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B1 adjective 12 min read

escaso

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips escaso in 30 Seconds

Explanation escaso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'escaso' as a more advanced way to say 'pouco' (little/few). You probably won't use it much yourself yet, but you might see it in simple news headlines or on signs. It simply means there isn't much of something. For now, focus on the fact that it changes to 'escassa' for feminine things like 'água' (water) or 'comida' (food). If you see 'escaso', just remember it means 'not much' or 'not enough'. It's like when you have only a little bit of juice left in the bottle—that juice is 'escaso'. You might hear a teacher say 'O tempo é escaso' when you have only one minute left to finish a test. This level is all about recognizing the word and knowing it's about a small amount. Don't worry about using it in complex sentences yet. Just try to spot it when you read simple texts or listen to basic news reports. It's a good word to know because it's used a lot in adult conversations, even if it feels a bit formal for a beginner.

At the A2 level, you should start to understand that 'escaso' is more formal than 'pouco'. You might use it when you want to sound a bit more serious. For example, instead of saying 'Tenho pouco tempo' (I have little time), you could say 'O meu tempo é escaso' to emphasize that you are really busy. You should also be comfortable with the plural forms: 'escasos' and 'escassas'. You will start to see this word in descriptions of places, like saying a desert has 'chuva escassa' (scarce rain) or a poor region has 'recursos escasos' (scarce resources). This is a great word to use in your simple writing assignments to show you have a growing vocabulary. It helps you move away from using the same basic words over and over again. Remember to always check the gender of the noun you are describing. If you are talking about 'oportunidades' (opportunities), you must use 'escassas'. Practice making simple sentences with common nouns like 'dinheiro' (money), 'tempo' (time), and 'água' (water).

By B1, you are expected to use 'escaso' correctly in a variety of contexts. You should understand that it doesn't just mean 'little', but 'insufficient for the need'. This is a key distinction. You will use it to discuss social issues, environmental problems, or work-related constraints. For example, 'A oferta de emprego é escassa para tantos candidatos' (The job supply is scarce for so many candidates). You should also be able to recognize it in more formal listening materials, like podcasts about the economy or nature documentaries. At this level, you can also start using it with adverbs like 'muito' or 'extremamente' to show degree. You might also encounter the noun form 'escassez' (scarcity) and should know how to use them together. For instance, 'A escassez de recursos torna tudo mais difícil' (The scarcity of resources makes everything harder). This is a 'bridge' word that helps you move from basic communication to more professional or academic Portuguese. It's very common in business meetings when talking about budgets or deadlines.

At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'escaso'. You can use it to create specific tones in your writing—choosing it over 'insuficiente' or 'raro' to convey the right meaning. You should be familiar with its use in professional and academic settings, such as 'bibliografia escassa' (scant bibliography) or 'evidências escassas' (scarce evidence). You can also use it in more abstract ways, such as describing someone's 'escassa paciência' (scant patience) or 'escasso talento' (meager talent). You should be comfortable with the word's placement in a sentence, knowing that placing it before the noun ('escasos recursos') adds a literary or emphatic touch. At this stage, you should also be able to compare 'escaso' with its synonyms like 'parco' or 'exíguo' and explain why one might be better than the other in a given context. Your ability to use 'escaso' naturally in a debate or a formal presentation is a sign of your advancing proficiency. You should also be able to understand idiomatic expressions or set phrases that use the word.

