At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'delgado' often, as 'magro' (for people) and 'fino' (for things) are much more common. However, you might see it in very basic medical contexts or simple descriptions of objects. Think of it as a fancy version of 'thin'. At this stage, just focus on recognizing that 'delgado' means 'thin'. You might encounter it in a simple sentence like 'O papel é delgado' (The paper is thin). Remember that it changes to 'delgada' for feminine things. It is good to know it exists so you aren't confused when you see it in a book or on a sign. Don't worry about using it in conversation yet; stick to 'magro' and 'fino' until you feel more comfortable with the language. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to understand that 'delgado' describes the physical thickness of an object or the slimness of a person, and it must match the noun it is describing in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
By A2, you should start to recognize 'delgado' in more contexts, especially in reading. You will likely see it in descriptions of nature or in health-related texts. For example, if you read about the human body, you will see 'intestino delgado' (small intestine). This is a fixed phrase you should memorize. You might also see it used to describe a 'fio delgado' (thin wire) or 'camada delgada' (thin layer). At this level, you should be able to use it in simple writing to vary your vocabulary. Instead of always using 'fino', try using 'delgado' when you want to sound a bit more descriptive. For example, 'A fatia de pão é delgada' (The slice of bread is thin). It is also important to notice that 'delgado' is often used for things that are delicate. If something is 'delgado', it might be easy to break. Start practicing the plural forms: 'os fios delgados' and 'as fatias delgadas'. This will help you master adjective agreement, which is a key goal for A2 learners.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'delgado' more naturally in both writing and speech. You should understand the nuance that makes it different from 'magro' and 'fino'. 'Delgado' is your go-to word for 'slender' or 'fine-gauged'. You should use it when describing technical objects, anatomical parts, or when you want to provide a more elegant description of someone's physique. For instance, in a B1 level presentation about health, you would definitely use 'intestino delgado'. In a description of a person, you might say 'Ela tem mãos delgadas' (She has slender hands) to sound more sophisticated. You should also be comfortable using it in comparisons, such as 'Este material é mais delgado que o anterior'. You are now at the stage where you can appreciate the aesthetic quality the word conveys. It's not just about being thin; it's about being fine and well-proportioned. Practice using it in different domains like fashion, science, and literature to broaden your active vocabulary.
For B2 learners, 'delgado' should be a standard part of your descriptive repertoire. You should be able to use it metaphorically and in more complex sentence structures. For example, you might talk about a 'delgada linha entre o sucesso e o fracasso' (a thin line between success and failure). You should also recognize it in professional and academic texts. At this level, you can distinguish between 'delgado' and 'tênue' or 'esguio'. You might use 'delgado' to describe the precision of an instrument or the specific thickness of a structural component in engineering. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its slightly formal register. In a debate or a formal essay, choosing 'delgado' over 'fino' shows a command of higher-level vocabulary. You should also be aware of how 'delgado' can be used to describe voices or sounds in a literary sense. Continue to pay close attention to how native speakers use it in news broadcasts and documentaries, as these are rich sources for seeing 'delgado' in its natural, professional habitat.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of using 'delgado'. You use it to create specific tones in your writing, whether technical, poetic, or formal. You are aware of its Latin roots and how it relates to concepts of delicacy and precision. You can use 'delgado' in complex idiomatic expressions and recognize its use in classical Portuguese literature. You might use it to describe the 'delgada arquitetura' of a building or the 'delgado equilíbrio' of an ecosystem. At this level, you are not just using the word for its meaning, but for its rhythm and the way it fits into the overall flow of your prose. You can effortlessly switch between 'delgado', 'madelço', 'esguio', and 'franzino' to capture the exact nuance you intend. You also understand how 'delgado' functions in specialized fields like histology (e.g., 'filamentos delgados') or legal language when describing thin evidence or margins. Your mastery of 'delgado' is a testament to your ability to handle the subtle shades of meaning that define near-native proficiency.
As a C2 learner, your use of 'delgado' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word with total precision, often in ways that highlight its most subtle connotations. You might use it in a philosophical context to describe the 'delgada película da realidade' (the thin film of reality) or in a high-level scientific paper to describe microscopic structures. You are familiar with all its historical and literary variants and can appreciate its use in the works of great Lusophone writers like Machado de Assis or Fernando Pessoa. You understand the phonetic value of the word and how its soft 'd' and 'l' sounds contribute to its meaning of slenderness and grace. There is no context—be it medical, legal, artistic, or colloquial—where you cannot use or interpret 'delgado' correctly. You can even use it ironically or to create specific rhetorical effects. At this level, 'delgado' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for precise and evocative communication in the most demanding linguistic environments.

delgado 30秒了解

  • Delgado means 'thin' or 'slim' and is used for both people and objects in Portuguese.
  • It is the standard term for the 'small intestine' (intestino delgado) in medical contexts.
  • The word is more formal than 'magro' and often implies elegance or technical precision.
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun: delgado, delgada, delgados, delgadas.

