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A2 noun #7,500 most common 16 min read

ketchup

Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ketchup in 30 Seconds

Explanation ketchup in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ketchup' is one of the easiest words to learn because it is identical to English. You should focus on basic needs and preferences. For example, you can say 'Eu gosto de ketchup' (I like ketchup) or ask 'Tem ketchup?' (Is there ketchup?). At this stage, you are just identifying the object and expressing a simple desire for it. You should also learn that it is a masculine word, so you use 'o' or 'um'. You might hear it at a fast-food restaurant or see it on a menu. It is a 'survival' word for when you are hungry and need a familiar condiment. Don't worry about complex grammar; just focus on the word itself and the basic verbs like 'querer' (to want) and 'ter' (to have). You will mostly see it in its physical form—a bottle or a small packet. Remember to pronounce it clearly, and if you are in Brazil, adding a little 'i' sound at the end ('ketch-upi') will make you sound more like a local. This word is a perfect starting point for building your food-related vocabulary because it gives you immediate success in communication.

As an A2 learner, you are moving beyond simple identification to more functional use. You should be able to use 'ketchup' in full sentences during a meal. For example, 'Você pode me passar o ketchup, por favor?' (Can you pass me the ketchup, please?). You should also be able to specify quantities, such as 'um pouco de ketchup' (a little bit of ketchup) or 'bastante ketchup' (a lot of ketchup). At this level, you can start to distinguish between different types, like 'ketchup picante' (spicy ketchup). You will also encounter it in shopping contexts, so knowing how to ask 'Onde está o ketchup?' in a supermarket is important. You should also be aware of common pairings, such as 'batatas fritas com ketchup' (fries with ketchup). This level is about making your requests more polite and specific. You are starting to understand that 'ketchup' is a masculine noun and that adjectives must agree with it. You might also start to notice the word in advertisements or on signs in snack bars. It's a versatile word that helps you navigate daily social interactions around food.

At the B1 level, you can use 'ketchup' to describe habits, preferences, and even simple opinions. You might explain why you prefer one brand over another or discuss the health aspects of the sauce. For example, 'Eu tento não comer muito ketchup porque tem muito açúcar' (I try not to eat much ketchup because it has a lot of sugar). You can also use the word in the context of recipes, such as explaining how to make a simple sauce: 'Para fazer o molho, você mistura maionese, ketchup e um pouco de limão'. At this stage, you should be comfortable using the word in various tenses, like 'Eu esqueci de comprar ketchup ontem' (I forgot to buy ketchup yesterday). You are also becoming more aware of regional differences, such as the debate over putting ketchup on pizza in Brazil. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'condimento', 'sachê', and 'embalagem'. You can follow a conversation about food more easily and contribute your own thoughts using 'ketchup' as a familiar reference point. This level is about fluency and being able to talk about the word in a broader context than just 'I want it'.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more detailed discussions where 'ketchup' might be a topic of cultural or sociological interest. You can talk about the 'americanização' of the Portuguese diet and the role of fast food. You might participate in a debate about culinary traditions, using 'ketchup' as an example of a globalized product that challenges local customs (like the pizza debate in São Paulo). Your language use is more sophisticated, allowing you to use idiomatic expressions or more complex sentence structures. For example, 'Apesar de ser um produto industrializado, o ketchup é indispensável em qualquer lanchonete brasileira'. You can also understand more technical descriptions of the product, such as its 'acidez' or 'viscosidade'. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing its place in society. You can read articles about food trends that mention ketchup and summarize them in your own words. You are also more sensitive to the register of the word, knowing when to use it informally and how to ask for it more formally in a high-end setting. Your pronunciation is more refined, and you can switch between the Brazilian and Portuguese styles if necessary.

At the C1 level, you can use 'ketchup' in highly nuanced ways, perhaps in a professional or academic discussion about food science, marketing, or history. You might analyze the 'estratégias de marketing' of major ketchup brands in Lusophone countries or discuss the 'perfil sensorial' of different varieties. Your vocabulary is extensive, allowing you to use terms like 'umami', 'conservantes', and 'xarope de milho' in relation to the condiment. You can understand and produce complex texts, such as a critique of a restaurant where the quality of the ketchup is used as a metaphor for the establishment's attention to detail. For example, 'O descaso da lanchonete era evidente até na escolha de um ketchup de quinta categoria'. You are fully aware of the etymological origins of the word and can discuss its journey from Asia to the West and finally into the Portuguese lexicon. At this stage, the word is just a small part of a vast linguistic repertoire that you use with precision and flair. You can handle any conversation, no matter how abstract, that involves this topic.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the language and can use 'ketchup' in any context, including literature, satire, or complex linguistic analysis. You can appreciate and create puns, wordplay, or metaphors involving the word. You might write a satirical piece about the 'guerra do ketchup' on pizza, using it as a lens to explore deeper regional identities in Brazil. Your understanding of the word is so deep that you can identify subtle shifts in its usage over decades of Portuguese literature and media. You can discuss the word's phonological integration into various Portuguese dialects with the expertise of a linguist. For you, 'ketchup' is not just a sauce; it is a linguistic artifact that represents centuries of globalization and cultural exchange. You can express yourself with total spontaneity and precision, using the word in sentences that are grammatically perfect and stylistically sophisticated. You are as comfortable discussing the chemical composition of ketchup in a lab as you are ordering it at a street stall, and you can do both with native-level fluency and cultural insight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ketchup in 30 Seconds

Ketchup is a masculine noun in Portuguese, borrowed directly from English, referring to the popular red tomato sauce.
It is primarily used with fast food like burgers, fries, and hot dogs, and is a staple in Brazilian 'lanchonetes'.
In Brazil, the pronunciation often adds an 'i' sound at the end ('ketch-upi'), distinguishing it from the European Portuguese version.
While identical in spelling to English, it follows Portuguese grammar rules, requiring masculine articles like 'o' and 'um'.

