This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #3,500 most common 12 min read

amostra

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips amostra in 30 Seconds

Explanation amostra in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'amostra' as a simple noun meaning 'a small piece of something'. You will mostly see it in shops or supermarkets. The most important phrase to remember is 'amostra grátis', which means 'free sample'. This is very useful when you are shopping in Brazil or Portugal. You should know that it is a feminine word, so you say 'a amostra' or 'uma amostra'. Think of it as a tiny gift that helps you decide if you like a product. For example, when you go to a pharmacy, they might give you a small bottle of lotion—that is an 'amostra'. You don't need to worry about complex scientific meanings yet. Just focus on the physical object you can hold in your hand. Practice saying 'Eu quero uma amostra' (I want a sample) or 'É uma amostra?' (Is it a sample?). This will help you interact with shopkeepers and understand signs in stores. It is a very practical word for basic survival and shopping needs. Remember: 'amostra' = small part to try.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'amostra' in more varied contexts, specifically in medical and professional situations. You should be able to understand when a doctor or nurse asks for an 'amostra de sangue' (blood sample) or 'amostra de urina' (urine sample). This is a vital part of basic healthcare communication. You will also start to see the word in the context of home improvement, like 'amostras de tinta' (paint samples) or 'amostras de tecido' (fabric samples). At this level, you should be comfortable using the preposition 'de' to describe what the sample is made of. You should also recognize the plural form 'amostras'. You are moving beyond just 'free samples' at the mall and starting to use the word to describe necessary items for work or health. You might also encounter the phrase 'à mostra', which means 'visible' or 'on display'. For example, 'As chaves estão à mostra em cima da mesa' (The keys are visible on top of the table). Understanding the difference between the noun 'amostra' and the phrase 'à mostra' is a key milestone for A2 learners. Practice building sentences that combine 'amostra' with common verbs like 'pedir' (to ask), 'trazer' (to bring), and 'ver' (to see).

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'amostra' in more abstract and technical discussions. This includes the field of statistics and research. You will learn terms like 'amostra representativa' (representative sample) and 'tamanho da amostra' (sample size). You should be able to discuss the results of a survey or a study using these terms. At this level, you can also use 'amostra' metaphorically to mean a 'glimpse' or a 'demonstration' of something. For example, 'O primeiro capítulo do livro é uma amostra do talento do autor' (The first chapter of the book is a sample of the author's talent). You should also be able to distinguish 'amostra' from its synonyms like 'exemplar' or 'espécime'. You will start to hear the word in news reports about public opinion polls, where the anchor explains how many people were in the 'amostra'. Your vocabulary is becoming more precise, allowing you to participate in more complex conversations about society, science, and the arts. You should also be familiar with the verb 'amostrar' (though less common than 'mostrar') and the noun 'amostragem' (sampling). Practice using 'amostra' in written reports or during discussions about data and trends.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'amostra' with scientific and professional precision. You will encounter it in legal contexts (amostra de evidência), advanced industrial quality control (amostra de lote), and complex academic papers. You should understand the nuances of 'amostragem aleatória' (random sampling) versus 'amostragem estratificada' (stratified sampling). At this level, you can use the word to describe subtle social observations. For instance, you might discuss how a specific event was an 'amostra da tensão social' (a sample of social tension) in a country. You should be comfortable with the word's role in various idiomatic expressions and formal writing. You will also notice how 'amostra' is used in the textile and fashion industry with high frequency. Your ability to switch between the literal, technical, and metaphorical meanings of 'amostra' demonstrates a high level of linguistic flexibility. You should be able to explain the methodology of a study, detailing how the 'amostra' was selected and why it is valid. Practice writing essays or giving presentations where you use 'amostra' to support your arguments with data or specific examples.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, nuanced understanding of 'amostra' and its place in the Portuguese lexicon. You can identify its use in classical and modern literature, where it might be used to represent a microcosm of society or a character's internal state. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to the Latin 'monstrare'. You can engage in high-level debates about the ethics of 'amostragem' in big data and artificial intelligence. You recognize the subtle differences in register between 'amostra', 'espécime', 'exemplar', and 'prola'. In professional settings, you use the word with absolute confidence, whether you are discussing laboratory protocols, marketing strategies, or statistical validity. You can also play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific imagery or themes. Your command of the word includes its most obscure collocations and its role in complex grammatical structures. You should be able to critique the 'amostra' of a study, pointing out potential biases or flaws in the selection process. At this level, the word is not just a tool for communication, but a precise instrument for analysis and expression.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'amostra' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word effortlessly in any context, from the most technical scientific discourse to the most refined literary analysis. You are aware of regional variations in usage across the Lusophone world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.) and can adapt your speech accordingly. You understand how 'amostra' functions in the history of the Portuguese language and its relationship to other Romance languages. You can use the word to construct complex metaphors and philosophical arguments. In professional environments, you are the one defining the 'amostra' for projects and explaining its significance to others. You have a complete grasp of all related terms, prefixes, and suffixes. The word 'amostra' is a seamless part of your vast vocabulary, used with perfect timing and tone. You can discuss the 'amostra' of a population in a demographic study with the same ease as you would discuss a 'amostra grátis' in a casual conversation. Your understanding is total, encompassing every possible nuance, connotation, and application of the word.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

