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A1 adjective #1,500 most common 10 min read

Cheio

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Cheio in 30 Seconds

Explanation Cheio in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'cheio' is introduced as a basic descriptive adjective meaning 'full'. Beginners learn to use it primarily for physical objects and simple spaces. The focus is on understanding its opposite, 'vazio' (empty), and practicing basic gender and number agreement. You will learn to say simple phrases like 'o copo está cheio' (the glass is full) or 'a caixa está cheia' (the box is full). It is essential to grasp that adjectives in Portuguese change their endings to match the noun they describe. At this stage, you will mostly use it with the verb 'estar' to describe temporary states. Memorizing the four forms—cheio, cheia, cheios, cheias—is a crucial first step in building a solid foundation in Portuguese grammar.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'cheio' to include more complex sentences and everyday situations. You will start using the preposition 'de' to specify what a container is full of, forming phrases like 'cheio de água' (full of water) or 'cheia de livros' (full of books). The vocabulary broadens to describe crowded places, such as 'o ônibus está cheio' (the bus is full). You will also encounter basic idiomatic expressions, such as 'lua cheia' (full moon). The emphasis is on fluidly combining the adjective with prepositions and articles, recognizing contractions like 'do' and 'da' when appropriate. Consistent practice with gender agreement in slightly longer sentences is expected at this stage.

At the B1 level, the usage of 'cheio' becomes more abstract and metaphorical. Learners begin to express emotional states and abstract concepts, such as being 'cheio de alegria' (full of joy) or 'cheio de problemas' (full of problems). You will also learn common informal expressions, most notably 'estar de saco cheio' (to be fed up or annoyed). The ability to use synonyms like 'lotado' for crowded places is introduced to add variety to your vocabulary. At this intermediate stage, you should be comfortable using 'cheio' in various tenses, describing past situations ('estava cheio') or future expectations ('vai ficar cheio'), demonstrating a more nuanced understanding of the language's descriptive capabilities.

At the B2 level, students are expected to use 'cheio' and its synonyms with precision and natural fluency. You will understand subtle differences between 'cheio', 'lotado', 'repleto', and 'abarrotado', choosing the most appropriate word for the context. The word is used effortlessly in complex grammatical structures, including the subjunctive mood ('espero que não esteja cheio'). You will comprehend and utilize a wider range of idiomatic expressions and cultural references involving the word. At this upper-intermediate level, your descriptive language should be rich and varied, avoiding repetitive use of basic vocabulary and demonstrating a deep understanding of Portuguese syntax and colloquialisms.

At the C1 level, mastery of 'cheio' involves an intuitive grasp of its stylistic and literary applications. You will encounter the word in advanced reading materials, recognizing its metaphorical use in poetry, literature, and formal discourse. The ability to manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, such as emphasizing abundance or overwhelming emotion, is expected. You will seamlessly integrate complex expressions like 'prato cheio' (a great opportunity/subject) into sophisticated conversations. At this advanced stage, your use of the word is indistinguishable from an educated native speaker, demonstrating a profound awareness of register, tone, and the subtle connotations associated with its various synonyms and idiomatic pairings.

At the C2 level, the word 'cheio' is utilized with absolute mastery, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese language's historical and cultural depth. You are capable of analyzing its etymological roots and its evolution within different Lusophone dialects. Your vocabulary includes highly specialized or archaic uses of the word, and you can effortlessly navigate the most complex literary texts where the concept of fullness is explored metaphorically. At this near-native level of proficiency, you can play with the language, creating original metaphors or employing the word in highly nuanced, context-specific ways that demonstrate a complete and sophisticated command of Portuguese semantics and pragmatics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Cheio in 30 Seconds

Means 'full' or 'crowded'.
Changes to cheia, cheios, cheias.
Often used with 'de' (full of).
Opposite of 'vazio' (empty).

