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A2 noun #9,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

marmelada

Top 9,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces marmelada en 30 secondes

Explication marmelada in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'marmelada' as a simple food item. It is a feminine noun ('a marmelada'). You can use it in basic sentences like 'Eu como marmelada' (I eat quince paste) or 'Gosto de marmelada' (I like quince paste). At this stage, just focus on identifying it as a sweet treat often eaten with cheese or bread. It is a common word found in supermarket vocabulary and basic breakfast conversations. Don't worry about the slang meanings yet; just think of it as a specific type of thick jam made from a fruit called 'marmelo'.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'marmelada' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to talk about your preferences, such as 'Prefiro marmelada caseira' (I prefer homemade quince paste). You can also use it in the context of shopping, asking 'Quanto custa esta marmelada?' (How much is this quince paste?). You should also be aware of the 'Romeu e Julieta' combination (cheese and quince paste) as a cultural staple. You are starting to understand that it is different from 'geleia' (jelly) because of its solid texture.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'marmelada' in past and future tenses. For example, 'A minha avó fazia marmelada todos os anos' (My grandmother used to make quince paste every year). You can also describe the process of making it using sequence markers (first, then, finally). This is also a good time to introduce the informal Brazilian slang meaning: 'aquilo foi uma marmelada' (that was a fix/rigged). You can use it to express opinions about fairness in games or simple daily situations, showing a more natural grasp of the language.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'marmelada' to discuss cultural traditions and regional differences. You might talk about the 'Marmelada de Odivelas' and its historical significance in Portuguese monasteries. You should be able to compare and contrast it with other preserves like 'goiabada' or 'compota' using sophisticated conjunctions. In terms of the slang usage, you can use it in more complex social or political critiques, understanding the nuance of sarcasm or irony often associated with the term when describing a lack of transparency.

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At the C1 level, you should understand the etymological journey of the word—how 'marmelo' led to 'marmelada' and eventually to the English 'marmalade'. You can use the word in literary or historical discussions about Portuguese trade and the evolution of sugar production. Your use of the slang term should be precise, recognizing when it is appropriate and when it might be too informal. You can also appreciate and discuss the word's appearance in poetry or classic Portuguese literature as a symbol of domesticity or tradition.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like understanding of 'marmelada'. You can engage in deep culinary debates about the 'ponto' (cooking stage) of the paste or the specific varieties of quinces used in different regions. You can use the slang term with perfect timing and tone, perhaps even using it metaphorically in creative writing or high-level political analysis. You understand the word not just as a label for a food or a scam, but as a small piece of the cultural and linguistic puzzle that connects the entire Lusophone world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

marmelada en 30 secondes

Marmelada is a firm quince paste, not orange jam.
It is traditionally served in slices, often with cheese.
The word comes from 'marmelo', the Portuguese word for quince.
In slang, it means a rigged or fixed situation.

The word marmelada is a cornerstone of Lusophone gastronomy, but for English speakers, it carries a linguistic trap. While it sounds identical to the English word 'marmalade', its meaning is distinct. In Portuguese, marmelada refers specifically to a dense, sliceable sweet paste made from quinces (marmelos). Unlike the citrus-based, spreadable English preserve, Portuguese marmelada is often firm enough to be cut with a knife and served in blocks. Historically, this preservation method dates back to Roman times, but it was the Portuguese who perfected the recipe using sugar from their Atlantic islands. When you enter a pastelaria in Lisbon or a supermarket in Luanda, you will see it sold in round tins or plastic tubs, often paired with cheese.

The Literal Meaning: A sweet, thick preserve made by boiling quinces with sugar until it reaches a solid or semi-solid consistency, typically deep reddish-brown or golden in color.

Beyond the kitchen, marmelada has taken on a fascinating figurative meaning, particularly in Brazil. It is frequently used to describe something that is 'rigged', 'fixed', or 'dishonest'. If a soccer match seems to have a predetermined outcome due to corruption, a fan might shout that the game is a marmelada. This usage stems from the idea of something being 'too sweet' or 'too easy', implying that the competition was not genuine. Understanding this duality is crucial: you might be praising a dessert in one context and accusing someone of cheating in another.

A minha avó faz a melhor marmelada caseira da região, seguindo uma receita muito antiga.

The Slang Usage: In informal Brazilian Portuguese, it refers to a fraudulent arrangement or a 'fixed' situation, especially in sports or politics.