amostra in 30 Seconds

Amostra means 'sample' or 'specimen' in Portuguese.
It is a feminine noun: 'a amostra' or 'uma amostra'.
Used in shopping (free samples), medicine (blood/urine), and science (statistics).
Don't confuse it with 'mostra' (exhibition) or 'exemplo' (example).

The Portuguese word amostra is a versatile noun that primarily translates to "sample" in English. At its core, it represents a small portion or a single instance of something larger, intended to demonstrate the quality, character, or nature of the whole. Whether you are walking through a supermarket and offered a tiny piece of cheese, or you are in a high-tech laboratory analyzing blood, the word you will encounter is amostra. It is a fundamental term for anyone navigating daily life, commerce, or science in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

Commercial Context: In the world of marketing and retail, an amostra grátis (free sample) is a powerful tool. You will see this on perfume vials, small sachets of shampoo, or even digital snippets of books. It allows the consumer to experience the product without commitment. The term captures the essence of 'trying before buying'.

A promotora entregou uma amostra do novo perfume aos clientes do shopping.

Medical and Scientific Context: In healthcare, amostra refers to a specimen. When a nurse takes blood for a test, they are collecting an amostra de sangue. In statistics, it refers to a subset of a population used to represent the whole group. Scientists rely on the integrity of the amostra to ensure their results are valid and reliable.

O laboratório analisou a amostra de água para detectar possíveis contaminantes químicos.

Beyond these common uses, amostra can also be found in the idiomatic expression "dar uma amostra", which means to give a small demonstration of a skill or a taste of what is to come. For instance, a musician might play a few chords to give an amostra of their new song. It is also used in textiles to describe a small piece of fabric (a swatch) used to choose colors or textures for upholstery or clothing. The versatility of this word makes it an essential building block for your Portuguese vocabulary, spanning from the most mundane shopping trips to the most complex scientific research projects. Understanding its nuances will help you sound more natural and precise in your communication.

O arquiteto trouxe uma amostra do tecido para o sofá da sala.

Statistical Significance: In academic research, the amostra must be representative. A amostra aleatória (random sample) is a fundamental concept in data science and sociology, ensuring that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected, thus minimizing bias in the final analysis.

Para a pesquisa eleitoral, foi selecionada uma amostra representativa de mil eleitores em todo o país.

O cientista preparou a amostra biológica para observação no microscópio eletrônico.

Using amostra correctly requires understanding its gender (feminine: a amostra) and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. Because it represents a physical object, it often follows verbs of action like colher (to collect/gather), enviar (to send), analisar (to analyze), or pedir (to ask for). The word is highly functional across various registers, from the informal setting of a store to the formal environment of a court of law or a laboratory.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like recolher (to collect) and solicitar (to request) are frequently used with amostra. For example, a technician might say, "Vou recolher uma amostra de solo."

O médico solicitou uma amostra de urina para o exame de rotina.

When discussing quantities, amostra can be modified by adjectives to clarify its purpose or nature. An amostra significativa is one that is large enough to be important, while an amostra grátis is a marketing giveaway. Note that the plural is amostras. In sentences where you are comparing items, you might use amostra to indicate a representative piece. For example, "Esta peça é apenas uma amostra da nossa coleção completa." This implies that what the person is seeing is just a fraction of the full range available.

