At the A1 level, you learn that 'mesa de cabeceira' is a basic object in the bedroom. You should focus on its name and where it is located: 'ao lado da cama' (next to the bed). You use it with simple verbs like 'ter' (to have) or 'ser' (to be). For example: 'Eu tenho uma mesa de cabeceira branca.' It is important to remember that 'mesa' is feminine, so you use 'a' or 'uma'.
At the A2 level, you start using 'mesa de cabeceira' to describe your daily routine and your room. You can explain what is on top of it using 'na' (on the). 'O meu despertador está na mesa de cabeceira.' You also begin to use simple adjectives to describe it, such as 'pequena' (small), 'grande' (large), or 'de madeira' (made of wood). You might use it when talking about buying furniture.
At the B1 level, you can use 'mesa de cabeceira' in more detailed descriptions of interior design or when explaining where things are hidden or stored. You might discuss the features of the table, like 'gavetas' (drawers). 'A minha mesa de cabeceira tem duas gavetas para guardar livros.' You can also use it in the context of travel, asking for one in a hotel room or describing a rental apartment.
At the B2 level, you understand the nuances between 'mesa de cabeceira' and 'criado-mudo', including the cultural discussions surrounding the latter term. You can express opinions about decor styles—'Prefiro mesas de cabeceira suspensas para poupar espaço.' You can also use the term in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or conditional statements related to home renovation.
At the C1 level, 'mesa de cabeceira' appears in literary contexts or sophisticated design discussions. You might analyze how the items on a 'mesa de cabeceira' reflect a character's personality in a novel. You are comfortable using it in idiomatic ways or as part of complex descriptions of domesticity and personal space, noting how it serves as a 'micro-cosmos' of the sleeper's life.
At the C2 level, you have full mastery of the term. You can discuss the etymology of 'cabeceira' and its relationship to 'cabeça' (head). You can use the term in philosophical or highly technical architectural contexts. You understand regional variations across the Lusophone world and can navigate the subtle socio-linguistic implications of furniture terminology in different historical periods.

mesa de cabeceira in 30 Seconds

  • A 'mesa de cabeceira' is the Portuguese term for a nightstand or bedside table.
  • It is a feminine compound noun: 'a mesa de cabeceira'.
  • Commonly used to hold lamps, books, and alarm clocks next to the bed.
  • Essential vocabulary for describing a bedroom or shopping for furniture.

In the Portuguese language, the term mesa de cabeceira refers to a small table or cabinet designed to stand beside the head of a bed. This essential piece of bedroom furniture is where one typically keeps items needed during the night or immediately upon waking, such as a lamp, an alarm clock, a book, or a glass of water. The term is a compound noun phrase, literally translating to 'table of headboard' or 'table of the head of the bed,' which perfectly describes its functional placement within a domestic space. While in English you might use 'nightstand' or 'bedside table,' Portuguese speakers consistently use this phrase to denote this specific object across various regions, though regional synonyms exist.

Functional Role
It serves as an organizational hub for nighttime essentials, bridging the gap between sleep and activity.
Interior Design Context
It is considered a staple of bedroom decor, often sold in pairs to flank a double bed.

Preciso de uma nova mesa de cabeceira para o meu quarto porque a antiga partiu-se.

The phrase is used in everyday conversation when discussing home improvements, shopping for furniture, or simply describing where an object is located. For example, if you are looking for your glasses, someone might say 'Eles estão na mesa de cabeceira' (They are on the nightstand). It is a neutral, standard term used in both Portugal and Brazil, making it a vital part of a learner's vocabulary for describing the home environment. Because it is a compound noun, it follows standard Portuguese rules for gender (feminine) and plurality (mesas de cabeceira).

A mesa de cabeceira de madeira combina com o guarda-roupa.

