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A2 adjective #5,000 most common 10 min read

bêbado

Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bêbado in 30 Seconds

Explanation bêbado in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'bêbado' as a basic adjective to describe a person's state after drinking too much alcohol. It is a fundamental vocabulary word because it appears frequently in stories and basic conversations about social events. You will primarily use it with the verb 'estar' (to be) to indicate a temporary condition. For example, 'Ele está bêbado' (He is drunk). It is important to remember the feminine form 'bêbada' for women. At this stage, don't worry about complex slang; just focus on the basic 'estar bêbado' and 'ficar bêbado' (to get drunk). You might also see it in simple jokes or as a noun ('o bêbado'). The pronunciation can be tricky because of the circumflex accent on the first 'e', which makes it a closed sound, almost like the 'e' in 'hey' but shorter. Practice saying 'bê-ba-do' clearly. This word helps you describe people you might see in a city or a movie, and it is essential for understanding basic safety warnings like 'Don't drive if you are drunk.'

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'bêbado' in more varied sentence structures and understand its role as both an adjective and a noun. You should be comfortable with gender and number agreement: 'bêbado', 'bêbada', 'bêbados', 'bêbadas'. You will also learn to distinguish between 'estar bêbado' (temporary state) and 'ser bêbado' (a permanent characteristic, often implying alcoholism). A2 learners should also start recognizing common intensifiers like 'muito bêbado' or 'completamente bêbado'. You might encounter this word in short stories or news snippets. It's also the stage where you learn the difference between 'bêbado' and 'bebido' (the past participle of 'beber'), avoiding the common mistake of saying 'Eu estou bebido'. You can start using 'bêbado' to describe past events using the Pretérito Perfeito: 'Ontem ele ficou bêbado na festa'. This level focuses on practical communication and being able to describe social situations accurately.

By the B1 level, you should be able to use 'bêbado' in more complex narrative contexts and understand its social implications. You can now use it in the subjunctive mood to express opinions or hypothetical situations: 'Espero que ele não chegue bêbado' (I hope he doesn't arrive drunk). You will also start encountering synonyms like 'embriagado' (more formal) and 'bebum' (more colloquial). B1 learners should understand the metaphorical uses of the word, such as 'bêbado de sono' (drunk with sleep) or 'bêbado de alegria' (drunk with joy). You can participate in discussions about social issues involving alcohol, such as 'dirigir bêbado' (drunk driving) and the laws surrounding it. At this level, you should also be aware of the register: knowing that 'bêbado' might be slightly too blunt for a formal report but perfect for a novel or a conversation between friends. You'll start to notice how the word is used in Brazilian and Portuguese music (Samba, Fado) to convey emotions like sadness or heartbreak.

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'bêbado' and its many synonyms and slang variations. You can distinguish between 'estar alto', 'estar alegre', 'estar bêbado', and 'estar em coma alcoólico', representing different stages of intoxication. You are comfortable using the word in idiomatic expressions and can understand regional variations (e.g., 'mamado' in Brazil vs. 'com os copos' in Portugal). You can analyze the use of the word in literature or film, discussing the 'bêbado' as a character archetype. Your grammar should be flawless when using the word in complex tenses, such as the future subjunctive or the pluperfect. You can also engage in more abstract debates about public health and the cultural perception of being 'bêbado' in different Lusophone countries. You understand that calling someone 'um bêbado' (a drunkard) is a significant social label and should be used with caution. You are also able to use related words like 'bebedeira' (a drinking bout) or 'embriaguez' (the state of intoxication) with ease.