The word ketchup in Portuguese is a direct loanword from English, referring to the ubiquitous tomato-based condiment that has become a global staple. In the context of the Portuguese language, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, it retains its primary identity as a sweet and tangy sauce made from tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and various spices. While the spelling remains identical to its English origin, its integration into the daily lives of Lusophones involves unique cultural nuances and specific grammatical applications. It is classified as a masculine noun, preceded by the article 'o'. When you are at a 'lanchonete' (snack bar) in São Paulo or a 'roulote' in Lisbon, the request for this condiment is one of the most basic yet essential interactions for any learner. The word transcends simple food terminology; it represents the intersection of globalized fast-food culture and local culinary habits.

Grammatical Gender: In Portuguese, 'ketchup' is always masculine. You say 'o ketchup' or 'um pouco de ketchup'. Never use 'a' or 'uma' with this word.
Common Verbs: The most frequent verbs used with ketchup are 'colocar' (to put), 'pôr' (to put/place), 'querer' (to want), and 'passar' (to spread/smear).
Culinary Context: It is most frequently associated with 'batatas fritas' (French fries), 'hambúrgueres', and 'cachorros-quentes' (hot dogs). However, in certain Brazilian regions, its use extends to pizza, a topic of great national debate.

Você gostaria de ketchup nas suas batatas fritas ou prefere maionese?

Understanding the usage of ketchup involves more than just knowing the sauce; it involves understanding the 'condiment culture'. In Brazil, specifically, the availability of ketchup is a given in almost every casual dining establishment. It is often served in 'sachês' (packets) or in plastic squeeze bottles. The act of asking for it—'Pode me dar um pouco de ketchup?'—is a standard phrase for any traveler. Interestingly, the phonetic adaptation in Brazil often adds an epenthetic vowel at the end, making it sound like 'ketch-úpi', whereas in Portugal, the pronunciation remains closer to the English original. This subtle difference in 'sotaque' (accent) is a key marker of regional identity within the Lusosphere. Furthermore, the word appears in discussions about nutrition and health, often contrasted with 'molho de tomate caseiro' (homemade tomato sauce) due to its higher sugar content.

O garçom trouxe vários sachês de ketchup para a mesa.

Beyond the table, the word 'ketchup' serves as a bridge for English speakers learning Portuguese. Because the word is identical, it provides a 'safe zone' in conversation. However, the learner must be careful with the surrounding syntax. For example, when describing the sauce, one must use masculine adjectives: 'ketchup picante' (spicy ketchup), 'ketchup doce' (sweet ketchup). The word does not change in the plural in common usage; one might say 'dois ketchups' but it is more common to say 'dois sachês de ketchup'. In technical culinary terms, it is a 'condimento', a category that also includes 'mostarda' and 'maionese'. The history of the word itself, though not Portuguese in origin, highlights the language's openness to adopting foreign terms for modern consumer goods, a process known as 'estrangeirismo'.

Eu não gosto de colocar muito ketchup porque esconde o gosto da carne.

Storage: Usually kept in the 'geladeira' (refrigerator) after opening, or in 'dispensadores' (dispensers) in fast-food chains.
Ingredients: Tomates, vinagre, açúcar, sal, cebola, e especiarias (spices).

Este ketchup é muito ácido para o meu paladar.

Finally, the social aspect of ketchup cannot be ignored. In Brazil, 'lanches' (snacks/sandwiches) are a social ritual. Whether it's a 'X-Burguer' (cheeseburger) or a 'misto quente' (grilled ham and cheese), the presence of ketchup on the table signifies an informal, relaxed environment. It is the sauce of the youth, the sauce of the late-night snack after a party, and the sauce of the family Sunday lunch at a burger joint. By mastering the use of this word and its associated phrases, a learner integrates more deeply into the informal social fabric of Portuguese-speaking societies. It is a small word with a large footprint in the daily lexicon of millions.

Using the word ketchup in sentences requires an understanding of Portuguese sentence structure and the specific collocations that make speech sound natural. As an A2 learner, you should focus on simple subject-verb-object constructions. For instance, the most basic sentence would be 'Eu quero ketchup' (I want ketchup). However, to sound more fluent, you should incorporate prepositions and articles correctly. Because 'ketchup' is masculine, you will use 'o' (the) or 'um' (a/some). For example, 'Passe o ketchup, por favor' (Pass the ketchup, please). This section will guide you through various contexts, from ordering at a restaurant to describing your culinary preferences at home, ensuring you use the term with confidence and precision.

