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tábua de engomar

A2 noun #10,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

tábua de engomar

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas tábua de engomar em 30 segundos

Explicação tábua de engomar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'tábua de engomar' as a single object found in the home. You don't need to know the complex history of the word, but you should know it is used for clothes. At this stage, you might simply learn the word through a picture in a vocabulary book. You should be able to say 'I have an ironing board' (Eu tenho uma tábua de engomar) or ask 'Where is the ironing board?' (Onde está a tábua de engomar?). The focus is on basic identification and the feminine gender of the word 'tábua'. You might also learn it alongside other basic household items like 'cama' (bed) or 'mesa' (table). It is a long phrase, but since 'engomar' is a common verb, it helps to see how Portuguese builds words by combining a noun (tábua) with a purpose (de engomar).

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'tábua de engomar' in simple descriptions of your daily routine. You can explain that you use the board to iron your shirts before work. You should be able to use basic adjectives with it, such as 'nova' (new), 'velha' (old), or 'partida' (broken). This is also the level where you might encounter it in a shopping context, such as looking at a catalog for home goods. You should understand that 'engomar' is the specific verb for ironing in Portugal. You can form sentences like 'Preciso de comprar uma tábua de engomar nova porque a minha está velha' (I need to buy a new ironing board because mine is old). You are also becoming more aware of the 'de' preposition used to link nouns to their functions.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the 'tábua de engomar' in the context of household chores and preferences. You might talk about whether you find ironing relaxing or tedious. You can use more specific vocabulary, like 'dobrável' (folding) or 'ajustar a altura' (adjust the height). You can also handle situations like staying in a guest house and asking the host for the board and the iron. You start to see the difference between 'engomar' and 'passar a ferro'. You might say: 'Enquanto via televisão, montei a tábua de engomar e passei toda a roupa da semana' (While watching TV, I set up the ironing board and ironed all the week's clothes). Your sentences become longer and link the object to specific actions and timeframes.

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At the B2 level, you can use 'tábua de engomar' in more detailed discussions about home organization, ergonomics, or even product reviews. You might compare different models of boards, discussing 'estabilidade' (stability) or the 'permeabilidade ao vapor' (steam permeability) of the surface. You can understand more idiomatic or colloquial uses of 'tábua' in other contexts and clearly distinguish them from the ironing board. You might write a complaint to a store about a faulty board: 'A tábua de engomar que adquiri recentemente apresenta um defeito nas pernas, o que a torna perigosa durante o uso' (The ironing board I recently acquired has a defect in the legs, making it dangerous during use). You are comfortable with the plural form 'tábuas de engomar' and the associated grammar.

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At the C1 level, the 'tábua de engomar' might appear in literature or sophisticated social commentary about domestic life and gender roles. You can understand the nuance of the word 'engomar' versus 'passar' and how it reflects different regional variants of Portuguese. You can use the term in complex hypothetical sentences or when describing intricate domestic scenes. You might analyze how the design of the 'tábua de engomar' has changed to reflect modern living spaces (e.g., built-in boards in small apartments). Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the texture of the cover, the mechanism of the folding legs, and the cultural implications of the 'perfeito engomado' (perfectly ironed/starched look) in professional environments.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the term and its place in the Portuguese language. You can use it in metaphors or as a point of reference in a deep discussion about the evolution of domestic technology. You are aware of the etymology (from the Latin 'tabula' and the use of 'goma' for starch) and how this reflects the history of textile care in the Lusophone world. You can effortlessly switch between 'tábua de engomar' and 'tábua de passar' depending on your audience (Portuguese vs. Brazilian). You might even use the term in a humorous or ironic way in a speech or essay, acknowledging it as a symbol of the mundane yet essential nature of household maintenance.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

tábua de engomar em 30 segundos

A tábua de engomar is the Portuguese term for an ironing board, essential for domestic garment care.
It is a feminine noun phrase, pluralized as 'tábuas de engomar', widely used in European Portuguese.
In Brazil, the equivalent term is 'tábua de passar', though both regions understand each other perfectly.
Key features include being foldable, height-adjustable, and having a heat-resistant cover for safety and efficiency.

