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B1 adjective 11 min read

quebrável

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips quebrável in 30 Seconds

Explanation quebrável in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that things can be 'broken' (quebrado). The word quebrável is slightly more advanced because it talks about what *can* happen in the future. Think of it like this: if you have a glass cup, it is quebrável. If you drop it and it breaks, it is then quebrado. At this level, just remember that quebrável means 'be careful, it can break'. You will see this word on boxes or when someone is warning you about a toy. It is a good word to know for safety. You use it just like other adjectives: 'O copo é quebrável'. Remember, the plural is quebráveis. It doesn't change for boys or girls (masculine or feminine), which makes it easy! Just one form for both. This level focuses on the physical world—toys, glasses, and plates. You are building the foundation to describe the objects around you in a Portuguese-speaking home or shop.

At the A2 level, you start to use more adjectives to describe objects. You know grande (big) and pequeno (small), and now you add quebrável to your list. You can use it to explain why you are carrying something carefully. 'Eu levo esta caixa com cuidado porque é quebrável'. You also start to see the pattern of the suffix -ável. Many verbs can become adjectives this way: lavar (to wash) becomes lavável (washable). This helps you expand your vocabulary quickly. At A2, you should be comfortable using quebrável in simple sentences and understanding it in short texts or warnings. You might also encounter the opposite, inquebrável, which is common for things like plastic bottles or sturdy toys. Practice using it with the verb ser because it describes a quality of the object.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use quebrável more precisely. You should understand the difference between quebrável (can be broken), frágil (delicate/weak), and quebradiço (brittle/crumbly). You can now use the word in metaphorical ways. For example, you can talk about a 'quebrável' relationship or a 'quebrável' peace between two people. You also master the plural form quebráveis and the correct placement of the accent mark. B1 learners use adverbs to refine the meaning: 'extremamente quebrável' or 'facilmente quebrável'. This level is about nuance. You are not just saying something is breakable; you are describing how and why it is breakable. You might also use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Se o material não fosse tão quebrável, nós poderíamos usá-lo na construção'. This shows a deeper grasp of both vocabulary and grammar.

At the B2 level, quebrável becomes a tool for more detailed descriptions and arguments. You might use it in a professional context, such as logistics, manufacturing, or product design. You understand the technical implications of something being quebrável. You can discuss the 'quebrabilidade' (breakability) of materials in a debate or a report. At this level, your use of metaphors is more natural. You might describe a political alliance as quebrável to suggest it lacks a solid foundation. You are also aware of the formal register and might use frangível in specific technical documents, though quebrável remains your primary term. You can easily switch between synonyms to avoid repetition in your writing. Your understanding of the suffix -ável is complete, allowing you to even coin new words if necessary, and you never miss the plural agreement or the accentuation rules.

At the C1 level, you use quebrável with the sophistication of a native speaker. You recognize its use in classical and contemporary literature, where it might be used to describe the human soul, the passage of time, or the delicate nature of memory. You understand the subtle rhythmic and phonetic qualities the word brings to a sentence. In academic or legal Portuguese, you know exactly when to use quebrável versus more obscure terms like infringível (unbreakable/inviolable) in a legal sense. Your vocabulary is so broad that quebrável is just one of many options, and you choose it specifically for its focus on physical or metaphorical snapping. You can analyze the word's etymology from Latin and its evolution in the Romance languages, and you can explain these nuances to others. Your speech is fluid, and you use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of quebrável in all its dimensions. You can use it in high-level philosophical discourse, perhaps discussing the 'quebrável' nature of reality or human perception. You are sensitive to the word's placement for emphasis and can use it to create specific stylistic effects in your writing. You are familiar with rare idioms or regional variations that might use the root quebra-. Whether you are reading a 19th-century novel or a modern scientific paper on material science, you grasp the full intent of the author's choice of this word. You can effortlessly translate the word into and out of other languages while preserving its exact connotation. For you, quebrável is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile linguistic instrument that you use with precision, creativity, and total control within the vast landscape of the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

quebrável in 30 Seconds

Quebrável is a Portuguese adjective meaning 'breakable', used to describe objects like glass or ceramic that can shatter easily.
The word is gender-neutral but changes in the plural to 'quebráveis', following standard Portuguese grammar rules for adjectives ending in -l.
It can be used both literally for physical objects and metaphorically for abstract concepts like peace, promises, or human emotions.
It is a B1 level word that is essential for giving warnings, discussing logistics, and adding nuance to descriptions of fragility.