Using mesa de cabeceira correctly involves understanding its role as a feminine noun phrase. It is almost always preceded by the definite article 'a' or the indefinite article 'uma'. When describing its position, prepositions like 'na' (em + a) are common. For instance, 'Coloquei o livro na mesa de cabeceira' (I put the book on the nightstand). It can be modified by adjectives to describe its material, color, or style, such as 'mesa de cabeceira moderna' or 'mesa de cabeceira branca'.

Prepositional Usage
Use 'na' for 'on the' and 'ao lado da' for 'beside the'.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must be feminine: 'mesas de cabeceira pequenas'.

Eu deixo sempre um copo de água na mesa de cabeceira antes de dormir.

In more complex sentences, you might use it to describe the atmosphere of a room. 'A luz suave do candeeiro sobre a mesa de cabeceira criava um ambiente acolhedor' (The soft light of the lamp on the nightstand created a cozy atmosphere). It is also frequently used in instructions or requests, such as 'Podes buscar o meu telemóvel que está na mesa de cabeceira?' (Can you get my phone which is on the nightstand?). This phrase is ubiquitous in furniture catalogs and real estate descriptions, often listed alongside 'cama' (bed) and 'armário' (closet).

As mesas de cabeceira vintage estão muito na moda agora.

You will encounter mesa de cabeceira in a variety of real-life settings. In furniture stores like IKEA or local Portuguese 'lojas de móveis', it will be clearly labeled in the bedroom section. In domestic environments, family members use it daily to refer to personal belongings. For example, a parent might tell a child, 'Deixa o teu relógio na mesa de cabeceira para não o perderes' (Leave your watch on the nightstand so you don't lose it).

O catálogo mostra uma mesa de cabeceira minimalista.

In literature and film, the nightstand often serves as a symbolic space, holding diaries, photographs, or medication, which can reveal a character's inner life. When checking into a hotel in a Portuguese-speaking country, you might notice the 'mesa de cabeceira' equipped with a telephone or a Bible. In the context of interior design blogs or YouTube home tours (tours pela casa), influencers frequently discuss how they style their 'mesas de cabeceira' with candles and decorative trays.

Retail
Used in product listings and assembly manuals.
Daily Life
Used when organizing or searching for items in the bedroom.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is trying to translate 'nightstand' literally or using 'mesa de noite'. While 'mesa de noite' is occasionally understood, mesa de cabeceira is the standard and more natural term. Another common error involves the plural form. Students often try to pluralize both nouns, saying 'mesas de cabeceiras', but the correct form is 'mesas de cabeceira', as 'cabeceira' functions as an attributive noun describing the type of table.

Incorrect Plural
*Mesas de cabeceiras (Wrong) vs. Mesas de cabeceira (Right).
Literal Translation
Avoid using 'stand de noite' or similar anglicisms.

Não digas 'mesa de cama', diz mesa de cabeceira.

Gender agreement is also a stumbling block. Since 'mesa' is feminine, all associated articles and adjectives must be feminine. Saying 'o mesa de cabeceira' is a basic grammatical error. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'cabeceira' (headboard/head) with 'travesseiro' (pillow). While they are related by proximity, the table is named after the position of the bed, not the pillow itself. Finally, in Brazil, be aware of the term 'criado-mudo'; while you will hear it, as a learner, using 'mesa de cabeceira' is safer, more modern, and universally accepted.

While mesa de cabeceira is the most common term, there are several alternatives depending on the region and the specific type of furniture. In Brazil, 'criado-mudo' was the standard for decades, though it is now being replaced by 'mesa de cabeceira' in many contexts. If the piece of furniture is more of a floating shelf, it might be called a 'prateleira de cabeceira'. If it is a more general side table not necessarily for a bed, 'mesa de apoio' or 'mesa lateral' are used.

Criado-mudo
Traditional Brazilian term; 'criado' means servant, 'mudo' means silent. Usage is declining due to social awareness.
Mesa de Apoio
Literally 'support table'; a generic term for any small side table.
Comodina
Rarely used in Portuguese, but similar to the Italian 'comodino' or Spanish 'comodín', sometimes found in archaic or very specific design contexts.

