picado in 30 Seconds
- "Picado" means chopped or cut into small pieces.
- Mainly used for food preparation (vegetables, herbs, meat).
- Adjective agrees in gender and number: picado, picada, picados, picadas.
- Common in recipes and kitchen talk.
- Core Meaning
- The Portuguese adjective "picado" primarily means that something has been chopped, cut, or minced into small pieces. It's a very common word used in everyday contexts, especially when talking about food preparation.
- Culinary Context
- In the kitchen, "picado" is essential. You might hear it when describing ingredients like onions, garlic, herbs, or meat that have been finely cut. For example, "cebola picada" means chopped onion, and "alho picado" means minced garlic. It implies a deliberate action of reducing something to smaller, often uniform, pieces for cooking or consumption.
- Beyond Food
- While most common with food, "picado" can also be used metaphorically or in other contexts. For instance, a "caminho picado" could refer to a path that is rough or uneven, as if it has been broken into many small parts. In some regions, "picado" can also refer to something that is stung or bitten by an insect, though this is less common than the culinary meaning.
- Grammatical Note
- As an adjective, "picado" agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. So, you'll see "picado" (masculine singular), "picada" (feminine singular), "picados" (masculine plural), and "picadas" (feminine plural).
Precisamos de cebola picada para a sopa.
O alho foi cortado em pedaços bem picados.
O chef pediu salsa picada finamente.
- Usage Frequency
- This word is very common, particularly in Brazilian and European Portuguese. You will encounter it frequently in recipes, cooking instructions, and everyday conversations about food.
- Describing Ingredients
- The most frequent use of "picado" is to describe ingredients that have been cut into small pieces, especially vegetables and herbs. This is crucial for recipes where even cooking or specific textures are desired. For example, you might see "cebola picada" (chopped onion), "alho picado" (minced garlic), "pimentão picado" (chopped bell pepper), or "salsinha picada" (chopped parsley). The degree of "picado" can vary, from roughly chopped to finely minced, and context usually clarifies this.
- In Recipes and Instructions
- Recipes often start with instructions on how to prepare the ingredients. "Picado" is a key verb here. A recipe might say, "Comece por refogar a cebola picada em azeite." (Start by sautéing the chopped onion in olive oil.) or "Adicione o tomate picado e cozinhe por mais alguns minutos." (Add the chopped tomato and cook for a few more minutes.). This indicates the preparatory stage of cooking.
- Referring to Meat
- "Picado" is also used for meat, particularly when it's ground or finely chopped for dishes like meatballs, fillings, or certain stews. For instance, "carne picada" refers to ground meat. This is distinct from larger cuts of meat.
- Figurative or Extended Meanings
- While less common, "picado" can sometimes describe something that is rough, uneven, or broken into small fragments. For example, a rough terrain could be described as "terreno picado." It can also, in some contexts, imply being annoyed or agitated, though other words are more common for this. The primary and most useful meaning for learners is the culinary one.
- Agreement with Nouns
- Remember that "picado" is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. If you're talking about "cebola" (onion, feminine singular), you use "picada." For "alho" (garlic, masculine singular), you use "picado." For "ervas" (herbs, feminine plural), you use "picadas." For "pedaços" (pieces, masculine plural), you use "picados." This grammatical agreement is essential for correct usage.
Para o molho, use pimentão picado.
A receita pede carne moída ou carne picada.
Não se esqueça de adicionar as ervas picadas no final.
- In the Kitchen
- The most common place you'll hear "picado" is in a kitchen environment. This includes: 1. **Home Cooking:** Family members discussing meal preparation, asking for ingredients, or giving instructions. "Podes picar a cebola para mim?" (Can you chop the onion for me?). 2. **Restaurants:** Chefs and cooks giving orders to kitchen staff. "Preciso de mais coentros picados!" (I need more chopped cilantro!). Waitstaff might also relay special requests from customers regarding ingredient preparation. 3. **Cooking Shows and Videos:** Presenters and instructors will use "picado" frequently when demonstrating recipes. You'll hear it in Portuguese-language cooking programs from Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking countries. 4. **Food Markets:** Vendors might describe their products, for example, "Temos tomate já picado para saladas." (We have tomato already chopped for salads.).
- Conversations About Food
- Beyond the direct act of cooking, "picado" comes up in general discussions about food: 1. **Grocery Shopping:** Talking about what you need to buy. "Comprei carne picada para fazer hambúrgueres." (I bought ground meat to make hamburgers.). 2. **Sharing Recipes:** Friends or family exchanging recipes. "A minha avó faz um refogado com cebola e alho bem picados." (My grandmother makes a sauté with very finely chopped onion and garlic.). 3. **Describing Meals:** Talking about food you've eaten. "O molho tinha um toque de pimenta picada." (The sauce had a hint of chopped chili pepper.).