The Portuguese adjective quebrável is a fundamental descriptor used to identify objects or abstract concepts that possess the inherent capacity to be broken, fractured, or disrupted. Morphologically, the word is constructed from the transitive verb quebrar (to break) and the productive suffix -ável, which corresponds to the English suffix '-able' or '-ible'. This suffix indicates potentiality or suitability for a specific action. Therefore, quebrável literally translates to 'breakable'. While it is often used in physical contexts to describe materials like glass, ceramic, or thin plastic, its utility extends into the metaphorical realm where it can describe human emotions, fragile alliances, or delicate social structures. In the hierarchy of Portuguese adjectives related to fragility, quebrável is more technical and literal than frágil (fragile) or quebradiço (brittle).

Material Context: When shipping items, people use the term to warn handlers that the contents can shatter if dropped or mishandled. It is a warning of physical vulnerability.
Metaphorical Context: In literature or deep conversation, one might refer to a 'quebrável' promise or a 'quebrável' ego, suggesting that these abstract things are not as solid as they appear.

Understanding the nuances of this word requires a grasp of how Portuguese speakers perceive durability. If something is quebrável, it is not necessarily weak, but it is certainly not indestructible. This distinction is vital for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple adjectives like bom or mau into more specific descriptors of physical properties.

Tenha cuidado com essa caixa; o conteúdo é altamente quebrável e valioso.

The word is also central to discussions about sustainability and waste, where 'não-quebrável' (unbreakable) items are often contrasted with those that break easily and contribute to landfill. In a culinary context, you might hear it when discussing the texture of a crust or a biscuit, although quebradiço is often preferred for food that crumbles. Furthermore, the term is frequently encountered in legal or contractual language, describing parts of an agreement that can be terminated or 'broken' under specific conditions. This versatility makes it an essential part of the intermediate Portuguese vocabulary. It bridges the gap between everyday household descriptions and more complex professional or philosophical discussions. When comparing it to synonyms, remember that delicado implies a need for care due to beauty or intricacy, while quebrável focuses strictly on the mechanical possibility of breakage.

Technical Application: In manufacturing, materials are tested for their 'quebrabilidade' (breakability), a noun derived from the same root.

A estrutura de vidro parecia sólida, mas era na verdade bastante quebrável sob pressão lateral.

Using quebrável correctly involves placing it appropriately in relation to the noun it modifies and ensuring the correct plural form. In Portuguese, adjectives usually follow the noun. For example, 'a breakable vase' becomes o vaso quebrável. When you have multiple items, the plural of quebrável is quebráveis. Notice the shift from the '-vel' ending to '-veis'. This is a standard rule for adjectives ending in '-el' or '-al' in Portuguese.

Singular vs. Plural: Singular: O espelho é quebrável. Plural: Os espelhos são quebráveis.

The word is often used with the verb ser (to be) to denote an inherent property. If you say 'O vidro é quebrável', you are stating a permanent characteristic of glass. If you use it with parecer (to seem), you might say 'Esta porcelana parece quebrável', expressing an observation or opinion.

Muitos brinquedos modernos são feitos de plástico pouco quebrável, visando a segurança das crianças.

In more advanced usage, you can modify the adjective with adverbs to indicate the degree of breakability. Words like facilmente (easily), altamente (highly), or dificilmente (hardly) are common companions. For instance, 'Este material é facilmente quebrável' emphasizes how little force is needed to break it. Another common pattern is the use of quebrável in comparative and superlative forms. 'Este cristal é mais quebrável do que aquele' (This crystal is more breakable than that one). Or, 'Este é o objeto mais quebrável da loja' (This is the most breakable object in the shop).

Negative Construction: To say something is unbreakable, you can say não é quebrável, but the more natural term is inquebrável.

Eles transportaram as esculturas quebráveis com um cuidado extremo durante a mudança.

