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Tábua de passar

A1 noun #8,000 most common 13 min read

Tábua de passar

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Tábua de passar in 30 Seconds

Explanation Tábua de passar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tábua de passar' is a basic vocabulary word related to the home and daily routines. Students should focus on identifying the object and knowing its gender (feminine). At this stage, you simply need to know that it is the place where you iron clothes. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Eu tenho uma tábua de passar' or 'Onde está a tábua de passar?'. The focus is on survival communication—being able to ask for the board in a hotel or find it in a house. You should also learn it alongside other basic household items like 'ferro' (iron), 'cama' (bed), and 'mesa' (table). Understanding that 'tábua' means 'board' helps you connect it to other words later, but for now, treat the whole phrase as a single unit representing the ironing board. Don't worry too much about the complex grammar; just memorize the sound and the spelling, including the acute accent on the first 'a' in 'tábua'. Practice saying it out loud to get used to the three-word structure.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tábua de passar' in the context of describing your routine and household chores. You should be able to say things like 'Eu passo minhas camisas na tábua de passar todo domingo' (I iron my shirts on the ironing board every Sunday). You will also start using prepositions more accurately, such as 'na' (on the) and 'em cima da' (on top of the). At this level, you can also start using adjectives to describe the board: 'A tábua de passar é velha' (The ironing board is old) or 'A tábua de passar é pequena' (The ironing board is small). You might also learn the verb 'dobrar' (to fold) or 'guardar' (to put away) in relation to the board. It is a good time to notice the difference between 'passar' as a verb and its role here as a descriptor of the board's purpose. This level is about building sentences that connect the object to your life and actions.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the 'tábua de passar' with more detail and express opinions or needs. You might talk about the quality of the board: 'Preciso de uma tábua de passar mais estável, porque esta balança muito' (I need a more stable ironing board because this one wobbles a lot). You can also use the term in the past and future tenses, such as 'Eu tinha esquecido a tábua de passar aberta' (I had forgotten the ironing board open). At this stage, you should be comfortable using the word in a variety of conversational contexts, such as explaining household rules to a roommate or discussing shopping for home appliances. You might also encounter the term in more varied texts, like a blog post about home organization or a product review. You should also be aware of the European Portuguese variation 'tábua de engomar' and understand that it refers to the same object. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related parts, like 'a capa da tábua' (the board cover).

At the B2 level, you can use 'tábua de passar' in more complex grammatical structures and professional contexts. You might discuss the ergonomics of the board: 'Uma tábua de passar com altura regulável é essencial para evitar problemas de postura' (An ironing board with adjustable height is essential to avoid posture problems). You can also handle hypothetical situations: 'Se eu tivesse uma tábua de passar melhor, terminaria o serviço mais rápido' (If I had a better ironing board, I would finish the job faster). At this level, you are expected to understand the nuances of the term in different Lusophone countries and use it fluently without hesitation. You might also use the term metaphorically or in idiomatic contexts if they arise, although this specific term is mostly literal. You should be able to read technical manuals for household appliances that mention the board or follow complex DIY instructions for repairing or recovering a board. Your understanding of the word is now integrated into a broad and flexible command of the language.

At the C1 level, 'tábua de passar' is a word you use with complete naturalness, including in discussions about domestic sociology, the history of household technology, or advanced interior design. You might analyze how the 'tábua de passar' has changed over time or its role in the gendered division of labor in Lusophone societies. You can use the term in highly formal writing or academic discussions about material culture. For example, 'A evolução da tábua de passar reflete a transição dos materiais pesados para polímeros leves na indústria doméstica' (The evolution of the ironing board reflects the transition from heavy materials to light polymers in the domestic industry). Your vocabulary is deep enough to discuss the specific materials (wood, steel, heat-resistant fabrics) and the mechanical engineering of the folding mechanisms. You can also appreciate the word's appearance in literature as a symbol of the mundane or the domestic sphere, analyzing its stylistic impact in a narrative.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term 'tábua de passar' and all its cultural and linguistic associations. You can use it in any context, from a humorous anecdote to a complex sociological critique. You might explore the etymology of 'tábua' and 'passar' in depth or discuss the semiotics of the ironing board in contemporary art. You are also fully aware of very rare or regional synonyms and can switch between them depending on your audience. You can write sophisticated essays where the 'tábua de passar' serves as a focal point for discussing the invisibility of domestic work or the aesthetics of the modern home. Your use of the language is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can play with the word in puns, poetry, or complex rhetorical structures. The 'tábua de passar' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a tool in your vast linguistic repertoire, used to convey precise meanings and subtle cultural resonances.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Tábua de passar in 30 Seconds

The 'tábua de passar' is a fundamental household item used for ironing clothes, consisting of a flat, heat-resistant board and usually a folding metal frame.
In Portuguese grammar, it is a feminine noun phrase, requiring feminine articles like 'a' or 'uma' and matching adjectives such as 'nova' or 'velha'.
While universally known as 'tábua de passar' in Brazil, the variation 'tábua de engomar' is frequently used in Portugal and other Lusophone regions.
Commonly found in the laundry area, it is often paired with the 'ferro de passar' (iron) to maintain a neat and professional appearance in clothing.