The Portuguese word delgado is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe something that is thin, slim, or slender. While it can refer to the physical build of a person, its application extends significantly into the realm of physical objects, anatomy, and even abstract concepts. In the context of human anatomy, it is most famously paired with the small intestine, known in Portuguese as the intestino delgado. Unlike the word magro, which is the standard term for 'thin' or 'skinny' when describing people in everyday conversation, delgado carries a slightly more formal, technical, or even elegant connotation. It suggests a delicacy or a fine quality rather than just a lack of weight.

Physical Objects
When describing objects, 'delgado' refers to a small diameter or thickness. A 'fio delgado' is a thin wire or thread. It implies precision and fineness.
Human Physique
When used for people, it often describes a slender or graceful build. It is less likely to be used as an insult compared to 'magro' or 'esquelético'.
Technical Usage
In biological and medical contexts, it specifies structures that are narrow or fine-walled, such as membranes or specific organs.

A costureira usou um fio muito delgado para remendar a seda.

In a social setting, choosing 'delgado' over 'magro' can elevate your speech. For instance, describing a dancer's silhouette as 'delgada' suggests an appreciation for their form and grace. It is a word that bridges the gap between simple description and aesthetic appreciation. Furthermore, in literature, you might find it used to describe the light of a fading moon or the 'delgada' line between life and death, showcasing its capacity for poetic nuance. It is essential to remember that 'delgado' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: 'delgado' (masculine singular), 'delgada' (feminine singular), 'delgados' (masculine plural), and 'delgadas' (feminine plural).

Ele tem um rosto delgado e traços muito finos.

Register
Neutral to Formal. It is common in written Portuguese, news reports, and scientific texts.

Understanding the nuance between 'delgado', 'fino', and 'magro' is a hallmark of B1-B2 level proficiency. While they all translate to 'thin', 'delgado' specifically targets the quality of being slender or fine-gauged. Imagine a sheet of glass; if it's incredibly thin, a technician might call it 'vidro delgado'. This implies a level of fragility and precision that the word 'magro' (reserved for living beings or the absence of fat) simply cannot convey. In summary, use 'delgado' when you want to be precise, slightly formal, or when describing anatomical structures and fine materials.

Using delgado correctly requires attention to the noun it modifies. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun in standard Portuguese, though it can precede the noun in poetic or highly formal contexts to add emphasis. The primary rule to master is gender and number agreement. Because it ends in '-o', it follows the standard pattern for four-form adjectives in Portuguese.

Masculine Singular
O papel é delgado. (The paper is thin.)
Feminine Singular
A linha é delgada. (The line is thin/slender.)
Masculine Plural
Os dedos dele são delgados. (His fingers are slender.)
Feminine Plural
As fatias de presunto estão muito delgadas. (The slices of ham are very thin.)

Para esta cirurgia, precisamos de um cateter mais delgado.

In sentence construction, 'delgado' is often used with the verb ser (to be) to describe an inherent quality, or estar (to be) to describe a temporary state or a result of an action (like slicing something). For example, 'O ramo é delgado' suggests the branch is naturally thin, while 'A fatia está delgada' might mean it was cut that way. You will also find it in comparative structures: 'Este tecido é mais delgado do que aquele' (This fabric is thinner than that one). Using 'delgado' in comparisons helps avoid the more colloquial 'fininho', providing a more professional tone to your descriptions.

As paredes do vaso são extremamente delgadas e frágeis.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is using 'delgado' for 'thin' liquids. In Portuguese, for a liquid like watery soup or thin coffee, we use fraco or aguado. 'Delgado' is strictly for solid dimensions. If you are describing a thin layer of paint, 'uma camada delgada' is perfect. If you are describing a person's voice, 'uma voz delgada' (a thin or high-pitched voice) is a beautiful, albeit literary, way to phrase it. This demonstrates how 'delgado' can transition from a purely physical measurement to a more sensory or qualitative description.

