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A2 noun 11 min de lecture

loiça

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces loiça en 30 secondes

Explication loiça in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'loiça' is one of the first household nouns you will learn. It is primarily used in the context of daily chores. You will learn it alongside verbs like 'lavar' (to wash). At this stage, you only need to know that 'loiça' means 'dishes' or 'crockery' and that it is a feminine singular noun ('a loiça'). You will use it to describe basic actions in the kitchen, such as 'Eu lavo a loiça' (I wash the dishes). It's important to remember that even if there are many plates, you usually keep the word in the singular. You might also see it in simple shopping contexts, like buying a 'chávena' (cup) which is a piece of 'loiça'. Focus on the connection between the kitchen sink and this word. It's a fundamental 'survival' word for anyone living in a Portuguese-speaking household.

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At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'loiça' to include more descriptive language and different contexts. You will learn to use adjectives like 'suja' (dirty) or 'limpa' (clean). For example: 'A loiça está suja' (The dishes are dirty). You will also encounter the word in the context of household appliances, specifically the 'máquina de lavar loiça' (dishwasher). At this level, you should be able to handle simple conversations about household tasks, like 'Podes ajudar-me com a loiça?' (Can you help me with the dishes?). You might also start to notice the difference between 'loiça' and 'pratos' (plates), understanding that 'loiça' is the broader, collective term. You may also encounter 'loiça de barro' (clay pottery) when visiting tourist shops or markets, introducing you to the material aspect of the word.

By B1, you are expected to use 'loiça' more naturally in complex sentences and understand its role in different rooms of the house. You will learn about 'loiça sanitária', which refers to bathroom fixtures like the sink and toilet. This is a crucial distinction that moves beyond the kitchen. You'll also start using more varied verbs like 'arrumar a loiça' (to put away the dishes) or 'enxugar a loiça' (to dry the dishes). Your understanding of the word becomes more nuanced as you learn about regional variations, such as the preference for 'loiça' in Portugal versus 'louça' in Brazil. You can describe the quality of the items, using words like 'porcelana' (porcelain) or 'resistente' (sturdy). You are also ready to understand basic instructions in a recipe or a household manual that mentions 'loiça'.

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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'loiça' in idiomatic expressions and more formal settings. You will encounter the expression 'partir a loiça toda', which means to cause a scandal or to break the rules in a big way. You will understand how 'loiça' relates to Portuguese culture and industry, such as the importance of 'loiça de Sacavém' or 'Vista Alegre'. In discussions about interior design or home renovation, you can use 'loiça' to discuss aesthetics and materials with precision. You'll also be able to distinguish between 'loiça' and more formal terms like 'baixela' (table service). Your grammar should be perfect, correctly handling the collective nature of the noun and ensuring all adjectives and articles agree. You can participate in debates about household labor and the history of Portuguese ceramics using this term.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'loiça' is sophisticated and context-aware. You understand the historical and sociological implications of 'loiça' in Portuguese society—how certain types of 'loiça' were symbols of class and status. You can use the word in literary or academic contexts, discussing the 'indústria da loiça' (crockery industry) and its economic impact. You are aware of the subtle registers of the word, from the informal 'lavar a loiça' to the technical 'especificações da loiça sanitária'. You can use the word metaphorically in complex arguments and understand its use in classical Portuguese literature. Your vocabulary includes related technical terms like 'vitrificação' (glazing) or 'faiança' (faience), and you can explain the evolution of 'loiça' from traditional clay to modern materials.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'loiça' and all its nuances. You can appreciate and use the word in puns, wordplay, and high-level rhetorical devices. You understand the deepest etymological roots of the word and how it has shifted in meaning over centuries. You can discuss the nuances of 'loiça' in different Lusophone cultures, from the 'louça' of the Brazilian interior to the 'loiça' of the Azores. You are capable of writing professional reports on the ceramic industry or critiques of artistic 'loiça' exhibitions. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a cultural anchor that you can manipulate with the same ease as a native speaker. You understand the emotional weight the word can carry in family stories or national narratives about craftsmanship and domestic life.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

loiça en 30 secondes

Loiça means dishes or crockery in Portuguese.
It is a collective singular noun (a loiça).
In Portugal it is 'loiça', in Brazil it is 'louça'.
It also refers to bathroom fixtures (loiça sanitária).

