de tecido
de tecido en 30 secondes
- Means 'made of fabric' or 'cloth'.
- Used after the noun it describes.
- Does not change for gender or number.
- Common in shopping and sustainability contexts.
The Portuguese term de tecido is an adjectival phrase (locução adjetiva) used to describe items made of fabric, cloth, or textile material. At its core, it differentiates an object from those made of synthetic materials like plastic, or natural materials like leather, wood, or metal. In the modern Portuguese-speaking world, you will encounter this phrase most frequently when discussing clothing, home accessories, and increasingly, sustainable alternatives to disposable products.
- Material Composition
- It specifies that the primary substance is woven or knitted fibers. This is crucial in retail and manufacturing contexts.
Historically, the distinction was simple: something was either made of animal skin (couro) or woven fibers (tecido). Today, 'de tecido' carries a connotation of comfort, breathability, and often, reusability. For instance, during the global health crisis, the 'máscara de tecido' (cloth mask) became a household staple, distinguishing it from the 'máscara descartável' (disposable mask).
Esta cadeira tem um assento de tecido muito macio.
In fashion, 'de tecido' is used to describe shoes, bags, or belts that are not leather. A 'sapatilha de tecido' might be a canvas flat, whereas a 'mala de tecido' could be a tote bag or a cloth suitcase. The term is also essential in interior design when choosing between 'estofos de pele' (leather upholstery) and 'estofos de tecido' (fabric upholstery).
- Sustainability Context
- Using 'sacolas de tecido' (fabric bags) is a common phrase in environmental activism to discourage the use of plastic bags in supermarkets.
Prefiro usar guardanapos de tecido em jantares formais.
The versatility of 'de tecido' allows it to be applied to almost anything that can be sewn. From 'brinquedos de tecido' (cloth toys) for infants to 'painéis de tecido' (fabric panels) used in acoustic treatment or wall decoration. It is a fundamental phrase for anyone navigating a Portuguese-speaking marketplace or describing personal belongings.
- Tactile Quality
- It often implies a specific texture—soft, flexible, and pliable—unlike rigid materials.
As luvas de tecido não protegem contra a chuva.
O livro tem uma capa de tecido bordada à mão.
In summary, 'de tecido' is your go-to descriptor for anything woven. It bridges the gap between simple adjectives and technical specifications, making it an essential part of an A2 learner's vocabulary for daily life, shopping, and describing the physical world around them.
Grammatically, de tecido follows the noun it modifies. In Portuguese, adjectives and adjectival phrases typically come after the noun. Since 'tecido' is a noun being used to describe another noun via the preposition 'de', it does not change based on the gender or number of the noun it describes. This makes it very easy for English speakers to use correctly once the word order is mastered.
- Agreement Rules
- Unlike standard adjectives (like 'bonito' or 'grande'), 'de tecido' is invariant. You can say 'um sofá de tecido' (masculine singular) or 'umas malas de tecido' (feminine plural) without changing 'tecido'.
When constructing sentences, you will often find 'de tecido' in the predicate of the sentence or directly modifying a noun in the subject or object position. For example, 'A minha carteira é de tecido' (My wallet is made of fabric) uses it as a subject complement. Alternatively, 'Eu comprei uma carteira de tecido' (I bought a fabric wallet) uses it as a direct modifier.
Eles preferem sofás de tecido porque são mais frescos no verão.
It is also common to use 'de tecido' when comparing materials. You might say, 'Este cinto é de couro, mas aquele é de tecido.' This helps clarify choices in shops or when describing items to others. In technical or professional contexts, you might specify the type of fabric, but 'de tecido' remains the general category.
- Common Noun Pairings
- Commonly paired with: flores (flowers), bolsas (bags), sapatos (shoes), máscaras (masks), and revestimentos (coverings).
As flores de tecido na jarra parecem quase reais.
When asking questions about material, use the structure 'De que material é...?' or 'É de quê?'. The answer will often be 'É de tecido.' This is a vital interaction pattern for any learner visiting a market or a boutique in Portugal or Brazil.
