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A2 adjective 7 min read

nutritivo

Examples nutritivo in 30 Seconds
Explanation nutritivo in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'nutritivo' means something is good for you to eat. You will mostly use it with simple food words like 'fruta' (fruit) or 'leite' (milk). Remember to change the ending: 'nutritivo' for boys/masculine things and 'nutritiva' for girls/feminine things. For example, 'A maçã é nutritiva' (The apple is nutritious). It is a helpful word to use when you want to describe food beyond just saying it is 'bom' (good) or 'gostoso' (tasty). At this stage, focus on the basic connection between food and health. You might see this word on posters in a grocery store or hear a teacher talking about healthy snacks in a classroom setting. It is one of the first 'long' adjectives you might learn because it looks very similar to the English word 'nutritious', making it easy to remember. Just keep an eye on that final vowel!
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'nutritivo' in more complete sentences and comparisons. You should be able to say things like 'O arroz integral é mais nutritivo do que o arroz branco' (Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice). You will also encounter the plural forms: 'nutritivos' and 'nutritivas'. Understanding that 'nutritivo' is more specific than 'saudável' (healthy) is a great step at this level. You might use it to describe your breakfast or to ask about the quality of food in a restaurant. It is also common at this level to see the word in simple health tips or recipes. For instance, 'Uma dieta nutritiva inclui muitos vegetais' (A nutritious diet includes many vegetables). Practice matching the adjective with plural nouns, as this is where many A2 learners make mistakes. If you are talking about 'os legumes' (the vegetables), you must say they are 'nutritivos'.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'nutritivo' in various contexts, including more abstract ones. You might describe a 'leitura nutritiva' (nutritious reading) or a 'conversa nutritiva' (a nourishing conversation), though these are more metaphorical. You will also start to see the word in the context of skin and hair care, especially in advertisements from Brazil. 'Este creme é muito nutritivo para a pele' (This cream is very nourishing for the skin). You should be able to discuss the importance of a nutritious diet for different groups of people, like children or athletes, using more complex sentence structures. You might also use the noun form 'nutrição' (nutrition) and the professional term 'nutricionista' (nutritionist) in the same conversation. At this level, you can explain *why* something is nutritious by listing its components, like 'rico em fibras' (rich in fiber) or 'cheio de vitaminas' (full of vitamins).
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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'nutritivo' with precision in professional or academic discussions. You might analyze the 'valor nutritivo' (nutritional value) of food products or discuss public health policies regarding 'merenda escolar nutritiva' (nutritious school meals). You will understand the subtle difference between 'nutritivo' and 'alimentar' or 'alimentício'. You can use the word in the superlative form, such as 'o alimento mais nutritivo' (the most nutritious food), and use adverbs to modify it, like 'extremamente nutritivo' or 'biologicamente nutritivo'. Your understanding of the word should extend to environmental contexts, such as describing 'solo nutritivo' in discussions about agriculture and sustainability. You should be able to write a short essay or give a presentation about healthy habits, using 'nutritivo' as a key term to describe the quality of food intake.
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At the C1 level, you use 'nutritivo' with a high degree of nuance and stylistic variety. You can integrate it into complex arguments about food security, bioengineering, or culinary arts. You recognize when 'nutritivo' is being used ironically or in highly specialized fields like soil science or advanced cosmetics. You might use the word to critique a lifestyle or a cultural trend, such as the lack of 'conteúdo nutritivo' (nutritious content) in modern media. Your vocabulary includes many synonyms and you can choose 'nutritivo' over 'saudável' or 'substancial' to convey a specific scientific or health-related emphasis. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages. In writing, you use 'nutritivo' to create a sense of authority and clarity when discussing biological or health-related topics.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'nutritivo'. You use it effortlessly in any context, from a scientific paper to a poetic description of nature's bounty. You can play with the word's metaphorical potential, perhaps describing a 'silêncio nutritivo' (a nourishing silence) or the 'valor nutritivo' of a historical legacy. You understand the deepest connotations of the word in different Lusophone cultures—how a 'refeição nutritiva' might look different in Luanda, Lisbon, or São Paulo. You can debate the nuances between 'nutritivo' and its most obscure synonyms. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can also discuss the word's morphology and its role in the evolution of the Portuguese language. At this level, the word is just one tool in a vast and sophisticated linguistic toolkit, used with perfect precision and cultural awareness.
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Examples