Ordering Food: When ordering, you might say: 'Vem com ketchup?' (Does it come with ketchup?) or 'Pode colocar bastante ketchup no meu hambúrguer?' (Can you put a lot of ketchup on my burger?).
Expressing Dislike: If you don't like it, you would say: 'Sem ketchup, por favor' (Without ketchup, please) or 'Eu detesto ketchup' (I hate ketchup).

Sempre que como batatas fritas, eu mergulho cada uma no ketchup.

In more complex sentences, 'ketchup' can be the subject of the sentence. For example, 'O ketchup acabou' means 'The ketchup is finished' or 'We ran out of ketchup'. This is a very common domestic phrase. If you are shopping, you might ask the supermarket employee: 'Onde fica o ketchup?' (Where is the ketchup located?). Notice how the word remains unchanged, but the verbs and articles around it provide the necessary context. In Brazil, you will often hear the diminutive 'ketchupinho' used in a playful or child-friendly context, although this is less common than with other food items. The versatility of the word allows it to fit into almost any conversation about food, health, or shopping.

Cuidado para não manchar a sua camisa branca com esse ketchup!

Furthermore, you can use 'ketchup' to describe other things by way of comparison, though this is rare. More practically, you'll use it with adjectives like 'picante' (spicy), 'tradicional' (traditional), or 'orgânico' (organic). 'Eu comprei um ketchup orgânico na feira' (I bought an organic ketchup at the fair). In the kitchen, you might hear instructions like: 'Misture o ketchup com a maionese para fazer molho rosé' (Mix the ketchup with mayonnaise to make pink sauce/fry sauce). This 'molho rosé' is a very popular accompaniment for shrimp and snacks in Brazil and Portugal, and knowing that ketchup is a primary ingredient is a great culinary and linguistic tip.

Você prefere o ketchup de garrafa ou os sachês individuais?

Describing Taste: 'Este ketchup é muito doce' (This ketchup is very sweet). 'O ketchup caseiro tem um sabor mais forte' (Homemade ketchup has a stronger flavor).
Quantity: 'Só um pingo de ketchup' (Just a drop/dab of ketchup). 'Muita gente coloca ketchup demais na comida' (Many people put too much ketchup on their food).

A criança fez uma bagunça enorme usando o ketchup como se fosse tinta.

As you progress to B1 and B2 levels, you will use 'ketchup' in more abstract or descriptive ways. You might discuss the 'industrialização do ketchup' (industrialization of ketchup) or its role in 'fast-food' culture. However, for now, focus on these everyday interactions. Remember that the word is a tool to get what you want at the dinner table. Practice saying 'Você pode me passar o ketchup?' until it feels natural. The more you use it in real-life scenarios—like at a 'churrasco' where someone might be eating a 'pão com linguiça'—the more you will feel comfortable with the flow of the Portuguese language.

The word ketchup is audible in a variety of settings across the Portuguese-speaking world, from the bustling streets of Luanda to the quiet cafes of the Algarve and the vibrant 'lanchonetes' of Rio de Janeiro. However, the most common place to hear it is undoubtedly in the context of casual dining. If you walk into a McDonald's, a Burger King, or a local 'podrão' (a Brazilian slang term for a street food stall that serves giant, often messy burgers), the word 'ketchup' will be part of the ambient noise. You will hear customers asking for it, servers offering it, and children demanding it. It is a word of the 'agito' (the hustle and bustle) of modern life.

In Restaurants: 'Garçom, tem ketchup?' is a classic phrase. In fast-food joints, the staff might ask: 'Ketchup e mostarda?' as they hand you your tray.
In Supermarkets: You will hear it in the 'corredor de molhos' (sauce aisle). Parents often talk to their kids about which brand to buy: 'Vamos levar o ketchup da Heinz ou o mais barato?'.

Na praça de alimentação do shopping, o som de pessoas pedindo ketchup é constante.

Another common venue is the television and digital media. Advertising for condiments is a massive industry in Brazil. You will hear the word 'ketchup' in catchy jingles and see it in bright red font on 'outdoors' (billboards). These commercials often emphasize the 'sabor' (flavor) and 'consistência' (consistency) of the sauce. On YouTube, Brazilian 'foodies' or 'influenciadores de culinária' often use the word when reviewing burgers or showing 'receitas' (recipes) for homemade versions. Hearing the word in these varied media helps you understand the different intonations and the excitement often associated with 'comfort food'.

Ouvi no comercial que o novo ketchup deles não tem conservantes.

In the domestic sphere, 'ketchup' is a word heard during family dinners or 'churrascos' (barbecues). While traditional barbecue purists in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) might scoff at the idea of putting ketchup on a high-quality 'picanha', in most other parts of the country, it's a standard table item. You'll hear: 'Passa o ketchup para o seu irmão' (Pass the ketchup to your brother). It's also a word frequently used in the context of cleaning and household chores: 'Cuidado, você vai derrubar ketchup no tapete!' (Careful, you're going to drop ketchup on the rug!). This variety of contexts—from the commercial to the domestic—ensures that the word is firmly embedded in the daily auditory experience of a Portuguese speaker.

Na feira, o vendedor de pastel sempre oferece ketchup e pimenta.

At the Beach: Even at the beach in Brazil, vendors selling 'espetinhos' (kebabs) or 'queijo coalho' might have a bottle of ketchup ready for those who want it.
In Schools: During 'recreio' (recess), students at the 'cantina' (cafeteria) frequently use the word when buying snacks.