Podes usar um banco pequeno como mesa de cabeceira improvisada.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'cabeceira' can also refer to the head of a table at a dinner party, not just a bed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmezɐ ðɨ kɐβɨˈsejɾɐ/
US /ˈmezɐ dʒi kabiˈsejɾɐ/
The primary stress is on 'me' in 'mesa' and 'cei' in 'cabeceira'.
Rhymes With
Cadeira Banheira Lareira Barreira Asseira Pereira Carteira Fogueira
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'mesa' as 'messa' (it should be a voiced 'z' sound).
  • Stress on 'ira' instead of 'cei' in 'cabeceira'.
  • Making the 'd' in 'de' too hard (it should be soft or 'dj' in Brazil).
  • Forgetting the nasal quality of the final 'a' in some dialects.
  • Treating 'ei' as two separate syllables.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to 'mesa'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the compound structure and spelling of 'cabeceira'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ei' diphthong and 'ce' sound require practice.

Listening 2/5

Usually clearly articulated in domestic contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Mesa Cama Quarto De Cabeça

Learn Next

Guarda-roupa Comoda Estante Candeeiro Lençóis

Advanced

Mobiliário Marcenaria Decoração de interiores Ergonomia Minimalismo

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Mesa de cabeceira, Máquina de lavar.

Feminine Noun Agreement

A mesa de cabeceira é branca.

Contractions with 'em'

Na mesa de cabeceira (em + a).

Pluralizing Compound Nouns

Mesas de cabeceira (only the first noun changes).

Prepositional Phrases of Place

Ao lado da mesa de cabeceira.

Examples by Level

1

A mesa de cabeceira é pequena.

The nightstand is small.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Onde está a mesa de cabeceira?

Where is the nightstand?

Interrogative sentence with 'onde'.

3

A mesa de cabeceira é de madeira.

The nightstand is made of wood.

Using 'de' to indicate material.

4

Eu tenho uma mesa de cabeceira.

I have a nightstand.

Verb 'ter' in the first person.

5

A mesa de cabeceira está no quarto.

The nightstand is in the bedroom.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

6

A mesa de cabeceira é azul.

The nightstand is blue.

Feminine adjective agreement.

7

Uma mesa de cabeceira e uma cama.

A nightstand and a bed.

Indefinite articles.

8

A mesa de cabeceira é nova.

The nightstand is new.

Adjective 'nova' (feminine).

1

O candeeiro está na mesa de cabeceira.

The lamp is on the nightstand.

Contraction 'na' (em + a).

2

Eu ponho o livro na mesa de cabeceira.

I put the book on the nightstand.

Verb 'pôr' in the present tense.

3

As mesas de cabeceira são brancas.

The nightstands are white.

Plural agreement.

4

Não há nada na mesa de cabeceira.

There is nothing on the nightstand.

Negative construction 'não há nada'.

5

A mesa de cabeceira tem uma gaveta.

The nightstand has one drawer.

Noun 'gaveta' (drawer).

6

Comprei esta mesa de cabeceira ontem.

I bought this nightstand yesterday.

Preterite tense of 'comprar'.

7

A mesa de cabeceira fica ao lado da cama.

The nightstand is located next to the bed.

Prepositional phrase 'ao lado de'.

8

Podes limpar a mesa de cabeceira?

Can you clean the nightstand?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

1

Gostaria de uma mesa de cabeceira com estilo moderno.

I would like a nightstand with a modern style.

Conditional 'gostaria'.

2

Esqueci-me dos meus óculos na mesa de cabeceira.

I forgot my glasses on the nightstand.

Reflexive verb 'esquecer-se'.

3

A mesa de cabeceira que escolhemos é muito cara.

The nightstand that we chose is very expensive.