The Portuguese word cheio is a fundamental adjective that translates directly to the English word 'full'. It is used to describe a state where a container, space, or even a person's emotional capacity has reached its maximum limit and cannot hold any more. This word is incredibly versatile and is encountered daily in both spoken and written Portuguese across all dialects. Understanding how to use 'cheio' correctly is essential for any learner, as it applies to physical objects, physical spaces, and abstract concepts alike. When you want to say that a glass has no more room for water, you say it is 'cheio'. When a bus has no more seats or standing room, it is 'cheio'. Furthermore, it is used in various idiomatic expressions that convey feelings of frustration, satisfaction, or abundance. The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, resulting in four forms: cheio (masculine singular), cheia (feminine singular), cheios (masculine plural), and cheias (feminine plural). Let us explore the primary contexts in which this word is utilized by native speakers.

Physical Containers: Used to describe glasses, boxes, bags, or any receptacle that has reached its maximum capacity. For example, a water bottle that cannot take another drop.

O copo de água está completamente cheio.

Crowded Spaces: Applied to rooms, vehicles, streets, or venues that are packed with people or things. A restaurant with no available tables is described using this word.

O ônibus estava tão cheio que não consegui entrar.

Emotional or Abstract States: Used to express that someone is overwhelmed, fed up, or full of a particular emotion, such as joy, pride, or frustration.

Estou cheio de problemas para resolver hoje.

Ela sorriu, com o coração cheio de alegria.

A lua está cheia esta noite, iluminando todo o céu.

As you can see, the utility of this adjective extends far beyond simple physical descriptions. It permeates the language, allowing speakers to vividly describe their environment and their internal emotional landscapes. Whether you are talking about a full moon (lua cheia), a full plate of food (prato cheio), or being full of oneself (cheio de si), mastering this word will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and naturally in Portuguese. It is one of the first adjectives taught in any Portuguese curriculum because of its high frequency and undeniable importance in everyday conversation.

Using the word cheio in sentences requires a solid understanding of Portuguese grammar, specifically adjective-noun agreement and the correct use of prepositions. Because 'cheio' is an adjective, its ending must change to match the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun it is describing. Furthermore, when you want to say that something is full *of* something else, you must use the preposition 'de'. This combination, 'cheio de', is extremely common and forms the basis for many descriptive phrases. Let us break down the grammatical structure and explore various sentence patterns to ensure you can use this word confidently and accurately in any context.

Basic Adjective Agreement: The word changes to cheio (masc. sing.), cheia (fem. sing.), cheios (masc. pl.), or cheias (fem. pl.) depending on the subject.

Os baldes estão cheios de areia da praia.

Using with Preposition 'De': To indicate what a container is full of, always follow the adjective with the preposition 'de' (of).

A garrafa está cheia de suco de laranja.

Using with Verbs 'Estar' and 'Ficar': It is most commonly used with the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) to describe a current state, or 'ficar' (to become) to describe the process of filling up.

O teatro vai ficar cheio esta noite para a estreia.

As ruas estão cheias de carros durante a hora do rush.

Meu dia foi muito cansativo e estou cheio de sono.

By practicing these sentence structures, you will quickly develop an intuitive feel for how the word operates within the broader context of Portuguese syntax. Pay special attention to the gender of the nouns you are modifying. A common mistake for beginners is to default to the masculine singular form 'cheio' regardless of the noun. Always pause to consider whether the noun is feminine (like 'a casa' -> 'cheia') or plural (like 'os copos' -> 'cheios'). With consistent practice, these agreements will become second nature, allowing your spoken and written Portuguese to flow much more naturally and accurately.

The word cheio is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments. You will hear it in almost every conceivable setting, from casual conversations on the street to formal news broadcasts. Because the concept of 'fullness' is so universal, the word naturally finds its way into daily dialogue. Whether people are discussing the traffic, their meals, their schedules, or their emotional states, this adjective is the go-to descriptor. Understanding the common environments where this word is spoken will help you anticipate its use and comprehend native speakers more effectively. Let us explore some of the most frequent real-world contexts where you are guaranteed to encounter this essential vocabulary word.