At the C1 level, 'escaso' is a tool for precision and stylistic flair. You use it effortlessly in complex discussions about economics, sociology, or literature. You understand the subtle difference between 'um escasso número de pessoas' (a meager number of people) and 'um pequeno número de pessoas', where the former implies a sense of disappointment or inadequacy. You are familiar with literary uses where 'escaso' might describe light, sound, or even emotions. You can use the superlative form 'escassíssimo' for rhetorical effect. You also recognize and can use the word in fixed expressions like 'por escassa margem' (by a narrow margin). Your reading comprehension should be high enough to catch the irony when a writer uses 'escaso' to describe something that should be abundant, like 'o escasso bom senso dos políticos'. You can write formal reports where 'escaso' is used to justify conclusions based on limited data. At this level, the word is fully integrated into your high-level vocabulary, and you can manipulate its position and modifiers to achieve specific communicative goals.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'escaso'. You use it with the same ease and variety as a native speaker with a high level of education. You are sensitive to the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has been used in classic Portuguese literature, from Camões to modern authors. You can use it to create complex metaphors or to provide precise scientific descriptions. You understand the rhythm and flow it adds to a sentence, often using it to balance a clause or to provide a sharp, descriptive ending. You can distinguish between the most minute differences in meaning between 'escaso', 'exíguo', 'míngua', and 'parco', choosing the perfect word for the specific register and tone of your discourse. Whether you are writing a philosophical essay, a legal brief, or a piece of creative fiction, 'escaso' is one of many tools you use to express the concept of limitation with absolute clarity and stylistic sophistication. You also understand how the word's usage might vary slightly between different Lusophone countries and can adapt your speech accordingly.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

escaso in 30 Seconds

Escaso means scarce or insufficient in quantity.
It changes to escassa, escasos, and escassas based on the noun.
It is a formal word often used for resources like time and money.
It differs from 'raro' because it focuses on lack rather than uniqueness.

The Portuguese adjective escaso (and its feminine form escassa) is a sophisticated yet essential word that describes a state of insufficiency or shortage. At its core, it refers to something that exists in a quantity that is not enough to meet the demand or the expected standard. While English speakers might immediately think of 'scarce,' the word 'escaso' covers a broader range of nuances in Portuguese, ranging from economic scarcity to a lack of abstract qualities like patience or talent. Understanding 'escaso' requires moving beyond the simple concept of 'little' (pouco) and entering the realm of 'deficiency.' When you say something is 'escaso,' you are often implying a negative consequence or a challenge arising from that lack. For example, in environmental contexts, you will frequently hear about 'água escassa' (scarce water), which carries a weight of urgency that 'pouca água' (little water) might lack.

Economic Context: In economics, 'escaso' is the standard term used to describe resources that are limited. It is the foundation of the 'lei da escassez' (law of scarcity), which dictates how value is assigned to goods and services. If a product is 'escaso,' its price naturally rises. This usage is common in financial news and academic writing.

Durante a crise, o combustível tornou-se extremamente escaso em todo o país.

Temporal Context: When referring to time, 'escaso' suggests a tight schedule or a lack of opportunity. 'Tempo escasso' is a common complaint among professionals and students alike. It implies that the time available is barely enough to complete the necessary tasks, creating a sense of pressure.

As oportunidades de emprego são escassas nesta região remota.

Abstract Qualities: Beyond physical items, 'escaso' can describe a lack of virtues or human traits. One might say 'o bom senso é escasso' (common sense is scarce) to criticize a situation. This adds a layer of irony or gravity to the observation, making it more impactful than simply saying someone lacks something.

In daily conversation, 'escaso' is more common in Portugal than in some regions of Brazil, where 'pouco' or 'raro' might be used more frequently in informal settings. However, in any formal or professional Portuguese environment—be it a business meeting in São Paulo or a lecture in Lisbon—'escaso' is the preferred term for precision. It conveys a sense of limit that is measurable and significant. For instance, if a chef says 'os ingredientes são escassos,' they are warning that the menu might need to change. If a historian says 'os documentos daquela época são escassos,' they are explaining why certain facts are unknown.

A luz era escassa dentro da caverna, dificultando a visão.

Temos recursos escasos para finalizar este projeto acadêmico.

Finally, 'escaso' is often used in literature to create a mood of austerity or hardship. Writers use it to describe barren landscapes, impoverished lives, or fleeting moments of joy. Its phonetic structure, with the sharp 's' and 'c' sounds, mirrors the sharpness of the lack it describes. By mastering 'escaso,' you gain a tool to describe not just the world as it is, but the world in its limitations.

Using escaso correctly involves paying close attention to the noun it modifies and the degree of scarcity you wish to convey. Because it is an adjective, it must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun. This is one of the first hurdles for English speakers, as 'scarce' does not change form. In Portuguese, you must remember the four variants: escaso, escassa, escasos, escassas.

