At the A1 level, you only need to know 'polvilhar' in the context of very simple food instructions. It is a verb that describes putting a little bit of powder (like sugar or salt) on top of something. You might see it in a basic recipe. Remember that it ends in -ar, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'comer'. At this stage, just think of it as 'to put powder on'. For example: 'Eu polvilho o pão' (I sprinkle the bread). It is helpful to learn it alongside food words like 'açúcar' (sugar) and 'bolo' (cake). Focus on the physical action of your hand moving back and forth to scatter the powder. Even though it is an A2 word, many A1 students encounter it because food is such a common topic. If you can remember that 'pó' means dust, 'polvilhar' will make sense immediately. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just use it in the present tense to describe what you are doing in the kitchen. Keep it simple and literal.
At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'polvilhar' in recipes and simple household instructions. You will learn that it is often used with the preposition 'com' (with) to indicate the substance being used. For example, 'Polvilhe o bolo com canela'. You should also recognize the imperative form, 'polvilhe', which is how recipes tell you what to do. At this level, you can start to distinguish 'polvilhar' from other similar actions like 'colocar' (to put) or 'jogar' (to throw). 'Polvilhar' is more specific and implies a gentle, even layer. You might also encounter the noun 'polvilho', which is a type of starch. Understanding the connection between the starch and the verb will help solidify the word in your memory. You should be comfortable using it in the past tense (pretérito perfeito) to describe what you did: 'Eu polvilhei a forma' (I floured the pan). This level is about moving from just knowing the word to using it in practical, everyday sentences related to cooking and cleaning.
At the B1 level, you can start using 'polvilhar' in more descriptive ways. You are moving beyond simple recipes into narrative descriptions. You might use it to describe a scene, like a mountain 'polvilhada de neve' (sprinkled with snow). You should also understand the difference between 'polvilhar' and 'salpicar'—the former being for fine powders and the latter for larger grains or liquid drops. Your grammar should be more flexible, allowing you to use the passive voice ('O pão foi polvilhado') or the future tense. You will also start to see 'polvilhar' in more varied contexts, such as gardening or pharmacy. For example, 'polvilhar talco' or 'polvilhar enxofre'. At B1, you are expected to understand the nuance that 'polvilhar' is a light, delicate action. If someone 'polvilha' something, they are being careful. You can also start to use it in simple metaphorical contexts, like 'polvilhar uma conversa com risadas' (sprinkling a conversation with laughter). This shows a higher level of fluency and an ability to use the word creatively.
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the metaphorical and stylistic uses of 'polvilhar'. You will encounter it in literature and journalism where it is used to describe the distribution of abstract qualities. A writer might 'polvilhar' their prose with archaic words, or a politician might 'polvilhar' a speech with statistics. You should be able to explain the difference between 'polvilhar', 'aspergir', and 'pulverizar' in detail, choosing the right word for the right level of formality and physical state. Your use of prepositions should be flawless, and you should be able to use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as the subjunctive mood ('Espero que ela polvilhe o açúcar uniformemente'). You will also recognize the word in technical manuals or more advanced culinary texts. At this level, you understand that 'polvilhar' is not just a verb but a tool for creating specific imagery. It suggests a certain lightness and ubiquity without being overwhelming. You can discuss the cultural importance of 'polvilho' in Brazilian cuisine while using the verb to describe its preparation.
At the C1 level, you use 'polvilhar' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its etymological roots in the Latin 'pulvis' and how this influences its modern usage across different Romance languages. You can use the word in highly formal or academic contexts, perhaps discussing the 'polvilhamento' (the act of sprinkling) of particles in a scientific experiment. You appreciate the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry, where its soft 'v' and 'lh' sounds mimic the gentle action it describes. You are also sensitive to regional variations in usage and how 'polvilhar' might be substituted by more localized terms in different parts of the Lusophone world. Your metaphorical use is sophisticated; you might describe a historical period as being 'polvilhado de conflitos menores' (sprinkled with minor conflicts), implying they were frequent but not defining. You can also critique others' use of the word, noting when 'pulverizar' or 'salpicar' would have been a more accurate choice. At this level, the word is a fully integrated part of your high-level vocabulary, used both for its literal meaning and its evocative power.
At the C2 level, 'polvilhar' is a word you can manipulate for any stylistic purpose. You understand its deepest nuances, including its rare use in older texts or specific dialects. You can engage in complex linguistic discussions about the transition of 'polvilhar' from a purely physical verb to a versatile metaphorical one. You might use it in a philosophical essay to describe how a certain ideology 'polvilha' the collective consciousness of a society—present everywhere but often unnoticed. You are a master of its various registers, from the rustic language of a traditional baker to the clinical precision of a laboratory technician. You can use the word to create irony or humor, perhaps describing a very messy situation as being 'delicadamente polvilhado com o caos'. Your understanding of the word is holistic, connecting its physical, cultural, grammatical, and metaphorical dimensions. For a C2 learner, 'polvilhar' is no longer just a vocabulary item; it is a thread in the rich tapestry of the Portuguese language that you can weave with absolute confidence and creativity.

polvilhar 30초 만에

  • Polvilhar means to sprinkle or dust with a fine powder like sugar, flour, or cinnamon.
  • It is a regular -ar verb used heavily in Portuguese and Brazilian cooking recipes.
  • Metaphorically, it describes adding small amounts of something (like jokes or stars) throughout a space.
  • It is distinct from 'salpicar' (larger grains/liquids) and 'pulverizar' (spraying or crushing).