At the Restaurant or Bar: Waiters will ask if your glass is full, or you might complain that the restaurant is too crowded to find a table.

Desculpe, mas o restaurante está completamente cheio agora.

Public Transportation: Commuters frequently use this word to describe the state of buses, trains, and subway cars during peak travel hours.

O metrô estava tão cheio que tive que esperar o próximo.

Expressing Frustration: In informal settings, people use it to express that they have lost their patience with a person or a recurring problem.

Já estou cheio dessas desculpas esfarrapadas.

A caixa de correio está cheia de contas para pagar.

O céu está cheio de estrelas maravilhosas hoje.

Beyond these specific scenarios, you will find the word in literature, music, and poetry, often used metaphorically to describe a heart full of love or a life full of adventures. Immersing yourself in Portuguese media—such as telenovelas, podcasts, and popular music—will expose you to the natural rhythm and placement of this word. Notice how native speakers seamlessly integrate it into their sentences, adjusting the gender and number without hesitation. This exposure is crucial for moving beyond textbook definitions and developing a true, intuitive grasp of the language's living vocabulary.

While cheio is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers learning Portuguese frequently make a few predictable errors when trying to use it. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation habits or a misunderstanding of Portuguese grammatical rules regarding gender agreement and prepositions. By identifying these common pitfalls early on, you can consciously avoid them and speak with much greater accuracy. Let us examine the most frequent errors learners make and how to correct them, ensuring your Portuguese sounds natural and grammatically sound.

Forgetting Gender Agreement: The most common mistake is using the masculine singular form 'cheio' for everything. Remember that adjectives must match the noun.

Incorrect: A piscina está cheio. Correct: A piscina está cheia.

Omitting the Preposition 'De': When saying something is full OF something, English speakers sometimes forget the 'de' or try to use 'com' (with) incorrectly.

Incorrect: O copo está cheio água. Correct: O copo está cheio de água.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar': Because fullness is usually a temporary state, the verb 'estar' is required. Using 'ser' implies a permanent characteristic.

Incorrect: O restaurante é cheio hoje. Correct: O restaurante está cheio hoje.

Atenção: As sacolas estão cheias de compras pesadas.

Ele ficou cheio de orgulho ao ver o filho se formar.

To overcome these common mistakes, active practice is required. Try writing out sentences describing the objects around you, consciously applying the rules of gender agreement and preposition usage. Describe a full cup of coffee, a full room, or a full schedule. By repeatedly constructing these sentences correctly, you will train your brain to bypass the English translation process and think directly in Portuguese grammatical structures. Over time, saying 'a garrafa está cheia de água' will feel just as natural as saying 'the bottle is full of water' in English.

While cheio is the most common and versatile word for 'full', the Portuguese language offers a rich variety of synonyms that can add nuance, precision, and flair to your vocabulary. Depending on the specific context—whether you are describing a crowded stadium, a lavish banquet, or a completely stuffed suitcase—choosing the right alternative can make your Portuguese sound much more advanced and native-like. Understanding these subtle differences is a key step in progressing from a beginner to an intermediate or advanced speaker. Let us explore some of the most useful alternatives and when it is appropriate to use them instead of the standard word.

Lotado: This word specifically means 'crowded' or 'packed to capacity'. It is almost exclusively used for spaces filled with people, like buses, concerts, or stadiums.

O estádio estava completamente lotado, mais do que apenas cheio.

Repleto: A more formal or literary synonym meaning 'replete' or 'abundantly full'. It is often used for abstract concepts or elegant descriptions.

O livro está repleto de belas ilustrações, não apenas cheio delas.

Abarrotado: This conveys the idea of being stuffed, crammed, or overflowing. It implies that something is full beyond its normal or comfortable capacity.

O armário estava abarrotado de roupas velhas, muito mais que cheio.

A mesa do banquete estava farta, oferecendo um prato cheio para todos.