Agreement with Feminine Nouns: When describing feminine nouns like 'oferta' (offer/supply) or 'chuva' (rain), use 'escassa'. This is vital for grammatical accuracy. For example, 'A chuva foi escassa este ano' (Rain was scarce this year).

A produção de trigo foi escassa devido à seca prolongada.

Agreement with Plural Nouns: If you are talking about multiple things, such as 'recursos' (resources) or 'provas' (evidence), use 'escasos' or 'escassas'. This emphasizes the collective shortage. 'Os recursos naturais são escasos' (Natural resources are scarce).

Existem apenas provas escassas sobre a existência daquela civilização.

Describing Quantities: 'Escaso' can also be used to mean 'meager' or 'small in amount.' For instance, 'um escasso número de pessoas' (a meager number of people). Here, it acts almost as a quantifier, highlighting that the number is lower than expected or desired.

Ele sobreviveu com um escaso salário durante meses.

As informações sobre o novo vírus ainda são escassas.

In more complex sentences, 'escaso' can be modified by adverbs like 'extremamente', 'muito', or 'bastante' to intensify the meaning. 'O tempo é extremamente escasso' (Time is extremely scarce). This is particularly useful in persuasive writing or when stressing the importance of efficiency. Furthermore, 'escaso' can be used in the superlative form 'escassíssimo' for maximum emphasis, though this is less common and quite formal. Another interesting use case is in the phrase 'por escasso' or 'por escassa margem,' meaning 'by a narrow margin.' For example, 'Ele ganhou a eleição por uma escassa margem de votos' (He won the election by a narrow margin of votes). This usage shifts the focus from quantity to the gap between success and failure.

Com escasos recursos, eles conseguiram construir uma escola na aldeia.

By practicing these different structures, you will find that 'escaso' is a versatile tool for describing limitations in many areas of life, from the kitchen to the boardroom.

To hear the word escaso in its natural habitat, you should look toward formal communication channels. It is a staple of news broadcasts, particularly when journalists discuss the economy, the environment, or public health. In a report about a drought in the Brazilian Northeast, you will undoubtedly hear the phrase 'recursos hídricos escassos' (scarce water resources). In Portugal, during discussions about the state budget, politicians might debate 'verbas escassas' (scarce funds) for education or health.

News and Journalism: Journalists use 'escaso' to provide an objective yet serious tone to their reporting. It sounds more professional than saying things are 'small' or 'few'. You'll see it in headlines like 'Alimentos escassos após o furacão' (Food scarce after the hurricane).

O telejornal informou que os leitos de hospital são escasos na capital.

Academic and Scientific Discourse: In universities, researchers use 'escaso' to describe a lack of data or evidence. A professor might say, 'A bibliografia sobre este tema é escassa,' meaning there aren't many books or articles written about it. This is a common way to justify the need for new research.

Naquela região, a vegetação é escassa devido ao solo árido.

Business and Finance: In a corporate setting, 'escaso' is used to talk about budgets, manpower, or raw materials. A manager might tell their team, 'Temos um prazo escasso para este projeto,' indicating that time is a major constraint.

O investidor notou que o capital de risco está escaso no mercado atual.

In literature and poetry, 'escaso' takes on a more evocative role. It can describe a 'luz escassa' (dim light) in a noir novel or the 'escassos momentos de paz' (few moments of peace) in a war story. In these contexts, the word helps to build an atmosphere of tension or longing. You might also hear it in high-end culinary contexts, where a chef might describe a rare ingredient as 'um produto de oferta escassa,' justifying its high price.

As chuvas foram escassas, prejudicando a colheita de café.

A paciência do professor estava cada vez mais escassa com o barulho.

In summary, while you might not use 'escaso' every five minutes in a casual chat with friends, it is the word of choice whenever you need to speak seriously about limitations. It is prevalent in media, academia, and professional environments, making it a vital addition to your vocabulary if you wish to understand Portuguese-speaking society at a deeper level.

Even for intermediate learners, escaso can be a source of common errors. Most of these mistakes stem from either grammatical agreement issues or semantic confusion with similar words like 'raro' or 'pouco.' Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the confidence of a native speaker.

