At the A1 level, you should learn 'tabuleiro' as a basic noun for a kitchen object. It is a 'tray' or a 'baking sheet'. You use it when talking about cooking or simple household items. Think of it as the thing you put in the oven to make cookies. It is a masculine noun: 'o tabuleiro'. You might see it in a list of kitchen vocabulary alongside 'garfo' (fork) and 'faca' (knife). Focus on its physical shape—flat and rectangular. At this stage, just knowing it means 'tray' is enough to get by in basic conversations about food or the home.
At the A2 level, you begin to see 'tabuleiro' in more specific contexts, especially 'tabuleiro de xadrez' (chessboard) or 'tabuleiro de damas' (checkers board). You should be able to describe what you do with it: 'Eu coloco o bolo no tabuleiro' (I put the cake on the tray). You also learn the difference between 'tabuleiro' and 'bandeja'. A 'bandeja' is for serving coffee, while a 'tabuleiro' is for baking or games. You might also encounter it in simple instructions, like 'Limpe o tabuleiro depois de usar' (Clean the tray after using).
By B1, you can use 'tabuleiro' to describe social situations, such as game nights or larger family meals. You understand that it's the central piece of many activities. You start to see compound phrases like 'tabuleiro de queijos' (cheese board). You can also handle more complex grammar involving the word, such as using it with various prepositions and in the plural ('os tabuleiros'). You might read a recipe that says 'Unte o tabuleiro com manteiga e farinha' (Grease the tray with butter and flour) and understand exactly what to do. Your vocabulary is expanding to include the material it's made of, like 'tabuleiro de inox' (stainless steel tray).
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the metaphorical use of 'tabuleiro'. It often appears in news articles or debates about strategy. 'O tabuleiro político' refers to the political landscape or the 'game' of politics. You understand that 'moving the pieces on the board' (mexer as peças no tabuleiro) means making strategic decisions. You can discuss the 'Festa dos Tabuleiros' in Tomar and its cultural significance. Your use of the word is no longer just literal; you recognize its utility in describing complex systems where different elements interact.
At C1, you use 'tabuleiro' with precision and stylistic flair. You might use it in literary descriptions to evoke the setting of a kitchen or a tense game. You are aware of regional variations, such as the 'tabuleiro da baiana' in Brazil and the specific cultural imagery it carries (street food, Afro-Brazilian heritage). You can engage in deep discussions about 'teoria dos jogos' (game theory) where the 'tabuleiro' is a central concept. You understand subtle distinctions in synonyms and can choose 'tabuleiro' over 'plataforma' or 'superfície' to convey a specific sense of boundary and purpose.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'tabuleiro' in all its forms—archaic, technical, and idiomatic. You can interpret its use in classical Portuguese literature where it might describe the layout of a garden or a specific architectural feature. You understand its etymological roots from the Latin 'tabularium' and how that influenced its current meaning. You can use the word in high-level academic writing or professional strategy documents, using it as a sophisticated metaphor for systemic structures. Your understanding includes the most obscure idioms and regionalisms across the entire Lusophone world.

tabuleiro in 30 Seconds

  • A versatile noun meaning tray, baking sheet, or game board.
  • Masculine gender: 'o tabuleiro'.
  • Essential for kitchen (baking) and leisure (board games) contexts.
  • Used metaphorically to describe strategic situations like politics.

The Portuguese word tabuleiro is a versatile noun that English speakers primarily translate as 'tray' or 'board,' depending on the context. At its core, it refers to any flat, rigid surface designed for a specific purpose—be it carrying items, baking food, or playing a game. In a domestic setting, you will encounter the tabuleiro in the kitchen, where it serves as a baking sheet for cookies or a large tray for transporting breakfast to bed. However, the word transitions seamlessly from the kitchen to the living room when referring to board games like chess or checkers. Understanding the nuances of this word requires looking at the physical characteristics: it is typically rectangular or square, has a flat base, and often features a slightly raised rim to prevent items from sliding off.

Kitchen Context
In the culinary world, a tabuleiro is essential for baking. It refers to the metal sheet you slide into the oven. Example: 'Coloque o tabuleiro no forno' (Put the tray in the oven).