In daily life in Portugal or Brazil, you might not hear 'delgado' as often as 'magro' or 'fino' in a casual conversation at a café. However, the moment you step into a professional, scientific, or artistic environment, 'delgado' becomes ubiquitous. In a medical setting, doctors and nurses will constantly refer to the intestino delgado. If you are reading a biology textbook or a health article, this is the only term used for the small intestine. It is a fundamental part of anatomical vocabulary that every B1 learner should recognize instantly.

A digestão ocorre principalmente no intestino delgado.

In the world of fashion and textiles, 'delgado' is used to describe high-quality, lightweight fabrics. A fashion designer might describe a summer collection as featuring 'tecidos delgados e fluidos'. Here, the word conveys a sense of luxury and breathability. Similarly, in an art gallery, a critic might comment on the 'traços delgados' (thin strokes) of a sketch, highlighting the artist's precision and delicate touch. This usage elevates the conversation from simple observation to professional critique.

You will also encounter 'delgado' in literature and journalism. When a journalist describes a 'delgada margem de lucro' (a thin profit margin), they are using the word metaphorically to indicate how precarious a business situation is. In novels, 'delgado' is often used to create a specific atmosphere—perhaps a 'delgado raio de sol' (a thin ray of sunshine) piercing through a dark room. It provides a more evocative image than the more common 'fino'. For students of Portuguese, recognizing 'delgado' in these varied contexts is key to moving beyond basic fluency into a more sophisticated understanding of the language's descriptive power.

News & Media
Used for margins, layers of ozone, or delicate political balances.
Science & Nature
Used for membranes, stems of plants, or anatomical structures.

O caule da flor é tão delgado que se curva com o vento.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with delgado is overusing it in place of 'magro' when talking about people in casual conversation. While 'delgado' is correct, saying 'O meu amigo é muito delgado' sounds slightly unnatural or overly formal among friends; 'magro' is the standard choice. Conversely, using 'magro' to describe a thin piece of paper ('papel magro') is a major mistake, as 'magro' specifically refers to the absence of fat in living beings or meat. For objects, you must use 'delgado' or 'fino'.

Delgado vs. Fino
'Fino' is the everyday word for 'thin' or 'fine'. 'Delgado' is more specific to physical slenderness or technical thickness. Don't use 'delgado' for 'fine' in the sense of 'quality' (e.g., 'fine wine' is 'vinho fino', not 'delgado').
Liquids
Never use 'delgado' for thin liquids. A 'thin' soup is 'uma sopa rala' or 'aguada'. Using 'delgado' here would confuse a native speaker.

Errado: O café está muito delgado. Correto: O café está muito fraco.

Another common pitfall is gender agreement. Because learners often learn 'delgado' in the context of 'intestino delgado' (masculine), they may forget to change it to 'delgada' when describing feminine nouns like 'folha' (leaf) or 'camada' (layer). Always check the noun's gender. Additionally, avoid using 'delgado' to mean 'narrow' when referring to a street; in that case, the correct word is 'estreito'. 'Delgado' refers to the thickness of the material or the slenderness of a shape, not the width of a passage.

Finally, remember that 'delgado' is an absolute description of thickness. It doesn't imply 'weakness' in the same way 'frail' might. If you want to say someone is 'thin and weak', the word is 'franzino'. Using 'delgado' for a person usually implies a healthy, slim build. Misusing these nuances can change the tone of your sentence from a compliment to a concern. Practice by categorizing objects around you: is your phone 'fino' or 'delgado'? Is the thread in your shirt 'delgado'? This mental exercise helps solidify the correct usage boundaries.

To truly master Portuguese, you need to know when to choose delgado over its many synonyms. Each word carries a specific 'flavor' and fits better in certain contexts. Comparing these will help you refine your descriptive skills and sound more like a native speaker.

Magro
The most common word for 'thin' or 'skinny' regarding people and animals. It's neutral but can be informal.
Fino
General word for thinness of objects. It also means 'fine' or 'elegant'. Use it for paper, fabric, or a person's features.
Esguio
Means 'slender' and 'tall'. It's often used for people with a long, lean build, like a basketball player or a model.
Franzino
Means 'frail' or 'small-boned'. It describes someone who is thin and looks somewhat delicate or weak.

Enquanto ele é esguio e alto, o irmão é baixo e franzino.

