This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun 10 min read

matéria

Examples matéria in 30 Seconds
Explanation matéria in your Level:
400+w
Sign up free to read full explanation
400+w
400+w
Sign up free to read full explanation
400+w
Sign up free to read full explanation
400+w
Sign up free to read full explanation
400+w
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

matéria in 30 Seconds

  • Matéria: Subject, matter, material.
  • Used for school subjects, physical substances, topics.
  • Feminine noun: 'a matéria', 'uma matéria'.
  • Plural: 'matérias' (often for subjects).
The Portuguese word "matéria" is a versatile noun with a CEFR A2 level of difficulty, meaning it's commonly encountered by learners as they begin to build their foundational vocabulary. It primarily translates to "subject" or "matter" in English, but its usage extends to various contexts, making it an essential word to understand. In an academic setting, "matéria" refers to a school subject, like mathematics or history. For example, "A minha matéria favorita é história" translates to "My favorite subject is history." Beyond academics, "matéria" can also denote the physical stuff or substance something is made of, or the topic or theme of a discussion or a piece of work. Think of it as the "stuff" that makes up the world around us, or the "content" of something. For instance, "Qual é a matéria desta camisa?" asks "What is the material of this shirt?" In a broader sense, it can also refer to the subject matter of a book, a film, or even a legal case. Understanding these different facets of "matéria" will significantly enhance your comprehension of everyday Portuguese conversations and texts. It's a word that bridges the gap between concrete and abstract concepts, appearing in both everyday chatter and more formal discussions. Learning "matéria" is a step towards comprehending the building blocks of knowledge and the essence of things in Portuguese.
Academic Context
Refers to a school subject or field of study.
Physical Substance
Denotes the material or substance something is composed of.
Topic/Theme
Can refer to the subject matter of a discussion, book, or event.
General Matter
Can be used more broadly to mean 'issue' or 'affair'.

A matéria de física é desafiadora, mas interessante.

The physics subject is challenging, but interesting.

Esta mesa é feita de matéria orgânica.

This table is made of organic matter.

O livro trata da matéria de ecologia.

The book deals with the subject matter of ecology.
Mastering "matéria" involves understanding its grammatical behavior and common sentence structures. As a feminine noun, it takes feminine articles and adjectives. For example, "a matéria" (the subject/matter) or "uma matéria" (a subject/matter). When referring to multiple subjects or types of matter, the plural form "matérias" is used.
Referring to School Subjects
Students and teachers frequently use "matéria" to talk about academic disciplines. You'll hear phrases like "cursar uma matéria" (to take a subject) or "a matéria é difícil" (the subject is difficult).
Describing Physical Composition
When discussing what something is made of, "matéria" is used with prepositions like "de" (of/from). Examples include "feito de matéria prima" (made of raw material) or "a matéria-prima principal é o algodão" (the main raw material is cotton).
Discussing Topics of Discussion
In conversations or written works, "matéria" can refer to the subject or theme. Phrases like "o assunto da matéria" (the subject of the matter) or "esta matéria é complexa" (this matter/topic is complex) are common.
General Usage
It can also be used more generally to refer to any kind of substance or thing. For example, "todo tipo de matéria" (all kinds of matter).

Eu preciso estudar para a matéria de biologia amanhã.

I need to study for the biology subject tomorrow.

A matéria cinzenta no cérebro é importante para o processamento de informações.

The gray matter in the brain is important for information processing.

O jornalista cobriu a matéria com profundidade.

The journalist covered the subject matter in depth.
You'll encounter "matéria" in a wide array of everyday Portuguese conversations and media. In schools and universities, it's a staple word. Teachers will announce, "Hoje vamos começar uma nova matéria," meaning "Today we will start a new subject." Students will discuss their workloads, like "Tenho muitas matérias para estudar esta semana," or "I have many subjects to study this week." Beyond the classroom, in discussions about science and nature, you'll hear it referring to physical substances. For instance, a documentary might explain, "Esta matéria é essencial para a vida na Terra," translating to "This matter is essential for life on Earth." In news reports or casual conversations about current events, "matéria" can refer to the topic or issue at hand. A journalist might say, "A matéria em questão é bastante delicada," meaning "The matter in question is quite delicate." When people discuss crafts, construction, or manufacturing, they use "matéria" to talk about materials. For example, "Precisamos de mais matéria-prima para a produção," which means "We need more raw material for production." Even in casual chats about what things are made of, "matéria" is used: "De que matéria é feito esse objeto?" - "What material is this object made of?" The word is ubiquitous in Portuguese, appearing in formal lectures, informal chats, written articles, and broadcasts, making it a fundamental part of the language.
Educational Institutions
Classroom discussions, syllabi, academic advising, and student conversations about their courses.
Scientific and Technical Discussions
Conversations about physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and environmental studies.
News and Current Affairs
Reporting on events, political discussions, and social issues.
Manufacturing and Craftsmanship
Discussions about raw materials, production processes, and the composition of goods.
General Conversations
Everyday chats about what things are made of, topics of interest, or subjects being discussed.