The Portuguese term tábua de passar refers specifically to an ironing board, a staple household item used to provide a flat, heat-resistant surface for smoothing out wrinkles in clothing. The word consists of three parts: tábua (board or plank), the preposition de (of/for), and the verb passar (to iron, literally 'to pass' the iron over the fabric). In a Portuguese-speaking household, this object is indispensable for maintaining a professional and neat appearance. Unlike a standard table, a tábua de passar is typically padded with a heat-resistant cover and often features a tapered end to facilitate the ironing of sleeves and shoulders. People use this term whenever they are discussing laundry routines, organizing a utility room, or shopping for domestic appliances. It is a fundamental noun for anyone learning the language because it appears in daily conversations about chores and personal care.

Domestic Context: The tábua de passar is usually found in the 'área de serviço' (service area) or laundry room of a Brazilian or Portuguese home. It is often foldable to save space in smaller apartments.

Preciso comprar uma tábua de passar nova porque a antiga quebrou o pé.

Historically, the concept of a dedicated board for ironing has evolved significantly. In the past, people might have used any flat wooden surface, but the modern tábua de passar is a specialized piece of furniture. It represents the modernization of domestic labor. In many Lusophone cultures, there is a strong emphasis on well-pressed clothes, especially for work or formal events. Therefore, knowing how to ask for or talk about the ironing board is culturally relevant. You might hear a mother telling her child to 'pegar a tábua de passar' (get the ironing board) or a roommate asking 'onde você guardou a tábua de passar?' (where did you store the ironing board?). It is a term that bridges the gap between simple vocabulary and practical, real-world application.

Physical Attributes: Most modern boards are made of perforated metal to allow steam to pass through, covered with foam and a decorative cotton fabric.

A tábua de passar está dobrada atrás da porta da despensa.

Furthermore, the phrase is often used in conjunction with 'ferro de passar' (the iron). Together, they form the essential kit for garment care. When you use the tábua de passar, you are engaging in a task that is often seen as meditative by some and a tedious chore by others. In literature or film, the ironing board might even serve as a symbol of domestic life or the routine nature of adulthood. Understanding this word allows you to navigate household tasks in a Portuguese-speaking environment with confidence. Whether you are staying at an Airbnb in Lisbon or living with a host family in São Paulo, the tábua de passar will eventually come up in conversation or daily life.

Maintenance: It is important to keep the cover of the tábua de passar clean to avoid staining white shirts during the ironing process.

Coloque a camisa sobre a tábua de passar antes de ligar o ferro.

Using the term tábua de passar in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a feminine noun phrase. In Portuguese, the gender of 'tábua' determines the articles and adjectives used. For example, you say 'a tábua' (the board) or 'uma tábua' (a board). When constructing sentences, it often acts as the direct object of verbs related to movement, placement, or acquisition. For instance, 'Eu abri a tábua de passar' (I opened the ironing board) or 'Ela comprou uma tábua de passar' (She bought an ironing board). It is important to remember that the phrase remains consistent; you do not usually change 'passar' or 'de' even if the context shifts. The focus is always on the board's purpose.

Prepositional Use: When indicating location, we use 'na' (in/on the). Example: 'O ferro está na tábua de passar' (The iron is on the ironing board).

Você pode me ajudar a montar a tábua de passar?

In more complex sentences, tábua de passar can be part of a conditional or habitual statement. For example, 'Sempre que vou sair, coloco a tábua de passar na sala para passar minha roupa' (Whenever I am going out, I put the ironing board in the living room to iron my clothes). This shows the habitual nature of the object's use. Additionally, when describing the object, you might use adjectives like 'velha' (old), 'nova' (new), 'portátil' (portable), or 'ajustável' (adjustable). 'A tábua de passar ajustável é melhor para a coluna' (The adjustable ironing board is better for the back). This level of detail helps learners move from basic identification to descriptive fluency.

Verbal Pairings: Common verbs used with this noun include 'montar' (to set up), 'guardar' (to put away), and 'forrar' (to cover/re-cover).

Esqueci a tábua de passar aberta no meio do corredor.

