esgoto in 30 Seconds
- Esgoto: Wastewater and the system that carries it away.
- It's a masculine noun (o esgoto).
- Used for plumbing, urban infrastructure, and environmental issues.
- Think 'sewage' or 'drainage system'.
The Portuguese word esgoto refers to the system of underground pipes that carry away sewage and other waste liquids from buildings and streets to a treatment plant or a place where it can be disposed of safely. It encompasses both the physical infrastructure (the pipes, sewers) and the waste material itself that flows through them. When people talk about 'o esgoto' or 'os esgotos', they are generally referring to the sewage system or the wastewater being carried. You'll hear this term used in discussions about public health, urban infrastructure, environmental concerns, and plumbing issues. For instance, a city might invest in upgrading its esgoto system to prevent pollution, or a homeowner might complain about a blockage in their house's esgoto line. It's a practical, everyday word related to sanitation and hygiene.
- Key Concepts
- Sanitary infrastructure: The network of pipes and channels for waste disposal.
- Wastewater: Liquid waste from homes, industries, and institutions.
- Sewage: The waste matter carried in sewers.
A falta de um bom esgoto pode causar sérios problemas de saúde pública.
- Contexts of Use
- Urban planning and infrastructure development.
- Environmental protection and pollution control.
- Home maintenance and plumbing repairs.
- Public health and sanitation discussions.
O cheiro ruim vinha do esgoto da rua.
The word esgoto is a masculine noun in Portuguese, and it's quite versatile. It can refer to the system of pipes, the act of draining, or the wastewater itself. When discussing the infrastructure, you'll often use it in singular form, 'o esgoto', to talk about the general sewage system. However, it can also be used in the plural, 'os esgotos', to refer to multiple sewer lines or the collective flow of wastewater. In everyday conversation, people might talk about problems with the 'sistema de esgoto' (sewage system) or a blockage in the 'tubulação de esgoto' (sewage pipe). Environmental discussions might focus on the impact of untreated 'esgoto' on rivers and oceans. When referring to the actual waste material, it's still 'esgoto'. For example, 'O esgoto da cidade é despejado no rio' means 'The city's sewage is dumped into the river.' When talking about a specific drain or pipe in a house, you might use 'ralo de esgoto' (sewage drain). The word is fundamental when discussing plumbing and sanitation. It's important to remember its masculine gender when using articles and adjectives.
- Grammatical Notes
- Gender: Masculine (o esgoto).
- Plural: Esgotos (os esgotos).
- Common Combinations: 'sistema de esgoto', 'rede de esgoto', 'tubo de esgoto', 'tratamento de esgoto'.
A prefeitura está instalando uma nova rede de esgoto no bairro.
Precisamos consertar o vazamento no esgoto da cozinha.
O tratamento de esgoto é crucial para a saúde ambiental.
You'll encounter the word esgoto in a variety of settings, reflecting its practical importance. In urban environments, news reports and public service announcements often discuss infrastructure projects related to 'a rede de esgoto' (the sewage network) or 'o tratamento de esgoto' (sewage treatment). City planners and engineers use this term daily when designing and maintaining urban systems. During plumbing emergencies, homeowners will undoubtedly hear or use 'esgoto' when describing issues like blockages ('entupimento no esgoto') or leaks ('vazamento no esgoto'). In environmental discussions, particularly concerning water quality, the impact of 'esgoto' on rivers, lakes, and oceans is a frequent topic. For example, an environmental activist might warn about the dangers of discharging untreated 'esgoto' into natural waterways. You might also hear it in more informal contexts, such as when someone complains about a bad smell emanating from a street drain ('O cheiro de esgoto está insuportável'). In construction sites, workers will refer to the installation of 'tubos de esgoto' (sewage pipes). Even in schools, lessons on hygiene and public health might introduce the concept of 'esgoto' and its importance for preventing diseases. Essentially, any conversation about waste disposal, sanitation, or urban infrastructure is likely to involve this term.
- Common Scenarios
- Conversations about home repairs, especially plumbing.
- News segments discussing city infrastructure and environmental issues.
- Discussions about public health and sanitation in schools or communities.
- Discussions about pollution and its effects on rivers and oceans.
O encanador veio verificar o problema no esgoto.
A poluição causada pelo esgoto industrial é um problema sério.
