noz-moscada
/ˌnɔ(j)z.mosˈka.dɐ/feminine
The English word 'nutmeg' is translated into Portuguese as noz-moscada.
The term refers to the spice (noun).
Meaning: spice (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
noz-moscada is a compound noun. The part noz means nut, and moscada is the feminine form of the adjective moscado, which means musky or scented.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, noz-moscada is the most commonly used term for nutmeg.
How does it change in a sentence?
This is a feminine noun. Consequently, any accompanying articles or adjectives must also be feminine, such as a noz-moscada (the nutmeg) or especiaria noz-moscada (nutmeg spice).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˌnɔ(j)z.mosˈka.dɐ/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- In the history of the Portuguese Empire, the quest for noz-moscada led to the establishment of strategic forts in Asia, as the spice was once as valuable as gold.
- In Portuguese, the word noz is used for both 'nut' and 'walnut'. To specify a walnut, people usually say noz-comum, but in a general context, noz almost always refers to the walnut.
- While noz-moscada refers to the spice, the Portuguese language has a separate word mace translated as macis, which comes from the outer fleshy coating of the same seed.
Examples in context
- "Finalmente apanhei-vos", disse o jacaré com uma voz parecida a um ralador de noz-moscada."At last I have caught you," said the alligator in a nutmeg grater sort of a voice.This sentence uses noz-moscada to describe a specific voice quality.Tatoeba #10923832 by Cangarejo, translation #10923830 by Cangarejo
- As especiarias utilizadas na confeção de biscoitos speculaas são a canela, a noz-moscada, o cravo-da-índia, o gengibre e a pimenta branca.The spices used in making speculaas biscuits are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger and white pepper.This sentence lists noz-moscada as one of several spices used in biscuits.Tatoeba #10641716 by Luciferous, translation #9444369 by sundown
- O Coneticute é chamado «O Estado da Noz-Moscada», mas não necessariamente por causa da especiaria, uma carga preciosa que os marinheiros estaduais costumavam trazer consigo das viagens comerciais à Ásia.Connecticut is called "The Nutmeg State," but not necessarily because of the nutmeg spice, a precious cargo the state's sailors used to bring home from trade journeys to Asia.This sentence mentions the spice noz-moscada in the context of a state nickname.Tatoeba #11062475 by Cangarejo, translation #11062474 by Cangarejo
- Eu adoro usar noz-moscada nas minhas receitasI love using nutmeg in my recipes
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are cooking dinner together in the kitchen.
- CamilaRodrigo, falta um ingrediente para o molho.Rodrigo, one ingredient is missing for the sauce.
- RodrigoSerá que precisamos de noz-moscada?Do we need nutmeg?
- CamilaSim, a receita pede noz-moscada.Yes, the recipe calls for nutmeg.
- RodrigoVou procurar no armário agora mesmo.I will look in the cupboard right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nutmeg” translations and entries noz-moscada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