The Portuguese word loiça (often spelled louça in Brazil) is a versatile collective noun that primarily refers to the collection of plates, cups, bowls, and cutlery used for serving and consuming food. It is the quintessential kitchen term that every learner must master early on, as it appears in the most frequent daily chores and household descriptions. In a literal sense, it translates to 'crockery' or 'dishes,' but its usage extends beyond just the physical objects to the act of maintenance within the home. Understanding loiça requires recognizing that it is treated as a singular collective noun in Portuguese, much like 'furniture' or 'luggage' in English, although it specifically targets the ceramic, glass, or metal items found on a dining table or in a sink.

Domestic Utility: In everyday life, loiça is most commonly heard in the context of cleaning. The phrase 'lavar a loiça' (to wash the dishes) is a fundamental part of the Portuguese lexicon. Whether you are at a friend's house for dinner or living in a shared apartment, the management of loiça is a constant topic of conversation. It encompasses everything from the fine porcelain used for Sunday lunch to the plastic containers used for leftovers.
Material Composition: While we often think of ceramic, loiça can be specified by material. 'Loiça de barro' refers to traditional terracotta or clay pottery, which is highly significant in Portuguese craftsmanship. 'Loiça de porcelana' indicates higher-end, delicate items. This distinction is important when shopping or discussing regional crafts in places like Caldas da Rainha or Alentejo.
Sanitary Context: Interestingly, the word extends to the bathroom. 'Loiça sanitária' refers to bathroom fixtures like toilets, sinks, and bidets. This might surprise English speakers who only associate 'dishes' with the kitchen, but in Portuguese, the ceramic nature of these fixtures categorizes them under the broad umbrella of loiça.

Depois do jantar, o meu irmão teve de lavar a loiça toda sozinho.

Comprámos uma loiça nova para o serviço de chá.

A loiça da Vista Alegre é famosa mundialmente pela sua qualidade.

Cuidado para não partires a loiça, é muito antiga.

Precisamos de substituir a loiça sanitária da casa de banho principal.

Beyond the kitchen, loiça appears in metaphors and idiomatic expressions. To 'partir a loiça toda' (to break all the dishes) means to make a huge scene, to cause a scandal, or to break all the rules in a dramatic way. This reflects the cultural importance of the household set; breaking it signifies a total rupture of order. Furthermore, the word is inherently linked to Portuguese hospitality. Offering a meal on 'loiça fina' (fine dishes) is a sign of respect and welcome. Understanding the nuances of this word allows you to navigate both the practical chores of a Portuguese home and the deeper cultural values of domesticity and presentation.

Using loiça correctly involves understanding its role as a collective noun and its specific grammatical pairings. Because it describes a group of objects, it is almost always used in the singular form with a singular article (a loiça). When you want to specify an action performed on the dishes, certain verbs are more common than others. The most frequent is lavar (to wash), followed by enxugar or secar (to dry), and arrumar (to put away/organize). For example, 'Vou arrumar a loiça na prateleira' (I'm going to put the dishes away on the shelf) is a standard daily sentence.

Direct Object Usage: When loiça is the direct object, it usually takes the definite article. 'Podes pôr a loiça na mesa?' (Can you put the dishes on the table?). Here, it refers to the specific set required for the meal. If you are speaking generally about the material, you might omit the article: 'Esta loja vende loiça de alta qualidade' (This store sells high-quality crockery).
Descriptive Adjectives: Adjectives following loiça must agree in gender (feminine) and number (singular). Common descriptors include suja (dirty), limpa (clean), partida (broken), or branca (white). 'A loiça suja está acumulada na banca' (The dirty dishes are piled up in the sink).
The Machine Context: In modern homes, you'll often refer to the 'máquina de lavar loiça' (dishwasher). This phrase is a compound noun where loiça identifies the purpose of the machine. 'A máquina da loiça já acabou o ciclo' (The dishwasher has already finished the cycle).