- Negation and Contrast
- To say something is NOT made of fabric, simply place 'não' before the verb: 'Este casaco não é de tecido, é de plástico.'
Preciso de uma lancheira que não seja de tecido para não molhar.
Finally, consider the nuances of 'de tecido' versus 'têxtil'. While 'têxtil' is an adjective, it is much more formal and usually refers to the industry or large-scale production. In daily life, 'de tecido' is the natural, conversational choice for describing your shirt, your bag, or your sofa.
You will hear de tecido in a variety of real-world settings, from bustling street markets to high-end furniture showrooms. Understanding the context helps you grasp the subtle implications of the phrase. In a 'loja de móveis' (furniture store), the salesperson will inevitably ask if you prefer a 'sofá de pele' or a 'sofá de tecido', highlighting the choice between durability/luxury and warmth/variety.
- At the Supermarket
- Cashiers often ask if you have your own 'sacola de tecido' to avoid charging for plastic bags. It's a key phrase for the eco-conscious traveler.
In the world of fashion and accessories, specifically in 'sapatarias' (shoe stores), you might hear a customer ask for 'sapatos de tecido' for the summer because they are more 'frescos' (cool/breathable). Similarly, in craft fairs (feiras de artesanato), artisans will proudly describe their 'bonecas de tecido' (rag dolls) or 'carteiras de tecido' as being handmade and unique.
“Desculpe, estas sapatilhas são de tecido ou de material sintético?”
In domestic settings, 'de tecido' is used to differentiate everyday items. A mother might tell her child to use the 'guardanapo de tecido' during a special Sunday lunch, moving away from the 'guardanapo de papel' (paper napkin) used during the week. This highlights the phrase's role in describing domestic rituals and levels of formality.
- In Healthcare and Safety
- Public health announcements frequently mention 'máscaras de tecido' when discussing reusable protective gear, emphasizing the importance of washing them regularly.
You'll also find the phrase in online shopping filters. When browsing sites like Amazon.com.br or Zara.pt, the 'material' filter will often have 'tecido' as a primary category. Reading product descriptions will expose you to phrases like 'revestimento de tecido' (fabric lining) or 'tira de tecido' (fabric strap).
“Procuro uma mala de viagem de tecido, porque é mais leve.”
Lastly, in the context of arts and crafts (artesanato), 'pintura em tecido' (fabric painting) is a very popular hobby. You will hear instructors or hobbyists talk about 'peças de tecido' (fabric pieces) they are working on, further cementing the phrase's importance in creative and technical vocabularies.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is trying to use 'tecido' as a direct adjective without the preposition 'de'. In English, we can say 'fabric bag' or 'cloth napkin'. In Portuguese, you cannot say 'sacola tecido'. You must always include the 'de' to link the material to the object: sacola de tecido.
- The 'De' Omission
- Incorrect: 'Um sofá tecido.' Correct: 'Um sofá de tecido.' This is the #1 error for beginners.
Another common confusion arises between tecido and pano. While both can mean cloth, 'pano' often refers to a piece of cloth used for cleaning (pano de prato, pano de chão) or a generic rag. Using 'de pano' for a high-quality sofa might sound a bit informal or even slightly derogatory in some contexts, suggesting it's made of cheap rags rather than proper upholstery fabric.
Dica: Use de tecido para produtos manufaturados e 'de pano' para coisas mais simples ou rústicas.
Learners also sometimes confuse 'tecido' with 'têxtil'. As mentioned before, 'têxtil' is an adjective and doesn't need 'de'. You could say 'indústria têxtil', but you wouldn't say 'uma bolsa têxtil' in normal conversation—it sounds like something a robot or a technical manual would say. Stick to 'de tecido' for everyday objects.
- False Friends and Pronunciation
- Be careful not to confuse 'tecido' with 'tessuto' (if you know Italian) or 'tissue' (in English). While they share roots, 'tissue' in English usually refers to paper tissues (lenços de papel) or biological cells.