- Other Contexts (Less Common)
- While the culinary meaning dominates, you might occasionally hear "picado" in other contexts: 1. **Describing Textures:** Referring to something rough or uneven. "O terreno estava picado, difícil de andar." (The terrain was rough, difficult to walk on.) - this is less frequent. 2. **Regional Slang:** In some very specific regional dialects, "picado" might have other meanings, but these are not standard and usually not relevant for general learners.
No restaurante, pedi o bife com batatas picadas.
A cozinheira disse que a salsa precisa estar bem picada.
- Confusing "Picado" with "Pequeno"
- A common mistake for learners is to confuse "picado" (chopped/minced) with "pequeno" (small). While chopped items are often small, "picado" specifically refers to the action of cutting into small pieces, not just the size. For example, a "pedaço pequeno" is simply a small piece, whereas "pedaço picado" is a piece that has been cut into smaller fragments.
- Ignoring Gender and Number Agreement
- As "picado" is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Learners often forget this rule and use the masculine singular form "picado" for all nouns. Remember: - "cebola picada" (feminine singular) - "alho picado" (masculine singular) - "tomates picados" (masculine plural) - "ervas picadas" (feminine plural) Incorrect usage like "cebola picado" or "tomates picada" will sound unnatural.
- Overusing "Picado" for Any Cutting
- "Picado" specifically implies cutting into small pieces or mincing. It's not typically used for larger cuts like slices ("fatiado"), cubes ("em cubos"), or halves ("ao meio"). If a recipe says "cebola fatiada," it means sliced onion, not chopped. Using "picado" for these other types of cuts would be inaccurate.
- Confusing with "Picada" (Stung/Bitten)
- In some contexts, "picada" (feminine form) can refer to being stung or bitten by an insect (e.g., "picada de mosquito" - mosquito bite). While this is a different meaning, it can lead to confusion, especially if the context isn't clear. However, in most everyday situations, especially related to food, "picado" refers to chopping.
- Assuming it Always Means "Finely" Chopped
- While "picado" often implies small pieces, the exact size can vary. Sometimes "bem picado" (very chopped/minced) is used to emphasize fineness. Without "bem," it might mean roughly chopped. Learners might assume it always means extremely fine mincing, which isn't always the case.
Errado: Quero uma salada com tomate picado e pepino pequeno.
Certo: Quero uma salada com tomate cortado em cubos e pepino picado.
- "Picado" vs. "Cortado em Cubos"
- - **Picado:** Refers to something that has been cut into small pieces, often irregularly or minced. The emphasis is on reducing the size significantly. - **Cortado em cubos:** Specifically means cut into cubes. The pieces are generally uniform in shape and size. *Example:* "Cebola picada" might be finely chopped for a sauce, while "cebola cortada em cubos" would be for a stew where distinct pieces are desired.
- "Picado" vs. "Fatiado"
- - **Picado:** Cut into small pieces, minced. - **Fatiado:** Sliced. This implies cutting into thin, flat pieces. *Example:* "Tomate picado" is for a salsa, while "tomate fatiado" is for a salad or sandwich.
- "Picado" vs. "Moído"
- - **Picado:** Chopped or minced. This is typically done with a knife or chopping tool. - **Moído:** Ground. This implies a finer texture, usually achieved with a grinder or meat grinder. *Example:* "Carne picada" can be hand-chopped meat for a tartare, while "carne moída" is ground meat for bolognese sauce. For vegetables, "alho picado" is minced garlic, while "alho moído" is less common but would imply a paste-like consistency.
- "Picado" vs. "Pequeno"
- - **Picado:** Describes the state of being cut into small pieces. - **Pequeno:** Describes the size of something, meaning small. *Example:* You can have a "pedaço pequeno" (small piece) that is not "picado" (e.g., a whole small grape). A "cebola picada" is a chopped onion, and the resulting pieces are small, but the word "picado" describes the action of cutting, not just the size.
- "Picado" vs. "Fragmentado"
- - **Picado:** Primarily used for intentional cutting into small pieces, especially in cooking. - **Fragmentado:** Describes something that is broken into fragments, often unintentionally or due to damage. It can have a more negative connotation of being broken apart. *Example:* "Vidro picado" could refer to small shards of glass intentionally cut for a craft, but "vidro fragmentado" would imply broken glass from an accident.
Para o molho, precisamos de tomate picado, não fatiado.
A carne para os hambúrgueres deve ser moída, não apenas picada.
How Formal Is It?
"A preparação subsequente incluiu a cominuição precisa dos vegetais, resultando em componentes finamente picados para a base do molho."