Culturally, the most famous way to consume this sweet is in the combination known as 'Romeu e Julieta' (Romeo and Juliet), where a slice of marmelada is placed atop a slice of white cheese (usually queijo fresco or queijo da Serra in Portugal, or queijo minas in Brazil). This balance of salty and sweet is a staple of the Portuguese-speaking world's palate. Whether you are discussing a traditional snack or complaining about a suspicious referee's call, marmelada is a word that bridges the gap between the dining table and the social fabric of daily life.

Aquela eleição foi uma autêntica marmelada; todos sabiam quem ia ganhar antes de começar.

Culinary Register: Used in recipes, menus, and food shopping contexts to specify quince paste specifically, as opposed to 'geleia' (jelly) or 'compota' (jam).

In summary, use marmelada when you want to talk about quinces, traditional sweets, or when you suspect a game has been rigged. It is a versatile noun that reflects both the sweet traditions of the past and the cynical observations of the present. Always remember the consistency: it is thick, sliceable, and deeply tied to the identity of the Portuguese pantry.

Incorporating marmelada into your Portuguese vocabulary requires understanding its role as a feminine noun. It follows standard grammatical rules for gender and number, but its usage varies depending on whether you are being literal or metaphorical. When talking about food, it often appears as the object of verbs like comer (to eat), gostar de (to like), fazer (to make), or comprar (to buy). Because it is a mass noun in many contexts, you might see it used without an article or with the partitive 'um pouco de'.

Eu comprei uma lata de marmelada no mercado para comermos com o queijo da Serra.

When using the word to describe a rigged situation, it usually functions as a predicate nominative or a direct object. In these cases, it is almost always preceded by the indefinite article uma to emphasize the specific instance of corruption. For example, 'Isto é uma marmelada!' (This is a fix!). This metaphorical use is highly common in sports commentary and political discussions. It is important to note the tone: while the food term is neutral and pleasant, the slang term is accusatory and informal.

With Adjectives: Common adjectives include caseira (homemade), branca (white/pale quince paste), escura (dark), and doce (sweet). Example: 'A marmelada caseira é muito mais saborosa.'

In recipes, you will see marmelada associated with measurements and preparation steps. Verbs like cozer (to boil/cook), triturar (to blend/grind), and arrefecer (to cool) are standard companions. If you are describing the texture, you might say it is consistente (firm) or mole (soft). In Portugal, it is also common to see 'marmelada de Odivelas', referring to the specific geographic origin. Using the word correctly shows a deep understanding of Portuguese culture, especially when you distinguish it from 'geleia' (which is clear and jelly-like).

Para fazer a marmelada, precisamos de pesar os marmelos e o açúcar em partes iguais.

In Comparisons: You can compare it to other fruit pastes. 'A marmelada é mais firme que a goiabada.' (Quince paste is firmer than guava paste.)

Finally, consider the plural form marmeladas. While less common when referring to the food (since it is a mass noun), it can be used when referring to different types or brands. In the slang sense, 'Houve muitas marmeladas naquele campeonato' implies multiple instances of rigging. Mastering these sentence patterns will help you transition from a basic learner to a more nuanced speaker who understands the subtle shifts between culinary delight and social critique.

Não aceito este resultado; para mim, isto foi uma marmelada total da organização.

The word marmelada resonates through various spheres of Portuguese and Brazilian life. In a domestic setting, you will hear it most often during breakfast or 'lanche' (afternoon snack). A parent might ask a child, 'Queres uma fatia de queijo com marmelada?' This simple question evokes a sense of tradition and comfort. In Portugal, particularly in the autumn when quinces are in season, the word becomes a frequent topic of conversation among home cooks discussing their latest batches and the perfect sugar-to-fruit ratio.

No Natal, nunca falta marmelada e queijo na mesa da minha família.

In the commercial world, you'll encounter the word in supermarkets and traditional markets (mercados municipais). Labels will specify 'Marmelada Extra' or 'Marmelada de Odivelas'. In Brazil, while goiabada (guava paste) is more ubiquitous, marmelada remains a respected classic, often associated with Minas Gerais or southern regions with European influence. You might hear a vendor shouting about the freshness of their 'marmelada caseira'.

In Sports Media: Turn on a Brazilian sports talk show after a controversial refereeing decision. You are almost guaranteed to hear a commentator or a caller exclaim, 'Isso foi marmelada!' This is where the word shifts from the kitchen to the arena of public debate.

