almofada
/aw.moˈfa.dɐ/
In Portuguese, the word for pad is almofada.
While almofada can refer to a pad of paper in certain contexts, it is most commonly used to mean a cushion or a pillow.
Meaning: block of paper (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term almofada is primarily known for its common meaning of 'cushion' or 'pillow'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, you can use bloco de anotações to refer to a pad. In Portugal, the term bloco de notas is commonly used for the same purpose.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /aw.moˈfa.dɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word almofada comes from the Arabic word al-miḵadda, meaning 'the pillow'.
- In Portuguese, a 'pillow' for sleeping is called a travesseiro, while almofada is used for decorative cushions or pads.
- The term bloco used in bloco de notas comes from the concept of a 'block', emphasizing the physical stack of paper rather than the softness of the object.
Examples in context
- Preciso de uma almofada para a cadeira.I need a pad for the chair
- Vou pegar meu bloco de notas para a conferência.I will grab my notepad for the conference
Example conversation
Juliana and Felipe are organizing their office desk.
- JulianaFelipe, você tem uma almofada para anotações?Felipe, do you have a pad for notes?
- FelipeSim, tem uma almofada na gaveta.Yes, there is a pad in the drawer.
- JulianaObrigada, vou pegar agora.Thanks, I'll get it now.
- FelipeDe nada, Juliana.You're welcome, Juliana.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry almofada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries almofada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
