This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Portuguese
Vocabulary
molho de tomate

A2 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

molho de tomate

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips molho de tomate in 30 Seconds

Explanation molho de tomate in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'molho de tomate' as a basic food item. It is a masculine noun phrase. You use it to talk about what you like to eat or what you need to buy. For example: 'Eu gosto de massa com molho de tomate' (I like pasta with tomato sauce). Focus on the pronunciation of 'molho' (mô-lho) and the fact that it is a 'sauce'. You will see this on most simple menus in Portugal and Brazil. It is one of the first 500 words you should learn because it is essential for ordering food. You don't need to worry about complex recipes yet, just know that 'molho' is sauce and 'tomate' is tomato. The 'de' connects them to say 'sauce of tomato'.

At the A2 level, you can use 'molho de tomate' in more descriptive ways. You can talk about shopping ('Onde está o molho de tomate?') and describe the sauce using simple adjectives like 'bom' (good), 'quente' (hot), or 'frio' (cold). You should be able to follow a very simple recipe that says 'Adicione o molho de tomate' (Add the tomato sauce). You also start to distinguish it from other items like 'ketchup' or 'maionese'. At this level, you should be comfortable using the plural 'molhos de tomate' and using it with quantities like 'uma lata de' (a can of) or 'um pouco de' (a bit of). It's also important to notice how it appears in common dishes like 'pizza de queijo com molho de tomate'.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the quality and preparation of 'molho de tomate'. You might explain how you make it: 'Eu refogo a cebola antes de colocar o molho de tomate' (I sauté the onion before putting the tomato sauce). You can express preferences for 'molho caseiro' (homemade) over 'industrializado' (store-bought). You should understand the difference between 'molho', 'polpa' (pulp), and 'extrato' (paste) and be able to ask for these specifically in a supermarket. You can also use the term in the context of health and diet, for example, discussing if a sauce has too much 'açúcar' (sugar) or 'sal' (salt). Your ability to describe the texture—'grosso' (thick) or 'líquido' (liquid)—becomes important here.

At the B2 level, you use 'molho de tomate' in more complex culinary and cultural discussions. You can talk about the history of the tomato in Mediterranean cuisine or the specific ways 'molho de tomate' is used in regional dishes like 'Bacalhau à Portuguesa'. You can use more advanced verbs like 'apurar' (to simmer/refine) or 'temperar' (to season). You can describe the 'acidez' (acidity) of the sauce and how to balance it. At this level, you should be able to read and follow sophisticated recipes in Portuguese magazines. You might also use the term metaphorically or in more abstract contexts, although it remains primarily a culinary term. You understand the nuances of brand marketing for these products.

At the C1 level, your use of 'molho de tomate' is precise and stylistic. You can participate in gourmet discussions about the best types of tomatoes (like 'San Marzano' or 'Coração de Boi') to create the perfect 'molho'. You can write detailed reviews of restaurants, commenting on the 'equilíbrio de sabores' (balance of flavors) in their tomato sauce. You understand subtle culinary techniques like 'confitar' tomatoes to make a sauce. Your vocabulary includes terms like 'redução', 'emulsão', and 'base aromática'. You can also analyze the economic impact of tomato production in countries like Portugal, using the term 'molho de tomate' as a representative product of the agricultural sector.

At the C2 level, 'molho de tomate' is a term you use with total native-like fluency in any context, including academic, professional, or highly specialized culinary environments. You can discuss the chemical properties of lycopene in cooked 'molho de tomate' or the sociopolitics of food labeling laws in the European Union or Mercosul. You can appreciate and use puns or wordplay involving 'molho'. You might write a thesis or a long-form article on the evolution of 'molho de tomate' in Lusophone literature or its role as a symbol of domesticity in 20th-century Brazilian soap operas. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural and multidisciplinary.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

molho de tomate in 30 Seconds

Molho de tomate is the Portuguese term for tomato sauce, used widely in cooking pasta, pizzas, and meat dishes.
It is a masculine noun phrase (o molho de tomate) and is a staple in both Portugal and Brazil.
Distinctions are made between homemade (caseiro) and store-bought (industrializado) versions in daily conversation.
Key related terms include 'polpa de tomate' (pulp) and 'extrato de tomate' (concentrated paste).