When should you reach for 'delgado' instead of 'fino'? Think of 'delgado' as a more technical or literary sibling. In a hardware store, you might ask for a 'cabo fino', but a technical manual would specify a 'cabo delgado'. If you are writing a poem, 'lábios delgados' (slender lips) sounds more romantic and descriptive than 'lábios finos'. Another alternative is madelço (though rare and regional) or tênue. 'Tênue' is often used for things that are so thin they are almost non-existent, like a 'tênue esperança' (a thin/faint hope) or a 'tênue neblina' (a thin mist).

In professional contexts, such as architecture or engineering, 'delgado' is used to describe structural elements that have a high ratio of length to thickness. A 'coluna delgada' is a slender column. Using this specific vocabulary demonstrates a high level of Portuguese proficiency, as it shows you can distinguish between the general 'thin' and the specific 'slender' or 'fine-gauged'. By integrating 'delgado' alongside 'magro', 'fino', and 'esguio', you build a rich palette of adjectives to describe the world with precision.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The word 'delgado' shares the same root as the English word 'delicate'. While they sound similar, their primary meanings have diverged: 'delgado' focuses on physical thinness, while 'delicate' focuses on fragility or refinement.

发音指南

UK /dɛlˈɡadu/
US /delˈɡadu/
The stress is on the second syllable: del-GA-do.
押韵词
passado cansado pintado telhado fado lado estado obrigado
常见错误
  • Pronouncing the 'l' like an English 'w' (e.g., 'dew-gado'). Keep the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
  • Stress on the first syllable. It must be on 'ga'.
  • Making the 'd' sound too explosive. It should be dental.
  • Confusing the final 'o' with a strong 'o' sound. In many dialects, it sounds like a soft 'u'.
  • Nasalizing the first syllable unnecessarily.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'delicate' and frequent use in textbooks.

写作 3/5

Requires correct gender and number agreement, which can be tricky for beginners.

口语 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'l' and final 'o' requires practice for natural flow.

听力 2/5

Distinct sound makes it easy to pick out in clear speech.

接下来学什么

前置知识

magro fino corpo papel grande

接下来学习

esguio espesso grosso tênue anatomia

高级

adelgaçar histologia precisão estratigrafia

需要掌握的语法

Adjective Agreement

A linha (f.s.) é delgada (f.s.). Os fios (m.p.) são delgados (m.p.).

Adjective Placement

Um fio delgado (standard) vs. Um delgado fio (poetic/emphatic).

Comparison of Equality

Este papel é tão delgado quanto aquele.

Superlative Absolute

O material é delgadíssimo (extremely thin).

Adverb Formation

Delgado + mente = delgadamente (thinly).

按水平分级的例句

1

O papel é muito delgado.

The paper is very thin.

Masculine singular agreement.

2

A linha é delgada.

The line is thin.

Feminine singular agreement.

3

Ele é um homem delgado.

He is a thin man.

Used as a synonym for 'magro' in a slightly formal way.

4

Os livros são delgados.

The books are thin.

Masculine plural agreement.

5

As fatias são delgadas.

The slices are thin.

Feminine plural agreement.

6

O lápis é delgado.

The pencil is thin.

Simple adjective use.

7

O vidro é delgado.

The glass is thin.

Describing material thickness.

8

A mesa tem pernas delgadas.

The table has thin legs.

Describing parts of an object.

1

O intestino delgado é longo.

The small intestine is long.

Fixed anatomical term.

2

Ela comprou um fio delgado para o colar.

She bought a thin wire for the necklace.

Describing a specific object.

3

As folhas desta planta são delgadas.

The leaves of this plant are thin.

Plural agreement with 'folhas'.

4

O telemóvel é muito delgado e leve.

The phone is very thin and light.

Using two adjectives to describe an object.

5

Ele desenhou um traço delgado no papel.

He drew a thin stroke on the paper.

Noun-adjective order.

6

Esta fatia de queijo está muito delgada.

This slice of cheese is very thin.

Using 'estar' for a state/result.

7

O gato tem um rabo longo e delgado.

The cat has a long and thin tail.

Describing animal features.

8

A agulha é muito delgada.

The needle is very thin.

Describing a sharp object.

1

O paciente tem um problema no intestino delgado.

The patient has a problem in the small intestine.

Medical context.

2

Prefiro tecidos delgados para o verão.

I prefer thin fabrics for the summer.

General preference in a specific context.

3

A escultura apresentava formas delgadas e elegantes.