When learning the word esgoto, English speakers might sometimes confuse it with words related to general drainage or just 'water'. While 'esgoto' involves water, its specific meaning is wastewater and the system that carries it. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with 'água' (water) or 'drenagem' (drainage) in contexts where 'esgoto' is more precise. For example, saying 'A água suja está no esgoto' is correct, but saying 'A água da chuva está no esgoto' might be less precise if you mean surface drainage rather than the sewage system. Another potential pitfall is gender agreement. Since 'esgoto' is masculine ('o esgoto'), learners might incorrectly use feminine articles or adjectives. For instance, saying 'a esgoto' instead of 'o esgoto'. Also, learners might sometimes think of 'esgoto' as just a drain or a pipe, forgetting that it also refers to the actual wastewater flowing through it. In a broader sense, mistaking 'esgoto' for 'sanitation' in general is also possible, although 'esgoto' specifically refers to the wastewater and its transport system, whereas 'sanitation' is a broader concept including hygiene and waste management.
- Potential Pitfalls
- Confusing 'esgoto' with general 'água' (water) or 'drenagem' (drainage).
- Incorrect gender agreement (using feminine articles with the masculine noun).
- Thinking of 'esgoto' only as pipes, not also the wastewater itself.
- Overgeneralizing 'esgoto' to encompass all forms of sanitation.
Incorrect: A rede de água está quebrada. Correct: A rede de esgoto está quebrada.
Incorrect: A casa tem boa esgoto. Correct: A casa tem bom esgoto.
While esgoto is the primary term for wastewater and sewage systems, other words and phrases can be used depending on the context. 'Canalização' (piping, conduit) is more general and can refer to any system of pipes, including water supply or gas, not exclusively sewage. 'Drenagem' (drainage) often refers to the removal of excess water, such as rainwater from streets or fields, and while related, it's not the same as sewage removal. 'Esgotamento' is the verb form or the act of draining or emptying, derived from 'esgoto'. For example, 'o esgotamento sanitário' refers to sanitary drainage or sewage disposal. In informal contexts, especially when referring to a specific drain, 'ralo' might be used, but 'ralo' typically refers to the physical opening for drainage, not the entire system or the wastewater itself. 'Águas residuais' is a more formal or technical term for 'wastewater', often used in environmental or engineering contexts. 'Esgoto' is the most common and direct term for sewage and the system that handles it. When discussing plumbing, 'tubulação' (piping) is a general term, but 'tubulação de esgoto' specifically means sewage piping.
- Comparisons
- Esgoto vs. Canalização: 'Esgoto' is specific to wastewater removal; 'canalização' is a general term for any piping system.
- Esgoto vs. Drenagem: 'Esgoto' is about sewage; 'drenagem' is broader, often referring to excess water removal (like rain).
- Esgoto vs. Águas Residuais: 'Esgoto' is the common term; 'águas residuais' is more formal/technical for wastewater.
- Esgoto vs. Ralo: 'Esgoto' is the system/wastewater; 'ralo' is the drain opening.
O esgoto da casa está entupido.
A drenagem pluvial precisa de manutenção.
How Formal Is It?
"A necessidade de modernização da infraestrutura de esgotamento sanitário é premente."
"O encanador veio consertar o esgoto da cozinha."
"Que cheiro horrível de esgoto!"
"A água suja vai para um lugar especial chamado esgoto."
"Essa festa virou um esgoto."
Fun Fact
The verb 'esgotar' itself can also mean 'to exhaust' in the sense of tiring someone out, reflecting the idea of draining energy. So, 'esgoto' is directly linked to the concept of emptying, whether it's water from a pipe or energy from a person.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 'z' sound.
- Incorrectly stressing the first syllable.
- Making the 'o' sound too short or unclear.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'esgoto' is common in everyday contexts and news. Understanding technical texts about sewage treatment or infrastructure might require higher vocabulary.
Using 'esgoto' correctly in sentences is straightforward, but complex technical writing about sewage systems requires specialized vocabulary.
The word is frequently used in spoken Portuguese, especially when discussing practical matters like plumbing or urban issues.
You will hear this word often in daily conversations, news, and public announcements.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Gender of Nouns (Masculine)
Esgoto is a masculine noun. Use 'o' or 'um': o esgoto, um esgoto.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun: O esgoto é sujo. A água do esgoto é suja.