A sala de aula estava apinhada de alunos, incrivelmente cheia.

By incorporating these synonyms into your vocabulary, you will be able to express yourself with much greater precision. While 'cheio' is perfectly acceptable in almost all situations, using 'lotado' for a crowded bus or 'repleto' for a sky full of stars demonstrates a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the Portuguese language. Practice substituting these alternatives in your daily sentences to see how they subtly alter the tone and imagery of your communication.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O auditório encontra-se completamente cheio para a palestra."

Neutral

"O restaurante está cheio hoje."

Informal

"Cara, esse ônibus tá muito cheio!"

Child friendly

"Olha, a piscina de bolinhas está cheia!"

Slang

"Tô de saco cheio dessa parada."

Fun Fact

The transformation of Latin 'pl' to Portuguese 'ch' is one of the most distinctive features that separates Portuguese from its close cousin, Spanish, which turned 'pl' into 'll' (plenus -> lleno).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃej.u/

US /ˈʃej.u/

CHEI-o (The stress is on the first syllable 'chei').

Rhymes With

Meio Feio Seio Veio Recreio Passeio Correio Freio

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ch' like the English 'ch' in 'chair'. In Portuguese, 'ch' always sounds like 'sh'.
Pronouncing the final 'o' as an 'oh' sound. It should be a soft 'oo' sound.
Separating the 'e' and 'i' into two distinct syllables. They form a single diphthong 'ei'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in written text.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement (cheio/cheia/cheios/cheias).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of 'ch' and the diphthong 'ei' requires slight practice for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in spoken sentences.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

O/A (The) Estar (To be) De (Of) Muito (Very) Copo (Glass)

Learn Next

Vazio (Empty) Lotado (Crowded) Encher (To fill) Farto (Abundant) Metade (Half)

Advanced

Repleto (Replete) Abarrotado (Crammed) Transbordar (To overflow) Saturado (Saturated) Plenitude (Fullness)

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

O copo cheio (masc. sing.) / A garrafa cheia (fem. sing.).

Preposition 'De' for Contents

Cheio DE água (Full OF water).

Contractions with 'De'

Cheio DO suco (Full of THE juice - de + o = do).

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'estar' for temporary fullness: O copo está cheio.

Pluralization of Adjectives

Os copos cheios (Add 's' to match plural noun).

Examples by Level

O copo está cheio.

The glass is full.

Masculine singular agreement with 'copo'.

A garrafa está cheia.

The bottle is full.

Feminine singular agreement with 'garrafa'.

Os pratos estão cheios.

The plates are full.

Masculine plural agreement with 'pratos'.

As caixas estão cheias.

The boxes are full.

Feminine plural agreement with 'caixas'.

O carro não está cheio.

The car is not full.

Negative sentence using 'não'.

A sala está muito cheia.

The room is very full.

Using the intensifier 'muito'.

O balde está cheio.

The bucket is full.

Basic descriptive sentence.

A mochila está cheia.

The backpack is full.

Everyday vocabulary application.

O copo está cheio de água.

The glass is full of water.

Introduction of preposition 'de'.

A rua está cheia de carros.

The street is full of cars.

Describing a crowded area.

O ônibus estava muito cheio ontem.

The bus was very full yesterday.

Using past tense 'estava'.

Hoje tem lua cheia.

Today there is a full moon.

Common natural phenomenon expression.

A cesta está cheia de frutas.

The basket is full of fruits.

Plural noun after 'de'.

O restaurante vai ficar cheio.

The restaurant is going to get full.

Future tense with 'vai ficar'.

Minha bolsa está cheia de coisas.

My bag is full of things.

General vocabulary expansion.

O teatro estava cheio de pessoas.

The theater was full of people.

Describing a venue.

Estou cheio de problemas para resolver.

I am full of problems to solve.

Abstract use for emotional/mental state.

Já estou de saco cheio dessa situação.

I am already fed up with this situation.