O mestre de obras pediu um sanduíche com bastante ketchup no almoço.

Lastly, you will hear the word in professional culinary environments, though perhaps with a different tone. Chefs might discuss 'ketchup artesanal' (artisanal ketchup) or its use as a base for 'molho barbecue' (barbecue sauce). In these settings, the word is treated with more technical scrutiny, focusing on the balance of 'acidez' (acidity) and 'doçura' (sweetness). Regardless of where you are—from a high-end burger boutique to a simple street corner—the word 'ketchup' is a constant, making it a vital piece of vocabulary for navigating the Lusophone world.

Even though ketchup is an English loanword, English speakers often make specific mistakes when using it in Portuguese. The most frequent errors involve gender, pronunciation, and spelling within a Portuguese context. Because the word looks identical to the English version, learners often forget that it must follow Portuguese grammatical rules. This section will highlight the pitfalls you should avoid to ensure your Portuguese sounds natural and correct. By paying attention to these details, you can avoid the 'gringo' label and demonstrate a deeper respect for the language's structure.

Gender Confusion: Mistake: Saying 'a ketchup'. Correct: Always use 'o ketchup'. Loanwords ending in consonants are usually masculine in Portuguese.
Pronunciation Over-correction: Mistake: Trying to say it exactly like an American or Brit in the middle of a Portuguese sentence. Correct: In Brazil, adapt to the local 'ketch-úpi' sound to maintain the flow of the sentence.

Errado: Eu quero uma ketchup. Correto: Eu quero um ketchup.

Another common mistake is confusing 'ketchup' with 'molho de tomate'. In English, 'tomato sauce' can sometimes be used interchangeably with ketchup (especially in Australia or NZ), but in Portuguese, 'molho de tomate' refers specifically to the sauce used on pasta or pizza—usually savory and cooked. If you ask for 'molho de tomate' on your fries, the waiter might be confused or bring you a bowl of warm marinara. Always specify 'ketchup' for the condiment. Additionally, pay attention to the plural. While 'ketchups' is technically possible, it sounds awkward. It is much better to say 'sachês de ketchup' or 'garrafas de ketchup'.

Não confunda: ketchup (condimento doce) com molho de tomate (usado em massas).

Learners also struggle with the placement of adjectives. In English, we say 'spicy ketchup'. In Portuguese, the adjective usually follows the noun: 'ketchup picante'. Saying 'picante ketchup' sounds like a direct translation and is grammatically incorrect. Furthermore, be careful with the verb 'pedir'. If you want to ask for ketchup, say 'pedir ketchup'. Don't say 'pedir para ketchup', which is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to 'ask for'. The verb 'pedir' in Portuguese is transitive and doesn't need 'para' in this context. These small grammatical nuances separate a beginner from an intermediate speaker.

Errado: Você tem picante ketchup? Correto: Você tem ketchup picante?

Preposition Errors: Mistake: 'Batatas com de ketchup'. Correct: 'Batatas com ketchup'. You don't need 'de' after 'com'.
Brand Names: Mistake: Using 'Heinz' as a generic noun without the word ketchup. While people know what you mean, it's grammatically better to say 'o ketchup da Heinz'.

Eu pedi ketchup, mas o garçom esqueceu de trazer.

Finally, remember that 'ketchup' is an informal word. While it's perfectly fine in most settings, in a very high-end restaurant, you might want to ask more politely: 'Seria possível trazer um pouco de ketchup?'. Using the conditional 'seria' adds a layer of politeness that balances the informality of the condiment itself. Avoid just saying 'Ketchup!' to a waiter, as this can come across as rude. Like any language, Portuguese is as much about the 'jeito' (the way/manner) as it is about the words themselves.

While ketchup is a specific and widely recognized term, there are several other words in Portuguese that are related to it or can serve as alternatives depending on the culinary context. Understanding these synonyms and related terms will help you expand your vocabulary and describe flavors more accurately. Whether you are looking for something spicier, creamier, or more traditional, the Portuguese language has a rich variety of 'molhos' (sauces) and 'condimentos' (condiments) to choose from. This section explores the differences between ketchup and its closest relatives.

Mostarda (Mustard): The most common companion to ketchup. It is yellow, tangy, and often served alongside ketchup on hot dogs and burgers.
Maionese (Mayonnaise): The third member of the 'holy trinity' of fast-food sauces. In Brazil, 'maionese caseira' (homemade mayo) is often more prized than ketchup.
Molho de Tomate (Tomato Sauce): As mentioned before, this is the savory sauce for pasta. It is less sweet and lacks the vinegar punch of ketchup.

Se você não gosta de ketchup, pode tentar o molho barbecue ou a mostarda escura.

For those who like heat, 'molho de pimenta' (hot sauce) is the primary alternative. Unlike the thick consistency of ketchup, 'molho de pimenta' is usually liquid and used in drops. Another interesting alternative is 'extrato de tomate' (tomato paste), which is a concentrated tomato product used for cooking, never as a table condiment. In terms of synonyms, there isn't a direct Portuguese word that replaces 'ketchup', as it is the name of the product. However, you might hear people refer to it generically as 'esse molho vermelho' (that red sauce) in very informal or descriptive situations. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone wanting to navigate a Portuguese menu or kitchen.