Gender and Number Agreement: The most frequent mistake is failing to change 'escaso' to match the noun. Since English adjectives are invariable, learners often forget that 'água' requires 'escassa' and 'recursos' requires 'escasos'. Saying 'água escaso' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Errado: A comida é escaso. Correto: A comida é escassa.

Confusing 'Escaso' with 'Raro': While both words deal with limited quantity, 'raro' means 'uncommon' or 'rare,' whereas 'escaso' means 'insufficient' or 'short in supply.' A diamond is 'raro' (it's hard to find), but water in a desert is 'escassa' (there isn't enough of it for what is needed). Using 'raro' when you mean 'insufficient' can lead to confusion.

Overusing 'Escaso' in Informal Situations: While not grammatically wrong, using 'escaso' in a very casual setting (like telling a friend you have little money for a beer) can sound overly dramatic or stuffy. In those cases, 'estou sem dinheiro' or 'tenho pouco dinheiro' is more natural.

Inadequado: O sal está escaso na mesa. Mais natural: Tem pouco sal na mesa.

Errado: Os dias são escassa. Correto: Os dias são escasos.

Another mistake is the placement of the adjective. While Portuguese is flexible, 'escaso' usually sounds best after the noun. Placing it before ('escasos recursos') is correct but changes the emphasis to a more literary or emotional one. Beginners should stick to the post-noun position until they feel comfortable with the stylistic nuances. Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'escaso' with 'escassez' (the noun form, meaning 'scarcity'). You cannot say 'A escassez água,' you must say 'A escassez de água' (The scarcity of water) or 'A água escassa' (The scarce water). Mixing up the noun and adjective forms is a common grammatical slip.

A escassez de chuvas tornou o pasto escaso.

By keeping these points in mind—agreement, semantic nuance, register, and spelling—you will avoid the most common traps and use 'escaso' like a pro.

To truly master escaso, you need to know how it compares to its synonyms and which word to choose in specific situations. Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for describing 'not enough,' and each word carries its own flavor.

Escaso vs. Insuficiente: 'Insuficiente' is perhaps the closest synonym. However, 'insuficiente' is often more technical and relates to a specific requirement. If you need 10 liters of water and only have 5, it is 'insuficiente.' 'Escaso' has a more general sense of being in short supply across a system or region.

O orçamento é insuficiente para cobrir os custos, pois os fundos são escasos.

Escaso vs. Parco: 'Parco' is a more literary and formal word. It often describes something that is small in quantity but also suggests a sense of frugality or restraint. You might describe a 'parca refeição' (a meager/frugal meal). 'Escaso' is more about the objective lack, while 'parco' can imply a choice or a character trait.

Escaso vs. Exíguo: 'Exíguo' is another high-level synonym. It specifically refers to something that is extremely small or minute. While 'escaso' focuses on the shortage, 'exíguo' focuses on the tiny size. You might have an 'exíguo espaço' (a tiny space) or an 'exíguo prazo' (a very short deadline).

O tempo exíguo não permitiu uma análise profunda dos dados escasos.

Escaso vs. Raro: As mentioned in the 'Common Mistakes' section, 'raro' refers to frequency or uniqueness. A 'raro exemplar' of a book is one of few in existence. 'Escaso' refers to availability relative to need. You wouldn't say water is 'rara' in a drought (it's not unique), but it is 'escassa' (there isn't enough for everyone).

Ele é parco em elogios, mas quando fala, é sincero.

In summary, while 'pouco' is your go-to word for general use, 'escaso' adds a layer of seriousness and formality. Use 'insuficiente' for technical shortages, 'parco' for frugal amounts, and 'exíguo' for extremely small dimensions. Mastering these distinctions will make your Portuguese sound much more nuanced and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word is a 'doublet' with the English word 'scarce', both coming from the same Latin root. However, 'escaso' has remained closer to its Latin phonetic roots than the English version.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɨʃˈka.zu/

US /esˈka.zu/

The stress is on the second syllable: es-CA-so.

