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A2 adjective 8 min read

Pequeno/a

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Pequeno/a in 30 Seconds

Explanation Pequeno/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'pequeno' is one of the first adjectives you learn. It is used to describe basic physical objects and people. You use it to contrast with 'grande' (big). At this stage, you should focus on the simple gender agreement: 'o carro pequeno' and 'a casa pequena'. You will use it to describe your family ('meu irmão pequeno'), your belongings, and basic surroundings. It is essential for simple descriptions and for navigating basic shopping or dining situations where size matters, such as ordering a small coffee or choosing a small gift.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'pequeno' in more varied contexts, including abstract ideas like 'um pequeno problema' (a small problem) or 'uma pequena diferença' (a small difference). You also learn the plural forms ('pequenos', 'pequenas') and start to notice that 'pequeno' can sometimes come before the noun for emphasis. You will use it to describe your childhood ('quando eu era pequeno') and to make simple comparisons using 'mais pequeno que' or 'menor que'. Your vocabulary expands to include common phrases like 'pequeno-almoço' (in European Portuguese).

At the B1 level, you use 'pequeno' more naturally and understand its nuances compared to synonyms like 'miúdo', 'baixo', or 'curto'. You are comfortable with its placement before or after the noun to change the tone of a sentence. You start using 'pequeno' in more complex grammatical structures, such as relative clauses ('A empresa, que era pequena, cresceu muito'). You also begin to use idiomatic expressions and understand the diminutive forms ('pequenino') as a way to convey emotion or intensity without necessarily changing the literal meaning.

At the B2 level, you can use 'pequeno' in formal and professional contexts. You understand when to use 'reduzido' or 'limitado' instead of 'pequeno' to sound more professional. You are aware of regional differences, such as the preference for 'menor' in Brazil vs. 'mais pequeno' in Portugal. You can use 'pequeno' to express subtle irony or understatement. Your ability to use it in complex sentences, such as those involving the subjunctive or conditional, allows you to describe hypothetical scenarios ('Se eu tivesse um pequeno aumento, ficaria feliz').

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'pequeno'. You use it in literary or highly formal writing to create specific effects. You are familiar with rare idioms and archaic uses. You can discuss the etymology and the philosophical implications of 'smallness' in Portuguese literature. You use 'pequeno' to navigate complex social interactions with precision, using it to minimize or maximize the importance of things as needed for diplomacy or persuasion. You recognize the word's role in historical titles and academic discourse.

At the C2 level, 'pequeno' is a tool you use with native-like precision and creativity. You understand its deepest cultural resonances and can play with its meaning in puns, poetry, and advanced rhetoric. You can distinguish between the most subtle synonyms in any dialect of Portuguese. You are capable of analyzing how the use of 'pequeno' has evolved in Portuguese over centuries. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, adapting perfectly to any register, from street slang to the highest levels of academic or legal writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Pequeno/a in 30 Seconds

Pequeno means 'small' or 'little' and must agree with the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
It is used for physical size, age (young), and abstract concepts of low importance or quantity.
In Portugal, it is part of the word for breakfast: 'pequeno-almoço'.
Its irregular comparative form is 'menor', which is very common in Brazilian Portuguese.

The Portuguese word pequeno (masculine) and its feminine counterpart pequena are fundamental adjectives used to describe size, quantity, or importance that is below the average or expected standard. At its most basic level, it translates directly to the English word 'small' or 'little'. However, its usage extends beyond mere physical dimensions, often touching upon age, social status, and even emotional nuances. In a physical sense, you might use it to describe a casa pequena (small house) or a caixa pequena (small box). When referring to people, specifically children, it is very common to hear adults refer to them as os pequenos, meaning 'the little ones'.

Physical Dimension: Used to denote objects that occupy limited space. Example: 'O carro é pequeno para cinco pessoas' (The car is small for five people).

Moro num apartamento muito pequeno no centro da cidade, mas é aconchegante.

Age and Development: Often used to refer to children or the younger version of oneself. Example: 'Desde pequeno, eu gostava de desenhar' (Since I was little, I liked to draw).

A minha irmã mais pequena ainda anda na escola primária.

Beyond physical size, 'pequeno' can imply insignificance or a lack of importance in a more abstract context. A pequeno detalhe is a minor detail, and a pequeno problema is a slight issue that might not require immediate or drastic action. It is also used in common culinary terms, such as pequeno-almoço (breakfast) in Portugal, literally translating to 'small lunch'. The word carries a neutral to positive connotation most of the time, though it can be used pejoratively to describe someone's narrow-mindedness, as in uma mente pequena (a small mind).