O professor explicou a matéria de forma clara.

The teacher explained the subject matter clearly.

A matéria orgânica é fundamental para a fertilidade do solo.

Organic matter is fundamental for soil fertility.

O debate centrou-se na matéria da saúde pública.

The debate focused on the matter of public health.
Learners of Portuguese might occasionally misuse "matéria," particularly by confusing its various meanings or by incorrectly applying gender or number. One common pitfall is using "matéria" when a more specific word is appropriate. For instance, while "matéria" can mean "material," in some contexts, a word like "tecido" (fabric) or "material" (borrowed from English, often used for construction materials) might be more precise. Another area of confusion can be with the plural form. While "matérias" is the plural for subjects, when referring to physical matter, it's often kept singular unless you're talking about distinct types of matter. For example, "água e ar" are types of "matéria," not usually "matérias" unless you're categorizing them broadly. English speakers might also struggle with the feminine gender of "matéria," defaulting to masculine articles or adjectives if they're not careful. Always remember it's "a matéria," not "o matéria." Finally, some might use "matéria" when they mean "subject" in the sense of a topic of discussion in a broader, non-academic sense. While it can work, sometimes "assunto" (subject, topic) or "tema" (theme) can be more fitting depending on the nuance. For example, instead of "Esta é uma matéria interessante," "Este é um assunto interessante" might sound more natural when discussing a news article's topic.
Confusing with Specific Material Words
Using "matéria" when a more specific term like "tecido" (fabric) or "madeira" (wood) is more appropriate for describing a specific material.
Incorrect Pluralization for Physical Matter
Using "matérias" for physical matter when the singular "matéria" is correct, especially when referring to a general substance or collection of things.
Gender Agreement Errors
Incorrectly using masculine articles or adjectives with "matéria" due to interference from English or other languages.
Overuse for General Topics
Using "matéria" for any topic of discussion when "assunto" or "tema" might be more precise.

Incorrect: O matéria é importante.

Correct: A matéria é importante.

Gender agreement error.

Incorrect: As matérias de metal são pesadas.

Correct: A matéria de metal é pesada.

Incorrect pluralization for physical matter.

Less natural: Esta matéria sobre política é interessante.

More natural: Este assunto sobre política é interessante.

Overuse for general topics.
While "matéria" is a versatile word, Portuguese offers several alternatives that might be more precise depending on the context. For academic subjects, "disciplina" is a direct synonym and often used interchangeably. For instance, "A disciplina de matemática" means "The subject of mathematics." "Conteúdo" (content) can also be used when referring to the substance of a lesson or a text, but it's broader than just a subject. When "matéria" refers to physical substance, "substância" is a close synonym, meaning "substance." For example, "uma substância química" (a chemical substance). "Material" itself is also used in Portuguese, often for construction or industrial materials, like "material de construção" (building material). For the idea of a topic or issue being discussed, "assunto" is a very common alternative. "O assunto da reunião" (the subject of the meeting) is often preferred over "A matéria da reunião." Similarly, "tema" (theme) is used for the central idea of a work, like "o tema do livro" (the theme of the book). In very specific scientific contexts, "elemento" (element) might be used for fundamental components. It's important to note the nuances: "disciplina" is strictly academic, "substância" is chemical/physical, "material" is for physical goods, and "assunto/tema" are for topics of discussion or works.
Matéria vs. Disciplina
Both refer to academic subjects. "Disciplina" is perhaps more formal and specific to a structured course of study.
Matéria vs. Substância
Both mean substance. "Matéria" is more general, while "substância" often implies a specific chemical or physical composition.
Matéria vs. Material
"Matéria" can mean material, but "material" (borrowed word) is more common for industrial or construction goods.
Matéria vs. Assunto/Tema
When referring to topics of discussion or the subject of a text, "assunto" and "tema" are often more natural and specific than "matéria." "Assunto" is a general topic, while "tema" is the central idea or theme.