Common informal idiom 'saco cheio'.

A cidade ficou cheia de turistas no verão.

The city became full of tourists in the summer.

Using 'ficou' for a change of state.

Ele falou com a boca cheia.

He spoke with a full mouth.

Common behavioral phrase.

O céu estava cheio de estrelas brilhantes.

The sky was full of bright stars.

Descriptive language for nature.

Ela tem a agenda cheia esta semana.

She has a full schedule this week.

Metaphorical use for time management.

O balão está cheio de ar quente.

The balloon is full of hot air.

Scientific/physical description.

Espero que o trem não esteja cheio.

I hope the train is not full.

Introduction to subjunctive 'esteja'.

O texto está cheio de erros ortográficos.

The text is full of spelling errors.

Academic/professional context.

É um prato cheio para os críticos de arte.

It is a feast for art critics.

Idiom 'prato cheio' meaning a great opportunity.

A sala de conferências estava completamente cheia.

The conference room was completely full.

Using adverbs of degree 'completamente'.

Ele é um homem muito cheio de si.

He is a man very full of himself.

Idiom 'cheio de si' meaning arrogant.

A gaveta estava cheia de documentos antigos.

The drawer was full of old documents.

Detailed descriptive narrative.

Mesmo de barriga cheia, ele continuou comendo.

Even with a full belly, he kept eating.

Expression 'barriga cheia'.

O mercado estava tão cheio que mal podíamos andar.

The market was so full that we could barely walk.

Complex sentence with consequence clause.

A história está cheia de reviravoltas inesperadas.

The story is full of unexpected twists.

Literary description.

Aquele discurso foi repleto de promessas vazias, embora o salão estivesse cheio.

That speech was full of empty promises, although the hall was full.

Contrasting synonyms and concepts.

O mercado imobiliário está cheio de armadilhas para os incautos.

The real estate market is full of traps for the unwary.

Advanced metaphorical usage.

Ela vive uma vida cheia, repleta de viagens e aventuras.

She lives a full life, replete with travels and adventures.

Stylistic repetition for emphasis.

O baú, cheio de relíquias de família, foi finalmente aberto.

The trunk, full of family heirlooms, was finally opened.

Apposition clause structure.

A atmosfera estava cheia de uma tensão palpável.

The atmosphere was full of a palpable tension.

Describing intangible concepts.

É preciso ter as mãos cheias para lidar com essa responsabilidade.

One must have their hands full to deal with this responsibility.

Idiomatic expression in a formal context.

O relatório chegou cheio de ressalvas e condições.

The report arrived full of caveats and conditions.

Business/formal vocabulary.

A praça, outrora cheia de vida, agora jazia abandonada.

The square, once full of life, now lay abandoned.

Literary narrative style.

A retórica do político, cheia de sofismas, não convenceu o eleitorado.

The politician's rhetoric, full of sophisms, did not convince the electorate.

Highly advanced vocabulary and critical analysis.

O romance é um prato cheio de alegorias sobre a condição humana.

The novel is a feast of allegories about the human condition.

Complex literary critique.

Encontrava-se com o coração cheio de um júbilo indescritível.

He found himself with a heart full of an indescribable jubilation.

Poetic and elevated emotional description.

A sala atulhada de móveis antigos parecia mais do que simplesmente cheia; era sufocante.

The room cluttered with old furniture seemed more than simply full; it was suffocating.

Nuanced distinction between synonyms.

O debate acadêmico estava cheio de nuances epistemológicas.

The academic debate was full of epistemological nuances.

Highly specialized academic context.

Ele assumiu o cargo cheio de ímpeto reformista.

He took office full of reformist impetus.

Formal journalistic or historical register.

A sinfonia, cheia de contrapontos complexos, exigia virtuosismo.

The symphony, full of complex counterpoints, demanded virtuosity.

Technical artistic description.

A legislação atual está cheia de lacunas jurídicas que precisam ser sanadas.