Prepositions of Location/Direction
'No esgoto' (in the sewer), 'para o esgoto' (to the sewer).
Compound Nouns with 'de'
Sistema de esgoto (sewage system), rede de esgoto (sewage network).
Verb Conjugation (Present Tense)
O esgoto corre. O encanador conserta o esgoto.
Examples by Level
A água vai para o esgoto.
The water goes to the drain.
Simple present tense, basic sentence structure.
O esgoto está sujo.
The sewer is dirty.
Masculine noun 'esgoto', adjective 'sujo' agrees.
Preciso limpar o esgoto.
I need to clean the drain.
Infinitive verb 'limpar' after 'precisar'.
O esgoto da casa.
The house's drain.
Possessive structure using 'de'.
O cheiro do esgoto.
The smell of the sewer.
Possessive structure with 'do' (de + o).
A água não corre no esgoto.
The water doesn't run in the drain.
Negative sentence structure with 'não'.
O esgoto vai para o mar.
The sewage goes to the sea.
Preposition 'para' indicating direction.
O esgoto está quebrado.
The sewer is broken.
Adjective 'quebrado' agreeing with masculine 'esgoto'.
A prefeitura vai melhorar o sistema de esgoto.
The city hall will improve the sewage system.
Future tense with 'vai', compound noun 'sistema de esgoto'.
O vazamento no esgoto causou um alagamento.
The leak in the sewer caused a flood.
Past tense verb 'causou', noun 'vazamento'.
É importante tratar o esgoto antes de devolvê-lo à natureza.
It is important to treat the wastewater before returning it to nature.
Infinitive 'tratar', pronoun 'lo' referring to 'esgoto'.
As casas antigas não tinham um bom esgoto.
Old houses did not have good sewage systems.
Imperfect tense 'tinham', negative 'não'.
Um entupimento no esgoto pode gerar mau cheiro.
A blockage in the sewer can generate a bad smell.
Noun 'entupimento', modal verb 'pode gerar'.
A rede de esgoto da cidade precisa de manutenção.
The city's sewage network needs maintenance.
Compound noun 'rede de esgoto', verb 'precisa'.
O esgoto doméstico é diferente do esgoto industrial.
Domestic wastewater is different from industrial wastewater.
Adjectives 'doméstico' and 'industrial' specifying type.
Será que o esgoto está voltando pela pia?
Is the sewage backing up through the sink?
Interrogative sentence, verb 'voltar'.
A construção de um sistema de esgoto eficiente é fundamental para a saúde pública.
The construction of an efficient sewage system is fundamental for public health.
Gerund 'construção', adjective 'eficiente', noun 'saúde pública'.
O despejo de esgoto não tratado em rios é uma prática ambientalmente irresponsável.
The discharge of untreated sewage into rivers is an environmentally irresponsible practice.
Gerund 'despejo', adjective 'não tratado', adverb 'ambientalmente'.
A falta de saneamento básico, incluindo o esgoto adequado, afeta milhões de pessoas.
The lack of basic sanitation, including adequate sewage, affects millions of people.
Noun 'saneamento básico', adjective 'adequado', verb 'afeta'.
As autoridades estão investigando a origem do mau cheiro proveniente do esgoto.
The authorities are investigating the origin of the bad smell coming from the sewer.
Present continuous 'estão investigando', relative clause 'proveniente do'.
A modernização da rede de esgoto visa prevenir inundações e contaminações.
The modernization of the sewage network aims to prevent floods and contamination.
Gerund 'modernização', infinitive 'prevenir', compound nouns.
O tratamento de esgoto envolve processos físicos, químicos e biológicos.
Sewage treatment involves physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Compound noun 'tratamento de esgoto', listing of adjectives.
Um esgoto entupido pode causar refluxo e danos estruturais.
A clogged sewer can cause backflow and structural damage.
Noun 'refluxo', adjective 'estruturais'.
A expansão urbana exige um planejamento cuidadoso da infraestrutura de esgoto.
Urban expansion requires careful planning of the sewage infrastructure.
Gerund 'expansão', adjective 'cuidadoso', noun 'infraestrutura'.
A contaminação do lençol freático pelo esgoto doméstico representa um risco significativo à saúde.
The contamination of the water table by domestic sewage represents a significant health risk.