Quantity and Degree: Refers to a limited amount of something. Example: 'Temos apenas um pequeno grupo de voluntários' (We have only a small group of volunteers).

Houve uma pequena confusão na entrega do pedido.

A criança deu um pequeno passo antes de cair.

Using 'pequeno' correctly involves understanding its placement and agreement. In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun. For example, 'uma mesa pequena' (a small table). However, placing 'pequeno' before the noun can sometimes add emphasis or a subjective, poetic quality, though this is less common for 'pequeno' than for adjectives like 'grande'. When you say 'um pequeno erro', you are highlighting the minor nature of the error. If you say 'um erro pequeno', you are more objectively describing its size or impact. Let's look at how it shifts according to the noun it accompanies.

Gender Agreement: Masculine: O gato pequeno. Feminine: A gata pequena.

Comprei uma bolsa pequena para a festa.

In plural forms, 'pequeno' becomes 'pequenos' and 'pequena' becomes 'pequenas'. This is mandatory. You cannot say 'os carros pequeno'; it must be 'os carros pequenos'. This rule applies regardless of whether the adjective is used attributively (right next to the noun) or predicatively (after a verb like 'ser' or 'estar'). For instance, 'As janelas são pequenas' (The windows are small). Here, 'pequenas' describes the subject 'as janelas' through the linking verb 'são'.

Plural Agreement: Masculine Plural: Os livros pequenos. Feminine Plural: As flores pequenas.

Aqueles pequenos gestos fazem toda a diferença.

Ela tem uma pequena coleção de moedas antigas.

Comparisons: To say 'smaller than', use 'mais pequeno do que' (common in Portugal) or 'menor do que' (standard and preferred in Brazil). Example: 'Este quarto é mais pequeno que o outro'.

O meu cão é pequeno, mas é muito valente.

You will encounter 'pequeno' in almost every facet of daily life in a Portuguese-speaking country. From the supermarket to the workplace, its utility is endless. In a retail setting, you might ask for a 'saco pequeno' (small bag) or look for 'tamanhos pequenos' (small sizes). In restaurants, especially in Portugal, 'pequeno-almoço' is the standard term for breakfast, appearing on every menu and signage. In Brazil, while 'café da manhã' is used for breakfast, 'pequeno' is still used constantly to describe portions or sizes of drinks and snacks.

Everyday Commerce: Ordering sizes: 'Quero um café pequeno, por favor' (I want a small coffee, please).

A loja só tem pequenos tamanhos disponíveis hoje.

In social circles, 'pequeno' is often used affectionately. Parents talk about their 'pequenos' when referring to their children. In news broadcasts, you might hear about a 'pequeno incidente' (minor incident) or a 'pequena localidade' (small town). It is a word that bridges the gap between formal reporting and casual conversation. Interestingly, in literature and storytelling, 'O Pequeno Príncipe' (The Little Prince) is one of the most recognizable titles, showcasing the word's use in defining a character's identity and stature.

News and Media: Reporting scale: 'Houve uma pequena descida na temperatura' (There was a small drop in temperature).

O filme conta a história de um pequeno herói com um grande coração.

Ele vive numa pequena aldeia no norte do país.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is forgetting the gender agreement. Since 'small' is gender-neutral in English, learners often stick to 'pequeno' for everything. Saying 'uma casa pequeno' is a glaring error that immediately marks one as a beginner. Always check the gender of the noun. Another common pitfall involves the plural: 'pequeno' must become 'pequenos' or 'pequenas'. 'Os meninos pequeno' is incorrect; it must be 'Os meninos pequenos'.

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'A chave é pequeno'. Correct: 'A chave é pequena'.

Muitos alunos esquecem de dizer 'pequenas' quando falam de coisas no plural.

Another nuance is the comparison. While 'mais pequeno' is grammatically acceptable and very common in Portugal, the word 'menor' is the irregular comparative form of 'pequeno'. In Brazil, using 'mais pequeno' is often considered a sign of poor education or a 'childish' way of speaking; 'menor' is the standard choice there. For example, 'Meu irmão é menor que eu' (My brother is smaller than me) is preferred over 'Meu irmão é mais pequeno que eu'. However, 'mais pequeno' is perfectly fine when comparing two specific dimensions of the same object or in European Portuguese contexts.

Comparative Confusion: Avoid 'mais pequeno' in formal Brazilian Portuguese; use 'menor' instead.

