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A1 adjective #1,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

cozido

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'cozido' is primarily used as a simple adjective to describe food. It is one of the first words you learn when discussing meals, grocery shopping, or basic cooking. You will use it to distinguish between 'cru' (raw) and 'cozido' (cooked). The focus at this level is on gender and number agreement: 'ovo cozido' vs. 'batatas cozidas'. You should be able to use it with the verb 'estar' to describe the current state of food. It is a concrete, high-frequency word that appears in almost every introductory unit about food and restaurants. Learners should focus on common pairings like 'ovo cozido' and 'legumes cozidos'. Understanding that 'cozido' usually implies boiling in water is the key takeaway here. It is a foundational building block for describing preferences and following simple instructions in a kitchen setting.

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'cozido' in more complex sentence structures and in the context of traditional recipes. You will encounter 'Cozido à Portuguesa' and understand that here, 'cozido' acts as a noun representing a specific dish. You will also start to use adverbs to modify the adjective, such as 'bem cozido' (well cooked) or 'pouco cozido' (under-cooked). The distinction between 'cozido' and 'cozinhado' becomes more relevant as you expand your vocabulary for different cooking methods like 'assado' or 'grelhado'. You might also encounter the word in simple past tense narratives, such as 'Eu cozi as batatas' (I boiled the potatoes), linking the adjective to its parent verb 'cozer'. This level emphasizes the transition from just labeling food to describing the process and the result with more nuance.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'cozido' in a variety of social and practical contexts. You can discuss healthy eating habits, explaining why 'alimentos cozidos' are often preferred over 'fritos'. You will also start to notice the word in idiomatic or metaphorical contexts, though still relatively simple ones. For example, you might hear someone say 'o assunto está cozido', meaning a matter is settled or 'cooked' (though this is less common than other idioms). You will also handle the passive voice more effectively: 'As batatas foram cozidas em água e sal'. Your understanding of regional variations, such as how 'cozido' might differ in Brazilian vs. European Portuguese culinary contexts, begins to deepen. You are no longer just identifying the state of food but using the word to participate in broader conversations about culture and lifestyle.

At the B2 level, you understand the subtle nuances and the more technical aspects of the word. You can distinguish between 'cozido', 'escalfado', and 'estufado' with ease. You might encounter the word in literary texts or more formal culinary critiques where the 'ponto de cozedura' (cooking point) is discussed. You are also aware of the slang usage of 'cozido' to mean drunk or extremely exhausted, and you know when it is appropriate to use such register. Your grammatical control is such that you never miss a gender or number agreement, even in complex sentences with multiple clauses. You can explain the chemical or physical process of something being 'cozido' using more advanced vocabulary. The word becomes a tool for precise expression rather than just a basic label.

At the C1 level, your command of 'cozido' includes its use in highly specialized contexts. You might encounter it in historical texts describing ancient cooking techniques or in scientific papers discussing the effects of heat on nutrients. You understand the etymological links to other Romance languages and can appreciate the word's role in the evolution of the Portuguese language. You can use the word with stylistic flair, perhaps using it metaphorically to describe a situation that has been 'simmering' for a long time. Your understanding of the cultural weight of 'Cozido à Portuguesa' is profound, and you can discuss its regional variations (like the Cozido das Furnas in the Azores) with the expertise of a native speaker. The word is now part of a rich, interconnected web of linguistic and cultural knowledge.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like intuition for the word 'cozido'. You can play with its meanings in puns, poetry, and sophisticated wordplay. You understand every possible connotation, from the most literal culinary application to the most obscure regional slang. You can debate the merits of different 'cozido' recipes with historical and cultural depth. There is no context—be it legal, medical, culinary, or literary—where you would be unsure of the word's meaning or usage. You can use the word to convey subtle irony or deep cultural resonance. For you, 'cozido' is not just a word; it is a versatile instrument of expression that you can use with absolute precision and creative freedom.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

cozido en 30 secondes

Cozido means boiled or cooked in water.
It changes to cozida, cozidos, or cozidas depending on the noun.
It is the opposite of cru (raw).
In Portugal, it also names a famous meat stew.

The Portuguese word cozido is a fundamental adjective that every beginner learner must master. At its core, it describes food that has undergone a thermal transformation, specifically through boiling or simmering in water. While the English word 'cooked' is a broad umbrella term, cozido often carries a more specific connotation of being boiled, though it is frequently used as the general opposite of 'raw' (cru). Understanding this word is essential for navigating menus, following recipes, and describing your dietary preferences in a Lusophone environment.

