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A2 verb 11 min read

temperar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips temperar in 30 Seconds

Explanation temperar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'temperar' as a simple action verb related to cooking. It is one of the first verbs you will use when talking about food and kitchen routines. At this stage, focus on the present tense: 'Eu tempero a salada' (I season the salad). You will likely use it with basic ingredients like 'sal' (salt) and 'pimenta' (pepper). Think of it as part of your 'survival Portuguese' for the kitchen. You don't need to worry about metaphorical meanings yet. Just remember it's a regular '-ar' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'falar' or 'estudar'. Learning this word helps you follow simple recipes and express your preferences in a restaurant, such as asking if a dish is 'bem temperado' (well seasoned). It's a very practical word that connects directly to the senses of taste and smell.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'temperar' in more complex sentences and different tenses. You might use the past tense to say 'Eu temperei o frango ontem' (I seasoned the chicken yesterday) or the future to say 'Vou temperar a carne logo' (I will season the meat soon). This is also the stage where you learn the past participle 'temperado' as an adjective. You can describe food as 'muito temperado' (very seasoned) or 'pouco temperado' (lightly seasoned). You should also start noticing the word in common kitchen instructions and recipes. The preposition 'com' becomes essential here: 'temperar com alho'. You are also introduced to the idea that 'temperar' can be used for things like salad dressings (azeite e vinagre). It’s a key verb for describing daily chores and hobbies like cooking.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'temperar' in various moods, including the imperative ('Tempera a carne!') and the subjunctive ('Espero que ela tempere bem a comida'). You also start to encounter the word in more varied contexts, such as 'temperar o aço' (tempering steel) or 'temperar o vidro' (tempering glass). At this intermediate level, you begin to understand the metaphorical use of the word: to moderate or balance something. For example, 'temperar a justiça com a misericórdia' (tempering justice with mercy). You can now participate in more detailed conversations about food culture, explaining how different regions in Brazil or Portugal 'temperam' their traditional dishes. You might also start using synonyms like 'condimentar' or 'marinar' to add variety to your speech and writing.

At the B2 level, you use 'temperar' with nuance and stylistic flair. You understand that the word carries a cultural weight—'tempero' is often seen as the soul of Portuguese-speaking cuisine. You can discuss the 'temperamento' (temperament) of a person, which comes from the same root, and how life 'tempers' or 'strengthens' an individual. You are capable of using the verb in formal writing to describe the balancing of arguments or the moderation of a political stance. You also recognize idiomatic expressions involving the word. Your vocabulary is rich enough to distinguish between 'temperar a gosto' in a recipe and the more technical 'temperagem' of chocolate. You can explain the chemical and physical processes involved in tempering materials in a professional setting if needed.

At the C1 level, your use of 'temperar' is sophisticated and deeply integrated into your understanding of Portuguese semantics and etymology. You can appreciate how the Latin root 'temperare' links 'temperar' (to season), 'temperança' (temperance), 'temperatura' (temperature), and 'intempérie' (bad weather). You use the verb in complex literary or academic analyses to describe the 'tempered' tone of a text or the balanced structure of a musical composition (temperamento igual). You can engage in deep cultural discussions about how the history of the spice trade influenced the way Portuguese people 'temperam' their food. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle regional variations in how the word is used in Portugal versus Brazil or Angola.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'temperar' and all its related forms. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from metallurgy to philosophy to advanced culinary arts. You understand the most obscure idiomatic uses and historical contexts of the word. You might use it in poetic ways to describe the 'seasoning' of a long-term friendship or the 'tempering' of a nation's spirit through historical struggle. You are aware of the word's evolution and its role in the development of the Romance languages. For you, 'temperar' is not just a verb; it is a concept of harmony and proportion that you can apply to almost any subject, from the fine-tuning of a scientific instrument to the subtle balancing of a complex legal contract.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

temperar in 30 Seconds

The primary meaning is to season food with spices, herbs, or liquids.
It is also used technically to mean tempering materials like steel or glass.
Metaphorically, it means to moderate, balance, or adjust something to a desired state.
It is a regular -ar verb, essential for everyday cooking and formal discussions.