The sculpture featured thin and elegant shapes.

Describing art.

4

O raio de luz era tão delgado que mal se via.

The ray of light was so thin that it was barely visible.

Adverbial clause of result.

5

Ela tem uma silhueta delgada devido ao ballet.

She has a slender silhouette due to ballet.

Describing physique.

6

A camada de gelo é demasiado delgada para caminhar.

The ice layer is too thin to walk on.

Describing safety/thickness.

7

O instrumento produz um som delgado e agudo.

The instrument produces a thin and high-pitched sound.

Describing sensory qualities.

8

Os ramos delgados da árvore balançavam ao vento.

The thin branches of the tree swayed in the wind.

Describing nature.

1

Existe uma delgada linha entre a coragem e a imprudência.

There is a thin line between courage and recklessness.

Metaphorical usage.

2

A membrana delgada protege o interior da célula.

The thin membrane protects the inside of the cell.

Scientific description.

3

O autor utiliza um estilo delgado e sem adornos.

The author uses a thin (sparse) and unadorned style.

Literary criticism.

4

A margem de lucro da empresa é bastante delgada este ano.

The company's profit margin is quite thin this year.

Business/Economics context.

5

As paredes do apartamento são tão delgadas que ouço os vizinhos.

The apartment walls are so thin that I hear the neighbors.

Describing structural quality.

6

Ele possui um intelecto delgado e perspicaz.

He possesses a sharp and keen intellect.

Abstract description of a person.

7

O vidro temperado é mais resistente, apesar de ser delgado.

Tempered glass is more resistant, despite being thin.

Concessive clause with 'apesar de'.

8

A névoa delgada cobria o vale ao amanhecer.

The thin mist covered the valley at dawn.

Describing weather/atmosphere.

1

A análise revelou uma delgada variação nos resultados experimentais.

The analysis revealed a slight (thin) variation in the experimental results.

Precise academic description.

2

Sua voz, delgada e trêmula, mal se fazia ouvir na sala grande.

Her voice, thin and trembling, could barely be heard in the large room.

Describing auditory qualities in literature.

3

A estrutura metálica, embora delgada, suporta toneladas de peso.

The metallic structure, although slender, supports tons of weight.

Engineering context.

4

O filósofo discute a delgada fronteira entre o ser e o nada.

The philosopher discusses the thin boundary between being and nothingness.

Philosophical/Abstract usage.

5

O tecido era de uma transparência delgada e quase etérea.

The fabric was of a thin and almost ethereal transparency.

High-level descriptive prose.

6

A política externa equilibra-se numa delgada teia de alianças.

Foreign policy balances on a thin web of alliances.

Political metaphor.

7

Observou-se um delgado estrato de sedimentos no fundo do rio.

A thin layer of sediment was observed at the bottom of the river.

Geological description.

8

A escrita do autor é caracterizada por uma delgada ironia.

The author's writing is characterized by a subtle (thin) irony.

Describing style/tone.

1

A evanescente claridade projetava sombras delgadas sobre o mármore.

The evanescent light projected slender shadows onto the marble.

Highly literary/poetic.

2

O bisturi deslizou pela derme com uma precisão delgada e infalível.

The scalpel glided through the dermis with a thin and infallible precision.

Professional/Technical nuance.

3

Há uma delgada e persistente melancolia que permeia toda a obra.

There is a thin and persistent melancholy that permeates the entire work.

Abstract literary analysis.

4

A delgada espessura da película de grafeno confere-lhe propriedades únicas.

The thin thickness of the graphene film gives it unique properties.

Scientific/Advanced physics.

5

O orador teceu uma delgada argumentação que convenceu os mais céticos.

The speaker wove a subtle (thin/fine) argument that convinced the most skeptical.

Rhetorical usage.

6

As nuvens delgadas, como pinceladas de fumo, cruzavam o céu de outono.

The thin clouds, like strokes of smoke, crossed the autumn sky.

Descriptive simile.

7

A constituição física do atleta era delgada, mas dotada de força explosiva.

The athlete's physical constitution was slender, but endowed with explosive strength.

Nuanced physical description.

8

Percebia-se uma delgada fresta de esperança em meio ao caos político.

A thin crack of hope could be perceived amidst the political chaos.

Metaphorical/Abstract.