"Precisamos de cebola e alho picados para começar a refogar."
"Manda aí umas cebolas picadas rapidinho!"
"Vamos picar a cenoura para a sopa, como um super-herói!"
Fun Fact
The verb 'picar' itself has a rich history, also giving rise to words like 'picante' (spicy) and 'picada' (a sting or bite). This connection highlights how the idea of 'small punctures' or 'sharp actions' links these seemingly different concepts.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'p' too strongly.
- Not stressing the second syllable sufficiently.
- Making the 'a' sound too short or too nasal.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'picado' is very common in recipes and everyday descriptions of food. Understanding its core meaning and grammatical agreement is straightforward for A2 learners. Recognizing its culinary context is key.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement
The adjective 'picado' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'cebola' (feminine singular) takes 'picada', while 'alho' (masculine singular) takes 'picado'.
Use of 'Bem'
The adverb 'bem' (well/very) can be placed before 'picado' to emphasize that something is very finely chopped: 'alho bem picado' (very finely minced garlic).
Past Participle as Adjective
'Picado' is the past participle of the verb 'picar' used as an adjective. It describes the state of having been chopped.
Nouns derived from verbs
The verb 'picar' also leads to nouns like 'picadela' (a small cut/sting) and 'picadinho' (finely chopped item/dish).
Comparison with other cutting methods
Contrast 'picado' (chopped) with 'fatiado' (sliced) and 'cortado em cubos' (cut into cubes) to understand nuanced differences in preparation.
Examples by Level
Quero cebola picada.
I want chopped onion.
Feminine noun 'cebola' requires feminine adjective 'picada'.
Alho picado na sopa.
Minced garlic in the soup.
Masculine noun 'alho' requires masculine adjective 'picado'.
Pão picado para o frango.
Crumbled bread for the chicken.
'Pão' is masculine singular, so 'picado' is used.
Salsa picada, por favor.
Chopped parsley, please.
'Salsa' is feminine singular, requiring 'picada'.
Tenho carne picada.
I have ground meat.
'Carne' is feminine singular, hence 'picada'.
Use pimenta picada.
Use chopped pepper.
'Pimenta' is feminine singular, requiring 'picada'.
Cebolas picadas para a salada.
Chopped onions for the salad.
'Cebolas' is feminine plural, requiring 'picadas'.
O queijo é picado.
The cheese is chopped.
'Queijo' is masculine singular, so 'picado' is used.
Adicione a cebola picada e o alho picado.
Add the chopped onion and the minced garlic.
Demonstrates agreement with both 'cebola' (feminine) and 'alho' (masculine).
A receita pede ervas frescas picadas.
The recipe calls for fresh chopped herbs.
'Ervas' is feminine plural, requiring 'picadas'.
Ele gosta de pão picado para fazer almôndegas.
He likes breadcrumbs to make meatballs.
'Pão picado' is a common way to refer to breadcrumbs.
A carne picada estava muito saborosa.
The ground meat was very tasty.
'Carne' is feminine singular, requiring 'picada'.
Precisamos de mais pimentão picado para o refogado.
We need more chopped bell pepper for the sauté.
'Pimentão' is masculine singular, requiring 'picado'.
O peixe foi servido com um molho de salsa picada.
The fish was served with a sauce of chopped parsley.
Shows 'picada' used with 'salsa' (feminine singular).
As cenouras foram cortadas em pedaços picados.
The carrots were cut into chopped pieces.
Emphasizes the result of cutting into small pieces.
Ele prefere o queijo picado em vez de fatiado.
He prefers chopped cheese instead of sliced.
Contrasts 'picado' with 'fatiado' (sliced).
Para o molho pesto, é essencial usar manjericão fresco bem picado.
For pesto sauce, it's essential to use finely chopped fresh basil.
'Bem picado' emphasizes the fineness of the chopping.
O chef explicou que a técnica de picar os legumes corretamente é fundamental para o cozimento uniforme.
The chef explained that the technique of chopping the vegetables correctly is fundamental for uniform cooking.
Uses the infinitive verb 'picar' in the explanation.
Naquela região, é comum encontrar pratos que utilizam carne de porco picada em vez de em pedaços maiores.
In that region, it's common to find dishes that use chopped pork instead of in larger pieces.
Highlights regional culinary practices.
O pequeno-almoço incluía ovos mexidos com tomate e cebola picados.
The breakfast included scrambled eggs with chopped tomato and onion.
Common breakfast preparation.
Ele cortou as frutas em cubos pequenos, mas a avó preferia tudo picado.
He cut the fruits into small cubes, but the grandmother preferred everything chopped.
Compares 'cubos pequenos' with 'picado'.
A decoração do bolo utilizou raspas de chocolate finamente picadas.