The Portuguese verb polvilhar is a specialized term primarily used to describe the action of scattering fine, powdery substances over a surface. Derived from the noun (dust or powder), it evokes a gentle, controlled motion, often involving a sieve or a light flick of the wrist. While its most common home is the kitchen, its utility extends into gardening, pharmacy, and even metaphorical literature. When you imagine someone finishing a cake with a fine layer of powdered sugar, or a baker prepping a wooden board with a thin veil of flour, you are witnessing the essence of polvilhar.

Culinary Context
This is the most frequent usage. It refers to applying sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, or flour. It implies a decorative or functional coating that is thin and even.

Depois de assar o bolo, não se esqueça de polvilhar com açúcar de confeiteiro.

Beyond the kitchen, the word is used in technical and domestic settings. In agriculture or gardening, one might polvilhar plants with sulfur or organic pesticides in powder form to prevent pests. In a medical or personal care context, it describes applying talcum powder or medicinal powders to the skin. The action remains consistent: the substance must be dry and granular, and the application must be a scattering rather than a pouring.

Artistic and Metaphorical Use
Writers often use this verb to describe light or stars. A night sky might be 'polvilhado de estrelas' (sprinkled with stars), suggesting a divine hand scattering light across the darkness.

O céu de verão estava polvilhado de pequenas luzes brilhantes.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this word most often during holidays or family gatherings. In Brazil, for example, the preparation of rabanadas (a type of French toast) at Christmas inevitably involves the instruction to polvilhar the final product with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. It is a word that carries a sense of finishing, refinement, and care. It is never a violent or messy action; it is the final touch that makes a dish or a project complete.

Technical Nuance
In chemistry or industrial processes, it refers to the even distribution of solid particles over a substrate to ensure a uniform reaction or coating.

É necessário polvilhar o molde com grafite para evitar que a peça grude.

O cozinheiro decidiu polvilhar um pouco de cacau sobre o cappuccino.

Using polvilhar correctly requires understanding its relationship with prepositions and objects. There are two primary syntactic structures you can use. The first is polvilhar [substance] em/sobre [surface]. This focuses on the substance being moved. The second, and perhaps more common in recipes, is polvilhar [surface] com [substance]. This focuses on the object being treated.

Structure A: Substance as Direct Object
Polvilhe o sal sobre a carne. (Sprinkle the salt over the meat.) Here, the salt is what you are manipulating directly.

Vou polvilhar canela na minha maçã assada.

The verb is regular, following the standard conjugation for -ar verbs. In the imperative mood, which you will see in recipes, it becomes polvilhe (for 'você') or polvilha (for 'tu'). In formal writing, the passive voice is often used to describe finished states: 'O pão estava polvilhado com sementes'. This usage emphasizes the result of the action rather than the person performing it.

Structure B: Surface as Direct Object
Polvilhe a forma com farinha. (Dust the pan with flour.) This is crucial in baking instructions to prevent sticking.

O padeiro costuma polvilhar a mesa antes de abrir a massa.

When using polvilhar in a metaphorical sense, the preposition com is almost always used. For instance, 'O palestrante polvilhou seu discurso com piadas' (The speaker sprinkled his speech with jokes). This implies that the jokes were small additions interspersed throughout the main content, much like grains of sugar on a pastry.

Ela gosta de polvilhar queijo ralado na massa quente.

Finally, consider the reflexive or middle voice uses. Although rare, one might say 'a neve polvilhava a montanha' (the snow was sprinkling/dusting the mountain). Here, the snow is both the subject and the substance, creating a poetic image of a light snowfall that doesn't fully cover the ground but adds a decorative white layer.

Common Prepositions
Use 'com' for the ingredient (polvilhar com açúcar) and 'em' or 'sobre' for the destination (polvilhar sobre o bolo).

Você deve polvilhar o fermento por cima da mistura delicadamente.

O artista decidiu polvilhar glitter na tela para dar brilho.

The most likely place to encounter polvilhar in the wild is in a Portuguese-speaking kitchen or while watching a cooking show. Brazilian and Portuguese cuisines both use various powders as finishes. Whether it is the canela on a pastéis de nata in Lisbon or the queijo ralado on a plate of pasta in São Paulo, the verb is the standard instruction for these actions.

In the Kitchen
Recipes will say: 'Polvilhe a superfície com farinha' or 'Polvilhe o açúcar antes de servir'. It is a key verb for anyone following a cookbook.

