açúcar de confeiteiro
The English phrase 'icing sugar' is translated into Portuguese as açúcar de confeiteiro.
açúcar de confeiteiro refers to the finely powdered sugar used in baking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of açúcar (sugar) and de confeiteiro (of the confectioner/pastry chef).
Which one should you use?
This term specifically refers to the finely powdered sugar used in baking, distinguishing it from açúcar refinado (refined sugar) or açúcar cristal (granulated sugar).
Did you know?
- The word açúcar shares an ancient linguistic root with the word for 'gravel', originating from the Proto-Indo-European term for small stones or pebbles.
- The term confeiteiro comes from confeito, a word that historically referred to candied fruits and sweets preserved in sugar.
- The suffix -eiro in confeiteiro is a common Portuguese pattern used to denote a profession or a person associated with a specific object.
Examples in context
- Quando você fizer a cobertura, não se esqueça de adicionar uma colher de açúcar de confeiteiro para deixá-la mais saborosa.When you make the frosting, don't forget to add a spoonful of icing sugar to make it more flavorful.
- Eu prefiro usar açúcar em pó para além do açúcar granulado, na decoração dos bolos.I prefer to use powdered sugar alongside granulated sugar in cake decoration.
- Preciso de açúcar de confeiteiro para o bolo.I need icing sugar for the cake.
- Você tem açúcar de confeiteiro em casa?Do you have icing sugar at home?
- O açúcar de confeiteiro está no armário.The icing sugar is in the cupboard.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are baking a cake together.
- RodrigoJuliana, você tem açúcar de confeiteiro?Juliana, do you have icing sugar?
- JulianaAcho que não tenho, Rodrigo.I don't think I do, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoVou comprar açúcar de confeiteiro agora.I will buy icing sugar now.
- JulianaTudo bem, eu espero você.All right, I'll wait for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry açúcar de confeiteiro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries açúcar, confeiteiro, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