Finally, avoid over-specifying when it's not needed. If you are talking about a shirt, people assume it's 'de tecido'. You only need to specify 'de tecido' if the object is often made of other materials, like a 'mala' (which could be plastic, leather, or fabric) or a 'flor' (which could be real, plastic, or fabric).
Erro comum: 'Eu visto uma camisa de tecido.' (Redundant, unless it's a very unusual fabric).
By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the mandatory 'de' and the 'tecido' vs. 'pano' nuance—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this material descriptor.
Exploring alternatives to de tecido allows you to be more precise in your descriptions. While 'de tecido' is a great general-purpose phrase, different contexts might call for more specific terminology. For example, when discussing the specific way a fabric is made, you might use 'de malha' or 'de lona'.
- De Tecido vs. De Pano
- 'De pano' is the most common informal alternative. It’s used for 'bonecas de pano' (rag dolls) and 'sacolas de pano'. It feels more 'homey' and less 'industrial' than 'de tecido'.
- De Tecido vs. Têxtil
- 'Têxtil' is used for industry and technical descriptions. 'Fibras têxteis' (textile fibers) or 'setor têxtil' (textile sector). You rarely use it to describe a personal object.
If the fabric is heavy and durable, like that used for tents or sturdy bags, the word is lona (canvas). You would say 'uma mala de lona'. If it's a knitted material, like a t-shirt or a sweater, you use malha. So, 'uma camisola de malha' is more specific than 'uma camisola de tecido'.
Esta mochila é de lona, por isso é muito resistente.
In the context of upholstery, you might hear estofado. While 'estofado' means upholstered, people often say 'sofá de tecido' to specify the covering material. Another alternative is fazenda (mostly in Portugal), which refers to heavy wool fabric or garment fabric. 'Um casaco de fazenda' is a classic wool coat.
- Material Contrasts
- To describe alternatives, use: 'de couro' (leather), 'de camurça' (suede), 'de plástico' (plastic), or 'sintético' (synthetic).
For environmental discussions, 'reutilizável' (reusable) is often paired with 'de tecido'. For example, 'discos desmaquilhantes de tecido' (reusable fabric makeup remover pads). Here, the material 'tecido' is the key selling point for sustainability.
Prefiro fibras naturais como o algodão e o linho.
Understanding these synonyms and related terms like 'algodão' (cotton), 'linho' (linen), and 'veludo' (velvet) will expand your ability to describe the world. 'De tecido' is your foundation, but these specific words are the bricks that build a truly fluent vocabulary.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The words 'text', 'texture', and 'tissue' all share the same Latin root as 'tecido', linking the act of writing to the act of weaving.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'tecido' like 'te-KEE-do' (the 'c' before 'i' is always an 's' sound).
- Making the 'd' in 'de' too explosive.
- Forgetting to link 'de' and 'tecido' smoothly.
- Pronouncing the final 'o' in 'tecido' as a strong 'O' instead of a soft 'u' (common in Portugal and many parts of Brazil).
- Over-emphasizing the 'de'.
Niveau de difficulté
Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'textile'.
Requires remembering the 'de' and the 'c' instead of 's'.
The 'ci' sound and the reduction of 'de' can take practice for a natural flow.
Can be missed if spoken quickly in a sentence.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adjectival Phrases (Locuções Adjetivas)
Use 'de' + noun to describe material: 'de tecido', 'de ouro', 'de prata'.
Noun-Adjective Order
The material follows the object: 'mala (noun) de tecido (material)'.
Invariance of Material Phrases
Material phrases don't change for plural: 'os sofás de tecido' (not 'de tecidos').
Prepositional Contraction
If the material starts with a vowel, 'de' might contract, but 'de tecido' stays separate.
Using 'Ser' for Composition
Use 'ser' to define what something is made of: 'A mesa é de madeira; o sofá é de tecido'.