Não te esqueças de meter a loiça na máquina antes de saíres.

Esta loiça de barro mantém a comida quente por mais tempo.

A avó guarda a loiça de cristal para ocasiões especiais.

In more formal or literary contexts, loiça can be used to describe the entire service or 'set' of a dining table. 'O serviço de loiça era composto por vinte e quatro peças' (The set of dishes was composed of twenty-four pieces). Note that while English uses 'dishes' (plural), Portuguese prefers the singular loiça to describe the whole set. If you want to talk about individual items, you would use specific names like prato (plate), copo (glass), or chávena (cup). Using loiça is a way to generalize and simplify the conversation about kitchenware.

You will encounter the word loiça in three primary environments: the domestic sphere, the commercial/retail world, and the artisan/cultural sector. In a Portuguese home, it is a constant presence. Parents tell children to 'tirar a loiça da mesa' (clear the dishes from the table). In restaurants, you might hear the clatter of loiça in the kitchen, and a waiter might apologize if they are out of clean loiça for a specific dish. The word is functional, grounded, and essential for daily survival in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

In the Kitchen: The most common place to hear it is standing by the sink. 'Quem é que lava a loiça hoje?' (Who is washing the dishes today?) is a classic debate in many households. You'll also hear it in instructions: 'Põe a loiça a escorrer' (Put the dishes to drain/dry on the rack).
In Stores and Markets: When shopping at a 'loja de decoração' or a 'supermercado', you will see signs for 'Loiça e Vidros' (Crockery and Glassware). In traditional street markets (feiras), vendors shout about their 'loiça de barro' or 'loiça regional', highlighting the handmade nature of the items.
In the Bathroom Context: If you are renovating a house or visiting a hardware store like Leroy Merlin, you will see the section for 'loiça sanitária'. This refers to toilets and washbasins. It's a technical use of the word that is very common in construction and interior design.

Na feira de Barcelos, podes encontrar loiça pintada à mão muito bonita.

Culturally, loiça is tied to the famous Portuguese ceramics industry. From the iconic 'Galo de Barcelos' (often made of the same materials as loiça) to the prestigious Vista Alegre porcelain, the word carries a weight of national pride. When people talk about 'loiça portuguesa', they are often referring to a legacy of craftsmanship that dates back centuries. You might hear this in documentaries, museum tours, or when discussing home decor with locals. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane act of washing up and the high art of ceramic production.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with loiça is trying to pluralize it when referring to a single set of dirty dishes. In English, we say 'the dishes' (plural), but in Portuguese, 'a loiça' (singular) covers the entire sink full of items. If you say 'as loiças', a native speaker will think you are talking about different *types* of crockery (e.g., a set of porcelain and a set of clay) or perhaps different collections in a museum. Stick to the singular for daily chores.

Pluralization Error: Wrong: 'Eu vou lavar as loiças.' Correct: 'Eu vou lavar a loiça.' Using the plural sounds unnatural in the context of washing up after a meal.
Confusion with 'Pratos': While 'pratos' means plates, 'loiça' is the collective term for plates, cups, and more. If you only washed the plates but left the cups, you 'lavou os pratos'. If you washed everything, you 'lavou a loiça'. Don't use 'loiça' if you specifically mean just one plate.
Spelling: Loiça vs Louça: In Portugal, 'loiça' is preferred. In Brazil, 'louça' is the standard. If you are in Lisbon and write 'louça', people will understand but might think you are using Brazilian Portuguese. If you are in São Paulo and write 'loiça', it will look archaic or European. Match your spelling to your location!