Current legislation is full of legal loopholes that need to be remedied.

Advanced legal/formal terminology.

Common Collocations

Copo cheio

Mão cheia

Prato cheio

Lua cheia

Saco cheio

Barriga cheia

Boca cheia

Cheio de si

Agenda cheia

Cheio de graça

Common Phrases

Estar cheio

— To be full (container) or to be full/satiated (after eating).

Não quero mais comer, já estou cheio.

Ficar cheio

— To become full or crowded.

O bar vai ficar cheio mais tarde.

Cheio de vida

— Full of life, energetic and vibrant.

A criança é muito saudável e cheia de vida.

Cheio de razão

— Completely right or justified in an argument.

Você está cheio de razão nessa discussão.

Cheio das manhas

— Full of tricks or very skilled/cunning (informal).

Aquele jogador é cheio das manhas.

Ver o copo meio cheio

— To be optimistic; to see the glass half full.

Tente ver o copo meio cheio nesta situação.

Aos cheios

— In large quantities or abundantly (less common).

A água jorrava aos cheios.

Cheio de surpresas

— Full of surprises.

A vida é cheia de surpresas.

Cheio de dívidas

— Full of debt; heavily indebted.

A empresa faliu porque estava cheia de dívidas.

Cheio de esperança

— Full of hope.

Começamos o ano novo cheios de esperança.

Often Confused With

Cheio vs Lotação

Lotação is a noun meaning 'capacity' or a specific type of shared transport, whereas cheio is an adjective.

Cheio vs Vazio

Vazio is the exact opposite (empty). Beginners sometimes mix up the two basic state adjectives.

Cheio vs Farto

Farto means abundant or fed up. While similar to 'saco cheio', 'farto' is slightly more formal.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar de saco cheio"

— To be completely fed up, annoyed, or out of patience with something or someone.

Estou de saco cheio das suas mentiras.

Informal/Slang

"Ser um prato cheio"

— To be a great opportunity, a feast, or perfect material for something (often gossip or criticism).

A festa foi um prato cheio para os fofoqueiros.

Informal

"De mão cheia"

— Excellent, highly skilled, or top-notch at a specific profession or activity.

Ele é um marceneiro de mão cheia.

Neutral

"Chorar de barriga cheia"

— To complain when one actually has a good situation; to be ungrateful.

Você tem um ótimo emprego, está chorando de barriga cheia.

Informal

"Cheio de si"

— Arrogant, conceited, or full of oneself.

Aquele ator é muito cheio de si.

Neutral

"Comer a bochechas cheias"

— To eat greedily or with great appetite.

As crianças comiam o bolo a bochechas cheias.

Informal

"Estar pelos cabelos (cheio)"

— To be extremely stressed or overwhelmed (similar to having it up to here).

Estou cheio de trabalho, pelos cabelos!

Informal

"Mãos cheias de nada"

— Having achieved nothing despite effort; empty-handed.

Trabalhou o dia todo e voltou com as mãos cheias de nada.

Literary/Poetic

"Cheio de nove horas"

— Someone who is overly fussy, complicated, or full of unnecessary rules/complaints.

Não gosto de trabalhar com ele, é muito cheio de nove horas.

Informal/Regional

"Dar o prato cheio"

— To give someone exactly what they want or need to succeed or to cause trouble.

O erro do goleiro deu o prato cheio para o atacante.

Informal

Easily Confused

Cheio vs Cheiro

Spelling and pronunciation are very similar (only one letter difference: r vs i).

'Cheiro' means 'smell' or 'scent', while 'cheio' means 'full'.

O cheiro da comida é bom. O prato está cheio.

Cheio vs Feio

Rhymes perfectly with cheio.

'Feio' means 'ugly', while 'cheio' means 'full'.

O monstro é feio. O copo está cheio.

Cheio vs Meio

Rhymes perfectly and is also an adjective/adverb of quantity.

'Meio' means 'half' or 'middle', while 'cheio' means 'full'.