Rhymes With

passo braço aço traço laço espaço cansaço fracasso

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a 'z' in the middle (it should be 's' or 'sh').
Making the final 'o' too strong (it should be a soft 'u' sound).
Forgetting to change the sound when it becomes 'escassa' (the 'a' changes the vowel quality).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'scarce', but agreement rules apply.

Writing 4/5

Requires careful attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of 'sc' and final 'o' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, usually stressed well in sentences.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

pouco muito tempo água recurso

Learn Next

escassez escassear insuficiente abundante raridade

Advanced

exíguo parco míngua copioso debilidade

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

O recurso é escaso. As chuvas são escassas.

Adjective Placement

Recursos escassos (normal) vs Escassos recursos (emphatic).

Superlative Formation

Escasso -> Escassíssimo.

Prepositional Usage

Escasso em nutrientes (Scarce in nutrients).

Noun Derivation

Escasso (adj) -> Escassez (noun).

Examples by Level

A água é escassa no deserto.

Water is scarce in the desert.

Notice 'escassa' matches the feminine noun 'água'.

Tenho escasso tempo para brincar.

I have little time to play.

'Escaso' matches the masculine noun 'tempo'.

A comida era escassa na pequena vila.

Food was scarce in the small village.

'Escassa' is the feminine singular form.

Eles têm escassos recursos.

They have scarce resources.

'Escasos' is the masculine plural form.

O sol é escasso no inverno.

Sun is scarce in winter.

Here 'escaso' describes the limited presence of sun.

As flores são escassas nesta estação.

Flowers are scarce in this season.

'Escassas' is the feminine plural form.

O dinheiro está escasso este mês.

Money is scarce this month.

'Escaso' is used with 'estar' to show a temporary state.

Há escassa luz no quarto.

There is scarce light in the room.

'Escassa' modifies 'luz' (feminine).

A chuva foi escassa durante todo o verão.

Rain was scarce throughout the summer.

Using 'escaso' to describe weather patterns.

As oportunidades de trabalho são escassas aqui.

Job opportunities are scarce here.

Plural agreement with 'oportunidades'.

Ele tem um escasso conhecimento de inglês.

He has a meager knowledge of English.

'Escaso' can mean 'limited' or 'meager'.

O espaço no apartamento é escasso.

The space in the apartment is scarce.

Describing physical limitations.

Os detalhes sobre o acidente são escassos.

Details about the accident are scarce.

Common in news-style reporting.

A vegetação é escassa nas montanhas altas.

Vegetation is scarce in the high mountains.

Scientific/geographical usage.

Temos escassas informações sobre o evento.

We have scarce information about the event.

'Escassas' used as an adjective before the noun.

O apoio do governo foi escasso.

Government support was scarce.

Describing abstract support or help.

A oferta de produtos frescos é escassa no inverno.

The supply of fresh products is scarce in winter.

'Oferta' is feminine, so 'escassa' is used.

O tempo para concluir a prova foi escasso.

The time to complete the test was scarce.

Implies the time was insufficient for the task.

Muitas famílias vivem com recursos escassos.

Many families live with scarce resources.

A common phrase in social discussions.

A evidência científica ainda é escassa neste campo.

Scientific evidence is still scarce in this field.

Used in academic contexts.

A paciência dela tornou-se escassa com o tempo.

Her patience became scarce over time.

Using 'escaso' for abstract psychological states.

A luz escassa da vela não era suficiente para ler.

The scarce light from the candle was not enough to read.

Note the placement of 'escassa' after 'luz'.

Os lucros da empresa foram escassos este trimestre.

The company's profits were meager this quarter.

Business context usage.

O diálogo entre os dois países é escasso.

Dialogue between the two countries is scarce.

Describing a lack of communication.

O autor baseou-se em documentos escassos para escrever a biografia.

The author relied on scarce documents to write the biography.

Implies a challenge in the research process.

A margem de vitória foi escassa, apenas dois votos.

The margin of victory was narrow, only two votes.

'Escassa' here means 'narrow' or 'slim'.

A fauna local é escassa devido à poluição do rio.

Local fauna is scarce due to river pollution.

Environmental/biological context.

Ele demonstrou um escasso interesse pelas propostas apresentadas.