Exemples par niveau
Eu tenho uma sacola de tecido.
I have a fabric bag.
Simple subject + verb + object with 'de tecido'.
A boneca é de tecido.
The doll is made of fabric.
Using the verb 'ser' to describe material.
O estojo é de tecido azul.
The pencil case is made of blue fabric.
Adding a color adjective after 'tecido'.
Você tem uma máscara de tecido?
Do you have a cloth mask?
Standard question format.
O guardanapo é de tecido.
The napkin is made of cloth.
Identifying everyday objects.
A flor de tecido é bonita.
The fabric flower is beautiful.
Noun + 'de tecido' as the subject.
Sapatos de tecido são leves.
Fabric shoes are light.
Plural noun agreement (tecido doesn't change).
Não gosto de bolsas de plástico, prefiro de tecido.
I don't like plastic bags, I prefer fabric ones.
Contrast between two materials.
Comprei um sofá de tecido para a sala.
I bought a fabric sofa for the living room.
Describing furniture material.
Estas sapatilhas de tecido são muito confortáveis.
These fabric flats are very comfortable.
Using demonstrative pronouns with 'de tecido'.
A mala de tecido é mais barata que a de couro.
The fabric suitcase is cheaper than the leather one.
Comparative structure.
Ela faz flores de tecido para vender na feira.
She makes fabric flowers to sell at the fair.
Describing the result of a creative process.
O livro tem uma capa de tecido elegante.
The book has an elegant fabric cover.
Describing parts of an object.
Preciso de um cinto de tecido preto.
I need a black fabric belt.
Noun + 'de tecido' + color adjective.
Os bancos do carro são de tecido.
The car seats are made of fabric.
Describing industrial/commercial products.
Lave as suas máscaras de tecido todos os dias.
Wash your cloth masks every day.
Imperative verb with 'de tecido'.
O revestimento de tecido protege a madeira da cadeira.
The fabric covering protects the wood of the chair.
Using 'revestimento' (covering/upholstery).
Prefiro usar sacolas de tecido para reduzir o plástico.
I prefer using fabric bags to reduce plastic.
Gerund/Infinitive purpose clause.
Esta cortina de tecido grosso bloqueia bem a luz.
This thick fabric curtain blocks the light well.
Adding descriptive adjectives like 'grosso' (thick).
As luvas de tecido não são adequadas para o frio extremo.
Fabric gloves are not suitable for extreme cold.
Negation and suitability.
Ela decorou a caixa com retalhos de tecido colorido.
She decorated the box with scraps of colored fabric.
Using 'retalhos' (scraps/remnants).
O painel de tecido na parede melhora a acústica do quarto.
The fabric panel on the wall improves the room's acoustics.
Technical use of fabric in design.
Muitos brinquedos de tecido são seguros para bebés.
Many fabric toys are safe for babies.
Generalizing about product safety.
A encadernação de tecido dá um toque clássico ao álbum.
The fabric binding gives a classic touch to the album.
Describing aesthetic qualities.
A durabilidade de um sofá de tecido depende da qualidade da trama.
The durability of a fabric sofa depends on the quality of the weave.
Abstract noun + 'de tecido'.
Optámos por estofos de tecido sintético pela facilidade de limpeza.
We opted for synthetic fabric upholstery for ease of cleaning.
Specifying the type of fabric (synthetic).
As sapatilhas de tecido ganharam popularidade na moda urbana.
Fabric sneakers gained popularity in urban fashion.
Discussing fashion trends.
A artista utiliza apenas tintas específicas para pintura de tecido.
The artist uses only specific paints for fabric painting.
Noun phrase 'pintura de tecido'.
O uso de sacolas de tecido é uma medida eficaz contra a poluição.
The use of fabric bags is an effective measure against pollution.
Formal sentence structure about social issues.
Verifique se o forro do casaco também é de tecido natural.
Check if the coat lining is also made of natural fabric.
Using 'forro' (lining).
As persianas de tecido oferecem uma iluminação mais suave.