Relative clause with 'que'.

4

Sempre que acordo, bebo a água da mesa de cabeceira.

Whenever I wake up, I drink the water from the nightstand.

Conjunction 'sempre que'.

5

Precisamos de medir a mesa de cabeceira antes de a comprar.

We need to measure the nightstand before buying it.

Personal infinitive 'comprar'.

6

Ela guarda o diário dentro da mesa de cabeceira.

She keeps her diary inside the nightstand.

Preposition 'dentro de'.

7

Se tivéssemos mais espaço, teríamos duas mesas de cabeceira.

If we had more space, we would have two nightstands.

Conditional sentence (Type 2).

8

A mesa de cabeceira está cheia de pó.

The nightstand is full of dust.

Adjective phrase 'cheia de'.

1

A mesa de cabeceira foi restaurada pelo meu avô.

The nightstand was restored by my grandfather.

Passive voice.

2

Embora seja antiga, a mesa de cabeceira está em bom estado.

Although it is old, the nightstand is in good condition.

Subjunctive after 'embora'.

3

É fundamental que a mesa de cabeceira seja funcional.

It is fundamental that the nightstand be functional.

Subjunctive mood after 'é fundamental que'.

4

A decoração do quarto depende muito da mesa de cabeceira.

The bedroom's decoration depends a lot on the nightstand.

Verb 'depender' + 'de'.

5

Não creio que esta mesa de cabeceira caiba aqui.

I don't believe this nightstand fits here.

Subjunctive after doubt 'não creio que'.

6

A mesa de cabeceira minimalista destaca-se no quarto vazio.

The minimalist nightstand stands out in the empty room.

Pronominal verb 'destacar-se'.

7

Ela decorou a mesa de cabeceira com flores frescas.

She decorated the nightstand with fresh flowers.

Preterite with instrumental 'com'.

8

As mesas de cabeceira antigas costumam ser mais pesadas.

Old nightstands tend to be heavier.

Verb 'costumar' + infinitive.

1

A disposição dos objetos na mesa de cabeceira revela muito sobre o dono.

The arrangement of objects on the nightstand reveals much about the owner.

Complex subject phrase.

2

A mesa de cabeceira serve de suporte para as suas leituras noturnas.

The nightstand serves as a support for his nightly readings.

Expression 'servir de'.

3

Dificilmente encontrarás uma mesa de cabeceira tão bem trabalhada.

You will hardly find a nightstand so well-crafted.

Adverb 'dificilmente' influencing sentence structure.

4

A mesa de cabeceira, outrora um luxo, é hoje um objeto banal.

The nightstand, once a luxury, is today a common object.

Apposition and archaic adverb 'outrora'.

5

Convém que a mesa de cabeceira harmonize com o resto do mobiliário.

It is advisable that the nightstand harmonizes with the rest of the furniture.

Verb 'convir' + subjunctive.

6

Ao escolher uma mesa de cabeceira, deve-se considerar a altura da cama.

When choosing a nightstand, one must consider the bed height.

Impersonal 'se'.

7

A mesa de cabeceira estava repleta de recordações de viagens passadas.

The nightstand was full of souvenirs from past travels.

Adjective 'repleta' + 'de'.

8

Não obstante o seu tamanho, a mesa de cabeceira é bastante robusta.

Despite its size, the nightstand is quite robust.

Conjunction 'não obstante'.

1

A mesa de cabeceira configura-se como o último reduto da intimidade.

The nightstand is configured as the last stronghold of intimacy.

Pronominal verb 'configurar-se'.

2

Houve quem visse na mesa de cabeceira um altar aos sonhos perdidos.

There were those who saw in the nightstand an altar to lost dreams.

Relative clause with 'quem' and past subjunctive.

3

A sobriedade daquela mesa de cabeceira contrastava com o caos do quarto.

The sobriety of that nightstand contrasted with the room's chaos.

Abstract noun 'sobriedade'.