He showed meager interest in the proposals presented.

'Escaso' used to describe a lack of emotion or interest.

As verbas destinadas à cultura são sempre escassas.

Funds allocated to culture are always scarce.

'Verbas' is feminine plural.

A visibilidade na estrada era escassa por causa do nevoeiro.

Visibility on the road was scarce because of the fog.

Describing physical conditions.

Com o passar dos anos, as visitas tornaram-se escassas.

Over the years, visits became scarce.

Describing a decrease in frequency.

O solo desta região é escasso em nutrientes.

The soil in this region is scarce in nutrients.

Note the preposition 'em' following 'escaso'.

A bibliografia sobre o tema é escassa, o que dificulta a investigação.

The bibliography on the subject is scarce, which makes research difficult.

High-level academic terminology.

O projeto foi cancelado devido aos escassos resultados obtidos.

The project was cancelled due to the meager results obtained.

Placing 'escassos' before the noun for emphasis.

A sua escassa formação académica não o impediu de ter sucesso.

His meager academic background did not prevent him from succeeding.

Describing a lack of formal education.

Em tempos de crise, a solidariedade pode tornar-se escassa.

In times of crisis, solidarity can become scarce.

Philosophical/sociological observation.

A luz era tão escassa que mal conseguíamos distinguir as silhuetas.

The light was so scarce that we could hardly distinguish the silhouettes.

Descriptive/literary usage.

O governo enfrenta críticas pela escassa transparência nas contas públicas.

The government faces criticism for the meager transparency in public accounts.

Political/journalistic context.

Foram escassas as vezes em que ele admitiu o erro.

Rare were the times when he admitted his mistake.

Inversion of sentence structure for rhetorical effect.

A região padece de uma escassa rede de transportes públicos.

The region suffers from a meager public transport network.

Using 'padecer de' (to suffer from) with 'escaso'.

A obra do poeta é marcada por uma escassa, mas densa, produção lírica.

The poet's work is marked by a scarce, yet dense, lyrical production.

Literary analysis usage.

A escassa margem de manobra política impediu a aprovação da lei.

The narrow political room for maneuver prevented the law from being passed.

Metaphorical use of 'margem de manobra'.

O historiador lamentou a escassa preservação do património local.

The historian lamented the meager preservation of local heritage.

Formal lamentation/critique.

Vivemos numa era onde a atenção é o recurso mais escasso.

We live in an era where attention is the scarcest resource.

Modern philosophical/economic thought.

A escassa luminosidade da aurora boreal encantou os viajantes.

The faint luminosity of the northern lights enchanted the travelers.

Poetic description of natural phenomena.

O relatório aponta para um escasso investimento em investigação e desenvolvimento.

The report points to meager investment in research and development.

Technical/economic reporting.

A sua escassa empatia tornava-o um líder pouco carismático.

His meager empathy made him an uncharismatic leader.

Psychological/leadership analysis.

As escassas notícias que chegavam da frente de batalha eram alarmantes.

The scarce news coming from the battlefront was alarming.

Historical/narrative context.

Common Collocations

recursos escassos

tempo escasso

água escassa

chuva escassa

luz escassa

informações escassas

oportunidades escassas

provas escassas

verbas escassas

margem escassa

Common Phrases

Escasso em

— Lacking in a specific component.

Este solo é escasso em minerais.

Por escassa margem

— By a very small difference or amount.

A proposta foi aprovada por escassa margem.

Tornar-se escasso

— To become rare or hard to find over time.

O petróleo vai tornar-se escasso no futuro.

Sentir-se escasso

— To feel that something is lacking (often used figuratively).

Sinto-me escasso de ideias hoje.

Escasso número de

— A small or meager number of something.

Um escasso número de alunos compareceu à aula.

Oferta escassa

— Low supply in a market context.

A oferta escassa fez o preço do ouro subir.

Escassa paciência

— Very little tolerance or patience remaining.

Tenho escassa paciência para mentiras.

Escassa visibilidade

— Difficulty in seeing due to environmental factors.

A escassa visibilidade causou o engarrafamento.

Escasso conhecimento

— Limited understanding of a topic.