At the C1 level, your command of 'bêbado' includes deep cultural and historical context. You understand how the term has been used in political metaphors, such as the famous Brazilian song 'O Bêbado e a Equilibrista', which used the figure of a drunkard as a symbol for a society struggling under a dictatorship. You can use the word and its derivatives with stylistic precision, choosing between 'bêbado', 'alcoolizado', 'ebrioso', or 'contumaz' depending on the desired tone. You understand the etymological roots and how they relate to other Romance languages. In conversation, you can use subtle irony or sarcasm involving the word. You are also proficient in the legal and medical terminology associated with intoxication, such as 'teor alcoólico no sangue' (blood alcohol content). Your writing can incorporate the word into sophisticated critiques of social behavior or literary analysis. You are sensitive to the fine line between colloquialism and offense when using 'bêbado' in various social circles.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the word 'bêbado'. You can masterfully use it in any context, from high-level academic discourse on substance abuse to the most informal street slang. You understand the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry or song lyrics. You are aware of the most obscure regionalisms across the entire Lusophone world—from Angola to Mozambique to East Timor. You can play with the word's meaning, creating puns or complex metaphors that only a person with deep linguistic roots would understand. You can switch registers instantly, moving from a formal medical explanation of 'embriaguez' to a humorous anecdote about a 'bebum'. Your understanding of the word is not just about its definition, but about its resonance in the collective consciousness of Portuguese speakers. You can lead discussions on the evolution of the word and its place in the modern, more health-conscious society, comparing it with historical depictions of public intoxication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bêbado in 30 Seconds

Bêbado means 'drunk' in Portuguese and is used as both an adjective and a noun.
It must agree in gender (bêbado/bêbada) and number (bêbados/bêbadas) with the subject.
Use 'estar' for a temporary state and 'ser' for a permanent habit or character trait.
It is a common, everyday word but can be offensive depending on the context and tone.

The Portuguese word bêbado is primarily an adjective used to describe someone who is intoxicated by alcohol. At its core, it translates directly to the English word 'drunk.' However, in the rich linguistic landscape of the Lusophone world, its usage extends beyond mere clinical description. When you describe someone as bêbado, you are noting that they have consumed enough alcohol to impair their physical or mental faculties. This can range from slight slurring and stumbling to complete loss of motor control. In Brazil and Portugal, social drinking is a significant part of the culture, particularly during festivals like Carnaval or during long dinners with friends. Consequently, the word bêbado is frequent in daily conversation.

Grammatical State: In Portuguese, the distinction between 'ser' (permanent state) and 'estar' (temporary state) is crucial. You will almost always use estar bêbado because drunkenness is usually a temporary condition. If you say someone é bêbado, you are implying they are a chronic alcoholic, which is a much stronger social stigma.

Ele está tão bêbado que não consegue nem andar em linha reta.

Beyond the literal meaning, bêbado can also be used as a noun to refer to 'a drunk' or 'a drunkard.' In this context, it often takes on a slightly more judgmental or descriptive tone depending on the speaker's intent.

Register and Nuance: While 'bêbado' is the standard term, it is slightly more direct and potentially harsher than the formal 'embriagado' (intoxicated). In polite company, you might prefer 'embriagado' or 'alcoolizado.' Conversely, in very informal settings, you will hear a variety of slang terms, but 'bêbado' remains the universal baseline that everyone understands regardless of age or region.

As meninas ficaram bêbadas depois de apenas duas taças de vinho.

In literature and music, particularly in Samba or Fado, the figure of the 'bêbado' is often romanticized or used as a tragic character—someone who drinks to forget a 'saudade' (longing) or a lost love. Thus, the word carries a weight of both social reality and cultural storytelling.

Metaphorical Use: Occasionally, you might hear someone say they are 'bêbado de sono' (drunk with sleep) or 'bêbado de felicidade' (drunk with happiness). This metaphorical usage mirrors English, indicating a state of disorientation or overwhelming emotion that mimics physical intoxication.

Acordei tão cedo que ainda me sinto bêbado de sono.

O torcedor estava bêbado de alegria com o gol do seu time no último minuto.

Using bêbado correctly requires attention to two main things: the verb that precedes it and the gender/number of the person being described. Unlike English where 'drunk' is static, Portuguese demands flexibility.

The Verb Choice: Estar vs. Ficar: To describe the state of being drunk right now, use estar. To describe the process of becoming drunk, use ficar. For example, 'Ele ficou bêbado' means 'He got drunk.'

Não beba mais, você já está bêbado.

Nós ficamos bêbados comemorando o aniversário dele ontem à noite.

When using it as a noun, it often follows an article or a demonstrative.

Noun Usage: 'O bêbado' refers to 'the drunk man.' It is common in jokes or stories. 'Aquele bêbado está gritando na rua' (That drunk man is shouting in the street).