O copo está meio cheio (half full).

Cheio vs Ceio

Looks similar, differs by first letter.

'Ceio' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'cear' (to have supper).

Eu ceio tarde. O prato está cheio.

Cheio vs Cheia

It is the feminine form, but also a noun.

As a noun, 'a cheia' means 'the flood' or 'high tide'. As an adjective, it means 'full' (feminine).

A cheia do rio destruiu casas. A garrafa está cheia.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] + está + cheio/a.

A caixa está cheia.

[Noun] + está + cheio/a + de + [Noun].

A caixa está cheia de livros.

[Subject] + ficou + cheio/a + de + [Emotion].

Ele ficou cheio de raiva.

Estar + de + saco cheio + de + [Noun/Verb].

Estou de saco cheio de esperar.

Tão + cheio/a + que + [Result].

Estava tão cheio que fomos embora.

[Noun] + é + um prato cheio + para + [Noun].

Isso é um prato cheio para a mídia.

Repleto/Cheio + de + [Abstract Noun].

Um discurso cheio de contradições.

Apesar de + [Noun] + estar + cheio/a...

Apesar de o salão estar cheio, havia silêncio.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High. Top 500 most used words in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

A garrafa está cheio. → A garrafa está cheia.
Failing to match the feminine noun 'garrafa' with the feminine adjective 'cheia'.
O copo está cheio água. → O copo está cheio de água.
Omitting the necessary preposition 'de' when stating what the container is full of.
O restaurante é cheio hoje. → O restaurante está cheio hoje.
Using the permanent verb 'ser' instead of the temporary verb 'estar' for a state that changes.
Estou cheio com você. → Estou de saco cheio de você.
Directly translating 'I am full with you' (fed up). The correct idiom is 'estar de saco cheio de'.
A sala está cheia das pessoas. → A sala está cheia de pessoas.
Unnecessarily using the definite article (das) when referring to people in general. Just 'de' is sufficient.

Tips

Gender Match

Always look at the last letter of the noun. If it ends in 'a' (like garrafa), you probably need 'cheia'. If it ends in 'o' (like copo), use 'cheio'.

Saco Cheio

Learn the phrase 'estar de saco cheio'. It is used daily by Brazilians to express annoyance. It makes you sound very natural.

The 'SH' Sound

Never pronounce the 'ch' like in the English word 'chair'. Always use the soft 'sh' sound, like in 'shoe'.

Don't Forget 'De'

English speakers often forget the preposition. It is never 'cheio água', it must always be 'cheio DE água'.

After a Meal

If someone offers you more food and you are full, simply pat your stomach and say 'Obrigado, já estou cheio'.

Full Moon

The term for full moon is 'lua cheia'. It's a great, simple phrase to practice the feminine agreement.

Use Lotado for Buses

While 'o ônibus está cheio' is correct, saying 'o ônibus está lotado' sounds much more native when complaining about traffic.

Estar vs Ser

Stick to the verb 'estar' (está, estava, esteve) when using this word. Containers and crowds change state constantly.

Cheio de Graça

This means 'full of grace' in religious contexts, but informally it can mean someone who is trying to be funny or is full of jokes.

Plural Forms

Don't forget the 's' for plural nouns. 'As caixas estão cheias'. Both the verb and the adjective must be plural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a glass of water that is so full you have to say 'SHAY! Oh no!' as it spills. 'Shay-oh' sounds like 'Cheio'.

Visual Association

Visualize a giant, bloated balloon ready to pop. Written across the balloon in big, bold letters is the word CHEIO.

Word Web

Cheio Copo (glass) Água (water) Ônibus (bus) Pessoas (people) Saco (bag) Vazio (empty) Encher (to fill)

Challenge

Look around the room you are in right now. Find three things that are full (a trash can, a cup, a bookshelf) and say out loud: 'O [item] está cheio' or 'A [item] está cheia'.

