Have you ever wondered how to refer in Portuguese to a group of stars in the beautiful Algarve's night sky, or what to call a bustling crowd of people at Faro Airport? That's where collective nouns come into play. They're not just fancy terms; they give us a clearer, more vivid way to express groups of people, animals, or objects.
For anyone learning Portuguese, understanding these unique words can be a game-changer. It helps us paint more vivid pictures with our words, making our conversations and writings richer and more engaging. So, let's explore 18 collective nouns in the Portuguese language. As you read on, try to take notes and let me know how many of these nouns you already use in your Portuguese conversations.
Vamos a isto?
Conjunto (Set/Group)
This term is quite versatile and can refer to a group of objects, people, or even musical bands.
Example: "O conjunto de selos raros foi leiloado por uma quantia significativa." (The set of rare stamps was auctioned for a significant amount.)
Feixe (Bundle)
Typically used for a bundle of items tied together, such as sticks, arrows, or hay.
Example: "Ele carregou um feixe de lenha para a lareira." (He carried a bundle of firewood for the fireplace.)
Plateia (Audience)
Refers to a group of spectators or listeners, especially in a theatre or at a concert.
Example: "A plateia aplaudiu de pé ao final da performance." (The audience gave a standing ovation at the end of the performance.)
Frota (Fleet)
Used for a group of vehicles, such as cars, buses, or ships, especially when they are operated together by a single company or organization.
Example: "A companhia aérea expandiu a sua frota com novos aviões mais eficientes." (The airline expanded its fleet with new, more efficient airplanes.)
Arquipélago (Archipelago)
A group of islands, often closely scattered in a body of water.
Example: "O arquipélago é conhecido por suas praias deslumbrantes e biodiversidade única." (The archipelago is known for its stunning beaches and unique biodiversity.)
Matilha (Pack)
Used to refer to a group of wild animals, especially dogs or wolves.
Example: "A matilha de lobos atravessou a floresta em busca de alimento." (The pack of wolves crossed the forest in search of food.)
Cardume (School/Shoal)
Refers to a large group of fish swimming together.
Example: "O cardume de sardinhas foi visível da costa." (The school of sardines was visible from the coast.)
Rebanho (Flock/Herd)
Used for a group of sheep or goats, but can also extend to other herd animals.
Example: "O pastor cuidou do seu rebanho nas montanhas." (The shepherd looked after his flock in the mountains.)
Enxame (Swarm)
Typically used for a large group of insects, such as bees or locusts.
Example: "O enxame de abelhas deixou a área em minutos." (The swarm of bees left the area within minutes.)
Esquadra (Squadron/Fleet)
Refers to a group of ships or planes operating together, often for military purposes.
Example: "A esquadra naval partiu ao amanhecer." (The naval fleet set out at dawn.)
Coro (Choir)
A group of singers who perform together, typically with a mix of voice types.
Example: "O coro da igreja cantou hinos durante a cerimónia." (The church choir sang hymns during the ceremony.)
Turma (Class/Group)
Refers to a group of students who study together, especially in a school setting.
Example: "A turma de português está a progredir rapidamente." (The Portuguese class is making rapid progress.)
Molho (Bunch)
A collective noun for keys.
Example: "Ela perdeu o molho de chaves do escritório." (She lost the bunch of office keys.)
Quadrilha (Gang)
Used for a group of thieves or criminals.
Example: "A quadrilha foi capturada pela polícia na madrugada." (The gang was captured by the police in the early hours.)
Elenco (Cast)
Refers to a group of actors in a play, film, or television show.
Example: "O elenco do novo filme recebeu críticas positivas." (The cast of the new movie received positive reviews.)
Souto (Grove)
A term specifically used for a grove of chestnut trees.
Example: "No outono, o souto fica coberto de castanhas." (In autumn, the chestnut grove is covered with chestnuts.)
Pomar (Orchard)
Refers to a piece of land planted with fruit trees.
Example: "Eles passaram a tarde colhendo frutas no pomar." (They spent the afternoon picking fruit in the orchard.)
Time (no Brasil) / Equipa (em Portugal)
Used for a team of players in a sports activity who play together. "Time" is used in Brazil, while "Equipa" is preferred in Portugal.
Example (BR): "O time de futebol celebrou a vitória no campeonato." (The football team celebrated the championship victory.)
Example (PT): "A equipa de hóquei está a treinar para o próximo jogo." (The hockey team is training for the next game.)
As we conclude this short 'showcase' of Portuguese collective nouns, it's fascinating to see how these terms bring richness and clarity to our expressions. Were you familiar with any of these collectives before? How many had you encountered in your linguistic adventures? Reflecting on your native language, do you often use collective nouns in English as well? Your experiences and insights are invaluable, and I'd love to hear about them. Please share your thoughts and any collective nouns you frequently use or find intriguing in the comments section below. Let's continue to embrace and incorporate these linguistic treasures into our daily conversations, enriching our language and connections with every word.