mate in 30 Seconds
- Mate describes a non-shiny, flat finish for colors and surfaces.
- Commonly used in cosmetics, interior design, and professional photography.
- It is usually invariable, meaning it doesn't change for gender.
- A synonyms is 'fosco', which is more traditional in Portuguese.
The Portuguese word mate is a loanword from French that has become an essential part of the modern Portuguese vocabulary, particularly in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and automotive aesthetics. When used as an adjective, it describes a surface or color that lacks any gloss, shine, or reflection. Imagine the difference between a shiny red apple and a piece of red construction paper; the paper has a mate finish. In daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently when shopping for cosmetics, specifically lipsticks (batom mate), or when selecting finishes for home renovation, such as wall paint or kitchen cabinets. It is a word that suggests sophistication, modernity, and a certain understated elegance.
- Visual Texture
- The term refers to a flat finish that absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This quality makes it popular for concealing imperfections on surfaces.
- Cosmetic Context
- In the beauty industry, 'mate' is the standard term for long-lasting, non-shiny products like liquid lipsticks or foundations that control oiliness.
- Design Language
- Interior designers use 'mate' finishes to create a cozy, muted atmosphere in a room, often contrasting it with metallic or glossy accents.
Eu prefiro pintar as paredes da sala com um acabamento mate para evitar reflexos da televisão.
It is important to note that while 'mate' is widely understood, the Portuguese language also uses the word fosco to describe the same quality. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but mate carries a more contemporary, international flair. For instance, a car enthusiast might speak of a 'carro preto mate' (matte black car) to sound more trendy, whereas an architect might specify 'vidro fosco' (frosted glass). The word remains invariable in gender in most colloquial uses, meaning you can use 'mate' for both masculine and feminine nouns, though some traditional grammarians might argue for agreement in specific technical contexts.
Este batom mate dura o dia todo sem borrar.
A fotografia tem um efeito mate que lhe dá um ar nostálgico.
Comprei uma capa mate para o meu telemóvel novo.
O papel de parede mate é muito elegante para o escritório.
- Etymology
- Derived from the French word 'mat', which historically meant 'checkmated' or 'defeated', evolving to mean 'dull' or 'faint'.
- Modern Usage
- It has largely replaced 'opaco' in commercial marketing for high-end products.
Using mate in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as an adjective that usually follows the noun it modifies. One of the most interesting grammatical aspects of mate is its relative stability; unlike many Portuguese adjectives that must change to match the gender and number of the noun, mate is often treated as an invariable adjective, especially when it is perceived as a shorthand for 'cor mate' (matte color) or 'acabamento mate' (matte finish).
- Placement
- Always place 'mate' after the noun. For example: 'um carro mate' or 'uma sombra mate'. Placing it before the noun is grammatically incorrect in standard Portuguese.
- Agreement
- While some speakers may use 'mates' for plural nouns ('esmaltes mates'), it is very common and acceptable to keep it singular: 'esmaltes mate'. Gender agreement is not required.
Ela comprou várias sombras mate para a sua coleção de maquilhagem.
When describing technical specifications, you might use 'mate' in conjunction with other descriptive words. For instance, 'semi-mate' is a common term for a finish that has a very slight sheen but is not quite glossy. In professional photography and printing, you will often have to choose between 'brilhante' (glossy) and 'mate' (matte). The choice dictates the final look and feel of the medium.
A pintura do automóvel é um azul mate muito raro.
Prefiro o papel mate para imprimir estas fotos de paisagem.
- Comparisons
- Use 'mais mate' to indicate a higher degree of flatness: 'Esta tinta é mais mate do que a outra'.
- Negation
- Use 'não é mate' or 'brilhante' to express the opposite: 'O acabamento não é mate, é acetinado'.
In a shopping scenario, you might ask: 'Vocês têm esta cor em versão mate?' (Do you have this color in a matte version?). This structure is very useful for learners as it treats 'mate' as a noun phrase or a specific category of product. It is also common to see it in compound adjectives, such as 'verde-mate', though this usually refers to the color of the yerba mate leaf rather than the texture, so be careful with the context!
You will encounter the word mate in several specific environments. If you walk into a perfumaria (beauty shop) in Lisbon or São Paulo, 'mate' will be one of the most common words you hear. Sales associates will use it to describe the texture of lipsticks, foundations, and powders. They might say, 'Este batom tem um acabamento mate aveludado' (This lipstick has a velvety matte finish).
- In the Art Studio
- Artists and photographers use 'mate' to describe varnishes and papers. A 'verniz mate' is essential for protecting a painting without creating a glare.