Advanced learners might use the term in the context of interior design or organization. For example, 'Estamos planejando um armário que já venha com uma tábua de passar acoplada' (We are planning a closet that already comes with an attached ironing board). Here, 'acoplada' adds a layer of technical description. Another common scenario is discussing the quality of the board: 'Essa tábua de passar é muito instável, o ferro quase caiu' (This ironing board is very unstable, the iron almost fell). By practicing these various sentence structures, students can see how the noun integrates into the broader grammar of Portuguese, including noun-adjective agreement and prepositional contractions.

Questions: How to ask for it: 'Onde fica a tábua de passar?' or 'Poderia me emprestar a sua tábua de passar?'

A capa da tábua de passar está queimada.

The term tábua de passar is ubiquitous in everyday life across the Lusophone world. You will hear it most frequently in domestic settings. In a typical Brazilian home, Saturday morning might be the time for 'passar roupa', and the sound of the tábua de passar being unfolded is a familiar background noise. You will also encounter this word in commercial environments such as 'lavanderias' (laundromats) or 'tinturarias' (dry cleaners). In these professional contexts, the boards might be larger or industrial, but the name remains the same. If you are staying in a hotel and need to touch up your suit or dress, you would call the front desk and ask: 'Vocês poderiam enviar um ferro e uma tábua de passar para o meu quarto?' (Could you send an iron and an ironing board to my room?).

Retail Settings: In stores like Leroy Merlin, Magazine Luiza, or Worten, you will find this word in the 'utilidades domésticas' (household utilities) section.

Moço, em qual corredor ficam as tábuas de passar?

In popular culture, the tábua de passar occasionally appears in 'novelas' (soap operas) during scenes depicting the daily lives of characters. It serves as a visual shorthand for domesticity or the middle-class experience. You might also hear it in advertisements for laundry detergents or steam irons, where the board is the stage for the product's performance. In the digital age, YouTube tutorials on 'como passar camisa social' (how to iron a dress shirt) will inevitably mention the importance of having a sturdy tábua de passar. Even in songs that describe the routine of a worker or a housewife, the mention of ironing clothes often implies the presence of the board, reinforcing its cultural presence as a symbol of labor and care.

Social Context: In some social circles, discussing the best 'capa para tábua de passar' (ironing board cover) can be a topic of practical home management conversation.

O hotel oferece tábua de passar em todos os andares.

Furthermore, the term is heard during moving days or when organizing a house. 'Cuidado com a tábua de passar, ela pode abrir sozinha' (Be careful with the ironing board, it might open by itself). This highlights the physical nature of the object and the common frustrations associated with its mechanical design. Whether in a casual chat between neighbors about household chores or in a formal request at a service desk, tábua de passar is the standard, indispensable term. It is one of those words that, while simple, is deeply embedded in the logistical reality of living in a Portuguese-speaking country, reflecting the universal human need to maintain one's appearance through the care of textiles.

Professional Use: Tailors and seamstresses use specific types of tábuas de passar, often called 'manguiteiro' for sleeves, which is a miniature version.

Minha avó ainda tem aquela tábua de passar de madeira maciça.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is trying to translate 'ironing board' literally as 'quadro de ferro' or 'mesa de ferro'. While 'iron' the metal is 'ferro', the object itself is always called a tábua. Another frequent error is forgetting the preposition 'de'. Simply saying 'tábua passar' is grammatically incorrect and sounds very broken to a native speaker. The 'de' is essential because it links the object to its purpose. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 'tábua' (board) with 'tabela' (table/chart) or 'mesa' (table). While 'mesa de passar' is occasionally used, 'tábua' is the more specific and common term for the foldable appliance.

Gender Confusion: Mistaking 'tábua' for a masculine noun. Avoid saying 'o tábua'. It is always 'a tábua de passar'.

Errado: Eu preciso de um tábua de passar. Correto: Eu preciso de uma tábua de passar.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The word 'tábua' has a hiatus or a diphthong depending on the regional accent, but the stress is always on the first syllable: TÁ-bua. Some students accidentally stress the second syllable, which makes the word unrecognizable. Furthermore, the verb 'passar' should not be confused with 'passado' (past). You are not using a 'tábua de passado'. Another subtle mistake is using the word 'passadeira'. In Portugal, 'passadeira' can mean a woman who irons clothes or a carpet runner, but in Brazil, it is less commonly used for the board itself. Stick to tábua de passar to be safe in any Portuguese-speaking country.

Verb Agreement: Using the wrong verb for 'ironing'. It is 'passar a ferro' or simply 'passar roupa'. Don't use 'ironizar' (to be ironic).

Não diga 'mesa de ferro', diga tábua de passar.

Finally, be careful with the plural form. It is 'tábuas de passar', not 'tábua de passares' or 'tábuas de passares'. The verb 'passar' remains in the infinitive because it describes the function of the boards, not an action being performed by multiple people in that specific phrase structure. Misplacing the plural marker is a common sign of an intermediate learner struggling with compound nouns. By focusing on the core noun 'tábua' as the only part that changes for number, you will sound much more natural. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure that your communication about household needs is clear and professional.