Recebemos várias amostras de tecido antes de decidir a cor das cortinas.

Prepositional Usage: The preposition 'de' is almost always used to specify what the sample is of. Amostra de perfume, amostra de sangue, amostra de solo, amostra de tecido.

A empresa enviou uma amostra grátis do novo detergente para todas as residências do bairro.

In more abstract or metaphorical contexts, you can use amostra to describe a glimpse into someone's character or a situation. "O comportamento dele hoje foi uma amostra do que podemos esperar no futuro." Here, it isn't a physical object but a behavioral snippet that represents a larger pattern. This usage is slightly more advanced but very common in literature and high-level conversation. It adds a layer of sophistication to your Portuguese by allowing you to draw parallels between physical sampling and social observation.

O trailer do filme oferece uma pequena amostra da incrível cinematografia da obra completa.

O geólogo analisou a amostra de rocha para determinar sua idade geológica.

Scientific Precision: When writing a lab report, use amostra to refer to your data points. "A amostra estatística foi coletada durante três meses de observação direta."

In a Portuguese-speaking country, you will hear amostra in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between the street and the laboratory. Understanding the specific contexts where it pops up will help you anticipate its meaning and respond appropriately. Let's look at the most frequent scenarios where this word takes center stage.

At the Supermarket or Mall: Promoters often stand in aisles or near store entrances offering amostras grátis. You might hear: "Gostaria de experimentar uma amostra do nosso novo queijo artesanal?" This is a friendly, low-pressure way to engage with the word in a commercial setting.

Na perfumaria, a vendedora me deu várias amostras de fragrâncias francesas.

In a Medical Clinic or Hospital: This is perhaps the most serious context. A nurse or doctor will use the word when preparing you for tests. "Preciso que você forneça uma amostra para o laboratório." It is crucial to understand this instruction clearly to follow medical protocols correctly.

O técnico de laboratório etiquetou cuidadosamente cada amostra de sangue com o nome do paciente.

In the news or during political seasons, you will hear amostra during reports on opinion polls (pesquisas de opinião). News anchors will discuss the tamanho da amostra (sample size) and the margem de erro (margin of error). Understanding this helps you grasp the validity of the data being presented. In construction or interior design, you will hear it when selecting materials: "Trouxemos uma amostra do mármore para você ver a textura." Finally, in the arts, a "mostra" (without the 'a') usually refers to an exhibition, but amostra can be used to describe a small selection of works shown beforehand.

O telejornal informou que a amostra da pesquisa incluiu duas mil pessoas de diferentes regiões.

O vendedor de tintas mostrou uma amostra da cor na parede antes de começarmos a pintura.

In the Workplace: If you work in quality control, you will spend your day dealing with amostras. You will be checking the amostra da produção to ensure the factory is meeting standards.

O inspetor de qualidade retirou uma amostra aleatória do lote para testes de resistência.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or a tourist, the word amostra will be part of your auditory landscape. From the shouted offers of a street vendor to the hushed tones of a medical professional, this word facilitates the exchange of information and goods. By paying attention to how and where it is used, you will gain a deeper understanding of Portuguese social and professional structures.

While amostra is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers and new learners of Portuguese often stumble on a few specific points. These mistakes usually involve gender agreement, confusion with similar-sounding words, or using the word in the wrong context. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Portuguese sound much more polished and accurate.

Gender Confusion: The most common mistake is treating amostra as masculine because many nouns ending in '-a' in other languages (or some exceptions in Portuguese like 'o mapa') can be tricky. However, amostra is strictly feminine. You must use 'a' and 'uma'. Never say "um amostra".

Incorrect: O amostra de sangue está pronto.
Correct: A amostra de sangue está pronta.

Another frequent point of confusion is between amostra and mostra. While they share a root, their usage is different. Amostra is the physical sample or specimen. Mostra usually refers to an exhibition, a show, or the act of showing. For example, a film festival is a "mostra de cinema," not an "amostra de cinema." If you use amostra when you mean mostra, you are implying you are showing a tiny piece of the film rather than the whole event.

Incorrect: Vamos à amostra de arte no museu.
Correct: Vamos à mostra de arte no museu.

