bom — meaning in English: good

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treze

mais ou menos

inexorável

o que

bom

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'bom' to compliment food, experiences, or people. For instance, at a restaurant, one might say, 'Este prato está bom!' when enjoying a meal, or in casual conversation, 'Bom dia!' to greet someone cheerfully in the morning.

Synonyms & nuances

'Bom' can be compared to 'ótimo', which means 'great' or 'excellent.' While 'bom' is a general term for 'good', you would use 'ótimo' for something that exceeds expectations, emphasizing higher quality or satisfaction.

Culture

'Bom' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'bonus', which also means 'good.' This word is deeply embedded in Portuguese culture, often used in various expressions like 'bom humor' (good mood) and 'bom trabalho' (good job), highlighting the importance of positivity in daily interactions.

FAQ

Q.What does 'bom' mean in English?

'Bom' translates to 'good' in English and is used widely in everyday conversations in Portuguese.

Q.How can I use 'bom' in a sentence?

You can use 'bom' in various contexts, such as 'O clima está bom hoje!' meaning 'The weather is good today!' or simply 'Isso é bom!' meaning 'This is good!'

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'bom'?

A common mistake is using 'bom' incorrectly based on gender agreement. Remember that 'bom' is masculine; for feminine nouns, use 'boa'. So, you would say 'a comida é boa' for 'the food is good.'

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Portuguese Vocabulary