The Portuguese verb temperar is a cornerstone of daily life, especially within the culinary-rich cultures of Portugal and Brazil. At its primary level, it means 'to season'—the act of adding salt, herbs, spices, or liquids like wine and vinegar to food to enhance its flavor. However, its utility extends far beyond the kitchen. Rooted in the Latin temperare, which means 'to mix in due proportion' or 'to moderate,' the word carries a philosophical weight of balance. Whether you are preparing a traditional bacalhau or trying to 'temper' a heated argument, this verb is about finding the right equilibrium. In a culinary context, it is almost always the first step in any recipe, emphasizing that flavor is built from the foundation up.

Culinary Foundation: In Portuguese kitchens, to temperar is not just to throw salt; it is an art of marinating. It often involves 'vinha d'alhos' (wine and garlic) or a simple mix of 'sal e pimenta'.

É importante temperar a carne pelo menos duas horas antes de grelhar para o sabor penetrar.

Beyond food, the word flows into technical and emotional domains. In metallurgy, temperar o aço refers to the process of tempering steel—heating and cooling it to achieve the perfect hardness. Metaphorically, life 'tempers' a person (temperar o caráter), suggesting that hardships and experiences mold a person's resilience. You might also hear it in music, though 'afinar' is more common for tuning; 'temperamento' refers to the tuning system of an instrument. The versatility of temperar lies in this concept of 'adjustment'. It is the act of bringing something to its ideal state by adding or modifying elements.

Metaphorical Use: Used to describe moderating one's speech or emotions. 'Temperar a justiça com misericórdia' (to temper justice with mercy).

Precisamos temperar as nossas críticas para não desanimar a equipa.

In summary, use temperar whenever you are talking about improving, balancing, or preparing something by adding a specific quality. It is a verb of action and intention. Whether you are a chef, a blacksmith, or a diplomat, you are constantly 'tempering' the elements around you to reach a desired outcome. It reflects the Portuguese cultural value of 'tempero'—that special touch that makes everything better, from a simple salad to a complex social interaction.

Technical Application: Used in manufacturing to describe the strengthening of glass or metal through thermal processes.

O vidro foi temperado para resistir a altos impactos.

Using temperar correctly requires understanding its transitivity. It is almost always a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object—the thing you are seasoning. You temper the salad, the meat, or even the atmosphere. In culinary contexts, it is frequently followed by the preposition 'com' (with) to indicate the ingredients being used. For example, 'temperar com sal' (to season with salt). It is a regular -ar verb, making its conjugation predictable and easy for learners at the A2 level.

Culinary Direct Object: The most common structure: [Subject] + [Conjugated Temperar] + [Food Item]. Example: 'Eu tempero o frango'.

Você pode temperar o peixe com limão e ervas finas.

In more advanced usage, temperar appears in the passive voice, especially in recipes. 'A carne deve ser temperada...' (The meat should be seasoned...). Note that the past participle 'temperado' also functions as an adjective. A 'salada temperada' is a seasoned salad. Interestingly, in Brazil, you might hear 'dar um tempero', but the verb 'temperar' remains the standard action. In Portugal, the focus is often on the simplicity of the ingredients: 'temperar apenas com sal'.

The 'A Gosto' Pattern: Commonly used in recipes: 'Temperar a gosto' (Season to taste). This gives the cook freedom to choose the amount of spices.

Depois de cozer os legumes, deve temperar a gosto com azeite e vinagre.

When used figuratively, the structure remains similar but the context shifts to abstract nouns. 'Temperar o entusiasmo' (to temper/moderate enthusiasm). Here, the verb acts as a synonym for 'moderar' or 'suavizar'. It suggests that too much of something can be overwhelming, just as too much salt ruins a dish. This conceptual link between cooking and character is a beautiful aspect of the Portuguese language.

Using with Prepositions: 'Temperar com' is the standard. 'Temperar para' can be used to indicate the purpose or the person: 'Temperar para o jantar'.

Minha avó costumava temperar o feijão com muito alho e louro.