- At the Hardware Store
- When buying 'tinta' (paint), the clerk will ask if you want 'brilhante', 'acetinado' (satin), or 'mate'.
- In the Tech World
- Laptop and monitor reviews often discuss 'ecrãs mate' (matte screens) vs 'ecrãs brilhantes' (glossy screens), focusing on their ability to reduce glare in bright environments.
O designer recomendou um acabamento mate para os armários da cozinha.
In Brazil, specifically in Rio de Janeiro, you must be careful because 'Mate' is also the name of a very popular iced tea sold on the beaches ('Mate Leão'). If someone asks, 'Quer um mate?', they are offering you a drink, not a matte-textured object! However, in the context of fashion or hardware, the meaning remains the adjective 'dull/flat'. In Portugal, the tea is less ubiquitous as a street drink, so 'mate' almost exclusively refers to the finish or the yerba mate plant itself.
Gosto desta foto porque o papel mate não reflete a luz do candeeiro.
A nova coleção de vernizes tem cores mate incríveis.
- Social Media
- Influencers often use the hashtag #matte or #mate when showcasing makeup looks or minimalist home decor.
One of the most common pitfalls for English speakers is the pronunciation of mate. In English, 'mate' (friend) is a single syllable ending in a consonant sound. In Portuguese, it is always two syllables. In European Portuguese, the final 'e' is almost silent (MA-t'), while in many Brazilian dialects, the 'te' becomes a 'chi' sound (MA-chi). Forgetting that second syllable can make you misunderstood.
- The 'Tea' Confusion
- As mentioned, 'mate' is a beverage. If you say 'Eu gosto de mate', people will assume you like the tea. To specify the finish, say 'Eu gosto do acabamento mate'.
- The 'Kill' Confusion
- 'Mate' is also the imperative or the first/third person singular subjunctive of the verb 'matar'. While unlikely to be confused in written form, be aware of the context.
- Adjective Agreement
- Don't try to make it feminine by saying 'mata'. 'Mate' is the correct form for both genders.
Errado: Eu comprei uma tinta mata.
Correto: Eu comprei uma tinta mate.
Another mistake is overusing 'mate' when 'fosco' might be more natural for native speakers. While 'mate' is trendy, 'fosco' is the traditional Portuguese word for 'dull' or 'matte'. In technical manuals or older literature, you will almost always see 'fosco'. Using 'mate' for things like 'vidro fosco' (frosted glass) might sound slightly 'off' to a native ear, as 'mate' is more associated with colors and modern finishes than with the physical property of light diffusion in glass.
Não confunda: 'Checkmate' em português é 'Xeque-mate'. Embora use a palavra, é uma expressão fixa.
If you want to sound more like a native or need to be more precise, there are several alternatives to mate depending on what you are describing. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Portuguese from basic to intermediate/advanced.
- Fosco
- The most common synonym. Used for glass (vidro fosco), light bulbs (lâmpadas foscas), and general surfaces. It implies a lack of clarity or shine.
- Opaco
- More technical. It refers to something that light cannot pass through. While a matte surface is opaque, not all opaque things are matte (e.g., a shiny plastic sheet is opaque but not matte).
- Baço
- Common in Portugal. It describes something that has lost its shine, like old silver or a mirror with steam on it. It can also describe a 'dull' voice or look.
- Acetinado
- The middle ground. It means 'satin-like'. It has a very soft, subtle sheen, halfway between mate and brilhante.
O vidro do duche é fosco para garantir privacidade.
When choosing between mate and fosco, think about the context of 'style' vs 'function'. If you are talking about a style choice (like a cool matte black car), use mate. If you are talking about a functional property (like a non-reflective screen), fosco is often the more natural choice. However, in modern marketing, mate is winning the battle because it sounds more 'chic'.
A prata ficou baça com o passar dos anos.
Fun Fact
The word 'mate' for the drink has a completely different origin; it comes from the Quechua word 'mati', which refers to the gourd used to drink the tea.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it like the English word 'mate' (friend).
- In Portugal, making the final 'e' too loud (it should be very short).
- In Brazil, forgetting to palatalize the 't' into 'ch' if that is the local dialect.
- Confusing the 'a' sound with 'ei' as in 'make'.
- Stopping the sound after the 't' without the final vowel.
Examples by Level
Eu tenho um batom mate.
I have a matte lipstick.
'Mate' follows the noun 'batom'.
O carro é preto mate.
The car is matte black.
Color + adjective structure.
Esta cor é mate.
This color is matte.
Simple subject-verb-adjective.
Gosto de unhas mate.
I like matte nails.
