando a palavra 'cesto'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'cesto' is a masculine noun. You always say 'o cesto' or 'um cesto'. If you use the feminine 'a cesta', it usually refers to a different type of basket, like one for a picnic.

It is a shopping basket. In supermarkets, you can choose between a 'carrinho' (trolley) and a 'cesto' (hand basket).

You simply use the word 'cesto'. For example: 'A bola entrou no cesto' (The ball went into the basket/hoop).

A 'cesto' is the physical container. A 'cabaz' usually refers to the basket plus its contents, especially when given as a gift, like a 'cabaz de Natal'.

Yes, 'cesto do lixo' is a very common way to say trash can or wastebasket, especially for paper or light waste.

Cestaria is the art or craft of making baskets. It is a traditional Portuguese handicraft.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries, though Brazil also frequently uses the word 'balaio' for certain types of baskets.

In Portugal, it's /'sɛʃ.tu/. The 'e' is open like in 'met', and the 's' is like 'sh'. In Brazil, it's often /'ses.tu/ with a closed 'e'.

It's an idiom for someone who can't keep a secret. 'Roto' means broken or torn, so the secrets 'leak out' of the basket.

Usually, 'alcofa' is used for a baby's portable basket, but 'cestinho' could be used affectionately.

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