O ketchup é essencial para um cachorro-quente completo, junto com a batata palha.

In Brazil, a very common alternative found in 'lanchonetes' is 'molho rosé', which is a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise. Sometimes it also includes a bit of mustard or lemon juice. If you like the sweetness of ketchup but want something creamier, this is the perfect middle ground. Another regional alternative in Portugal is 'molho de francesinha', a complex, spicy sauce made with beer and tomato that is far more sophisticated than simple ketchup but occupies a similar space in the 'comfort food' world. Exploring these alternatives allows you to move beyond basic vocabulary and engage with the actual culinary culture of the country you are visiting or studying.

Muitas pessoas preferem ketchup picante em vez do tradicional para dar mais sabor.

Molho Barbecue: Increasingly popular in Brazil, often used as a direct substitute for ketchup on ribs and burgers.
Passata de Tomate: A smooth, strained tomato sauce used as a cooking base, much healthier and less processed than ketchup.

Você já provou ketchup de goiaba? É uma variação brasileira deliciosa!

Finally, don't forget 'ketchup de goiaba' (guava ketchup), a uniquely Brazilian invention that replaces tomatoes with guava fruit. It has a similar sweet and sour profile but with a tropical twist. While it's still called 'ketchup', it's a great example of how a global word and concept can be adapted to local ingredients. By learning these variations, you're not just learning a word; you're learning how Portuguese-speaking cultures innovate and express themselves through food. Whether you stick to the classic tomato version or venture into guava territory, you now have the vocabulary to describe your choices.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Poderia, por gentileza, fornecer um pouco de ketchup?"

Neutral

"Você tem ketchup?"

Informal

"Passa o ketchup aí!"

Child friendly

"Quer um pouquinho de ketchup no seu lanche?"

Slang

"Dá um banho de ketchup nessa batata!"

Fun Fact

The original 'ketchup' had no tomatoes at all! Tomatoes weren't added to the recipe until the early 19th century in the United States.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkɛtʃ.ʌp/

US /ˈkɛtʃ.əp/

The stress is on the first syllable: KET-chup.

Rhymes With

checkup step up prep set up get up let up met up wet up

Common Errors

In Brazil, adding an extra 'i' at the end: 'ketch-úpi'.
Pronouncing the 'ch' as a 'sh' sound.
Making the 'u' too long like 'oo'.
Forgetting the 't' sound in the middle.
In Portugal, sometimes dropping the final 'p' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Extremely easy as it is identical to English.

Writing 1/5

No special characters or spelling changes.

Speaking 2/5

Slightly tricky due to regional pronunciation differences.

Listening 1/5

Very recognizable in any conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

tomate molho comida querer ter

Learn Next

mostarda maionese batata frita hambúrguer sachê

Advanced

condimento conservantes artesanal industrializado acidez

Grammar to Know

Loanword Gender

Words borrowed from English that end in consonants are usually masculine (o ketchup, o hambúrguer).

Adjective Position

Adjectives follow the noun 'ketchup' (ketchup picante, não picante ketchup).

Direct Object Requests

Using 'pedir' without a preposition for the object (Pedir ketchup).

Epenthetic Vowels

In Brazilian Portuguese, terminal consonants often get an 'i' sound added (ketchup -> ketchupi).

Definite Article Usage

Use 'o' when referring to a specific bottle or the concept in general (O ketchup é bom).

Examples by Level

Eu quero ketchup.

I want ketchup.

Simple subject + verb + object.

Você tem ketchup?

Do you have ketchup?

Question using the verb 'ter'.

O ketchup é vermelho.

The ketchup is red.

Using the definite article 'o' (masculine).

Gosto de batata com ketchup.

I like fries with ketchup.

Using 'com' (with) as a preposition.

Um pouco de ketchup, por favor.

A little ketchup, please.

Quantitative phrase 'um pouco de'.

Onde está o ketchup?

Where is the ketchup?

Locative question with 'estar'.

Não gosto de ketchup.

I don't like ketchup.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

O ketchup está na mesa.

The ketchup is on the table.

Using 'na' (em + a, but here it should be 'no' for masculine: 'no mesa' is wrong, table is feminine, but ketchup is masculine. Correct: 'O ketchup está na mesa').

Você pode me passar o ketchup?

Can you pass me the ketchup?

Polite request using 'pode me passar'.

Eu prefere ketchup picante.

I prefer spicy ketchup.

Noun + adjective agreement (masculine).

Vem com ketchup no hambúrguer?

Does it come with ketchup on the burger?

Using 'vir com' for ingredients.

Preciso comprar um vidro de ketchup.

I need to buy a jar/bottle of ketchup.

Using 'vidro' as a container noun.

Coloque o ketchup na geladeira, por favor.

Put the ketchup in the fridge, please.

Imperative mood 'coloque'.

Este ketchup é muito doce para mim.

This ketchup is too sweet for me.

Using 'este' (demonstrative) and 'muito' (adverb).

O garçom trouxe sachês de ketchup.

The waiter brought ketchup packets.

Plural noun 'sachês' followed by 'de'.

Não coloque ketchup na minha pizza!

Don't put ketchup on my pizza!

Negative imperative.

Muitas pessoas acham que ketchup faz mal à saúde.

Many people think ketchup is bad for your health.

Expressing opinion with 'achar que'.