Havia um bêbado sentado no banco da praça contando histórias engraçadas.

Agreement Rules: Singular Masculine: bêbado | Singular Feminine: bêbada | Plural Masculine: bêbados | Plural Feminine: bêbadas.

Cuidado! Tem muitos motoristas bêbados na estrada durante o feriado.

Ela não gosta de sair com ele porque ele sempre fica bêbado demais.

Another common construction is dirigir bêbado (to drive drunk). In legal contexts, you might see conduzir sob o efeito do álcool, but in conversation, people say 'Ele estava dirigindo bêbado.' It is important to note that the word is gender-neutral when referring to the general concept of a person, but strictly follows the subject's gender in specific descriptions. For instance, if you are talking about a woman, you must say 'Ela está bêbada.' Failing to change the ending is a common mistake for English speakers.

You will encounter bêbado in a variety of environments, from the high-energy streets of Salvador during Carnaval to a quiet neighborhood bar in Lisbon. It is a word that traverses all social classes. In news reports, you might hear it when journalists discuss traffic accidents: 'O motorista estava bêbado e causou o acidente.' However, the news often leans toward the more clinical 'embriagado' to maintain a professional distance.

In Music and Culture: Brazilian music, especially 'Sertanejo University' and 'Samba,' is full of references to being bêbado. Songs often tell stories of someone drinking away their sorrows in a 'boteco' (a simple bar). In these lyrics, being drunk is portrayed as a symptom of a broken heart.

Naquela música famosa, o cantor diz que está bêbado de saudade.

In social settings, friends might use it to tease each other. If someone says something particularly silly or stumbles slightly, a friend might ask, 'Você está bêbado?' even if no alcohol was consumed. It serves as a lighthearted insult or a way to point out unusual behavior.

Social Taboos: While social drinking is accepted, being 'o bêbado da festa' (the drunk of the party) is generally seen as negative. It implies a loss of 'compostura' (composure). In Portugal, the word is used with similar frequency, though you might also hear 'alcoolizado' in more formal or medical contexts.

Ninguém quer ser o bêbado inconveniente no casamento.

Eu não estou bêbado, só estou um pouco alegre.

In Portuguese literature, the 'bêbado' is a recurring archetype, representing the marginalized but often wise observer of society. From the works of Machado de Assis to modern Brazilian cinema, the character who is bêbado provides a lens through which truth is told without the filters of social etiquette. You will also see the word in warning signs or public service announcements, such as 'Se dirigir, não beba' (If you drive, don't drink), where the implication is to avoid becoming bêbado behind the wheel. The word is deeply embedded in the social fabric, capturing both the festive and the cautionary aspects of alcohol consumption.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word bêbado presents a few linguistic traps. The most frequent error is neglecting gender agreement. Because 'drunk' is the same for everyone in English, students often say 'Ela está bêbado,' which sounds jarring to a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Gender Agreement: Always match the ending to the subject. 'Ele está bêbado' (He is drunk), but 'Ela está bêbada' (She is drunk).

Minha irmã ficou bêbada na festa. (Correct)

Mistake 2: Confusing Bêbado with Bebido: 'Bebido' is the past participle of 'beber' (to drink), used in compound tenses like 'Eu tinha bebido' (I had drunk). 'Bêbado' is the adjective for the state of intoxication. You cannot say 'Eu estou bebido' to mean 'I am drunk.'

Eu tinha bebido muito, por isso fiquei bêbado.

Mistake 3: Pronunciation of the 'ê': The 'ê' in 'bêbado' is a closed vowel (like the 'e' in 'hey' but without the 'y' sound). Some learners pronounce it like the 'e' in 'bet,' which makes it sound more like 'bébado' (the European Portuguese spelling, actually, but even there the stress is specific). In Brazil, keep it closed and stressed on the first syllable.

O sotaque dele é estranho porque ele abre muito o 'e' de bêbado.

Another mistake is using 'bêbado' for non-alcoholic 'intoxication,' such as drug use. In Portuguese, if someone is under the influence of drugs, the word is 'chapado' (slang), 'drogado,' or 'sob o efeito de entorpecentes.' Using 'bêbado' exclusively implies alcohol. Finally, learners sometimes forget that bêbado can also be a noun. You can say 'O bêbado caiu,' meaning 'The drunk guy fell.' This is perfectly natural and common in storytelling.