Noun 'contaminação', compound noun 'lençol freático', adjective 'significativo'.
A implementação de tecnologias de tratamento terciário de esgoto é essencial para a recuperação de corpos hídricos.
The implementation of tertiary sewage treatment technologies is essential for the recovery of water bodies.
Gerund 'implementação', adjective 'terciário', noun 'corpos hídricos'.
O mau gerenciamento do esgoto urbano contribui para a eutrofização de ecossistemas aquáticos.
The mismanagement of urban sewage contributes to the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems.
Noun 'gerenciamento', verb 'contribui', noun 'eutrofização', adjective 'aquáticos'.
A infraestrutura de esgoto em muitas cidades brasileiras ainda é precária, necessitando de investimentos vultosos.
The sewage infrastructure in many Brazilian cities is still precarious, requiring substantial investments.
Adjective 'precária', verb 'necessitando', adjective 'vultosos'.
A análise da composição química do esgoto pode revelar padrões de consumo e atividade industrial.
The analysis of the chemical composition of sewage can reveal consumption patterns and industrial activity.
Noun 'análise', compound noun 'composição química', verb 'revelar'.
A legislação ambiental exige que o esgoto seja tratado antes de ser lançado em corpos d'água.
Environmental legislation requires that sewage be treated before being discharged into water bodies.
Subjunctive mood 'seja tratado', passive voice construction.
Os desafios na expansão da rede de esgoto incluem a topografia acidentada e a densidade populacional.
The challenges in expanding the sewage network include rugged topography and population density.
Noun 'desafios', adjectives 'acidentada' and 'densidade populacional'.
A gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos e esgoto é crucial para o desenvolvimento sustentável.
The integrated management of solid waste and sewage is crucial for sustainable development.
Adjective 'integrada', compound noun 'desenvolvimento sustentável'.
A proliferação de doenças de veiculação hídrica está intrinsecamente ligada à inadequação dos sistemas de esgotamento sanitário.
The proliferation of waterborne diseases is intrinsically linked to the inadequacy of sanitary sewage systems.
Noun 'proliferação', adjective 'intrinsicamente', noun 'sistemas de esgotamento sanitário'.
A remediação de solos contaminados por vazamentos de esgoto requer abordagens multidisciplinares.
The remediation of soils contaminated by sewage leaks requires multidisciplinary approaches.
Gerund 'remediação', adjective 'multidisciplinares'.
A precariedade da infraestrutura de esgoto em comunidades periféricas exacerba as desigualdades sociais e ambientais.
The precariousness of the sewage infrastructure in peripheral communities exacerbates social and environmental inequalities.
Noun 'precariedade', verb 'exacerba', noun 'desigualdades'.
O monitoramento contínuo da qualidade do efluente do esgoto tratado é imperativo para garantir a segurança hídrica.
Continuous monitoring of the quality of treated sewage effluent is imperative to ensure water security.
Adjective 'contínuo', noun 'efluente', adjective 'imperativo'.
A descentralização do tratamento de esgoto, com unidades modulares, pode ser uma solução viável para áreas remotas.
The decentralization of sewage treatment, with modular units, can be a viable solution for remote areas.
Gerund 'descentralização', adjective 'modular', adjective 'viável'.
A legislação referente ao descarte de esgoto industrial tem se tornado cada vez mais rigorosa.
Legislation concerning the disposal of industrial sewage has become increasingly stringent.
Adjective 'referente', adverb 'cada vez mais'.
A recuperação de nutrientes e energia a partir do lodo de esgoto é uma área promissora de pesquisa.
The recovery of nutrients and energy from sewage sludge is a promising area of research.
Noun 'lodo', adjective 'promissora'.
A ausência de um plano diretor de drenagem e esgoto compromete a resiliência urbana frente a eventos climáticos extremos.
The absence of a master plan for drainage and sewage compromises urban resilience against extreme climate events.
Noun 'ausência', compound noun 'plano diretor', adjective 'extremos'.
A recalcitrância de certos poluentes orgânicos no esgoto exige métodos avançados de oxidação para sua completa mineralização.
The recalcitrance of certain organic pollutants in sewage necessitates advanced oxidation methods for their complete mineralization.
Noun 'recalcitrância', adjective 'orgânicos', noun 'mineralização'.