The term tábua de engomar refers to a fundamental household item: the ironing board. In Portuguese culture, particularly in Portugal, the act of 'engomar' (to starch or iron) is a traditional domestic task that carries a sense of care and presentation. A tábua de engomar is typically a long, narrow, and often folding table covered with a heat-resistant cloth, designed specifically to provide a flat surface for smoothing out wrinkles in clothing using an iron. The word 'tábua' literally translates to 'plank' or 'board,' while 'engomar' comes from 'goma' (starch), reflecting an era when clothes were heavily starched to maintain their shape. Today, even without starch, the term remains the standard way to refer to this utility in European Portuguese, whereas in Brazil, you are more likely to hear tábua de passar.

Domestic Context: The tábua de engomar is usually found in the 'lavandaria' (laundry room) or stored behind a door in the 'quarto' (bedroom). It is brought out during the weekly chore of preparing the family's wardrobe.

A minha avó passa horas em frente à tábua de engomar para deixar os lençóis perfeitos.

When people use this phrase, they are often discussing household chores, home organization, or the purchase of domestic appliances. It is a very practical, everyday term. You might use it when asking someone to help you set up the house: 'Podes montar a tábua de engomar, por favor?' (Can you set up the ironing board, please?). It is also a common item on wedding registries or when moving into a first apartment. The construction of the board—usually involving adjustable heights and a metal mesh—is a topic of conversation when seeking durability and ergonomic comfort.

Historically, the tábua de engomar has evolved from simple wooden planks placed across two chairs to sophisticated, steam-permeable ergonomic stations. In a Portuguese household, the quality of the 'capa' (cover) on the tábua is considered important; a thick, cushioned cover prevents the metal pattern of the board from imprinting onto delicate fabrics like silk or linen. This level of detail shows how integrated this object is into the daily rhythm of maintaining a tidy and respectable appearance, which is highly valued in Lusophone societies.

Common Materials: Modern boards are made of 'alumínio' (aluminum) or 'aço' (steel) to ensure they are 'leve' (lightweight) yet 'resistente' (sturdy).

Comprei uma tábua de engomar nova porque a antiga estava a coxear.

Using 'tábua de engomar' in a sentence is straightforward as it functions as a compound noun. It is feminine, so it takes the article 'a' or 'uma'. Because it is a physical object, it often follows verbs of movement or utility such as 'montar' (to assemble/set up), 'arrumar' (to put away), 'comprar' (to buy), or 'precisar de' (to need). When you want to specify where an action is happening, you use the preposition 'na' (em + a). For example: 'Deixei a camisa em cima da tábua de engomar' (I left the shirt on top of the ironing board).

Syntactic Function: It usually acts as the direct object of a sentence or as the object of a prepositional phrase defining location.

Esta tábua de engomar é muito instável; preciso de uma melhor.

In more complex sentences, you might describe the attributes of the board. You can use adjectives like 'dobrável' (folding), 'ajustável' (adjustable), or 'acolchoada' (padded). For instance: 'Eu prefiro uma tábua de engomar que seja ajustável em altura para não me doerem as costas' (I prefer an ironing board that is height-adjustable so my back doesn't hurt). Note how the noun phrase remains intact while adjectives follow or precede based on standard Portuguese grammar rules.

When talking about plural boards, only the word 'tábua' changes: 'As tábuas de engomar'. Example: 'As tábuas de engomar modernas têm suporte para o ferro com caldeira' (Modern ironing boards have a support for steam generator irons). This is a common pattern in Portuguese compound nouns linked by 'de'. The first noun carries the pluralization while the second remains in its base form.

Pluralization Rule: Only the head noun 'tábua' becomes plural: 'tábua' -> 'tábuas'.

Onde é que guardaste as tábuas de engomar que estavam na despensa?

You will encounter the term tábua de engomar in various real-life scenarios in Portugal. The most common place is within the domestic setting. Imagine a Saturday morning in a typical Portuguese flat; the sound of the steam iron and the sight of the tábua in the living room while someone watches the news is a very standard image. You will also hear it frequently in retail environments. If you go to a large store like Worten, Fnac (Home section), or IKEA in Lisbon or Porto, the signage and the staff will use this term to guide you to the laundry accessories section.

In Stores: Asking a shop assistant: 'Desculpe, onde posso encontrar uma tábua de engomar barata?'