The Portuguese language offers a wide array of synonyms for bêbado, each with its own level of formality and regional flavor. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Embriagado: This is the formal equivalent of 'bêbado.' It is used in legal documents, news reports, and formal conversations. It sounds more clinical and less judgmental. 'O condutor apresentava sinais de estar embriagado.'

Ele foi detido por dirigir embriagado.

Alto / Alegre: These terms correspond to 'tipsy' or 'buzzed.' 'Alto' (literally 'high') is very common in Brazil. 'Alegre' (literally 'happy') is a polite way to say someone has had a few drinks but isn't quite 'bêbado' yet.

Não estou bêbado, só estou um pouco alto.

Bebum / Cachaceiro: 'Bebum' is a colloquial and somewhat cute or dismissive term for a drunkard. 'Cachaceiro' is more specific and often harsher, referring to someone who drinks a lot of 'cachaça' (Brazilian sugarcane spirit) or is a chronic drinker.

Aquele bebum vive no bar da esquina.

Alcoolizado: Another formal term, often used when referring to the presence of alcohol in the system regardless of the outward behavior. 'Ele estava alcoolizado no momento do teste.'

O exame confirmou que ele estava alcoolizado.

Comparing these, 'bêbado' is the most versatile and descriptive for everyday life. If you want to be safe and polite, choose 'embriagado.' If you are with friends at a party, 'bêbado' or slang like 'mamado' will fit the vibe perfectly. Understanding these levels of intensity and formality is key to mastering Portuguese social dynamics.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The evolution from 'bibitus' to 'bêbado' shows common Portuguese phonetic shifts, like the 'i' to 'e' and the softening of 't' to 'd'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbe.bɐ.du/

US /ˈbeɪ.bə.doʊ/

Stressed on the first syllable: BÊ-ba-do.

Rhymes With

sábado lâmpada (partial) úmido (partial) pálido (partial) rápido (partial) nômade (partial) cómodo incômodo

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ê' like the 'e' in 'get' (it should be closed).
Stress on the second syllable (be-BA-do) instead of the first.
Forgetting to change to 'bêbada' for females.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'O' instead of a light 'u' sound.
Confusing the stress with 'bebido'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, often appears in dialogue.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement.

Speaking 3/5

The closed 'ê' and stress on the first syllable need practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

beber água vinho homem mulher estar

Learn Next

ressaca cerveja festa copo sóbrio

Advanced

embriaguez ébrio alcoolismo abstinência

Grammar to Know

Adjective Gender Agreement

O menino bêbado / A menina bêbada.

Adjective Number Agreement

Os homens bêbados / As mulheres bêbadas.

Ser vs Estar

Ele está bêbado (now) vs Ele é bêbado (habitual).

Placement of Adjectives

Um bêbado chato (A boring drunk) - usually after the noun.

Adverbial Modification

Ele está visivelmente bêbado.

Examples by Level

O homem está bêbado.

The man is drunk.

Uses 'estar' for a temporary state.

Ela não está bêbada.

She is not drunk.

Feminine agreement: 'bêbada'.

Eles estão bêbados?

Are they drunk?

Plural masculine agreement: 'bêbados'.

Eu bebi vinho e fiquei bêbado.

I drank wine and got drunk.

'Ficar' indicates a change of state.

O bêbado caiu na rua.

The drunk man fell in the street.

Used here as a noun.

Você está bêbado, João?

Are you drunk, João?

Direct address to a male.

Maria está um pouco bêbada.

Maria is a little drunk.

Adverb 'um pouco' modifies the adjective.

Não fale com o bêbado.

Don't talk to the drunk man.

Imperative negative + noun.

Ontem à noite, todos ficaram bêbados na festa.

Last night, everyone got drunk at the party.

Pretérito Perfeito of 'ficar'.

É perigoso dirigir bêbado.

It is dangerous to drive drunk.

Adjective describing the manner of driving.

Minha mãe fica bêbada com uma taça de champanhe.

My mother gets drunk with one glass of champagne.

Present tense indicating a habit/tendency.