4

A mesa de cabeceira, em virtude da sua antiguidade, exigia cuidados especiais.

The nightstand, by virtue of its age, required special care.

Prepositional phrase 'em virtude de'.

5

Poucos móveis são tão reveladores da psique humana quanto a mesa de cabeceira.

Few pieces of furniture are as revealing of the human psyche as the nightstand.

Comparative 'tão... quanto'.

6

A mesa de cabeceira jazia num canto, esquecida pelo tempo.

The nightstand lay in a corner, forgotten by time.

Literary verb 'jazer'.

7

Subjacente à escolha da mesa de cabeceira está uma busca por conforto.

Underlying the choice of the nightstand is a search for comfort.

Adjective 'subjacente' + 'a'.

8

A mesa de cabeceira é o epílogo material de cada dia vivido.

The nightstand is the material epilogue of each day lived.

Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

mesa de cabeceira de madeira
gaveta da mesa de cabeceira
candeeiro de mesa de cabeceira
par de mesas de cabeceira
mesa de cabeceira suspensa
mesa de cabeceira branca
ao lado da mesa de cabeceira
em cima da mesa de cabeceira
mesa de cabeceira vintage
limpar a mesa de cabeceira

Common Phrases

Leitura de mesa de cabeceira

— A book currently being read before sleep.

Este romance é a minha leitura de mesa de cabeceira.

Arrumar a mesa de cabeceira

— To organize the items on the nightstand.

Preciso de arrumar a minha mesa de cabeceira, está uma confusão.

Mesa de cabeceira desarrumada

— A messy nightstand.

Uma mesa de cabeceira desarrumada reflete uma mente cansada.

Candeeiro de mesa de cabeceira

— Bedside lamp.

O candeeiro de mesa de cabeceira fundiu-se.

Gaveta da mesa de cabeceira

— Nightstand drawer.

Guarda o passaporte na gaveta da mesa de cabeceira.

Mesa de cabeceira a condizer

— Matching nightstand.

Comprei uma mesa de cabeceira a condizer com a cama.

Espaço na mesa de cabeceira

— Space on the nightstand.

Já não tenho espaço na mesa de cabeceira para mais livros.

Mesa de cabeceira de luxo

— Luxury nightstand.

O hotel tem mesas de cabeceira de luxo.

Mesa de cabeceira flutuante

— Floating/wall-mounted nightstand.

A mesa de cabeceira flutuante facilita a limpeza.

Topo da mesa de cabeceira

— Top of the nightstand.

Coloca o copo no topo da mesa de cabeceira.

Often Confused With

mesa de cabeceira vs Mesa de centro

Used in living rooms, not bedrooms.

mesa de cabeceira vs Escrivaninha

A desk for writing, usually larger.

mesa de cabeceira vs Comoda

A chest of drawers, much larger than a nightstand.

Idioms & Expressions

"Livro de mesa de cabeceira"

— A favorite book or a book one consults frequently.

A Bíblia é o seu livro de mesa de cabeceira.

Metaphorical
"Ter algo na mesa de cabeceira"

— To have something always ready or at hand.

Ele tem sempre um dicionário na mesa de cabeceira.

Literal/Common
"Viver na mesa de cabeceira"

— To be an object or person that is always present in someone's private life.

Aquelas fotos vivem na sua mesa de cabeceira.

Poetic
"Confidências de mesa de cabeceira"

— Intimate secrets shared in the bedroom.

As confidências de mesa de cabeceira ficam entre nós.

Literary
"Mesa de cabeceira da alma"

— The things one holds most dear in their private thoughts.

A paz é a mesa de cabeceira da sua alma.

Philosophical
"Guerra de mesa de cabeceira"

— Small disputes between couples about bedside space.

Temos uma guerra de mesa de cabeceira por causa do espaço.

Humorous
"Relíquia de mesa de cabeceira"

— A precious object kept very close.