If you spend any time in a Portuguese-speaking household, temperar will be one of the most frequent verbs you encounter. It is the soundtrack of the kitchen. You'll hear it in cooking shows like 'MasterChef Brasil' or 'O Chef Sou Eu', where judges critique how a contestant chose to season their dish. In supermarkets, you might see 'carne temperada' (pre-seasoned meat) in the butchery section. It is a word that evokes the senses—the smell of garlic hitting a hot pan or the sight of fresh parsley being chopped.

In the Kitchen: Mothers and grandmothers often ask: 'Já temperaste a carne?' (Have you seasoned the meat yet?). It's a fundamental check in the cooking process.

Vou temperar a salada agora, sentem-se à mesa!

In a professional setting, specifically in industries like construction or manufacturing, you'll hear temperar regarding materials. A builder might talk about 'vidro temperado' (tempered glass) for a shower door or a window. This refers to safety glass that has been treated to be much stronger than standard glass. In this context, the word carries a connotation of strength and safety. It's a great example of how a 'homely' word like seasoning can transition into a 'technical' word for structural integrity.

At the Restaurant: If a dish is bland, a customer might politely say: 'Sinto que falta temperar um pouco mais' (I feel it needs a bit more seasoning).

O segredo deste restaurante é como eles conseguem temperar o arroz tão bem.

Lastly, you will hear it in literary or formal contexts when discussing 'temperança' (temperance) or 'temperamento' (temperament). A journalist might write about a politician who needs to 'temperar o seu discurso' (moderate their speech) to appeal to more voters. In these instances, the word moves away from the physical and into the realm of behavior and social dynamics. It suggests that the 'perfect mix' isn't just for food, but for human conduct as well.

Technical/Safety: Standard term in architecture: 'vidro temperado'. It's synonymous with durability.

É obrigatório usar vidro temperado nesta parte da construção.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the verb temperar with the noun tempero. While 'tempero' is the seasoning (the salt, the pepper), 'temperar' is the action of applying it. You cannot 'tempero' the meat; you must 'temperar' the meat. Another common error is trying to use 'estação' for 'seasoning' because 'season' in English can mean both a time of year and the act of adding spice. In Portuguese, these are strictly separate: 'estação' is for winter/summer, and 'temperar' is for cooking.

The 'Season' Trap: Never say 'Eu vou estação a carne'. This makes no sense in Portuguese. Always use 'temperar'.

Errado: Eu gosto de tempero a comida.
Correto: Eu gosto de temperar a comida.

A subtle mistake involves the use of prepositions. English speakers often want to say 'season with salt' and translate it literally as 'temperar com sal', which is actually correct! However, they sometimes forget the article when referring to specific ingredients. In Portuguese, you often say 'temperar com o sal que comprei' (season with the salt I bought). Another pitfall is the word 'condimentar'. While technically a synonym, it is much more formal and less common in daily speech. Using 'condimentar' while cooking at home might sound a bit robotic or overly academic.

Confusion with 'Afinar': In music, English speakers might say 'temper the piano' (meaning tuning). In Portuguese, use 'afinar'. 'Temperar' in music is a very specific technical term for historical tuning systems.

Errado: Vou temperar o meu violão.
Correto: Vou afinar o meu violão.

Finally, be careful with the past participle 'temperado'. While it usually means 'seasoned', when applied to a person ('um homem temperado'), it means a man who is moderate or experienced. If you call someone 'temperado' thinking you are calling them 'spicy' (as in 'caliente' in Spanish), you will be misunderstood. To call someone 'spicy' or 'feisty' in Portuguese, you might use 'picante' or 'fogoso', but never 'temperado'. 'Temperado' implies coolness and balance, not heat and passion.

False Friend: 'Temper': English 'temper' (anger) is 'mau humor' or 'fúria'. You don't 'temperar' when you are angry; you 'perde a paciência'.

Ele perdeu a paciência (Not: Ele perdeu o tempero).

