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A1 noun 10 min read

Tomate

Examples Tomate in 30 Seconds
Explanation Tomate in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word tomate is one of the essential food nouns you will learn. You should focus on its gender (masculine: o tomate) and its basic use in the context of shopping and simple meals. At this stage, you are expected to identify a tomato in a picture, ask for it at a market using simple phrases like 'Queria um quilo de tomate, por favor' (I would like a kilo of tomatoes, please), and describe its basic color ('O tomate é vermelho'). You will also encounter it in basic restaurant menus under 'Saladas'. The goal is to recognize the word and use it in simple subject-verb-object sentences. You should also learn the plural form 'tomates' and how to use it with numbers, such as 'dois tomates'. Understanding that the 'e' at the end is very quiet in European Portuguese is a key pronunciation goal for A1 learners. You might also learn the phrase 'gosto de tomate' (I like tomato) to express preferences. This level is about building the foundation of your food vocabulary, and 'tomate' is a cornerstone of that foundation because of its prevalence in Portuguese cuisine.
At the A2 level, you move beyond simple identification to describing the tomate and using it in slightly more complex contexts like basic recipes. You should be able to use adjectives to describe the quality of the tomato: maduro (ripe), verde (green), fresco (fresh), or doce (sweet). You will learn to use the word with prepositions, specifically in the context of ingredients: arroz de tomate (tomato rice) or sopa de tomate (tomato soup). At A2, you should also be comfortable with partitive expressions like 'uma fatia de tomate' (a slice of tomato) or 'um pedaço de tomate' (a piece of tomato). You might start to notice the word in common kitchen instructions: 'Lave o tomate' (Wash the tomato) or 'Corte o tomate em pedaços' (Cut the tomato in pieces). This level also introduces the distinction between different types of tomatoes, such as 'tomate cereja'. You should be able to follow a simple recipe that involves tomatoes and understand basic health benefits, such as 'O tomate é bom para a saúde' (The tomato is good for health).
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At the B1 level, your use of tomate becomes more versatile and integrated into broader topics like health, nutrition, and regional culture. You will learn about the role of the tomato in the Mediterranean diet and be able to discuss its nutritional value, using words like vitaminas, antioxidantes, and licopeno. You will also encounter the word in more idiomatic or metaphorical contexts, such as 'ficar vermelho como um tomate' (to turn red as a tomato). At this level, you should be able to describe the process of making a tomato-based dish in detail, using a wider range of verbs like refogar (to sauté), triturar (to blend), or pelar (to peel). You will also learn about the importance of the tomato industry in Portugal, particularly in the Ribatejo region. You should be able to express opinions about the quality of tomatoes in different seasons and understand more specific varieties like 'tomate coração de boi'. Your ability to use the word in the passive voice ('O tomate é cultivado no sul') or in conditional sentences ('Se tivesse tomate, faria uma salada') is expected at this stage.
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At the B2 level, you can use tomate in more abstract and technical discussions. You might discuss the environmental impact of intensive tomato farming or the economic importance of tomato concentrate exports for Portugal. You should be comfortable with technical terms like estufa (greenhouse), colheita (harvest), and fertilizantes. At this level, you can understand and use more sophisticated culinary terms like confit de tomate or redução de tomate. You will also be able to handle more complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as relative clauses ('O tomate que comprei ontem já está podre') and the subjunctive mood ('É importante que o tomate esteja bem maduro para o molho'). You will also be more aware of the informal and slang uses of the word, understanding when it is appropriate to use 'tomates' to mean courage and when it is not. You can participate in a debate about organic vs. conventional farming using the tomato as a primary example. Your vocabulary will also include related botanical terms like tomateiro (the plant) and semente (seed).
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At the C1 level, your mastery of tomate extends to literary and highly nuanced contexts. You can appreciate the use of the tomato as a symbol in Portuguese literature or film. You are expected to have a deep understanding of the historical journey of the tomato from the New World to the Portuguese table and its socio-economic impact over the centuries. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures and understand subtle puns or wordplay involving 'tomate'. Your ability to discuss the chemistry of the tomato, its genetic modification, and its role in global food security is refined. You can also distinguish between regional dialects and how they might refer to tomatoes or tomato-based dishes differently. For example, you might analyze the linguistic differences between 'polpa de tomate' and 'extrato de tomate' in different Lusophone countries. You can write sophisticated essays or give presentations on the culinary heritage of Portugal where the tomato plays a central role. At this level, the word is not just a food item but a cultural icon through which you can explore the complexities of the Portuguese-speaking world.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of the word tomate and all its connotations. You can use it in academic research, high-level journalism, or professional culinary criticism. You understand the most obscure idioms and historical references related to the tomato. You can engage in deep philosophical or scientific discussions about the nature of food, using the tomato as a case study for topics like biodiversity, heirloom seeds, and the evolution of taste. You are aware of the subtle differences in meaning and usage between European Portuguese and all other varieties of Portuguese (Brazilian, Angolan, Mozambican, etc.) regarding this word. You can effortlessly switch between formal, technical, and slang registers. Your use of the word is precise, evocative, and culturally grounded. Whether you are analyzing a poem that mentions the 'sangue do tomate' (the blood of the tomato) or discussing the logistics of the international tomato market, your command is absolute. The word tomate is fully integrated into your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express the most complex ideas with clarity and cultural sensitivity.
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Examples