常见搭配

intestino delgado
fio delgado
camada delgada
traços delgados
corpo delgado
voz delgada
dedos delgados
folha delgada
margem delgada
vidro delgado

常用短语

Por um fio delgado

— To be hanging by a thread, in a precarious situation.

A economia do país está por um fio delgado.

Linha delgada

— A fine line between two distinct states or ideas.

Há uma linha delgada entre o amor e o ódio.

Fatiado delgado

— Thinly sliced, usually referring to food like ham or cheese.

Quero o presunto fatiado bem delgado.

Ar delgado

— Thin air, often used when referring to high altitudes.

É difícil respirar neste ar delgado da montanha.

Perfil delgado

— A slim profile, often used in product design for electronics.

O novo monitor tem um perfil muito delgado.

Tecido delgado

— A lightweight or thin fabric suitable for warm weather.

Este vestido é feito de um tecido delgado.

Estrutura delgada

— A slender or lightweight structure in engineering or architecture.

A ponte tem uma estrutura delgada e moderna.

Mãos delgadas

— Slender hands, often associated with grace or manual dexterity.

Ela usava anéis em suas mãos delgadas.

Pernas delgadas

— Slender legs, a common physical description.

As pernas delgadas da garça ajudam-na a andar na água.

Capa delgada

— A thin cover or coating on an object.

O livro tem uma capa delgada de plástico.

容易混淆的词

delgado vs delicado

English speakers might think it means 'delicate'. While related, 'delgado' specifically means 'thin'.

delgado vs delegado

Sounds similar but means 'delegate' or 'police chief'. Don't mix them up!

delgado vs degrau

Another similar-sounding word that means 'step' (of a ladder or stairs).

习语与表达

"Andar numa linha delgada"

— To act with extreme caution to avoid a mistake or conflict.

O diplomata anda numa linha delgada para manter a paz.

neutral
"Separados por uma parede delgada"

— To be very close to something or someone, often with little privacy.

Nossos destinos estão separados por uma parede delgada.

literary
"Ter um fio delgado de esperança"

— To have a very small chance of something working out.

Ainda temos um fio delgado de esperança.

neutral
"Voz delgada de consciência"

— The small, quiet inner voice that guides one's morals.

Ouvi a voz delgada da minha consciência.

poetic
"Equilíbrio delgado"

— A fragile or precarious balance.

O ecossistema está num equilíbrio delgado.

formal
"Delgada ironia"

— Subtle irony that is not immediately obvious.

Ele falou com uma delgada ironia que poucos notaram.

literary
"Delgada margem"

— A very small difference or advantage.

A lei foi aprovada por uma delgada margem de votos.

journalistic
"Tecer fios delgados"

— To plan something very carefully and intricately.

Ela teceu fios delgados para conseguir a promoção.

metaphorical
"Sentir-se delgado"

— To feel physically thin or weak (less common than 'magro').

Depois da gripe, sentia-se delgado e sem forças.

informal
"Corte delgado"

— A precision cut, often in surgery or cooking.

O cirurgião fez um corte delgado e preciso.

technical

容易混淆

delgado vs magro

Both translate to 'thin'.

'Magro' is for body fat; 'delgado' is for physical dimensions and slenderness. You wouldn't say 'papel magro'.

O modelo é magro, mas tem braços delgados.

delgado vs fino

Both translate to 'thin' or 'fine'.

'Fino' is more general and can mean high quality. 'Delgado' is more technical or descriptive of shape.

Um tecido fino pode ser delgado ou não.

delgado vs estreito

Both involve small dimensions.

'Estreito' means 'narrow' (distance between sides). 'Delgado' means 'thin' (thickness of the material).

Uma rua estreita vs. uma parede delgada.

delgado vs tênue

Both mean very thin.

'Tênue' is often used for abstract things or very faint physical things (light, hope). 'Delgado' is more for solid objects.

Uma tênue luz vs. um fio delgado.

delgado vs franzino

Both describe a thin person.

'Franzino' implies being small and looking a bit weak. 'Delgado' is more neutral or positive.

O menino franzino precisava de ajuda.

句型

A1

O [objeto] é delgado.

O lápis é delgado.

A2

Eu tenho um [objeto] delgado.

Eu tenho um fio delgado.

B1

O [órgão] delgado é importante para [função].

O intestino delgado é importante para a digestão.

B1

As [coisas] são mais delgadas que as [outras].

As fatias são mais delgadas que as outras.

B2

Apesar de ser delgado, o [objeto] é [qualidade].