Matéria: A matéria de química é difícil.

Disciplina: A disciplina de química é difícil.

Academic subject comparison.

Matéria: Esta garrafa é feita de matéria plástica.

Material: Esta garrafa é feita de material plástico.

Material comparison.

Matéria: O debate tratou da matéria da segurança.

Assunto: O debate tratou do assunto da segurança.

Topic comparison.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Esta é a matéria de português.

This is the Portuguese subject.

Singular feminine noun used with demonstrative 'esta'.

2

Qual é a sua matéria preferida?

What is your favorite subject?

Possessive adjective 'sua' agrees with feminine noun 'matéria'.

3

Gosto de estudar esta matéria.

I like to study this subject.

Verb 'gostar de' followed by infinitive 'estudar'.

4

A matéria de história é interessante.

The history subject is interesting.

Adjective 'interessante' agrees with feminine noun 'matéria'.

5

Preciso comprar matéria-prima.

I need to buy raw material.

Compound noun 'matéria-prima' used with verb 'precisar'.

6

O que é esta matéria?

What is this matter/substance?

Interrogative pronoun 'o que' used with demonstrative 'esta'.

7

A matéria é pesada.

The matter is heavy.

Adjective 'pesada' agrees with feminine noun 'matéria'.

8

Ele ensina uma matéria nova.

He teaches a new subject.

Indefinite article 'uma' agrees with feminine noun 'matéria'.

1

A matéria de matemática exige muita prática.

The mathematics subject requires a lot of practice.

Verb 'exigir' used with object 'muita prática'.

2

Esta camisa é feita de matéria natural.

This shirt is made of natural material.

Preposition 'de' indicates composition.

3

O livro aborda a matéria de ecologia.

The book addresses the subject matter of ecology.

Verb 'abordar' used with object 'a matéria'.

4

A qualidade da matéria-prima afeta o produto final.

The quality of the raw material affects the final product.

Possessive 'da' links 'qualidade' and 'matéria-prima'.

5

Vou me inscrever para mais uma matéria.

I am going to enroll in one more subject.

Verb 'inscrever-se' used with preposition 'para'.

6

A matéria cinzenta do cérebro é crucial.

The gray matter of the brain is crucial.

Adjective 'cinzenta' agrees with feminine noun 'matéria'.

7

Ele é especialista na matéria de direito.

He is a specialist in the subject of law.

Preposition 'na' (em + a) used with 'matéria'.

8

A palestra cobriu diversas matérias.

The lecture covered various subjects.

Plural form 'matérias' used for multiple subjects.

1

A universidade oferece uma vasta gama de matérias eletivas.

The university offers a wide range of elective subjects.

'Gama de' means 'range of'. 'Eletivas' means 'elective'.

2

É importante compreender a matéria-prima de onde vêm os produtos.

It is important to understand the raw material from which the products come.

'Onde' refers to the origin.

3

O artigo discute a matéria complexa da inteligência artificial.

The article discusses the complex matter of artificial intelligence.

'Discute' means 'discusses'. 'Complexa' agrees with 'matéria'.

4

A matéria orgânica decompõe-se mais rapidamente em climas quentes.

Organic matter decomposes more quickly in hot climates.

'Decompõe-se' is the reflexive verb 'to decompose'.

5

Ele dedicou anos de estudo à matéria da física quântica.

He dedicated years of study to the subject matter of quantum physics.

'Dedicou' means 'dedicated'. 'À' is the contraction of 'a + a'.

6

A matéria abordada no filme foi controversa.

The subject matter addressed in the film was controversial.

'Abordada' is the past participle of 'abordar', agreeing with 'matéria'.

7

A escola está a rever o currículo de todas as matérias.

The school is reviewing the curriculum of all subjects.

'Está a rever' is the present continuous tense (European Portuguese).

8

A matéria-prima utilizada na fabricação deste tecido é o linho.

The raw material used in the manufacturing of this fabric is linen.

'Utilizada' is the past participle of 'utilizar', agreeing with 'matéria-prima'.

1

A natureza da matéria escura ainda é um mistério para a ciência.

The nature of dark matter is still a mystery to science.

'Natureza' means 'nature'. 'Escura' agrees with 'matéria'.

2

O debate académico centrou-se na matéria da ética na investigação científica.

The academic debate focused on the matter of ethics in scientific research.