Incorrect: Vou pôr as loiças na mesa. (Unless you're setting multiple different styles of sets).

Another subtle mistake is using loiça to refer to cutlery alone. While loiça can include cutlery in a broad 'dish-washing' context, the specific word for cutlery is talheres. If you are missing a fork, don't ask for 'uma loiça'; ask for 'um talher' or 'um garfo'. Similarly, glassware can be called vidros or copos. Loiça is best reserved for ceramic-based items or the collective mess after a meal. Understanding these boundaries will make your Portuguese sound much more precise and natural.

To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to look at words that overlap with loiça. Depending on the context—whether you're at a formal dinner, a pottery workshop, or just cleaning the kitchen—different words might be more appropriate. Here is a breakdown of how loiça compares to its synonyms and related terms.

Loiça vs. Pratos: Loiça: Collective, includes everything (plates, cups, bowls). 'Tenho de lavar a loiça.'
Pratos: Specifically plates. 'Podes passar os pratos?' (Can you pass the plates?)
Loiça vs. Baixela: Loiça: Everyday term for dishes.
Baixela: A more formal, sophisticated term for a complete set of tableware, often including serving platters and silver. You find 'baixelas' in luxury stores or formal banquets.
Loiça vs. Cerâmica: Loiça: Refers to the function (eating/serving).
Cerâmica: Refers to the material. A piece of loiça is made of cerâmica, but not all cerâmica is loiça (e.g., a ceramic tile is 'azulejo').

A loiça é para o dia a dia, mas a baixela de prata é para o Natal.

In summary, while loiça is your 'go-to' word for anything related to dishes and kitchen cleanup, using more specific terms like serviço de chá (tea set), faqueiro (cutlery set), or cristalaria (glassware) can elevate your speech. However, in 90% of daily interactions involving the kitchen, loiça is exactly the word you need. It is humble, functional, and deeply embedded in the Portuguese way of life.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'loiça' shares the same root as 'lodo' (mud), highlighting that all original dishes were made from the earth.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈloj.sɐ/

US /ˈloj.sə/

The stress is on the first syllable: LOI-ça.

Rime avec

coiça doiça moiça foiça oiça troiça açoiça retoiça

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ç' as a 'k' or 'ch'. It should always be 's'.
Pronouncing 'oi' as two separate vowels instead of a diphthong.
In Brazil, using 'louça' (low-sah) instead of 'loiça' (loy-sah).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very common in daily texts and signs.

Écriture 2/5

The 'ç' can be tricky for beginners.

Expression orale 2/5

The 'oi' diphthong requires practice.

Écoute 1/5

Clear and distinct sound in most contexts.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

cozinha mesa lavar prato copo

Apprends ensuite

talheres guardanapo toalha de mesa eletrodomésticos banca

Avancé

faiança porcelana vidrado oleiro cozedura

Grammaire à connaître

Collective Nouns

A loiça (singular) refers to multiple items.

Gender Agreement

A loiça suja (feminine singular).

Definite Articles

Lavar 'a' loiça (washing 'the' dishes).

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Máquina 'de' lavar loiça.

Prepositional Contractions

Na (em + a) loiça.

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Exemples par niveau

Eu lavo a loiça.

I wash the dishes.

Simple present tense with 'a loiça' as the object.

A loiça é branca.

The dishes are white.

Feminine singular agreement for the adjective 'branca'.

Onde está a loiça?

Where are the dishes?

Question with the definite article 'a'.

A loiça está na mesa.

The dishes are on the table.

Preposition 'na' (em + a).

Eu compro loiça nova.

I buy new dishes.

Direct object 'loiça' followed by the adjective 'nova'.

Ela seca a loiça.

She dries the dishes.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Tens muita loiça?

Do you have many dishes?

Use of 'muita' (feminine singular) with 'loiça'.

A loiça está limpa.

The dishes are clean.

State of being with the verb 'estar'.

A loiça suja está na banca.

The dirty dishes are in the sink.