Spelling: Forgetting the accent on 'tábua'. Without the acute accent on the 'á', the pronunciation and meaning are lost.

A tábua de passar não é uma mesa comum.

While tábua de passar is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives that you might encounter depending on the region or the specific type of equipment. Understanding these nuances can help you expand your vocabulary and understand native speakers better. For instance, in some parts of Brazil, people might simply say 'a tábua' if the context of ironing is already established. In Portugal, you might hear 'tábua de engomar'. The verb 'engomar' is a synonym for 'passar a ferro', though it specifically refers to the act of starching and ironing to make clothes stiff. Thus, a 'tábua de engomar' is the exact same object as a 'tábua de passar'.

Tábua de Engomar vs. Tábua de Passar: 'Tábua de passar' is universal; 'Tábua de engomar' is more common in Portugal and sounds slightly more formal or traditional.

Em Lisboa, é comum pedir uma tábua de engomar.

Another alternative is mesa de passar. This term is often used for larger, non-foldable ironing stations or those that are built into furniture. If you are looking for a professional-grade board, you might search for 'mesa de passar industrial'. There is also the 'manguiteiro', which is a small, sleeve-sized ironing board used for detail work. For those who don't have a board, they might use a 'manta de passar' (ironing mat), which is a heat-resistant cloth you can lay over any flat surface. While not a 'tábua', it serves the same purpose and is a common alternative for travelers or people living in very small spaces.

Related Household Items: Varal (clothesline), Pregador (clothespin), Cesto de roupa (laundry basket).

Se não tiver uma tábua de passar, use uma mesa com uma toalha grossa.

When comparing these terms, 'tábua' remains the most versatile. 'Prancha de passar' is another rare variation, though 'prancha' is usually reserved for surfboards or hair straighteners (prancha de cabelo). It is fascinating to see how the language adapts; for instance, the term 'passadeira' can refer to the person who irons, but in some modern contexts, it is being used to describe the board itself, although this is still considered non-standard by many. By knowing these alternatives, you can navigate different regions and social settings without confusion. Whether you are buying a basic 'tábua' or a high-end 'mesa de passar', you now have the vocabulary to describe exactly what you need for your laundry routine.

Terminology Summary: Tábua de passar (Standard) | Tábua de engomar (Portugal) | Mesa de passar (Large/Fixed) | Manguiteiro (For sleeves).

A mesa de passar da lavanderia é muito larga.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Solicitamos a gentileza de disponibilizar uma tábua de passar no aposento."

Neutral

"Onde posso encontrar uma tábua de passar de boa qualidade?"

Informal

"Pega a tábua de passar pra mim, por favor?"

Child friendly

"Cuidado para não bater na tábua de passar enquanto brinca!"

Slang

"Minha tábua de passar tá só o pó, preciso de outra."

Fun Fact

Before the invention of the modern folding ironing board in the late 19th century, people used 'ironing blankets' on kitchen tables. The first patent for an ironing board was granted to Sarah Boone, an African American woman, in 1892, which improved the design for ironing sleeves.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtabwɐ dɨ pɐˈsaɾ/

US /ˈtabwɐ dʒi paˈsaʁ/

The primary stress in 'tábua' is on the first syllable 'TÁ'. In 'passar', the stress is on the last syllable 'SAR'.

Rhymes With

Pádua Água (near rhyme) Mágua (near rhyme) Lagar Lugar Jantar Andar Olhar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tábua' with stress on the second syllable (tab-Ú-a).
Pronouncing 'de' as 'day' instead of 'dʒi' (BR) or 'dɨ' (PT).
Failing to open the 'á' sound in 'tábua'.
Missing the 'w' sound between 'b' and 'a' in 'tábua'.
Stressing the first syllable of 'passar' instead of the second.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The words are common and the structure is simple for any beginner.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the accent on 'tábua' and the preposition 'de'.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation of 'tábua' can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 1/5

Usually clearly articulated in domestic and retail contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Tábua Passar De Roupa Ferro

Learn Next

Lavanderia Máquina de lavar Amaciante Sabão em pó Varal

Advanced

Engomar Vaporizador Alfaiataria Ergonomia Têxtil

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Tábua de passar, Máquina de lavar, Ferro de passar.

Feminine Noun Agreement

A tábua é nova (not novo).

Prepositional Contractions

Na tábua (em + a).

Infinitive as a Qualifier

'Passar' tells us what the board is for.

Pluralization of Compound Nouns

Only the first noun 'tábua' changes: Tábuas de passar.

Examples by Level

Onde está a tábua de passar?

Where is the ironing board?

Simple question using the verb 'estar' for location.