You will also find this word in instructions. For example, a label might read: 'Atenção: Material quebrável'. This uses the word as a standalone warning. In sentences describing emotions, it functions the same way: 'O seu estado emocional era quebrável', meaning the person was on the verge of an emotional breakdown. This versatility is what makes it a B1 level essential, as it allows for more precise descriptions than the basic A1/A2 vocabulary. Whether you are talking about physics, logistics, or feelings, quebrável is your go-to word for anything that isn't solid enough to withstand pressure.

A paz entre as duas tribos era quebrável, dependendo de um acordo muito frágil.

In everyday life in Portugal or Brazil, you are most likely to hear quebrável in commercial and domestic settings. If you are at a post office (correios), the clerk might ask if the package contains anything quebrável before applying a 'Frágil' sticker. While the sticker says 'Frágil', the conversation often uses quebrável.

In the Kitchen: Parents often warn children: 'Não mexas nisso, é quebrável!' (Don't touch that, it's breakable!). It serves as a quick, effective warning.
In Stores: Signs in antique shops or glassware stores might remind customers that 'objetos quebráveis devem ser manuseados com cuidado'.

You will also hear it in news reports concerning infrastructure or environmental issues. A journalist might describe a 'sistema de energia quebrável' (a breakable/vulnerable energy system) during a storm or crisis. In this context, it takes on the meaning of 'vulnerable' or 'prone to failure'.

O apresentador avisou que o gelo na pista estava muito quebrável devido ao calor repentino.

In the workplace, particularly in logistics or manufacturing, quebrável is a technical term. During safety briefings, workers are told how to stack materiais quebráveis to prevent accidents. Pop culture and music also utilize the word's metaphorical potential. A song lyric might describe a heart as quebrável to emphasize emotional sensitivity. Movies dubbed into Portuguese often use quebrável for the title of the film 'Unbreakable' (Inquebrável), and the dialogue within such films frequently explores the concept of what can and cannot be broken.

DIY and Construction: When buying tiles or flooring, the salesperson might discuss the 'índice de quebra' and which parts are more quebráveis during installation.

Ao abrir a encomenda, percebi que não havia nenhum aviso de que o conteúdo era quebrável.

In summary, while frágil is a more common 'catch-all' word, quebrável is the precise term used when the specific action of breaking is the focus. It is the language of caution, logistics, and careful observation. For a learner, hearing quebrável should immediately signal a need for physical or metaphorical care. It is an active word that implies a consequence: if you are not careful, it will break. This makes it a high-frequency word in any environment where objects are moved, sold, or discussed in terms of their physical integrity. Whether you are navigating a crowded Lisbon shop or reading a Brazilian interior design blog, quebrável will appear as a vital descriptor of the world's material reality.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning quebrável is confusing it with frágil. While they are often interchangeable, they carry different weights. Frágil implies a general weakness or delicacy, whereas quebrável specifically refers to the ability to be broken into pieces. For example, a person's health might be frágil, but it is rarely described as quebrável unless speaking very poetically.

Pluralization Error: Mistake: 'Os copos são quebráveis' (Wait, the mistake is often 'quebrávels'). Correct: 'Os copos são quebráveis'. Many learners forget to change the '-l' to '-is'.
Accent Misplacement: Mistake: Writing 'quebravel' without the accent. In Portuguese, paroxytones ending in 'l' must have a graphic accent on the stressed syllable.

Another common mistake is using quebrado instead of quebrável. Quebrado is the past participle, meaning 'broken'. If you say 'O copo está quebrado', the cup is already in pieces. If you say 'O copo é quebrável', you are warning that it *can* break. Confusing the state with the potential is a classic B1 hurdle.

Não diga 'o vidro está quebrável' se ele já estiver em pedaços; nesse caso, ele está quebrado.

Learners also struggle with the prepositional use. You don't usually say 'quebrável por'. Instead, you describe what makes it breakable using other structures. Additionally, avoid using quebrável for things that 'break down' in a mechanical sense (like a car). For a car, we use avaria or estragar-se. Quebrável is almost always for physical shattering or metaphorical snapping. In Brazilian Portuguese, there is a slight tendency to use frágil more in casual conversation, making quebrável sound a bit more formal or technical. Using quebrável where frágil is more natural isn't 'wrong', but it can sound slightly 'textbook'.

