Countable and uncountable quantities

In brief

In Brazilian Portuguese, you can count individual things directly, but substances such as leite, arroz and farinha usually need a container or unit when you want to give an exact amount.

Form

number + countable noun: dois ovos; number + unit + de + substance: dois copos de leite

Usage

• Use the plural of a countable noun for several individual items: três ovos.
• For a measured amount, name the unit before the substance: duas xícaras de arroz. The substance stays singular.
• In a café, dois cafés can mean two servings of coffee; the context supplies the unit.

Examples

• Comprei seis ovos para o bolo. — I bought six eggs for the cake.
• Adicione duas xícaras de arroz à panela. — Add two cups of rice to the pot.
• Ela bebeu um copo de leite no café da manhã. — She drank a glass of milk at breakfast.

Common mistake

❌ Usei duas farinhas na receita.

✅ Usei duas xícaras de farinha na receita.

To specify an amount of flour, include the unit. Duas farinhas would suggest two kinds of flour, not two cups.

Remember

Count items directly; measure substances with a unit when the exact amount matters.