Tomate in 30 Seconds

  • Tomate is a masculine noun meaning tomato, a staple red fruit used as a vegetable in Portuguese cooking and salads.
  • It is essential for the 'refogado' base and appears in dishes like 'arroz de tomate' and 'sopa de tomate'.
  • Pronunciation in Portugal features a nearly silent final 'e', sounding like 'tu-MAH-t'. In Brazil, it sounds like 'to-MAH-chi'.
  • Grammatically, it is masculine (o tomate) and pluralizes to 'tomates'. It is also used in informal slang to mean courage.
The Portuguese word tomate refers to the tomato, a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean diet that characterizes Portuguese cuisine. While botanically a fruit, in every linguistic and culinary context in Portugal, it is treated as a vegetable (legume). It is a masculine noun, preceded by the article o. You will encounter this word daily, whether you are browsing a mercado municipal, ordering a salad in a tasca, or reading a recipe for a traditional refogado.
Culinary Foundation
The tomato is the base for the 'refogado', the holy trinity of Portuguese cooking consisting of onion, garlic, and tomato sautéed in olive oil. Without the tomate, dishes like 'Arroz de Tomate' or 'Caldeirada' would lose their essential character.

Preciso de comprar um quilo de tomate bem maduro para fazer o molho hoje à noite.

In Portugal, people are very specific about the quality of their tomate. It isn't just a red orb; it is a seasonal treasure. During the summer months, you will hear people praising the tomate coração de boi (oxheart tomato), known for its irregular shape and intense flavor.
Varietal Nuance
Portuguese speakers distinguish between 'tomate chucha' (plum tomato, ideal for preserves), 'tomate cereja' (cherry tomato), and the aforementioned 'coração de boi'. Using the right term shows a deeper connection to the local culture.

Este tomate ainda está muito verde; temos de esperar uns dias antes de o comer.

Beyond the kitchen, the word carries historical weight. Introduced to Europe via the Iberian Peninsula from the Americas, the tomato transformed Portuguese eating habits. When you use the word tomate, you are invoking centuries of agricultural evolution. You will hear it in the market: 'Olha o tomate fresquinho!' (Look at the fresh tomato!).
Metaphorical Use
While less common than in English, being 'vermelho como um tomate' (red as a tomato) is a standard way to describe someone blushing or being sunburned.

Ele ficou vermelho como um tomate quando ela o elogiou à frente de todos.

A sopa de tomate com ovo escalfado é um prato típico do Alentejo que deves provar.

Não te esqueças de tirar a pele ao tomate antes de o triturar para a sopa.

Whether you are discussing agriculture, nutrition, or simply what to have for lunch, tomate is an indispensable word in your Portuguese vocabulary. It represents health, sunshine, and the rustic simplicity of the Lusophone table.
Using tomate correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as a count noun that often functions collectively. In a sentence, it usually requires an article: o tomate (the tomato) or um tomate (a tomato). When you are talking about the ingredient in general, you use the singular masculine form.
Direct Object Usage
When you perform an action on a tomato, it follows the verb directly. 'Eu corto o tomate' (I cut the tomato). 'Ela lavou os tomates' (She washed the tomatoes).

Podes cortar o tomate em cubos pequenos para a salada, por favor?