The cake decoration used finely chopped chocolate shavings.
Shows 'picado' used with chocolate for decoration.
O guisado de lentilhas levava muitas verduras picadas.
The lentil stew contained many chopped vegetables.
'Verduras picadas' is a common phrase.
A textura da compota era suave, com pedaços de fruta apenas levemente picados.
The texture of the compote was smooth, with only lightly chopped fruit pieces.
'Levemente picados' indicates a less intense chopping.
A preparação dos ingredientes, como a cebola e o pimentão picados, é crucial para o sucesso de qualquer prato de origem mexicana.
The preparation of ingredients, such as chopped onion and bell pepper, is crucial for the success of any Mexican dish.
Highlights the importance of 'picado' in specific cuisines.
O crítico gastronômico elogiou a consistência da carne picada utilizada no recheio dos pastéis.
The food critic praised the consistency of the ground meat used in the filling of the pastéis.
Uses 'carne picada' in a more formal, critical context.
O método tradicional de fazer o bacalhau à Gomes inclui batatas cozidas e depois picadas grosseiramente.
The traditional method of making Bacalhau à Gomes includes boiled potatoes and then roughly chopped.
'Picadas grosseiramente' specifies the type of chopping.
Para uma apresentação mais rústica, o chef optou por um coulis de tomate com pedaços de tomate levemente picados.
For a more rustic presentation, the chef opted for a tomato coulis with lightly chopped tomato pieces.
Connects 'picado' with a specific presentation style.
A discussão sobre a espessura ideal do alho picado gerou um debate acalorado entre os aprendizes de culinária.
The discussion about the ideal thickness of minced garlic generated a heated debate among the culinary apprentices.
Illustrates a more nuanced discussion around 'picado'.
O molho de pimenta tinha uma base de tomate picado e um toque de malagueta finamente picada.
The pepper sauce had a base of chopped tomato and a hint of finely minced chili pepper.
Uses 'picado' and 'finamente picada' to differentiate textures.
A salada mediterrânea apresentava pepino e pimentão picados, temperados com azeite e limão.
The Mediterranean salad featured chopped cucumber and bell pepper, seasoned with olive oil and lemon.
Standard use in salad descriptions.
A técnica de picar os cogumelos antes de adicioná-los à massa garante que eles liberem mais sabor.
The technique of chopping the mushrooms before adding them to the pasta ensures they release more flavor.
Explains the functional reason behind 'picado'.
A complexidade da receita residia não apenas na combinação de especiarias, mas também na precisão com que cada vegetal era picado.
The complexity of the recipe lay not only in the combination of spices but also in the precision with which each vegetable was chopped.
Emphasizes the skill and precision associated with 'picado'.
O uso de carne picada em vez de cortes inteiros conferia uma textura mais tenra e permitia uma fusão de sabores mais homogênea no prato.
The use of ground meat instead of whole cuts imparted a more tender texture and allowed for a more homogeneous fusion of flavors in the dish.
Discusses the textural and flavor implications of 'carne picada'.
A arte de preparar um bom vinagrete reside em emulsionar os ingredientes, começando com a base de cebola e alho finamente picados.
The art of preparing a good vinaigrette lies in emulsifying the ingredients, starting with a base of finely minced onion and garlic.
Highlights 'picado' as a foundational element in complex sauces.
O chef contemporâneo desafiou a norma ao apresentar um prato de peixe cru com um topping de ervas picadas e cítricos.
The contemporary chef challenged the norm by presenting a raw fish dish with a topping of chopped herbs and citrus.
Shows 'picado' in modern, innovative cuisine.
A discussão sobre a origem da palavra 'picado' remonta a técnicas culinárias ancestrais de redução de alimentos.
The discussion about the origin of the word 'picado' dates back to ancestral culinary techniques of food reduction.
Touches on etymology and historical context.
A consistência da farofa, um acompanhamento brasileiro, muitas vezes depende da granulometria da farinha de mandioca e dos ingredientes picados adicionados.
The consistency of farofa, a Brazilian side dish, often depends on the grain size of the cassava flour and the added chopped ingredients.
Connects 'picado' with specific cultural dishes.
O desafio para os padeiros era criar pães com incorporações de frutas secas e nozes picadas, mantendo a leveza da massa.
The challenge for the bakers was to create breads with incorporated dried fruits and chopped nuts, while maintaining the lightness of the dough.
Illustrates 'picado' in baking contexts.
A análise sensorial revelou que a finura com que o alho era picado impactava diretamente a percepção do sabor ardido.
Sensory analysis revealed that the fineness with which the garlic was chopped directly impacted the perception of its pungent flavor.
Explores the scientific impact of 'picado' on taste.