Preciso de um tabuleiro maior para assar este peru de Natal.

Gaming Context
When playing games, the tabuleiro is the board itself. 'Tabuleiro de xadrez' is a chessboard, while 'tabuleiro de damas' is a checkers board.

As peças já estão postas no tabuleiro político para as próximas eleições.

Religious/Cultural Context
In Portugal, specifically in Tomar, the 'Festa dos Tabuleiros' features women carrying elaborate structures (tabuleiros) on their heads, showing the word's deep cultural roots.

Ela equilibrou o tabuleiro com cuidado enquanto subia as escadas.

Using tabuleiro correctly involves identifying whether you are talking about food preparation, game mechanics, or organizational structures. In everyday Portuguese, the most common usage is related to baking. You will often hear the phrase 'untar o tabuleiro' (to grease the tray). This is a vital instruction in any Portuguese recipe for bolo (cake) or bolachas (cookies). When you transition to the world of board games, the structure remains consistent: 'tabuleiro de [game name]'. For example, if you are inviting someone to play Monopoly, you would refer to the tabuleiro do Monopólio. The word is masculine, so it always takes masculine articles and adjectives, such as 'o tabuleiro' or 'um tabuleiro limpo'.

Retire o tabuleiro do forno com uma luva térmica.

Action Verbs
Common verbs used with tabuleiro include: limpar (to clean), preparar (to prepare), mover (to move), and organizar (to organize).

Vamos montar o tabuleiro de xadrez antes do jantar.

O tabuleiro da baiana estava cheio de iguarias deliciosas.

Prepositional Phrases
Use 'no' (em + o) for location: 'Está no tabuleiro'. Use 'de' for composition: 'Tabuleiro de madeira'.

You will hear tabuleiro in a variety of settings, ranging from the domestic to the professional. In a Portuguese home, it is a staple of Sunday lunches. You might hear someone say, 'Traga o tabuleiro da carne,' referring to the large dish or tray holding the roasted meat. In schools and community centers, during a 'noite de jogos' (game night), the word will be repeated constantly as people set up boards for Ludo, Chess, or Drafts. Professionally, in the hospitality industry, waiters might use it to describe large trays for transporting multiple plates, though 'bandeja' is often preferred for light service. In the news, political commentators frequently use the term 'tabuleiro geopolítico' to discuss international relations, likening world leaders to players moving pieces on a map.

O tabuleiro de jogo estava tão gasto que mal se viam as casas.

In the Bakery (Padaria)
Bakers use large industrial tabuleiros to bake dozens of pastéis de nata at once. You might hear: 'O próximo tabuleiro de natas sai em cinco minutos!'

Ele colocou todas as suas esperanças naquele tabuleiro de negócios.

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing tabuleiro with bandeja. While both can translate to 'tray,' they are not always interchangeable. A bandeja is typically what a waiter uses to bring you a cup of coffee or a drink—it is lighter and often circular. A tabuleiro is usually more substantial, rectangular, and used for heavier tasks like baking or carrying a full meal. Another mistake is using the word 'mesa' (table) when referring to a game board. In English, we might say 'game board,' but in Portuguese, you must use tabuleiro. Saying 'mesa de xadrez' refers to the physical table the game sits on, not the board itself. Additionally, pay attention to gender; beginners often mistakenly say 'a tabuleiro' because it ends in 'o', which is a classic error for masculine nouns.

Bandeja vs. Tabuleiro
Bandeja = Serving tray (light, drinks). Tabuleiro = Baking tray or game board (heavy, functional).

Não diga 'a tabuleiro'; o correto é sempre 'o tabuleiro'.

Depending on what you are doing, you might want to use a more specific word than tabuleiro. If you are serving tea, bandeja is the most natural choice. If you are talking about a flat surface used in construction or masonry, you might use tábua (board/plank). For those interested in technical or artistic contexts, painel (panel) could be an alternative when referring to a flat display area. In the context of a ship, the deck is called convés, though it is also a flat surface. When discussing organizational charts or boards of directors, the word is conselho or diretoria, never tabuleiro.