Ele tem um escasso conhecimento sobre o assunto.

Escassos momentos

— Few or brief moments of something.

Aproveitámos os escassos momentos de sol.

Often Confused With

escaso vs raro

Raro means uncommon; escaso means insufficient.

escaso vs pouco

Pouco is general; escaso is more formal and specific to shortage.

escaso vs curto

Curto is for physical length or time; escaso is for quantity/supply.

Idioms & Expressions

"À míngua"

— While not using 'escaso' directly, this is the most common idiom for scarcity. It means being in total lack of something.

Eles estão à míngua de pão.

informal/neutral

"Pão escasso"

— Refers to a state of poverty or having very little to eat.

Naquela casa, o pão era escasso.

literary

"Escasso de espírito"

— A somewhat dated way to say someone lacks intelligence or wit.

Aquele rapaz é um pouco escasso de espírito.

old-fashioned

"Em escassa conta"

— To hold something or someone in low esteem.

Ele tem a opinião dos outros em escassa conta.

formal

"Curto e escasso"

— Used to describe something that is both brief and insufficient.

O relatório foi curto e escasso em detalhes.

neutral

"Escasso de carnes"

— A literary way to describe someone who is very thin.

Era um homem alto e escasso de carnes.

literary

"Escassas luzes"

— Referring to someone who is not very bright or knowledgeable.

Ele tem escassas luzes sobre política internacional.

informal/ironic

"Dar-se por escasso"

— To show up rarely or to be hard to find.

O diretor tem-se dado por escasso ultimamente.

neutral

"Escasso de meios"

— Lacking the financial or physical means to do something.

A associação é escassa de meios para ajudar todos.

formal

"Por um escasso triz"

— By a hair's breadth; almost didn't happen.

Ele escapou do acidente por um escasso triz.

informal

Easily Confused

escaso vs Escassez

It's the noun form.

Escassez is 'scarcity' (the concept); escaso is 'scarce' (the description).

A escassez de água (noun) vs A água escassa (adj).

escaso vs Escassear

It's the verb form.

Escassear means 'to become scarce'.

A comida começou a escassear.

escaso vs Raro

Similar meaning in English translation.

Something can be raro but not escaso (like a rare comet that nobody needs).

Um selo raro.

escaso vs Insuficiente

Synonyms.

Insuficiente is usually about a specific threshold; escaso is more general.

Salário insuficiente.

escaso vs Míngua

Related to lack.

Míngua is more dramatic, often meaning extreme lack or starvation.

Morrer à míngua.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] é escaso/a.

A água é escassa.

Tenho [Noun] escaso/a.

Tenho tempo escasso.

Devido a [Noun] escaso/a...

Devido à chuva escassa, as plantas morreram.

[Noun] tornou-se escaso/a.

O petróleo tornou-se escasso.

Escassos foram os [Noun]...

Escassos foram os momentos de alegria.

Uma margem escassa de [Noun].

Uma margem escassa de lucro.

A escassa, mas [Adjective], [Noun]...

A escassa, mas brilhante, carreira do autor.

Escasso em [Noun]...

Um texto escasso em adjetivos.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in written Portuguese, medium-high in spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

A água é escaso. → A água é escassa.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify.
Tenho raro tempo. → Tenho escasso tempo.
'Raro' means uncommon; 'escaso' means insufficient or short in supply.
Os recursos são escassez. → Os recursos são escassos.
'Escassez' is a noun; 'escasos' is the adjective needed here.
A escasso luz... → A escassa luz...
'Luz' is feminine, so 'escassa' is the correct form.
Ele é escasso de palavras. → Ele é parco em palavras.
While 'escaso' is understandable, 'parco em palavras' is the standard idiomatic expression.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always check if your noun is feminine. 'Água escassa' is correct, 'Água escaso' is not. This is the most common error for English speakers.

Elevate Your Speech

Replace 'pouco' with 'escaso' in your professional emails or academic papers to sound more sophisticated.

Context Matters

Use 'escaso' for things that *should* be there but aren't enough (like food or water). Use 'raro' for things that are just hard to find (like gold).