Se eu tivesse ketchup, faria um molho rosé.

If I had ketchup, I would make a pink sauce.

Conditional sentence (imperfect subjunctive + conditional).

O ketchup acabou e eu nem percebi.

The ketchup ran out and I didn't even notice.

Using 'acabar' for running out of something.

Dizem que o ketchup foi inventado na Ásia.

They say ketchup was invented in Asia.

Passive voice with 'dizem que'.

Eu sempre verifico os ingredientes do ketchup antes de comprar.

I always check the ketchup ingredients before buying.

Using 'verificar' and 'antes de'.

O sabor do ketchup caseiro é muito superior ao industrial.

The flavor of homemade ketchup is much superior to the industrial one.

Comparison of adjectives.

Você já tentou limpar metal com ketchup?

Have you ever tried cleaning metal with ketchup?

Present perfect equivalent using 'já'.

O ketchup é um dos condimentos mais populares do mundo.

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in the world.

Superlative construction.

A polêmica do ketchup na pizza divide o Brasil.

The controversy of ketchup on pizza divides Brazil.

Abstract subject 'a polêmica'.

O excesso de açúcar no ketchup preocupa os nutricionistas.

The excess of sugar in ketchup worries nutritionists.

Subject-verb agreement with 'preocupa'.

Embora seja prático, o ketchup pode mascarar o sabor da comida.

Although it is practical, ketchup can mask the flavor of the food.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

A marca investiu milhões em publicidade para seu novo ketchup.

The brand invested millions in advertising for its new ketchup.

Business context vocabulary.

O ketchup artesanal tornou-se uma tendência em hambúrguerias gourmet.

Artisanal ketchup has become a trend in gourmet burger shops.

Using 'tornar-se' for becoming.

É fascinante como o ketchup se integrou a culturas tão diferentes.

It's fascinating how ketchup integrated into such different cultures.

Impersonal expression 'É fascinante como'.

O rótulo do ketchup deve listar todos os aditivos químicos.

The ketchup label must list all chemical additives.

Modal verb 'deve'.

Muitas crianças se recusam a comer vegetais sem ketchup.

Many children refuse to eat vegetables without ketchup.

Reflexive verb 'recusar-se a'.

A onipresença do ketchup é um testemunho da globalização alimentar.

The omnipresence of ketchup is a testament to food globalization.

High-level vocabulary like 'onipresença'.

Analisamos a viscosidade do ketchup para garantir o padrão de qualidade.

We analyzed the viscosity of the ketchup to ensure the quality standard.

Technical/Scientific register.

O ketchup atua como um realçador de sabor devido ao seu alto teor de glutamato.

Ketchup acts as a flavor enhancer due to its high glutamate content.

Causal phrase 'devido ao'.

Houve uma queda na demanda por ketchup tradicional em favor de opções orgânicas.

There was a drop in demand for traditional ketchup in favor of organic options.

Economic/Formal register.

A acidez do vinagre no ketchup é equilibrada pela doçura do açúcar.

The acidity of the vinegar in the ketchup is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar.

Passive voice 'é equilibrada'.

O termo 'ketchup' sofreu diversas adaptações fonéticas ao redor do mundo.

The term 'ketchup' underwent several phonetic adaptations around the world.

Linguistic context.

A legislação exige que a porcentagem de tomate no ketchup seja especificada.

Legislation requires that the percentage of tomato in the ketchup be specified.

Subjunctive mood after 'exige que'.

O ketchup de goiaba é uma releitura criativa de um clássico ocidental.

Guava ketchup is a creative reinterpretation of a Western classic.

Artistic/Culinary critique register.

A trajetória do ketchup, de condimento fermentado a ícone pop, é notável.

The trajectory of ketchup, from fermented condiment to pop icon, is remarkable.

Complex appositive phrase.

Subjacente ao simples ato de usar ketchup, reside uma complexa teia de trocas culturais.

Underlying the simple act of using ketchup lies a complex web of cultural exchanges.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

A saturação do mercado de ketchup obriga as empresas a diversificarem seus nichos.

The saturation of the ketchup market forces companies to diversify their niches.

Advanced business/sociological analysis.

O ketchup personifica a dicotomia entre a praticidade moderna e a tradição culinária.

Ketchup personifies the dichotomy between modern practicality and culinary tradition.

Philosophical/Abstract register.

A versatilidade do ketchup permite que ele transcenda barreiras gastronômicas.

The versatility of ketchup allows it to transcend gastronomic barriers.

Using 'transcender' in a figurative sense.

Criticar o uso de ketchup é, por vezes, uma forma velada de elitismo cultural.

Criticizing the use of ketchup is, at times, a veiled form of cultural elitism.

Sociological critique.

O design da garrafa de ketchup evoluiu para otimizar a experiência do usuário.

The design of the ketchup bottle evolved to optimize the user experience.

Industrial design terminology.

A essência do ketchup reside no equilíbrio precário entre o ácido e o sacarino.

The essence of ketchup lies in the precarious balance between the acidic and the saccharine.

Poetic/Literary register.

Common Collocations

vidro de ketchup

sachê de ketchup

ketchup e mostarda

colocar ketchup

mancha de ketchup

ketchup caseiro

muito ketchup

sem ketchup

marca de ketchup

ketchup picante

Common Phrases

Passa o ketchup?