A tábua de passar é branca.

The ironing board is white.

Using the feminine article 'A' and the adjective 'branca'.

Eu tenho uma tábua de passar.

I have an ironing board.

Use of the verb 'ter' (to have) with an indefinite article.

A tábua de passar está na cozinha.

The ironing board is in the kitchen.

Preposition 'na' (em + a) indicating location.

Comprei uma tábua de passar nova.

I bought a new ironing board.

Past tense of 'comprar' and placement of the adjective 'nova'.

A tábua de passar é pequena.

The ironing board is small.

Simple descriptive sentence with 'ser'.

Por favor, abra a tábua de passar.

Please, open the ironing board.

Imperative form of the verb 'abrir'.

A tábua de passar quebrou.

The ironing board broke.

Past tense of the verb 'quebrar'.

Eu uso a tábua de passar aos sábados.

I use the ironing board on Saturdays.

Present tense indicating a habit.

Você pode guardar a tábua de passar?

Can you put away the ironing board?

Modal verb 'poder' followed by the infinitive 'guardar'.

A tábua de passar está atrás da porta.

The ironing board is behind the door.

Prepositional phrase 'atrás da' for specific location.

Minha tábua de passar é muito velha.

My ironing board is very old.

Possessive pronoun 'Minha' agreeing with 'tábua'.

Não coloque o ferro quente direto na tábua de passar.

Don't put the hot iron directly on the ironing board.

Negative imperative and use of 'na'.

A tábua de passar é pesada para carregar.

The ironing board is heavy to carry.

Adjective 'pesada' and the infinitive 'carregar'.

Ela está limpando a tábua de passar.

She is cleaning the ironing board.

Present continuous tense 'está limpando'.

Nós precisamos de uma tábua de passar maior.

We need a bigger ironing board.

Verb 'precisar' followed by 'de' and the comparative 'maior'.

Se você terminar de passar, guarde a tábua de passar no armário.

If you finish ironing, put the ironing board in the closet.

Conditional sentence with 'se' and the future subjunctive.

Eu prefiro a tábua de passar que tem suporte para o ferro.

I prefer the ironing board that has a support for the iron.

Relative clause starting with 'que'.

A capa da tábua de passar precisa ser trocada urgentemente.

The ironing board cover needs to be changed urgently.

Passive voice 'ser trocada' and the adverb 'urgentemente'.

Antigamente, as pessoas não usavam uma tábua de passar tão moderna.

In the past, people didn't use such a modern ironing board.

Imperfect tense 'usavam' for past habits.

Enquanto eu abria a tábua de passar, o telefone tocou.

While I was opening the ironing board, the phone rang.

Use of 'enquanto' to show simultaneous actions.

É difícil encontrar uma tábua de passar de boa qualidade hoje em dia.

It's hard to find a good quality ironing board nowadays.

Impersonal expression 'É difícil' followed by the infinitive.

A tábua de passar que comprei é dobrável e muito prática.

The ironing board I bought is foldable and very practical.

Adjectives 'dobrável' and 'prática' describing the noun.

Você já viu onde eu coloquei a tábua de passar?

Have you seen where I put the ironing board?

Present perfect (composed past) 'já viu'.

A ergonomia da tábua de passar influencia diretamente na saúde das costas.

The ergonomics of the ironing board directly influences back health.

Technical vocabulary like 'ergonomia' and 'influencia'.

Muitas casas modernas optam por uma tábua de passar embutida no móvel.

Many modern homes opt for an ironing board built into the furniture.

Verb 'optar por' and the participle 'embutida'.

Apesar de ser um objeto simples, a tábua de passar evoluiu muito tecnologicamente.

Despite being a simple object, the ironing board has evolved a lot technologically.

Concessive clause with 'Apesar de'.

Certifique-se de que a tábua de passar esteja bem firme antes de começar.

Make sure the ironing board is very steady before starting.

Subjunctive mood 'esteja' after a command for certainty.

A tábua de passar tornou-se um item indispensável na vida doméstica urbana.

The ironing board has become an indispensable item in urban domestic life.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se' in the past tense.

O mercado oferece diversos modelos de tábua de passar, desde os mais básicos aos profissionais.

The market offers various ironing board models, from the most basic to professional ones.

Structure 'desde... aos...' for ranges.

Caso a tábua de passar apresente algum defeito, você deve trocá-la.

If the ironing board shows any defect, you should exchange it.

Hypothetical 'Caso' followed by the subjunctive 'apresente'.

A altura da tábua de passar deve ser ajustada de acordo com a estatura do usuário.

The height of the ironing board should be adjusted according to the user's height.

Passive construction 'deve ser ajustada'.

A tábua de passar, embora prosaica, é um elemento central na organização do lar.