Word Order: Mistake: 'O quebrável copo'. Correct: 'O copo quebrável'. Adjectives follow the noun unless you are writing poetry or very stylized prose.

Finally, the negative form inquebrável is often misspelled as 'inquebradiço' or 'não-quebrável'. While 'não-quebrável' is understandable, inquebrável is the sophisticated, correct term. Paying attention to these small details will elevate your Portuguese from basic communication to nuanced fluency. Always double-check your plural endings and your accents, as these are the hallmarks of a student who has mastered the technicalities of the Portuguese language.

Muitos alunos confundem a potencialidade de ser quebrável com o estado de estar quebrado.

To truly master quebrável, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in context. The most common alternative is frágil.

Quebrável vs. Frágil: Quebrável is technical and focuses on the act of breaking. Frágil is broader, describing anything that needs careful handling, including health, emotions, or thin materials.
Quebrável vs. Quebradiço: Quebradiço means 'brittle'. It is used for things that break with no deformation first, like a dry twig, a biscuit, or damaged hair. Something quebrável might be strong but still able to break (like a thick glass plate).

Another interesting alternative is delicado. This word often carries a positive connotation of beauty or intricacy. A piece of lace is delicada, but we wouldn't usually call it quebrável because it doesn't 'shatter'. We use quebrável for hard materials that can snap or shatter.

Enquanto o vidro é quebrável, o papel é apenas rasgável (tearable).

In a metaphorical sense, you might use vulnerável. If a situation is quebrável, it is at risk of falling apart. Vulnerável is a more common choice for people or defense systems. However, choosing quebrável adds a specific imagery of something solid suddenly snapping. For something that breaks into very small pieces, you might use fragmentável, though this is much rarer and more academic. If you want to describe something that is easily destroyed, perecível is used for food (perishable), while quebrável remains the king of physical objects.

Antonyms: The most direct antonym is inquebrável. Others include resistente (resistant), robusto (robust), and duradouro (long-lasting).

O aço é um material pouco quebrável em comparação com a cerâmica.

In technical writing, you might see frangível, which is a direct cognate of the English 'frangible'. It is almost exclusively used in engineering and aviation. For a B1 student, sticking to quebrável and frágil will cover 99% of situations. Understanding these alternatives allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of breakability you want to convey, making your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated. Whether you are describing a 'quebrável' ego or a 'quebrável' vase, you now have the tools to distinguish it from things that are merely 'delicados' or 'frágeis'.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-ável' comes from the Latin '-abilis', which has been used for over two thousand years to turn verbs into adjectives of potential.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɨˈβɾavɛl/

US /keˈbɾavew/

The stress is on the second-to-last syllable (bra).

Rhymes With

amável sustentável notável agradável variável saudável vulnerável estável

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'l' like an English 'l' in Brazil.
Forgetting the accent on the 'á'.
Pronouncing the 'que' as 'kway' instead of 'keh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the suffix similarity with English.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the accent and the specific plural ending '-veis'.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of the final 'l' varies between Portugal and Brazil.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'quebrado' and 'quebradiço' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

quebrar vidro copo cuidado coisa

Learn Next

quebradiço inquebrável frágil resistente durável

Advanced

frangível perecível vulnerável suscetível precário

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -l (like -ável) change to -is in the plural.

quebrável -> quebráveis

Paroxytone words ending in -l must have a graphic accent.

que-brá-vel (stress on the second to last syllable).

The suffix -ável indicates possibility or capability.

lavável (washable), dobrável (foldable).

Adjectives in Portuguese usually follow the noun.

Um objeto quebrável.

The prefix 'in-' creates the opposite meaning.

inquebrável (unbreakable).

Examples by Level

O copo é quebrável.

The glass is breakable.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Esta boneca não é quebrável.

This doll is not breakable.

Negative sentence using 'não'.

Cuidado, é quebrável!

Careful, it's breakable!

Imperative-style warning.

O prato é quebrável?

Is the plate breakable?