Plural noun with singular adjective.
O papel não é mate.
The paper is not matte.
Negative sentence.
É um azul mate?
Is it a matte blue?
Question form.
Comprei tinta mate.
I bought matte paint.
Verb in past tense.
Ela quer sombra mate.
She wants matte eyeshadow.
Direct object usage.
Esta parede mate é muito bonita.
This matte wall is very beautiful.
Demonstrative pronoun usage.
Prefiro o acabamento mate ao brilhante.
I prefer the matte finish to the glossy one.
Comparison structure 'preferir X a Y'.
O meu telemóvel tem uma capa mate.
My phone has a matte case.
Possessive adjective.
As fotos mate são melhores.
Matte photos are better.
Plural agreement (invariable adjective).
Não gosto de batons muito mate.
I don't like very matte lipsticks.
Adverb 'muito' modifying 'mate'.
O verniz das unhas ficou mate.
The nail polish became matte.
Verb 'ficar' used for states.
Você tem papel mate para a impressora?
Do you have matte paper for the printer?
Polite question.
Este verde mate é perfeito para a sala.
This matte green is perfect for the living room.
Color used as a noun with 'mate'.
O designer escolheu um laminado mate para os móveis.
The designer chose a matte laminate for the furniture.
Specific vocabulary 'laminado'.
A pintura mate esconde as imperfeições da parede.
Matte paint hides the wall's imperfections.
Third person singular present tense.
Quero revelar estas fotos com efeito mate.
I want to develop these photos with a matte effect.
Infinitive 'revelar'.
A embalagem tem um toque mate e aveludado.
The packaging has a matte and velvety feel.
Adjective stringing.
Evite ecrãs brilhantes; prefira os ecrãs mate.
Avoid glossy screens; prefer matte screens.
Imperative mood.
Este batom líquido seca e fica totalmente mate.
This liquid lipstick dries and becomes totally matte.
Adverb 'totalmente'.
A coleção de inverno foca-se em tons mate.
The winter collection focuses on matte tones.
Pronominal verb 'focar-se'.
Se a superfície estiver mate, aplique outra camada.
If the surface is matte, apply another layer.
Future subjunctive with 'se'.
A estética mate confere um ar mais contemporâneo ao projeto.
The matte aesthetic gives a more contemporary feel to the project.
Verb 'conferir' meaning 'to bestow/give'.
O vidro mate é ideal para divisórias de escritórios.
Matte glass is ideal for office partitions.
Noun 'divisórias'.
Apesar de ser mate, a cor é vibrante e intensa.
Despite being matte, the color is vibrant and intense.
Conjunction 'apesar de'.
O acabamento mate requer cuidados específicos na limpeza.
The matte finish requires specific care when cleaning.
Complex subject phrase.
Muitos fotógrafos optam pelo papel mate para evitar reflexos indesejados.
Many photographers opt for matte paper to avoid unwanted reflections.
Verb 'optar por'.
A tendência atual é misturar texturas mate com elementos metálicos.
The current trend is to mix matte textures with metallic elements.
Infinitive phrase as subject.
A película mate protege o ecrã e reduz o cansaço visual.
The matte film protects the screen and reduces eye strain.
Compound sentence.
Esta tinta mate é lavável, o que é raro para este tipo de acabamento.
This matte paint is washable, which is rare for this type of finish.
Relative clause 'o que'.
A sobriedade do acabamento mate sublinha a elegância do mobiliário.
The sobriety of the matte finish underlines the furniture's elegance.
Abstract noun usage.
O uso de superfícies mate é uma escolha deliberada para absorver a luz ambiente.
The use of matte surfaces is a deliberate choice to absorb ambient light.
Passive-like construction.
A distinção entre o mate e o acetinado é subtil mas crucial para o resultado final.
The distinction between matte and satin is subtle but crucial for the final result.
Nominalization of adjectives.
A pátina mate que se formou sobre o metal confere-lhe um aspeto envelhecido.
The matte patina that formed over the metal gives it an aged look.
Relative clause with 'que'.
O diretor de fotografia insistiu numa lente com tratamento mate para a cena.
The director of photography insisted on a lens with a matte treatment for the scene.
Prepositional verb 'insistir em'.
A saturação das cores é percecionada de forma diferente em suportes mate.
Color saturation is perceived differently on matte supports.
Passive voice.
A arquitetura brutalista faz frequentemente uso de texturas mate e cruas.
Brutalist architecture frequently makes use of matte and raw textures.
Adverb placement.
A convergência entre o toque mate e a durabilidade é o desafio da indústria química.