A interconexão entre a gestão de águas pluviais e o sistema de esgoto é crucial para mitigar os impactos de eventos de precipitação intensa.
The interconnection between stormwater management and the sewage system is crucial for mitigating the impacts of intense precipitation events.
Noun 'interconexão', verb 'mitigar', noun 'precipitação'.
A biodegradação de fármacos e disruptores endócrinos presentes no esgoto representa um desafio considerável para as estações de tratamento.
The biodegradation of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors present in sewage represents a considerable challenge for treatment plants.
Noun 'biodegradação', noun 'disruptores endócrinos', adjective 'considerável'.
A modelagem hidrodinâmica do escoamento em redes de esgoto complexas permite otimizar o dimensionamento e a operação dos sistemas.
Hydrodynamic modeling of flow in complex sewage networks allows for the optimization of system sizing and operation.
Noun 'modelagem hidrodinâmica', noun 'escoamento', verb 'otimizar'.
A fiscalização rigorosa do lançamento de efluentes industriais no sistema de esgoto é indispensável para a preservação dos ecossistemas aquáticos.
Strict enforcement of industrial effluent discharge into the sewage system is indispensable for the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.
Adjective 'rigorosa', verb 'fiscalização', noun 'preservação'.
A transposição de patógenos resistentes a antibióticos via esgoto representa uma ameaça emergente à saúde pública global.
The translocation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens via sewage represents an emerging threat to global public health.
Noun 'transposição', adjective 'resistentes', noun 'ameaça emergente'.
A análise geoespacial de dados de infiltração em redes de esgoto auxilia na identificação de pontos críticos de falha.
Geospatial analysis of infiltration data in sewage networks helps identify critical failure points.
Noun 'análise geoespacial', noun 'infiltração', adjective 'críticos'.
O desenvolvimento de bioindicadores eficazes para monitorar a qualidade do esgoto é fundamental para a gestão ambiental proativa.
The development of effective bioindicators to monitor sewage quality is fundamental for proactive environmental management.
Adjective 'eficazes', noun 'bioindicadores', adjective 'proativa'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The sewage network or sewer system.
A prefeitura anunciou a expansão da rede de esgoto para novas áreas da cidade.
— Sewage treatment.
Investir em tratamento de esgoto é fundamental para a saúde pública e ambiental.
— Clogged sewer or drain.
Tivemos um problema com o esgoto entupido na cozinha e tivemos que chamar um encanador.
— Sewage disposal or discharge.
O descarte de esgoto sem tratamento é ilegal em muitas regiões.
— Sewage system.
A falta de um sistema de esgoto adequado em áreas rurais é um problema de saúde pública.
— Domestic wastewater.
O esgoto doméstico inclui água de banho, cozinha e vasos sanitários.
— Industrial wastewater.
O tratamento do esgoto industrial requer processos específicos dependendo da indústria.
— Good sewage system / good drainage.
Esta casa nova possui um bom esgoto, o que é um grande alívio.
Often Confused With
'Drenagem' refers more broadly to the removal of excess water, especially rainwater or surface water, while 'esgoto' specifically refers to wastewater and sewage.
'Canalização' is a general term for any piping system, not exclusively for sewage. It can refer to water supply, gas, etc.
'Água' means water in general. 'Esgoto' refers to dirty or wastewater and the system that removes it.
Idioms & Expressions
— To go down the drain; to be wasted or lost completely. It implies something valuable has been irrecoverably lost.
Todo o dinheiro que ele economizou para a viagem caiu no esgoto depois da crise econômica.
Informal— To stink like sewage; to be extremely unpleasant or morally corrupt. It can refer to a literal bad smell or a situation that is very bad.
A proposta de negócio cheirava a esgoto, cheia de práticas duvidosas.
Informal— To have a foul mouth; to speak crudely or use offensive language. Literally means 'to have sewage in the mouth'.
Ele não consegue falar uma frase sem ter esgoto na boca, sempre ofende alguém.
Informal, Vulgar— To clean up a mess, especially a difficult or unpleasant one. Metaphorically, it means dealing with problems or negative consequences.
Depois da festa, tivemos que limpar o esgoto da bagunça que os convidados fizeram.
Informal— Things are going badly; a situation is deteriorating rapidly. Literally, 'the sewage flows'.
Com tanta dívida acumulada, o esgoto corre para a empresa.