Na TV, o chef disse: 'Agora, basta polvilhar um pouco de salsinha seca'.

Another common environment is the pharmacy or the nursery. When parents talk about preventing diaper rash, they might mention polvilhar talco (talcum powder). Similarly, in a first-aid context, some antiseptic treatments come in powder form, and the instructions will specify how to polvilhar the medication over a wound to keep it dry and clean.

Gardening and DIY
In gardening stores, you might hear advice on how to 'polvilhar enxofre' (sprinkle sulfur) to fight fungi on grapevines or rosebushes.

O jardineiro recomendou polvilhar a terra com calcário para corrigir o pH.

In literature and journalism, you will find polvilhar used to describe a light covering of something abstract. A journalist might write that a political speech was 'polvilhado de promessas vazias' (sprinkled with empty promises), or a poet might describe the morning frost as 'polvilhando a relva' (sprinkling the grass). These uses leverage the word's inherent lightness to suggest that the 'sprinkled' elements are distributed throughout but do not form a solid mass.

O relatório estava polvilhado de erros de digitação, o que irritou o chefe.

Finally, you might hear it in beauty salons or barber shops. When a barber finishes a haircut, they often polvilham a bit of powder on the neck to soothe the skin and remove loose hairs. In all these contexts, the word conveys a specific physical action that is instantly recognizable to native speakers.

Industrial Safety
In factories, workers might be told to 'polvilhar serragem' (sprinkle sawdust) over a chemical spill to absorb the liquid.

Para limpar o óleo, é preciso polvilhar o chão com areia ou absorvente.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing polvilhar with pulverizar. While both relate to small particles, they are not interchangeable. Pulverizar often means to spray a liquid in very fine droplets (like a perfume or an atomizer) or, in a more literal sense, to crush something into dust. Polvilhar is strictly about scattering an already existing powder. If you say you are going to 'polvilhar' water on a plant, a native speaker will be confused because water isn't a powder.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Pulverizar'
Wrong: Vou pulverizar o bolo com açúcar. (This sounds like you are using a high-pressure spray). Right: Vou polvilhar o bolo com açúcar.

Não use 'pulverizar' para açúcar; use sempre polvilhar.

Another common mistake involves the choice of prepositions. English speakers might translate 'sprinkle on' directly as 'polvilhar em', which is correct, but they often forget that 'polvilhar com' (sprinkle with) is more natural when the surface is the direct object. Forgetting the 'com' or using 'de' instead can sound slightly off-target. For example, 'polvilhar de açúcar' is understood but 'polvilhar com açúcar' is the standard idiomatic choice.

Mistake: Preposition Confusion
Learners often say 'Polvilhar o bolo de canela'. While 'de' works in some contexts, 'com' is the preferred preposition for the substance.

Lembre-se: polvilhar [algo] COM [pó].

There is also the confusion with salpicar. While salpicar can mean to sprinkle, it often implies larger, more irregular pieces (like salt crystals or chopped herbs) or even drops of liquid. Polvilhar is reserved for very fine powders. If you 'polvilhar' a steak with coarse salt, it feels slightly wrong; you 'salpicar' the salt because the grains are distinct. Use polvilhar for things that look like dust, such as flour, cocoa, or fine sugar.

Você não deve polvilhar água; para líquidos, use aspergir ou borrifar.

Finally, avoid using polvilhar for heavy applications. If you are covering a whole field in lime, you are 'espalhando' (spreading) it. Polvilhar implies a light, decorative, or thin layer. Overusing the word for heavy-duty tasks makes the description sound overly delicate and physically inaccurate.

Mistake: Scale of Action
Don't use 'polvilhar' for dumping a whole bag of flour. That is 'despejar' (to pour) or 'espalhar' (to spread).

O excesso de farinha não é polvilhar, é cobrir.

To master polvilhar, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'distributing small things'. The most common alternative is salpicar. While polvilhar comes from (dust), salpicar comes from sal (salt). This etymology tells you everything: polvilhar is for fine dust, while salpicar is for grains or drops. You salpica parsley on a soup, but you polvilha cinnamon on a cake.

Salpicar vs Polvilhar
Salpicar: Larger grains, herbs, or liquid drops. Polvilhar: Fine, dust-like powders.

Eu vou polvilhar o açúcar, mas vou salpicar as nozes picadas.

Another formal alternative is aspergir. This word is often used in religious or technical contexts, meaning to sprinkle liquid (like holy water) or fine particles. It carries a more ritualistic or clinical tone than the domestic polvilhar. If a priest is sprinkling water, he is aspergindo. If a chef is adding flour, he is polvilhando. Using aspergir in a kitchen would sound strangely formal or even humorous.

Aspergir
Formal/Religious. Usually involves liquids or ritualistic scattering. Example: O padre aspergira a multidão com água benta.