— A common way to ask someone to hand you the ketchup bottle. It's informal and direct.

Passa o ketchup, por favor?

Tem ketchup?

— Asking if there is any ketchup available. Used in restaurants or at home.

Garçom, tem ketchup na mesa?

Ketchup e maionese

— The standard combination of sauces for most Brazilian snacks.

Eu sempre misturo ketchup e maionese.

Banho de ketchup

— A figurative way to say someone put way too much sauce on their food.

Ele deu um banho de ketchup nas batatas.

Ketchup na pizza

— Refers to the controversial cultural habit in Rio de Janeiro.

Ketchup na pizza é coisa de carioca.

Um pingo de ketchup

— Asking for just a tiny amount of the sauce.

Só quero um pingo de ketchup no meu sanduíche.

Sachê extra

— Asking for more individual packets in a fast-food setting.

Pode me dar um sachê extra de ketchup?

Ketchup de marca

— Referring to high-quality, well-known brands rather than generic ones.

Aqui eles só servem ketchup de marca.

Vidro vazio

— Pointing out that the ketchup container is out of sauce.

O vidro de ketchup está vazio.

Gosto de ketchup

— Describing the flavor of something as being similar to the sauce.

Esse molho tem um gosto forte de ketchup.

Often Confused With

ketchup vs molho de tomate

Molho de tomate is for pasta; ketchup is the sweet condiment for snacks.

ketchup vs extrato de tomate

Extrato is a concentrated cooking ingredient, never used as a table sauce.

ketchup vs passata

Passata is strained, pure tomato juice/sauce used for cooking, not a condiment.

Idioms & Expressions

"sangue de ketchup"

— Used to mock fake blood in movies or to say someone is not brave. It implies something is artificial.

Aquele filme de terror era péssimo, o sangue parecia de ketchup.

informal

"ser o ketchup da batata"

— A made-up or rare idiom implying two things are a perfect, inseparable match.

Nós somos como o ketchup e a batata frita.

playful

"cara de ketchup"

— Describing someone who is very red in the face, usually from embarrassment or anger.

Ele ficou com uma cara de ketchup quando ela falou com ele.

slang

"espremer como ketchup"

— To pressure someone to get information or results, like squeezing a bottle.

O chefe espremeu o funcionário como se fosse um vidro de ketchup.

informal

"entornar o ketchup"

— A variation of 'entornar o caldo', meaning to mess up a situation or cause a conflict.

Ele falou o que não devia e entornou o ketchup na reunião.

slang

"mais vermelho que ketchup"

— A common simile used to describe the intensity of the color red.

O carro novo dele é mais vermelho que ketchup.

informal

"viver de ketchup"

— To have a very poor or restricted diet, usually associated with students or struggling artists.

No final do mês, ele estava vivendo de macarrão com ketchup.

informal

"ketchup no olho dos outros é refresco"

— A play on the idiom 'pimenta no olho dos outros é refresco', implying that other people's problems seem easy to us.

Ele acha fácil, mas ketchup no olho dos outros é refresco.

humorous

"cheio de ketchup"

— Being messy or having a lot of something unnecessary.

O relatório veio todo cheio de ketchup (cheio de erros/marcas).

slang/figurative

"ketchup da discórdia"

— Referring to the pizza debate, something that starts a harmless but passionate argument.

O ketchup na pizza é sempre o ketchup da discórdia.

informal

Easily Confused

ketchup vs mostarda

Both are condiments often served together.

Mostarda is yellow and tangy; ketchup is red and sweet.

Eu quero ketchup, não mostarda.

ketchup vs maionese

Often used in the same context.

Maionese is white/creamy; ketchup is red/tomato-based.

Misture o ketchup com a maionese.

ketchup vs pimenta

Both can be red and come in bottles.

Pimenta is spicy/hot; ketchup is primarily sweet/acidic.

Cuidado, isso é pimenta, não ketchup!

ketchup vs barbecue

Similar color and consistency.

Barbecue sauce is smoky; ketchup is not.

Este hambúrguer vem com molho barbecue em vez de ketchup.

ketchup vs goiabada

In Brazil, 'ketchup de goiaba' exists.

Goiabada is a solid sweet; ketchup is a liquid sauce.

O ketchup de goiaba é feito com a fruta.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero [Noun].

Eu quero ketchup.

Tem [Noun]?

Tem ketchup?

Você pode passar o [Noun]?

Você pode passar o ketchup?

[Noun] com [Noun].

Batata com ketchup.

Eu prefiro [Noun] do que [Noun].

Eu prefiro ketchup do que mostarda.

O [Noun] acabou.

O ketchup acabou.

Apesar de [Verb], o [Noun] é [Adjective].

Apesar de doce, o ketchup é ácido.

A [Noun] do [Noun] é [Adjective].

A viscosidade do ketchup é importante.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in casual dining and domestic contexts.