A abordagem vanguardista deste chef desconstruiu a noção tradicional de 'cozido', privilegiando a pureza dos ingredientes, muitos dos quais eram servidos crus ou apenas levemente picados.
This chef's avant-garde approach deconstructed the traditional notion of 'cooked', favoring the purity of ingredients, many of which were served raw or only lightly chopped.
Uses 'picados' in a highly nuanced, artistic culinary context.
A tapeçaria gastronômica de Portugal é tecida com fios de tradição e inovação, onde o 'picado' de ervas frescas serve como um elo entre o rústico e o sofisticado.
The gastronomic tapestry of Portugal is woven with threads of tradition and innovation, where the 'chopped' fresh herbs serve as a link between the rustic and the sophisticated.
Metaphorical and sophisticated use of 'picado' in cultural commentary.
A crítica à massificação da culinária moderna passa pela superficialidade com que ingredientes antes meticulosamente picados agora são processados industrialmente.
The criticism of the massification of modern cuisine stems from the superficiality with which ingredients once meticulously chopped are now industrially processed.
Contrasts traditional 'picado' with modern industrial processing.
Em certas tradições culinárias asiáticas, a arte do corte, incluindo o 'picado' preciso, é tão valorizada quanto a própria seleção dos ingredientes.
In certain Asian culinary traditions, the art of cutting, including precise 'chopping', is as valued as the selection of ingredients themselves.
Places 'picado' within a global context of culinary artistry.
A discussão etimológica revela que o termo 'picado' pode ter evoluído de significados relacionados a 'mordido' ou 'ferido', refletindo a natureza agressiva do corte.
The etymological discussion reveals that the term 'picado' may have evolved from meanings related to 'bitten' or 'wounded', reflecting the aggressive nature of the cut.
Explores deeper etymological connections.
A reinterpretação de pratos clássicos por chefs de ponta frequentemente envolve a manipulação da textura, transformando um elemento tradicionalmente picado em uma espuma ou gel.
The reinterpretation of classic dishes by top chefs often involves manipulating texture, transforming a traditionally chopped element into a foam or gel.
Shows how 'picado' elements are transformed in modern cuisine.
O impacto do 'picado' na liberação de compostos voláteis em ervas aromáticas é um campo de estudo contínuo na química alimentar.
The impact of 'chopping' on the release of volatile compounds in aromatic herbs is a field of ongoing study in food chemistry.
Connects 'picado' to scientific research in food chemistry.
A busca pela perfeição na culinária exige um domínio absoluto de todas as técnicas, desde o corte mais grosseiro até o picado mais delicado.
The pursuit of perfection in cuisine demands absolute mastery of all techniques, from the coarsest cut to the most delicate chop.
Positions 'picado' as part of a spectrum of culinary skills.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Chopped onion. This is a fundamental ingredient in many Portuguese dishes.
Comece por refogar a cebola picada em azeite.
— Minced garlic. Another essential aromatic for flavoring.
Adicione o alho picado e doure levemente.
— Ground or chopped meat. Used for meatballs, fillings, and many other preparations.
A receita usa carne picada de boi e porco.
— Chopped herbs. Refers to fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, basil, etc., that have been finely cut.
Para finalizar, polvilhe com ervas picadas.
— Very finely chopped or minced. Emphasizes a small size.
O gengibre deve estar bem picado para que não se sintam os pedaços.
— Chopped pieces. Used to describe the result of chopping, emphasizing the fragmented nature.
As maçãs foram cortadas em pedaços picados para a torta.
— Chopped tomato. Used in sauces, salads, and as a base for many dishes.
Adicione o tomate picado e cozinhe até amolecer.
— Chopped vegetables. A general term for various vegetables cut into small pieces.
A sopa leva legumes picados variados.
— Chopped cheese. Often used for toppings or in fillings.
O pão de queijo leva queijo picado na massa.
Often Confused With
'Pequeno' means small in size, whereas 'picado' refers to the process of cutting into small pieces. A small piece isn't necessarily 'picado', and something 'picado' results in small pieces but emphasizes the action of cutting.
'Fatiado' means sliced, resulting in flat pieces. 'Picado' means chopped into smaller, often more irregular pieces. You slice a tomato for a sandwich but might chop it for a sauce.
'Moído' means ground, implying a finer, often paste-like consistency achieved with a grinder. 'Picado' is typically done with a knife and results in distinct small pieces.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally means 'to have the finger chopped'. It's an idiom used to describe someone who is very skilled or adept at a particular task, especially something requiring fine motor skills or quickness, like chopping ingredients. It implies a natural talent or practiced expertise.
Ele corta cebolas tão rápido, tem o dedo picado!
