When you're learning Portuguese, the word sala is super useful. Its main meaning is 'room,' just like in English. So, you'll hear it a lot when people talk about different rooms in a house or building.
For example, you might say sala de estar for 'living room' or sala de jantar for 'dining room.' It's a foundational word for describing spaces.
§ Understanding 'sala'
The Portuguese word sala is a feminine noun that generally translates to 'room' in English. It's a fundamental word you'll encounter frequently. While its primary meaning is straightforward, it's good to understand its common uses and nuances.
- DEFINITION
- room, hall, living room
§ Common uses of 'sala'
You'll often hear sala in a few specific contexts. The most common are for a living room, a classroom, or a general room in a house or building.
- Sala de estar: This is the most common way to say 'living room'. It literally means 'room of being/staying'.
- Sala de aula: This means 'classroom'. Literally, 'room of class'.
- Sala de jantar: This translates to 'dining room'. 'Room of dining'.
- Sala de reuniões: This means 'meeting room'. 'Room of meetings'.
§ 'Sala' in sentences: examples
Let's look at some practical examples to help you see how sala is used.
A nossa sala de estar é muito confortável. (Our living room is very comfortable.)
Quantas salas tem a sua casa? (How many rooms does your house have?)
Os alunos estão na sala de aula. (The students are in the classroom.)
Vamos para a sala de jantar agora. (Let's go to the dining room now.)
A sala estava vazia. (The room was empty.)
§ Prepositions with 'sala'
When talking about location, you'll use common prepositions with sala.
- Em/Na: 'in' or 'at'. Since sala is feminine, 'em' combines with 'a' to form 'na'.
Eles estão na sala de estar. (They are in the living room.)
O professor está na sala de aula. (The teacher is in the classroom.)
- Para a: 'to the' or 'into the'. 'Para' (to/for) combines with 'a' (the) to form 'para a'.
Vamos para a sala de reuniões. (Let's go to the meeting room.)
§ What is 'Sala'?
The Portuguese word 'sala' (pronounced 'SAH-lah') is a common noun you'll encounter frequently. It's super useful for talking about rooms in a house, office, or any building.
- Portuguese Word
- sala (noun)
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- room; hall; living room
§ How to Use 'Sala'
'Sala' is a feminine noun, so remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with it. It generally refers to any room, but often specifically to a living room or a main hall.
A sala de estar é grande.
(The living room is big.)
Temos duas salas neste apartamento.
(We have two rooms in this apartment.)
A sala de aula está cheia.
(The classroom is full.)
§ Common Phrases with 'Sala'
You'll often hear 'sala' combined with other words to specify the type of room:
- Sala de estar: Living room
- Sala de jantar: Dining room
- Sala de aula: Classroom
- Sala de espera: Waiting room
- Sala de reuniões: Meeting room
Vamos para a sala de jantar.
(Let's go to the dining room.)
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Sala' vs. Alternatives
While 'sala' is very versatile, Portuguese has other words for 'room' that are used in different contexts. Understanding these differences will make your Portuguese sound much more natural.
1. Quarto
'Quarto' is specifically used for a bedroom. You wouldn't use 'sala' to refer to where you sleep.
Meu quarto é pequeno.
(My bedroom is small.)
When to use 'sala' vs. 'quarto': Use 'sala' for common areas like living rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms, or general undefined rooms. Use 'quarto' exclusively for bedrooms.
2. Compartimento / Divisão
These are more formal or general terms for a 'compartment' or 'division' within a larger structure. They aren't typically used in casual conversation about rooms in a house.
- Compartimento: Can refer to a section or a chamber, often in a technical or administrative context (e.g., a cargo compartment, a section of a train).
- Divisão: Means 'division' or 'section,' and while it can technically mean a room, it's rarely used that way in everyday speech about residential or office spaces.
O avião tem vários compartimentos.
(The plane has several compartments.)
When to use 'sala' vs. 'compartimento'/'divisão': Stick with 'sala' for rooms you'd inhabit or find in a building. 'Compartimento' and 'divisão' are for more abstract or specialized 'sections' or 'spaces.'