In literature and history, marmelada appears as a symbol of Portuguese colonial trade and conventual sweets (doces conventuais). It is a word that carries the weight of centuries. If you visit a monastery in Portugal, the guide might explain how the nuns used egg whites to clarify wine and the leftover yolks for sweets, often served alongside marmelada. This historical context gives the word a more formal, academic resonance in certain settings.

O historiador explicou como a marmelada se tornou um produto de exportação importante no século XVI.

Finally, the word is present in children's stories and folk songs. Because it is a simple, rhythmic word, it appears in rhymes. Hearing it in these various contexts—from the quiet of a monastery to the roar of a stadium—illustrates how a single food item can become deeply embedded in a language's metaphorical and cultural landscape. Whether literal or figurative, marmelada is a word that every learner will encounter sooner or later in the Lusophone world.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the 'false friend' trap. When you see marmelada, your brain immediately thinks of orange marmalade. However, if you ask for marmelada expecting orange preserves for your toast, you will be surprised to receive a thick, dark block of quince paste. To get orange marmalade, you must ask for geleia de laranja or doce de laranja. This confusion can lead to disappointment at the breakfast table or confusion when reading a recipe.

Erro comum: Pedir marmelada quando na verdade se quer geleia de laranja.

Another common error involves gender. Since marmelada ends in 'a', it is feminine, but beginners sometimes forget this when using modifiers. Saying 'um marmelada' instead of 'uma marmelada' is a tell-tale sign of a learner. Additionally, students often confuse marmelo (the fruit) with marmelada (the finished product). You don't eat 'marmelo' with cheese in the same way; you eat the processed marmelada. It's like the difference between 'apple' and 'applesauce'.

The Slang Pitfall: Using the slang meaning in a formal business meeting or with someone you don't know well can be risky. Calling a business deal a 'marmelada' is a strong accusation of corruption. Ensure you are in an informal enough setting before using this figurative sense.

In terms of pronunciation, English speakers often struggle with the nasal 'm' and the clear 'l'. It is not 'mar-muh-lay-da' but 'mar-meh-LAH-dah'. The stress is on the penultimate syllable. Misplacing the stress can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers. Also, be careful not to confuse marmelada with marmanjo (a slang term for a big, lazy guy)—though they sound somewhat similar at the start, they are entirely unrelated!

Não digas 'o marmelada'; a palavra é feminina, portanto deves dizer 'a marmelada'.

Lastly, don't assume marmelada is the same as goiabada. While they look similar and are used similarly (with cheese), the flavor profiles are very different. Quince is floral and slightly tart, while guava is musky and tropical. Using the words interchangeably will confuse a Brazilian or Portuguese person who has a strong preference for one over the other. Pay attention to the fruit labels!

To truly master the vocabulary around sweets and preserves, you must understand where marmelada fits among its peers. The most direct relative is goiabada, which is the guava equivalent and arguably more popular in Brazil. Another similar product is bananada (banana paste). These are all 'doces de corte' (cutting sweets) because of their firm consistency. If you want something more liquid, you move into the territory of geleia and compota.

Marmelada vs. Geleia: Marmelada: Opaque, thick paste, sliceable, made from quinces.
Geleia: Translucent, spreadable, made from fruit juice and pectin.

If you are looking for alternatives to the slang usage of marmelada, you might use falcatrua (scam), trapaça (cheat), or jogo sujo (dirty game). In Portugal, a rigged situation might also be called a trafulhice. Each of these carries a slightly different weight, with marmelada being one of the more common and slightly more colorful ways to describe a 'fix' in a sports context.

Se não gostas de marmelada, podes experimentar a goiabada; é muito parecida mas feita de goiaba.

Marmelada vs. Compota: Marmelada: Smooth, uniform texture.
Compota: Chunky, contains whole pieces or large bits of fruit in syrup.

In the kitchen, if a recipe calls for quinces and you can't find them, you might use peras (pears) or maçãs (apples) to make a similar paste, though it wouldn't technically be marmelada. The word marmelada is so specific to the fruit marmelo that any substitute changes the name of the dish. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate a Portuguese menu with confidence, knowing exactly what texture and fruit to expect.