Informal— To reach rock bottom; to be in a desperate or very bad situation.
Depois de perder o emprego e a casa, ele achou que tinha chegado ao esgoto.
Informal— To be the lowest, most undesirable part of society; to be associated with crime, corruption, or moral decay.
Alguns bairros abandonados pela cidade parecem ser o esgoto da sociedade.
Figurative, Negative— To be crazy or foolish; to have bad ideas. Similar to 'having sewage in the head'.
Ele acha que pode vencer a loteria todo dia; tem o esgoto na cabeça.
Informal, Derogatory— A significant flaw or problem in a system or plan that leads to failure or loss.
Aquele investimento arriscado foi um buraco no esgoto financeiro da empresa.
Figurative, Informal— To make a mess of something; to ruin it or treat it carelessly.
Ele fez esgoto da oportunidade que lhe deram.
InformalEasily Confused
Both relate to water removal.
'Esgoto' specifically refers to sewage and wastewater from homes and industries, and the system designed to carry it away. 'Drenagem' is a broader term that includes the removal of excess water from any source, such as rainwater from streets or fields, or groundwater. You might have a 'sistema de drenagem' for rain, but a 'rede de esgoto' for sewage.
A rua precisa de boa 'drenagem' para a água da chuva, e as casas precisam de 'esgoto' para o lixo líquido.
Both involve pipes.
'Canalização' is a generic term for any system of pipes or conduits. This could be for water supply, gas, electricity, or even sewage. 'Esgoto' specifically denotes the pipes and system used for carrying sewage and wastewater. So, while a sewage pipe is a form of 'canalização', not all 'canalização' is 'esgoto'.
A nova construção terá 'canalização' para água potável e um sistema de 'esgoto' separado.
Both refer to used water.
'Esgoto' is the common, everyday word for sewage and the system that handles it. 'Águas residuais' is a more formal, technical, or scientific term for wastewater. It's often used in environmental reports or engineering contexts. While 'esgoto' can refer to the wastewater itself, 'águas residuais' focuses more on the liquid waste.
O relatório descreveu o impacto do 'esgoto' industrial, mas usou 'águas residuais' para o tratamento técnico.
Both are related to drains.
'Ralo' refers specifically to the drain opening, usually a grate in a sink, shower, or floor, through which water disappears. 'Esgoto' refers to the entire system of pipes and channels that carry the wastewater away after it goes down the 'ralo', as well as the wastewater itself. You pour water down the 'ralo', and it travels through the 'esgoto'.
Limpe o 'ralo' da pia para evitar que o 'esgoto' entupa.
Both are related to hygiene and waste.
'Saneamento' is a much broader concept that encompasses all measures taken to ensure public health and environmental protection related to waste and water. This includes providing clean drinking water, proper disposal of solid waste, and effective sewage systems ('esgoto'). 'Esgoto' is a crucial component of 'saneamento', but 'saneamento' includes more than just the sewage system.
Um bom 'saneamento' básico inclui água potável, coleta de lixo e um sistema de 'esgoto' eficiente.
Sentence Patterns
O esgoto é [adjective].
O esgoto é sujo.
Preciso [verb] o esgoto.
Preciso limpar o esgoto.
A rede de esgoto [verb].
A rede de esgoto funciona.
O [noun] no esgoto [verb].
O vazamento no esgoto causou problemas.
O tratamento de esgoto é [adjective].
O tratamento de esgoto é importante.
A falta de [noun] de esgoto [verb].
A falta de saneamento de esgoto afeta a saúde.
A contaminação pelo esgoto [verb] [adjective].
A contaminação pelo esgoto representa um risco.
A [noun] de [noun] de esgoto [verb] [adjective].
A infraestrutura de esgoto de esgoto requer investimentos.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using feminine articles/adjectives.
→
O esgoto está sujo.
'Esgoto' is a masculine noun. Therefore, masculine articles like 'o' and masculine adjectives like 'sujo' must be used. Incorrect: 'A esgoto está suja.'
-
Confusing 'esgoto' with general drainage.
→
A drenagem da rua está bloqueada.
'Esgoto' refers specifically to sewage and wastewater. For rainwater or surface water removal, 'drenagem' is the more appropriate term. Incorrect: 'O esgoto da rua está bloqueado' (if referring to rain).
-
Using 'esgoto' for any type of pipe.