While temperar is the most common way to say 'season', the Portuguese language offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding these synonyms will help you move from a basic level to a more natural, fluid grasp of the language. For instance, when you want to sound more professional or culinary-focused, you might choose 'condimentar'. If you are talking about letting something sit in the seasoning for a long time, 'marinar' is the word you need.

Temperar vs. Condimentar: 'Temperar' is the everyday word for adding anything to enhance flavor. 'Condimentar' specifically refers to adding 'condimentos' (spices/herbs) and is slightly more formal.

O chef recomenda condimentar o molho com manjericão fresco.

Another interesting alternative is 'sazonar'. This word is used more in Brazil than in Portugal and is closely related to the Spanish 'sazonar'. It carries a slightly more 'professional' or 'commercial' feel—you'll often see it on the packaging of spice mixes. Then there is 'adubar'. While 'adubar' primarily means 'to fertilize' (as in soil), in some regional Brazilian contexts, it can be used colloquially to mean 'to season heavily' or 'to enrich' a dish, though this is rare and should be used with caution.

Temperar vs. Marinar: 'Marinar' is the process of soaking food in a liquid (like wine or lemon juice) to tenderize and flavor it. 'Temperar' is the broader act of adding flavor.

Não basta apenas temperar; você precisa deixar o peru marinar por doze horas.

In a metaphorical sense, synonyms for 'temperar' (to moderate) include 'moderar', 'suavizar', or 'atenuar'. If you are 'tempering' your words, you are 'suavizando as palavras'. If you are 'tempering' your expectations, you are 'moderando as expectativas'. These verbs are crucial for formal writing or serious conversations. They help you express the same idea of 'balance' without always relying on the culinary-associated 'temperar'.

Temperar vs. Salgar: 'Salgar' specifically means to add salt. If you only add salt, you can say 'vou salgar a carne'. If you add salt, garlic, and pepper, you 'temperar'.

Cuidado para não salgar demais enquanto você está a temperar.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word is a sibling to 'temperature' and 'temperament', all relating to the ancient 'humors' theory where health depended on the balance (tempering) of bodily fluids.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tẽ.pe.ˈɾaɾ/

US /tẽ.pe.ˈha(ʁ)/

The stress is on the final syllable: tem-pe-RAR.

Rhymes With

falar estudar cantar mar lugar olhar pensar andar

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'em' as 'am'.
Ignoring the nasalization of the first vowel.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' (tim-pi-rar).
Over-rolling the 'r' like in Spanish.
Stress on the first or second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in recipes and simple texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct conjugation as a regular -ar verb.

Speaking 4/5

Nasalization of the first syllable can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, though the final 'r' varies by region.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

comer cozinhar sal comida carne

Learn Next

marinar refogar grelhar assar ferver

Advanced

temperança intempérie sazonar equilíbrio

Grammar to Know

Regular -ar verbs conjugation in the present tense.

Eu tempero, Tu temperas, Ele tempera...

Agreement of the past participle when used as an adjective.

A carne está temperada (feminine/singular).

Use of the preposition 'com' to indicate instruments or ingredients.

Temperar com sal.

The future subjunctive for conditional 'if' clauses.

Se você temperar agora...

Passive voice with 'ser' + past participle.

Os legumes foram temperados pelo chef.

Examples by Level

Eu vou temperar a salada.

I am going to season the salad.

Simple future with 'vou' + infinitive.

Você tempera o frango com sal?

Do you season the chicken with salt?

Present tense question.

O peixe está bem temperado.

The fish is well seasoned.

Using 'temperado' as an adjective with 'estar'.

Ela gosta de temperar com alho.

She likes to season with garlic.

Infinitive after the verb 'gostar de'.

Nós temperamos a carne agora.

We season the meat now.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Tempera a sopa, por favor.

Season the soup, please.

Imperative mood (informal).

O arroz não tem tempero.

The rice has no seasoning.

Using the noun 'tempero' for contrast.

Eu tempero a comida todos os dias.

I season the food every day.

Present tense indicating routine.

Ontem, eu temperei a carne para o churrasco.

Yesterday, I seasoned the meat for the barbecue.

Preterite tense (past action).