O bêbado contou uma piada engraçada.

The drunk man told a funny joke.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

Nós não queremos ficar bêbados hoje.

We don't want to get drunk today.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Aquelas mulheres parecem bêbadas.

Those women seem drunk.

Plural feminine agreement: 'bêbadas'.

Ele sempre fica bêbado nos fins de semana.

He always gets drunk on weekends.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

Onde está o bêbado que estava aqui?

Where is the drunk man who was here?

Relative clause 'que estava aqui'.

Se ele estivesse bêbado, não estaria trabalhando.

If he were drunk, he wouldn't be working.

Imperfect Subjunctive + Conditional.

Ela se sentia bêbada de sono depois de viajar por 20 horas.

She felt drunk with sleep after traveling for 20 hours.

Metaphorical use with 'de sono'.

A polícia parou o carro porque o motorista parecia bêbado.

The police stopped the car because the driver seemed drunk.

Conjunction 'porque' explaining a reason.

Muitos artistas famosos morreram bêbados e sozinhos.

Many famous artists died drunk and alone.

Adjectives describing the state at the time of death.

Não é educado chamar alguém de bêbado em público.

It’s not polite to call someone a drunk in public.

Infinitive as subject; noun usage.

Apesar de estar bêbado, ele conseguiu chegar em casa.

Despite being drunk, he managed to get home.

Concession phrase 'Apesar de'.

Eu nunca vi meu pai bêbado na minha vida.

I have never seen my father drunk in my life.

Direct object complement.

Eles ficaram tão bêbados que esqueceram onde estacionaram.

They got so drunk that they forgot where they parked.

Consecutive clause 'tão... que'.

O autor descreve o protagonista como um bêbado melancólico.

The author describes the protagonist as a melancholy drunk.

Literary analysis context.

Duvido que ele fique bêbado com apenas duas cervejas.

I doubt he gets drunk with just two beers.

Present Subjunctive after 'duvidar'.

A lei é rigorosa com quem é pego dirigindo bêbado.

The law is strict with whoever is caught driving drunk.

Passive voice 'é pego'.

Ele agia como se estivesse bêbado, mas estava apenas cansado.

He acted as if he were drunk, but he was just tired.

Comparison 'como se' + Subjunctive.

A bebedeira foi tanta que ele acordou sem saber seu próprio nome.

The drinking bout was so much that he woke up not knowing his own name.

Related word 'bebedeira' (noun).

O bêbado da vila é, na verdade, um ex-professor de filosofia.

The village drunk is, in fact, a former philosophy professor.

Noun as subject with an appositive.

Ela estava bêbada de felicidade ao receber a notícia da promoção.

She was drunk with happiness upon receiving news of the promotion.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

É comum ver bêbados dormindo nas praças das grandes cidades.

It is common to see drunkards sleeping in the squares of big cities.

Plural noun used generically.

O discurso do político era tão desconexo que parecia o de um bêbado.

The politician's speech was so disconnected that it seemed like a drunkard's.

Comparison of speech styles.

A obra retrata a decadência de um homem consumido pelo vício, tornando-se um bêbado profissional.

The work portrays the decadence of a man consumed by vice, becoming a professional drunkard.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'decadência', 'consumido'.

Caso ele chegue bêbado novamente, será sumariamente demitido.

Should he arrive drunk again, he will be summarily dismissed.

Conditional 'Caso' + Subjunctive.

O realismo sujo da literatura contemporânea frequentemente foca na figura do bêbado marginalizado.

The dirty realism of contemporary literature frequently focuses on the figure of the marginalized drunk.

Academic/Literary register.

Não se pode ignorar o fato de que ele estava visivelmente bêbado durante a negociação.

One cannot ignore the fact that he was visibly drunk during the negotiation.

Impersonal 'se' + adverb 'visivelmente'.

A canção 'O Bêbado e a Equilibrista' é um marco da resistência cultural brasileira.

The song 'The Drunk and the Tightrope Walker' is a milestone of Brazilian cultural resistance.

Cultural reference.

Embora estivesse bêbado, sua lucidez em relação aos problemas sociais era impressionante.

Although he was drunk, his lucidity regarding social problems was impressive.