By learning these alternatives, you build a semantic web. You don't just know one word for 'jam'; you know the hierarchy of preserves: from the firm marmelada to the chunky compota and the smooth geleia. This precision is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker who can truly appreciate the nuances of the Portuguese language and its rich culinary heritage.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'marmalade' is a direct loanword from the Portuguese 'marmelada'. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal exported quince paste to England. Over time, the English began making a similar preserve using bitter oranges, but they kept the original Portuguese name.

Guide de prononciation

UK /maʁ.me.ˈla.dɐ/

US /maɹ.me.ˈla.dɑ/

The stress is on the third syllable: mar-me-LA-da.

Rime avec

estrada nada alvorada gelada namorada parada queimada salada

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like the English 'marmalade' (mar-muh-layd).
Stressing the first or second syllable instead of the third.
Making the final 'a' too open (it should be slightly closed/reduced in European Portuguese).
Confusing the 'l' sound with a 'w' sound (common in some Brazilian dialects, e.g., 'marmewada').
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in a way that sounds like Spanish.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize but requires distinguishing from the English false friend.

Écriture 2/5

Simple spelling, follows standard feminine noun rules.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires correct syllable stress (mar-me-LA-da) and nasal 'm'.

Écoute 3/5

Must distinguish between the literal food and the metaphorical slang.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

doce fruta açúcar queijo comer

Apprends ensuite

marmelo goiabada compota geleia corrupção

Avancé

doçaria conventual adjudicação licitação falcatrua

Grammaire à connaître

Feminine Noun Agreement

A marmelada é gostosa. (The quince paste is tasty.)

Preposition 'de' with 'gostar'

Eu gosto de marmelada. (I like quince paste.)

Mass Nouns and Partitives

Quero um pouco de marmelada. (I want a little bit of quince paste.)

Indefinite Article for Slang Usage

Isto é uma marmelada! (This is a fix!)

Adjective Placement

Marmelada caseira vs. Caseira marmelada (Caseira usually follows the noun).

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Exemples par niveau

Eu como marmelada com pão.

I eat quince paste with bread.

Uses the present tense of 'comer' (to eat).

A marmelada é muito doce.

The quince paste is very sweet.

Feminine noun 'marmelada' matches the feminine article 'A'.

Tu gostas de marmelada?

Do you like quince paste?

The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de'.

Ela compra marmelada no mercado.

She buys quince paste at the market.

Standard subject-verb-object structure.

Onde está a marmelada?

Where is the quince paste?

Asking for the location of a specific item.

A marmelada é vermelha.

The quince paste is red.

Adjective 'vermelha' agrees with the feminine noun.

Eu quero um pouco de marmelada.

I want a little bit of quince paste.

'Um pouco de' is used for uncountable quantities.

Marmelada e queijo é bom.

Quince paste and cheese is good.

A common pairing used as a singular concept.

A minha mãe faz marmelada caseira.

My mother makes homemade quince paste.

'Caseira' means 'homemade'.

Nós comemos queijo com marmelada ao lanche.

We eat cheese with quince paste for our afternoon snack.

'Ao lanche' refers to the mid-afternoon meal.

Esta marmelada é de Odivelas.

This quince paste is from Odivelas.

Specifying the origin using 'de'.

Prefiro marmelada a geleia de morango.

I prefer quince paste to strawberry jelly.

Verb 'preferir' uses the structure 'preferir X a Y'.

Podes cortar uma fatia de marmelada?

Can you cut a slice of quince paste?

'Fatia' is the standard word for 'slice'.

Não temos marmelada no frigorífico.

We don't have quince paste in the fridge.

Negative sentence using 'não'.

A marmelada dura muito tempo.

Quince paste lasts a long time.

The verb 'durar' means 'to last'.

Queres provar esta marmelada?

Do you want to taste this quince paste?

'Provar' means 'to taste' or 'to try'.

Antigamente, as freiras faziam marmelada nos conventos.

In the past, nuns used to make quince paste in convents.

Uses the imperfect tense 'faziam' for habitual actions in the past.

Se eu tivesse marmelos, faria marmelada hoje.

If I had quinces, I would make quince paste today.

Second conditional: 'se tivesse' (subjunctive) + 'faria' (conditional).

O jogo de ontem foi uma marmelada completa.

Yesterday's game was a complete fix.

Slang usage meaning 'rigged' or 'fraudulent'.

Espero que a marmelada não fique muito mole.

I hope the quince paste doesn't turn out too soft.