The Portuguese term molho de tomate refers specifically to tomato sauce, a fundamental cornerstone of Lusophone and Mediterranean culinary traditions. While it might seem like a simple translation, the usage of this term covers a vast spectrum of culinary preparations, ranging from a basic pureed liquid to complex, slow-cooked sauces infused with herbs, onions, and garlic. In Portugal and Brazil, the phrase is ubiquitous in both household kitchens and professional gastronomic settings. It is a compound noun formed by the word 'molho' (sauce) and 'tomate' (tomato), connected by the preposition 'de' (of/from).

Culinary Identity: In Portuguese-speaking cultures, 'molho de tomate' is rarely just tomatoes. It usually implies a base of 'refogado' (sautéed onions and garlic in olive oil). This gives the Portuguese version a distinct aromatic profile compared to some American or British varieties.

Preciso de comprar três latas de molho de tomate para a lasanha de hoje à noite.

When you enter a supermarket in Lisbon or São Paulo, you will encounter various types of this sauce. It is important to distinguish between 'molho' (the prepared sauce) and 'extrato' (concentrated paste) or 'polpa' (pulp). Using the term correctly helps you navigate recipes and shopping lists with precision. In a restaurant context, if a dish is described as having 'molho de tomate', you can expect a savory, slightly acidic, and rich topping for pasta, meat, or fish. The term is also used in the context of 'bacalhau' (codfish) dishes, where a tomato-based sauce often accompanies the fish in 'Bacalhau à Espanhola' styles popular in Portugal.

Daily Interaction: You will hear this most often during meal planning or while dining out. It is a safe, basic term that every learner should master early to handle food-related conversations effectively.

Furthermore, the term captures the essence of home cooking. 'Molho de tomate caseiro' (homemade tomato sauce) is a point of pride for many families, often involving secret ingredients like a pinch of sugar to balance acidity or a bay leaf for depth. It represents comfort and tradition. In modern urban settings, it also refers to the convenient tetra-pak or jarred versions found in every pantry, highlighting its role as a versatile kitchen staple for quick meals like 'macarrão com molho'.

O segredo deste prato é o molho de tomate fresco que a minha avó faz.

Using molho de tomate in a sentence is grammatically straightforward, but there are nuances regarding quantity, quality, and action. Since it is a masculine noun phrase, it is always preceded by masculine articles like 'o' (the) or 'um' (a). When describing the sauce, adjectives must also agree in gender and number with 'molho'. For example, you would say 'molho de tomate delicioso' (delicious tomato sauce), not 'deliciosa'.

Grammar Tip: Always remember that 'molho' is the head of the phrase. Adjectives modify 'molho', while 'de tomate' specifies the type. If you have multiple sauces, it becomes 'molhos de tomate'.

Eu gosto de colocar muito molho de tomate na minha massa.

Common verbs associated with this term include 'preparar' (to prepare), 'cozinhar' (to cook), 'adicionar' (to add), and 'temperar' (to season). In a culinary instruction, you might hear: 'Adicione o molho de tomate e deixe apurar' (Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer/thicken). The word 'apurar' is particularly relevant here as it refers to the process of reducing the sauce to intensify the flavor. You can also use it to describe a state, such as 'manchado de molho de tomate' (stained with tomato sauce), a common frustration when eating spaghetti!

When talking about preferences, you might use 'com' (with) or 'sem' (without). 'Quero a pizza sem molho de tomate' (I want the pizza without tomato sauce). If you are at a grocery store, you might ask for specific packaging: 'Onde está o molho de tomate em lata?' (Where is the canned tomato sauce?) or 'Prefiro molho de tomate em vidro' (I prefer tomato sauce in glass jars). These variations allow you to specify exactly what you need in various real-world scenarios.