nutritivo in 30 Seconds

  • Nutritivo means nutritious and describes food rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun: nutritivo, nutritiva, nutritivos, nutritivas.
  • Commonly used in cooking, health, cosmetics (hair/skin), and agricultural contexts.
  • It is a true cognate of 'nutritious', making it easy for English speakers to learn.
The Portuguese word nutritivo is an adjective that directly translates to 'nutritious' in English. It originates from the Latin 'nutritivus', derived from 'nutrire' (to nourish). In Portuguese, this word is used to describe food or substances that provide the essential nutrients—such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates—required for growth, health, and good physical condition. While it is most commonly applied to dietary contexts, it can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe experiences or information that are mentally or spiritually enriching. Understanding its usage is fundamental for anyone discussing health, cooking, or lifestyle in a Portuguese-speaking environment.
Grammatical Gender
The word changes to nutritiva when describing feminine nouns, such as 'uma refeição nutritiva' (a nutritious meal).

Comer um pequeno-almoço nutritivo é essencial para ter energia durante o dia.

In Brazil and Portugal, you will encounter this word in supermarkets, on food packaging, in medical consultations, and in fitness communities. It carries a positive connotation, suggesting quality and benefit. Unlike 'saudável' (healthy), which is a broader term, 'nutritivo' specifically points to the chemical and biological value of the food. For example, water is healthy (saudável) but not necessarily nutritious (nutritivo) in the sense of providing caloric or vitamin density.
Common Collocations
Often paired with: alimento (food), dieta (diet), solo (soil), and creme (cream - in cosmetics).

Este creme facial é muito nutritivo para a pele seca.

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It is a neutral to formal word. In very informal speech, people might just say 'faz bem' (it does good), but 'nutritivo' remains the standard for describing nutritional value.

O feijão é um dos alimentos mais nutritivos da culinária brasileira.

Precisamos de um plano nutritivo para as crianças da escola.

A leitura é um hábito nutritivo para a mente.

Using nutritivo correctly requires attention to adjective-noun agreement in Portuguese. Since it ends in '-o', it follows the standard rule: masculine singular (nutritivo), masculine plural (nutritivos), feminine singular (nutritiva), and feminine plural (nutritivas). When you are constructing a sentence, identify the gender of the food or item you are describing. For example, 'o leite' (milk) is masculine, so 'o leite é nutritivo'. Conversely, 'a sopa' (soup) is feminine, so 'a sopa é nutritiva'. This distinction is vital for sounding natural.
Subject-Adjective Agreement
As frutas (fem. pl.) são nutritivas. Os legumes (masc. pl.) são nutritivos.

Muitas pessoas não sabem que a casca da maçã é muito nutritiva.

The word usually follows the noun it modifies, but for poetic or emphatic effect, it can occasionally precede it, though this is rare in daily conversation. In comparative structures, you can use 'mais nutritivo que' (more nutritious than) or 'menos nutritivo que' (less nutritious than).
Comparison Examples
O arroz integral é mais nutritivo do que o arroz branco.

O abacate é um fruto altamente nutritivo e versátil.

As algas marinhas são consideradas alimentos muito nutritivos no Japão.

O médico recomendou uma dieta mais nutritiva para o paciente.

Este solo nutritivo permitiu que as flores crescessem rapidamente.

Intensifiers
Extremamente nutritivo, pouco nutritivo, bastante nutritivo.
You will hear 'nutritivo' in a variety of settings across the Lusophone world. In the domestic sphere, parents often encourage children to eat by saying, 'Come isto, é muito nutritivo!' (Eat this, it's very nutritious!). In the media, health-oriented TV programs and social media influencers frequently use the term when discussing recipes or 'superfoods'. In professional environments like hospitals or clinics, nutritionists (nutricionistas) use it to explain the benefits of specific meal plans.
Commercial Context
Advertising for cereals, yogurts, and baby food almost always includes the word 'nutritivo' to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

O rótulo diz que este sumo é nutritivo, mas tem muito açúcar.

In the beauty industry, particularly in Brazil—a global leader in cosmetics—'nutritivo' is a buzzword for hair masks and skin creams. A 'máscara nutritiva' is intended to replenish oils and vitamins in the hair. This broadens the word's reach beyond just what we eat to what we apply to our bodies.
Academic and Scientific Use
In biology or chemistry classes, students learn about the 'valor nutritivo' (nutritional value) of different chemical compounds.