The Single 'S'

Remember: 'escaso' has only one 's' in the middle. Don't confuse it with 'escassez' which has two 's' sounds written as 'ss'.

Stress the Middle

The stress is on the 'CA' (es-CA-so). Don't stress the first or last syllable.

Poetic Placement

Place 'escaso' before the noun in creative writing to add drama: 'As escassas horas que nos restam...'

News Trigger

When you hear 'escaso' on the news, pay attention to the topic—it's usually something important like the economy or climate.

S-C Connection

Link 'eSCaso' with 'SCarce'. The shared 'S' and 'C' will help you remember the meaning instantly.

Narrow Margins

Memorize the phrase 'por escassa margem' for talking about sports or elections.

Daily Practice

At the end of the day, think of one thing that was 'escaso' in your day—maybe 'tempo' or 'paciência'!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'S-CAR-CE'. The 'S' and 'C' in 'eSCaso' match the 'S' and 'C' in 'SCarce'. If you see the 'S' and 'C', you know there's a shortage!

Visual Association

Imagine a desert with a single, tiny bottle of water. That water is 'escassa'. The dry sand and the lone bottle represent the word perfectly.

Word Web

escassez escassear água tempo dinheiro recursos raro pouco

Challenge

Try to use 'escaso' or its variants three times in your next Portuguese writing task instead of using 'pouco'.

Word Origin

From the Vulgar Latin *excarpsus, which is the past participle of *excarpere, meaning 'to pluck out' or 'to select'. This comes from the classical Latin 'ex' (out) and 'carpere' (to pluck/seize).

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to something that had been 'plucked away' or 'diminished', leading to the modern sense of being in short supply.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that using it to describe people's intelligence can be insulting.

English speakers often use 'scarce' for things like food or water, but might use 'short' for time. In Portuguese, 'escaso' works for both.

The 'Lei da Escassez' in Economics. Literary descriptions of the Sertão in 'Vidas Secas' by Graciliano Ramos. News reports on the 'crise hídrica' in São Paulo.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Economy

recursos escassos
oferta escassa
capital escasso
investimento escasso

Nature

chuva escassa
vegetação escassa
fauna escassa
água escassa

Work/Study

tempo escasso
informação escassa
prazo escasso
apoio escasso

Legal/Academic

provas escassas
evidência escassa
bibliografia escassa
dados escassos

Social/Daily Life

paciência escassa
dinheiro escasso
oportunidades escassas
visitas escassas

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que o tempo é o recurso mais escasso hoje em dia?"

"Na sua cidade, a água costuma ser escassa no verão?"

"O que você faz quando tem escassos recursos para um projeto?"

"Você acha que o bom senso está cada vez mais escasso no mundo?"

"As oportunidades de emprego são escassas na sua área de atuação?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que trabalhar com recursos escassos.

Reflexão: O que você faria se o seu tempo livre se tornasse extremamente escasso?

Como a escassa chuva afeta a economia do seu país ou região?

Escreva sobre um livro ou filme onde a esperança é escassa.

Quais são as coisas que você considera escassas na sociedade moderna?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but usually to describe a quality they lack, like 'paciência escassa' or 'escasso talento'. Describing a person as 'escaso' physically is rare and literary.

Yes, it is used in news, schools, and professional settings. In casual talk, Brazilians might prefer 'pouco', but 'escaso' is perfectly understood.

In Portuguese, it is spelled 'escaso' (one 's' in the middle). However, the noun is 'escassez' (with two 's'). This is a common spelling trap.

Yes, specifically in phrases like 'escassa margem' (narrow margin) when referring to votes or results.

Yes, 'escassíssimo'. It means 'extremely scarce'.

Not always. Putting it before the noun ('escasos recursos') makes it more emphatic or poetic.

Absolutely. 'Tempo escasso' is a very common expression for being busy or having a short deadline.

Yes, 'scanty' is a very good translation for 'escaso' in literary or clothing contexts (e.g., 'escassa roupa').

The most common opposites are 'abundante' or 'farto'.

In Portugal, an 's' before a consonant like 'c' is usually pronounced like 'sh'. So it sounds like 'esh-kazu'.