Uses the present subjunctive 'fique' after 'espero que'.

Ela explicou como se faz marmelada passo a passo.

She explained how quince paste is made step by step.

Passive voice with 'se' (how it is made).

Comprei esta marmelada porque a embalagem era bonita.

I bought this quince paste because the packaging was pretty.

Using 'porque' to explain a reason.

Dizem que a marmelada branca é uma especialidade rara.

They say that white quince paste is a rare specialty.

Indefinite 'dizem' (they say/it is said).

Sempre que vou a Odivelas, trago uma caixa de marmelada.

Whenever I go to Odivelas, I bring back a box of quince paste.

Temporal clause with 'Sempre que'.

É inadmissível que ainda haja marmelada no futebol profissional.

It is unacceptable that there is still rigging in professional football.

Subjunctive 'haja' after an impersonal expression of opinion.

A consistência da marmelada depende do tempo de cozedura.

The consistency of the quince paste depends on the cooking time.

'Depende de' is the fixed prepositional phrase.

Apesar de ser doce, a marmelada tem um toque adstringente.

Despite being sweet, quince paste has an astringent touch.

'Apesar de' + infinitive 'ser'.

O termo 'marmalade' em inglês deriva da palavra portuguesa marmelada.

The English term 'marmalade' derives from the Portuguese word marmelada.

Stating historical or linguistic facts.

Muitos consideram a marmelada o acompanhamento perfeito para o queijo da Serra.

Many consider quince paste the perfect accompaniment for Serra cheese.

Direct object 'a marmelada' followed by an object complement.

A produção industrial de marmelada utiliza frequentemente conservantes.

Industrial production of quince paste often uses preservatives.

Using adverbs like 'frequentemente'.

Fiquei surpreendido com a marmelada que descobri naquele concurso.

I was surprised by the corruption I discovered in that contest.

Slang use of 'marmelada' in a more formal sentence structure.

Para obter uma marmelada brilhante, deve-se mexer sempre.

To obtain a shiny quince paste, one must stir constantly.

Impersonal 'se' to give instructions.

A marmelada transcende a mera gastronomia, sendo um símbolo de identidade cultural.

Quince paste transcends mere gastronomy, being a symbol of cultural identity.

Use of the gerund 'sendo' for elaboration.

Houve uma clara marmelada no processo de adjudicação da obra pública.

There was a clear fix in the public works tendering process.

Sophisticated use of slang in a formal/legal context.

A receita conventual de marmelada exige uma paciência quase monástica.

The convent recipe for quince paste requires an almost monastic patience.

Metaphorical adjective 'monástica'.

A versatilidade da marmelada permite a sua utilização em diversas sobremesas contemporâneas.

The versatility of quince paste allows its use in various contemporary desserts.

Possessive 'a sua' referring back to 'marmelada'.

Criticaram o júri, alegando que o resultado não passava de uma marmelada.

They criticized the jury, claiming that the result was nothing more than a fix.

Idiomatic expression 'não passar de' (to be nothing more than).

A exportação de marmelada para o Norte da Europa moldou novos hábitos alimentares.

The export of quince paste to Northern Europe shaped new eating habits.

Historical analysis using the past tense.

O equilíbrio entre a doçura da marmelada e a acidez do queijo é sublime.

The balance between the sweetness of the quince paste and the acidity of the cheese is sublime.

Using abstract nouns like 'doçura' and 'acidez'.

Não se deve confundir a marmelada tradicional com as imitações industriais de baixo custo.

Traditional quince paste should not be confused with low-cost industrial imitations.

Passive structure 'Não se deve confundir'.

A semântica da palavra marmelada bifurca-se entre o deleite palatável e a torpeza moral.

The semantics of the word 'marmelada' forks between palatable delight and moral turpitude.

High-level vocabulary like 'palatável' and 'torpeza'.

O escândalo político revelou uma marmelada de proporções bíblicas no seio do governo.

The political scandal revealed a fix of biblical proportions within the government.

Hyperbolic expression 'proporções bíblicas'.

A preservação da técnica artesanal da marmelada é um ato de resistência cultural.

The preservation of the artisanal technique of quince paste is an act of cultural resistance.

Abstract conceptualization.

Subjacente à doçura da marmelada, reside uma complexa história de trocas transatlânticas.

Underlying the sweetness of the quince paste lies a complex history of transatlantic exchanges.

Use of the participle 'subjacente'.