Vi uma tábua de engomar em promoção no folheto do supermercado.

Another context is in the 'lavandaria' (laundry/dry cleaners). While professional cleaners use industrial presses, they might still use a specialized tábua de engomar for delicate finishing touches on shirts or dresses. If you are staying at an Airbnb or a hotel in Portugal and need to iron your clothes for a business meeting, you would ask the host or the reception: 'A casa tem uma tábua de engomar?' or 'Podiam trazer uma tábua de engomar ao meu quarto?'.

Furthermore, in literature or television dramas (telenovelas) that depict daily life, the tábua de engomar often serves as a prop for scenes involving domestic dialogue. It represents the 'quotidiano' (daily life). In advertisements for laundry detergents or irons, the board is an ever-present backdrop. Understanding this word allows you to navigate both the physical stores and the cultural landscape of Portuguese home life with ease.

Hospitality Context: Requesting at a hotel: 'Por favor, precisava de um ferro e de uma tábua de engomar.'

O hotel disponibiliza uma tábua de engomar em cada andar.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is trying to translate 'ironing board' literally as 'quadro de passar' or 'mesa de ferro'. While 'mesa' (table) is sometimes used, 'quadro' (which means a picture frame or a chalkboard) is completely incorrect. Another common error is using the wrong verb. While 'passar a ferro' is a correct action, the object is specifically a tábua de engomar. Using 'tábua de passar ferro' is understandable but slightly redundant and less common in European Portuguese than the more traditional 'tábua de engomar'.

Translation Trap: Avoid 'quadro de engomar'. 'Quadro' is for art or school, 'Tábua' is for wood/planks/boards.

Errado: Preciso de um quadro de engomar. Correto: Preciso de uma tábua de engomar.

Another mistake involves the gender of the noun. 'Tábua' is feminine, so you must use 'a' or 'uma'. Learners often default to masculine articles for household tools. Saying 'o tábua' is a clear giveaway of a non-native speaker. Additionally, learners often forget the preposition 'de'. Simply saying 'tábua engomar' is grammatically incomplete; the 'de' is essential to link the board to its purpose.

Finally, there is the confusion between European and Brazilian Portuguese. If you are in Portugal and use the Brazilian 'tábua de passar', you will be understood perfectly, but it won't sound local. Conversely, using 'tábua de engomar' in Brazil might sound slightly old-fashioned or overly formal to some, as 'passar' is the dominant verb there. For a learner, consistency in the regional variant you are studying is key to sounding more natural.

Preposition Usage: Don't omit the 'de'. It's a board *of* ironing, functionally.

Cuidado: Não digas 'a tábua engomar'. Diz sempre 'a tábua de engomar'.

While tábua de engomar is the standard term, there are several related words and alternatives depending on the context and region. The most prominent alternative is tábua de passar. This is the preferred term in Brazil and is also used frequently in Portugal as a synonym for 'passar a ferro'. Both refer to the exact same object. Another variation is mesa de engomar. While 'tábua' implies a thinner, plank-like surface, 'mesa' (table) suggests a more substantial or perhaps a non-folding version, though in practice they are interchangeable.

Tábua de Engomar vs. Tábua de Passar: Tábua de Engomar: Standard in Portugal, emphasizes the process of starching/smoothing.
Tábua de Passar: Universal in Brazil, common in Portugal, emphasizes the physical act of 'passing' the iron.

No Brasil, todos chamam tábua de passar ao que nós chamamos tábua de engomar.

There are also related items that are not synonyms but belong to the same 'word family' of laundry. For example, a manga de engomar (ironing sleeve) is a small, miniature ironing board used specifically for the sleeves of shirts. You might also hear centro de engomar, which refers to a steam generator iron station that often includes its own integrated board. Understanding these distinctions helps when shopping for specific laundry tools.

In a more colloquial or informal setting, someone might just say 'a tábua' if the context of ironing has already been established. For example: 'Põe isso na tábua' (Put that on the board). However, this only works if you are already in the laundry room or holding an iron. Outside of that context, 'tábua' could mean a cutting board (tábua de cozinha) or a surfboard (tábua de surf), so the full phrase is usually preferred for clarity.

Other 'Tábuas': Don't confuse with:
1. Tábua de cozinha: Cutting board.
2. Tábua de salvação: Lifeline (idiomatic).