Literal Meaning: The state of food after it has been boiled in water or steam until soft and edible.

Eu gosto de ovo cozido no café da manhã.

Beyond the simple act of boiling, the word evokes the warmth of home-cooked meals. In Portugal, it is synonymous with the national dish 'Cozido à Portuguesa,' a rich stew of meats and vegetables. Thus, the word transitions from a simple adjective to a cultural icon. It implies a process of patience, as boiling often takes longer than frying or grilling, resulting in textures that are tender and flavors that are deeply infused into the cooking liquid.

A batata está bem cozida, pode servir.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'coctus', the past participle of 'coquere' (to cook).

O peixe cozido é muito saudável.

In a broader sense, cozido can also refer to something that has been 'processed' or 'prepared' in non-culinary contexts, though this is rare at the A1 level. For a beginner, focusing on the kitchen application is the most effective way to build a solid foundation. Whether you are ordering 'legumes cozidos' (boiled vegetables) or asking if the meat is 'bem cozida' (well cooked), this word is your gateway to the Portuguese culinary world.

Estes legumes estão cozidos demais.

Opposite State: Cru (raw) is the direct antonym. If it's not cru, it's likely cozido.

As cenouras cozidas são doces.

Using cozido correctly requires attention to the noun it modifies. Since it functions as an adjective, it must mirror the gender and number of the food item. For instance, 'o arroz' (masculine) becomes 'arroz cozido', while 'a massa' (feminine) becomes 'massa cozida'. This grammatical agreement is a cornerstone of Portuguese and practicing it with common food items is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of gendered nouns.

Sentence Placement: Usually follows the noun: [Noun] + [Cozido]. Example: 'Frango cozido'.

Você quer o ovo cozido ou frito?

When used with the verb 'estar', it describes a temporary state or the result of an action. 'A carne está cozida' implies that the cooking process is finished. If you use it with 'ser', you are describing a characteristic, though this is less common for 'cozido' unless referring to a specific recipe type. For beginners, sticking to 'estar' + 'cozido' is the safest and most common way to describe the readiness of food.

O feijão já está cozido.

Common Pairs: Ovo cozido (boiled egg), Batata cozida (boiled potato), Legumes cozidos (boiled vegetables).

Prefiro batatas cozidas com sal.

In a restaurant setting, you might see 'cozido' as a noun. In Portugal, if you order 'um cozido', you aren't just getting something boiled; you are ordering the 'Cozido à Portuguesa'. This is a vital distinction. As an adjective, it describes the state; as a noun, it's a specific, heavy, traditional meal. Always check the context of the menu to ensure you know which one is being referred to.

O cozido deste restaurante é famoso.

Quantity Agreement: Pluralize the adjective if the noun is plural: 'Os ovos estão cozidos'.

Comi dois ovos cozidos.

The most frequent place you will encounter cozido is in the kitchen or at the dining table. It is a staple of daily life. In a Portuguese household, you might hear a parent asking, 'A massa já está cozida?' (Is the pasta cooked yet?). In supermarkets, you will see labels like 'presunto cozido' (cooked ham) or 'frango cozido' in the deli section. It is a word that signals safety and readiness in the context of food consumption.

At the Restaurant: Waiters will use it to describe side dishes or the preparation of the main course.

O prato acompanha legumes cozidos.

Television cooking shows are another rich source for this vocabulary. Chefs will constantly narrate their actions: 'Deixe as batatas ficarem bem cozidas antes de amassar' (Let the potatoes get well cooked before mashing). Even in health contexts, doctors or nutritionists might recommend 'alimentos cozidos' over fried ones to maintain a balanced diet. It is a word associated with health, simplicity, and traditional cooking methods.

Para uma dieta leve, coma frango cozido.

In the Supermarket: Look for 'fiambre cozido' or 'polvo cozido' in the refrigerated aisles.

Comprei polvo cozido para a salada.

Interestingly, you might also hear it in informal slang. In some regions, if someone says a person is 'cozido', they might mean that person is very tired or, more commonly, quite drunk (similar to 'baked' or 'stewed' in English slang). However, as an A1 learner, you should primarily focus on the culinary usage to avoid confusion. The context of a bar versus a kitchen will usually make the meaning clear.

O arroz está cozido no ponto certo.

Weather Slang: Sometimes used to describe a very hot, humid day: 'Está um tempo cozido'.