Não se diz 'aspergir açúcar'; o termo correto é polvilhar.

Then we have pulverizar. As mentioned in the common mistakes section, this word implies turning something into dust or spraying a liquid very finely. In a metaphorical sense, pulverizar can also mean to destroy or 'turn to dust' (to annihilate). You might 'pulverizar' a record (break it completely), but you would 'polvilhar' a story with details. The difference in intensity is massive.

Pulverizar
Intense action. Either creating dust from a solid or spraying liquid under pressure. Example: O atleta pulverizou o recorde mundial.

Enquanto polvilhar é delicado, pulverizar é muitas vezes agressivo.

Escolha polvilhar quando quiser um toque final de beleza e sabor.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The noun 'polvilho' is also the name of a very important starch in Brazil used to make 'pão de queijo'. So, in Brazil, you can literally polvilhar with polvilho!

발음 가이드

UK /pul.vi.ˈʎaɾ/
US /pol.vi.ˈʎaʁ/
The stress is on the last syllable: pol-vi-LHAR.
라임이 맞는 단어
brilhar olhar trabalhar falhar espalhar mergulhar partilhar ajoelhar
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'lh' as a simple 'l'.
  • Stressing the second-to-last syllable.
  • Pronouncing the 'o' too openly like in 'pot'.
  • Confusing the 'v' with a 'b' sound.
  • Forgetting to nasalize or soften the final 'r'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in recipes.

쓰기 3/5

The 'lh' can be tricky to spell correctly for beginners.

말하기 3/5

The 'lh' sound and the stress on the last syllable require practice.

듣기 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear once learned.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

açúcar bolo farinha com

다음에 배울 것

salpicar pulverizar peneirar assar misturar

고급

aspergir amalgamar pulverização granulado

알아야 할 문법

Regular -ar verb conjugation

Eu polvilho, tu polvilhas, ele polvilha...

Imperative mood for instructions

Polvilhe (você) / Polvilha (tu)

Passive voice with participles

O bolo foi polvilhado.

Use of 'com' for instruments/substances

Polvilhar com açúcar.

Adverb placement

Polvilhar levemente a superfície.

수준별 예문

1

Eu polvilho o bolo.

I sprinkle the cake.

Simple present tense, first person singular.

2

Você polvilha o pão?

Do you sprinkle the bread?

Simple present tense, second person singular (você).

3

Ela polvilha açúcar.

She sprinkles sugar.

Simple present tense, third person singular.

4

Nós polvilhamos a massa.

We sprinkle the dough.

Simple present tense, first person plural.

5

Eles polvilham canela.

They sprinkle cinnamon.

Simple present tense, third person plural.

6

O cozinheiro polvilha sal.

The cook sprinkles salt.

Noun + verb agreement.

7

Polvilhar é fácil.

Sprinkling is easy.

Infinitive used as a subject.

8

Eu gosto de polvilhar.

I like to sprinkle.

Gostar de + infinitive.

1

Polvilhe o bolo com açúcar de confeiteiro.

Sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar.

Imperative mood (você).

2

Eu polvilhei a forma com farinha.

I floured the pan.

Pretérito perfeito (past tense).

3

Ela vai polvilhar canela no café.

She is going to sprinkle cinnamon on the coffee.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

4

Você precisa polvilhar a mesa antes.

You need to flour the table first.

Modal verb 'precisar' + infinitive.

5

Nós polvilhamos as rabanadas ontem.

We sprinkled the French toast yesterday.

Pretérito perfeito, first person plural.

6

O padeiro polvilha o pão com sementes.

The baker sprinkles the bread with seeds.

Present tense, habitual action.

7

Não se esqueça de polvilhar o queijo.

Don't forget to sprinkle the cheese.

Negative imperative.

8

Eles polvilharam o chão com serragem.

They sprinkled the floor with sawdust.

Past tense, third person plural.

1

As montanhas estavam polvilhadas de neve.

The mountains were sprinkled with snow.

Passive state with 'estar' + participle.

2

Ele polvilhou o discurso com algumas piadas.

He sprinkled the speech with a few jokes.

Metaphorical usage.

3

Sempre polvilho um pouco de talco nos sapatos.

I always sprinkle a bit of powder in my shoes.

Habitual present.

4

Se você polvilhar o fermento, a massa cresce melhor.

If you sprinkle the yeast, the dough rises better.

Conditional sentence (future subjunctive).

5

O céu noturno parecia polvilhado de diamantes.

The night sky looked sprinkled with diamonds.

Simile/Metaphor.

6

Ela costumava polvilhar flores secas nas cartas.

She used to sprinkle dried flowers in the letters.

Imperfect tense for habits.

7

O jardineiro polvilhou enxofre nas roseiras.

The gardener sprinkled sulfur on the rosebushes.

Technical domestic use.

8

É melhor polvilhar o sal uniformemente.

It's better to sprinkle the salt evenly.

Adverbial modification.

1

O autor polvilhou o livro com referências históricas.