Bandeja
Used for serving food and drinks in social settings. 'A bandeja de prata' (The silver tray).
Assadeira
Specifically a baking pan or roasting tin. All assadeiras are tabuleiros, but not all tabuleiros are assadeiras (like a chessboard).
Prancha
A 'plank' or 'board' often used in sports (surfboard) or technical drawings.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The 'Festa dos Tabuleiros' in Tomar, Portugal, is one of the oldest and most spectacular festivals in the country, where women carry trays of bread and flowers that can weigh up to 15kg!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tə.ˈblu.i.rəʊ/
US /tə.ˈblu.eɪ.roʊ/
The stress is on the third syllable: ta-bu-LEI-ro.
Rhymes With
cheiro dinheiro passageiro primeiro ferreiro obreiro inteiro terceiro
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'ei' as a single 'e' sound.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., ta-BU-lei-ro).
  • Confusing the 'u' sound with an 'o'.
  • Making the 'r' too strong like an English 'r'.
  • Treating it as a feminine noun.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ei' spelling.

Speaking 3/5

Correct stress on 'lei' is important.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mesa cozinha jogo peça forno

Learn Next

bandeja assadeira xadrez estratégia competir

Advanced

geopolítica heurística alegoria infraestrutura

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in 'o'

O tabuleiro, o livro, o carro.

Contraction of 'em' + 'o'

No tabuleiro (in/on the tray).

Adjective agreement

Tabuleiro limpo (Clean tray).

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'o'

Tabuleiro -> Tabuleiros.

Compound nouns with 'de'

Tabuleiro de xadrez.

Examples by Level

1

O tabuleiro está na cozinha.

The tray is in the kitchen.

Simple subject-verb-location structure.

2

Eu tenho um tabuleiro pequeno.

I have a small tray.

Adjective agreement (masculine singular).

3

Onde está o tabuleiro do bolo?

Where is the cake tray?

Possessive 'do' (de + o).

4

O tabuleiro é de metal.

The tray is made of metal.

Using 'de' to indicate material.

5

Lave o tabuleiro, por favor.

Wash the tray, please.

Imperative mood (request).

6

O tabuleiro está quente.

The tray is hot.

State of being with 'estar'.

7

Preciso de um tabuleiro.

I need a tray.

Verb 'precisar' followed by 'de'.

8

O tabuleiro caiu no chão.

The tray fell on the floor.

Past tense 'caiu'.

1

Vamos jogar no tabuleiro de xadrez.

Let's play on the chessboard.

Compound noun 'tabuleiro de xadrez'.

2

Coloque os biscoitos no tabuleiro.

Put the cookies on the tray.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

3

O tabuleiro de damas é preto e branco.

The checkers board is black and white.

Descriptive adjectives.

4

Ela comprou um tabuleiro novo para o forno.

She bought a new tray for the oven.

Purpose indicated by 'para'.

5

O tabuleiro está cheio de pães.

The tray is full of breads.

'Cheio de' expression.

6

Não toque no tabuleiro, está muito quente!

Don't touch the tray, it's very hot!

Negative imperative.

7

O tabuleiro é retangular.

The tray is rectangular.

Geometrical description.

8

Quantos tabuleiros você tem?

How many trays do you have?

Plural form 'tabuleiros'.

1

Unte o tabuleiro com manteiga antes de colocar a massa.

Grease the tray with butter before putting in the batter.

Cooking instruction vocabulary.

2

O tabuleiro de queijos estava delicioso.

The cheese board was delicious.

Metonymy (board used for the food on it).

3

Eles organizaram os jogos de tabuleiro no armário.

They organized the board games in the closet.

Collective 'jogos de tabuleiro'.

4

O tabuleiro de servir é feito de madeira de carvalho.

The serving tray is made of oak wood.

Specific material description.

5

Faltam algumas peças no tabuleiro de xadrez.

Some pieces are missing from the chessboard.

Verb 'faltar' (to be missing).

6

Ela equilibrou o tabuleiro com as duas mãos.

She balanced the tray with both hands.

Action verb 'equilibrar'.

7

O tabuleiro do forno precisa de uma limpeza profunda.

The oven tray needs a deep clean.

Noun-noun relationship with 'do'.

8

Este tabuleiro é ideal para assar legumes.