Este relógio é uma relíquia de mesa de cabeceira.

Affective
"Saber de mesa de cabeceira"

— Knowledge that is intimate and well-known.

Ele conhece a história como um saber de mesa de cabeceira.

Rare
"Luz de mesa de cabeceira"

— A guiding light or comfort in the dark.

A tua amizade é a minha luz de mesa de cabeceira.

Metaphorical
"Mesa de cabeceira vazia"

— Loneliness or lack of preparation.

Uma mesa de cabeceira vazia é um sinal de tristeza.

Symbolic

Easily Confused

mesa de cabeceira vs Criado-mudo

It is a direct synonym in Brazil.

'Mesa de cabeceira' is descriptive; 'Criado-mudo' has historical/cultural baggage.

Antigamente dizia-se criado-mudo, hoje diz-se mesa de cabeceira.

mesa de cabeceira vs Cabeceira

It means headboard.

The 'mesa de cabeceira' is the table; 'cabeceira' is the part of the bed.

A mesa de cabeceira fica encostada à cabeceira da cama.

mesa de cabeceira vs Mesinha

It's a diminutive.

Can refer to any small table, while 'mesa de cabeceira' is specific.

Aquela mesinha ali é uma mesa de cabeceira.

mesa de cabeceira vs Aparador

Both are side furniture.

An 'aparador' (sideboard) is usually for dining rooms or hallways.

O aparador fica na sala, a mesa de cabeceira no quarto.

mesa de cabeceira vs Estante

Both hold books.

An 'estante' is a bookshelf; a 'mesa de cabeceira' is a bedside table.

Tenho muitos livros na estante, mas só um na mesa de cabeceira.

Sentence Patterns

A1

A mesa de cabeceira é [cor].

A mesa de cabeceira é preta.

A2

O [objeto] está na mesa de cabeceira.

O copo está na mesa de cabeceira.

B1

Preciso de uma mesa de cabeceira que tenha [característica].

Preciso de uma mesa de cabeceira que tenha gavetas.

B2

Se eu tivesse dinheiro, compraria aquela mesa de cabeceira.

Se eu tivesse dinheiro, compraria aquela mesa de cabeceira vintage.

C1

A mesa de cabeceira, embora pequena, é essencial.

A mesa de cabeceira, embora pequena, é essencial para a organização.

C2

A simbologia da mesa de cabeceira remete para...

A simbologia da mesa de cabeceira remete para o descanso.

A2

Há [número] mesas de cabeceira no quarto.

Há duas mesas de cabeceira no quarto.

B1

Gosto da mesa de cabeceira ao lado da [móvel].

Gosto da mesa de cabeceira ao lado da cama.

Word Family

Nouns

Mesa
Cabeceira
Mesinha
Cabeçal

Verbs

Amesendar (rare)
Encabeçar

Adjectives

Mesário
Cabeceiro

Related

Cama
Quarto
Mobiliário
Gaveta
Candeeiro

How to Use It

frequency

High (Daily use in domestic contexts)

Common Mistakes
  • O mesa de cabeceira A mesa de cabeceira

    Mesa is feminine, so it requires the feminine article 'a'.

  • Mesas de cabeceiras Mesas de cabeceira

    In compound nouns with 'de', usually only the first noun is pluralized.

  • Mesa de cama Mesa de cabeceira

    While 'mesa de cama' is understandable, it is not the standard term.

  • Mesa de noite Mesa de cabeceira

    'Mesa de noite' is a literal translation of 'nightstand' and is less common.

  • Cabeceira de mesa Mesa de cabeceira

    Reversing the words changes the meaning to 'head of the table'.

Tips

Gender Check

Always treat 'mesa de cabeceira' as feminine. Use 'a', 'uma', 'esta', and feminine adjectives.

Material Matters

Learn materials like 'madeira' (wood), 'metal' (metal), and 'vidro' (glass) to describe your table.