Fabric blinds offer softer lighting.
Plural subject and complex predicate.
Este material assemelha-se ao couro, mas na verdade é de tecido.
This material resembles leather, but it is actually made of fabric.
Contrast using 'mas na verdade'.
A preservação de tecidos antigos exige condições de humidade rigorosas.
The preservation of ancient fabrics requires strict humidity conditions.
Using 'tecido' as a noun in a technical sense.
A versatilidade das fibras de tecido permite inovações na arquitetura têxtil.
The versatility of fabric fibers allows for innovations in textile architecture.
Advanced technical vocabulary.
O autor descreve minuciosamente a textura das vestes de tecido grosseiro.
The author meticulously describes the texture of the coarse fabric garments.
Literary description.
Houve uma transição significativa da pele para o revestimento de tecido na indústria automóvel.
There was a significant transition from leather to fabric upholstery in the automotive industry.
Historical/Industrial analysis.
A porosidade do material de tecido facilita a transpiração durante o exercício.
The porosity of the fabric material facilitates perspiration during exercise.
Scientific/Physiological context.
A exposição apresenta diversas formas de expressão artística através do tecido.
The exhibition presents various forms of artistic expression through fabric.
Artistic critique vocabulary.
A resistência à tração deste novo composto de tecido é surpreendente.
The tensile strength of this new fabric compound is surprising.
Engineering terminology.
A simbiose entre a tecnologia e o design de tecido molda o futuro da moda.
The symbiosis between technology and fabric design shapes the future of fashion.
Philosophical/Technological discussion.
A análise histológica revelou anomalias no tecido epitelial do paciente.
Histological analysis revealed anomalies in the patient's epithelial tissue.
Using 'tecido' in its biological/medical sense (tissue).
A intrincada teia de relações sociais assemelha-se a um vasto tecido humano.
The intricate web of social relations resembles a vast human fabric.
Metaphorical use in sociology/philosophy.
O restauro de tapeçarias de tecido quinhentistas requer uma perícia técnica inigualável.
The restoration of 16th-century fabric tapestries requires unparalleled technical expertise.
Historical and high-register vocabulary.
A maleabilidade do tecido social foi posta à prova durante a revolução.
The malleability of the social fabric was put to the test during the revolution.
Idiomatic expression 'tecido social'.
A convergência de nanotecnologia em suportes de tecido abre portas à medicina regenerativa.
The convergence of nanotechnology in fabric supports opens doors to regenerative medicine.
Cutting-edge scientific discourse.
A tessitura da obra literária é composta por um tecido denso de alusões e metáforas.
The texture of the literary work is composed of a dense fabric of allusions and metaphors.
Literary theory and high-level metaphor.
A engenharia de tecidos biossintéticos visa colmatar a escassez de dadores de órgãos.
Biosynthetic tissue engineering aims to bridge the shortage of organ donors.
Advanced medical engineering terminology.
A fluidez do movimento foi capturada pela leveza do tecido de seda da bailarina.
The fluidity of movement was captured by the lightness of the ballerina's silk fabric.
Aesthetic and descriptive mastery.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— A standard question to ask about the material of an object.
Gostei desta mala. É de tecido?
— Explicitly stating something was manufactured from fabric.
Este artesanato é todo feito de tecido.
— Refers to small leftover pieces of fabric used in crafts.
Vou fazer uma colcha com retalhos de tecido.
— The hobby or technique of painting directly onto cloth.
Minha avó adora pintura em tecido.
— A protective or decorative covering made of fabric.
Comprei uma capa de tecido para o meu tablet.
— A fabric ribbon used for decoration or binding.
O presente estava embrulhado com uma fita de tecido.
— The part of a chair or seat made of fabric.
O assento de tecido da bicicleta é mais confortável.
— A large piece of fabric used as a wall hanging or divider.
Colocamos um painel de tecido para decorar a sala.
— A fabric patch used to repair a hole in clothing.