'Banca' is a common word for kitchen sink in Portugal.

Precisamos de uma máquina de lavar loiça.

We need a dishwasher.

Compound noun: 'máquina de lavar loiça'.

Cuidado, a loiça é frágil.

Careful, the dishes are fragile.

Adjective 'frágil' describing 'loiça'.

Vou pôr a loiça na máquina.

I'm going to put the dishes in the machine.

Future with 'vou' + infinitive.

Esta loiça de barro é do Alentejo.

This clay pottery is from Alentejo.

'De barro' specifies the material.

A minha mãe ofereceu-me um conjunto de loiça.

My mother gave me a set of dishes.

Indirect object pronoun 'me'.

Não temos loiça suficiente para todos.

We don't have enough dishes for everyone.

Adjective 'suficiente' following the noun.

Podes arrumar a loiça no armário?

Can you put the dishes away in the cupboard?

Verb 'arrumar' meaning to organize or put away.

A loiça sanitária da casa de banho é nova.

The bathroom fixtures are new.

'Loiça sanitária' is a specific technical term.

Ela coleciona loiça antiga de Sacavém.

She collects old Sacavém pottery.

Proper noun 'Sacavém' used as an identifier.

Depois da festa, havia imensa loiça para lavar.

After the party, there was a lot of dishes to wash.

'Imensa' used as an intensifier for 'loiça'.

Esta loiça de porcelana é muito cara.

This porcelain crockery is very expensive.

Material 'porcelana' specified.

O restaurante serve a comida em loiça regional.

The restaurant serves the food on regional dishes.

'Regional' implies local traditional style.

Esqueci-me de ligar a máquina da loiça.

I forgot to turn on the dishwasher.

Reflexive verb 'esquecer-se'.

A loiça de cristal brilha à luz das velas.

The crystal dishes shine in the candlelight.

Subject-verb agreement.

Parti uma peça da loiça da minha avó.

I broke a piece of my grandmother's dishes.

'Peça da loiça' refers to a single item from the set.

Ele partiu a loiça toda durante a discussão.

He made a huge scene during the argument.

Idiomatic use of 'partir a loiça toda'.

A fábrica de loiça faliu o ano passado.

The crockery factory went bankrupt last year.

Noun 'fábrica' modified by 'de loiça'.

A loiça de Coimbra é conhecida pelos seus desenhos azuis.

Coimbra pottery is known for its blue designs.

Passive voice 'é conhecida'.

É necessário substituir toda a loiça sanitária do edifício.

It is necessary to replace all the bathroom fixtures in the building.

Formal 'É necessário' structure.

O design daquela loiça é extremamente minimalista.

The design of those dishes is extremely minimalist.

Adverb 'extremamente' modifying the adjective.

Sempre que viajo, compro uma peça de loiça local.

Whenever I travel, I buy a piece of local pottery.

Temporal conjunction 'Sempre que'.

A loiça fina só é usada em jantares de gala.

Fine dishes are only used at gala dinners.

Adjective 'fina' implying high quality/luxury.

A banca está cheia, a loiça transborda.

The sink is full, the dishes are overflowing.

Metaphorical use of 'transbordar' (to overflow).

A produção de loiça em Portugal tem raízes profundas.

The production of crockery in Portugal has deep roots.

Abstract noun 'produção' with 'loiça'.

A estética da loiça reflete a evolução dos costumes.

The aesthetics of crockery reflect the evolution of customs.

Formal academic tone.

Houve uma quebra na exportação de loiça sanitária.

There was a drop in the export of bathroom fixtures.

Economic terminology 'quebra na exportação'.

A loiça de autor é hoje muito valorizada em leilões.

Artist-designed pottery is highly valued in auctions today.

'Loiça de autor' refers to pieces made by specific artists.

A porosidade da loiça de barro exige cuidados especiais.

The porosity of clay pottery requires special care.

Technical term 'porosidade'.

O museu exibe uma vasta coleção de loiça brasonada.