Não diga 'o carro é mais pequeno', prefira dizer 'o carro é menor' no Brasil.

Cometi um pequeno erro de gramática ao falar.

While 'pequeno' is the most versatile word for 'small', Portuguese offers several synonyms that carry specific nuances. 'Miúdo' is frequently used in Portugal to refer to children (noun) or something very tiny (adjective). 'Curto' is used for length (short), while 'baixo' is used for height (short/low). If you want to emphasize that something is extremely small, you might use 'minúsculo'. For something reduced in scale or size, 'reduzido' is a more formal alternative often used in business or technical contexts.

Pequeno vs. Miúdo: 'Pequeno' is general. 'Miúdo' (mostly in Portugal) implies tiny or refers to a kid. Example: 'Ele é um miúdo' (He is a kid).

A letra deste livro é muito miúda, não consigo ler.

When discussing quantity, 'pouco' (little/not much) is often confused with 'pequeno' by learners. Remember: 'pequeno' describes size/quality, while 'pouco' describes quantity. You have 'pouco dinheiro' (little money), not 'pequeno dinheiro'. However, you can have a 'pequena quantia' (a small amount). Another alternative is 'breve', used for time (short/brief), as in 'uma breve reunião'. Using the right synonym helps you sound more like a native speaker and provides clarity to your descriptions.

Pequeno vs. Baixo: 'Pequeno' is for overall size; 'Baixo' is for vertical height. A person is 'baixa', a box is 'pequena'.

O orçamento para este projeto é reduzido.

O inseto era tão minúsculo que quase não o vi.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'pequeno' is the root for the English word 'pickaninny', which has a controversial and offensive history, but linguistically stems from 'pequenino'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɨˈkenu/

US /peˈkenu/

Second syllable: pe-QUE-no.

Rhymes With

Veneno Sereno Terreno Pleno Ameno Aceno Fenômeno Moreno

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'o' as a strong 'oh' instead of 'oo'.
Making the 'e' sound like 'eh' (as in 'pet') instead of 'ay' (as in 'pay').
Stress on the first syllable.
In Portugal, not reducing the first 'e' enough.
Ignoring the nasal quality if followed by a nasal consonant in related words.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very common word, easy to recognize in texts.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the 'e' and 'o' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Grande O/A Um/Uma É Ter

Learn Next

Menor Baixo Curto Pouco Pequenino

Advanced

Insignificante Diminuto Reduzido Pequenez Apequenar

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

O livro é pequeno. A revista é pequena.

Number Agreement

Os livros são pequenos. As revistas são pequenas.

Adjective Placement

Um pequeno erro (emphatic) vs. Um erro pequeno (descriptive).

Irregular Comparatives

Menor is the irregular comparative of pequeno.

Diminutives

Pequenino is the diminutive of pequeno, used for extra emphasis or affection.

Examples by Level

O gato é pequeno.

The cat is small.

Masculine singular agreement.

A mesa é pequena.

The table is small.

Feminine singular agreement.

Eu tenho um carro pequeno.

I have a small car.

Adjective follows the noun.

Eles são pequenos.

They are small.

Masculine plural agreement.

As chaves são pequenas.

The keys are small.

Feminine plural agreement.

O menino é pequeno.

The boy is small.

Refers to physical size/age.

Quero um café pequeno.

I want a small coffee.

Ordering size.

A caixa é muito pequena.

The box is very small.

Use of 'muito' for intensity.

Quando eu era pequeno, morava no campo.

When I was little, I lived in the countryside.

'Pequeno' used for 'young'.

Temos um pequeno problema com o voo.

We have a small problem with the flight.

Abstract use, placed before the noun.

A minha aldeia é muito pequena.

My village is very small.

Feminine agreement with 'aldeia'.

Vou tomar o pequeno-almoço agora.

I'm going to have breakfast now.

Compound noun (European Portuguese).

Este sapato é mais pequeno que o outro.

This shoe is smaller than the other one.

Comparative structure.

Ela comprou uma pequena lembrança.

She bought a small souvenir.

Emphasis on the modest nature of the gift.

Os quartos são pequenos mas limpos.

The rooms are small but clean.

Plural agreement.

Há uma pequena diferença no preço.

There is a small difference in the price.

Abstract size.

Apesar de ser pequena, a empresa exporta para todo o mundo.

Despite being small, the company exports worldwide.

Used in a concessive clause.

Ele deu um pequeno passo para o lado.

He took a small step to the side.

Literal physical movement.

Desde pequenos que somos amigos.