Apesar de ser delgado, o vidro é forte.

B2

Existe uma delgada linha entre [X] e [Y].

Existe uma delgada linha entre rir e chorar.

C1

A [conceito] é caracterizada por uma delgada [qualidade].

A obra é caracterizada por uma delgada ironia.

C2

[Adjetivo] e delgado, o [sujeito] [verbo]...

Pálido e delgado, o vulto desapareceu na noite.

词族

名词

delgadeza (slenderness/thinness)
delgadura (the quality of being thin)

动词

adelgaçar (to make thin, to taper)
adelgadar (to thin out)

形容词

delgado (thin/slim)
adelgaçado (thinned/tapered)

相关

intestino
fino
magro
esguio
franzino

如何使用

frequency

Common in specialized fields and written Portuguese; moderate in daily speech.

常见错误
  • O café está delgado. O café está fraco.

    Do not use 'delgado' for liquids. Use 'fraco' for weak coffee or 'ralo' for thin soup.

  • Uma rua delgada. Uma rua estreita.

    Use 'estreito' for narrow spaces. 'Delgado' is for the thickness of an object.

  • O papel é magro. O papel é delgado.

    Never use 'magro' for inanimate objects. 'Magro' is strictly for living beings and meat.

  • As linhas são delgado. As linhas são delgadas.

    Adjectives must agree in gender and number. 'Linhas' is feminine plural.

  • Ele é um delgado homem. Ele é um homem delgado.

    In most cases, the adjective follows the noun in Portuguese.

小贴士

Gender Agreement

Always remember to change 'delgado' to 'delgada' for feminine nouns like 'camada' or 'folha'. It's a common mistake for learners to keep it masculine.

Technical Usage

If you're studying medicine or biology in Portuguese, 'intestino delgado' is a must-know term. It's never called anything else in a professional setting.

Elegant Descriptions

Use 'delgado' instead of 'magro' when you want to sound more sophisticated or when describing someone's graceful, slender build.

Objects vs. People

While 'magro' is only for living beings, 'delgado' works for both. If you're describing a thin laptop, 'delgado' or 'fino' are your best bets.

Delgado vs. Estreito

Remember: 'delgado' is thin (thickness), 'estreito' is narrow (width). A thin book is 'delgado', a narrow hallway is 'estreito'.

The Soft 'L'

Ensure your 'l' in 'delgado' is clear and on the roof of your mouth, not swallowed like a 'w'. This makes your Portuguese sound more authentic.

Vary Your Adjectives

In a long text, don't repeat 'fino' too much. Use 'delgado' to add variety and show off your B1+ vocabulary level.

Listen for the Stress

The stress is on the 'GA'. If you hear someone say 'DEL-gado', they are likely not a native speaker or are emphasizing it unusually.

Compliments

'Delgado' is generally a neutral to positive description. It's safer than 'magro' if you're worried about sounding rude about someone's weight.

Link to 'Delicate'

Since 'delgado' and 'delicate' share a root, imagine a 'delicate' thin thread to remember the word 'delgado'.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of a 'delicate' 'gate' that is very 'thin'. DEL-GADO. A delicate gate is a delgado gate.

视觉联想

Imagine the small intestine (intestino delgado) as a long, thin, winding tube. The word 'delgado' fits its slender shape perfectly.

Word Web

intestino fio papel corpo camada traço voz margem

挑战

Try to find three things in your room that are 'delgados' and name them out loud in Portuguese: 'O meu carregador é delgado', etc.

词源

Derived from the Latin 'delicatus', which originally meant 'alluring', 'charming', or 'delicate'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a quality of attractiveness to a physical description of fineness and thinness.

原始含义: Delicate, soft, or pleasing to the senses.

Romance (Latin)

文化背景

While 'delgado' is generally polite, always be careful when commenting on people's weight in any language. 'Esbelto' is a safer compliment.

English speakers often confuse 'thin' (general) with 'slim' (aesthetic). 'Delgado' covers both but leans towards 'slender'.