A calça tem um remendo de tecido no joelho.
— A small swatch of fabric used for choosing colors/textures.
Pode dar-me uma amostra de tecido para levar para casa?
Souvent confondu avec
In medical contexts, it means 'tissue' (e.g., muscle tissue).
Sounds similar but means 'dress' (clothing item).
Often used for cleaning cloths or simple rags.
Expressions idiomatiques
— The social fabric; the complex network of relationships in society.
A crise afetou o tecido social do país.
formal— To be cut from the same cloth; to have similar characteristics (usually negative).
Eles são irmãos e são cortados pelo mesmo tecido.
informal— To change the fundamental nature of something (rarely used literally).
Precisamos de mudar o tecido da organização.
metaphorical— Connective tissue; also used metaphorically for things that link ideas.
Estes argumentos são o tecido conjuntivo da tese.
academic— Literally 'cloth for sleeves'; means there is a lot to talk about or a lot of work to do.
Esse assunto ainda vai dar muito pano para mangas.
idiomatic— At full speed / with all sails out (related to 'pano' as sailcloth).
O projeto está a avançar a todo o pano.
informal— To air dirty laundry (related to fabric/clothing).
Não vamos lavar a roupa suja em público.
informal— To be on the edge / hanging by a thread (related to textile fibers).
A nossa paciência está no fio.
informal— To lose the thread of the story/conversation.
Desculpe, perdi o fio à meada.
idiomatic— In great detail; with every single thread.
Ela contou a história com todos os fios e pavios.
informalFacile à confondre
Both mean cloth/fabric.
'Tecido' is the general material; 'pano' is often a specific piece of cloth used for a task.
Use o pano de prato; o sofá é de tecido.
Both refer to fabric.
'Têxtil' is a formal adjective for industry; 'de tecido' is for objects.
Indústria têxtil vs. Mala de tecido.
It's a type of fabric.
'Malha' is specifically knitted (like t-shirts); 'tecido' is usually woven.
Camisola de malha vs. Calças de tecido.
Commonly contrasted with fabric.
'Couro' is leather (animal skin); 'tecido' is fiber-based.
Sofá de couro vs. Sofá de tecido.
Some fabrics are synthetic.
'Sintético' refers to the chemical origin; 'tecido' refers to the structure.
Tecido sintético (polyester).
Structures de phrases
O/A [Noun] é de tecido.
A mala é de tecido.
Eu tenho um/uma [Noun] de tecido.
Eu tenho uma máscara de tecido.
Este [Noun] é de tecido, não de [Material].
Este cinto é de tecido, não de couro.
Prefiro [Noun] de tecido.
Prefiro guardanapos de tecido.
Preciso de um [Noun] de tecido que seja [Adjective].
Preciso de um sofá de tecido que seja resistente.
O [Noun] de tecido é mais [Adjective] do que o de [Material].
O sapato de tecido é mais leve do que o de couro.
Apesar de ser de tecido, este [Noun] é [Adjective].
Apesar de ser de tecido, este casaco é impermeável.
A escolha por materiais de tecido reflete [Concept].
A escolha por materiais de tecido reflete uma consciência ecológica.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Extremely common in daily life, especially in retail and sustainability contexts.
-
Sacola tecido
→
Sacola de tecido
You must use the preposition 'de' to link the material to the noun.
-
Sapatos de tecidos
→
Sapatos de tecido
When used as a material descriptor, 'tecido' usually stays in the singular.
-
Pronouncing 'tecido' as 'tekido'
→
Pronouncing 'tecido' as 'tesido'
The 'c' followed by 'i' or 'e' is always an 's' sound in Portuguese.
-
Uma bolsa têxtil
→
Uma bolsa de tecido
'Têxtil' is too formal for describing a personal bag in conversation.
-
Using 'tecido' for paper tissues
→
Lenços de papel
English 'tissue' translates to 'lenço de papel' for paper, not 'tecido'.