A carne de porco deve estar bem cozida.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is using cozido for every type of cooking. In English, 'cooked' covers baking, frying, grilling, and boiling. In Portuguese, if you say a cake is 'cozido', it sounds like you boiled the cake in water! For a cake, you should use 'cozido no forno' or simply 'assado'. Understanding the specific methods—assado (roasted/baked), frito (fried), grelhado (grilled)—is vital to avoid sounding unnatural.

Gender Mismatch: Saying 'batata cozido' instead of 'batata cozida'. Adjectives must agree with the noun.

Erro: A massa está cozido. (Correto: cozida)

Another mistake is confusing the verb 'cozinhar' with the adjective 'cozido'. While related, 'cozinhado' is the general past participle for 'cooked' (any method), whereas 'cozido' specifically implies boiling. If you want to say 'The meal is cooked', 'A refeição está cozinhada' is better. If you say 'A refeição está cozida', it implies everything in the meal was boiled. This nuance is subtle but important for moving beyond basic A1 communication.

Cuidado: Nem tudo o que é cozinhado é cozido.

Spelling Error: Confusing 'cozido' (cooked) with 'cosido' (sewn/stitched). They sound identical but have different meanings.

O botão foi cosido (sewn), mas o ovo foi cozido (cooked).

Finally, learners often forget the plural agreement. If you are talking about multiple eggs, you must use 'cozidos'. 'Os ovos estão cozido' is a common slip-up. Because the 's' at the end of 'cozidos' is often pronounced softly (like a 'sh' or 'z' depending on the next word), it can be easy to overlook in speech, but it is very noticeable in writing. Practice saying 'ovos cozidos' and 'batatas cozidas' to get the rhythm of the plural agreement.

Estes legumes não estão bem cozidos.

The 'Drunk' Trap: Avoid calling someone 'cozido' in a formal setting unless you want to imply they are intoxicated.

Ele bebeu muito e agora está cozido.

To truly master cozido, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of cooking. The most common alternative is 'cozinhado'. While 'cozido' is often specific to boiling, 'cozinhado' is the general term for anything that has been prepared with heat. If you are unsure of the method, 'cozinhado' is a safer, broader choice. However, 'cozido' is much more common when referring to specific ingredients like eggs or potatoes.

Cozido vs. Fervido: 'Fervido' is used for liquids (water, milk). 'Cozido' is used for solid food cooked in those liquids.

A água está fervida, mas o ovo ainda não está cozido.

Another word to compare is 'assado'. This refers to roasting or baking in an oven. While 'cozido' results in a soft, moist texture, 'assado' usually results in a drier, crispier exterior. Similarly, 'frito' (fried) involves cooking in fat or oil. In a Portuguese restaurant, you will often have to choose between 'peixe cozido' (boiled fish, usually healthier) and 'peixe frito' (fried fish, usually tastier but heavier). Knowing these distinctions allows you to make informed choices.

Você prefere frango cozido ou assado?

Cozido vs. Estufado: 'Estufado' means stewed (usually in its own juices/sauce), while 'cozido' is specifically in water.

A carne estufada tem mais molho que a cozida.

Lastly, consider 'escalfado'. This is a more technical term meaning 'poached'. You will most often see this with eggs ('ovos escalfados'). While an 'ovo cozido' is boiled in its shell, an 'ovo escalfado' is cooked without the shell in simmering water. As you progress in your Portuguese journey, these distinctions will help you describe food with the precision of a native speaker. For now, focus on the 'cozido' vs. 'assado' vs. 'frito' trio.

O pequeno-almoço tem ovos escalfados e batatas cozidas.

Summary of Methods: Cozido (Boiled), Assado (Baked), Frito (Fried), Grelhado (Grilled), Estufado (Stewed).

Gosto de peixe cozido com azeite.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

O ovo está cozido.

The egg is boiled.

Masculine singular agreement.

Eu como batata cozida.

I eat boiled potato.

Feminine singular agreement.

Os legumes são cozidos.

The vegetables are boiled.

Masculine plural agreement.

Você quer peixe cozido?

Do you want boiled fish?

Interrogative sentence.

A cenoura está bem cozida.

The carrot is well cooked.

Use of 'bem' as an adverb.

Não gosto de frango cozido.

I don't like boiled chicken.

Negative sentence.

Temos arroz cozido hoje.

We have cooked rice today.

Noun + Adjective order.

As batatas estão cozidas?

Are the potatoes cooked?

Feminine plural agreement.