The ironing board, although prosaic, is a central element in home organization.

Use of the sophisticated adjective 'prosaica'.

A disposição da tábua de passar na área de serviço deve privilegiar a circulação.

The placement of the ironing board in the service area should prioritize movement.

Formal verb 'privilegiar' and abstract noun 'circulação'.

Houve uma época em que a tábua de passar era um luxo inacessível para muitos.

There was a time when the ironing board was an inaccessible luxury for many.

Existential 'Houve' and the concept of 'luxo inacessível'.

A durabilidade de uma tábua de passar está atrelada à qualidade dos materiais ferrosos utilizados.

The durability of an ironing board is linked to the quality of the ferrous materials used.

Advanced phrase 'está atrelada à' (is linked to).

Ao analisar a tábua de passar sob uma ótica sociológica, percebemos a carga do trabalho invisível.

When analyzing the ironing board from a sociological perspective, we notice the burden of invisible work.

Gerund phrase 'Ao analisar' and 'ótica sociológica'.

A tábua de passar moderna incorpora tecnologias que facilitam a dissipação do calor.

The modern ironing board incorporates technologies that facilitate heat dissipation.

Precise vocabulary like 'incorporar' and 'dissipação'.

Não se deve subestimar a importância de uma tábua de passar bem estruturada na alfaiataria.

One should not underestimate the importance of a well-structured ironing board in tailoring.

Impersonal 'Não se deve' and 'subestimar'.

A estética da tábua de passar tem sido negligenciada em prol da funcionalidade pura.

The aesthetics of the ironing board have been neglected in favor of pure functionality.

Passive perfect tense 'tem sido negligenciada'.

A onipresença da tábua de passar nas residências contemporâneas denota a persistência de certos ritos domésticos.

The omnipresence of the ironing board in contemporary residences denotes the persistence of certain domestic rites.

Elevated vocabulary: 'onipresença', 'denota', 'ritos'.

Pode-se argumentar que a tábua de passar é o epítome da rotina mecanizada do século XX.

It can be argued that the ironing board is the epitome of the mechanized routine of the 20th century.

Impersonal 'Pode-se' and the word 'epítome'.

A tábua de passar transcende sua função utilitária para tornar-se um ícone da domesticidade.

The ironing board transcends its utilitarian function to become an icon of domesticity.

Verb 'transcende' and 'ícone da domesticidade'.

A obsolescência da tábua de passar é frequentemente vaticinada com o surgimento dos vaporizadores verticais.

The obsolescence of the ironing board is frequently predicted with the emergence of vertical steamers.

Sophisticated verb 'vaticinada' (predicted/prophesied).

Em sua crônica, o autor utiliza a tábua de passar como metáfora para a rigidez da vida burguesa.

In his chronicle, the author uses the ironing board as a metaphor for the rigidity of bourgeois life.

Literary analysis context and 'rigidez'.

A ergonomia da tábua de passar é, amiúde, preterida por questões de custo e logística de produção.

The ergonomics of the ironing board is often overlooked due to cost and production logistics issues.

Adverb 'amiúde' (frequently) and verb 'preterida' (overlooked).

A tábua de passar articula-se entre o espaço privado e a apresentação pública do indivíduo.

The ironing board articulates between private space and the individual's public presentation.

Reflexive verb 'articula-se' used in an abstract sense.

A materialidade da tábua de passar — do metal perfurado ao feltro — é fruto de décadas de refinamento industrial.

The materiality of the ironing board—from perforated metal to felt—is the result of decades of industrial refinement.

Complex appositive structure and 'materialidade'.

Common Collocations

Abrir a tábua de passar

Fechar a tábua de passar

Capa para tábua de passar

Tábua de passar dobrável

Tábua de passar embutida

Montar a tábua de passar

Guardar a tábua de passar

Tábua de passar de madeira

Tábua de passar de metal

Altura da tábua de passar

Common Phrases

Pôr a tábua de passar

— To set up the ironing board in a specific place to begin work.

Vou pôr a tábua de passar na sala para ver TV enquanto passo.

Tirar a tábua de passar

— To take the ironing board out of its storage place.

Pode tirar a tábua de passar do armário para mim?

Em cima da tábua de passar

— Located on the surface of the ironing board.

Deixei sua camisa em cima da tábua de passar.

Debaixo da tábua de passar

— Located underneath the ironing board.

O gato está escondido debaixo da tábua de passar.

Atrás da tábua de passar

— Located behind the ironing board.

O ferro caiu atrás da tábua de passar.

Armar a tábua de passar

— To unfold and lock the ironing board into its standing position.

Cuidado ao armar a tábua de passar para não prender o dedo.

Desarmar a tábua de passar

— To fold the ironing board back down for storage.

Depois de usar, é importante desarmar a tábua de passar.