A crítica literária viu naquela obra uma marmelada estética, desprovida de originalidade.

The literary critic saw in that work an aesthetic fix, devoid of originality.

Metaphorical extension of the slang to art/aesthetics.

A marmelada de Odivelas, com o seu cariz conventual, é o epítome da doçaria portuguesa.

The quince paste of Odivelas, with its conventual nature, is the epitome of Portuguese confectionery.

Using 'epítome' for the highest example.

Raramente se encontra uma marmelada que atinja o equilíbrio perfeito entre cor, textura e sabor.

Rarely does one find a quince paste that reaches the perfect balance between color, texture, and flavor.

Inverted sentence structure starting with 'Raramente'.

A indignação popular cresceu ao perceberem que a licitação não passara de uma marmelada.

Popular indignation grew upon realizing that the bidding had been nothing more than a fix.

Use of the pluperfect 'passara'.

Collocations courantes

comer marmelada

marmelada caseira

fatia de marmelada

queijo com marmelada

marmelada de Odivelas

lata de marmelada

pura marmelada

fazer marmelada

marmelada branca

cheirar a marmelada

Phrases Courantes

Isso é marmelada!

— That is a fix! Used when someone thinks a situation is rigged.

O árbitro roubou! Isso é marmelada!

Que marmelada!

— What a scam! Similar to the above, expressing frustration at unfairness.

Aumentaram os preços outra vez? Que marmelada!

Marmelada e queijo.

— The classic food pairing. Often used as a shorthand for a simple, traditional treat.

Para a sobremesa, temos marmelada e queijo.

Ponto de marmelada.

— The specific cooking stage where the paste is thick enough to set.

Ainda não chegou ao ponto de marmelada.

Marmelada de corte.

— Refers to the firm variety that can be sliced, as opposed to softer versions.

Prefiro a marmelada de corte à que se espalha.

Lamber a marmelada.

— Literally to lick the paste, often used to describe children enjoying the sweet.

As crianças estavam a lamber a marmelada da colher.

Marmelada de plástico.

— A derogatory term for low-quality, industrial quince paste.

Não gosto dessa marmelada de plástico do supermercado.

Vender marmelada.

— To sell quince paste, but can sometimes imply selling something of dubious quality in slang.

Ele ganha a vida a vender marmelada na feira.

Cheio de marmelada.

— Full of quince paste, or metaphorically full of tricks/lies.

Aquele discurso estava cheio de marmelada.

Marmelada azeda.

— Literally sour quince paste, but can describe a 'fix' that went wrong.

A marmelada azedou quando descobriram o esquema.

Souvent confondu avec

marmelada vs geleia de laranja

This is what English speakers mean by 'marmalade'. Marmelada is quince paste.

marmelada vs marmelo

Marmelo is the fruit; marmelada is the sweet paste made from it.

marmelada vs goiabada

A similar thick paste but made from guava, not quince.

Expressions idiomatiques

"ser marmelada"

— To be a rigged situation or a 'done deal' in a negative, dishonest way.

Toda a gente sabe que aquela eleição vai ser marmelada.

informal

"dar marmelada"

— To result in trouble or a messy, suspicious situation.

Isto ainda vai dar marmelada com a polícia.

informal

"cheirar a marmelada"

— To look or sound suspicious; to suspect that something is rigged.

Este contrato está a cheirar a marmelada.

informal

"fazer marmelada"

— To rig something or to act dishonestly to ensure a specific outcome.

Eles fizeram marmelada para ganhar o concurso.

informal

"marmelada de domingo"

— A common fix, often referring to predictable or repetitive corruption.

Lá vem a marmelada de domingo no futebol.

informal

"entre o queijo e a marmelada"

— In the middle of a meal or a casual conversation; during a moment of relaxation.

Resolvemos o problema entre o queijo e a marmelada.

informal

"marmelada grossa"

— A serious or very obvious case of corruption or rigging.

Aquilo não foi um erro, foi marmelada grossa!

informal

"cair na marmelada"

— To get caught up in a scam or a rigged situation.

Cuidado para não caíres na marmelada deles.

informal

"puxar a marmelada"

— To manipulate a situation to one's advantage (less common).

Ele está a puxar a marmelada para o lado dele.

informal

"marmelada de freira"

— Refers to something done with great care (literal) or sometimes used ironically for something suspicious.