O Cozido à Portuguesa é muito famoso.

The Portuguese Stew is very famous.

Used as a noun for a specific dish.

Prefiro legumes cozidos a vapor.

I prefer steamed vegetables.

Introduction of 'a vapor' (steamed).

O feijão ainda não está cozido.

The beans are not cooked yet.

Use of 'ainda não' (not yet).

Ela comprou presunto cozido no mercado.

She bought cooked ham at the market.

Common commercial term.

A massa deve ficar cozida, mas firme.

The pasta should be cooked, but firm.

Describing texture.

Eles comeram ovos cozidos no lanche.

They ate boiled eggs for a snack.

Plural agreement.

A carne de porco está bem cozida.

The pork is well cooked.

Adjective modifying a compound noun.

Você sabe se o polvo está cozido?

Do you know if the octopus is cooked?

Indirect question.

Uma dieta baseada em alimentos cozidos é mais saudável.

A diet based on boiled foods is healthier.

Generalizing with 'alimentos'.

O arroz ficou cozido demais e virou papa.

The rice got overcooked and turned into mush.

Use of 'demais' for excess.

Depois de cozidas, as batatas devem ser descascadas.

After being cooked, the potatoes should be peeled.

Adjective used in a temporal clause.

O Cozido das Furnas é feito debaixo da terra.

The Furnas Stew is made underground.

Cultural reference.

Sinto-me um pouco cozido com este calor.

I feel a bit 'cooked' (exhausted) with this heat.

Metaphorical/slang usage.

A água fervida não garante que o alimento esteja cozido.

Boiled water doesn't guarantee the food is cooked.

Contrast between 'fervida' and 'cozido'.

Sempre verifico se o frango está bem cozido por dentro.

I always check if the chicken is well cooked inside.

Adverbial phrase 'por dentro'.

Legumes mal cozidos podem ser difíceis de digerir.

Under-cooked vegetables can be hard to digest.

Use of 'mal' as 'under'.

O ponto de cozedura ideal deixa o vegetal cozido mas crocante.

The ideal cooking point leaves the vegetable cooked but crunchy.

Technical culinary description.

O peixe, depois de cozido em caldo aromático, ganha outro sabor.

The fish, after being cooked in aromatic broth, takes on another flavor.

Participial phrase.

Ele chegou a casa completamente cozido depois da festa.

He arrived home completely 'cooked' (drunk) after the party.

Slang for intoxication.

A textura da carne cozida lentamente é incomparável.

The texture of slowly cooked meat is incomparable.

Adverbial modification.

É fundamental que os mariscos sejam bem cozidos para evitar infecções.

It is fundamental that shellfish be well cooked to avoid infections.

Subjunctive mood usage.

O arroz arbóreo deve estar cozido, mantendo o núcleo firme.

Arborio rice should be cooked, keeping the core firm.

Specific culinary context.

Aquelas ideias ainda não estão bem cozidas na minha cabeça.

Those ideas are not yet well 'cooked' (developed) in my head.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

O fiambre cozido de qualidade não deve ter muita água adicionada.

Quality cooked ham should not have much added water.

Commercial/quality context.

A tradição do cozido remonta a tempos de escassez e aproveitamento.

The tradition of the stew dates back to times of scarcity and resourcefulness.

Historical analysis.

O termo 'cozido' pode, em certos dialetos, denotar um estado de exaustão extrema.

The term 'cozido' can, in certain dialects, denote a state of extreme exhaustion.

Linguistic observation.

A proteína, uma vez cozida, altera a sua estrutura molecular permanentemente.

The protein, once cooked, alters its molecular structure permanently.

Scientific context.

O autor utiliza a metáfora do 'frango cozido' para descrever a falta de vigor da personagem.

The author uses the 'boiled chicken' metaphor to describe the character's lack of vigor.

Literary analysis.

Não obstante estar cozido, o argumento carecia de fundamentação empírica.

Despite being 'cooked' (prepared), the argument lacked empirical foundation.

Formal metaphorical usage.

A técnica de cozedura a vácuo mantém o alimento cozido de forma uniforme.

The sous-vide technique keeps the food cooked uniformly.

Advanced culinary technology.

O Cozido à Portuguesa é uma sinfonia de sabores telúricos e rústicos.

The Portuguese Stew is a symphony of earthy and rustic flavors.

Elevated descriptive language.

A legislação exige que o produto seja rotulado como 'totalmente cozido'.

The legislation requires the product to be labeled as 'fully cooked'.