The author sprinkled the book with historical references.

Abstract metaphorical use.

2

Desejo que você polvilhe alegria por onde passar.

I wish that you sprinkle joy wherever you go.

Present subjunctive.

3

A poeira polvilhava os móveis da casa abandonada.

Dust was sprinkling the furniture of the abandoned house.

Personification/Natural action.

4

Para evitar fungos, polvilhe a base da planta.

To avoid fungi, sprinkle the base of the plant.

Instructional imperative.

5

O relatório foi polvilhado de críticas construtivas.

The report was sprinkled with constructive criticism.

Passive voice.

6

Não polvilhe demais, ou o sabor ficará muito forte.

Don't sprinkle too much, or the flavor will be too strong.

Negative imperative + consequence.

7

Ela polvilhou glitter em todo o projeto escolar.

She sprinkled glitter all over the school project.

Colloquial usage.

8

O chef polvilhou a trufa negra sobre o risoto.

The chef sprinkled the black truffle over the risotto.

High-end culinary context.

1

A narrativa é polvilhada de arcaísmos que conferem autenticidade.

The narrative is sprinkled with archaisms that grant authenticity.

Literary analysis context.

2

O cientista polvilhou a amostra com o reagente em pó.

The scientist sprinkled the sample with the powdered reagent.

Technical/Scientific context.

3

Sua fala, polvilhada de ironia, não agradou a todos.

His speech, sprinkled with irony, did not please everyone.

Complex appositive phrase.

4

O orvalho polvilhava a relva matinal como pequenos cristais.

The dew sprinkled the morning grass like small crystals.

Poetic simile.

5

Ao polvilhar o solo, certifique-se de usar proteção respiratória.

When sprinkling the soil, make sure to use respiratory protection.

Gerund phrase.

6

A história da região é polvilhada de lendas fascinantes.

The history of the region is sprinkled with fascinating legends.

Abstract passive.

7

O confeiteiro polvilhou o chocolate com uma precisão cirúrgica.

The pastry chef sprinkled the chocolate with surgical precision.

Adverbial phrase of manner.

8

Embora polvilhasse o texto com elogios, a crítica era severa.

Although he sprinkled the text with praise, the criticism was severe.

Concessive clause with imperfect subjunctive.

1

A vastidão do cosmos, polvilhada de galáxias, desafia a compreensão.

The vastness of the cosmos, sprinkled with galaxies, defies understanding.

Grandiosely descriptive.

2

O autor logra polvilhar a trama com pistas quase imperceptíveis.

The author succeeds in sprinkling the plot with almost imperceptible clues.

Sophisticated verb 'lograr'.

3

Sua erudição permitia-lhe polvilhar as conversas com citações latinas.

His erudition allowed him to sprinkle conversations with Latin quotes.

Formal pronoun placement.

4

O vento polvilhava a areia fina sobre os vestígios da antiga cidade.

The wind sprinkled fine sand over the remains of the ancient city.

Evocative imagery.

5

A política externa foi polvilhada de gestos diplomáticos ambíguos.

Foreign policy was sprinkled with ambiguous diplomatic gestures.

Abstract political analysis.

6

Havia um cuidado em polvilhar a verdade com doses de fantasia.

There was a care in sprinkling the truth with doses of fantasy.

Prepositional infinitive phrase.

7

O mestre polvilhava seus ensinamentos com provérbios ancestrais.

The master sprinkled his teachings with ancestral proverbs.

Imperfect tense for continuous action.

8

A luz do luar polvilhava de prata a superfície do lago calmo.

Moonlight sprinkled the surface of the calm lake with silver.

Metaphorical color use.

자주 쓰는 조합

polvilhar com açúcar
polvilhar com farinha
polvilhar com canela
polvilhado de estrelas
polvilhar com talco
polvilhar com queijo
polvilhar por cima
polvilhar levemente
polvilhar uniformemente
polvilhar com cacau

자주 쓰는 구문

Polvilhar a forma

— To dust a baking pan with flour to prevent sticking.

Primeiro, unte e depois polvilhe a forma.

Polvilhado de neve

— Lightly covered in a thin layer of snow.

O telhado estava polvilhado de neve.

Polvilhar o rosto

— To apply face powder (makeup).

Ela polvilhou o rosto com pó compacto.

Polvilhar sal na ferida

— Similar to 'rubbing salt in the wound', though 'jogar sal' is more common.

Não venha polvilhar sal na minha ferida.

Polvilhar de ideias

— To introduce various ideas into a project or discussion.

O diretor polvilhou o roteiro de ideias novas.

Polvilhar o café

— To add a bit of cinnamon or chocolate to coffee.

Vou polvilhar meu cappuccino.

Polvilhar o chão

— Usually with sawdust or sand to absorb spills.

Polvilharam o chão da oficina.

Polvilhar com glitter

— To decorate something with sparkly particles.

As crianças polvilharam glitter nos cartões.