Location

Use the phrase 'ao lado da cama' to help define where the table is if you forget the name.

The 'EI' Sound

Practice the 'ei' in cabeceira; it sounds like the 'ay' in 'play'.

Brazilian Context

If you see 'criado-mudo' in a Brazilian store, know it's the same thing as a mesa de cabeceira.

Adjectives

Use 'moderna', 'antiga', or 'minimalista' to make your descriptions more interesting.

Drawers

The word for drawer is 'gaveta'. Most mesas de cabeceira have one or two.

Buying in Pairs

Furniture is often sold as a 'conjunto' (set). Ask for 'duas mesas de cabeceira'.

Reductions

In fast speech, 'de' might sound like a quick 'd'. Don't let it confuse you.

Routine

Associate the word with your alarm clock to remember it every morning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **MESSY** (**Mesa**) table at the **HEAD** (**Cabeça**) of your bed.

Visual Association

Visualize a small wooden table with a large 'C' for 'Cabeceira' carved into the side, sitting right next to your pillow.

Word Web

Cama Luz Livro Despertador Gaveta Madeira Noite Sono

Challenge

Try to name five things you currently have on your 'mesa de cabeceira' using Portuguese adjectives.

Word Origin

From 'mesa' (Latin 'mensa') meaning table, and 'cabeceira' (from 'cabeça', Latin 'caput') meaning head or headboard.

Original meaning: A table intended for the head of the bed.

Romance (Latin roots).

Cultural Context

In Brazil, prefer 'mesa de cabeceira' over 'criado-mudo' to be culturally sensitive.

Equivalent to nightstand (US) or bedside table (UK).

Featured in interior design magazines like 'Casa Cláudia'. Commonly mentioned in Portuguese 'Telenovelas' during bedroom scenes. A staple item in IKEA Portugal catalogs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Furniture Shopping

  • Quanto custa esta mesa de cabeceira?
  • Têm mesas de cabeceira em preto?
  • É fácil de montar?
  • Vende-se o par?

Daily Routine

  • Onde puseste o meu livro?
  • Está na mesa de cabeceira.
  • Apaga a luz da mesa de cabeceira.
  • Bebe a água.

Hotel Stay

  • O quarto tem mesa de cabeceira?
  • O telefone está na mesa de cabeceira.
  • Não há ficha perto da mesa de cabeceira.
  • A mesa de cabeceira está partida.

Interior Design

  • A mesa de cabeceira combina com a cama.
  • Estilo escandinavo.
  • Mesa de cabeceira suspensa.
  • Madeira maciça.

Cleaning

  • Limpa o pó da mesa de cabeceira.
  • Não uses muita água na madeira.
  • Arruma as gavetas.
  • Tira os copos.

Conversation Starters

"O que tens normalmente na tua mesa de cabeceira?"

"Preferes mesas de cabeceira modernas ou clássicas?"

"A tua mesa de cabeceira tem gavetas ou é simples?"

"Qual é a cor da tua mesa de cabeceira ideal?"

"Consegues dormir se a mesa de cabeceira estiver desarrumada?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve todos os objetos que estão na tua mesa de cabeceira neste momento e por que são importantes.

Se pudesses desenhar a mesa de cabeceira perfeita, como ela seria? Descreve os materiais e as funções.

Escreve sobre uma memória de infância que envolva uma mesa de cabeceira (talvez um candeeiro ou um livro).

Porque é que a mesa de cabeceira é um móvel tão pessoal em comparação com a mesa da cozinha?

Faz uma lista de coisas que nunca deveriam estar numa mesa de cabeceira.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is the standard and preferred term in Brazil, increasingly replacing 'criado-mudo'.

The plural is 'mesas de cabeceira'. Only 'mesa' changes.

No, 'cabeceira' refers to the headboard of the bed. You must include 'mesa de'.

It is 'na mesa' because 'mesa' is feminine (em + a).