Simple question structure.

Eu tenho muitos brinquedos quebráveis.

I have many breakable toys.

Plural agreement: toys (brinquedos) and breakable (quebráveis).

A janela de vidro é quebrável.

The glass window is breakable.

Noun-adjective agreement.

O chocolate é quebrável.

The chocolate is breakable.

Describing a physical property.

Não toque, é muito quebrável.

Don't touch, it's very breakable.

Use of 'muito' as an intensifier.

Estes pratos de cerâmica são quebráveis.

These ceramic plates are breakable.

Plural form 'quebráveis'.

O plástico é menos quebrável que o vidro.

Plastic is less breakable than glass.

Comparative structure 'menos... que'.

Preciso de uma caixa para objetos quebráveis.

I need a box for breakable objects.

Using a prepositional phrase.

A minha nova televisão é muito quebrável.

My new television is very breakable.

Adjective modifying a feminine noun.

Os óculos são quebráveis, guarde-os bem.

The glasses are breakable, put them away well.

Using a pronoun 'os' to refer back to glasses.

Este material parece ser quebrável.

This material seems to be breakable.

Using the verb 'parecer'.

O gelo é quebrável quando está fino.

Ice is breakable when it is thin.

Conditional 'quando' clause.

Ela comprou enfeites de Natal quebráveis.

She bought breakable Christmas ornaments.

Adjective following the noun.

A paz entre eles era quebrável e incerta.

The peace between them was breakable and uncertain.

Metaphorical use of the adjective.

Embora pareça forte, o material é altamente quebrável.

Although it looks strong, the material is highly breakable.

Use of the adverb 'altamente'.

É importante rotular as caixas que contêm itens quebráveis.

It is important to label boxes containing breakable items.

Relative clause 'que contêm'.

O seu silêncio era quebrável por qualquer pequeno ruído.

His silence was breakable by any small noise.

Passive-style metaphorical construction.

As regras da empresa não devem ser quebráveis.

The company rules should not be breakable.

Modal verb 'devem ser'.

A estrutura do edifício tornou-se quebrável após o sismo.

The building's structure became breakable after the earthquake.

Verb 'tornar-se' indicating a change in state.

Procuro um telemóvel que não seja tão quebrável.

I am looking for a cell phone that isn't so breakable.

Subjunctive mood 'seja' after 'que'.

Muitas promessas políticas revelam-se quebráveis com o tempo.

Many political promises prove to be breakable over time.

Reflexive verb 'revelam-se'.

A integridade do sistema é quebrável se não houver manutenção.

The integrity of the system is breakable if there is no maintenance.

Conditional 'se' with the subjunctive.

O contrato possui cláusulas quebráveis em caso de incumprimento.

The contract has breakable clauses in case of non-compliance.

Technical use in a legal context.

A resiliência de um material define o quão quebrável ele é.

The resilience of a material defines how breakable it is.

Use of 'o quão' to indicate degree.

O equilíbrio ecológico daquela região é extremamente quebrável.

The ecological balance of that region is extremely breakable.

Applying the word to environmental science.

Ele tem um ego quebrável que não aceita críticas.

He has a breakable ego that does not accept criticism.

Psychological metaphorical use.

A logística de transporte de produtos quebráveis exige planeamento.

The logistics of transporting breakable products requires planning.

Noun phrase as subject.

A confiança, uma vez quebrada, torna-se ainda mais quebrável.

Trust, once broken, becomes even more breakable.

Comparison of participle 'quebrada' and adjective 'quebrável'.

A crosta terrestre é composta por placas que são, tecnicamente, quebráveis.

The earth's crust is composed of plates that are, technically, breakable.

Scientific application.

A narrativa do autor explora a natureza quebrável da memória humana.

The author's narrative explores the breakable nature of human memory.

High-level literary analysis.

O verniz de civilidade da sociedade moderna é assustadoramente quebrável.

The veneer of civility in modern society is frighteningly breakable.

Social commentary using metaphorical language.

A argumentação do advogado baseou-se numa lógica quebrável e falaciosa.

The lawyer's argument was based on breakable and fallacious logic.

Intellectual critique.

A beleza quebrável das esculturas de gelo fascinou os visitantes.