Confusing with 'Exemplo': English speakers often use 'sample' and 'example' interchangeably in some contexts, but in Portuguese, they are distinct. Exemplo is for an illustration of a concept. Amostra is for a physical or statistical specimen. If you are teaching a grammar rule, you provide an exemplo. If you are showing a piece of wood for a floor, you provide an amostra.

Incorrect: Pode me dar uma amostra de como usar este verbo?
Correct: Pode me dar um exemplo de como usar este verbo?

Finally, be careful with the expression à mostra. This is an adverbial phrase meaning "on display" or "visible." It is often used when something is unintentionally showing, like "sua meia está à mostra" (your sock is showing). Beginners sometimes confuse this with the noun amostra. While they look similar, the grammatical function is different. One is a thing (noun), and the other describes a state (adverbial phrase).

As raízes da árvore ficaram à mostra depois da forte chuva.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—feminine gender, difference from 'mostra', distinction from 'exemplo', and the specific meaning of 'à mostra'—you will avoid the most common errors and speak with greater precision.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know not just one word, but the family of words that surround it. Amostra has several synonyms and related terms, each with its own specific shade of meaning. Knowing when to use amostra versus espécime or exemplar will elevate your language skills from functional to fluent.

Amostra vs. Espécime: Espécime (specimen) is more technical and often refers to a whole individual organism used for study (like a butterfly in a collection) or a very specific scientific sample. Amostra is more general and used for substances (water, blood, sand) or commercial goods.

O museu possui um espécime raro de orquídea, enquanto o laboratório analisa a amostra de solo da floresta.

Another close relative is exemplar. This word is typically used for items that are part of a printed or manufactured series, like a copy of a book or a specific car model. While an amostra is a piece of a whole, an exemplar is one complete unit out of many identical units. If you have a copy of a magazine, you have an exemplar. If you have a small piece of the paper the magazine is printed on to check the quality, you have an amostra.

Comprei o último exemplar do livro na livraria.

Amostra vs. Prova: Prova can mean 'proof' or 'test'. In the context of food, a 'prova' is a taste or a sampling. You might ask for a 'prova' of a wine. However, 'amostra' is the physical object given to you. 'Prova' is often the act of tasting.

O chef ofereceu uma prova do molho, mas o fornecedor enviou uma amostra do tempero em pó.

In a more informal or literary sense, you might use bocado or trecho. A bocado is a 'mouthful' or a small bit of something, usually food. A trecho is a 'snippet' or 'excerpt', usually of text, music, or a road. Neither of these replaces the technical or commercial precision of amostra, but they are useful for describing small parts of things in more descriptive contexts. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation, making your Portuguese more expressive and accurate.

O professor leu um trecho do poema para nos dar uma amostra do estilo do autor.

Amostra vs. Protótipo: A protótipo is a first model of something. While an amostra is a piece of a finished product, a protótipo is a preliminary version created for testing and development.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'amostra' is very closely related to 'monstro' (monster) in Latin, because a 'monster' was originally an 'omen' or a 'sign' shown by the gods.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐˈmɔʃ.tɾɐ/

US /aˈmɔs.tɾɐ/

The stress is on the second syllable: a-MOS-tra.

Rhymes With

mostra costra prostra ostra vossa (partial) nossa (partial) roça (partial) moça (partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as 'z' (it should be 's' or 'sh').
Stressing the first syllable (A-mos-tra).
Pronouncing the final 'a' too long like 'ah'.
Mispronouncing the open 'o' as a closed 'o' (like 'go').
In European Portuguese, failing to palatalize the 's' to 'sh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially in stores.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and plural rules.

Speaking 3/5

The 's' sound in the middle varies by region (s vs sh).

Listening 2/5

Very clear and distinct sound in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mostrar pequeno parte grátis sangue

Learn Next

amostragem demonstração pesquisa estatística espécime

Advanced

enviesamento inferência população aleatoriedade

Grammar to Know

Feminine Noun Agreement

A amostra é boa. (The sample is good.)

Pluralization of Nouns ending in 'a'

Duas amostras grátis. (Two free samples.)

Preposition 'de' for Origin/Content

Amostra de perfume. (Sample of perfume.)

Contractions with Articles

Da amostra (de + a), Na amostra (em + a).

Adjective Placement

Amostra grátis (Adjective after noun).

Examples by Level

Eu quero uma amostra de perfume.