Este molho de tomate está muito ácido; talvez precise de um pouco de açúcar.

Sentence Structure: Subject + Verb + (Article/Quantity) + molho de tomate + (Adjective/Prepositional Phrase). Example: 'O cozinheiro preparou um molho de tomate picante.'

You will encounter molho de tomate in several specific environments. The most common is the supermarket (supermercado), where aisles are dedicated to 'conservas' and sauces. You will see labels like 'Molho de Tomate com Manjericão' (with basil) or 'Molho de Tomate Bolonhesa' (Bolognese). Hearing this word in a commercial context often involves discussions about price, brand, or ingredients.

Na seção de massas, você encontra várias marcas de molho de tomate.

In the domestic sphere, 'molho de tomate' is a staple of family lunch (almoço de domingo). You'll hear it in the kitchen: 'Podes passar-me o molho de tomate?' (Can you pass me the tomato sauce?). It also appears frequently in television cooking shows like 'MasterChef Brasil' or Portuguese culinary programs, where chefs debate the merits of fresh vs. canned tomatoes. In these contexts, you'll hear technical terms like 'consistência' (consistency) and 'brilho' (shine) associated with the sauce.

Restaurant Settings: When ordering 'massa' (pasta) or 'pizza', the waiter might ask if you want 'molho de tomate extra' or if the dish already contains it. It is also found in the description of 'francesinha' sauces in Porto, though that specific sauce is a complex blend involving tomato.

Finally, social media and food blogs are rich sources of this term. Search for #molhodetomate on Instagram to see thousands of photos of 'receitas' (recipes). You will hear influencers saying, 'Hoje vou ensinar como fazer o melhor molho de tomate da sua vida' (Today I'm going to teach you how to make the best tomato sauce of your life). This digital presence reinforces its status as a fundamental piece of the modern Lusophone diet.

Muitas receitas de bacalhau levam um refogado rico com molho de tomate.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is the pronunciation of 'molho'. The 'lh' sound is a palatal lateral approximant, similar to the 'lli' in 'million' but produced with the tongue pressed against the hard palate. Many beginners pronounce it as 'molo' or 'moyo', which can lead to confusion. Practice by saying 'mool-yoo' quickly to approximate the sound.

Gender Confusion: Learners often mistake 'molho' for a feminine noun because it ends in 'o' (which is usually masculine, but some learners overthink the 'a' in 'tomate' or 'massa'). Remember: O molho, um molho.

Errado: A molho de tomate está pronta. (Incorrect gender agreement).

Another common error is confusing 'molho' (sauce) with 'molho' (bundle/bunch). While spelled the same, they can have different stress patterns or meanings depending on context. For example, 'um molho de chaves' is a bunch of keys. However, in the context of food, it is almost always sauce. Furthermore, do not confuse 'molho de tomate' with 'ketchup'. While ketchup is made of tomatoes, in Portuguese, it is simply called 'ketchup' (pronounced ketch-up-ee in Brazil) and is considered a condiment, not a 'molho' used for cooking pasta or stews.

Finally, watch out for the preposition. It is always 'de tomate'. Some learners might try to use 'com tomate' (with tomato), but that implies a sauce that has chunks of tomato in it rather than being a sauce made *from* tomatoes. 'Molho de tomate' is the standard categorical name. Also, ensure you don't confuse 'molho' (sauce) with 'molhado' (wet). Though related etymologically, they are used very differently in modern speech.

Cuidado para não confundir molho de tomate com polpa de tomate ao seguir uma receita.

While molho de tomate is the general term, several alternatives exist depending on the texture and preparation. Understanding these will make you sound more like a native speaker and help you better understand menus and recipes.

Polpa de Tomate: This is tomato pulp. It is thinner than sauce and usually unseasoned, meant to be the base for you to create your own 'molho'.
Extrato de Tomate: Tomato paste. This is highly concentrated and used in small amounts to add color and deep flavor to stews.
Passata: Often used in Portugal (borrowed from Italian), this is strained tomato sauce without seeds or skin, very smooth.