Concessive clause 'Embora'.

O estado de embriaguez profunda o impedia de articular qualquer raciocínio lógico.

The state of deep intoxication prevented him from articulating any logical reasoning.

Formal synonym 'embriaguez'.

A fenomenologia do 'ser bêbado' envolve uma alteração radical da percepção espaço-temporal.

The phenomenology of 'being drunk' involves a radical alteration of spatio-temporal perception.

Philosophical/Academic register.

O bardo, bêbado de versos e vinho, declamava sua dor para as estrelas indiferentes.

The bard, drunk on verses and wine, declaimed his pain to the indifferent stars.

Poetic/Archaic register.

Sua prosa, por vezes cambaleante como um bêbado, esconde uma estrutura métrica rigorosa.

His prose, at times staggering like a drunkard, hides a rigorous metrical structure.

Complex literary metaphor.

A distinção entre o ébrio ocasional e o bêbado inveterado é fundamental para a análise sociológica.

The distinction between the occasional drinker and the inveterate drunkard is fundamental for sociological analysis.

High-level vocabulary: 'ébrio', 'inveterado'.

Ele perambulava pelas ruelas fétidas, um bêbado anônimo em uma metrópole que nunca dorme.

He wandered through the fetid alleys, an anonymous drunk in a metropolis that never sleeps.

Descriptive narrative style.

A embriaguez do poder pode ser tão devastadora quanto a de um bêbado ao volante.

The intoxication of power can be as devastating as that of a drunk at the wheel.

Abstract sociopolitical metaphor.

O autor utiliza a voz do bêbado para proferir as verdades que a sociedade burguesa tenta ocultar.

The author uses the drunkard's voice to utter the truths that bourgeois society tries to hide.

Critical theory context.

Sob o efeito de uma bebedeira homérica, ele assinou documentos que selariam sua ruína financeira.

Under the effect of a Homeric binge, he signed documents that would seal his financial ruin.

Idiomatic 'bebedeira homérica' (massive binge).

Common Collocations

estar bêbado

ficar bêbado

completamente bêbado

dirigir bêbado

bêbado de sono

bêbado de alegria

muito bêbado

cair de bêbado

bêbado inconveniente

beber até ficar bêbado

Common Phrases

Voz de bêbado

— The slurred way a drunk person speaks.

Ele atendeu o telefone com voz de bêbado.

Passo de bêbado

— Staggering or walking unevenly.

Ele caminhava com passo de bêbado pela calçada.

História de bêbado

— A story that sounds unbelievable or nonsensical, like something a drunk person would say.

Não acredite nele, isso é história de bêbado.

Sono de bêbado

— A very deep, heavy sleep, often after drinking.

Ele dormiu um sono de bêbado e não ouviu o alarme.

Parecer um bêbado

— To act or look like a drunk person.

Sem os óculos, eu pareço um bêbado tentando andar.

O bêbado da festa

— The person who gets the most intoxicated at a social event.

Eu não quero ser o bêbado da festa desta vez.

Bêbado e feliz

— A common state of being drunk and having a good time.

Eles estavam lá, bêbados e felizes.

Cheirar a bêbado

— To smell like alcohol/someone who has been drinking.

O táxi estava cheirando a bêbado.

Papo de bêbado

— Nonsensical or repetitive conversation typical of intoxicated people.

Aquilo era puro papo de bêbado, não fazia sentido nenhum.

Bêbado de dar dó

— So drunk that it makes people feel pity for the person.

Coitado, ele estava bêbado de dar dó.

Often Confused With

bêbado vs bebido

Past participle of 'beber'. Used with 'ter' or 'haver'. Example: 'Eu tinha bebido'.

bêbado vs bebida

The noun meaning 'a drink'. Example: 'A bebida está gelada'.

bêbado vs beber

The verb 'to drink'. Example: 'Eu gosto de beber água'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bêbado como um gambá"

— Extremely drunk. In Brazil, 'gambá' (skunk) is the animal associated with heavy drinking.

Ele chegou em casa bêbado como um gambá.

informal

"Conversa para boi dormir"

— While not using the word 'bêbado', it's often used to describe the nonsense a drunk might say (tall tales).