The anatomical term 'Intestino Delgado' used in all Portuguese-speaking medical systems. Literary descriptions in the works of Eça de Queirós. Technical specifications in Portuguese manufacturing manuals.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Medical/Health

  • Dor no intestino delgado
  • Parede intestinal delgada
  • Vilosidades do delgado
  • Exame ao intestino delgado

Fashion/Textiles

  • Tecido muito delgado
  • Linha delgada de seda
  • Corte delgado e moderno
  • Fibra delgada

Art/Design

  • Traços delgados a lápis
  • Pincel delgado
  • Escultura de formas delgadas
  • Moldura delgada

Science/Engineering

  • Membrana delgada
  • Filamento delgado
  • Película delgada
  • Estrutura metálica delgada

Daily Life

  • Fatias delgadas de fiambre
  • Papel delgado
  • Vidro delgado
  • Fio delgado

对话开场白

"Sabia que o intestino delgado pode medir até seis metros?"

"Acho que este papel é demasiado delgado para a nossa impressora."

"Prefere o presunto cortado grosso ou bem delgado?"

"A silhueta daquele edifício é muito delgada e elegante, não acha?"

"Como se diz 'thin' em português quando falamos de anatomia?"

日记主题

Descreva um objeto muito delgado que você possui e por que ele é útil.

Escreva sobre a diferença entre ser 'magro' e ser 'delgado' na sua opinião.

Imagine que você é um médico explicando o funcionamento do intestino delgado.

Descreva uma paisagem de inverno usando a palavra 'delgada' para falar do gelo ou da luz.

Crie uma pequena história sobre um fio delgado que não podia quebrar.

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, you can. It sounds more formal and descriptive than 'magro'. It's like saying 'slender' instead of 'thin'. For example, 'Ela tem uma figura delgada' is a nice way to describe someone's build.

Mostly, yes. However, English uses 'thin' for liquids (thin soup), but Portuguese does not use 'delgado' for liquids. For liquids, use 'ralo' or 'fraco'. 'Delgado' is for solid objects and bodies.

It is the Portuguese term for the 'small intestine'. It is the most common use of the word in medical and biological contexts. You will see it in every anatomy book.

If the noun is masculine, use 'delgados' (os fios delgados). If the noun is feminine, use 'delgadas' (as fatias delgadas). Adjectives in Portuguese must always match the noun.

It is common in writing, news, and technical fields. In casual conversation, people might use 'magro' or 'fino' more often, but everyone knows and understands 'delgado'.

Not directly. It means 'thin'. However, if something is very thin, it might be fragile. If you want to say someone is thin and weak, 'franzino' is a better choice.

For objects, the opposite is 'grosso' (thick). For people, the opposite can be 'gordo' (fat) or 'encorpado' (sturdy/thick-set).

No. For a narrow street, use 'estreito'. 'Delgado' is about the thickness of the material or the slenderness of a shape, not the space between two things.

Yes, it becomes 'delgada'. For example: 'uma linha delgada' (a thin line). This is a standard rule for adjectives ending in -o.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning and formality level.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The paper is thin.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'delgada' for a feminine noun.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The small intestine is long.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'delgados' in a sentence about fingers.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'There is a thin line between love and hate.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe a fabric using 'delgado'.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'thin profit margin'.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The walls are very thin.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'delgado' to describe a ray of light.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain the difference between 'magro' and 'delgado' in Portuguese.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The needle is very thin.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence with 'adelgaçar'.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe a person's voice as thin.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Thin slices of ham.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'delgada' to describe a membrane.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The cat has a slender tail.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write about a 'thin hope'.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Thin glass.'

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Use 'delgado' in a technical context.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'delgadeza'.

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

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce 'delgado' correctly. (Emphasis on the second syllable).

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'thin paper' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'small intestine' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe your phone as thin.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'thin slices' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Explain to a doctor you have pain in your small intestine.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Compare two fabrics using 'mais delgado'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a slender person using 'delgado'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce the plural 'delgadas'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'a thin line' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'delgado' to describe a pencil.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'the walls are thin' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a thin wire.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'thin clouds' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Use 'delgado' in a sentence about art.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a thin ray of light.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'thin glass' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Pronounce 'intestino delgado'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Describe a slender tree branch.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'thin profit margin'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O papel é demasiado delgado.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'A médica examinou o intestino delgado.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'As fatias devem ser delgadas.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'Ela tem dedos delgados e ágeis.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O fio é delgado mas forte.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'Havia uma delgada camada de pó.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O som da flauta era delgado.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O vidro é muito delgado e frágil.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'Ele desenhou uma linha delgada.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'A margem de erro é delgada.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'As nuvens estão delgadas hoje.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O caule da planta é delgado.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'A voz dela soava delgada.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O cirurgião fez um corte delgado.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Transcribe: 'O papel é delgado e branco.'

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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