Se não tiver molho de tomate, pode usar polpa e temperar com ervas.

Another specific type is 'Sugo'. In Brazil, 'molho ao sugo' is a very common menu item, referring to a simple, smooth tomato sauce without meat. If you want a sauce with meat, you should look for 'molho à bolonhesa'. For a spicy kick, you might look for 'molho de tomate picante' or 'arrabbiata'. If the sauce is made with fresh cherry tomatoes, it might be called 'molho de tomate cereja'. Knowing these variations allows you to be much more specific about your culinary desires.

Lastly, consider 'tomates pelados' (peeled tomatoes). These come in cans and are often crushed by the cook to make a rustic 'molho de tomate'. Using 'pelados' is often considered a sign of higher quality cooking compared to using pre-made liquid sauces. By mastering these terms, you transition from a basic learner to someone who can truly navigate a Portuguese-speaking kitchen.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The tomato was once thought to be poisonous in Europe, and 'molho de tomate' didn't become a staple until the late 18th century.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmu.ʎu dɨ tu.ˈma.tɨ/

US /ˈmo.ʎu dʒi tu.ˈma.tʃi/

MO-lho de to-MA-te (Stress on the first syllable of molho and second-to-last of tomate).

Rhymes With

Escolho (I choose) Recolho (I collect) Olho (Eye) Folho (Ruffle) Abacate (for tomate) Combate (for tomate) Empate (for tomate) Alfaiate (for tomate)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'molho' as 'molo' (missing the 'h' sound).
Pronouncing 'tomate' like the English 'tomato'.
Making the 'o' in 'molho' too open (like 'pot'). It should be closed (like 'go').
Forgetting the 'de' between the words.
Misgendering the phrase as feminine because of 'massa' or 'pizza'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to similarity to 'tomato'.

Writing 2/5

The word 'molho' requires remembering the 'lh' spelling.

Speaking 3/5

The 'lh' sound and the closed 'o' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood in context of food.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Tomate Molho De Massa Comida

Learn Next

Cebola Alho Manjericão Cozinhar Receita

Advanced

Refogado Apurar Acidez Consistência Pelado

Grammar to Know

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Molho (masc) + gostoso (masc).

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Molho de tomate (Sauce of tomato).

Preposition 'com' for accompaniments

Macarrão com molho de tomate.

Definite Articles for Generalizations

O molho de tomate é saudável.

Pluralization of Compound Nouns

Molhos de tomate (only the first word changes).

Examples by Level

Eu quero macarrão com molho de tomate.

I want pasta with tomato sauce.

Basic subject + verb + object structure.

O molho de tomate é vermelho.

The tomato sauce is red.

Using the verb 'ser' for permanent characteristics.

Você tem molho de tomate?

Do you have tomato sauce?

Simple question with 'ter' (to have).

O molho de tomate está na mesa.

The tomato sauce is on the table.

Using 'estar' for temporary location.

Eu não gosto de molho de tomate.

I don't like tomato sauce.

Negative sentence with 'gostar de'.

Onde está o molho de tomate?

Where is the tomato sauce?

Interrogative 'onde'.

Comprei um molho de tomate.

I bought a tomato sauce.

Past tense 'comprei' (Pretérito Perfeito).

A pizza tem muito molho de tomate.

The pizza has a lot of tomato sauce.

Using 'muito' as an adverb of quantity.

Este molho de tomate é muito saboroso.

This tomato sauce is very tasty.

Demonstrative pronoun 'este' matching masculine 'molho'.

Vou fazer um molho de tomate para o jantar.

I'm going to make a tomato sauce for dinner.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

Pode passar o molho de tomate, por favor?

Can you pass the tomato sauce, please?

Polite request with 'pode'.

O molho de tomate da minha mãe é o melhor.

My mother's tomato sauce is the best.

Possessive 'da minha mãe' and superlative 'o melhor'.

Preciso de uma lata de molho de tomate.

I need a can of tomato sauce.

Noun phrase 'uma lata de'.

O molho de tomate está muito quente.