The museum displays a vast collection of dishes with coats of arms.

'Brasonada' refers to heraldry.

A loiça de uso quotidiano deve ser prática e duradoura.

Everyday dishes should be practical and durable.

Adjective 'quotidiano' (daily).

A fragilidade da loiça é uma metáfora para a vida.

The fragility of dishes is a metaphor for life.

Philosophical/Literary usage.

A loiça de Alcobaça prima pelo seu vidrado característico.

Alcobaça pottery stands out for its characteristic glaze.

Verb 'primar' (to excel/stand out).

Subjaz à escolha da loiça uma intenção de ostentação.

Underlying the choice of dishes is an intention of showing off.

Inverted sentence structure with 'subjaz'.

A loiça, outrora meramente funcional, ascendeu ao estatuto de arte.

Crockery, once merely functional, has ascended to the status of art.

Use of 'outrora' (formerly).

O som da loiça a partir-se ecoou pelo casarão vazio.

The sound of dishes breaking echoed through the large empty house.

Literary descriptive style.

A indústria cerâmica de loiça enfrenta desafios de sustentabilidade.

The ceramic crockery industry faces sustainability challenges.

Complex noun phrase.

A loiça de Bordalo Pinheiro é um expoente do naturalismo.

Bordalo Pinheiro's pottery is an exponent of naturalism.

Cultural reference to a famous artist.

A pátina do tempo na loiça antiga confere-lhe um encanto único.

The patina of time on old dishes gives them a unique charm.

Dative pronoun 'lhe'.

Não se deve misturar a loiça fina com a loiça de serventia.

One should not mix fine dishes with utility dishes.

Impersonal 'se' and 'loiça de serventia' (utility dishes).

Collocations courantes

lavar a loiça

máquina de lavar loiça

enxugar a loiça

loiça suja

loiça limpa

loiça de barro

loiça sanitária

pôr a loiça

arrumar a loiça

loiça partida

Phrases Courantes

tirar a loiça

— To clear the table after a meal.

As crianças ajudam a tirar a loiça.

serviço de loiça

— A complete set of matching dishes.

Comprámos um serviço de loiça para doze pessoas.

loiça fina

— Expensive or high-quality porcelain used for guests.

Hoje vamos usar a loiça fina.

loiça do dia a dia

— The regular dishes used for everyday meals.

Usa a loiça do dia a dia, não a de cristal.

loiça decorativa

— Dishes intended for display rather than use.

Esta loiça decorativa fica bem na parede.

fábrica de loiça

— A factory where ceramics are produced.

Visitámos uma fábrica de loiça em Aveiro.

loiça de plástico

— Plastic plates/cups, often for picnics.

Para o piquenique, levamos loiça de plástico.

loiça empilhada

— Dishes stacked on top of each other.

A loiça empilhada pode cair.

loiça por lavar

— Dishes that still need to be washed.

Ainda há muita loiça por lavar.

peça de loiça

— An individual item from a set of dishes.

Esta peça de loiça é muito rara.

Souvent confondu avec

loiça vs loja

Loiça is dishes; Loja is a shop. They sound similar but the 'ç' vs 'j' is key.

loiça vs lousa

Lousa means slate or chalkboard. Don't confuse it with 'louça/loiça'.

loiça vs luta

Luta means fight. The 'u' and 't' sounds are different from 'oi' and 'ç'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"partir a loiça toda"

— To cause a major scandal, to break all the rules, or to make a huge scene.

Quando ele soube a verdade, partiu a loiça toda.

Informal

"loiça de má qualidade"

— Used metaphorically to describe something or someone unreliable or cheap.

Aquele argumento é loiça de má qualidade.

Colloquial

"ficar com a loiça na mão"

— To be left in a difficult or awkward situation without a solution.

O sócio fugiu e ele ficou com a loiça na mão.

Informal

"lavar a loiça suja em casa"

— Similar to 'washing dirty laundry in private'.