Isso que ele disse é conversa para boi dormir.

informal

"Estar com o grão na asa"

— A Portuguese idiom meaning to be tipsy or slightly drunk.

Cuidado, ele já está com o grão na asa.

informal (Portugal)

"Tomar todas"

— To drink a lot (to take them all). Usually leads to being bêbado.

Ontem ele tomou todas e ficou mal.

slang

"Estar para lá de Bagdá"

— To be extremely drunk or out of it (very far away).

Depois da quinta dose, ele já estava para lá de Bagdá.

slang (Brazil)

"Cair de maduro"

— To be so drunk you can't stand up, literally 'falling because you are ripe'.

O rapaz estava caindo de maduro na porta da boate.

informal

"Encher a cara"

— To drink heavily (to fill the face).

Eles foram encher a cara no bar.

slang

"Estar com os copos"

— A common Portuguese way to say someone is drunk.

Ele não pode conduzir, está com os copos.

informal (Portugal)

"Dar um vexame"

— To make a scene, often because one is bêbado.

Ela ficou bêbada e deu um vexame no casamento.

informal

"Beber como uma esponja"

— To drink a lot of alcohol (to drink like a sponge).

Aquele homem bebe como uma esponja.

informal

Easily Confused

bêbado vs bebido

Sounds similar and relates to drinking.

Bebido is the action of drinking (past participle), while bêbado is the result (the state of being drunk).

Eu tinha bebido muito, por isso fiquei bêbado.

bêbado vs bebum

Both mean someone who is drunk.

Bebum is more colloquial, often used for a 'town drunk' or in a joking way. Bêbado is the standard term.

Aquele bebum está sempre no bar.

bêbado vs embriagado

They are synonyms.

Embriagado is formal and clinical; bêbado is everyday and can be blunt.

O laudo médico diz 'embriagado', mas o povo diz 'bêbado'.

bêbado vs tonto

Drunkenness causes dizziness.

Tonto means 'dizzy' in general (from spinning, being sick, etc.). Bêbado specifically implies alcohol.

Estou tonto porque rodei muito, não estou bêbado.

bêbado vs chapado

Both refer to intoxication.

Chapado is slang and usually refers to drugs (like marijuana), though it can occasionally be used for alcohol in some regions.

Ele está chapado de maconha, não bêbado.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] está bêbado.

O Pedro está bêbado.

[Subject] ficou bêbado na [Event].

Ela ficou bêbada na festa.

Se [Subject] estiver bêbado, [Result].

Se ele estiver bêbado, não pode entrar.

[Subject] parece estar bêbado de [Noun].

Você parece estar bêbado de sono.

Apesar de [Subject] estar bêbado, [Action].

Apesar de estar bêbado, ele falou a verdade.

O estado de [Noun] era tal que parecia um bêbado.

O estado de confusão era tal que parecia um bêbado.

Não [Verb] bêbado.

Não dirija bêbado.

O bêbado [Verb] no [Location].

O bêbado dormiu no banco.

Word Family

Nouns

bebedeira (binge)

bebum (drunkard)

bebida (drink)

bebedor (drinker)

embriaguez (intoxication)

Verbs

beber (to drink)

embebedar (to make someone drunk)

embebedar-se (to get oneself drunk)

bebericar (to sip)

Adjectives

bêbado

bebido (drunk - past participle)

beberrão (heavy drinker)

ébrio (literary drunk)

álcool

ressaca (hangover)

boteco

copo

vinho

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily speech and media.

Common Mistakes

Eu estou bebido. → Eu estou bêbado.
Bebido is the past participle (I have drunk), not the adjective for the state.
Ela está bêbado. → Ela está bêbada.
Adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun/subject.
Ele é bêbado. → Ele está bêbado.
Using 'ser' implies he is an alcoholic. Use 'estar' for the temporary state.
Eles estão bêbado. → Eles estão bêbados.
Adjectives must agree in number (plural).
Estou bêbado de cansaço. → Estou bêbado de sono.
While 'cansaço' is understood, 'bêbado de sono' is the fixed idiomatic expression.

Tips

Check the Ending

Always match 'bêbado' to the gender of the person. 'Ela bêbada', 'Ele bêbado'.