The tomato sauce is very hot.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective 'quente'.

Eles preferem molho de tomate sem cebola.

They prefer tomato sauce without onion.

Verb 'preferir' followed by 'sem'.

Coloque o molho de tomate na panela.

Put the tomato sauce in the pan.

Imperative 'coloque'.

Se o molho de tomate estiver ácido, adicione açúcar.

If the tomato sauce is acidic, add sugar.

Future subjunctive 'estiver' for a condition.

Prefiro fazer o meu próprio molho de tomate em casa.

I prefer to make my own tomato sauce at home.

Reflexive/Emphatic 'meu próprio'.

O molho de tomate industrializado tem muitos conservantes.

Industrialized tomato sauce has many preservatives.

Adjective 'industrializado' agreement.

Deixe o molho de tomate cozinhar por vinte minutos.

Let the tomato sauce cook for twenty minutes.

Causative structure 'deixe' + infinitive.

Este molho de tomate caseiro é uma receita de família.

This homemade tomato sauce is a family recipe.

Noun phrase as a complement.

O molho de tomate manchou a minha camisa branca.

The tomato sauce stained my white shirt.

Transitive verb 'manchar'.

Quero um molho de tomate com pedaços de manjericão.

I want a tomato sauce with pieces of basil.

Prepositional phrase 'com pedaços de'.

O molho de tomate é a base para muitos pratos italianos.

Tomato sauce is the base for many Italian dishes.

Definite article 'a' for the feminine noun 'base'.

O segredo de um bom molho de tomate é o tempo de cozedura.

The secret of a good tomato sauce is the cooking time.

Abstract noun 'segredo' followed by 'de'.

O molho de tomate deve apurar em lume brando.

The tomato sauce should simmer on low heat.

Modal verb 'deve' + specialized verb 'apurar'.

Sempre que faço lasanha, dobro a quantidade de molho de tomate.

Whenever I make lasagna, I double the amount of tomato sauce.

Temporal conjunction 'sempre que'.

É difícil encontrar um molho de tomate de compra que seja natural.

It's hard to find a store-bought tomato sauce that is natural.

Present subjunctive 'seja' after 'é difícil que'.

O molho de tomate fresco realça o sabor da massa artesanal.

Fresh tomato sauce enhances the flavor of artisanal pasta.

Verb 'realçar' (to enhance/highlight).

Misture o molho de tomate com o refogado de cebola e alho.

Mix the tomato sauce with the sautéed onion and garlic.

Imperative 'misture' with 'com'.

A consistência do molho de tomate depende da variedade dos tomates.

The consistency of the tomato sauce depends on the variety of the tomatoes.

Verb 'depender' followed by 'de'.

O molho de tomate pode ser congelado por até três meses.

Tomato sauce can be frozen for up to three months.

Passive voice 'pode ser congelado'.

A acidez do molho de tomate foi equilibrada com uma pitada de bicarbonato.

The acidity of the tomato sauce was balanced with a pinch of baking soda.

Complex passive structure with 'foi equilibrada'.

O chef optou por um molho de tomate rústico, com peles e sementes.

The chef opted for a rustic tomato sauce, with skins and seeds.

Verb 'optar por' and descriptive adjectives.

A redução do molho de tomate intensificou os açúcares naturais do fruto.

The reduction of the tomato sauce intensified the fruit's natural sugars.

Technical culinary term 'redução'.

O molho de tomate servido no restaurante era de uma frescura incomparável.

The tomato sauce served at the restaurant was of incomparable freshness.

Noun 'frescura' used as a quality.

Para evitar que o molho de tomate queime, é necessário mexer constantemente.

To prevent the tomato sauce from burning, it is necessary to stir constantly.

Subjunctive 'queime' after 'evitar que'.

O molho de tomate é o fio condutor de toda a gastronomia mediterrânica.

Tomato sauce is the common thread of all Mediterranean gastronomy.

Metaphorical use of 'fio condutor'.

A versatilidade do molho de tomate permite inúmeras variações regionais.