Não confundas a tábua de engomar com a tábua de cortar carne!

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Before electricity, ironing boards were simple wooden planks. The verb 'engomar' specifically refers to the historical practice of using starch to make collars and cuffs stiff and formal.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈtabwɐ dɨ ẽɡuˈmaɾ/

US /ˈtabwə dʒi ẽɡoˈmaʁ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'tábua' (tá) and the last syllable of 'engomar' (mar).

Rima com

tábua: sábia, lábia (approximate) engomar: cantar, falar, andar, mar, lugar, olhar, pensar, estar

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'tábua' as three syllables (ta-bu-a) instead of two (tá-bua).
Omitting the nasal sound in 'en-gomar'.
Forgetting the open 'á' sound in 'tábua'.
Pronouncing the 'de' too strongly like 'day' instead of a reduced 'dɨ'.
Not stressing the final 'mar' in 'engomar'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context due to the word 'engomar' being distinct.

Escrita 3/5

Requires remembering the 'de' and the specific spelling of 'tábua' with an accent.

Expressão oral 3/5

Pronunciation of 'tábua' as a glide can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Usually clearly enunciated in domestic or retail contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

tábua de engomar ferro roupa

Aprenda a seguir

estendal molas de roupa máquina de lavar amaciador detergente

Avançado

engomagem vincar caldeira de vapor tecidos ergonomia

Gramática essencial

Compound nouns with 'de'

Tábua de engomar, máquina de lavar, ferro de engomar.

Pluralization of compound nouns (head noun)

Uma tábua de engomar -> Duas tábuas de engomar.

Feminine gender for nouns ending in -a

A tábua, a mesa, a cadeira.

Preposition 'em' + definite article

Na tábua (em + a), no armário (em + o).

Infinitive as a qualifier

Engomar (to iron) defines the type of tábua.

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Exemplos por nível

A tábua de engomar é branca.

The ironing board is white.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Onde está a tábua de engomar?

Where is the ironing board?

Interrogative sentence with the adverb 'onde'.

Eu tenho uma tábua de engomar.

I have an ironing board.

Use of the verb 'ter' (to have) in the first person.

A tábua de engomar é pequena.

The ironing board is small.

Feminine agreement between 'tábua' and 'pequena'.

Ela usa a tábua de engomar.

She uses the ironing board.

Subject-verb-object structure.

A tábua de engomar está no quarto.

The ironing board is in the bedroom.

Prepositional phrase 'no quarto' (em + o).

Esta é a minha tábua de engomar.

This is my ironing board.

Demonstrative pronoun 'esta' and possessive 'minha'.

Uma tábua de engomar, por favor.

An ironing board, please.

Noun phrase used as a request.

Preciso de comprar uma tábua de engomar nova.

I need to buy a new ironing board.

Verb 'precisar' followed by the preposition 'de'.

Podes guardar a tábua de engomar no armário?

Can you put the ironing board in the closet?

Modal verb 'podes' plus infinitive 'guardar'.

A tábua de engomar está muito suja.

The ironing board is very dirty.

Adverb 'muito' modifying the adjective 'suja'.

Vou passar a minha camisa na tábua de engomar.

I am going to iron my shirt on the ironing board.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

A tábua de engomar é dobrável e fácil de levar.

The ironing board is foldable and easy to carry.

Adjectives 'dobrável' and 'fácil'.

Não encontro a capa para a tábua de engomar.

I can't find the cover for the ironing board.

Negative sentence with the verb 'encontrar'.

A tábua de engomar é essencial para a casa.

The ironing board is essential for the house.

Adjective 'essencial' describing the noun.

Queres ajuda com a tábua de engomar?

Do you want help with the ironing board?

Question using 'querer' and the noun 'ajuda'.

Enquanto a roupa seca, vou montar a tábua de engomar.

While the clothes dry, I'm going to set up the ironing board.

Conjunction 'enquanto' introducing a temporal clause.

Esta tábua de engomar é muito instável quando passo lençóis.

This ironing board is very unstable when I iron sheets.

Temporal clause 'quando passo lençóis'.

Se tivéssemos uma tábua de engomar maior, seria mais rápido.

If we had a larger ironing board, it would be faster.