This tray is ideal for roasting vegetables.

Adjective 'ideal'.

1

O tabuleiro político mudou após as declarações do ministro.

The political board changed after the minister's statements.

Metaphorical usage.

2

Precisamos analisar o tabuleiro antes de fazer o próximo investimento.

We need to analyze the board before making the next investment.

Strategy context.

3

A Festa dos Tabuleiros é uma tradição única de Tomar.

The Festival of Trays is a unique tradition of Tomar.

Proper noun/Cultural reference.

4

Ela moveu as peças no tabuleiro com grande habilidade.

She moved the pieces on the board with great skill.

Idiomatic expression of strategy.

5

O tabuleiro da baiana é um símbolo da cultura de Salvador.

The Bahian woman's tray is a symbol of Salvador's culture.

Regional cultural context.

6

O jogo foi decidido nos últimos segundos no tabuleiro.

The game was decided in the last seconds on the board.

Temporal context.

7

O tabuleiro de instrumentos estava pronto para a cirurgia.

The instrument tray was ready for the surgery.

Medical context.

8

Cada movimento no tabuleiro geopolítico tem consequências globais.

Every move on the geopolitical board has global consequences.

Abstract academic usage.

1

A complexidade do tabuleiro social exige uma abordagem multidisciplinar.

The complexity of the social board requires a multidisciplinary approach.

High-level sociological metaphor.

2

O autor utiliza o tabuleiro como uma alegoria para a vida humana.

The author uses the board as an allegory for human life.

Literary analysis.

3

As peças estão dispostas de forma assimétrica no tabuleiro.

The pieces are arranged asymmetrically on the board.

Advanced descriptive vocabulary.

4

Houve uma reconfiguração total do tabuleiro de poder na região.

There was a total reconfiguration of the power board in the region.

Political science terminology.

5

O tabuleiro de ensaio permitiu aos engenheiros testar o novo circuito.

The breadboard allowed the engineers to test the new circuit.

Technical/Engineering term (tabuleiro de ensaio).

6

A destreza com que ela equilibrava o tabuleiro era quase hipnotizante.

The dexterity with which she balanced the tray was almost mesmerizing.

Sophisticated narrative style.

7

O tabuleiro de xadrez de luxo foi esculpido em marfim e ébano.

The luxury chessboard was carved in ivory and ebony.

Passive voice and luxury materials.

8

Ele percebeu que era apenas um peão naquele vasto tabuleiro de interesses.

He realized he was just a pawn on that vast board of interests.

Existential metaphor.

1

A tessitura do tabuleiro narrativo revela camadas de simbolismo profundo.

The texture of the narrative board reveals layers of deep symbolism.

Highly abstract literary metaphor.

2

Subjacente a cada decisão, reside a lógica implacável do tabuleiro.

Underlying every decision lies the relentless logic of the board.

Philosophical phrasing.

3

O tabuleiro, outrora vibrante, jazia agora coberto pelo pó do esquecimento.

The board, once vibrant, now lay covered by the dust of oblivion.

Archaic/Poetic tone.

4

A análise heurística do tabuleiro sugere uma vitória iminente.

The heuristic analysis of the board suggests an imminent victory.

Scientific/Technical register.

5

O tabuleiro de damas serviu como microcosmo para o conflito geracional.

The checkers board served as a microcosm for the generational conflict.

Sociological metaphor.

6

A disposição das peças no tabuleiro obedece a uma geometria sagrada.

The arrangement of the pieces on the board obeys a sacred geometry.

Esoteric/Academic context.

7

O tabuleiro de pontes ligava as várias ilhas do arquipélago.

The deck of bridges connected the various islands of the archipelago.

Civil engineering usage (tabuleiro de ponte).

8

Inerente ao tabuleiro está a promessa de um novo começo a cada partida.

Inherent to the board is the promise of a new beginning with each match.

Reflective/Philosophical statement.

Common Collocations

tabuleiro de xadrez
tabuleiro do forno
tabuleiro de damas
tabuleiro de queijos
tabuleiro político
untar o tabuleiro
jogo de tabuleiro
tabuleiro de servir
tabuleiro de madeira
tabuleiro de ponte

Common Phrases

Mexer as peças no tabuleiro

— To make strategic moves in a situation.