Informal— Literally 'to chop the point'. This idiom is used in cooking, particularly when making sauces or emulsions, to mean reaching the perfect consistency or stage of cooking where the mixture is just right, often when it starts to thicken or bind.
Cuidado ao mexer, já está a picar o ponto.
Informal/Culinary— Literally 'to chop the conversation'. This means to interrupt or interject into a conversation, often playfully or to steer the topic. It's not necessarily negative but implies jumping in.
Não te quero picar a conversa, mas já temos de ir.
Informal— Literally 'the chipped coin falls'. This idiom means to finally understand something, to have an 'aha!' moment, especially after a period of confusion. It implies a realization that clicks into place.
Depois de ele explicar pela terceira vez, finalmente caiu a ficha picada.
Informal— This idiom means to be annoyed or upset with someone, to hold a grudge. It suggests a lingering feeling of displeasure.
Ele ficou picado comigo porque me esqueci do seu aniversário.
Informal— Literally 'to chop the price'. This means to raise the price, often slightly or incrementally. It's used when prices are increased over time.
O supermercado continua a picar o preço do leite.
Informal— To reach the boiling point. Similar to 'picar o ponto' in sauces, but specifically for liquids reaching their boiling temperature.
A água está a picar o ponto de ebulição.
Culinary/Technical— To reach the freezing point. The temperature at which a liquid turns into a solid.
A temperatura ambiente está a picar o ponto de congelamento.
Scientific/Technical— To reach the melting point. The temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid.
O metal atingiu o ponto de fusão.
Scientific/Technical— To reach a turning point. A moment where a situation changes significantly.
A empresa atingiu o ponto de viragem para o sucesso.
Figurative/BusinessEasily Confused
Both 'picado' and 'pequeno' relate to smallness. 'Picado' describes the result of a cutting process that yields small pieces, while 'pequeno' simply describes the size of an object.
Imagine a grape. It's 'pequeno' (small). If you chop it into tiny pieces for a fruit salad, those pieces are 'picados'. The word 'picado' focuses on the action of cutting into small fragments, not just the initial size.
Eu quero um pedaço pequeno de bolo. (I want a small piece of cake.) vs. Eu quero o bolo picado para a sobremesa. (I want the cake chopped for dessert - less common, but illustrates the difference).
Both describe methods of cutting food. However, the resulting shapes are very different.
'Fatiado' means sliced, producing flat, often thin pieces (like sliced bread or tomato). 'Picado' means chopped or minced into smaller, more irregular pieces (like chopped onions or herbs).
Para a salada, prefiro o pepino fatiado, mas o pimentão picado. (For the salad, I prefer sliced cucumber, but chopped bell pepper.)
Both refer to reducing food into smaller particles, often used for meat.
'Moído' means ground, typically through a meat grinder, resulting in a very fine, homogenous texture. 'Picado' means chopped, usually with a knife, resulting in small, distinct pieces that retain some of their original form.
A carne para hambúrgueres deve ser moída, mas a carne para recheio pode ser picada. (The meat for hamburgers should be ground, but the meat for filling can be chopped.)
Both describe ways of cutting ingredients into smaller pieces.
'Cortado em cubos' specifically means cut into cube shapes, which are generally uniform. 'Picado' implies smaller, often less regular pieces, and can range from roughly chopped to finely minced.
As batatas para o guisado são cortadas em cubos, mas as ervas para o molho são picadas. (The potatoes for the stew are cut into cubes, but the herbs for the sauce are chopped.)
'Pedaço' means piece. 'Picado' describes how a piece has been prepared.
'Pedaço' is a noun referring to a part or segment of something. 'Picado' is an adjective describing the state of that piece after it has been cut into smaller fragments. You can have a 'pedaço grande' (large piece) or a 'pedaço picado' (chopped piece).
Este pedaço de queijo é muito grande; preciso dele picado. (This piece of cheese is very large; I need it chopped.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + picado/picada.
Cebola picada.
Quero + Noun + picado/picada.
Quero alho picado.
Adicionar + Noun + picado/picada.
Adicionar salsa picada.
Noun + picado/picada + para + Noun.
Tomate picado para a salada.
Noun + (estar) + bem + picado/picada.
O pimentão está bem picado.
Usar + Noun + picado/picada.
Usar carne picada.
A preparação de + Noun + picado/picada é importante.
A preparação de cebola picada é importante.
Preferir + Noun + picado/picada + em vez de + outro corte.
Prefiro o pepino picado em vez de fatiado.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High, especially in culinary contexts.
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Using 'picado' for 'small' in general.
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Using 'pequeno' for size and 'picado' for the result of chopping.
'Picado' describes the state of being cut into small pieces, while 'pequeno' simply means small in size. For example, a 'pedaço pequeno' is a small piece, but 'pedaço picado' is a piece that has been chopped.