Isto está tão bem feito que parece marmelada de freira.

informal

Facile à confondre

marmelada vs marmelo

Both relate to the same fruit.

Marmelo is the raw fruit; marmelada is the processed sweet.

Comprei marmelos para fazer marmelada.

marmelada vs geleia

Both are fruit preserves.

Geleia is clear and spreadable; marmelada is opaque and firm.

A geleia de uva é mole, a marmelada é dura.

marmelada vs compota

Both are sweet preserves.

Compota has fruit chunks; marmelada is a smooth paste.

Esta compota de pêssego tem pedaços de fruta.

marmelada vs marmanjo

Similar sounding start.

Marmanjo is slang for a big/lazy guy; marmelada is a sweet or a fix.

Aquele marmanjo não faz nada o dia todo.

marmelada vs marmita

Similar sounding start.

Marmita is a lunchbox; marmelada is a sweet.

Levei a minha marmita para o trabalho.

Structures de phrases

Eu como [food].

Eu como marmelada.

[Noun] com [Noun].

Queijo com marmelada.

Isso é uma [slang].

Isso é uma marmelada!

Apesar de [verb], [sentence].

Apesar de ser doce, a marmelada é saudável.

O resultado não passa de uma [noun].

O resultado não passa de uma marmelada.

A [noun] deriva de [origin].

A marmelada deriva do marmelo.

Subjacente a [noun], reside [noun].

Subjacente à marmelada, reside uma tradição antiga.

Uma [noun] de proporções [adjective].

Uma marmelada de proporções épicas.

Famille de mots

Noms

marmelo (quince fruit)

marmeleiro (quince tree)

marmeleiral (quince orchard)

Verbes

marmelar (rarely used, sometimes used in slang to mean 'to rig')

Adjectifs

marmelada (can function as an adjective in some slang contexts, e.g., 'resultado marmelado')

Apparenté

doce

geleia

compota

goiabada

convento

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in daily culinary life and very common in sports/political commentary.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'marmelada' for orange jam. → geleia de laranja
This is the most common error. Marmelada is only for quinces in Portuguese.
Saying 'o marmelada'. → a marmelada
The word is feminine and must always take feminine articles and adjectives.
Pronouncing it like 'marmalade' in English. → mar-me-LA-da
The Portuguese pronunciation has four syllables and different vowel sounds.
Confusing 'marmelo' with 'marmelada'. → marmelo (fruit), marmelada (paste)
You don't usually eat a 'marmelo' with cheese; you eat 'marmelada'.
Using the slang 'marmelada' in a formal document. → irregularidade / fraude
Marmelada is too informal for official or academic writing when referring to corruption.

Astuces

Don't confuse your jams!

Remember: Marmelada = Quince. Geleia = Jelly/Jam. Compota = Chunky Jam. Using the right word will make you sound much more like a native speaker.

The Cheese Rule

If someone offers you marmelada, look for the cheese. Eating it alone is fine, but eating it with a slice of salty cheese is the true Lusophone way.

Sports Talk

If you're watching a game and a decision seems unfair, saying 'Que marmelada!' is a great way to bond with other fans over a shared suspicion.

Gender Matters

It's always 'A' marmelada. Even when using it as slang, keep it feminine: 'Essa marmelada' or 'Uma marmelada'.

Stress the 'LA'

English speakers often want to stress the 'mar'. Resist! It's mar-me-LA-da. The third syllable is the star of the show.

History Lesson

Impress your friends by telling them that the English word 'marmalade' actually comes from the Portuguese word for quince paste.

Homemade is Best

If you see 'marmelada caseira' on a menu, order it. It's usually much less 'rubbery' and more flavorful than the industrial versions.

Check the Tin

Marmelada is often sold in round metal tins. These are classic and make for great souvenirs or storage containers after the sweet is gone.

Formal vs Informal

Be careful with the slang meaning. It's fine for soccer or with friends, but calling a legal process a 'marmelada' is a serious accusation.

Visual Cues

Whenever you see a quince (marmelo), think of the word marmelada. Linking the fruit to the product helps solidify both words in your memory.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Marmalade', but remember it's made of 'Marmelos' (Quinces). Imagine a 'MAR' (sea) of 'MEL' (honey) poured over a 'LADA' (side) of cheese.

Association visuelle

Visualize a dark red, solid brick of sweet paste sitting next to a white wedge of cheese. This 'Romeu e Julieta' image is the most iconic representation of marmelada.