Tábua de passar com rodinhas

— An ironing board equipped with wheels for easy transport.

Essa tábua de passar com rodinhas é muito prática para mover.

Tábua de passar reforçada

— A heavy-duty or extra stable ironing board.

Comprei uma tábua de passar reforçada para aguentar o uso diário.

Trocar o forro da tábua de passar

— To replace the fabric cover of the ironing board.

Já está na hora de trocar o forro da tábua de passar.

Often Confused With

Tábua de passar vs Tábua de carne

This is a cutting board for the kitchen. Don't iron on it!

Tábua de passar vs Mesa de jantar

A dining table. You might use it as a board in an emergency, but they are different objects.

Tábua de passar vs Prancha de surfe

A surfboard. Both are 'boards', but 'prancha' is used for sports or hair.

Idioms & Expressions

"Reto como uma tábua"

— Very straight or flat; can refer to a person's posture or a physical object.

Depois de passar, a calça ficou reta como uma tábua.

Informal

"Passar por cima"

— While not directly about the board, it uses the same verb 'passar' and means to ignore or overcome something/someone.

Ele passou por cima das ordens do chefe.

Informal

"Estar na tábua da beirada"

— To be in a very difficult or risky situation (literally on the edge of the board).

Com essa crise, a empresa está na tábua da beirada.

Slang/Informal

"Tábua de salvação"

— A last resort or something that saves someone from a disaster.

Aquele empréstimo foi a minha tábua de salvação.

Standard

"Bater na tábua"

— To knock on wood (though 'bater na madeira' is more common).

Bata na tábua para não atrair azar!

Informal

"Dar tábua"

— To reject someone, usually in a romantic context (common in older slang).

Ele tentou convidá-la para sair, mas levou tábua.

Old Slang

"Passar a limpo"

— To clarify something or to rewrite a text cleanly.

Precisamos passar essa história a limpo.

Standard

"Passar o rodo"

— To succeed completely or, in slang, to hook up with many people.

O time passou o rodo no campeonato.

Slang

"Cara de tábua"

— Someone who is expressionless or shameless (poker face).

Ele mentiu com aquela cara de tábua.

Informal

"Passar batido"

— To go unnoticed or to miss something.

O erro passou batido pela revisão.

Informal

Easily Confused

Tábua de passar vs Tabela

Sounds similar to 'tábua'.

'Tabela' means a chart, table of data, or a basketball backboard. 'Tábua' is a physical plank or board of wood/metal.

Veja a tabela de preços, não a tábua de passar.

Tábua de passar vs Mesa

Both provide a flat surface.

'Mesa' is a general table for eating or working. 'Tábua de passar' is a specific, usually foldable tool for ironing.

Coloque a comida na mesa e a roupa na tábua de passar.

Tábua de passar vs Quadro

English 'board' can mean 'blackboard' (quadro).

'Quadro' is a frame, a painting, or a chalkboard. 'Tábua' is a physical slab of material.

O professor escreve no quadro, eu passo roupa na tábua.

Tábua de passar vs Prancha

Also means 'plank' or 'board'.

'Prancha' is typically used for surfing, hair straightening, or long thick planks. 'Tábua' is for general boards or cutting/ironing boards.

Ele pegou a prancha de surfe e eu a tábua de passar.

Tábua de passar vs Passadeira

Related to 'passar'.

'Passadeira' is the person who irons or a long hallway rug. In some places, it's the board, but 'tábua' is clearer.

A passadeira está usando a tábua de passar.

Sentence Patterns

Onde está a [objeto]?

Onde está a tábua de passar?

Eu preciso de uma [objeto] [adjetivo].

Eu preciso de uma tábua de passar nova.

Sempre que eu [verbo], eu uso a [objeto].

Sempre que eu lavo roupa, eu uso a tábua de passar.

É importante que a [objeto] seja [adjetivo].

É importante que a tábua de passar seja estável.

A despeito de sua [substantivo], a [objeto] é...

A despeito de sua simplicidade, a tábua de passar é essencial.

A [objeto] atua como um símbolo de...

A tábua de passar atua como um símbolo de domesticidade.

A [objeto] é [cor].

A tábua de passar é azul.

Você pode [verbo] a [objeto]?

Você pode abrir a tábua de passar?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily household contexts.

Common Mistakes

O tábua de passar → A tábua de passar
Tábua is a feminine noun, so it must take the feminine article 'a'.
Tábua para passar → Tábua de passar
While 'para' makes sense (for), the standard compound noun uses the preposition 'de'.
Mesa de ferro → Tábua de passar
In English you say 'ironing board', but in Portuguese 'mesa de ferro' would mean a table made of the metal iron.
Tábuas de passares → Tábuas de passar
The verb in a compound noun like this stays in the infinitive; only the main noun pluralizes.
Tabua de passar (no accent) → Tábua de passar
Without the accent, the pronunciation changes and it is a spelling error.