Conditional sentence with 'se' + imperfect subjunctive.

A tábua de engomar que comprei ontem já se estragou.

The ironing board that I bought yesterday is already broken.

Relative clause 'que comprei ontem'.

Prefiro engomar na tábua do que em cima da mesa.

I prefer ironing on the board than on top of the table.

Comparative structure 'prefiro... do que'.

Tens de ajustar a altura da tábua de engomar para não te cansares.

You have to adjust the height of the ironing board so you don't get tired.

Periphrastic 'tens de' and final clause 'para não'.

A capa da tábua de engomar precisa de ser lavada com frequência.

The ironing board cover needs to be washed frequently.

Passive structure 'ser lavada'.

Nunca soube como fechar esta tábua de engomar sem entalar os dedos.

I never knew how to close this ironing board without pinching my fingers.

Negative 'nunca' and infinitive 'fechar'.

A ergonomia da tábua de engomar é fundamental para evitar dores lombares.

The ergonomics of the ironing board is fundamental to avoid lower back pain.

Scientific/technical vocabulary like 'ergonomia' and 'lombares'.

Embora seja um objeto simples, a tábua de engomar evoluiu imenso tecnologicamente.

Although it is a simple object, the ironing board has evolved immensely technologically.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

Ao escolher uma tábua de engomar, deve-se considerar o peso e a estabilidade.

When choosing an ironing board, one should consider the weight and stability.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

O suporte para o ferro na tábua de engomar deve ser resistente ao calor extremo.

The iron rest on the ironing board must be resistant to extreme heat.

Compound noun 'suporte para o ferro'.

As tábuas de engomar modernas costumam ter uma rede metálica para o vapor passar.

Modern ironing boards usually have a metal mesh for the steam to pass through.

Verb 'costumar' indicating a habit or common feature.

Fiquei surpreendido com o preço elevado daquela tábua de engomar profissional.

I was surprised by the high price of that professional ironing board.

Participle 'surpreendido' and adjective 'elevado'.

A tábua de engomar ocupa muito espaço quando está aberta na sala.

The ironing board takes up a lot of space when it is open in the living room.

Verb 'ocupar' and temporal clause 'quando está'.

Muitas pessoas dispensam a tábua de engomar e preferem usar o vaporizador vertical.

Many people do without the ironing board and prefer to use a vertical steamer.

Verb 'dispensar' (to do without).

A tábua de engomar, outrora um luxo, tornou-se um item onipresente em qualquer lar.

The ironing board, once a luxury, has become an ubiquitous item in any home.

Use of 'outrora' (formerly) and 'onipresente' (ubiquitous).

A disposição da tábua de engomar no espaço doméstico reflete a organização das tarefas.

The placement of the ironing board in the domestic space reflects the organization of tasks.

Abstract noun 'disposição' and reflective verb 'reflete'.

É imperativo que a tábua de engomar possua um revestimento que facilite o deslize do ferro.

It is imperative that the ironing board has a coating that facilitates the iron's glide.

Subjunctive mood after 'é imperativo que'.

O design minimalista desta tábua de engomar permite que seja embutida num armário.

The minimalist design of this ironing board allows it to be built into a closet.

Passive voice 'seja embutida'.

A evolução da tábua de engomar acompanha a transformação dos têxteis ao longo dos séculos.

The evolution of the ironing board follows the transformation of textiles over the centuries.

Verb 'acompanhar' in a figurative sense.

Raramente damos valor à engenharia por trás de uma simples tábua de engomar dobrável.

We rarely value the engineering behind a simple folding ironing board.

Adverb 'raramente' and noun 'engenharia'.

A robustez da tábua de engomar é posta à prova com o uso intensivo de ferros de caldeira.

The sturdiness of the ironing board is put to the test with the intensive use of steam generator irons.

Idiomatic expression 'posta à prova'.

Subestimar a importância de uma boa tábua de engomar pode resultar em roupas mal tratadas.

Underestimating the importance of a good ironing board can result in poorly treated clothes.

Infinitive as a subject 'subestimar'.

A tábua de engomar é o epítome da domesticidade, servindo como palco para a rotina diária.

The ironing board is the epitome of domesticity, serving as a stage for the daily routine.

Metaphorical use of 'epítome' and 'palco'.