Ele está mexendo as peças no tabuleiro para ganhar a promoção.

Limpar o tabuleiro

— To clear everything away or start fresh.

Depois da discussão, eles decidiram limpar o tabuleiro e recomeçar.

Pôr as cartas no tabuleiro

— To be honest and lay out all the facts (similar to cards on the table).

É hora de pôr as cartas no tabuleiro.

Estar no tabuleiro

— To be part of the game or the current situation.

Muitos candidatos já estão no tabuleiro eleitoral.

Tabuleiro de ofertas

— A selection or variety of offers.

A loja tem um grande tabuleiro de ofertas hoje.

Sair do tabuleiro

— To quit or be removed from a situation.

O jogador saiu do tabuleiro após a polêmica.

Ficar no tabuleiro

— To remain in contention.

Apenas três empresas ficaram no tabuleiro de licitação.

Virar o tabuleiro

— To completely change the situation, often in one's favor.

Com o novo produto, a empresa virou o tabuleiro.

Tabuleiro de instrumentos

— A tray of tools, usually medical or technical.

O enfermeiro preparou o tabuleiro de instrumentos.

Cair do tabuleiro

— To fail or be dropped from a plan.

O projeto caiu do tabuleiro por falta de verba.

Often Confused With

tabuleiro vs bandeja

Bandeja is for serving drinks/snacks; tabuleiro is for baking or games.

tabuleiro vs tábua

Tábua is a wooden plank or cutting board; tabuleiro is a tray or game board.

tabuleiro vs mesa

Mesa is the table; tabuleiro is the board on top of the table.

Idioms & Expressions

"Mudar o tabuleiro"

— To change the context or rules of an interaction.

A nova lei mudou o tabuleiro para os empresários.

Business/Political
"Jogo de tabuleiro"

— Literally board game, but often used to describe life's ups and downs.

A vida é como um jogo de tabuleiro.

Philosophical
"Tabuleiro de xadrez"

— Used to describe a very strategic and intellectual conflict.

A negociação foi um verdadeiro tabuleiro de xadrez.

Formal
"No tabuleiro da vida"

— In the grand scheme of things/life.

Somos todos peças no tabuleiro da vida.

Literary
"Peça fora do tabuleiro"

— Someone who is no longer relevant or involved.

Ele agora é uma peça fora do tabuleiro.

Informal
"Dominar o tabuleiro"

— To have complete control over a situation.

A multinacional domina o tabuleiro do mercado.

Formal
"Tabuleiro de areia"

— A sandbox (often metaphorical for testing).

Usamos o projeto como um tabuleiro de areia.

Technical
"Arrumar o tabuleiro"

— To set things up or prepare for an event.

Vamos arrumar o tabuleiro antes que os convidados cheguem.

Neutral
"Tabuleiro de apostas"

— The range of possibilities in a risky situation.

O tabuleiro de apostas está aberto.

Informal
"Quebrar o tabuleiro"

— To disrupt a system or situation completely.

A greve quebrou o tabuleiro da produção.

Informal

Easily Confused

tabuleiro vs bandeja

Both mean 'tray' in English.

Bandeja is lighter and used for serving; Tabuleiro is heavier and used for baking or games.

Ele trouxe o café na bandeja, mas o bolo está no tabuleiro.

tabuleiro vs assadeira

Both used in the oven.

Assadeira is specifically for roasting/baking; Tabuleiro is more general.

Toda assadeira é um tabuleiro, mas nem todo tabuleiro é uma assadeira.

tabuleiro vs tábua

Both are flat surfaces.

Tábua is usually just a piece of wood (plank/cutting board).

Corte os legumes na tábua e coloque-os no tabuleiro.

tabuleiro vs painel

Both can be flat boards.

Painel is for display or control (panel).

O painel mostra os dados, o tabuleiro mostra o jogo.

tabuleiro vs prancha

Both mean 'board'.

Prancha is for sports (surfing) or large flat sheets.

Ele pegou a prancha de surf e o tabuleiro de xadrez.

Sentence Patterns

A1

O tabuleiro está [adjective].