The versatility of tomato sauce allows for countless regional variations.

Abstract noun 'versatilidade'.

O molho de tomate artesanal requer paciência e ingredientes de primeira qualidade.

Artisanal tomato sauce requires patience and top-quality ingredients.

Verb 'requerer' (to require).

A onipresença do molho de tomate na culinária luso-brasileira é um fenômeno histórico.

The omnipresence of tomato sauce in Luso-Brazilian cuisine is a historical phenomenon.

High-level vocabulary like 'onipresença'.

A análise organolética do molho de tomate revelou notas de manjericão e orégano.

The organoleptic analysis of the tomato sauce revealed notes of basil and oregano.

Technical term 'análise organolética'.

O molho de tomate transcende a mera função de condimento, tornando-se um elemento cultural.

Tomato sauce transcends the mere function of a condiment, becoming a cultural element.

Gerund 'tornando-se' for consequence.

A industrialização do molho de tomate alterou drasticamente os hábitos de consumo urbano.

The industrialization of tomato sauce drastically altered urban consumption habits.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Muitas vezes, o molho de tomate é utilizado como base para mascarar ingredientes de menor qualidade.

Often, tomato sauce is used as a base to mask lower quality ingredients.

Infinitive 'mascarar' (to mask/disguise).

O molho de tomate, quando bem executado, é uma apoteose de sabores simples.

Tomato sauce, when well executed, is an apotheosis of simple flavors.

Literary term 'apoteose'.

A historiografia da alimentação atribui ao molho de tomate um papel central na dieta popular.

The historiography of food attributes a central role in the popular diet to tomato sauce.

Dative structure 'atribui a... um papel'.

A complexidade de um molho de tomate maturado é comparável à de um bom vinho.

The complexity of a matured tomato sauce is comparable to that of a good wine.

Comparative structure 'comparável à de'.

Common Collocations

Molho de tomate caseiro

Lata de molho de tomate

Molho de tomate picante

Mancha de molho de tomate

Molho de tomate fresco

Fazer molho de tomate

Comprar molho de tomate

Molho de tomate com manjericão

Vidro de molho de tomate

Molho de tomate e orégano

Common Phrases

Massa com molho de tomate

— Pasta with tomato sauce.

As crianças só comem massa com molho de tomate.

Pizza com molho de tomate

— Pizza with tomato sauce.

Toda pizza precisa de um bom molho de tomate.

Carne com molho de tomate

— Meat with tomato sauce (stew style).

Fiz uma carne com molho de tomate deliciosa.

Molho de tomate pronto

— Ready-made/pre-packaged tomato sauce.

Usei molho de tomate pronto para ganhar tempo.

Molho de tomate pelado

— Sauce made from peeled tomatoes.

O molho de tomate pelado é mais caro.

Base de molho de tomate

— Tomato sauce base.

Esta é a base de molho de tomate para a sopa.

Um pouco de molho de tomate

— A bit of tomato sauce.

Ponha só um pouco de molho de tomate.

Molho de tomate ralo

— Thin/watery tomato sauce.

O molho de tomate ficou muito ralo.

Molho de tomate encorpado

— Thick/full-bodied tomato sauce.

Prefiro o molho de tomate bem encorpado.

Cheiro de molho de tomate

— Smell of tomato sauce.

A casa está com um cheiro ótimo de molho de tomate.

Often Confused With

molho de tomate vs Ketchup

Ketchup is a table condiment; molho de tomate is a cooking ingredient.

molho de tomate vs Extrato de tomate

Extrato is concentrated paste; molho is the finished sauce.

molho de tomate vs Polpa de tomate

Polpa is plain crushed tomatoes; molho is usually seasoned.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar no molho"

— To be in a mess or to be 'soaking' in a situation (informal).

Agora ele está no molho com o chefe.

Informal

"Dar o molho"

— To give the final touch or to make something special (regional).

Essa música deu o molho à festa.

Colloquial

"Molho de chaves"

— A bunch of keys (uses the same word 'molho' but different meaning).

Perdi o meu molho de chaves.