Você deve temperar o feijão com louro.

You should season the beans with bay leaf.

Modal verb 'dever' + infinitive.

Eles sempre temperam a comida com muito carinho.

They always season the food with a lot of care.

Present tense with adverb of frequency.

A salada foi temperada com azeite e vinagre.

The salad was seasoned with olive oil and vinegar.

Passive voice (past participle agreement).

É preciso temperar bem antes de cozinhar.

It is necessary to season well before cooking.

Impersonal expression 'é preciso'.

Nós vamos temperar o pato com laranja.

We are going to season the duck with orange.

Future construction.

O segredo é temperar a gosto.

The secret is to season to taste.

Fixed expression 'a gosto'.

Ela já tinha temperado o peru de manhã.

She had already seasoned the turkey in the morning.

Pluperfect (past before past).

Se você temperar o peixe agora, o sabor será melhor.

If you season the fish now, the flavor will be better.

Future subjunctive in a conditional clause.

O ferreiro está a temperar o aço da espada.

The blacksmith is tempering the steel of the sword.

Present continuous (European Portuguese style).

É importante que temperes a comida com moderação.

It's important that you season the food with moderation.

Present subjunctive (informal 'tu').

Ele temperou o seu discurso com algumas piadas.

He seasoned his speech with a few jokes.

Metaphorical use of 'temperar'.

Antigamente, temperava-se a carne para a conservar.

In the past, meat was seasoned to preserve it.

Impersonal 'se' with imperfect tense.

Não temperes a salada antes de chegarem os convidados.

Don't season the salad before the guests arrive.

Negative imperative.

O vidro temperado é muito mais resistente.

Tempered glass is much more resistant.

Technical use of the adjective 'temperado'.

Nós temperaríamos a comida se tivéssemos especiarias.

We would season the food if we had spices.

Conditional tense.

Ao temperar o chocolate, deve-se controlar a temperatura.

When tempering chocolate, one must control the temperature.

Gerund substitute 'Ao + infinitive'.

O juiz soube temperar o rigor da lei com a equidade.

The judge knew how to temper the rigor of the law with equity.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

A vida temperou o seu caráter através das dificuldades.

Life tempered his character through difficulties.

Metaphorical use for personal growth.

O músico tentou temperar o cravo de forma histórica.

The musician tried to temper the harpsichord in a historical way.

Technical musical term.

Deverias ter temperado a carne com mais antecedência.

You should have seasoned the meat further in advance.

Compound conditional.

O molho foi temperado com uma redução de vinho tinto.

The sauce was seasoned with a red wine reduction.

Sophisticated culinary vocabulary.

Embora tenha temperado a comida, ela ainda parece insossa.

Although I seasoned the food, it still seems bland.

Concessive clause with perfect subjunctive.

A empresa optou por usar apenas vidro temperado na fachada.

The company chose to use only tempered glass on the facade.

Professional/Technical context.

A narrativa é temperada por um humor subtil e mordaz.

The narrative is seasoned by a subtle and biting humor.

Literary metaphorical usage.

O sistema de temperamento igual revolucionou a música ocidental.

The equal temperament system revolutionized Western music.

Musical theory noun derivative.

O aço, depois de temperado, adquire propriedades únicas.

The steel, once tempered, acquires unique properties.

Scientific/Industrial context.

É imperativo que se saiba temperar as críticas no ambiente laboral.

It is imperative that one knows how to moderate criticism in the workplace.

Formal impersonal construction.

A herança árabe ensinou-nos a temperar com especiarias exóticas.

The Arab heritage taught us to season with exotic spices.

Historical/Cultural discussion.

O autor tempera a tragédia com momentos de leveza inesperada.

The author seasons the tragedy with moments of unexpected lightness.

Analysis of literary style.

Não convém temperar excessivamente, sob pena de perder o sabor original.

It is not advisable to season excessively, at the risk of losing the original flavor.

Formal 'sob pena de' construction.

O vinho ajuda a temperar a acidez do prato principal.

The wine helps to balance the acidity of the main dish.