Os problemas da família são para lavar a loiça suja em casa.

Informal

"não partir um prato"

— Refers to someone who looks innocent but might not be (related to 'loiça').

Ela finge que não parte um prato, mas é perigosa.

Informal

"loiça de estimação"

— Refers to a favorite set of dishes, often used metaphorically for something precious.

Aquele carro é a sua loiça de estimação.

Informal

"meter a loiça no saco"

— To give up or pack up and leave.

Depois da derrota, meteram a loiça no saco e foram-se embora.

Slang

"loiça quebrada"

— Refers to a broken relationship or situation that cannot be fixed.

O casamento deles é loiça quebrada.

Literary

"pagar a loiça partida"

— To pay for the damage or take the blame for something.

Ele errou, mas fui eu que paguei a loiça partida.

Informal

"loiça de feira"

— Refers to something common or of low value.

Não quero essas ideias de loiça de feira.

Colloquial

Facile à confondre

loiça vs pratos

Both refer to things you eat from.

Pratos are specifically plates; loiça is the whole set including cups and bowls.

Lavei os pratos (just plates) vs Lavei a loiça (everything).

loiça vs talheres

Both are found on the table.

Talheres are cutlery (forks, knives); loiça is crockery (ceramic/glass).

Põe a loiça e os talheres na mesa.

loiça vs copos

They are part of the cleaning pile.

Copos are specifically glasses. Loiça usually implies ceramic, but can include glasses collectively.

Cuidado com os copos ao lavar a loiça.

loiça vs vasilhame

Both refer to containers.

Vasilhame usually refers to empty bottles or larger industrial containers.

Devolver o vasilhame da cerveja.

loiça vs cerâmica

Both relate to the material.

Cerâmica is the material/art form; loiça is the functional object.

Esta loiça é de cerâmica.

Structures de phrases

Eu [verb] a loiça.

Eu lavo a loiça.

A loiça está [adjective].

A loiça está suja.

Preciso de [verb] a loiça.

Preciso de arrumar a loiça.

Máquina de [verb] loiça.

Máquina de lavar loiça.

Esta loiça é feita de [material].

Esta loiça é feita de barro.

Partir a loiça toda.

Ele partiu a loiça toda com o chefe.

A [noun] da loiça é [adjective].

A estética da loiça é fascinante.

Subjaz à [noun] da loiça...

Subjaz à escolha da loiça uma tradição secular.

Famille de mots

Noms

loiceiro (dish rack/cupboard)

louça (variant)

loiçaria (collection of dishes)

Verbes

aloiçar (rarely used, meaning to plate)

Adjectifs

loiçudo (rare/archaic, meaning related to pottery)

Apparenté

prato

copo

chávena

tigela

travessa

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life.

Erreurs courantes

Eu lavo as loiças. → Eu lavo a loiça.
In Portuguese, 'loiça' is a collective singular noun. You don't pluralize it for a single set of dishes.
A loiça é sujo. → A loiça está suja.
'Loiça' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'suja'. Also, use 'estar' for temporary states.
Onde está o loiça? → Onde está a loiça?
'Loiça' is a feminine noun and requires the article 'a'.
Vou lavar a loica. → Vou lavar a loiça.
Don't forget the cedilla (ç). Without it, the pronunciation and spelling are incorrect.
Eu quero uma loiça de café. → Eu quero uma chávena de café.
'Loiça' is the category. For a specific item, use 'chávena' (cup) or 'prato' (plate).

Astuces

Vista Alegre

If you want to impress a Portuguese person, mention 'Vista Alegre'. It's the most prestigious brand of 'loiça' in the country.

Singular vs Plural

Always keep 'loiça' in the singular for household chores. 'Vou lavar a loiça' is the only way to say it naturally.

Bathroom context

Don't be surprised to see 'loiça' in a bathroom store. It just means anything made of that ceramic material.

The 'ç' sound

The 'ç' in 'loiça' is always a soft 's'. Never pronounce it like a 'k'.