I want a perfume sample.

Use 'uma' because 'amostra' is feminine.

Esta amostra é grátis?

Is this sample free?

'Grátis' is an adjective that doesn't change for gender.

A amostra de queijo é pequena.

The cheese sample is small.

'Pequena' agrees with the feminine 'amostra'.

Onde está a amostra?

Where is the sample?

Direct question using the definite article 'a'.

Ela me deu uma amostra.

She gave me a sample.

Indirect object pronoun 'me' precedes the verb.

Gosto desta amostra de chocolate.

I like this chocolate sample.

Contraction 'desta' (de + esta) agrees with 'amostra'.

É apenas uma amostra.

It is just a sample.

'Apenas' is an adverb meaning 'just' or 'only'.

Tem amostra de shampoo?

Do you have a shampoo sample?

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'tem' is often used for 'há' or 'existe'.

O médico pediu uma amostra de sangue.

The doctor asked for a blood sample.

Past tense 'pediu' from the verb 'pedir'.

Preciso de uma amostra de urina para o exame.

I need a urine sample for the test.

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

Você tem amostras de tecido azul?

Do you have blue fabric samples?

Plural 'amostras' and 'tecidos'.

A amostra de solo foi enviada hoje.

The soil sample was sent today.

Passive voice 'foi enviada' agrees with 'amostra'.

Ele trouxe uma amostra da nova tinta.

He brought a sample of the new paint.

Contraction 'da' (de + a) used with 'nova tinta'.

As amostras estão no laboratório.

The samples are in the laboratory.

Plural subject and verb 'estão'.

Não jogue fora a amostra.

Don't throw away the sample.

Negative imperative 'não jogue'.

A amostra grátis chegou pelo correio.

The free sample arrived by mail.

'Pelo' is the contraction of 'por' + 'o'.

A amostra representativa incluiu mil pessoas.

The representative sample included a thousand people.

Adjective 'representativa' modifies 'amostra'.

O cientista analisou a amostra com cuidado.

The scientist analyzed the sample with care.

Prepositional phrase 'com cuidado' acts as an adverb.

Esta música é apenas uma amostra do novo álbum.

This song is just a sample of the new album.

Metaphorical use of 'amostra'.

A amostra de água contém bactérias.

The water sample contains bacteria.

Verb 'contém' (third person singular) has a circumflex accent in the plural (contêm).

Precisamos aumentar o tamanho da amostra.

We need to increase the sample size.

'Tamanho da amostra' is a standard statistical term.

A amostra foi coletada aleatoriamente.

The sample was collected randomly.

Adverb 'aleatoriamente' ends in '-mente'.

Recebi uma amostra do produto por e-mail.

I received a sample of the product via email.

Refers to a digital snippet or trial.

A amostra biológica deve ser refrigerada.

The biological sample must be refrigerated.

Passive voice with modal verb 'deve ser'.

A amostra estratificada garante maior precisão.

The stratified sample ensures greater precision.

Technical term 'amostra estratificada'.

Houve uma falha na coleta da amostra.

There was a failure in the collection of the sample.

'Houve' is the past tense of 'haver' (there was).

A amostra de DNA confirmou a identidade do suspeito.

The DNA sample confirmed the suspect's identity.

Use of 'amostra' in forensics.

O trailer deu uma amostra do clima sombrio do filme.

The trailer gave a sample of the film's dark atmosphere.

Metaphorical use for 'atmosphere' or 'vibe'.

Amostras de minério foram extraídas da mina.

Ore samples were extracted from the mine.

Passive voice 'foram extraídas'.

A validade da pesquisa depende da amostra.

The validity of the research depends on the sample.

Verb 'depender' requires the preposition 'de'.

O arquiteto apresentou amostras de diversos materiais.

The architect presented samples of various materials.

Professional context.

Amostras de solo revelaram a presença de metais pesados.

Soil samples revealed the presence of heavy metals.

Scientific reporting style.

A amostra selecionada para o estudo era enviesada.

The sample selected for the study was biased.

'Enviesada' is a high-level term for 'biased'.

O autor oferece uma amostra da condição humana em sua obra.

The author offers a sample of the human condition in his work.

Literary and abstract usage.

Amostras de áudio foram processadas por algoritmos de IA.