Poder-se-ia argumentar que a tábua de engomar simboliza a resistência do labor manual.

One could argue that the ironing board symbolizes the endurance of manual labor.

Conditional 'poder-se-ia' (mesoclisis).

A obsolescência programada parece não ter afetado a estrutura básica da tábua de engomar.

Planned obsolescence seems not to have affected the basic structure of the ironing board.

Complex noun phrase 'obsolescência programada'.

Na literatura contemporânea, a tábua de engomar surge frequentemente como metáfora de estagnação.

In contemporary literature, the ironing board often appears as a metaphor for stagnation.

Adverbial phrase 'na literatura contemporânea'.

A versatilidade da tábua de engomar transcende a sua função primária em contextos de improviso.

The versatility of the ironing board transcends its primary function in makeshift contexts.

Verb 'transcender' and noun 'versatilidade'.

A pátina de uso numa velha tábua de engomar conta a história de gerações de uma família.

The patina of use on an old ironing board tells the story of generations of a family.

Use of the word 'pátina' to describe aging.

A ergonomia sofisticada da tábua de engomar moderna é um triunfo do design funcionalista.

The sophisticated ergonomics of the modern ironing board is a triumph of functionalist design.

Noun 'triunfo' and adjective 'funcionalista'.

Não obstante a sua simplicidade, a tábua de engomar exige uma manutenção periódica da sua capa.

Notwithstanding its simplicity, the ironing board requires periodic maintenance of its cover.

Conjunction 'não obstante' (notwithstanding).

Colocações comuns

montar a tábua de engomar

fechar a tábua de engomar

capa da tábua de engomar

tábua de engomar dobrável

tábua de engomar ajustável

suporte da tábua de engomar

tábua de engomar de mesa

comprar uma tábua de engomar

tábua de engomar profissional

guardar a tábua de engomar

Frases Comuns

Pôr a tábua de engomar

— To set up the ironing board for use.

Vou pôr a tábua de engomar para passar as calças.

Estar de volta da tábua de engomar

— To be busy ironing for a long period.

Passei a tarde toda de volta da tábua de engomar.

Em cima da tábua de engomar

— On top of the ironing board.

Deixei o ferro em cima da tábua de engomar.

Arrumar a tábua de engomar

— To put the ironing board away.

Depois de terminares, arruma a tábua de engomar.

Tábua de engomar com suporte

— An ironing board with an iron rest.

Esta tábua de engomar com suporte é mais segura.

Capa nova para a tábua

— A new cover for the board.

Comprei uma capa nova para a tábua de engomar.

Altura da tábua

— The height of the board.

Ajusta a altura da tábua para não te curvares.

Tábua de engomar de parede

— A wall-mounted ironing board.

Instalámos uma tábua de engomar de parede para poupar espaço.

Tábua de engomar estragada

— A broken ironing board.

Não uses essa tábua de engomar estragada.

Preço da tábua de engomar

— The price of the ironing board.

O preço da tábua de engomar era excessivo.

Frequentemente confundido com

tábua de engomar vs tábua de cozinha

Used for cutting food, not ironing clothes.

tábua de engomar vs tábua de surf

Used for surfing in the ocean.

tábua de engomar vs mesa de centro

A coffee table in the living room.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Ficar na tábua"

— To be left with nothing or in a difficult situation (slang, not directly related to ironing but uses 'tábua').

Depois do negócio falhar, ele ficou na tábua.

Slang

"Tábua rasa"

— To start from scratch or a clean slate (Latin 'tabula rasa').

Vamos fazer tábua rasa de tudo o que aconteceu.

Formal

"Tábua de salvação"

— A last resort or a lifeline.

Aquele empréstimo foi a minha tábua de salvação.

Neutral

"Direto como uma tábua"

— Very straight or flat.

O caminho é direto como uma tábua.

Informal

"Engomar a boneca"

— To take too long doing something simple (regional/archaic).

Estás aí a engomar a boneca há uma hora!

Colloquial

"Passar a ferro"

— To iron (the action associated with the board).

Tenho muita roupa para passar a ferro.

Neutral

"Dar uma gominha"

— To starch lightly (related to 'engomar').

Vou dar uma gominha nestes colarinhos.