The breakable beauty of the ice sculptures fascinated the visitors.

Aesthetic description.

A soberania de pequenas nações pode ser quebrável sob pressão económica.

The sovereignty of small nations can be breakable under economic pressure.

Geopolitical context.

Existe uma linha quebrável entre a coragem e a imprudência.

There is a breakable line between courage and recklessness.

Abstract philosophical distinction.

O silêncio da noite parecia uma película quebrável prestes a romper-se.

The silence of the night seemed like a breakable film about to burst.

Simile construction.

A estabilidade financeira da família revelou-se quebrável perante a crise.

The family's financial stability proved to be breakable in the face of the crisis.

Formal reflexive structure.

A ontologia do ser é apresentada como algo intrinsecamente quebrável.

The ontology of being is presented as something intrinsically breakable.

Deep philosophical application.

A tessitura social, embora densa, permanece uma construção quebrável.

The social fabric, although dense, remains a breakable construction.

Sociological metaphor.

O autor utiliza a metáfora do vidro para ilustrar a psique quebrável do protagonista.

The author uses the glass metaphor to illustrate the protagonist's breakable psyche.

Literary criticism.

A efemeridade da vida é acentuada pela sua condição quebrável.

The ephemerality of life is accentuated by its breakable condition.

Existential discourse.

As alianças geopolíticas são frequentemente quebráveis por interesses menores.

Geopolitical alliances are often breakable by minor interests.

Advanced political science terminology.

A fragilidade não é apenas um defeito, mas uma qualidade quebrável da arte.

Fragility is not just a defect, but a breakable quality of art.

Aesthetic philosophy.

O discurso foi construído sobre uma premissa quebrável que ruiu ao primeiro questionamento.

The speech was built on a breakable premise that collapsed at the first questioning.

Rhetorical analysis.

A harmonia universal é uma ideia bela, porém quebrável perante o caos.

Universal harmony is a beautiful idea, yet breakable in the face of chaos.

Cosmological metaphor.

Common Collocations

material quebrável

objeto quebrável

altamente quebrável

facilmente quebrável

natureza quebrável

itens quebráveis

vidro quebrável

paz quebrável

ego quebrável

promessa quebrável

Common Phrases

Cuidado, é quebrável!

— A standard warning given when someone is handling something fragile.

Cuidado, é quebrável! Não deixes cair a caixa.

Conteúdo quebrável

— A label found on packages to warn postal workers.

A etiqueta diz 'conteúdo quebrável', por isso pousa a caixa com cuidado.

Material não quebrável

— Used to describe sturdy materials like plastic or metal.

Para as crianças, prefiro pratos de material não quebrável.

Nada é inquebrável

— A philosophical phrase suggesting everything can eventually fail.

Lembre-se que nada é inquebrável se for aplicada força suficiente.

Tão quebrável quanto vidro

— A comparison to emphasize extreme fragility.

O acordo era tão quebrável quanto vidro.

Zona de objetos quebráveis

— A warning area in a museum or store.

Estamos a entrar numa zona de objetos quebráveis, atenção aos movimentos.

Coração quebrável

— A poetic way to describe someone who is easily hurt emotionally.

Ela tem um coração quebrável, trata-a com carinho.

Estrutura quebrável

— Used in engineering or architecture for weak points.

Esta parte da ponte é uma estrutura quebrável por design.

Equilíbrio quebrável

— Describes a situation that could easily turn into chaos.

O equilíbrio político atual é muito quebrável.

Embalagem para quebráveis

— Special packaging like bubble wrap.

Comprei uma embalagem especial para quebráveis para a nossa mudança.

Often Confused With

quebrável vs quebrado

Quebrado is the state (broken). Quebrável is the potential (breakable).

quebrável vs quebradiço

Quebradiço is specifically for things that crumble or are brittle, like biscuits or hair.

quebrável vs frágil

Frágil is more general; quebrável is specifically about breaking into pieces.

Idioms & Expressions

"Pisar em ovos"

— To act very carefully because a situation is 'quebrável' or sensitive.

Desde a discussão, sinto que estou a pisar em ovos com ele.