Astuces
Don't forget the 'de'
Always use the preposition 'de' between the object and the material. 'Mala de tecido' is correct.
Specific vs General
Use 'de tecido' when the specific type (cotton/silk) isn't important, but the fact that it's cloth is.
Eco-friendly shopping
Say 'Tenho a minha sacola de tecido' at the supermarket to help the environment.
The 'ci' sound
The 'ci' in 'tecido' is always an 's' sound, never a 'k' sound.
Furniture check
When buying a sofa, ask 'É de tecido?' to know if it requires special cleaning products.
Fabric painting
'Pintura em tecido' is a popular hobby. Look for this term in craft stores.
Contrast with Leather
Use 'de tecido' to explain why something is lighter or cheaper than 'de couro'.
Mask types
Distinguish between 'máscara de tecido' (reusable) and 'máscara descartável' (disposable).
Link to English
Remember 'textile' to help you remember 'tecido'.
Labeling
Label your cloth items at home to reinforce the vocabulary.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'Techno' DJ wearing a 'Tecido' (fabric) shirt. Techno and Tecido both start with 'Tec'.
Association visuelle
Imagine a soft, woven cotton bag. Run your fingers over the texture and say 'de tecido'.
Word Web
Défi
Go around your house and label 5 things that are 'de tecido' using sticky notes.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'texere', meaning 'to weave'. The past participle 'textum' became 'tecido' in Portuguese.
Sens originel : Something that has been woven.
Romance (Latin-based).Contexte culturel
No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'tecido' can also refer to biological tissue in medical contexts.
English speakers often use 'fabric' or 'cloth' as nouns modifying other nouns (e.g., cloth bag), which isn't possible in Portuguese without 'de'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Shopping for clothes
- É de tecido natural?
- Prefiro sapatos de tecido.
- Tem esta mala em tecido?
- O tecido é resistente?
Buying furniture
- O sofá é de tecido ou de pele?
- Este tecido mancha facilmente?
- Quero cadeiras com assento de tecido.
- É um tecido fácil de lavar?
Environmental actions
- Tenho a minha própria sacola de tecido.
- Não preciso de saco, esta bolsa de tecido serve.
- Uso guardanapos de tecido para não gastar papel.
- Máscaras de tecido são reutilizáveis.
Crafts and DIY
- Preciso de retalhos de tecido.
- Vou fazer uma flor de tecido.
- Onde compro tintas para tecido?
- Este artesanato é feito de tecido.
Describing objects
- É uma caixa com capa de tecido.
- O brinquedo é de tecido macio.
- A moldura tem um detalhe de tecido.
- O cinto é de tecido preto.
Amorces de conversation
"Você prefere sofás de couro ou de tecido?"
"Você usa sacolas de tecido quando vai ao supermercado?"
"Onde posso comprar flores de tecido para decoração?"
"Acha que estas sapatilhas de tecido aguentam a chuva?"
"Você já experimentou fazer pintura em tecido?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descreva o seu sofá favorito. É de tecido? Qual é a cor?
Por que é importante usar sacolas de tecido em vez de plástico?
Liste cinco coisas no seu quarto que são de tecido.
Você prefere roupas de tecido natural (como algodão) ou sintético?
Escreva sobre um brinquedo de tecido que você teve quando era criança.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, in Portuguese, you must use the preposition 'de' to link the material. It should be 'sacola de tecido'.
Usually, no. Even if the noun is plural, like 'bolsas de tecido', the word 'tecido' remains singular because it refers to the material type.
'De tecido' sounds slightly more professional or formal, often used for furniture and new products. 'De pano' is more informal and common for rags or handmade dolls.
Mostly, yes. However, in biology, it means 'tissue' (like skin tissue or muscle tissue).
You can ask: 'É de tecido?' or 'De que material é feito?'
Only in formal or industrial contexts. For a bag or a shirt, 'de tecido' is much more natural.
The word 'tecido' is masculine ('o tecido'), but 'de tecido' works with both masculine and feminine nouns.