Polvilhar a massa

— To put flour on dough to stop it from being sticky.

Polvilhe a massa antes de abrir.

Polvilhar com ervas

— To sprinkle dried herbs over a dish.

Polvilhe com ervas finas.

자주 혼동되는 단어

polvilhar vs pulverizar

Pulverizar is for liquids (spraying) or crushing into dust. Polvilhar is for scattering existing powder.

polvilhar vs salpicar

Salpicar is for larger grains (salt, herbs) or liquid drops. Polvilhar is for fine dust.

polvilhar vs aspergir

Aspergir is formal or religious. Polvilhar is everyday and culinary.

관용어 및 표현

"polvilhado de sorte"

— To be consistently lucky in small ways.

Ele parece polvilhado de sorte ultimamente.

Informal
"polvilhar com ironia"

— To speak with a subtle undercurrent of sarcasm.

Seu comentário foi polvilhado com ironia.

Literary
"céu polvilhado"

— A sky full of many visible stars.

Que lindo céu polvilhado!

Poetic
"polvilhar migalhas"

— To give only very small, insignificant amounts of information or help.

Ele só polvilha migalhas de informação.

Metaphorical
"polvilhar o caminho"

— To prepare a path or make things easier with small gestures.

Ela polvilhou o caminho para o sucesso do filho.

Metaphorical
"polvilhar de dúvidas"

— To cause a lingering sense of uncertainty.

O mistério polvilhou de dúvidas a vizinhança.

Literary
"polvilhar beleza"

— To add aesthetic value to something in small touches.

O arquiteto polvilhou beleza em cada canto.

Poetic
"polvilhar de esperança"

— To give small signs of optimism.

A notícia polvilhou de esperança o povo.

Metaphorical
"polvilhar silêncio"

— To create moments of quiet in a busy environment.

O orador polvilhava silêncio entre as frases.

Literary
"polvilhar de cores"

— To add various colors to a scene or object.

A primavera polvilha de cores o jardim.

Poetic

혼동하기 쉬운

polvilhar vs povoar

Similar beginning letters.

Povoar means to populate or inhabit; polvilhar means to sprinkle powder.

Eles vão povoar a ilha. / Ela vai polvilhar o bolo.

polvilhar vs polir

Similar beginning sounds.

Polir means to polish or shine; polvilhar means to dust with powder.

Vou polir os sapatos. / Vou polvilhar os sapatos com talco.

polvilhar vs pilhar

Similar ending sound.

Pilhar means to loot or to catch/find; polvilhar is culinary.

O exército foi pilhar a cidade. / O chef foi polvilhar o doce.

polvilhar vs pulverizar

Semantic similarity (small particles).

Pulverizar involves force/spray; polvilhar is a gentle scattering.

Pulverizei o inseticida. / Polvilhei a canela.

polvilhar vs salpicar

Both mean 'to sprinkle' in English.

Salpicar is for chunky things; polvilhar is for fine dust.

Salpique sal. / Polvilhe farinha.

문장 패턴

A1

Eu [verb] [object].

Eu polvilho o açúcar.

A2

[Verb-Imperative] [object] com [substance].

Polvilhe o bolo com canela.

B1

O [noun] estava [participle] de [substance].

O pão estava polvilhado de sementes.

B2

Não se deve [verb] demais [object].

Não se deve polvilhar demais a massa.

C1

Ao [verb], tome cuidado com [noun].

Ao polvilhar, tome cuidado com o vento.

C2

A [noun] logrou [verb] a [noun] com [noun].

A autora logrou polvilhar a obra com mistério.

A2

Você vai [verb] [object]?

Você vai polvilhar a forma?

B1

Gosto de [verb] [substance] em [location].

Gosto de polvilhar queijo na sopa.

어휘 가족

명사

polvilho
polvilhamento

동사

polvilhar
empoeirar

형용사

polvilhado

관련

pulverizar
salpicar
aspergir
borrifar
fubá

사용법

frequency

Common in domestic, culinary, and descriptive contexts.

자주 하는 실수
  • Polvilhar água. Borrifar água.

    Polvilhar is only for powders/solids. Water is a liquid.

  • Polvilhar o bolo de açúcar. Polvilhar o bolo com açúcar.

    The preposition 'com' is more standard for the ingredient used.

  • Pulverizar canela. Polvilhar canela.

    Pulverizar sounds like a chemical spray; polvilhar is the culinary sprinkle.

  • Eu polvilho o sal grosso. Eu salpico o sal grosso.

    Coarse salt (sal grosso) is too big for 'polvilhar'.

  • O céu estava pulverizado de estrelas. O céu estava polvilhado de estrelas.

    Pulverizado implies the stars were crushed; polvilhado implies they were scattered.

Imperative Use

In recipes, you'll almost always see 'Polvilhe'. This is the 'você' imperative form. Practice saying 'Polvilhe o açúcar'.