O valor nutritivo da quinoa é superior ao de muitos cereais.

Esta planta precisa de um substrato nutritivo para florescer.

A mãe preparou uma papa nutritiva para o bebé.

O documentário foca na importância de um solo nutritivo para a agricultura sustentável.

Social Media
Hashtags like #ComidaNutritiva or #AlimentacaoNutritiva are very popular on Instagram and TikTok in Brazil.
The most frequent error for English speakers is neglecting gender and number agreement. In English, 'nutritious' never changes, but in Portuguese, 'nutritivo' must match the noun it describes. Saying 'A sopa é nutritivo' is a hallmark of a beginner mistake; it must be 'A sopa é nutritiva'. Another common slip-up is confusing 'nutritivo' with 'alimentício'. While 'nutritivo' refers to the quality of nourishment, 'alimentício' refers to anything related to food as a sector or product (e.g., 'indústria alimentícia').
Agreement Errors
Wrong: Os ovos são nutritiva. Correct: Os ovos são nutritivos.

Muitos alunos confundem nutritivo com 'saudável', mas nem tudo o que é saudável é necessariamente denso em nutrientes.

Another nuance is the use of 'nutriente'. 'Nutriente' is a noun (nutrient), whereas 'nutritivo' is the adjective. You cannot say 'Este alimento tem muito nutritivo'; you must say 'Este alimento é muito nutritivo' or 'Este alimento tem muitos nutrientes'.
Spelling Tip
Remember the 'tt' in English 'nutritious' becomes a single 't' in Portuguese: nu-tri-ti-vo.

Não diga 'comida nutriente', diga 'comida nutritiva'.

Evite usar nutritivo para descrever pessoas; use 'bem alimentado' ou 'saudável' em vez disso.

O erro mais comum é esquecer de pluralizar o adjectivo quando o substantivo é plural.

Confundir 'nutritivo' com 'sustentável' (sustainable) também acontece em contextos ecológicos.

Comparison with 'Alimentar'
'Hábito alimentar' (eating habit) is correct, but 'hábito nutritivo' is less common; we prefer 'dieta nutritiva'.
While nutritivo is a precise term, several synonyms and related words can enrich your vocabulary. Saudável is the most common alternative, though it is broader. Substancial suggests a meal that is filling and hearty, often implying it is also nutritious. Alimentício is used more in technical or industrial contexts. Fortificante or revigorante are used when the food or drink is meant to provide a quick boost of strength or recovery.
Nutritivo vs. Saudável
Nutritivo = High in nutrients. Saudável = Good for health (includes low-calorie items with few nutrients).

Uma sopa de legumes é nutritiva e substancial.

In a culinary context, you might hear 'rico' (rich), as in 'rico em vitaminas' (rich in vitamins). This is a very common way to avoid repeating 'nutritivo'. In more scientific texts, you might see 'alimento de alto valor biológico'.
Contextual Synonyms
Sustentável (in some soil contexts), benéfico (beneficial), equilibrado (balanced).

Este lanche é muito prático, mas não é muito nutritivo.

O azeite de oliva é uma gordura saudável e nutritiva.

Beber muita água é um hábito saudável, mas a água não é nutritiva.

O espinafre é famoso por ser um vegetal muito nutritivo.

Antonyms
Pobre (poor - in nutrients), vazio (empty - as in calories), prejudicial (harmful).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nu.tɾi.ˈti.vu/
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Examples by Level

1

A fruta é nutritiva.

The fruit is nutritious.

Feminine singular agreement (fruta/nutritiva).

2

O leite é nutritivo.

Milk is nutritious.

Masculine singular agreement (leite/nutritivo).

3

Este pão é nutritivo?

Is this bread nutritious?

Question form using 'este' (this).

4

Eu como comida nutritiva.

I eat nutritious food.

Adjective follows the noun 'comida'.

5

O ovo é muito nutritivo.

The egg is very nutritious.

Use of 'muito' as an intensifier.

6

Sopa é nutritiva.

Soup is nutritious.

General statement about soup (feminine).

7

Peixe é nutritivo.

Fish is nutritious.

General statement about fish (masculine).

8

Banana é nutritiva.

Banana is nutritious.

Feminine singular agreement.

1

Os legumes são nutritivos.