Informal

"Estar liso como uma tábua"

— To be completely flat or smooth.

Depois de passar, o lençol ficou liso como uma tábua.

Neutral

"Pôr na tábua"

— To place something on the board (literal, but common).

Põe a camisa na tábua que eu passo-a.

Neutral

"Tábua de leis"

— The tablets of law (biblical reference).

Moisés desceu com a tábua de leis.

Formal

Fácil de confundir

tábua de engomar vs quadro

English 'board' can translate to both 'tábua' and 'quadro'.

Quadro is for pictures/walls/blackboards; tábua is for wood/planks/ironing.

O quadro está na parede; a tábua está no chão.

tábua de engomar vs passar

Both 'engomar' and 'passar' mean 'to iron'.

Engomar is more traditional/European; passar is more general/Brazilian.

Vou engomar a camisa; vou passar a roupa.

tábua de engomar vs mesa

Ironing boards are table-like.

Mesa is a general table; tábua is specifically the plank/board part.

Jantamos na mesa; engomamos na tábua.

tábua de engomar vs ferro

Related tools.

Ferro is the iron (the tool); tábua is the board (the surface).

O ferro está quente; a tábua está aberta.

tábua de engomar vs capa

Part of the object.

Capa is the fabric cover; tábua is the whole structure.

A capa da tábua é nova.

Padrões de frases

A [object] é [adjective].

A tábua de engomar é azul.

Preciso de [verb] a [object].

Preciso de comprar a tábua de engomar.

Enquanto [action], eu [action] na [object].

Enquanto ouço música, eu passo na tábua de engomar.

É importante que a [object] seja [adjective].

É importante que a tábua de engomar seja estável.

Apesar de ser [description], a [object] [action].

Apesar de ser antiga, a tábua de engomar ainda funciona bem.

A [object] reflete o [abstract concept] da casa.

A tábua de engomar reflete o cuidado doméstico da casa.

Onde posso encontrar uma [object]?

Onde posso encontrar uma tábua de engomar barata?

Se eu tivesse uma [object], [action].

Se eu tivesse uma tábua de engomar, passava a camisa.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

goma (starch)

engomagem (the act of ironing/starching)

ferro (iron)

tabuado (planking)

Verbos

engomar (to iron/starch)

desengomar (to remove starch)

passar (to iron/pass)

Adjetivos

engomado (ironed/starched)

desengomado (not ironed/limp)

tabulado (arranged in tables)

Relacionado

tábua de passar

ferro de engomar

capa de tábua

manga de engomar

estendal (drying rack)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in daily domestic life.

Erros comuns

O tábua de engomar → A tábua de engomar
Tábua is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine article 'a'.
Tábua engomar → Tábua de engomar
In Portuguese, you need the preposition 'de' to connect the noun to its purpose.
Mesa de ferro → Tábua de engomar / Ferro de engomar
Learners often confuse the 'iron' (ferro) with the 'board' (tábua) or create a literal translation of 'iron table'.
Quadro de engomar → Tábua de engomar
Using 'quadro' (which means a picture or frame) instead of 'tábua' (plank/board).
As tábua de engomar → As tábuas de engomar
The head noun 'tábua' must be pluralized when referring to more than one board.

Dicas

Don't forget the accent

Always write 'tábua' with an acute accent on the 'a'. It indicates the stress and the open vowel sound.

Regional preference

If you are in Portugal, use 'engomar'. It sounds more natural and local than 'passar'.

Related verbs

Learn 'montar' (to set up) and 'arrumar' (to put away) alongside 'tábua de engomar' to talk about the chore.

Safe usage

Always ensure the 'suporte' (rest) is stable before placing a hot iron on the 'tábua'.

Check the cover

When buying, look for a 'capa' that is thick. It makes ironing much easier and protects your clothes.

Save space

Ask for a 'tábua de engomar de parede' if you have a small apartment in a city like Lisbon.

The 'ua' sound

The 'ua' in tábua is a quick glide. Practice saying it fast so it doesn't sound like two separate vowels.

Professional look

To get 'vincos' (creases) in trousers, you absolutely need a flat, hard 'tábua de engomar'.

Clean the cover

Wash the 'capa' regularly to avoid transferring old starch or dirt onto clean clothes.