Root Word

Remember 'pó' (dust). If you see a word starting with 'polv-', think of dust or powder. It helps with 'polvilho' and 'polvilhar'.

Stress it Right

Always stress the 'LHAR'. Portuguese verbs in the infinitive are almost always stressed on the final syllable.

Kitchen Essential

If you are learning Portuguese for cooking, this is a top 50 verb. Learn it alongside 'untar' (to grease) and 'assar' (to bake).

Size Matters

Use 'polvilhar' for things smaller than a grain of sand. Use 'salpicar' for things larger than a grain of sand.

Starry Sky

The phrase 'polvilhado de estrelas' is a classic. Use it to impress native speakers when describing a beautiful night.

The 'Com' Connection

Always try to use 'polvilhar [objeto] com [pó]'. It's the most natural-sounding construction.

Technical Warning

In industrial contexts, 'polvilhar' can refer to hazardous powders. Always look for safety icons when you see this verb on labels.

The Sieve Image

Picture a 'peneira' (sieve). The action of the sieve is the definition of 'polvilhar'.

Brazilian Starch

Don't be confused in a supermarket. 'Polvilho Doce' and 'Polvilho Azedo' are starches, not actions.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'POLE' (pol-) that is 'VILLAINOUS' (-vil-) because it sprinkles 'HAIR' (-har) everywhere. Or simply associate 'POL-' with 'POWDER'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant sieve shaking fine white snow over a chocolate cake. The sound of the sieve hitting your hand is the rhythm of 'pol-vi-lhar'.

Word Web

açúcar canela farinha bolo peneira cozinha neve

챌린지

Go to your kitchen, find some cinnamon, and say 'Eu vou polvilhar a canela' while you do it.

어원

Derived from the Portuguese noun 'polvilho', which comes from 'pó' (dust). The root is the Latin 'pulvis', meaning dust or powder.

원래 의미: To cover with dust or fine powder.

Romance (Indo-European).

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities; this is a neutral, everyday verb.

In English, we use 'sprinkle' for both powders and liquids. Portuguese is more specific, using 'polvilhar' primarily for powders.

Recipes in 'Dona Benta', the most famous Brazilian cookbook. Descriptions of starry skies in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa. Culinary segments on 'Mais Você' (Brazilian TV show).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Cooking/Baking

  • Polvilhar a forma
  • Polvilhar com açúcar
  • Polvilhar a massa
  • Polvilhar canela

Gardening

  • Polvilhar enxofre
  • Polvilhar a terra
  • Polvilhar as folhas
  • Polvilhar contra pragas

Hygiene

  • Polvilhar talco
  • Polvilhar os pés
  • Polvilhar o sapato
  • Polvilhar o bebê

Literature

  • Polvilhado de estrelas
  • Polvilhar com ironia
  • Polvilhado de neve
  • Polvilhar de luz

DIY/Art

  • Polvilhar glitter
  • Polvilhar areia
  • Polvilhar pigmento
  • Polvilhar verniz

대화 시작하기

"Você gosta de polvilhar canela no seu café de manhã?"

"Qual é o melhor segredo: polvilhar a forma com farinha ou usar papel manteiga?"

"Você já viu o céu polvilhado de estrelas em uma noite no campo?"

"É comum polvilhar queijo ralado na comida no seu país?"

"Você prefere rabanadas polvilhadas com açúcar ou mergulhadas em calda?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma receita que você ama e mencione o momento de polvilhar os ingredientes finais.

Imagine um cenário de inverno onde tudo está polvilhado de neve. Como você se sente?

Escreva sobre uma conversa que foi polvilhada de momentos engraçados.

Quais substâncias em pó você costuma polvilhar no seu dia a dia?

Crie um poema curto usando a frase 'céu polvilhado de estrelas'.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, 'polvilhar' is exclusively for dry, powdery substances. For water, use 'borrifar', 'aspergir', or 'salpicar'.

'Polvilho' is a noun referring to starch (usually cassava). 'Polvilhar' is the verb meaning to sprinkle powder. You can polvilhar with polvilho!

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'falar' or 'amar'.

You say 'polvilhar a forma'. Usually, you grease it first ('untar') and then 'polvilhar com farinha'.

Technically yes, if it's fine salt. If it's coarse salt, 'salpicar' is much more common and accurate.

Yes, you can 'polvilhar' face powder (pó facial) or use it to describe applying powder to the skin.

It's a poetic way to describe a starry night sky, where the stars look like grains of light sprinkled across the dark.

Yes, metaphorically. A speech can be 'polvilhado de mentiras' (sprinkled with lies).

Use 'com' for the substance (polvilhar com açúcar) and 'em/sobre' for the destination (polvilhar no bolo).

No, it is a liquid palatal consonant, similar to the 'y' in 'yes' but with the tongue touching the palate. It is never silent.