Common Mistakes

A ketchup é boa. → O ketchup é bom.
Ketchup is masculine, so the article and adjective must also be masculine.
Quero batatas com de ketchup. → Quero batatas com ketchup.
You don't need the preposition 'de' after 'com' in this context.
Eu pedi para ketchup. → Eu pedi ketchup.
The verb 'pedir' takes a direct object. 'Pedir para' means 'to ask for someone to do something'.
Me dá um picante ketchup. → Me dá um ketchup picante.
In Portuguese, adjectives usually come after the noun.
O molho de tomate está no hambúrguer. → O ketchup está no hambúrguer.
Using 'molho de tomate' instead of 'ketchup' can refer to pasta sauce instead of the condiment.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always pair 'ketchup' with masculine adjectives. Say 'ketchup gostoso' or 'ketchup novo'. Using feminine adjectives is a common beginner mistake.

The Pizza Debate

If you are in São Paulo, avoid asking for ketchup for your pizza unless you want to start a long debate with your local friends!

The Brazilian 'i'

Adding a soft 'i' at the end of 'ketchup' will make your Portuguese sound much more natural in a Brazilian context.

Fast Food Trio

Learn 'ketchup, mostarda, e maionese' as a single group. They almost always appear together in restaurants.

Spelling

Don't try to 'portuguesify' the spelling to something like 'quetchupe'. The standard English spelling is the only one used in professional writing.

Finding it

Look for the 'Molhos' or 'Condimentos' aisle in the supermarket. It's usually near the mustard and mayonnaise.

Sugar Content

If you are health-conscious, look for 'ketchup zero' which usually means zero added sugar.

Sharing

It is polite to offer the ketchup bottle to others at the table before using it yourself.

Molho de Tomate vs Ketchup

Never use 'molho de tomate' when you mean ketchup. They are distinct products with very different uses.

Global Word

Remember that 'ketchup' is a global word. If you forget other food words, this one will always be understood!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Ketch' (catch) and 'Up'. You 'catch up' with your friends at a burger place and put ketchup on your fries.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant red tomato wearing a crown, sitting on a throne made of French fries.

Word Web

Tomate Batata Frita Hambúrguer Vermelho Sachê Mostarda Maionese Lanchonete

Challenge

Go to a restaurant and ask for 'um sachê de ketchup' without looking at your notes. Try to use the Brazilian 'i' sound at the end!

Word Origin

The word 'ketchup' likely originates from the Hokkien Chinese word 'kê-tsiap', which referred to a fermented fish sauce.

Original meaning: A fermented fish sauce, completely different from the modern tomato version.

Sino-Tibetan origin, borrowed into English, then into Portuguese.

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities, but be aware that health-conscious groups may criticize its high sugar content.

In English-speaking countries, ketchup is the default condiment, often used to define the flavor of childhood and casual dining.

The 'Ketchup Song' (Aserejé) by Las Ketchup (Spanish, but huge in Brazil/Portugal). Heinz commercials featuring Ed Sheeran. The movie 'Pulp Fiction' and the 'ketchup' joke at the end.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Fast Food Restaurant

Tem ketchup?
Pode colocar ketchup?
Quantos sachês?
Sem ketchup, por favor.

At the Supermarket

Onde fica o ketchup?
Qual é o preço do ketchup?
Tem ketchup picante?
Este ketchup é orgânico?

At a Barbecue (Churrasco)

Alguém quer ketchup?
O ketchup está na geladeira.
Passa o ketchup para mim?
Ketchup combina com linguiça?

Cleaning Clothes

Caiu ketchup na minha camisa.
Como tira mancha de ketchup?
O ketchup mancha muito.
Cuidado com o ketchup!

Cooking

Vou usar ketchup no molho.
Misture maionese e ketchup.
A receita pede ketchup.
O ketchup dá um toque doce.

Conversation Starters

"Você é do time que coloca ketchup na pizza ou acha um crime?"

"Qual é a sua marca de ketchup favorita e por quê?"

"Você prefere ketchup tradicional ou as versões picantes?"

"Você acha que o ketchup caseiro é realmente melhor que o industrial?"

"Qual comida você acha que combina perfeitamente com ketchup?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma memória de infância que envolva comer algo com muito ketchup.

Escreva sobre a polêmica cultural do ketchup na pizza no Brasil. Qual sua opinião?

Se você tivesse que criar um novo sabor de ketchup, quais ingredientes usaria?

Compare o uso de ketchup no seu país com o uso que você observa no Brasil ou Portugal.

Faça uma lista de cinco comidas que ficam melhores com ketchup e cinco que ficam piores.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a masculine word. You should always use 'o ketchup' or 'um ketchup'. This is a common rule for loanwords ending in consonants in Portuguese.

In Brazil, most people pronounce it as 'ketch-úpi'. The added 'i' sound at the end is a common linguistic feature in Brazilian Portuguese for words ending in consonants.

While you can, it's not a common tradition like it is in some parts of Brazil. It's generally better to check if it's available first.

No, the word 'ketchup' is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. It is a universal term.

Molho rosé is a popular sauce made by mixing ketchup and mayonnaise. It's often served with shrimp or snacks.

Yes, especially in gourmet burger shops, 'ketchup caseiro' or 'ketchup artesanal' is very popular.

Generally no, it's seen as a processed food (industrializado) with high sugar content, but it's widely enjoyed as a treat.

It's a Brazilian variation made from guava instead of tomatoes. It's sweet, tangy, and very popular in certain regions.

You can say: 'Pode me dar mais alguns sachês de ketchup, por favor?'

Technically 'ketchups' exists, but it's rare. People usually pluralize the container, like 'dois vidros de ketchup'.