Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “quilt” in Portuguese! Whether you are an avid quilter, a traveler, or simply curious about languages, this guide will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express the concept of a quilt in Portuguese. Let’s dive right in and explore the various words and expressions used across different Portuguese-speaking regions.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Quilt in Portuguese
1. Colcha
The most common and formal way to say “quilt” in Portuguese is “colcha.” This term is widely used in Portugal, as well as in various parts of Brazil. It specifically refers to a quilted bedcover made of several layers of fabric stitched together.
Example:
A minha avó tem uma colcha linda na cama.
(My grandmother has a beautiful quilt on her bed.)
2. Cobertor de retalhos
Another formal term for “quilt” in Portuguese is “cobertor de retalhos.” This phrase translates to “patchwork blanket,” emphasizing the technique and design of a traditional quilt.
Example:
Eu admiro a arte de fazer cobertores de retalhos.
(I admire the art of making patchwork blankets.)
Informal Ways to Say Quilt in Portuguese
1. Frazada
In some regions of Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries, an informal term for “quilt” is “frazada.” This word is commonly used in a more casual setting and is not as widely recognized as “colcha.”
Example:
Vou me cobrir com a frazada para ficar quentinho.
(I’ll cover myself with the quilt to keep warm.)
2. Trapos colchados
Informally, you might hear the expression “trapos colchados” to refer to a quilt. This phrase can be loosely translated to “stitched rags” and is more commonly used in certain regions where quilts are traditionally handmade with recycled or repurposed materials.
Example:
A vovó está fazendo trapos colchados para nós.
(Grandma is making stitched rag quilts for us.)
Regional Variations
While “colcha” is the most widely accepted term for quilt across Portuguese-speaking regions, there are a few regional variations worth noting:
- Manta das tecedeiras: This term is used in certain rural areas of northern Portugal and translates to “weavers’ blanket.”
- Caritó: In northeastern Brazil, particularly in the state of Bahia, “caritó” is a local term for a quilt or bedspread.
Tips for Using Quilt-related Vocabulary
1. If you’re unsure which term to use, it’s generally safe to default to “colcha” as the formal word for quilt.
2. Be aware that some regional variations may not be widely understood outside of their specific areas, so use them accordingly.
3. Consider learning basic Portuguese phrases related to quilting, such as “Vou fazer uma colcha” (I am going to make a quilt) or “Adoro acolchoados” (I love quilts), to enhance your language skills and connect with fellow quilting enthusiasts.
Now that you’re familiar with the various ways to say “quilt” in Portuguese, you can confidently converse about quilting or make connections with locals during your travels!