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Forgetting gender and number agreement.
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Matching the ending of 'picado' to the noun (picado, picada, picados, picadas).
As an adjective, 'picado' must agree with the noun. 'Cebola' (f. sg.) takes 'picada', 'alho' (m. sg.) takes 'picado', 'ervas' (f. pl.) takes 'picadas', and 'tomates' (m. pl.) takes 'picados'.
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Using 'picado' for slicing or cubing.
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Using 'fatiado' for sliced items and 'cortado em cubos' for cubed items.
'Picado' refers to chopping or mincing into small fragments. 'Fatiado' means sliced into flat pieces, and 'cortado em cubos' means cut into cubes. These are distinct preparation methods.
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Confusing 'picado' (chopped) with 'picante' (spicy).
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Using 'picado' for chopped ingredients and 'picante' for spicy flavor.
Although they share a root, 'picado' describes the physical state of being cut, while 'picante' describes a sensory quality (taste/smell).
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Assuming 'picado' always means 'very finely minced'.
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Understanding that 'picado' can range from roughly chopped to finely minced, and using 'bem picado' for emphasis on fineness.
While 'picado' implies small pieces, the exact size can vary. 'Bem picado' is used specifically to mean 'very finely chopped' or 'minced'.
Tips
Mastering Agreement
Always remember that 'picado' is an adjective and must agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number. This is crucial for sounding natural. For example, 'cebola picada' (feminine singular) vs. 'alho picado' (masculine singular) vs. 'pimentões picados' (masculine plural).
Visual Association
Picture a chef's knife rapidly chopping an onion into tiny pieces. The quick, sharp movements can remind you of the word 'picado', suggesting something that has been cut into small fragments.
Stress the Second Syllable
The stress in 'picado' falls on the second syllable: pi-CA-do. Practicing this rhythm will make your pronunciation clearer and more understandable to native speakers.
Build Related Vocabulary
Learn the verb 'picar' (to chop) and other related adjectives like 'fatiado' (sliced) and 'moído' (ground) to build a richer vocabulary for describing food preparation techniques.
Use it in Sentences
Try creating your own sentences using 'picado' with different nouns. For example: 'Eu gosto de salada com tomate picado.' or 'A carne picada é para o molho.'
Distinguish from 'Pequeno'
While 'picado' items are often small, remember 'picado' specifically refers to the *process* of cutting into small pieces, not just the size itself. 'Pequeno' just means 'small'.
Culinary Significance
Recognize that 'picado' is a fundamental term in Portuguese cuisine. Understanding it unlocks access to countless recipes and culinary discussions.
Avoid 'Picado' for Large Cuts
Don't use 'picado' for large pieces or slices. 'Fatiado' (sliced) or 'em pedaços grandes' (in large pieces) are the correct terms for those preparations.
Consider 'Bem Picado'
When you want to emphasize that something is very finely chopped, use 'bem picado'. This adds nuance to your descriptions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny chef with a tiny knife, meticulously 'pecking' away at an onion, making it 'picado'. The 'pi' sound reminds you of 'pecking', and the result is small pieces.
Visual Association
Visualize a bowl overflowing with finely chopped ingredients – onions, garlic, herbs. Picture them being cut with sharp, quick movements, like little pricks or pecks, creating the 'picado' effect.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe three different food items you have in your kitchen, explaining how they would be 'picado' for a specific dish. For example, 'tomatoes for salsa would be picados'.
Word Origin
The word 'picado' comes from the verb 'picar', which means 'to prick', 'to sting', 'to bite', or 'to chop'. The origin traces back to the Latin word 'picare', meaning 'to prick'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the action of chopping into small pieces.
Original meaning: To prick, sting, bite.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseCultural Context
The term 'picado' is neutral and widely used in culinary contexts. There are no significant cultural sensitivities associated with its use in food preparation.
In English, we use words like 'chopped', 'minced', 'diced', and 'finely cut'. 'Picado' most closely aligns with 'chopped' or 'minced', depending on the fineness.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Cooking recipes
- cebola picada
- alho picado
- tomate picado
- pimentão picado
- ervas picadas
- carne picada
- bem picado
Kitchen conversations
- Podes picar a cebola?
- Preciso de alho picado.
- Está bem picado?
- Quanta carne picada?
- Passa a salsa picada.
Describing food preparation
- O frango foi picado.
- Os legumes estão picados.
- Gosto da carne picada.
- Prefiro a cenoura picada.
Shopping for ingredients
- Quero um quilo de carne picada.
- Tem cebola já picada?
- Comprei pão picado para empanar.
Restaurant orders/discussions
- A salada tem tomate picado.
- O molho leva ervas picadas.