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Escreva uma instrução de receita usando o verbo 'polvilhar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Descreva um céu estrelado usando a palavra 'polvilhado'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Crie uma frase usando 'polvilhar' em um contexto de jardinagem.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'polvilhar' de forma metafórica para descrever um discurso ou livro.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explique a diferença entre polvilhar e salpicar em português.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva uma frase no passado (pretérito perfeito) com o verbo polvilhar.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva uma frase no futuro usando 'polvilhar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Crie um pequeno parágrafo sobre o inverno usando 'polvilhado'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'polvilhar' em uma frase sobre cuidados com bebês.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva uma frase negativa usando o imperativo de polvilhar.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Descreva o ato de polvilhar usando um advérbio (ex: levemente).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Crie uma frase onde o sujeito é 'o vento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use o verbo 'polvilhar' no presente do subjuntivo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva sobre um artista usando o verbo 'polvilhar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Crie uma frase complexa com 'polvilhar' e 'embora'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva uma frase usando 'polvilhamento'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Descreva uma cena de Natal usando 'polvilhar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'polvilhar' para falar sobre um erro em um documento.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Crie um diálogo curto entre um chef e um ajudante usando o verbo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Escreva uma frase sobre o mar usando 'polvilhado'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explique em voz alta como você polvilha um bolo.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Descreva uma noite estrelada usando a palavra 'polvilhado'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga cinco coisas que você pode polvilhar na cozinha.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Como você diria a alguém para não colocar muito açúcar? Use 'polvilhar'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Conte uma pequena história sobre um padeiro usando o verbo 'polvilhar'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga a frase: 'Eu polvilhei a forma com farinha de trigo'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Descreva o uso de talco em bebês usando o verbo.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Use 'polvilhar' para falar sobre uma crítica de um livro.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Como se diz 'The mountain is sprinkled with snow' em português?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explique o que é 'polvilho' e como se relaciona com o verbo.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga: 'Polvilhe o queijo sobre a massa quente'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga: 'O autor polvilhou o texto com ironia'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pergunte a alguém se eles já polvilharam o bolo.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga que você gosta de polvilhar canela no arroz doce.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Descreva um jardim na primavera usando 'polvilhado'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explique por que polvilhamos a mesa antes de abrir a massa.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga: 'O orvalho polvilhava a relva matinal'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga que o relatório está polvilhado de erros.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Como você pediria canela para polvilhar seu café?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Diga: 'Não se esqueça de polvilhar o fermento'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça a frase: 'Vou polvilhar o bolo'. O que a pessoa vai fazer?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Polvilhe com canela'. Qual ingrediente usar?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'A montanha está polvilhada de neve'. Como está a montanha?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'O chef polvilhou o prato'. Quem realizou a ação?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Não polvilhe sal na ferida'. Qual a recomendação?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'O céu está polvilhado'. O que isso descreve?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Polvilhamos a forma com farinha'. O que foi feito com a forma?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'O autor polvilhou o livro de mistérios'. O que há no livro?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Preciso polvilhar talco nos sapatos'. Onde o talco será colocado?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'A poeira polvilhava os móveis'. O que cobria os móveis?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Polvilhe uniformemente'. Como deve ser a ação?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'O relatório foi polvilhado de críticas'. O que o relatório recebeu?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'As rabanadas já foram polvilhadas?'. Qual a pergunta?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'O jardineiro polvilha enxofre'. O que o jardineiro está fazendo?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Ouça: 'Polvilhe um pouco de glitter'. O que será usado?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
error correction

Eu polvilho o bolo de água.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Eu polvilho o bolo com açúcar (ou borrifo com água).

Polvilhar não é usado para líquidos.

error correction

Polvilha a forma de farinha.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Polvilhe a forma com farinha.

Use 'com' para o ingrediente e 'polvilhe' para o imperativo formal.

error correction

O céu estava pulverizado de estrelas.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: O céu estava polvilhado de estrelas.

Pulverizado significa destruído ou borrifado; polvilhado é o termo poético correto.

error correction

Eu polvilhei sal grosso na carne.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Eu salpiquei sal grosso na carne.

Sal grosso é muito grande para 'polvilhar'.

error correction

Não se esqueça para polvilhar o queijo.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Não se esqueça de polvilhar o queijo.

A regência correta é 'esquecer-se de'.

error correction

Ela polvilha o perfume no ar.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Ela borrifa (ou pulveriza) o perfume no ar.

Perfume é líquido.

error correction

Nós polvilhamos a mesa de farinha.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Nós polvilhamos a mesa com farinha.

Preposição 'com' é preferível.

error correction

O padeiro polvilha o pão com sementes de girassol.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: O padeiro salpica o pão com sementes de girassol.

Sementes são grãos, não pó.

error correction

Vou polvilhar o óleo no chão.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Vou derramar o óleo (ou polvilhar serragem no óleo).

Óleo é líquido.

error correction

Polvilhe generoso o açúcar.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Polvilhe generosamente o açúcar.

Use o advérbio 'generosamente'.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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