O tabuleiro está sujo.

A2

Eu coloco o [noun] no tabuleiro.

Eu coloco o pão no tabuleiro.

B1

Preciso de um tabuleiro de [material/game].

Preciso de um tabuleiro de madeira.

B1

Não se esqueça de [verb] o tabuleiro.

Não se esqueça de limpar o tabuleiro.

B2

O tabuleiro de [abstract noun] mudou.

O tabuleiro de poder mudou.

B2

As peças estão no tabuleiro de [game].

As peças estão no tabuleiro de damas.

C1

A análise do tabuleiro revela que [clause].

A análise do tabuleiro revela que a situação é grave.

C2

Inerente à estrutura do tabuleiro, [clause].

Inerente à estrutura do tabuleiro, reside a ordem.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High (especially in domestic and gaming contexts)

Common Mistakes
  • A tabuleiro O tabuleiro

    The word is masculine, so it requires the masculine article 'o'.

  • Mesa de xadrez (for the board) Tabuleiro de xadrez

    'Mesa' refers to the table, 'tabuleiro' refers to the game board.

  • Bandeja (for baking) Tabuleiro

    You don't bake on a 'bandeja'; you use a 'tabuleiro'.

  • Tabolero Tabuleiro

    Incorrect spelling and pronunciation; ensure the 'u' and 'ei' are present.

  • Using 'tabuleiro' for a shelf Prateleira

    A shelf is a 'prateleira', even though it is flat like a 'tabuleiro'.

Tips

Table-Ludo

Think of a TABLE where you play LUDO. TAB-U-LEIRO. It helps you remember the first three syllables easily.

Kitchen Tip

When reading recipes, 'tabuleiro' almost always means your metal baking sheet. Make sure you have the right size!

Gender Check

It ends in 'o', so it's masculine. This is a reliable rule for this word. 'O tabuleiro' is the only way.

Tomar Festival

Search for 'Festa dos Tabuleiros' on YouTube to see the word in a stunning cultural context. It will make the word unforgettable.

Game Night

Next time you play a board game, call it a 'jogo de tabuleiro'. Using it in context is the best way to learn.

Specifics

If you are specifically talking about roasting meat, you can use 'assadeira', but 'tabuleiro' is never wrong.

The 'EI' Sound

The 'ei' in 'tabuleiro' is a diphthong. It sounds like the 'ay' in 'day'. Don't just say 'e'.

Not a Table

Don't call a chessboard a 'mesa de xadrez' unless you mean the actual furniture. The board itself is the 'tabuleiro'.

Spelling

Note the 'u' after the 'b'. Some learners try to say 'tabolero'—avoid this! It's 'ta-bu-lei-ro'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'tabuleiro' and 'peças', it's about a game. If you hear 'tabuleiro' and 'forno', it's about cooking.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TABLE' where you play 'LUDO'—that's a TAB-U-LEIRO.

Visual Association

Visualize a rectangular baking tray coming out of a hot oven with the word 'TABULEIRO' written in flour on it.

Word Web

Cozinha Jogo Xadrez Forno Madeira Metal Bolo Estratégia

Challenge

Write three sentences using 'tabuleiro': one about food, one about a game, and one about a person's strategy.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'tabularium', which refers to a place for keeping archives or a collection of tablets ('tabula').

Original meaning: A flat board or tablet used for writing or records.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

When discussing 'tabuleiros de acarajé', be respectful of the religious significance (Candomblé) associated with the food.

In English, we split the word into 'tray' and 'board'. Portuguese keeps them together under one concept of a flat surface.

Festa dos Tabuleiros (Tomar) O Tabuleiro da Baiana (Song by Ary Barroso) International Chess Tournaments

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking

  • Unte o tabuleiro
  • Tabuleiro antiaderente
  • Leve ao forno no tabuleiro
  • Limpar o tabuleiro

Board Games

  • Montar o tabuleiro
  • Peças no tabuleiro
  • Tabuleiro de xadrez
  • Olhar para o tabuleiro

Politics

  • Tabuleiro eleitoral
  • Mover as peças
  • Reconfigurar o tabuleiro
  • Análise do tabuleiro

Hospitality

  • Tabuleiro de pequeno-almoço
  • Carregar o tabuleiro
  • Tabuleiro de madeira
  • Organizar o tabuleiro

Engineering

  • Tabuleiro da ponte
  • Vigass do tabuleiro
  • Pavimentar o tabuleiro
  • Estrutura do tabuleiro

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere jogos de tabuleiro ou jogos de vídeo?"