If you are describing a dish, tomate often appears after the preposition de. For example, arroz de tomate, sopa de tomate, or molho de tomate. In these cases, it functions as an adjective-like modifier, and you do not usually pluralize it even if the dish contains many tomatoes.
Prepositional Phrases
'De tomate' is the most common construction. 'Queres uma sanduíche de tomate?' (Do you want a tomato sandwich?).

O molho de tomate caseiro é muito mais saboroso do que o de compra.

Adjectives must agree in gender and number with tomate. Since it is masculine, you would say tomate maduro (ripe tomato) or tomates vermelhos (red tomatoes).
Agreement
'Este tomate está podre' (This tomato is rotten). 'Estes tomates são biológicos' (These tomatoes are organic).

Comprei uns tomates cereja muito doces na feira biológica.

A salada mista leva alface, tomate e cebola, temperada com azeite e vinagre.

In more complex sentences, tomate can be the subject. 'O tomate é rico em licopeno' (The tomato is rich in lycopene). Here, the definite article o generalizes the whole category. If you are talking about the price, you might say: 'O preço do tomate subiu imenso' (The price of tomatoes went up a lot).

Diz-se que o tomate ajuda a prevenir várias doenças cardiovasculares.

Note that in Portuguese, we don't usually say 'um tomate' to mean 'a tomato plant' in common speech; we would say 'um tomateiro'. So, if you are in a garden, you might say: 'O meu tomateiro está cheio de tomates' (My tomato plant is full of tomatoes).
The word tomate is ubiquitous in Portuguese daily life. One of the most common places is the mercado or supermercado. You will hear vendors shouting the price: 'Tomate a um euro o quilo!'. Shoppers often discuss the firmness or ripeness of the fruit, using terms like maduro (ripe), verde (green/unripe), or rijinho (firm).
In the Kitchen
You will hear it in cooking shows (programas de culinária) where chefs explain the importance of 'tomate pelado' (peeled tomato) or 'polpa de tomate' (tomato pulp) for consistency.

Vou acrescentar uma colher de polpa de tomate para dar mais cor ao guisado.

Restaurants are another primary location. When reading a menu, you'll see Salada de Tomate, Sopa de Tomate à Alentejana, or Bitoque (which usually comes with a slice of tomato). Waiters might ask: 'A salada é com tudo? Alface, tomate e cebola?'.
News and Economy
Portugal is a major exporter of tomato concentrate. You might hear 'tomate' on the news when discussing agricultural exports or the harvest season in the Ribatejo region.

A campanha do tomate deste ano foi afetada pela falta de chuva no sul.

Ele teve tomates para dizer a verdade ao chefe na frente de todos.

In schools, children learn about the life cycle of the tomate in biology. In health clinics, doctors might mention it when discussing a diet rich in antioxidants. It is a word that bridges the gap between the humble earth and the sophisticated laboratory. Even in literature, the vibrant red of the tomate is often used as a metaphor for passion or vitality.

Naquela horta, o tomate brilhava como um rubi sob o sol de agosto.

Social Context
During a 'churrasco' (barbecue), someone will invariably ask: 'Quem é que faz a salada de tomate?'. It is the social glue of the Portuguese summer meal.

Passa-me o tomate, por favor; vou começar a preparar o jantar.

Whether you are in a bustling city like Lisbon or a quiet village in the Alentejo, the word tomate will be a constant companion in your linguistic journey.
One of the primary hurdles for English speakers is the gender of the word. In English, 'tomato' is neutral, but in Portuguese, tomate is strictly masculine. Beginners often mistakenly use the feminine article a because many fruits in Portuguese (like maçã, laranja, banana) are feminine. Remember: o tomate, never a tomate.
Gender Error
Wrong: 'A tomate é vermelha.' Correct: 'O tomate é vermelho.' This affects all associated adjectives and pronouns.

Vi um tomate (masculine) enorme no mercado, não uma tomate.

Another common mistake is the pronunciation of the final 'e'. In European Portuguese, the final 'e' is very weak, almost a whisper. English speakers often over-pronounce it as /eɪ/ (like 'tomatey') or /i/ (like 'tomati'). It should be a very short, neutral sound.
Pronunciation Pitfall
Avoid saying 'to-MAH-tay'. Aim for 'tu-MAH-t(e)', where the last 'e' is barely audible.

O tomate está no ponto certo para a salada.

Learners also struggle with the pluralization of compound words related to tomatoes. For example, 'tomate-cereja' (cherry tomato) becomes 'tomates-cereja' (or sometimes 'tomates-cerejas', though the former is more traditional).