- O bife é servido com batatas picadas.
Conversation Starters
"What's your favorite dish that uses finely chopped ingredients?"
"Do you prefer your vegetables chopped or sliced when cooking?"
"What's the most common chopped ingredient in your country's cuisine?"
"When you cook, do you enjoy the process of chopping ingredients?"
"Can you describe a dish where the texture of chopped ingredients is very important?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a meal you recently prepared or ate. What ingredients were chopped, and how did that affect the dish?
Imagine you are writing a recipe. How would you instruct someone to chop an onion or garlic?
Reflect on the difference between 'chopped' and 'minced'. When would you use one over the other?
Think about a time you tried a new recipe. Were there any instructions involving 'picado' that were new to you?
How important is the appearance of chopped ingredients in a dish? Does it influence your perception of the food?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Portuguese, 'picado' generally translates to 'chopped' or 'minced' in English. The exact translation often depends on the context and the fineness of the cut. 'Bem picado' usually corresponds to 'finely minced', while 'picado' on its own can mean 'chopped' or 'roughly minced'.
Primarily, yes. The most common and widely understood meaning of 'picado' is related to food preparation – cutting ingredients into small pieces. While it can occasionally be used metaphorically for rough textures or even in idioms, its core association is with the kitchen.
You need to look at the noun that 'picado' is describing. 'Picado' is used for masculine singular nouns (e.g., 'alho picado' - minced garlic). 'Picada' is used for feminine singular nouns (e.g., 'cebola picada' - chopped onion). For plurals, it's 'picados' (masculine plural) and 'picadas' (feminine plural).
No, 'picado' itself does not mean spicy. The word for spicy is 'picante'. While 'picante' shares the same root verb 'picar' (to prick/sting), in the context of food adjectives, 'picado' refers to the cut, and 'picante' refers to the flavor.
Yes, 'carne picada' is a very common term for ground or chopped meat. This is used for dishes like meatballs, fillings, or certain stews where the meat is broken down into small pieces.
'Picado' refers to cutting into small, often irregular pieces or mincing. 'Cortado em cubos' specifically means cut into cubes, implying uniform, square shapes. For example, you might chop herbs ('ervas picadas') but cube potatoes ('batatas cortadas em cubos').
'Bem picado' means very finely chopped or minced. It implies that the pieces are very small, almost to the point of becoming a paste, depending on the ingredient. It's used when precision in size is important for flavor or texture.
Less commonly, 'picado' can describe a rough or uneven surface, like a 'caminho picado' (a rough path). However, its primary and most frequent usage is in the culinary world.
'Picado' is primarily used as an adjective. It is the past participle of the verb 'picar' (to chop, to prick), and when used as an adjective, it describes the state of being chopped or minced.
The plural forms depend on the gender of the noun being modified. For masculine plural nouns, it's 'picados' (e.g., 'tomates picados' - chopped tomatoes). For feminine plural nouns, it's 'picadas' (e.g., 'ervas picadas' - chopped herbs).
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Summary
"Picado" is your go-to word for anything chopped or minced, especially in the kitchen. Remember to match its ending to the noun it describes!
- "Picado" means chopped or cut into small pieces.
- Mainly used for food preparation (vegetables, herbs, meat).
- Adjective agrees in gender and number: picado, picada, picados, picadas.
- Common in recipes and kitchen talk.
Mastering Agreement
Always remember that 'picado' is an adjective and must agree with the noun it modifies in gender and number. This is crucial for sounding natural. For example, 'cebola picada' (feminine singular) vs. 'alho picado' (masculine singular) vs. 'pimentões picados' (masculine plural).
Visual Association
Picture a chef's knife rapidly chopping an onion into tiny pieces. The quick, sharp movements can remind you of the word 'picado', suggesting something that has been cut into small fragments.
Context is Key
The most common context for 'picado' is cooking. When you encounter this word, think about recipes, ingredients, and kitchen instructions. This will help you solidify its meaning.
Stress the Second Syllable
The stress in 'picado' falls on the second syllable: pi-CA-do. Practicing this rhythm will make your pronunciation clearer and more understandable to native speakers.
Example
Adicione cebola picada à salada.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More food words
a conta
A1The bill or check (in a restaurant).
a gosto
A2To taste, according to one's preference for flavor.
à la carte
A2À la carte, ordering individual dishes from a menu.
à mão
A2By hand (e.g., prepare by hand), done manually.
à mesa
A2At the table, referring to dining.
à parte
A2Aside; separately, served separately.
à pressa
A2In a hurry, with great haste.
à saúde
A2A toast, meaning 'to health' or 'cheers'.
a vapor
A2Steamed; cooked by steam.
à vontade
A2At ease/As much as you want; freely, comfortably.