Audio samples were processed by AI algorithms.

Modern technological context.

A amostragem por conveniência comprometeu os resultados.

Convenience sampling compromised the results.

'Amostragem' is the process of taking an 'amostra'.

Cada amostra foi catalogada com rigor científico.

Each sample was cataloged with scientific rigor.

Formal academic tone.

Amostras de sedimentos indicam mudanças climáticas milenares.

Sediment samples indicate millennial climate changes.

Complex scientific subject matter.

O museu exibiu amostras de tecidos pré-colombianos.

The museum exhibited samples of pre-Columbian textiles.

Historical and archaeological context.

Amostras de controle são essenciais para o experimento.

Control samples are essential for the experiment.

'Amostra de controle' is a specific scientific term.

A heterogeneidade da amostra permitiu uma análise holística.

The heterogeneity of the sample allowed for a holistic analysis.

Extremely formal and academic vocabulary.

Amostras aleatórias simples nem sempre são suficientes.

Simple random samples are not always sufficient.

Advanced statistical discourse.

O texto é uma amostra fidedigna do dialeto arcaico.

The text is a faithful sample of the archaic dialect.

'Fidedigna' means 'reliable' or 'faithful'.

Amostras de gelo da Antártida contêm bolhas de ar milenares.

Antarctic ice samples contain millennial air bubbles.

High-level scientific observation.

Amostras de sangue revelaram biomarcadores precoces da doença.

Blood samples revealed early biomarkers of the disease.

Medical research terminology.

Amostras de solo lunar foram trazidas pela missão Apollo.

Lunar soil samples were brought back by the Apollo mission.

Historical scientific context.

A robustez da amostra sustenta as conclusões do relatório.

The robustness of the sample supports the report's conclusions.

'Robustez' refers to the strength or reliability of the data.

Amostras de tecidos necróticos foram enviadas para biópsia.

Samples of necrotic tissue were sent for biopsy.

Highly specialized medical terminology.

Common Collocations

amostra grátis

amostra de sangue

amostra representativa

amostra de solo

tamanho da amostra

amostra aleatória

amostra de tecido

amostra de urina

amostra de água

amostra de perfume

Common Phrases

dar uma amostra

— To give a demonstration or a taste of something.

O cantor deu uma amostra do seu talento no palco.

pedir uma amostra

— To request a small part of a product for trial.

Vou pedir uma amostra dessa tinta antes de comprar.

analisar uma amostra

— To examine a specimen in a laboratory setting.

O laboratório vai analisar a amostra amanhã.

colher uma amostra

— To gather or collect a physical specimen.

O técnico veio colher uma amostra da água da piscina.

enviar uma amostra

— To mail or transmit a sample to someone.

A fábrica enviou uma amostra do lote para aprovação.

receber uma amostra

— To get a sample from someone else.

Recebi uma amostra grátis pelo correio hoje.

levar uma amostra

— To take a sample with you to show someone.

Vou levar uma amostra do piso para a loja.

guardar a amostra

— To keep or store a sample for later use.

É importante guardar a amostra em local fresco.

etiquetar a amostra

— To put a label on a specimen for identification.

Não esqueça de etiquetar a amostra com a data.

perder a amostra

— To misplace or lose a sample.

Infelizmente, o laboratório perdeu a amostra de sangue.

Often Confused With

amostra vs mostra

Mostra usually means an exhibition or show, while amostra is a sample.

amostra vs exemplo

Exemplo is for an abstract illustration; amostra is for a physical or statistical piece.

amostra vs prova

Prova can mean a test or a taste, but amostra is the physical object given for trial.

Idioms & Expressions

"à amostra"

— Variant of 'à mostra', meaning visible or exposed.

Com o buraco na calça, o joelho ficou à amostra.

Informal/Regional

"servir de amostra"

— To serve as an example of what is to come or what others are like.

O erro dele serviu de amostra para todos nós.

Neutral

"amostra de botão"

— Refers to someone small or insignificant (humorous).

Aquele rapaz é uma amostra de botão perto do irmão.

Informal

"ficar à amostra"

— To be revealed or shown, often unintentionally.

A verdade acabou ficando à amostra depois da briga.

Colloquial

"dar uma amostra grátis"

— To show a bit of one's personality or skill, often briefly.