Standard

"Pôr de molho"

— To soak something (like beans or clothes).

Pus o feijão de molho ontem à noite.

Standard

"Ser o molho da festa"

— To be the life of the party.

O João é sempre o molho da festa.

Informal

"Ficar de molho"

— To rest or recover from an illness/injury.

Estou com gripe, vou ficar de molho este fim de semana.

Informal

"Sair do molho"

— To get out of a difficult situation or recovery.

Finalmente saí do molho e voltei ao trabalho.

Informal

"Molho de ervas"

— A bunch of herbs.

Comprei um molho de salsa no mercado.

Standard

"Ter muito molho"

— To have a lot of style or 'sauce' (slang).

Aquele rapaz tem muito molho.

Slang

"Molho de gente"

— A crowd of people (regional Brazil).

Tinha um molho de gente na porta.

Colloquial

Easily Confused

molho de tomate vs Molho

Spelled the same as 'bundle'.

Context usually clarifies; bundle is for keys/herbs, sauce is for food.

Um molho de tomate vs. um molho de chaves.

molho de tomate vs Molhado

Similar root.

Molhado is an adjective meaning 'wet'; molho is a noun meaning 'sauce'.

O chão está molhado.

molho de tomate vs Mollo

Common misspelling.

Mollo is not a word; the correct spelling is 'molho'.

N/A

molho de tomate vs Tomatada

Similar meaning.

Tomatada is specifically a thick, onion-heavy dish/sauce, not just any tomato sauce.

Comi uma tomatada algarvia.

molho de tomate vs Massa de tomate

Used in Brazil.

In Brazil, 'massa de tomate' often refers to extrato (paste).

Compre massa de tomate para o guisado.

Sentence Patterns

Eu gosto de [molho de tomate].

Eu gosto de molho de tomate.

Eu preciso de [quantidade] de [molho de tomate].

Eu preciso de uma lata de molho de tomate.

[Molho de tomate] é melhor quando [condição].

Molho de tomate é melhor quando é fresco.

Para fazer um bom [molho de tomate], é preciso [ação].

Para fazer um bom molho de tomate, é preciso refogar o alho.

Apesar de [contraste], o [molho de tomate] continua sendo [estado].

Apesar de simples, o molho de tomate continua sendo essencial.

A [substantivo] do [molho de tomate] remete a [conceito].

A textura do molho de tomate remete à infância.

Onde está o [molho de tomate]?

Onde está o molho de tomate?

Este [molho de tomate] está [adjetivo].

Este molho de tomate está muito ácido.

Word Family

Nouns

Tomate (Tomato)

Tomateiro (Tomato plant)

Molheira (Sauce boat/dish)

Molhadela (Quick soaking)

Verbs

Molhar (To wet/soak)

Tomatear (To add tomato - rare/slang)

Adjectives

Molhado (Wet)

Tomatado (With tomato)

Suculento (Juicy)

Massa (Pasta)

Pizza

Cozinha (Kitchen)

Refogado (Sauté)

Tempero (Seasoning)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in culinary and daily life contexts.

Common Mistakes

A molho de tomate → O molho de tomate
Molho is a masculine noun.
Molho de tomato → Molho de tomate
The word for tomato in Portuguese ends in 'e', not 'o'.
Eu gosto molho de tomate → Eu gosto de molho de tomate
The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de'.
Molo de tomate → Molho de tomate
Incorrect spelling and pronunciation of the 'lh' sound.
Molho tomate → Molho de tomate
You must use the preposition 'de' to link the two nouns.

Tips

Spelling

Remember the 'h' in 'molho'. Without it, 'molo' isn't a word.

Refogado

Most Portuguese 'molho de tomate' starts with a 'refogado' of onion and garlic in olive oil.

Plural

Only pluralize the first word: 'molhos de tomate'.

Canned vs Fresh

Use 'molho de tomate fresco' for fresh and 'molho de tomate em lata' for canned.

The 'LH'

Don't let the 'lh' scare you. It's a soft, elegant sound produced with the middle of the tongue.