Culinary chemistry/pairing.

A diplomacia exige a arte de temperar interesses antagónicos.

Diplomacy requires the art of balancing antagonistic interests.

High-level political metaphor.

O filósofo discorre sobre a necessidade de temperar as paixões.

The philosopher discourses on the need to moderate the passions.

Philosophical/Ethical context.

A peça foi forjada e temperada segundo métodos ancestrais.

The piece was forged and tempered according to ancestral methods.

Archaic/Historical technicality.

O amálgama cultural temperou a identidade desta nação.

The cultural amalgam seasoned the identity of this nation.

Sociological metaphor.

A justeza do tempero advém de uma intuição quase divinatória.

The correctness of the seasoning comes from an almost divinatory intuition.

Elevated prose style.

Urge temperar o ímpeto reformista com a prudência institucional.

It is urgent to moderate the reformist impetus with institutional prudence.

Formal legislative language.

O texto é temperado por arcaísmos que lhe conferem autoridade.

The text is seasoned with archaisms that grant it authority.

Philological analysis.

A mestria reside em temperar o silêncio com a nota exata.

Mastery lies in seasoning silence with the exact note.

Aesthetic/Poetic expression.

Synonyms

condimentar sazonar marinar adubar moderar suavizar atenuar afinar

Antonyms

desperdiçar exagerar enfraquecer simplificar

Common Collocations

temperar com sal

temperar a gosto

vidro temperado

aço temperado

temperar a salada

temperar a carne

temperar o ânimo

bem temperado

temperar com alho

temperar o peixe

Common Phrases

Falta temperar.

— The food needs more seasoning or flavor.

A sopa está boa, mas falta temperar um pouco mais.

Mão boa para temperar.

— Someone who has a natural talent for seasoning food perfectly.

Minha avó tem uma mão boa para temperar feijão.

Temperar o bico.

— A colloquial/humorous way to say someone is having a drink (usually alcohol).

Eles foram à taberna para temperar o bico.

Temperar a língua.

— To watch one's words or speak more moderately.

Ele precisa temperar a língua para não ofender ninguém.

Carne já temperada.

— Pre-seasoned meat bought from a shop.

Comprei carne já temperada para facilitar o trabalho.

Temperar com antecedência.

— To season food well before cooking it.

É melhor temperar o churrasco com antecedência.

Temperar a justiça.

— To apply the law with mercy or balance.

Devemos sempre temperar a justiça com a compaixão.

Temperar o aço.

— To heat and cool metal to make it strong.

O ferreiro passou o dia a temperar o aço.

Temperar com ervas.

— To use herbs like parsley or cilantro for flavor.

Gosto de temperar o peixe com ervas frescas.

Temperar o ambiente.

— To change the mood or atmosphere of a place.

A luz das velas ajudou a temperar o ambiente romântico.

Often Confused With

temperar vs tempero

Tempero is the noun (seasoning); temperar is the verb (to season).

temperar vs estação

English 'season' can mean 'estação' (time of year), but the verb is always 'temperar'.

temperar vs afinar

Use 'afinar' for tuning instruments, not 'temperar' (unless in specific music theory).

Idioms & Expressions

"Temperar a vida"

— To add excitement, variety, or joy to one's existence.

Viajar é a melhor forma de temperar a vida.

Poetic

"Bem temperado"

— Referring to someone with a balanced, strong, or experienced character.

Ele é um homem bem temperado pelas lutas da vida.

Literary

"Temperar o sangue"

— To calm down or cool one's anger.

Respire fundo para temperar o sangue antes de responder.

Colloquial

"Sem sal nem tempero"

— Something or someone that is boring, dull, or lacks personality.

Aquele filme é sem sal nem tempero.

Informal

"Temperar a gosto do freguês"

— To do something exactly as someone else wants it.

O serviço aqui é temperado a gosto do freguês.

Informal

"O tempero da discórdia"

— Something added to a situation that causes an argument.

O comentário dele foi o tempero da discórdia na festa.

Metaphorical

"Temperar a paciência"

— To test or build one's patience over time.