Informal

"Vidro de relógio"

— Used to describe something very thin and breakable.

Esta proteção é fina como um vidro de relógio.

Neutral

"Coração de cristal"

— Someone very sensitive or emotionally 'quebrável'.

Não lhe grites, ela tem um coração de cristal.

Poetic

"Por um fio"

— When a situation is so 'quebrável' it is about to snap.

A nossa paciência está por um fio.

Informal

"Castelo de cartas"

— A situation or plan that is extremely 'quebrável' and likely to fall.

Todo o plano dele era um castelo de cartas.

Neutral

"Boneca de porcelana"

— Someone perceived as very fragile and 'quebrável'.

Ela não é uma boneca de porcelana, ela aguenta o trabalho duro.

Neutral

"Quebrar o gelo"

— To break a socially 'quebrável' or awkward silence.

Ele contou uma piada para quebrar o gelo.

Informal

"Ponta do iceberg"

— A small part of a larger, potentially 'quebrável' problem.

Isto é apenas a ponta do iceberg dos problemas da empresa.

Neutral

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To finally 'break' one's stubbornness.

Finalmente ele deu o braço a torcer e admitiu o erro.

Informal

"Fazer em mil pedaços"

— To break something 'quebrável' completely.

O acidente fez o carro em mil pedaços.

Informal

Easily Confused

quebrável vs quebrado

Both share the root 'quebra'.

Quebrado means it is already in pieces; quebrável means it can become pieces.

O copo está quebrado (The cup is broken). O copo é quebrável (The cup is breakable).

quebrável vs quebradiço

They sound very similar.

Quebradiço implies a lack of flexibility (brittle). Quebrável just means it can break.

Unhas quebradiças (Brittle nails).

quebrável vs partido

Both mean 'broken' in some contexts.

Partido is often used for things split in two or political parties.

O coração está partido (The heart is broken).

quebrável vs frágil

They are synonyms.

Frágil describes a general lack of strength. Quebrável is more mechanical.

Uma saúde frágil.

quebrável vs delicado

Both require care.

Delicado implies beauty or complexity. Quebrável implies shattering.

Uma flor delicada.

Sentence Patterns

O [objeto] é quebrável.

O copo é quebrável.

Estes [objetos] são quebráveis.

Estes pratos são quebráveis.

Tenha cuidado com o [objeto] porque é quebrável.

Tenha cuidado com o espelho porque é quebrável.

É um [objeto] muito quebrável.

É um cristal muito quebrável.

O [conceito] é tão quebrável quanto [objeto].

A paz é tão quebrável quanto vidro.

Apesar de ser [adjetivo], o material é quebrável.

Apesar de ser grosso, o material é quebrável.

A natureza quebrável do/da [substantivo abstrato].

A natureza quebrável da memória.

A [substantivo] revela-se uma construção quebrável perante [evento].

A sociedade revela-se uma construção quebrável perante a guerra.

Word Family

Nouns

quebra (break/failure)

quebrabilidade (breakability)

quebradiça (brittleness)

quebranto (spell/exhaustion)

Verbs

quebrar (to break)

quebrantar (to weaken/break)

Adjectives

quebrável (breakable)

inquebrável (unbreakable)

quebrado (broken)

quebradiço (brittle)

frágil

partido

rompível

fragmentável

violável

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily life, especially in shopping, shipping, and domestic warnings.

Common Mistakes

quebravel → quebrável
Missing the graphic accent on the 'á'.
quebrávels → quebráveis
Incorrect pluralization for words ending in -l.
o copo está quebrável → o copo está quebrado
Using 'quebrável' (potential) when the item is already in pieces.
a quebrávela → a quebrável
Trying to make the adjective feminine. It is gender-neutral.
o quebrável copo → o copo quebrável
Incorrect word order; adjectives usually follow the noun in Portuguese.

Tips

Plural Rule

Always remember the -l to -is change. It applies to many useful words like 'fácil' (fáceis) and 'difícil' (difíceis).

The Accent

Don't forget the 'á'. Without it, the word is misspelled and the stress would technically fall on the last syllable.

Shipping

When sending a package, look for the word 'Frágil' on stickers, but use 'quebrável' to describe the items to the clerk.