Pasta Pairing

In menus, look for 'massa com molho de tomate' for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Labels

Look for 'sem adição de açúcar' if you want a healthier version without added sugar.

Acidity

If your sauce is too acidic, use the Portuguese word 'acidez' to describe it.

Compliments

Tell your host 'O molho de tomate está delicioso!' to make them happy.

Ketchup Alert

Never use 'molho de tomate' when you actually want ketchup for your fries!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a MOLE (molho) eating a TOMATO (tomate). The mole loves the sauce!

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red splash on a white chef's hat. The splash is 'molho de tomate'.

Word Web

Cozinha Vermelho Massa Itália Panela Sabor Lasanha Alho

Challenge

Go to a grocery store or look at an online Portuguese supermarket and find three different types of 'molho de tomate'.

Word Origin

From 'molho' (Latin 'molliare', to soften/soak) and 'tomate' (Nahuatl 'tomatl' via Spanish 'tomate').

Original meaning: A soaking liquid made from the tomato fruit.

Romance (Portuguese) with Aztec (Nahuatl) roots for the noun 'tomate'.

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities; it is a universal food term.

Unlike the UK/US where 'tomato sauce' can sometimes mean 'ketchup', in Portuguese, 'molho de tomate' never means ketchup.

The Brazilian song 'Macarrão' mentions sauce. Portuguese culinary icon Maria de Lourdes Modesto. The 'Tomatina' festival (Spain, but known in PT).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Grocery Shopping

Onde fica o molho de tomate?
Qual é o preço do molho de tomate?
Tem molho de tomate orgânico?
Vou levar duas latas.

Cooking

Vou temperar o molho de tomate.
O molho de tomate precisa de sal.
Mexa o molho de tomate.
O molho de tomate está pronto.

Dining Out

A massa vem com molho de tomate?
Queria extra molho de tomate.
O molho de tomate está picante?
Não gosto de molho de tomate.

Accidents

Caiu molho de tomate na mesa.
Sujei-me com molho de tomate.
Essa mancha é de molho de tomate.
Como limpo o molho de tomate?

Recipes

Adicione o molho de tomate.
Cozinhe o molho de tomate.
Bata os tomates para o molho.
Misture o molho de tomate.

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere molho de tomate caseiro ou de lata?"

"Qual é o seu segredo para um molho de tomate perfeito?"

"Você acha que o molho de tomate combina com peixe?"

"Qual marca de molho de tomate você costuma comprar?"

"Você sabe fazer molho de tomate do zero?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva a melhor refeição que você já comeu com molho de tomate.

Escreva uma lista de compras que inclua molho de tomate e outros cinco ingredientes.

Como você prepara o seu molho de tomate favorito? Explique passo a passo.

Você prefere massa com molho de tomate ou molho branco? Por quê?

Imagine que você manchou sua roupa favorita com molho de tomate em um encontro. O que você faria?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine. You say 'o molho de tomate' or 'um molho de tomate'. The gender is determined by the word 'molho'.

You say 'molho de tomate caseiro'. 'Caseiro' means homemade.

'Molho' is the ready-to-use sauce, while 'extrato' is a very thick, concentrated tomato paste that usually needs to be diluted.

Yes, 'um molho' can mean a bunch of something, like 'um molho de chaves' (a bunch of keys) or 'um molho de salsa' (a bunch of parsley).

The 'lh' is like the 'lli' in million. The first 'o' is closed, like in 'cold'. It sounds like 'mô-lyoo'.

No, ketchup is just called 'ketchup' in Portuguese. 'Molho de tomate' refers to the sauce used for pasta, pizza, etc.

Common seasonings include 'alho' (garlic), 'cebola' (onion), 'manjericão' (basil), and 'orégano' (oregano).

The plural is 'molhos de tomate'. Only the word 'molho' changes.

It means pasta served with a simple, smooth tomato sauce without meat.

You can ask: 'Onde posso encontrar o molho de tomate?' (Where can I find the tomato sauce?)