Ele deu uma amostra grátis do seu mau humor logo cedo.

Informal

"amostra de nada"

— Something very small or of no value.

Isso que você me deu é uma amostra de nada.

Informal

"ter uma amostra"

— To have a brief experience of something.

Tivemos uma amostra do inverno europeu na semana passada.

Neutral

"amostra do que está por vir"

— A preview of future events.

A chuva de hoje foi só uma amostra do que está por vir.

Neutral

"fazer amostra"

— To show off or display something (less common than 'fazer mostra').

Ele gosta de fazer amostra do seu carro novo.

Informal

"pela amostra se conhece o pano"

— A proverb meaning you can judge the whole by a small part.

Ele foi rude hoje; pela amostra se conhece o pano.

Proverbial

Easily Confused

amostra vs Mostra

They sound similar and share a root.

Amostra is a sample (noun). Mostra is an exhibition (noun) or a verb form of 'mostrar'.

A amostra de perfume estava na mostra de cosméticos.

amostra vs Exemplo

Both can mean 'a part representing a whole'.

Exemplo is conceptual; amostra is physical or data-driven.

Este é um bom exemplo de por que precisamos da amostra.

amostra vs Espécime

Both refer to a sample in science.

Espécime is for individual organisms; amostra is for substances or groups.

O espécime de planta foi guardado, e a amostra de terra foi analisada.

amostra vs Exemplar

Both refer to a single item.

Exemplar is one of many identical full units (like books); amostra is a piece of a whole.

Tenho um exemplar do livro e uma amostra do papel.

amostra vs Bocado

Both mean a small amount.

Bocado is informal and usually refers to food or a short time; amostra is formal/technical.

Comi um bocado da amostra de bolo.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero [amostra].

Eu quero uma amostra.

A amostra de [noun] é [adjective].

A amostra de queijo é boa.

Foi coletada uma amostra de [noun].

Foi coletada uma amostra de solo.

A amostra revelou que [clause].

A amostra revelou que a água está limpa.

Dada a natureza da amostra, [clause].

Dada a natureza da amostra, os resultados são válidos.

A representatividade da amostra é [adjective].

A representatividade da amostra é inquestionável.

Onde estão as amostras?

Onde estão as amostras de tinta?

O tamanho da amostra é [number].

O tamanho da amostra é de 500 pessoas.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Using 'um amostra'. → Uma amostra.
'Amostra' is feminine, so it requires a feminine article.
Confusing 'amostra' with 'mostra' for exhibitions. → Vou à mostra de arte.
'Mostra' is for a show/exhibition; 'amostra' is for a sample.
Using 'amostra' for a conceptual example. → Dê-me um exemplo.
'Exemplo' is for ideas; 'amostra' is for physical specimens.
Pronouncing the 'o' as a closed vowel. → Pronounce it with an open 'o' (like 'hot').
An open 'o' is crucial for correct pronunciation of this word.
Saying 'amostra de sangue' as 'exemplo de sangue'. → Amostra de sangue.
In medical contexts, only 'amostra' or 'espécime' is correct.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'amostra' is feminine. Use 'a' and 'uma'. Adjectives must also be feminine, like 'amostra grátis' or 'amostra pequena'.

Amostra vs. Exemplo

Use 'amostra' for physical things you can touch or measure. Use 'exemplo' for abstract ideas or grammar rules.

Free Samples

When shopping, look for the sign 'amostra grátis'. It's a great way to try new things for free!

Lab Specimens

In a medical context, 'amostra' is the standard word for any specimen (blood, urine, tissue) sent for testing.

Visible Things

The phrase 'à mostra' means something is visible. 'Suas chaves estão à mostra' means 'Your keys are visible'.

Material Samples

If you are working with architects or designers, use 'amostra' to ask for pieces of wood, stone, or fabric.

Sample Size

'Tamanho da amostra' is the term for how many people or items are in a study.

Open 'O'

The 'o' in 'amostra' is open, like the 'o' in 'hot'. Don't close it like the 'o' in 'go'.

Asking for Samples

Don't be afraid to ask 'Você tem amostras?' in a perfume shop or pharmacy. It's very common.

Plural Form

The plural is simple: just add an 's' to get 'amostras'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A MOST RAre sample'. The 'A' and 'Mostra' come together to show you a 'sample' of something.