→
A canalização de água está vazando.
'Canalização' is a general term for any piping. 'Esgoto' is specific to wastewater pipes. Incorrect: 'O esgoto de água está vazando' (unless it's wastewater from a water system).
-
Thinking 'esgoto' only refers to the pipes.
→
O esgoto que sai da fábrica é perigoso.
'Esgoto' can refer to the pipes and the system, but it also refers to the wastewater itself. Incorrect: 'A água do esgoto que sai da fábrica é perigosa' (redundant).
-
Using 'esgoto' when 'saneamento' is needed.
→
O investimento em saneamento básico é fundamental.
'Saneamento' is a broad term for public health measures including water supply, waste disposal, and sewage. 'Esgoto' is just one part of 'saneamento'. Incorrect: 'O investimento em esgoto básico é fundamental' (too narrow).
Tips
Masculine Noun Alert!
Remember that 'esgoto' is a masculine noun. Always use masculine articles ('o', 'um') and ensure adjectives agree with it (e.g., 'o esgoto está sujo', not 'a esgoto está suja').
Infrastructure and Environment
You'll frequently hear 'esgoto' when people discuss urban infrastructure, plumbing issues, environmental pollution, or public health concerns. Linking it to these topics will help you remember its meaning.
Stress on GO
The stress in 'esgoto' falls on the second syllable: es-GO-to. Practice saying it to sound more natural.
Related Terms
Learn related terms like 'rede de esgoto' (sewage network), 'tratamento de esgoto' (sewage treatment), and 'vazamento de esgoto' (sewage leak) to expand your understanding and usage.
Visual Association
Imagine a network of underground pipes carrying away dirty water. This visual can help you recall the meaning of 'esgoto' as the system for wastewater.
Not Just 'Drain'
While it relates to drains, 'esgoto' is more than just the opening. It refers to the wastewater itself and the entire system that removes it. Avoid using it simply for any drain.
Beyond Literal Meaning
In informal settings, 'esgoto' can be used figuratively to describe something extremely unpleasant or a situation that has gone very wrong. Be aware of this colloquial usage.
Esgoto vs. Drenagem
Remember that 'drenagem' is about removing excess water (like rain), while 'esgoto' is specifically for wastewater and sewage. They are distinct systems.
Build Simple Sentences
Start by using 'esgoto' in simple sentences like 'O esgoto está entupido' (The sewer is clogged) or 'Preciso limpar o esgoto' (I need to clean the drain).
Importance in Society
Understand that 'esgoto' is a critical issue for public health and environmental quality in many Portuguese-speaking countries, making it a frequent topic of discussion.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a messy, overflowing sink. You need to 'empty' it, so you use the 'esgoto' (sewage system) to drain the dirty water away. Think 'empty-go-to' for 'esgoto'.
Visual Association
Picture a city map with intricate underground lines representing the 'esgoto' system, all leading away from houses and buildings.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your home's plumbing system using the word 'esgoto' and related terms. For example, 'A tubulação de esgoto da minha casa é antiga.'
Word Origin
The word 'esgoto' comes from the verb 'esgotar', which means 'to empty', 'to drain', or 'to exhaust'. The noun 'esgoto' thus refers to the place or system where things are emptied or drained.
Original meaning: The original concept relates to the act of emptying or draining something completely.
Portuguese, from Latin 'exhaurire' (to draw out, to drain).Cultural Context
Discussions about 'esgoto' can sometimes be sensitive due to associations with dirt, disease, and poverty, especially in contexts where sanitation is lacking.
In English-speaking countries, terms like 'sewage', 'wastewater', 'drainage', and 'sewer system' are used. The concept is universal, but the specific term and its cultural implications might vary.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Home Maintenance & Plumbing
- Esgoto entupido
- Vazamento de esgoto
- Consertar o esgoto
- Tubulação de esgoto
Urban Infrastructure & Planning
- Rede de esgoto
- Sistema de esgoto
- Expansão do esgoto
- Planejamento de esgoto
Environment & Health
- Tratamento de esgoto
- Esgoto não tratado
- Poluição por esgoto
- Qualidade do esgoto
General Description
- Cheiro de esgoto
- Água do esgoto
- O esgoto corre
- Bom esgoto
Types of Wastewater
- Esgoto doméstico
- Esgoto industrial
- Esgoto sanitário
- Águas residuais
Conversation Starters
"Você já teve algum problema com o esgoto na sua casa?"