Tips

Learn the components

Learn 'capa' (cover) and 'ferro' (iron) together with 'tábua de passar' to have a complete set of words for laundry.

Gender awareness

Always remember 'tábua' is feminine. This affects articles and adjectives you use with it.

Space saving

If you live in a small apartment in Brazil, look for a 'tábua de passar de mesa', which is a mini version that sits on a table.

Stress the first syllable

Make sure to say TÁ-bua. If you stress the middle, people might not understand you.

Search terms

When looking online, search for 'tábua de passar roupa' to find the best deals in Brazil.

Regional variations

Use 'engomar' in Lisbon and 'passar' in São Paulo to sound more like a local.

Stability

Always check if the 'travas' (latches) of the tábua are secure before putting a hot iron on it.

Clean the cover

A dirty 'capa' can ruin your clean clothes. Wash it or replace it regularly.

Professionalism

In Brazil, showing up with wrinkled clothes is often seen as unprofessional, making the tábua essential.

Literal vs Figurative

Remember that while 'tábua' can be figurative (like 'tábua de salvação'), 'tábua de passar' is almost always literal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TAB' (tábua) you open to 'PASS' (passar) your iron over. TAB-PASS.

Visual Association

Imagine a wooden board (tábua) with a giant 'PASS' sign on it, and you are driving an iron over it like a car.

Word Web

Ferro Roupa Lavar Secar Dobrar Armário Cabide Vapor

Challenge

Try to describe your laundry routine using 'tábua de passar' and three other household objects in Portuguese.

Word Origin

The word 'tábua' comes from the Latin 'tabula', meaning a plank, board, or table. The word 'passar' originates from the Vulgar Latin 'passare', derived from 'passus' (step), meaning to go through or over.

Original meaning: A plank for the action of moving an iron over fabric.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Domestic work in Brazil has historical ties to social class and race; be mindful of this when discussing 'passadeiras' or domestic help.

In the US and UK, ironing is becoming less common due to casual dress codes, whereas in Lusophone countries, formal attire is still highly valued in professional settings.

Brazilian songs often mention domestic chores as a backdrop for daily life (e.g., in Samba lyrics). Novelas (soap operas) frequently show characters interacting in the service area with an ironing board in the background. The phrase appears in many 'Dicas de Casa' (Home Tips) segments on Portuguese television.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Laundry Day

Vou passar a roupa hoje.
A tábua está aberta.
Onde está o ferro?
A roupa está seca.

Shopping for Home

Quanto custa esta tábua?
É dobrável?
Tem garantia?
Qual é o material?

Hotel Stay

Preciso de um ferro.
Tem tábua de passar no quarto?
Pode trazer uma tábua?
Onde fica a lavanderia?

House Cleaning

Guarde a tábua, por favor.
Limpe a área de serviço.
Organize os cabides.
Feche a tábua de passar.

Moving House

Cuidado com a tábua.
Ela é muito grande.
Coloque no caminhão.
Não esqueça a tábua.

Conversation Starters

"Você costuma passar sua própria roupa ou leva na lavanderia?"

"Minha tábua de passar quebrou ontem, você conhece uma marca boa?"

"Onde você guarda a tábua de passar na sua casa?"

"Você prefere tábua de passar de madeira ou de metal?"

"Você acha que os vaporizadores vão substituir a tábua de passar?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva como é a área de serviço da sua casa e onde fica a tábua de passar.

Você gosta de passar roupa? Explique o porquê usando a palavra tábua de passar.

Escreva sobre uma vez que você teve dificuldade para usar uma tábua de passar em um hotel.

Quais são os objetos essenciais para cuidar das roupas na sua opinião?

Imagine que você está comprando móveis para uma casa nova. Descreva a tábua de passar ideal.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Em Portugal, é muito comum dizer 'tábua de engomar', embora 'tábua de passar' também seja entendido.

O plural é 'tábuas de passar'. Apenas a palavra 'tábua' vai para o plural.

Sim, 'mesa de passar' é uma alternativa aceitável, especialmente para modelos maiores ou fixos.

É um substantivo feminino: 'a tábua de passar'.

Chama-se 'capa para tábua de passar' ou 'forro da tábua'.

Não há diferença no objeto; 'engomar' é um termo mais comum em Portugal para o ato de passar roupa.

Sim, antigamente eram quase todas de madeira, mas hoje as de metal são mais populares por serem leves.

Diz-se 'tábua de passar dobrável'.

É uma tábua de passar bem pequena, usada especificamente para passar mangas de camisas.

Geralmente na 'área de serviço', na lavanderia ou atrás de uma porta.