Emotional Use

Use 'quebrável' to describe things that feel solid but are actually at risk, like a fragile peace or a brittle ego.

Suffix Mastery

Learn other -ável words like 'sustentável' (sustainable) or 'amável' (lovely) to see how Portuguese builds adjectives.

Synonym Choice

Choose 'quebrável' when you want to emphasize the physical act of breaking into pieces.

The Final L

In Brazil, think of the final L as a 'W'. In Portugal, think of it as a 'Dark L' like in 'pool'.

Warning Labels

If you see 'Quebrável' on a sign, it's a polite way of saying 'Don't touch or you might pay for it!'

Adjective Order

Keep the adjective after the noun: 'O vaso quebrável', not 'O quebrável vaso'.

Root Words

Notice the 'quebra-' root in many words. It will help you guess the meaning of new words like 'quebra-mar'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'quebrar' as 'crack-bar'. If it's 'quebr-ável', it's 'crack-able'.

Visual Association

Imagine a box with a glass wine glass inside and a big red 'QUEBRÁVEL' sticker on it.

Word Web

vidro cerâmica cuidado frágil quebrar inquebrável caixa transporte

Challenge

Write five items in your house that are 'quebráveis' and five that are 'inquebráveis'.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese verb 'quebrar' (to break), which comes from the Latin 'crepare' (to crack, creak, or break).

Original meaning: Relating to the sound of something cracking or breaking.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be careful when using it to describe people, as it can sound clinical or overly technical.

English speakers often use 'fragile' more than 'breakable'. In Portuguese, 'quebrável' is very common for physical objects.

The movie 'Unbreakable' is translated as 'Inquebrável' in Brazil and Portugal. Poets like Fernando Pessoa often write about the 'quebrável' nature of the soul.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shipping and Logistics

Etiqueta de quebrável
Manusear com cuidado
Seguro para itens quebráveis
Embalagem reforçada

Home Safety

Longe das crianças
Prateleira para quebráveis
Não é para brincar
Cuidado ao lavar

Material Science

Ponto de quebra
Resistência do material
Teste de impacto
Propriedades físicas

Relationships

Confiança quebrável
Paz temporária
Sentimentos delicados
Relação instável

Finance

Economia quebrável
Mercado volátil
Investimento de risco
Estabilidade incerta

Conversation Starters

"Achas que este material é quebrável ou resistente o suficiente?"

"Tiveste cuidado com os pratos quebráveis durante a mudança?"

"Qual é o objeto mais quebrável que tens em casa?"

"Preferes copos de vidro quebrável ou de plástico inquebrável?"

"Achais que a paz mundial é algo quebrável ou duradouro?"

Journal Prompts

Descreve um objeto quebrável que tenha um grande valor sentimental para ti.

Escreve sobre uma situação na tua vida que parecia sólida mas era, na verdade, quebrável.

Como lidas com objetos quebráveis quando estás com pressa?

Achas que o corpo humano é mais quebrável ou mais resistente do que pensamos?

Reflete sobre a natureza quebrável das promessas.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is both! Adjectives ending in -l in Portuguese do not change for gender. You say 'o copo quebrável' and 'a taça quebrável'.

The plural is 'quebráveis'. You replace the -l with -is and keep the accent on the 'á'.

No, for machines we use 'avaria' or 'estragar-se'. 'Quebrável' is for physical shattering or snapping.

They are very close, but 'quebrável' is more specific to the act of breaking, while 'frágil' is a general term for weakness.

Yes! It is the most common way to say 'unbreakable' in Portuguese.

Because it is a paroxytone word (stress on the second to last syllable) ending in 'l'. This is a standard Portuguese spelling rule.

Usually, we use 'quebradiço' (brittle) for things like biscuits or 'tenro' for soft meat. 'Quebrável' sounds a bit technical for food.

It is used equally in both, though the pronunciation of the final 'l' differs.

It is a compound word meaning 'puzzle' (literally 'head-breaker'). It uses the same root as 'quebrável'.

No, it is strictly an adjective. However, you can use it substantively: 'Os quebráveis estão nesta caixa' (The breakables are in this box).