We've been friends since we were little.

Adjective functioning as a noun in a time expression.

Foi apenas um pequeno mal-entendido.

It was just a small misunderstanding.

Minimizing importance.

Esta cidade parece pequena demais para os seus sonhos.

This city seems too small for your dreams.

Metaphorical use.

As pequenas empresas são a base da economia.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy.

Plural feminine agreement.

Ele mora numa casa pequena, mas acolhedora.

He lives in a small but cozy house.

Contrasting size with quality.

Não se preocupe com esses pequenos detalhes.

Don't worry about those small details.

Placement before the noun for dismissal.

O autor descreve a vida numa pequena vila piscatória.

The author describes life in a small fishing village.

Descriptive narrative use.

Houve uma pequena alteração no programa da conferência.

There was a small change in the conference program.

Formal administrative context.

O investimento inicial foi pequeno, mas o retorno foi grande.

The initial investment was small, but the return was great.

Financial context.

Ela sentiu-se pequena perante a imensidão do oceano.

She felt small before the vastness of the ocean.

Emotional/Psychological state.

Os pequenos agricultores enfrentam muitos desafios.

Small farmers face many challenges.

Socio-economic category.

É um pequeno gesto que pode mudar o dia de alguém.

It's a small gesture that can change someone's day.

Moral/Ethical context.

A amostra utilizada no estudo foi demasiado pequena.

The sample used in the study was too small.

Academic/Scientific context.

O diretor fez um pequeno comentário sobre o relatório.

The director made a small comment about the report.

Professional context.

A pequena burguesia desempenhou um papel crucial na revolução.

The petty bourgeoisie played a crucial role in the revolution.

Specific historical/sociological term.

O poeta foca-se nos pequenos nadas da existência quotidiana.

The poet focuses on the small nothings of everyday existence.

Literary/Philosophical use.

Resta apenas uma pequena margem para negociação.

Only a small margin remains for negotiation.

Diplomatic/Business context.

A sua pequena estatura contrastava com a sua voz poderosa.

His small stature contrasted with his powerful voice.

Formal description.

Trata-se de uma pequena falha técnica sem consequências graves.

It is a minor technical glitch without serious consequences.

Technical/Formal register.

O filme explora as pequenas tragédias da vida doméstica.

The film explores the small tragedies of domestic life.

Artistic critique.

Houve uma pequena oscilação nos mercados financeiros.

There was a small fluctuation in the financial markets.

Economic reporting.

A pequena elite local controlava todos os recursos.

The small local elite controlled all the resources.

Social analysis.

A obra é um inventário das pequenas misérias humanas.

The work is an inventory of small human miseries.

High-level literary analysis.

Não devemos deixar que pequenas questiúnculas nos dividam.

We should not let small, petty disputes divide us.

Rhetorical/Formal use.

O universo, por mais vasto que seja, é feito de pequenos átomos.

The universe, however vast it may be, is made of small atoms.

Philosophical/Scientific discourse.

A pequena nobreza rural mantinha tradições seculares.

The minor rural nobility maintained centuries-old traditions.

Historical/Academic register.

A sua intervenção foi um pequeno prodígio de diplomacia.

His intervention was a minor feat of diplomacy.

Ironic or highly laudatory formal use.

O autor utiliza a técnica do pequeno detalhe para construir o realismo.

The author uses the technique of the small detail to build realism.

Literary theory.

A pequena escala do projeto permitiu um controlo rigoroso.

The small scale of the project allowed for rigorous control.

Project management/Technical context.

Sob a aparência de um pequeno erro, escondia-se uma fraude.

Under the appearance of a small error, a fraud was hidden.

Legal/Investigative context.

Common Collocations

Pequeno-almoço

Pequeno detalhe

Pequeno grupo

Pequena empresa

Desde pequeno

Pequena quantidade

Pequeno erro

Pequena cidade

Pequeno almoço

Pequena fortuna

Common Phrases

Os pequenos

— Commonly refers to children.

Como estão os pequenos?

Pequenos e grandes

— Everyone, regardless of age or size.

Um filme para pequenos e grandes.

Mais pequeno

— Smaller (Common in Portugal).

Este é mais pequeno.

Um pequeno favor

— A polite way to ask for help.

Podes fazer-me um pequeno favor?

Pequena diferença

— A minor variation.

Há uma pequena diferença entre os dois.

Pequenos pormenores

— The fine details.

Temos de acertar os pequenos pormenores.

De pequeno

— From a young age.