Vegetables are nutritious.

Masculine plural agreement (legumes/nutritivos).

2

As maçãs são nutritivas.

Apples are nutritious.

Feminine plural agreement (maçãs/nutritivas).

3

O arroz integral é mais nutritivo que o branco.

Brown rice is more nutritious than white.

Comparative structure 'mais... que'.

4

Minha mãe faz jantares nutritivos.

My mother makes nutritious dinners.

Plural agreement with 'jantares'.

5

É importante ter um pequeno-almoço nutritivo.

It is important to have a nutritious breakfast.

Infinitive phrase 'ter um...'.

6

Esta vitamina é muito nutritiva.

This smoothie (vitamin) is very nutritious.

In Brazil, 'vitamina' often means a fruit smoothie.

7

Nós precisamos de alimentos nutritivos.

We need nutritious foods.

Verb 'precisar de' followed by the noun and adjective.

8

A cenoura é nutritiva para os olhos.

The carrot is nutritious for the eyes.

Prepositional phrase 'para os olhos'.

1

O médico recomendou uma dieta mais nutritiva.

The doctor recommended a more nutritious diet.

Past tense 'recomendou' with feminine noun 'dieta'.

2

Este creme nutritivo é ótimo para o cabelo.

This nourishing cream is great for hair.

Usage in the cosmetics context.

3

Muitos cereais infantis não são nutritivos.

Many children's cereals are not nutritious.

Negative sentence with plural agreement.

4

A castanha-do-pará é um fruto muito nutritivo.

The Brazil nut is a very nutritious fruit.

Specific food item with masculine agreement.

5

Ela gosta de ler livros nutritivos para a mente.

She likes to read books that are nutritious for the mind.

Metaphorical use of 'nutritivo'.

6

O solo desta região é muito nutritivo.

The soil in this region is very nutritious (rich).

Agricultural context.

7

Eles preparam uma merenda nutritiva para os alunos.

They prepare a nutritious snack for the students.

Use of 'merenda' (snack/school meal).

8

O azeite é nutritivo, mas deve ser consumido com moderação.

Olive oil is nutritious, but should be consumed in moderation.

Adversative clause with 'mas'.

1

O valor nutritivo dos alimentos processados é baixo.

The nutritional value of processed foods is low.

Compound noun 'valor nutritivo'.

2

A quinoa destaca-se por ser altamente nutritiva.

Quinoa stands out for being highly nutritious.

Reflexive verb 'destacar-se'.

3

A amamentação fornece o leite mais nutritivo para o bebé.

Breastfeeding provides the most nutritious milk for the baby.

Superlative 'o... mais...'.

4

É necessário equilibrar o sabor com o aspecto nutritivo.

It is necessary to balance flavor with the nutritious aspect.

Abstract use as 'aspecto nutritivo'.

5

O relatório foca na importância de solos nutritivos.

The report focuses on the importance of nutritious soils.

Formal register.

6

Muitas algas são consideradas superalimentos nutritivos.

Many algae are considered nutritious superfoods.

Passive voice 'são consideradas'.

7

A educação alimentar promove escolhas mais nutritivas.

Food education promotes more nutritious choices.

Subject 'educação alimentar'.

8

O feijão com arroz forma uma combinação nutritiva completa.

Beans and rice form a complete nutritious combination.

Cultural reference.

1

A escassez de alimentos nutritivos afeta o desenvolvimento infantil.

The scarcity of nutritious foods affects child development.

Complex subject 'A escassez de alimentos nutritivos'.

2

O autor oferece uma perspetiva nutritiva sobre a história.

The author offers a nourishing perspective on history.

Highly metaphorical use.

3

A indústria cosmética investe em fórmulas nutritivas complexas.

The cosmetic industry invests in complex nourishing formulas.

Technical context.

4

O debate foi nutritivo para todos os participantes.

The debate was enriching (nutritious) for all participants.

Metaphorical use for intellectual growth.

5

A biodisponibilidade altera o quão nutritivo um alimento é.

Bioavailability changes how nutritious a food is.

Scientific term 'biodisponibilidade'.

6

Substituir gorduras saturadas por opções nutritivas é vital.

Replacing saturated fats with nutritious options is vital.

Gerund/Infinitive usage in advice.

7

O solo, outrora nutritivo, foi esgotado pela monocultura.

The soil, once nutritious, was depleted by monoculture.