"Qual é o seu jogo de tabuleiro favorito?"

"Você já viu a Festa dos Tabuleiros em Tomar?"

"Você usa um tabuleiro de metal ou de vidro para assar bolos?"

"Como você organiza o seu tabuleiro de queijos?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento em que você jogou um jogo de tabuleiro com amigos.

Escreva sobre uma receita que exige o uso de um tabuleiro grande.

Pense em uma situação na sua vida que parece um jogo de tabuleiro estratégico.

Como seria o seu 'tabuleiro de queijos' ideal para uma festa?

Reflita sobre a importância das tradições como a Festa dos Tabuleiros.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is masculine: 'o tabuleiro'. You should always use masculine articles and adjectives with it, like 'um tabuleiro grande' or 'o meu tabuleiro'.

Yes, especially if it's a large, heavy tray. However, for a small tray used for coffee or tea, 'bandeja' is more common and natural.

It is a chessboard. Portuguese uses the word 'tabuleiro' for almost all board games (jogos de tabuleiro).

You can say 'tabuleiro do forno' or simply 'tabuleiro' if the context is clear. 'Assadeira' is also a common synonym for this.

Yes, the plural is 'tabuleiros'. For example: 'Eu comprei dois tabuleiros novos'.

It's an idiom meaning to make strategic moves, usually in business, politics, or life, similar to playing a game of chess.

Yes, in civil engineering, the 'tabuleiro' is the deck or the flat surface of the bridge that vehicles drive on.

It is a famous traditional festival in Tomar, Portugal, where women carry large, decorated trays of bread on their heads.

Yes, it is used throughout the Lusophone world. In Brazil, it is particularly associated with the trays of street food vendors in Bahia.

'Tábua' is a simple board or plank (like a cutting board), while 'tabuleiro' usually has a specific function and often a rim or edge.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'tabuleiro' and 'bolo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The chessboard is on the table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe what a 'tabuleiro' is in your own words (in Portuguese).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a metaphorical sentence about politics using 'tabuleiro'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Grease the tray with butter.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about the 'Festa dos Tabuleiros'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I need two new baking trays.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'tabuleiro de queijos'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The chess pieces are on the board.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'tabuleiro' in a sentence about a bridge.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'She balanced the tray on her head.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about cleaning a tray.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Board games are popular here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a 'tabuleiro de damas'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The metal tray is in the oven.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'tabuleiro' in a hospital.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The strategic board has many pieces.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'tabuleiro' in a sentence about a bakery.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Is the tray clean?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'tabuleiros' in the plural.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Pronounce the word 'tabuleiro' correctly.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro de xadrez'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Unte o tabuleiro'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Jogos de tabuleiro são divertidos'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro está quente'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'tabuleiro' and 'bandeja' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'As peças estão no tabuleiro'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Tabuleiro de queijos e vinhos'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro político mudou'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Preciso de um tabuleiro novo'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Onde está o tabuleiro?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Lave o tabuleiro, por favor'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro é de madeira'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Vamos jogar no tabuleiro de damas'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro do forno é grande'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Equilibrar o tabuleiro é difícil'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro da ponte é seguro'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Limpe o tabuleiro com cuidado'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'O tabuleiro de instrumentos está pronto'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'Mexer no tabuleiro de poder'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'O tabuleiro de xadrez'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Unte o tabuleiro'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Tabuleiro de queijos'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'O tabuleiro está sujo'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Mexer as peças no tabuleiro'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Tabuleiro de madeira'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'O tabuleiro do forno'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Jogos de tabuleiro'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Festa dos Tabuleiros'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Tabuleiro de metal'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'O tabuleiro da ponte'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Limpar o tabuleiro'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Tabuleiro de damas'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'O tabuleiro político'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Peças de xadrez no tabuleiro'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!