Legal/Regulatory context.

A semântica de 'cozido' transborda a mera culinária, infiltrando-se no vernáculo da embriaguez.

The semantics of 'cozido' overflows mere culinary, infiltrating the vernacular of drunkenness.

High-level linguistic discourse.

O prato, conquanto cozido, preservava a integridade organolética dos ingredientes.

The dish, although cooked, preserved the organoleptic integrity of the ingredients.

Concessive clause with advanced vocabulary.

Nas entrelinhas do texto, o 'estado cozido' da nação era uma crítica à estagnação política.

Between the lines of the text, the 'cooked state' of the nation was a critique of political stagnation.

Symbolic literary interpretation.

A mestria do chef reside em servir o polvo perfeitamente cozido, evitando a textura gomosa.

The chef's mastery lies in serving the octopus perfectly cooked, avoiding the gummy texture.

Professional culinary critique.

O arcaísmo 'cocto' deu lugar ao moderno 'cozido', num processo de simplificação fonética secular.

The archaism 'cocto' gave way to the modern 'cozido' in a process of secular phonetic simplification.

Etymological history.

A dicotomia entre o cru e o cozido é um pilar da antropologia estruturalista de Lévi-Strauss.

The dichotomy between the raw and the cooked is a pillar of Lévi-Strauss's structuralist anthropology.

Academic/Philosophical reference.

O projeto foi apresentado como algo 'cozido e requentado', sem qualquer laivo de originalidade.

The project was presented as something 'cooked and reheated', without any hint of originality.

Idiomatic expression for lack of novelty.

A maturação do queijo, embora não envolva calor, resulta num produto que se diz 'cozido' em certas terminologias técnicas.

The maturation of cheese, although it doesn't involve heat, results in a product said to be 'cooked' in certain technical terminologies.

Technical exception/nuance.

Collocations courantes

ovo cozido

batata cozida

legumes cozidos

bem cozido

mal cozido

peixe cozido

carne cozida

água cozida

arroz cozido

presunto cozido

Phrases Courantes

Cozido à Portuguesa

Estar cozido

Bem cozido

Mal cozido

Ponto de cozido

Ovo cozido

Batata cozida

Frango cozido

Legumes cozidos

Arroz cozido

Souvent confondu avec

cozido vs cosido (sewn)

cozido vs cozinhado (cooked - general)

cozido vs assado (baked)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

cozido vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

General

Opposite of raw.

Specific

Implies boiling.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'cozido' for fried food.
Forgetting to change 'cozido' to 'cozida' for feminine nouns.
Spelling it with an 's' (cosido).
Using it for 'baked' items like bread.
Pronouncing the 'z' as an 's'.

Astuces

Agreement

Always match the ending to the noun: O arroz cozido, a batata cozida.

The Dish

If you see 'Cozido' as a main heading on a menu, it's the meat stew.

Healthy Choice

Use 'cozido' when looking for healthy, non-fried options.

Z vs S

Cozido (food) has a Z. Cosido (clothes) has an S.

Vowel Sound

The first 'o' sounds like 'u' in European Portuguese.

Boiling

Use it for eggs, potatoes, and pasta.

Be Careful

Calling a friend 'cozido' might mean you think they are drunk.

Antonym

Remember 'cru' is the opposite of 'cozido'.

Cooking

The verb is 'cozer' (to boil).

Dining

Ask 'Está cozido?' to check if the food is ready.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Often refers to any meat and vegetable stew.

National dish 'Cozido à Portuguesa'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você gosta de ovo cozido?"

"Como você prefere as batatas: cozidas ou fritas?"

"O feijão já está cozido?"

"Você já provou Cozido à Portuguesa?"

"Quais legumes cozidos você gosta?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your favorite cooked meal.

Do you prefer boiled or fried food? Why?

Write a recipe using the word 'cozido'.

How do you feel after a big meal of 'cozido'?

List five things you eat that are 'cozidos'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In English, yes, but in Portuguese it specifically implies boiling in water.

Use 'bem passado' rather than 'bem cozido'.

No, for cakes use 'assado' or 'feito'.

A traditional Portuguese stew with meats and vegetables.

Only in slang to mean they are very tired or drunk.

The feminine form is 'cozida'.

The plural forms are 'cozidos' (masc) and 'cozidas' (fem).

It sounds like the English 'z' in 'zoo'.

It is the past participle of the verb 'cozer', used as an adjective.

Yes, 'cozido a vapor' means steamed.