Algodão (cotton), Linho (linen), Seda (silk), and Lã (wool) are common 'tecidos'.
Yes! Both come from the Latin 'texere' (to weave). A text is 'woven' words.
Use it to describe canvas sneakers or cloth flats, especially to contrast them with leather shoes.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Write a sentence describing a fabric bag.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The sofa is made of fabric.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Compare a fabric bag with a plastic bag.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Ask if a chair has a fabric seat.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about why you like fabric shoes.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a handmade rag doll.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I prefer cloth napkins for dinner.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the importance of reusable fabric bags.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the interior of a car with fabric seats.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short note about fabric painting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The book has a blue fabric cover.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Ask a salesperson if a bag is fabric or leather.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'tecido social'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a decorative fabric panel.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'I need fabric scraps for my project.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write about a fabric mask.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a fabric belt.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The fabric is very soft.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Ask for a fabric sample.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'de pano' informally.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Diga: 'Eu prefiro o sofá de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pergunte: 'Esta mala é de tecido?'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Tenho uma sacola de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'A máscara é de tecido azul.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'O cinto de tecido é confortável.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Gosto de flores de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pergunte: 'Onde estão os retalhos de tecido?'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'O revestimento é de tecido natural.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'A boneca de tecido é antiga.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Preciso de uma amostra de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'O tecido social está a mudar.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'A pintura em tecido é difícil.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Estes sapatos são de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'A capa é de tecido elegante.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Não quero plástico, quero tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'O guardanapo de tecido está sujo.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'A fita de tecido é para o presente.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'O sofá de tecido é macio.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Prefiro fibras de tecido naturais.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Diga: 'Lave a sacola de tecido.'
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and transcribe: 'Uma bolsa de tecido.'
Listen and transcribe: 'O sofá é de tecido.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Sacolas de tecido são úteis.'
Listen and identify the material: 'A cadeira tem estofo de tecido.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Flores de tecido decorativas.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Máscara de tecido lavável.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Retalhos de tecido colorido.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Capa de tecido para o livro.'
Listen and identify: 'O cinto é de tecido preto.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Pintura em tecido é arte.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Amostra de tecido grátis.'
Listen and identify: 'O guardanapo é de tecido ou papel?'
Listen and transcribe: 'O tecido social é frágil.'
Listen and transcribe: 'Sapatos de tecido para o verão.'
Listen and identify the object: 'A boneca de tecido é fofa.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The phrase 'de tecido' is a versatile and essential way to describe objects made of cloth. Example: 'Uma sacola de tecido' (A fabric bag) is a sustainable alternative to plastic.
- Means 'made of fabric' or 'cloth'.
- Used after the noun it describes.
- Does not change for gender or number.
- Common in shopping and sustainability contexts.
Don't forget the 'de'
Always use the preposition 'de' between the object and the material. 'Mala de tecido' is correct.
Specific vs General
Use 'de tecido' when the specific type (cotton/silk) isn't important, but the fact that it's cloth is.
Eco-friendly shopping
Say 'Tenho a minha sacola de tecido' at the supermarket to help the environment.
The 'ci' sound
The 'ci' in 'tecido' is always an 's' sound, never a 'k' sound.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur home
à direita de
A2To the right side of something or someone.
à esquerda de
A2To the left side of something or someone.
a gás
B1Fonctionnant au gaz. Utilisé pour décrire des appareils comme les cuisinières ou les chauffages.
a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
B1Notre (féminin singulier). C'est la nôtre.
a tua
B1Ton / ta (familier, féminin). 'C’est ta maison' se traduit par 'É a tua casa'.
abafado
A2L'air est étouffant dans cette petite pièce sans fenêtres.
abaixo de
A2Le chat est assis abaixo de la table.
abajur
A2Un abajur est une petite lampe de table avec un abat-jour.
abrir à chave
A2Ouvrir à clé. C'est l'action d'utiliser une clé pour déverrouiller une porte ou un coffre.