"Como é o sistema de esgoto na sua cidade?"
"Você acha que o tratamento de esgoto é suficiente onde você mora?"
"Qual a importância de um bom sistema de esgoto para a saúde?"
"O que você pensa sobre a poluição causada pelo esgoto não tratado?"
Journal Prompts
Descreva uma situação em que você precisou lidar com um problema de esgoto.
Pense sobre o caminho que a água do seu banho percorre depois de sair pelo ralo. Para onde vai o esgoto?
Pesquise sobre o sistema de tratamento de esgoto na sua cidade ou região e escreva sobre ele.
Como a falta de um bom saneamento básico e sistema de esgoto afeta a vida das pessoas?
Escreva sobre a importância do esgoto para a saúde pública e o meio ambiente.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'esgoto' can refer to wastewater from various sources, including domestic (homes), industrial (factories), and commercial (businesses) sources. The term 'esgoto doméstico' and 'esgoto industrial' are used to differentiate. The system itself is designed to handle all types of wastewater.
'Esgoto' specifically refers to wastewater and the sewage system. 'Água de chuva' is rainwater. In some older cities, there might be combined sewer systems where both mix, but ideally, they are separate. Rainwater drainage is often referred to as 'drenagem pluvial'.
Yes, 'esgoto' can refer to the entire system ('o sistema de esgoto', 'a rede de esgoto') or a specific part of it, like a pipe ('um tubo de esgoto'). The context usually clarifies whether it's the general system or a specific component.
The word 'esgoto' itself refers to the wastewater and the system, which are necessary for modern living. However, 'esgoto' becomes a problem when it's untreated, causes pollution, or when the system fails (like blockages or leaks), leading to bad smells and health risks. So, the 'esgoto' itself isn't bad, but its mismanagement or lack of treatment is.
The most common and direct translation for 'sewer' (referring to the system or the pipe) is 'esgoto'. You might also hear 'rede de esgoto' for 'sewer network' or 'sistema de esgoto' for 'sewer system'.
The plural form of 'esgoto' is 'esgotos'. You would use 'os esgotos' to refer to multiple sewer lines or the collective flow of wastewater.
Yes, 'esgoto' can be used figuratively in informal contexts to describe something very unpleasant, corrupt, or messy. For example, a situation can 'cheirar a esgoto' (stink like sewage) or someone might say their finances have 'ido para o esgoto' (gone down the drain).
Common problems include 'entupimento' (blockage), 'vazamento' (leak), 'mau cheiro' (bad smell), and pollution caused by untreated discharge into rivers or the environment.
While 'esgoto' is commonly used in everyday language, it is also a technical term in fields like civil engineering, environmental science, and public health. More technical synonyms like 'águas residuais' or 'efluentes' might be used in specific academic or professional contexts.
'Saneamento' is the broader concept of public health and environmental protection related to waste and water management. 'Esgoto' is a critical component of 'saneamento', referring specifically to the collection and disposal of wastewater. Good 'saneamento' requires an effective 'esgoto' system.
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Summary
Esgoto refers to both the wastewater (sewage) and the network of pipes that transports it. It's a crucial term for discussing sanitation, urban infrastructure, and environmental health.
- Esgoto: Wastewater and the system that carries it away.
- It's a masculine noun (o esgoto).
- Used for plumbing, urban infrastructure, and environmental issues.
- Think 'sewage' or 'drainage system'.
Masculine Noun Alert!
Remember that 'esgoto' is a masculine noun. Always use masculine articles ('o', 'um') and ensure adjectives agree with it (e.g., 'o esgoto está sujo', not 'a esgoto está suja').
Infrastructure and Environment
You'll frequently hear 'esgoto' when people discuss urban infrastructure, plumbing issues, environmental pollution, or public health concerns. Linking it to these topics will help you remember its meaning.
Stress on GO
The stress in 'esgoto' falls on the second syllable: es-GO-to. Practice saying it to sound more natural.
Related Terms
Learn related terms like 'rede de esgoto' (sewage network), 'tratamento de esgoto' (sewage treatment), and 'vazamento de esgoto' (sewage leak) to expand your understanding and usage.
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à esquerda de
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a gás
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a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
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