Use of 'outrora' (formerly) and passive voice.

8

Uma mente sã requer um ambiente intelectual nutritivo.

A sound mind requires a nutritious intellectual environment.

Philosophical register.

1

A simbiose entre o solo nutritivo e a flora é fascinante.

The symbiosis between the nutritious soil and the flora is fascinating.

Advanced vocabulary 'simbiose'.

2

A obra de Camões é um manancial nutritivo para a língua.

Camões' work is a nourishing spring for the language.

Literary metaphor.

3

A desnutrição não é apenas falta de comida, mas de conteúdo nutritivo.

Malnutrition is not just a lack of food, but of nutritious content.

Logical contrast 'não... mas...'.

4

O substrato nutritivo da cultura popular molda a nossa identidade.

The nutritious substrate of popular culture shapes our identity.

Sociological use of 'substrato'.

5

Critica-se a vacuidade de uma dieta pouco nutritiva e processada.

The vacuity of a poorly nutritious and processed diet is criticized.

Impersonal 'se' and advanced noun 'vacuidade'.

6

O leite materno é o padrão ouro do que é nutritivo.

Breast milk is the gold standard of what is nutritious.

Idiomatic 'padrão ouro'.

7

A análise bromatológica revelou um perfil nutritivo invejável.

The bromatological analysis revealed an enviable nutritional profile.

Very technical term 'bromatológica'.

8

O silêncio pode ser mais nutritivo que mil palavras vazias.

Silence can be more nourishing than a thousand empty words.

Poetic/Philosophical comparison.

Common Collocations

Valor nutritivo
Alimento nutritivo
Dieta nutritiva
Solo nutritivo
Creme nutritivo
Merenda nutritiva
Conteúdo nutritivo
Refeição nutritiva
Suco nutritivo
Substrato nutritivo

Common Phrases

É muito nutritivo

— It is very nutritious. Used to encourage someone to eat.

Come a sopa, é muito nutritiva!

Pouco nutritivo

— Not very nutritious. Used for junk food.

Este lanche é gostoso, mas pouco nutritivo.

Altamente nutritivo

— Highly nutritious. Used for superfoods.

O espinafre é altamente nutritivo.

Mais nutritivo que

— More nutritious than. Used for comparisons.

O peixe é mais nutritivo que a carne gorda.

Nada nutritivo

— Not nutritious at all.

Refrigerante não é nada nutritivo.

Rico e nutritivo

— Rich and nutritious. Common in advertising.

Um cereal rico e nutritivo para o seu dia.

Fórmula nutritiva

— Nutritious formula. Used for baby milk or cosmetics.

Esta fórmula nutritiva ajuda o bebé a crescer.

Hábito nutritivo

— Nutritious habit (less common than 'saudável').

Ter um hábito nutritivo muda a vida.

Perfil nutritivo

— Nutritional profile. Used in scientific contexts.

O perfil nutritivo da noz é excelente.

Opção nutritiva

— Nutritious option. Used in menus.

Temos várias opções nutritivas no menu.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pão para a mente"

— Something that nourishes the mind (similar to metaphorical 'nutritivo').

Este livro é pão para a mente.

Literary
"Saco vazio não para em pé"

— An empty sack cannot stand upright (meaning you need to eat to have energy).

Come alguma coisa, saco vazio não para em pé!

Informal
"Alimentar a alma"

— To nourish the soul.

A música alimenta a alma.

Poetic
"Comer com os olhos"

— To eat with one's eyes (to find food visually appealing).

O prato estava tão bonito que comi com os olhos.

Informal
"Dar sustento"

— To provide sustenance/nourishment.

Esta sopa dá sustento.

Neutral
"Ficar forte"

— To get strong (often the goal of eating nutritiously).

Come tudo para ficares forte!

Child-friendly
"Mente sã em corpo são"

— A sound mind in a sound body.

Nutrição é a base para uma mente sã em corpo são.

Formal
"Viver de brisa"

— To live on air (to eat very little/not nutritiously).

Tu não podes viver de brisa, tens de comer!

Informal
"Matar a fome"

— To kill the hunger (to satisfy hunger).

Este lanche nutritivo matou a minha fome.

Neutral
"Ter sustância"

— To have 'substance' (to be nutritious and filling).

Esta comida de vó tem sustância!

Informal
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

nutritivo Spanish
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