De pequeno se torce o pepino.

Pequena escala

— Small scale.

O teste foi feito em pequena escala.

Pequena pausa

— A short break.

Vamos fazer uma pequena pausa.

Pequenos prazeres

— The little joys of life.

Gosto dos pequenos prazeres da vida.

Often Confused With

Pequeno/a vs Pouco

Pequeno is for size/quality; Pouco is for quantity (not much).

Pequeno/a vs Baixo

Pequeno is overall size; Baixo is specifically vertical height.

Pequeno/a vs Curto

Pequeno is overall size; Curto is specifically length or duration.

Idioms & Expressions

"De pequeno se torce o pepino"

— Character is formed in childhood; start training them young.

Ele tem de aprender agora; de pequeno se torce o pepino.

Proverb

"Mundo pequeno"

— It's a small world (meeting someone unexpectedly).

Encontrei-o em Paris! Que mundo pequeno.

Informal

"Fazer-se pequeno"

— To try to be unnoticed or humble oneself.

Ele fez-se pequeno perante o chefe.

Informal

"Pequeno mas audaz"

— Small but brave/bold.

O nosso exército é pequeno mas audaz.

Literary

"Cérebro pequeno"

— Stupid or narrow-minded.

Não ligues a ele, tem o cérebro pequeno.

Slang/Insult

"Pequenos nadas"

— Trivialities or small unimportant things.

Discutiram por pequenos nadas.

Neutral

"Ter um pé pequeno"

— To be cautious (rare/regional).

Ele tem um pé pequeno nos negócios.

Regional

"Aos pequenos passos"

— Taking it slow; step by step.

Aos pequenos passos, chegaremos lá.

Neutral

"Pequeno grande homem"

— Someone who is physically small but has great character.

Ele é um pequeno grande homem.

Idiomatic

"Ser um pequeno"

— To act like a child.

Não sejas um pequeno, resolve isso.

Informal

Easily Confused

Pequeno/a vs Pouco

Both translate to 'little' in English.

Use 'pequeno' for size (a small dog) and 'pouco' for amount (little water).

Tenho pouco dinheiro e um carro pequeno.

Pequeno/a vs Baixo

Both describe being 'short'.

Use 'baixo' for height of people or objects and 'pequeno' for overall volume/scale.

Ele é baixo, mas mora numa casa grande.

Pequeno/a vs Curto

Both describe being 'short'.

Use 'curto' for length (hair, distance) and 'pequeno' for size.

O meu cabelo está curto e o meu chapéu é pequeno.

Pequeno/a vs Menor

Both mean small.

'Menor' is the comparative (smaller) or 'minor'.

Este erro é menor do que o outro.

Pequeno/a vs Miúdo

Used for 'small' in Portugal.

'Miúdo' often refers to children or tiny particles.

O miúdo comprou um doce pequeno.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] é pequeno/a.

O sapato é pequeno.

Eu tenho um/uma [Noun] pequeno/a.

Eu tenho uma bolsa pequena.

Quando eu era pequeno/a, [Verb].

Quando eu era pequeno, jogava muito futebol.

Um pequeno [Noun] para [Verb].

Um pequeno passo para o homem.

Apesar de ser pequeno/a, [Clause].

Apesar de ser pequena, a sala é confortável.

[Noun] pequenos/as e grandes.

Livros para pequenos e grandes.

Trata-se de um pequeno [Noun].

Trata-se de um pequeno ajuste técnico.

As pequenas [Noun] da vida.

As pequenas alegrias da vida quotidiana.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely High (Top 500 words)

Common Mistakes

Uma casa pequeno. → Uma casa pequena.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'casa'.
Os carros pequeno. → Os carros pequenos.
The adjective must be plural to match 'carros'.
Tenho pequeno dinheiro. → Tenho pouco dinheiro.
'Pequeno' is for size; 'pouco' is for quantity/amount.
Ele é mais pequeno que eu. (In Brazil) → Ele é menor que eu.
In Brazil, 'menor' is the preferred comparative form.
Eu quero um pequeno café. → Eu quero um café pequeno.
For physical size of objects, the adjective usually follows the noun.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always match the adjective to the noun. A common mistake is using 'pequeno' for feminine nouns. Practice saying 'casa pequena' and 'carro pequeno' until it's natural.

Learn the Comparative

While 'mais pequeno' works, 'menor' is more sophisticated and standard in many regions. Try to use 'menor' when comparing two things.