Word Web

marmelo açúcar queijo sobremesa convento doce fatia tradição

Défi

Try to find quince paste at a local international market. Buy it, serve it with cheese, and tell someone in Portuguese: 'Isto é marmelada, não é geleia de laranja!'

Origine du mot

Derived from the Portuguese word 'marmelo', which means 'quince'. The word 'marmelo' itself comes from the Latin 'melimelum' (honey apple), which was borrowed from the Greek 'melimelon'.

Sens originel : A preparation of quinces cooked with honey or sugar.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexte culturel

The slang term 'marmelada' can be seen as an accusation of corruption. Use it carefully in formal or professional environments.

English speakers must unlearn the association with oranges. In the UK, marmalade is for toast; in Portugal, marmelada is for cheese.

Marmelada de Odivelas (Traditional protected sweet) Sítio do Picapau Amarelo (Brazilian literature where sweets are often mentioned) Romeu e Julieta (The name for the cheese and paste pairing)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the supermarket

Onde fica a marmelada?
Qual é a marmelada mais barata?
Esta marmelada tem conservantes?
Quero uma lata de marmelada.

At a cafe or restaurant

Tem queijo com marmelada?
A marmelada é caseira?
Queria uma torrada com marmelada.
Pode trazer mais uma fatia de marmelada?

Watching sports

Isso foi marmelada!
O jogo está comprado, é marmelada.
Que marmelada de resultado!
Não aceito esta marmelada.

Cooking at home

Os marmelos já estão cozidos?
Quanto açúcar leva a marmelada?
A marmelada já está no ponto.
Vamos pôr a marmelada nas tigelas.

Discussing politics

Aquela votação cheira a marmelada.
Foi uma marmelada entre os partidos.
O povo não acredita nesta marmelada.
Houve marmelada na contagem dos votos.

Amorces de conversation

"Tu preferes marmelada ou goiabada com o teu queijo?"

"Já alguma vez provaste a famosa marmelada de Odivelas?"

"Na tua opinião, aquele jogo de ontem foi uma marmelada?"

"Sabias que a palavra 'marmalade' vem do português 'marmelada'?"

"Qual é o segredo para fazer uma boa marmelada caseira?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreve a tua primeira experiência a provar marmelada com queijo.

Escreve sobre uma situação na tua vida que tenhas considerado uma 'marmelada' (um esquema).

Qual é o teu doce tradicional favorito e como se compara com a marmelada?

Imagina que tens um marmeleiro no teu jardim. O que farias com tantos marmelos?

Explica a um amigo estrangeiro a diferença entre marmelada e geleia de laranja.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No. In Portuguese, marmelada refers specifically to quince paste. If you want orange marmalade, you should ask for 'geleia de laranja' or 'doce de laranja'. This is a classic false friend for English speakers.

In Brazil, 'marmelada' is slang for a rigged game. If fans suspect the players or referees have pre-arranged the outcome, they call it a 'marmelada'. It implies the competition is fake or 'too sweet' to be real.

It is a very popular snack or dessert consisting of a slice of white cheese and a slice of fruit paste (usually marmelada or goiabada). The name comes from the idea that the two ingredients are a perfect, inseparable match.

While quinces are high in fiber and vitamins, marmelada contains a large amount of sugar. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a traditional treat rather than a health food.

Not really. While 'marmelar' exists in some dictionaries, it is extremely rare. To express the action of rigging something, people usually say 'fazer marmelada' or 'isso é marmelada'.

Marmelada is made from quince (marmelo) and has a floral, slightly tart flavor. Goiabada is made from guava (goiaba) and has a more tropical, musky taste. Both have a similar firm texture.

In Portugal, the 'Marmelada de Odivelas' is considered the most prestigious and traditional, often still made following old convent recipes. In Brazil, artisanal versions from Minas Gerais are highly regarded.

Usually, yes. The cooking process and oxidation of the quince turn it a deep reddish-brown. However, 'marmelada branca' (white quince paste) is a lighter version made with a shorter cooking time and sometimes different techniques.

The literal meaning (quince paste) is the same. The slang meaning (a fix/rigged) is much more common and widely understood in Brazil, though Portuguese people will usually understand the context.

Because of its high sugar content, it preserves well. Traditional tins can be kept in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it is often kept in the refrigerator to maintain its firmness and prevent mold.

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