Setting the table

Use 'pôr a loiça' when you are putting the plates and cups on the table for a meal.

Buying souvenirs

Look for 'loiça regional' in markets for authentic, hand-painted Portuguese ceramics.

Kitchen verbs

Learn 'lavar' (wash), 'secar' (dry), and 'arrumar' (put away) together with 'loiça'.

Breaking the rules

Use 'partir a loiça toda' when someone does something totally unexpected and dramatic.

Regional spelling

Use 'loiça' in Portugal and 'louça' in Brazil to sound like a local.

Clay pottery

Remember 'loiça de barro' for the traditional brown pottery often used for cooking 'assados'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'LOYAL' dishes. Your 'loiça' stays loyal to you every meal until you break it!

Association visuelle

Imagine a sink full of 'L' shaped plates. 'L' for 'Loiça'.

Word Web

cozinha lavar pratos máquina barro porcelana mesa limpar

Défi

Go into your kitchen and point at five different items that count as 'loiça'. Say 'Isto é loiça' for each one.

Origine du mot

From the Latin word 'lutea', meaning 'made of clay' or 'muddy'.

Sens originel : Originally referred specifically to items made of clay or earthenware.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'loiça sanitária' is a technical term for bathroom fixtures and might sound funny to beginners.

English speakers often say 'do the dishes', while Portuguese speakers 'wash the dishes' (lavar a loiça).

Vista Alegre (famous porcelain brand) Bordalo Pinheiro (famous ceramic artist) Fábrica da Sant'Anna (traditional tiles and loiça)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At home

Quem lava a loiça?
Põe a loiça na máquina.
A loiça está limpa?
Arruma a loiça, por favor.

In a store

Onde está a secção de loiça?
Queria ver um serviço de loiça.
Esta loiça pode ir ao micro-ondas?
Quanto custa esta peça de loiça?

In a restaurant

A loiça está suja.
Preciso de mais loiça para o buffet.
Onde guardam a loiça?
Cuidado com o barulho da loiça.

Renovating a bathroom

Temos de escolher a loiça sanitária.
A loiça da casa de banho é cara.
A loiça está rachada.
Prefiro loiça suspensa.

Discussing art/crafts

Esta loiça é pintada à mão.
É loiça tradicional portuguesa.
A fábrica de loiça é antiga.
Gosto do brilho desta loiça.

Amorces de conversation

"Costumas lavar a loiça à mão ou usas a máquina?"

"Qual é a tua marca de loiça favorita?"

"Já visitaste alguma fábrica de loiça em Portugal?"

"Quem é que lava a loiça em tua casa?"

"Preferes loiça de barro ou de porcelana?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve o serviço de loiça que usas em ocasiões especiais.

Hoje ajudei a lavar a loiça e pensei sobre...

Se pudesses desenhar a tua própria loiça, como seria?

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância que envolva loiça partida.

Por que razão a loiça portuguesa é tão famosa no mundo?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Both are correct. 'Loiça' is more common in Portugal, while 'louça' is the standard in Brazil and also used in Portugal. They mean exactly the same thing.

Usually no. Use 'um prato' for one plate. 'Loiça' is a collective term for the whole set or a pile of items.

In a general sense (like 'washing the dishes'), yes. But specifically, cutlery is called 'talheres'.

It refers to ceramic bathroom fixtures like the toilet, sink, and bidet. It's a very common term in construction and real estate.

It's 'máquina de lavar loiça' (or 'máquina de lavar louça' in Brazil). Often shortened to just 'a máquina da loiça'.

It is feminine: 'a loiça'.

Only if you are referring to different types or sets of crockery, like 'the porcelains of different eras'. For daily dishes, use the singular.

It's an idiom meaning to cause a huge scene or break all the rules/conventions.

Yes, you can say 'loiça de plástico', although 'loiça' usually implies something more permanent like ceramic.

It comes from the Latin 'lutea', which means 'made of clay'.

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