Visual Association

Imagine a small perfume vial with a giant letter 'A' on it. This 'A' stands for 'Amostra'.

Word Web

Sangue Perfume Grátis Tecido Pesquisa Laboratório Solo Estatística

Challenge

Go to a local market or store and try to find three things that have an 'amostra grátis' label. If you can't find them, ask a clerk: 'Vocês têm amostras?'

Word Origin

Derived from the Portuguese verb 'amostrar', which comes from 'mostrar' (to show), originating from the Latin 'monstrare' (to point out, show, indicate). The prefix 'a-' was added in older forms of the language.

Original meaning: The act of showing or a thing shown to represent a quality.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but in medical contexts, handling an 'amostra' requires following strict hygiene and privacy protocols.

In English, we use 'sample' for almost everything. In Portuguese, you must be careful to use 'amostra' for physical things and 'exemplo' for ideas.

Statistical reports from IBGE (Brazil) or INE (Portugal) always detail the 'amostra'. Perfume advertisements often mention 'peça sua amostra'. Scientific papers in Portuguese use 'amostra' as a primary keyword.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Tem amostra grátis?
Posso levar uma amostra?
Gostaria de uma amostra.
Essa amostra é de quê?

Medical

Colher amostra de sangue.
Entregar a amostra no laboratório.
A amostra está pronta.
Preciso de uma nova amostra.

Research

Amostra representativa.
Tamanho da amostra.
Erro da amostra.
Selecionar a amostra.

Interior Design

Amostra de madeira.
Amostra de carpete.
Amostra de cor.
Comparar amostras.

Social/Informal

Só uma amostra.
Ficar à amostra.
Dar uma amostra.
Pela amostra...

Conversation Starters

"Você já recebeu alguma amostra grátis que realmente te fez comprar o produto?"

"Na sua opinião, qual o tamanho de amostra ideal para uma pesquisa eleitoral?"

"Você prefere amostras de perfume em spray ou em sachet?"

"Alguma vez o laboratório já perdeu uma amostra sua de exame?"

"O que você acha de as lojas darem amostras grátis de comida?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você experimentou uma amostra grátis e se surpreendeu com a qualidade.

Por que é importante que uma amostra científica seja coletada com cuidado?

Escreva sobre um pequeno evento na sua vida que foi uma 'amostra' de algo maior que aconteceu depois.

Se você tivesse uma empresa, quais amostras você enviaria para os seus clientes?

Reflita sobre a expressão 'pela amostra se conhece o pano'. Você concorda com ela?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'amostra' is a feminine noun. You should always use the feminine articles 'a' or 'uma' and ensure that any adjectives describing it also end in the feminine form. For example, 'uma amostra pequena' (a small sample).

An 'amostra' is the actual sample or specimen itself (the object or the data). 'Amostragem' refers to the process or technique of collecting that sample, particularly in scientific or statistical contexts. For example, 'A amostragem foi feita de manhã' (The sampling was done in the morning).

Generally, no. For a conceptual example, use 'exemplo'. 'Amostra' is reserved for physical samples (like fabric or blood) or statistical subsets. Saying 'Dê-me uma amostra de um verbo' is incorrect; you should say 'Dê-me um exemplo de um verbo'.

The most common way is 'amostra grátis'. You will see this phrase frequently in pharmacies, supermarkets, and on product packaging. It is used in both Brazil and Portugal.

No. 'Amostra' is a noun meaning 'sample'. 'À mostra' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'visible' or 'on display'. For example, 'O segredo ficou à mostra' means 'The secret was revealed/visible'.

Use 'espécime' in technical or scientific contexts when referring to a whole individual organism (like a specific insect or plant) used for study. Use 'amostra' for substances like water, soil, or blood, or for commercial products.

It is called an 'amostra representativa'. This is a key term in statistics and research, meaning the sample accurately reflects the larger population being studied.

Yes, it can refer to a 'sample' in music production (a snippet of sound used in a new track), although many Portuguese speakers also use the English word 'sample' in this specific technical domain.

There is a verb 'amostrar', but it is archaic or very regional. In modern standard Portuguese, the verb used is 'mostrar' (to show) or 'demonstrar' (to demonstrate).

You say 'amostra de sangue'. This is the standard term used in hospitals and clinics.