Use 'Estar'

Drinkenness is a state, not a trait. Use 'estar' unless you mean they are an alcoholic.

Closed E

Keep the first 'e' closed (like 'hey') for the Brazilian pronunciation.

Lei Seca

Be aware that 'dirigir bêbado' is a major social and legal taboo in modern Brazil.

Learn Slang

In Brazil, 'mamado' is very common among friends. Use it carefully!

Avoid Noun Usage

Calling someone 'um bêbado' is much harsher than saying they 'estão bêbados'.

Metaphorical Use

Use 'bêbado de sono' to describe extreme tiredness; it's very natural.

Be Polite

Use 'alegre' if you want to be discreet about someone's drinking.

Listen for 'u'

The final 'o' in 'bêbado' often sounds like a 'u' in natural speech.

Formal Contexts

In essays or reports, prefer 'embriagado' or 'sob influência de álcool'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BÊ-ba-do' trying to say the 'B-A-B-A' (alphabet) but failing because he's too drunk.

Visual Association

Imagine a person leaning against a bar counter that looks like the letter 'B' in 'bêbado'.

Word Web

beber bebida bar copo vinho cerveja ressaca embriagado

Challenge

Try to use 'bêbado', 'bêbada', 'bêbados', and 'bêbadas' in four different sentences today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'bibitus', which is the past participle of 'bibere' (to drink).

Original meaning: The original sense was simply 'having been drunk' or 'filled with drink'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'bêbado' to describe someone who might be suffering from a serious illness or disability that mimics intoxication. Also, be careful using it as a noun ('um bêbado') as it can be dehumanizing.

English speakers might find 'bêbado' more frequently used than 'drunk' is in some formal English contexts, but it carries similar weight.

Song: 'O Bêbado e a Equilibrista' by Elis Regina Movie: 'O Palhaço' (features drunk characters in a circus context) Book: 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas' by Machado de Assis

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a party

Você está bêbado?
Eu não quero ficar bêbado.
Ele já está bêbado.
Cuidado com o bêbado.

Driving

Não dirija bêbado.
Ele foi parado por dirigir bêbado.
Lei Seca.
Motorista bêbado.

In a bar

Tem um bêbado ali.
O bêbado quer outra cerveja.
Papo de bêbado.
Voz de bêbado.

Telling a joke

Tinha um bêbado...
O bêbado disse para o padre...
Era uma vez um bêbado...
Piada de bêbado.

Feeling tired

Estou bêbado de sono.
Acordei bêbado.
Pareço um bêbado de tanto cansaço.
Bêbada de sono.

Conversation Starters

"Você já viu alguém muito bêbado em um casamento?"

"O que você faz quando um amigo fica bêbado demais?"

"Você acha que é fácil identificar um bêbado na rua?"

"Qual é a melhor cura para quem está bêbado?"

"Você conhece a música 'O Bêbado e a Equilibrista'?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação engraçada envolvendo um bêbado (real ou fictícia).

Quais são os perigos de dirigir bêbado?

Como a sociedade vê o bêbado hoje em dia comparado ao passado?

Você já se sentiu 'bêbado de sono'? Como foi a sensação?

Escreva um pequeno diálogo entre um bêbado e um policial.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be. Like 'drunk' in English, calling someone a 'bêbado' to their face can be an insult. However, describing someone as 'estar bêbado' is usually just a statement of fact.

The feminine is 'bêbada'. For example: 'A Maria está bêbada'.

No, 'bêbado' specifically refers to alcohol. For drugs, use 'drogado' or 'chapado'.

You can say 'alto' (in Brazil), 'tocado' (in Portugal), or 'alegre' (polite/universal).

'Estar bêbado' means you are drunk right now. 'Ser bêbado' means you are an alcoholic or a person who is habitually drunk.

Yes: 'bêbados' (masculine/mixed) and 'bêbadas' (feminine).

In Portugal, it is often spelled 'bébado' and the first 'e' is more open than in Brazil.

It means to be so tired that you feel disoriented, like you are drunk.

It's a colloquial, slightly humorous or disparaging word for a drunk person.

Usually, news programs prefer 'embriagado' or 'alcoolizado', but 'bêbado' might appear in quotes or informal reporting.