Common items include a 'candeeiro' (lamp), 'despertador' (alarm clock), and 'livros' (books).

It is neutral and suitable for all contexts, from casual talk to formal catalogs.

It's ka-be-SAY-ra. The 'ei' is a diphthong.

Usually, double beds have two, but single beds often have just one.

Yes, it is a compound noun phrase formed by a noun + preposition + noun.

The English equivalents are 'nightstand' or 'bedside table'.

Test Yourself 182 questions

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Descreve a tua mesa de cabeceira em duas frases.

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O que tens em cima da tua mesa de cabeceira?

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Escreve uma frase usando 'mesas de cabeceira' no plural.

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Por que é que a mesa de cabeceira é importante?

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Traduz: 'The lamp is on the nightstand.'

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Cria uma pergunta sobre uma mesa de cabeceira.

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Escreve uma frase com 'mesa de cabeceira' e 'gaveta'.

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Descreve a cor e o material da mesa de cabeceira dos teus sonhos.

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Onde colocas o teu despertador?

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Escreve uma frase negativa sobre a mesa de cabeceira.

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Traduz: 'I bought two new nightstands.'

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O que guardas dentro da mesa de cabeceira?

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Escreve uma frase usando 'ao lado da'.

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Cria um pequeno anúncio para vender uma mesa de cabeceira.

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Qual é a diferença entre mesa de jantar e mesa de cabeceira?

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Escreve uma frase sobre limpar o quarto.

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Traduz: 'The nightstand has no drawers.'

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O que acontece se a mesa de cabeceira for muito baixa?

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Escreve uma frase com 'vidro' e 'mesa de cabeceira'.

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Como descreverias uma mesa de cabeceira a um designer?

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Diz em voz alta: 'A mesa de cabeceira'.

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Diz: 'O meu livro está na mesa de cabeceira'.

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Pratica o plural: 'As mesas de cabeceira'.

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Pergunta o preço: 'Quanto custa a mesa de cabeceira?'

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira é de madeira'.

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Diz: 'Podes limpar a mesa de cabeceira?'

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Diz: 'Eu gosto de mesas de cabeceira brancas'.

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Diz: 'O despertador está na gaveta'.

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira fica aqui'.

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Diz: 'Preciso de uma mesa de cabeceira nova'.

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Diz: 'O candeeiro é para a mesa de cabeceira'.

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Diz: 'As mesas de cabeceira são caras'.

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira é pequena'.

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Diz: 'Onde está a chave da mesa de cabeceira?'

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira combina com a cama'.

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Diz: 'Não ponhas o copo na mesa'.

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira é antiga'.

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Diz: 'A gaveta está aberta'.

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Diz: 'Vou comprar uma mesa de cabeceira'.

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Diz: 'A mesa de cabeceira é de vidro'.

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Ouve e identifica: 'A mesa de cabeceira é preta.' Qual é a cor?

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Ouve: 'O livro está na mesa de cabeceira.' Onde está o livro?

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Ouve: 'Comprei duas mesas de cabeceira.' Quantas?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira tem uma gaveta.' O que tem a mesa?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira é de madeira.' Qual é o material?

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Ouve: 'Põe o candeeiro na mesa.' O que deves pôr na mesa?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira é pequena.' Como é a mesa?

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Ouve: 'As mesas de cabeceira são brancas.' Qual é a cor no plural?

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Ouve: 'O telefone está ao lado da mesa de cabeceira.' Onde está o telefone?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira custa cem euros.' Qual é o preço?

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Ouve: 'Limpa a mesa de cabeceira.' O que deves fazer?

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Ouve: 'A gaveta está fechada.' Como está a gaveta?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira é moderna.' Qual é o estilo?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira é de metal.' Qual é o material?

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Ouve: 'A mesa de cabeceira é para o meu quarto.' Para onde é a mesa?

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/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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