§ Similar words and when to use "aguado" vs alternatives
When learning Portuguese, it's common to find words that seem similar but have distinct uses. The word "aguado" means watery or diluted, and while it's straightforward, it's good to know how it compares to other terms you might encounter.
First, let's establish what "aguado" implies. It always means that something has too much water, making it weaker or less flavorful. This is usually a negative connotation, suggesting that the quality has been diminished.
- DEFINITION
- Watery, diluted; containing too much water.
Consider the word "diluído." This also means diluted, but it's a more neutral term. While "aguado" almost always suggests an undesirable state, "diluído" can be used in contexts where dilution is intentional and even beneficial. For example, you might dilute a strong cleaning solution with water, and in that case, "diluído" would be appropriate.
O suco está muito aguado, não tem sabor. (The juice is very watery, it has no flavor.)
É preciso diluir o produto com água antes de usar. (It's necessary to dilute the product with water before use.)
Another related word is "ralo," which can mean thin or sparse. While "ralo" might sometimes describe a liquid that is too thin, it doesn't carry the same implication of added water that "aguado" does. You might describe hair as "ralo" if it's thin, or a sauce as "ralo" if it lacks thickness, but you wouldn't use it to say something has been watered down.
A sopa ficou ralo demais. (The soup turned out too thin.)
So, when should you use "aguado"? Always when you want to express that something that should be richer, stronger, or more concentrated has been weakened by the addition of too much water. This applies to drinks, food, and even sometimes to abstract concepts like an argument or a plan that lacks substance.
Here's a quick summary of when to use each:
- Aguado: Use when something has too much water, making it weaker or less flavorful, usually with a negative implication. Think watered-down coffee or tasteless soup.
- Diluído: Use when something has been thinned by adding a liquid, which can be intentional or neutral. Think diluting paint or a strong cordial.
- Ralo: Use when something is thin, sparse, or lacking in density or thickness, but not specifically because of added water. Think thin hair or a watery sauce that isn't necessarily watered down.
Mastering these nuances will make your Portuguese sound more natural and precise. Pay attention to context, and you'll quickly get a feel for when "aguado" is the right word to express your meaning.
Teste-se 12 perguntas
Imagine you ordered a juice at a cafe, but it tasted too watery. Write a short complaint in Portuguese. Use 'aguado'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Este suco está muito aguado. Tem muita água e pouco sabor.
You are giving cooking instructions. How would you tell someone that the soup should not be too watery? Use 'aguado'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A sopa não pode ficar aguada. Não coloque muita água.
Describe a weak coffee you once had, using the word 'aguado'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Uma vez, tomei um café muito aguado. Tinha um gosto fraco.
O que o narrador não gostou no suco?
Read this passage:
Ontem, fui a um restaurante novo. Pedi um suco de laranja, mas estava muito aguado. Não gostei nada.
O que o narrador não gostou no suco?
The passage states 'estava muito aguado', meaning it was very watery.
The passage states 'estava muito aguado', meaning it was very watery.
Qual é a consequência de adicionar muita água ao molho?
Read this passage:
Para fazer um bom molho, não adicione muita água. Se colocar demais, o molho ficará aguado e sem sabor.
Qual é a consequência de adicionar muita água ao molho?
The text directly states 'o molho ficará aguado e sem sabor' if too much water is added.
The text directly states 'o molho ficará aguado e sem sabor' if too much water is added.
Por que o café não deu energia ao narrador?
Read this passage:
Meu café da manhã foi um copo de leite com café, mas o café estava aguado e não me deu energia.
Por que o café não deu energia ao narrador?
The passage says 'o café estava aguado e não me deu energia', indicating the watery consistency was the reason.
The passage says 'o café estava aguado e não me deu energia', indicating the watery consistency was the reason.
This sentence describes how the soup became watery after adding too much water. 'Aguada' correctly modifies 'sopa'.
This sentence explains that the coffee was so diluted ('aguado') that it lacked flavor. The word order emphasizes the lack of taste.
This sentence indicates that the orange juice isn't good due to being 'aguado', or too watery. The causal 'porque' links the two clauses.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
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Mais palavras de food
a conta
A1The bill or check (in a restaurant).
a gosto
A2To taste, according to one's preference for flavor.
à la carte
A2À la carte, ordering individual dishes from a menu.
à mão
A2By hand (e.g., prepare by hand), done manually.
à mesa
A2At the table, referring to dining.
à parte
A2Aside; separately, served separately.
à pressa
A2In a hurry, with great haste.
à saúde
A2A toast, meaning 'to health' or 'cheers'.
a vapor
A2Steamed; cooked by steam.
à vontade
A2At ease/As much as you want; freely, comfortably.