The convergence between a matte feel and durability is the chemical industry's challenge.
Complex noun phrase.
A opalescência mate do mármore conferia ao átrio uma aura quase etérea.
The matte opalescence of the marble gave the atrium an almost ethereal aura.
Sophisticated vocabulary.
A dialética entre o brilho especular e a absorção mate define a profundidade da obra.
The dialectic between specular gloss and matte absorption defines the work's depth.
Philosophical/Artistic register.
A porosidade inerente aos materiais mate exige um selante de alta performance.
The inherent porosity of matte materials requires a high-performance sealant.
Technical terminology.
Subjacente à preferência pelo mate, reside um desejo de minimalismo e contenção visual.
Underlying the preference for matte lies a desire for minimalism and visual restraint.
Inverted sentence structure.
O tratamento mate de superfície mitiga a difusão de radiação indesejada no sensor.
The matte surface treatment mitigates the diffusion of unwanted radiation on the sensor.
Scientific register.
A reifrutação das cores primárias em tons mate altera a semântica da peça publicitária.
The re-rendering of primary colors in matte tones alters the advertising piece's semantics.
Advanced linguistic concepts.
A uniformidade mate da fachada contrasta com a organicidade do jardim circundante.
The matte uniformity of the facade contrasts with the organicity of the surrounding garden.
Juxtaposition of complex terms.
A aplicação de um verniz mate sobre a têmpera preserva a integridade cromática sem reflexos.
Applying a matte varnish over the tempera preserves chromatic integrity without reflections.
Technical art restoration terms.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Referring to a product available in a non-shiny option.
Temos este modelo em versão mate.
— The process of a surface becoming dull or the result of drying.
Depois de secar, o verniz vai ficar mate.
— Stating a preference for non-shiny finishes.
Muitas pessoas preferem o mate ao brilho.
Idioms & Expressions
— Checkmate in chess; a final, decisive move.
Ele deu o xeque-mate na negociação.
neutral— In some sports/games, to finish or win convincingly.
A equipa deu um mate nos adversários.
informal— Literally bitter mate (tea), but often used to describe a harsh truth or situation.
Aquela notícia foi um mate amargo para ele.
regional/metaphorical— A specific brownish-green color resembling the dried yerba mate leaves.
Ela pintou a casa de cor de mate.
neutral— In some regions, to be left waiting or in a dull situation.
Ele ficou no mate à espera dela.
slang— A physical feeling of being dull or lethargic (rare).
Sinto um mate de corpo hoje.
poetic— To put someone in a difficult, non-reactive position.
A pergunta pôs o político em mate.
informal— A dull, expressionless look in the eyes.
Ela tinha um olhar mate de tristeza.
literaryWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Mat' on the floor. A mat is flat, dull, and definitely not shiny. That's what 'mate' means!
Visual Association
Visualize a 'Matte Black' sports car. It looks cool because it's not shiny. That car is 'mate'.
Word Web
Challenge
Go to a local store (or online) and find three items labeled 'mate'. Describe them in Portuguese using the phrase 'Este(a) [item] é mate'.
Word Origin
Borrowed from the French word 'mat' in the 19th century, which itself comes from the Old French 'mat' (defeated/weak).
Original meaning: Originally related to being checkmated in chess (from Persian 'shāh māt'), it evolved in French to mean 'dull' or 'without luster'.
Romance (loanword from French, originally Persian/Arabic via Latin).Cultural Context
No major sensitivities. Just be aware that 'mate' (from matar) can be a violent word, so ensure context is clear.
English speakers easily recognize 'matte', making this a 'cognate-lite' word. However, the Portuguese 'mate' is more strictly used for finishes than the English 'dull'.
Summary
The adjective 'mate' is essential for describing modern, non-glossy aesthetics. Whether you're buying 'batom mate' (matte lipstick) or 'tinta mate' (matte paint), remember it follows the noun and usually doesn't change its form.
- Mate describes a non-shiny, flat finish for colors and surfaces.
- Commonly used in cosmetics, interior design, and professional photography.
- It is usually invariable, meaning it doesn't change for gender.
- A synonyms is 'fosco', which is more traditional in Portuguese.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More home words
à direita de
A2To the right side of something or someone.
à esquerda de
A2To the left side of something or someone.
a gás
B1Operating on or powered by gas.
a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
B1Our (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a tua
B1Your (informal, feminine singular possessive determiner).
abafado
A2Lacking fresh air; stuffy.
abaixo de
A2Below, under, lower than.
abajur
A2A decorative cover for a light bulb, or a small lamp.
abrir à chave
A2To unlock something with a key.