Breakfast Differences

If you are in Lisbon, ask for 'pequeno-almoço'. If you are in Rio, ask for 'café da manhã'. Knowing this shows you understand regional differences.

Describing Children

Refer to children as 'os pequenos' in social settings to sound more like a native speaker. It's a warm and common expression.

Avoid Repetition

Instead of using 'pequeno' every time, try 'minúsculo' for very small things or 'reduzido' for limited quantities.

The Final O

In Portuguese, a final 'o' that isn't stressed sounds like 'u' (oo). Make sure 'pequeno' ends with a soft 'oo' sound.

Placement for Emphasis

Move 'pequeno' before the noun to sound more poetic or to minimize the importance of a problem or favor.

The Petite Connection

Link 'pequeno' to the English/French word 'petite'. They share the same first two letters and the same meaning.

Pequeno vs. Pouco

Stop and think: am I talking about size or amount? If size, use 'pequeno'. If amount, use 'pouco'.

Mundo Pequeno

Use 'Que mundo pequeno!' when you run into someone you know in an unexpected place. It's a great conversation filler.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'PECK' (like a bird peck). A peck is just a SMALL bite. PEQUeno is SMALL.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny 'PEQ' (penguin) standing next to a massive whale. The penguin is 'pequeno'.

Word Web

Grande Menor Pequenino Criança Tamanho Curto Baixo Mini

Challenge

Write three sentences about your house using 'pequeno' or 'pequena' correctly. Then, find five objects near you and label them as 'pequeno' or 'pequena'.

Word Origin

From Vulgar Latin *picanus, possibly from a Celtic or pre-Roman root related to 'pittinnus'.

Original meaning: Small, little, tiny.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Calling a short adult 'pequeno' can be perceived as condescending; 'baixo' is more objective and polite.

English speakers often confuse 'little' (size) and 'little' (quantity). Portuguese uses 'pequeno' for size and 'pouco' for quantity.

O Pequeno Príncipe (The Little Prince) Pequeno-almoço na Tiffany (Breakfast at Tiffany's) Pequenas Causas (Small Claims Court)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

Um copo pequeno
Uma dose pequena
Pequeno-almoço
Menu pequeno

Shopping for clothes

Tamanho pequeno
É muito pequeno
Tem um mais pequeno?
Fica-me pequeno

Describing people

Desde pequeno
Irmão pequeno
Ele é pequeno
Os pequenos

At work

Pequeno erro
Pequena empresa
Pequeno atraso
Pequeno detalhe

Travel/Geography

Cidade pequena
Aldeia pequena
Distância pequena
Pequeno mapa

Conversation Starters

"Onde costumas tomar o teu pequeno-almoço?"

"Tu moras numa casa grande ou pequena?"

"O que gostavas de fazer quando eras pequeno?"

"Achas que este carro é pequeno demais para nós?"

"Podes ajudar-me com um pequeno problema?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve um pequeno objeto que seja muito importante para ti e explica porquê.

Escreve sobre uma pequena mudança que fizeste na tua rotina e que teve um grande impacto.

Como era a tua vida quando eras pequeno? Quais eram as tuas brincadeiras favoritas?

Pensa numa pequena cidade que visitaste. O que a tornava especial?

Escreve sobre um pequeno gesto de bondade que recebeste recentemente.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on the gender of the noun. If the noun is masculine (usually ending in -o), use 'pequeno'. If it is feminine (usually ending in -a), use 'pequena'. For example, 'o carro pequeno' but 'a mesa pequena'.

'Pequeno' is 'small', while 'menor' is 'smaller'. However, in Brazil, 'menor' is often used instead of 'mais pequeno'. Also, 'menor' can mean 'minor' in legal contexts.

It's better to use 'baixo'. Using 'pequeno' can sound like you are calling them a child or being slightly rude, unless they are actually a child.

No. In Brazil, breakfast is called 'café da manhã'. 'Pequeno-almoço' is specific to European, African, and Asian varieties of Portuguese.

Add an 's' to the end. 'Pequenos' for masculine plural and 'pequenas' for feminine plural.

It usually comes after, but you can put it before to emphasize the quality or for abstract concepts like 'um pequeno favor' or 'uma pequena ajuda'.

It means 'since I was a child' or 'since I was little'. It's a very common way to talk about childhood habits.

Yes, especially when used as a noun ('os pequenos') or in phrases like 'o meu irmão mais pequeno' (my youngest/smaller brother).

'Pequenino' is the diminutive form, meaning 'very small' or 'tiny', often used affectionately.

The direct opposite is 'grande' (big/large).