Word Origin

The word 'cheio' originates from the Latin word 'plenus', which also means full. Over centuries of linguistic evolution in the Iberian Peninsula, the initial 'pl-' consonant cluster in Latin often transformed into the 'ch-' sound in Portuguese. This is a common phonetic shift, seen in other words like 'plorare' becoming 'chorar' (to cry) and 'pluvia' becoming 'chuva' (rain).

Original meaning: In Latin, 'plenus' meant completely filled, lacking nothing, or abundant.

Romance languages (descended from Vulgar Latin). It shares roots with Spanish 'lleno', French 'plein', and Italian 'pieno'.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivity issues with this word. However, telling someone they are 'cheio de si' (full of themselves) is an insult.

English speakers use 'full' for both containers and feeling satiated after eating. Portuguese uses 'cheio' exactly the same way, making it a very intuitive direct translation.

The song 'Cheia de Manias' by the Brazilian pagode group Raça Negra is a massive cultural anthem. The traditional Catholic prayer 'Ave Maria' begins with 'Ave Maria, cheia de graça' (Hail Mary, full of grace). The phrase 'O Auto da Compadecida', a famous Brazilian play, features characters who are 'cheios de artimanhas' (full of tricks).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Describing food and drink containers.

Copo cheio
Garrafa cheia
Prato cheio
Cheio de água

Talking about public transportation.

Ônibus cheio
Metrô cheio
Trem cheio
Ficar cheio

Expressing frustration or annoyance.

Saco cheio
Cheio disso
Cheio de problemas
Paciência cheia

Describing the night sky or nature.

Lua cheia
Céu cheio de estrelas
Árvore cheia
Maré cheia

Describing emotional states.

Cheio de alegria
Cheio de orgulho
Coração cheio
Cheio de esperança

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o restaurante vai estar cheio hoje à noite?"

"Você prefere ver o copo meio cheio ou meio vazio?"

"Do que você está de saco cheio ultimamente?"

"A lua está cheia hoje, você viu?"

"Seu dia foi muito cheio de trabalho?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um dia em que sua agenda estava completamente cheia.

Descreva um momento em que seu coração ficou cheio de alegria.

O que faz você ficar de 'saco cheio' rapidamente?

Descreva a sua geladeira agora. Ela está cheia de quê?

Como você se sente quando o ônibus ou metrô está muito cheio?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You almost always use 'estar' because being full is a temporary state. For example, 'O copo está cheio' (The glass is full). You would only use 'ser' for permanent figurative traits, like 'Ele é cheio de si' (He is full of himself).

You use the preposition 'de' after the adjective. For example, 'cheio de água' means 'full of water'. Remember that 'de' can contract with articles, becoming 'do', 'da', 'dos', or 'das'.

It is a very common informal idiom that literally translates to 'full bag'. It means to be completely fed up, annoyed, or out of patience with a situation or person.

Yes, in two main ways. Literally, it means you are full after eating ('Estou cheio'). Figuratively, it can mean you are overwhelmed with an emotion ('cheio de alegria') or fed up ('cheio de problemas').

They are synonyms, but 'lotado' is specifically used for places that are packed to their absolute maximum capacity with people, like a sold-out concert or a packed bus. 'Cheio' is more general.

Because 'cheio' is an adjective, and in Portuguese, adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun they modify. Copo cheio, garrafa cheia.

In Portuguese, 'ch' is always pronounced like the English 'sh'. So 'cheio' sounds like 'shay-oh'.

The direct opposite is 'vazio', which means empty. Like cheio, it also changes endings to match the noun (vazio, vazia, vazios, vazias).

Literally 'full plate', it is an idiom used to describe a situation that provides a great opportunity or abundant material for something, often used when talking about gossip or news.

Absolutely. You can have a 'coração cheio' (full heart), a 'vida cheia' (full life), or be 'cheio de dúvidas' (full of doubts). It is highly versatile.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The glass is full of water' in Portuguese.

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

Match copo (masc) with cheio, use de.