Ele toma (takes/drinks) suco de tomate todas as manhãs.

Using the word in the plural when the singular is expected is another nuance. In English, we might say 'I like tomatoes'. In Portuguese, 'Eu gosto de tomate' (singular) is very common when expressing a general preference for the food item.
Singular vs Plural
When talking about the flavor or the ingredient, use the singular: 'Este prato sabe muito a tomate'.

Adoro comer tomate com um pouco de sal e orégãos.

Lastly, be careful with the slang usage mentioned earlier. Using 'tomates' to mean courage is very informal and can be vulgar depending on the company. Avoid using it in professional or formal settings where coragem or audácia would be more appropriate.

O tomate é um ingrediente versátil que não deve faltar na sua despensa.

By keeping these points in mind, you will avoid the most common traps and sound more like a native speaker.
While tomate is the specific word for the fruit, there are several related terms and alternatives depending on the context. If you are looking for other vegetables usually found with tomatoes, you might use pimento (bell pepper), pepino (cucumber), or cebola (onion).
Botanical Relatives
The tomato belongs to the 'Solanáceas' family. Other members in Portuguese include 'batata' (potato) and 'beringela' (eggplant).

A salada grega leva tomate, pepino, pimento e queijo feta.

If you want to be more specific about the form of the tomato, you have several options. Instead of just saying tomate, you could say concentrado de tomate (tomato paste), polpa de tomate (tomato pulp), or ketchup (which is used in Portugal as well).
Processed Forms
'Molho de tomate' (tomato sauce) is the most common processed version. 'Tomate pelado' (peeled tomato) is often sold in cans.

Para esta receita de massa, prefiro usar tomate pelado em lata.

In terms of varieties, as mentioned, tomate cereja is the equivalent of cherry tomato. In Brazil, you might hear tomate caqui or tomate rasteiro, terms less common in Portugal.

O tomate seco dá um toque gourmet a qualquer salada de massa.

Historically, the tomato was called 'pomodoro' in Italian (golden apple), and while that word isn't used in Portuguese, you might see it in Italian restaurants in Portugal.
Comparison: Tomate vs Legumes
While 'tomate' is a fruit, it is categorized under 'legumes' (vegetables) or 'hortaliças' (garden produce) in grocery stores.

A secção de tomate fica logo ao lado das alfaces e dos pepinos.

Não confundas tomate com 'tomatillo', que é uma fruta diferente usada na cozinha mexicana.

Understanding these synonyms and related words allows you to navigate the culinary world of Portugal with greater precision. Whether you're shopping or dining out, knowing these distinctions makes you a more competent speaker and a more informed consumer.
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Examples by Level

1

O tomate é vermelho.

The tomato is red.

Basic subject-adjective agreement (masculine singular).

2

Eu como tomate na salada.

I eat tomato in the salad.

Use of 'tomate' as a general ingredient (singular).

3

Quero dois tomates, por favor.

I want two tomatoes, please.

Plural form 'tomates' with a numeral.

4

Onde está o tomate?

Where is the tomato?

Use of the definite article 'o'.

5

O tomate é pequeno.

The tomato is small.

Simple descriptive sentence.

6

Gosto de tomate.

I like tomato.

Verbs of preference followed by 'de' + noun.

7

Este tomate é bom.

This tomato is good.

Demonstrative pronoun 'este' (masculine).

8

Não tenho tomate em casa.

I don't have tomato at home.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

1

Vou fazer uma sopa de tomate.

I am going to make a tomato soup.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

2

O tomate está muito maduro.

The tomato is very ripe.

Use of 'estar' for temporary states.

3

Podes lavar os tomates?

Can you wash the tomatoes?

Interrogative with 'poder' + infinitive.

4

O tomate cereja é muito doce.

The cherry tomato is very sweet.

Compound noun 'tomate cereja'.

5

Comprei tomate no mercado municipal.

I bought tomato at the municipal market.

Preterite tense of 'comprar'.

6

Não cortes o tomate agora.

Don't cut the tomato now.

Negative imperative.

7

Preciso de um quilo de tomate.

I need a kilo of tomatoes.

Expression of quantity.

8

A salada leva tomate e cebola.

The salad takes (contains) tomato and onion.

The verb 'levar' meaning 'to contain' in recipes.