3. Salão
'Salão' (pronounced 'sah-LAU-oh') is often used for a large hall, a ballroom, or a large public room, like a salon. It implies a grander scale than a typical 'sala.'
A festa será no salão principal.
(The party will be in the main hall.)
When to use 'sala' vs. 'salão': If you're talking about a regular room in a house or office, use 'sala.' If it's a large, often public, or very grand room, 'salão' is a better fit. Think of 'salão' as 'hall' or 'ballroom.'
§ Key Takeaway
'Sala' is your go-to word for most 'room' situations, especially for common areas in homes or offices, and for classrooms. Reserve 'quarto' for bedrooms, and 'salão' for larger, more public halls. You'll rarely need 'compartimento' or 'divisão' in daily conversation about rooms.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
A sala está limpa.
The room is clean.
Vamos para a sala.
Let's go to the living room.
Esta sala é grande.
This room is big.
A sala tem uma janela.
The room has a window.
Ele saiu da sala.
He left the room.
Podes esperar na sala?
Can you wait in the waiting room?
A sala de aula está cheia.
The classroom is full.
Gosto da sala de estar.
I like the living room.
Vamos arrumar a sala.
Let's tidy up the room.
A sala precisa de tinta.
The room needs paint.
Teste-toi 6 questions
A vastidão da sua cultura se revela na elegância da sua sala de estar, um espaço que transpira história e sofisticação, com cada objeto meticulosamente posicionado para evocar uma narrativa. A disposição dos móveis na ___ permite uma conversa fluida e ininterrupta entre os convidados, um testemunho do seu cuidado em fomentar a interação social.
The context describes a space designed for social interaction and refined display, which aligns with 'sala' (living room).
Após anos de dedicação inabalável, o maestro finalmente regeu a sinfonia em uma ___ de concertos que se tornaria lendária. A acústica impecável da ___ amplificava cada nota, transformando a performance em uma experiência etérea para a audiência extasiada.
The sentence refers to a concert hall, where 'sala' is used to denote a large room for performances.
A complexidade das relações diplomáticas foi cuidadosamente analisada na ___ de conferências, onde líderes mundiais se reuniram para deliberar sobre o futuro da geopolítica. O sigilo dos debates na ___ era primordial, refletindo a gravidade das decisões que ali seriam tomadas.
The context implies a formal meeting room, which is often referred to as a 'sala de conferências' (conference room).
A atmosfera de contemplação pairava sobre a ___ de leitura, onde a luz tênue e o silêncio respeitoso convidavam à imersão nos tomos antigos. Cada visitante na ___ buscava um refúgio do mundo exterior, mergulhando nas narrativas que desafiavam o tempo e o espaço.
The description perfectly fits a 'sala de leitura' (reading room), a common use of 'sala'.
A elegância intrínseca do hotel se manifestava na grandiosidade de sua ___ principal, um espaço onde a arte e a arquitetura convergiam para criar uma experiência inesquecível. A opulência da ___ acolhia os hóspedes com um esplendor que transcendia o mundano, preparando-os para uma estadia de luxo.
'Sala' is commonly used to refer to a main hall or lobby in a building, especially a grand one like a hotel.
O meticuloso trabalho dos artesãos foi exibido na ___ de exposições, onde cada peça era uma ode à criatividade e à perícia manual. A iluminação estratégica na ___ destacava os detalhes mais finos, convidando os observadores a apreciar a profundidade da arte.
An 'exhibition room' is often called a 'sala de exposições', fitting the context of displaying artisanal work.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
Exemple
In context, `sala` expresses: salle, pièce (room).
Contenu associé
Apprendre en contexte
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur false_friends
abençoar
A2Primary meaning: bénir (to bless).
aceitar
A2Primary meaning: to accept.
acordar
A2Primary meaning: to wake up.
apelido
A2Primary meaning: nickname.
assistir
A2Primary meaning: to watch, to attend.
atual
A2Primary meaning: actuel, présent (current - true friend).
atualmente
A2Primary meaning: currently, nowadays.
azeite
A2Primary meaning: olive oil.
berro
A2Primary meaning: scream, shout.
bicho
A2Primary meaning: animal (general), dude (slang).