'Centrou-se' is the reflexive verb 'to focus/center itself'.

3

A disponibilidade de matéria-prima de qualidade é crucial para a indústria.

The availability of quality raw material is crucial for the industry.

'Disponibilidade' means 'availability'. 'Crucial' agrees with 'disponibilidade'.

4

O curso explora a matéria de forma aprofundada.

The course explores the subject matter in depth.

'Explora' means 'explores'. 'Aprofundada' agrees with 'matéria'.

5

A matéria legislativa em discussão gerou controvérsia.

The legislative matter under discussion generated controversy.

'Legislativa' agrees with 'matéria'. 'Em discussão' means 'under discussion'.

6

A compreensão da matéria-morta é fundamental para a astrofísica.

The understanding of dead matter is fundamental for astrophysics.

'Matéria-morta' is a specific term for 'dead matter'.

7

O professor recomendou leituras adicionais sobre a matéria.

The professor recommended additional readings on the subject matter.

'Recomendou' means 'recommended'. 'Adicionais' agrees with 'leituras'.

8

A análise da matéria fecal revelou a presença de parasitas.

The analysis of fecal matter revealed the presence of parasites.

'Fecal' adjective agrees with 'matéria'.

1

A transmutação de matéria em energia é um conceito central na física moderna.

The transmutation of matter into energy is a central concept in modern physics.

'Transmutação' means 'transmutation'. 'Em' means 'into'.

2

A matéria-prima para a produção de semicondutores é altamente purificada.

The raw material for the production of semiconductors is highly purified.

'Altamente' means 'highly'. 'Purificada' agrees with 'matéria-prima'.

3

O documento examina a matéria intrinsecamente ligada à soberania nacional.

The document examines the matter intrinsically linked to national sovereignty.

'Intrinsecamente' means 'intrinsically'. 'Ligada' agrees with 'matéria'.

4

A matéria-prima da criação artística reside na observação e na emoção.

The raw material of artistic creation resides in observation and emotion.

'Reside em' means 'resides in'. 'Criação artística' means 'artistic creation'.

5

A matéria docente da universidade é composta por especialistas de renome mundial.

The teaching staff of the university is composed of world-renowned specialists.

'Docente' means 'teaching'. 'Composta por' means 'composed of'.

6

A complexidade da matéria tributária exige um conhecimento especializado.

The complexity of tax matters requires specialized knowledge.

'Tributária' agrees with 'matéria'. 'Exige' means 'requires'.

7

A matéria-prima de que dispomos é suficiente para o projeto.

The raw material that we have available is sufficient for the project.

'Dispomos de' means 'we have available'.

8

A matéria tratada no seminário foi de grande relevância.

The subject matter addressed in the seminar was of great relevance.

'Tratada' is the past participle of 'tratar', agreeing with 'matéria'.

1

A natureza quântica da matéria desafia a intuição clássica.

The quantum nature of matter challenges classical intuition.

'Desafia' means 'challenges'. 'Intuição' means 'intuition'.

2

A matéria-prima extraída de fontes renováveis tem um impacto ambiental reduzido.

The raw material extracted from renewable sources has a reduced environmental impact.

'Renováveis' agrees with 'fontes'. 'Reduzido' agrees with 'impacto'.

3

O ensaio debruça-se sobre a matéria da identidade cultural na era pós-moderna.

The essay delves into the matter of cultural identity in the postmodern era.

'Debruça-se sobre' means 'delves into'. 'Pós-moderna' agrees with 'era'.

4

A matéria-prima para a construção de naves espaciais requer propriedades extremas.

The raw material for the construction of spacecraft requires extreme properties.

'Naves espaciais' means 'spacecraft'. 'Extremas' agrees with 'propriedades'.

5

A matéria de facto subjacente ao litígio era intrincada.

The factual matter underlying the litigation was intricate.

'Subjacente' means 'underlying'. 'Intrincada' agrees with 'matéria'.

6

A matéria orgânica em decomposição é uma fonte vital de nutrientes.

Decomposing organic matter is a vital source of nutrients.

'Decomposição' is the noun form. 'Vital' agrees with 'fonte'.

7

A matéria-prima da narrativa é a experiência humana.

The raw material of narrative is human experience.

'Narrativa' means 'narrative'. 'Experiência humana' means 'human experience'.

8

O estudo aborda a matéria complexa da consciência.

The study addresses the complex matter of consciousness.

'Consciência' means 'consciousness'.

Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!