1

O tomate é uma excelente fonte de vitaminas.

The tomato is an excellent source of vitamins.

Generalizing with the definite article.

2

Ficaste vermelho como um tomate!

You turned red as a tomato!

Common simile/idiom.

3

O molho de tomate caseiro é melhor.

Homemade tomato sauce is better.

Comparative 'melhor'.

4

Tira a pele ao tomate antes de cozinhar.

Take the skin off the tomato before cooking.

Imperative form.

5

Se o tomate estivesse mais barato, comprava mais.

If the tomato were cheaper, I would buy more.

Conditional sentence with imperfect subjunctive.

6

O tomate coração de boi é típico do verão.

The oxheart tomato is typical of summer.

Specific variety naming.

7

Dizem que o tomate ajuda o coração.

They say that the tomato helps the heart.

Reporting speech with 'dizem que'.

8

Prefiro tomate fresco a tomate em lata.

I prefer fresh tomato to canned tomato.

Verb 'preferir' (A a B).

1

A produção de tomate em Portugal é muito relevante.

Tomato production in Portugal is very relevant.

Abstract noun 'produção' linked to 'tomate'.

2

O tomate concentrado é exportado para todo o mundo.

Tomato concentrate is exported all over the world.

Passive voice.

3

É provável que o preço do tomate suba este mês.

It is likely that the price of tomatoes will go up this month.

Subjunctive after 'é provável que'.

4

O tomateiro precisa de muito sol e água.

The tomato plant needs a lot of sun and water.

Noun for the plant: 'tomateiro'.

5

Ele teve tomates para enfrentar a situação.

He had the guts to face the situation.

Informal slang usage.

6

O licopeno presente no tomate é um forte antioxidante.

The lycopene present in the tomato is a strong antioxidant.

Technical terminology.

7

Embora o tomate seja uma fruta, é usado como legume.

Although the tomato is a fruit, it is used as a vegetable.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

8

A colheita do tomate começa em agosto.

The tomato harvest begins in August.

Specific agricultural vocabulary.

1

A versatilidade do tomate na gastronomia lusa é inegável.

The versatility of the tomato in Lusophone gastronomy is undeniable.

High-level vocabulary ('versatilidade', 'inegável').

2

O tomate tornou-se um pilar da dieta mediterrânica.

The tomato has become a pillar of the Mediterranean diet.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se'.

3

O excesso de chuva prejudicou a qualidade do tomate.

The excess of rain harmed the quality of the tomato.

Causal relationship in a formal tone.

4

A polpa de tomate confere uma textura aveludada ao molho.

The tomato pulp gives a velvety texture to the sauce.

Descriptive culinary language.

5

Não se deve subestimar o valor económico do tomate.

One should not underestimate the economic value of the tomato.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

6

O tomate seco em conserva é uma iguaria deliciosa.

Pickled sundried tomato is a delicious delicacy.

Complex noun phrase.

7

A cor vibrante do tomate inspira muitos artistas.

The vibrant color of the tomato inspires many artists.

Abstract subject-verb relationship.

8

Caso o tomate não esteja maduro, a sopa ficará ácida.

In case the tomato is not ripe, the soup will be acidic.

Hypothetical 'caso' + subjunctive.

1

A herança genética do tomate remonta às civilizações pré-colombianas.

The genetic heritage of the tomato dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations.

Historical/Scientific discourse.

2

O tomate atua como um catalisador de sabores no refogado.

The tomato acts as a catalyst of flavors in the sauté.

Metaphorical/Technical usage.

3

Analisou-se a incidência de pragas nas plantações de tomate.

The incidence of pests in tomato plantations was analyzed.

Passive reflexive in academic writing.

4

A simbiose entre o tomate e o azeite é a base da saúde.

The symbiosis between tomato and olive oil is the basis of health.

Sophisticated abstract concept.

5

O tomate, outrora ornamental, é hoje indispensável.

The tomato, once ornamental, is today indispensable.

Use of the archaic/formal adverb 'outrora'.

6

A volatilidade dos preços do tomate afeta os pequenos produtores.

The volatility of tomato prices affects small producers.

Economic terminology.

7

O tomate transborda frescura em cada dentada.

The tomato overflows with freshness in every bite.

Literary/Poetic imagery.

8

A indústria do tomate enfrenta desafios de sustentabilidade.

The tomato industry faces sustainability challenges.

Complex societal topic.

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