Board vs. Steamer

While steamers are popular, a 'tábua' is still best for cotton shirts and formal wear.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'TABLE' (Tábua) where you 'ENGAGE' (Engomar) with your clothes to make them look great.

Associação visual

Imagine a wooden 'plank' (tábua) covered in a bright floral fabric with a steaming iron on top.

Word Web

ferro roupa lavandaria casa dobrável capa vapor camisa

Desafio

Try to describe your ironing board in Portuguese using three adjectives: 'A minha tábua de engomar é...' (e.g., azul, estável, e grande).

Origem da palavra

From the Portuguese 'tábua' (derived from Latin 'tabula', meaning plank or table) and 'engomar' (derived from 'goma', meaning gum or starch, which itself comes from Late Latin 'gumma').

Significado original: A board used for applying starch to clothes.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

None. It is a neutral, everyday household term.

In many English-speaking countries, ironing has become less frequent due to 'permanent press' fabrics, whereas in Portugal, the 'tábua' remains central.

Traditional Portuguese fados sometimes mention domestic chores like ironing. Portuguese films depicting the 1950s/60s often show the 'tábua' as a center of household gossip. Modern Portuguese interior design blogs often focus on how to hide the 'tábua' in small apartments.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Doing laundry

Onde está o ferro?
A tábua está aberta.
Preciso de passar esta camisa.
A capa está queimada.

Shopping for home goods

Quanto custa esta tábua?
É ajustável?
Têm capas de substituição?
É muito pesada?

Staying at a hotel

Podem trazer uma tábua?
Onde posso passar a ferro?
O quarto tem tábua de engomar?
O ferro não funciona.

House cleaning/organization

Arruma a tábua, por favor.
A tábua ocupa muito espaço.
Podes fechar a tábua?
A tábua está na despensa.

Moving house

Não te esqueças da tábua.
A tábua cabe no carro?
Vamos deitar fora a tábua velha.
Precisamos de uma tábua nova.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Sabes onde é que guardámos a tábua de engomar?"

"Achas que vale a pena comprar uma tábua de engomar cara?"

"A minha tábua de engomar está sempre a coxear, a tua também?"

"Qual é a melhor marca de tábuas de engomar que conheces?"

"Preferes passar a ferro na tábua ou usar um vaporizador?"

Temas para diário

Descreve a tua rotina de engomar roupa e como usas a tua tábua.

Lembras-te da tábua de engomar que havia na casa dos teus avós?

Se tivesses de comprar uma tábua de engomar hoje, o que procurarias?

Escreve sobre um pequeno acidente doméstico que envolva uma tábua de engomar.

Como é que a tecnologia mudou a forma como usamos a tábua de engomar?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Não há diferença no objeto em si. 'Tábua de engomar' é o termo mais comum em Portugal, enquanto 'tábua de passar' é o termo padrão no Brasil. Ambas as formas são entendidas em todo o mundo lusófono.

Diz-se 'tábua de engomar'. O verbo 'engomar' refere-se ao ato de passar a ferro, tradicionalmente associado ao uso de goma (amido) para endurecer os tecidos.

Sim, se estiver num contexto de lavandaria ou se estiver a segurar um ferro, as pessoas vão perceber. No entanto, fora desse contexto, 'tábua' pode significar muitas outras coisas, como uma tábua de cozinha ou de surf.

É feminina. Deve dizer sempre 'a tábua' ou 'uma tábua'. Por exemplo: 'A tábua de engomar é nova'.

O plural é 'tábuas de engomar'. Apenas a primeira palavra (tábua) vai para o plural, enquanto 'de engomar' permanece invariável.

É uma tábua cujas pernas se podem fechar para que ocupe menos espaço quando não está a ser utilizada. É o tipo mais comum nas casas modernas.

Pode comprar em lojas de eletrodomésticos, hipermercados ou lojas de decoração como o IKEA ou o Leroy Merlin.

É o tecido acolchoado que cobre a superfície de metal ou madeira da tábua, protegendo a roupa do calor e facilitando o deslize do ferro.

Existem centros de engomar que incluem tábuas com funções de aspiração ou aquecimento, mas a tábua básica não é elétrica.

A maioria das tábuas tem uma alavanca por baixo da superfície que permite subir ou descer as pernas para diferentes níveis.

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