Trabalhar com crianças ajuda a temperar a paciência.

Neutral

"Cozinhar em lume brando e bem temperado"

— To do something slowly and with great care for a perfect result.

Este projeto deve ser feito em lume brando e bem temperado.

Proverbial

"Temperar o ferro enquanto está quente"

— Similar to 'strike while the iron is hot', but focusing on the molding/tempering aspect.

Precisamos temperar o ferro enquanto está quente para fechar o negócio.

Idiomatic

"Dar o tempero final"

— To add the finishing touches that make something perfect.

A sua apresentação deu o tempero final ao nosso projeto.

Informal

Easily Confused

temperar vs Tempo

Shared root and similar sound.

Tempo means time or weather. Temperar is to season or balance.

O tempo está bom, mas preciso de tempo para temperar a carne.

temperar vs Temperamento

Directly related noun.

Temperamento refers to personality. Temperar is the action of balancing or seasoning.

O seu temperamento ajuda-o a temperar as discussões.

temperar vs Tempestade

Similar prefix.

Tempestade means storm. It has no relation to seasoning food.

Houve uma tempestade enquanto eu temperava o peixe.

temperar vs Tempero

Verb vs Noun.

Tempero is the spice itself. Temperar is the act of putting it in.

Use este tempero para temperar o bife.

temperar vs Temperança

Abstract noun.

Temperança is the virtue of moderation. Temperar is the verb to achieve that state.

A temperança ensina a temperar os nossos desejos.

Sentence Patterns

Eu vou temperar [food].

Eu vou temperar a salada.

Temperar [food] com [ingredient].

Temperar o frango com alho.

Se você [subjunctive temperar]...

Se você temperar o peixe agora...

[Object] foi temperado por [Subject].

A sopa foi temperada pela minha mãe.

Temperar o/a [abstract noun] com [quality].

Temperar o discurso com humor.

É fundamental temperar [concept]...

É fundamental temperar a crítica com elogios.

A arte de temperar [complex concept]...

A arte de temperar o silêncio com a palavra certa.

[Food] está [adjective temperado].

O arroz está muito temperado.

Word Family

Nouns

tempero (seasoning)

temperança (temperance)

temperamento (temperament)

temperagem (tempering process)

temperatura (temperature)

Verbs

destemperar (to untemper/to lose balance)

retemperar (to retemper)

Adjectives

temperado (seasoned/tempered)

temperamental (temperamental)

intemperante (intemperate)

intempérie

tempo

temporal

contemporâneo

extemporâneo

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in domestic and culinary contexts; moderate in technical/formal contexts.

Common Mistakes

Eu gosto de tempero a carne. → Eu gosto de temperar a carne.
You used the noun 'tempero' instead of the infinitive verb 'temperar' after 'gostar de'.
Vou estação o frango. → Vou temperar o frango.
You translated 'season' as 'estação' (time of year). In Portuguese, the verb is 'temperar'.
A salada está temperado. → A salada está temperada.
The adjective 'temperado' must agree with the feminine noun 'salada'.
Eu tempero o meu piano. → Eu afino o meu piano.
While 'tempering' is a musical term in English, in Portuguese 'afinar' is the standard for tuning.
Ele está muito temperado hoje (meaning angry). → Ele está muito irritado hoje.
'Temperado' means balanced or seasoned, not angry. Use 'irritado' or 'bravo'.

Tips

Check the Gender

When using 'temperado' as an adjective, remember it must agree with the noun: 'O frango temperado' but 'A carne temperada'.

Essential Pairings

Always learn 'temperar' alongside 'sal' (salt), 'pimenta' (pepper), and 'alho' (garlic).

Listen to Grandmothers

The best way to understand 'tempero' is to watch an older Portuguese or Brazilian person cook; they rarely measure, they just 'temperam a gosto'.

Recipe Reading

In recipes, 'temperar' is usually the first or second instruction. Look for it right after 'lavar' (to wash) or 'cortar' (to cut).

Technical Specs

If you work in construction, 'vidro temperado' is a must-know term for safety standards.

Temper vs Temperar

Think of tempering steel—you are balancing its properties. Cooking is just balancing flavors!

Nasal Sound

Practice the 'em' sound by holding your nose slightly; it should vibrate.

Regional Accents

In Lisbon, you'll hear the final 'r' clearly. In Rio, it will sound like a breathy 'h'.

Metaphorical Flair

Use 'temperar' in your writing to describe a balanced argument to impress Portuguese teachers.

Song Lyrics

Search for songs with 'tempero' in the title to hear the word used in poetic and rhythmic contexts.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Temperature'. You 'temper' (temperar) the food to reach the perfect 'temperature' of flavor.

Visual Association

Imagine a chef carefully balancing a scale with salt on one side and herbs on the other.

Word Web

Sal Pimenta Cozinha Aço Equilíbrio Sabor Alho Chefe

Challenge

Try to name five things in your kitchen you can 'temperar' right now. Say them out loud: 'Eu tempero o ovo', 'Eu tempero a massa'...

Word Origin

From the Latin 'temperare', meaning to mix in due proportion, to combine, or to moderate.

Original meaning: To regulate or to bring to a proper consistency by mixing.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but note that 'temperamento' can be a sensitive topic when discussing personality.

English speakers often use 'season' for food and 'temper' for metal or emotions; Portuguese uses 'temperar' for all three, showing a unified concept of balance.

The Brazilian song 'Tempero de Dona Maria'. Culinary shows like 'MasterChef' where 'tempero' is a constant topic. The philosophical concept of 'Temperança' in the Tarot and Cardinal Virtues.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Cooking a meal

Como devo temperar isto?
Já podes temperar a salada.
Não te esqueças de temperar com pimenta.
Vou temperar a gosto.

At a restaurant

A comida está bem temperada?
Pode temperar mais um pouco?
Gosto de comida muito temperada.
O tempero está perfeito.

Construction/DIY

Preciso de vidro temperado.
Este aço foi temperado?
O vidro temperado é mais caro.
Como temperar metal em casa?

Discussing personality

Ele tem um temperamento forte.
É preciso temperar o entusiasmo.
Ela é uma pessoa temperada.
A vida temperou-o bem.

Music

O que é o temperamento igual?
Temperar o cravo leva tempo.
A escala está bem temperada.
Sistemas de temperamento histórico.

Conversation Starters

"Como você costuma temperar o seu frango grelhado?"

"Você prefere a comida muito temperada ou mais simples?"

"Qual é o segredo para temperar um bom feijão brasileiro?"

"Você acha que é importante temperar a carne com muita antecedência?"

"Em Portugal, como as pessoas costumam temperar a salada de alface?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva a sua receita favorita e explique como você deve temperar cada ingrediente.

Pense em um momento difícil da sua vida. Como essa experiência ajudou a temperar o seu caráter?

Escreva sobre a diferença entre a comida que você come hoje e a comida que sua avó costumava temperar.

Se você pudesse criar um novo tempero, que ingredientes usaria e o que você iria temperar com ele?

Explique por que o equilíbrio (temperança) é importante na vida cotidiana, usando o verbo temperar.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use the verb 'afinar'. 'Temperar' is only used in music for very specific historical tuning systems, not for general tuning before playing.

It is understood, but 'temperar' is much more common. 'Sazonar' is more frequently used in Brazil and Spanish-speaking countries.

The standard phrase is 'temperar a gosto'. You will see this in almost every Portuguese recipe.

Not necessarily. It means it has spices/flavors. If you want to say something is spicy (hot), use 'picante'.

It means 'tempered glass', which is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments.

Yes, 'temperar' covers adding any flavor-enhancing liquid or solid, including just olive oil.

Yes, it is a regular -ar verb in all tenses, which makes it very easy to learn for beginners.

Temperar is the general act of seasoning. Marinar specifically involves leaving the food in a liquid for a longer time to tenderize it.

Metaphorically, yes, to mean calming someone down or balancing their mood, but it's more formal or literary.

It's a common idiomatic way to say 'to add some flavor' or 'to make something more interesting'.