bom

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good, nice, fine, excellent, favorable
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A word that denotes quality, suitability, or a positive thing, and can also be used as a noun for the good in general.

Examples

  • Ele fez um trabalho bom.
    He did a good job.
  • Esse carro é bom para a cidade.
    This car is good for the city.
  • O filme foi bom e divertido.
    The movie was good and entertaining.
  • Lutar pelo bom é um dever moral.
    Fighting for the good is a moral duty.
  • A história celebra o bom dos heróis.
    History celebrates the good of heroes.

Similar words

moralidade
bem
honestidade
conveniente
positivo
idôneo
virtude
útil
propício
ideal

Meanings

Good quality

adjective
everyday
neutral
Having a high standard, pleasing or satisfactory in nature.

Examples

  • O filme foi bom e divertido.
    The movie was good and entertaining.
  • Esse carro é bom para a cidade.
    This car is good for the city.
  • A qualidade do produto é bom.
    The product's quality is good.
  • O restaurante tem um serviço bom.
    The restaurant has good service.
  • Ele fez um trabalho bom.
    He did a good job.

Similar words

Suitable

adjective
business
neutral
Appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

Examples

  • Esse método é bom para aprender português.
    This method is suitable for learning Portuguese.
  • O horário bom para a reunião é às 10h.
    The suitable time for the meeting is 10 a.m.
  • Escolha um material bom para a apresentação.
    Choose appropriate material for the presentation.
  • A escolha bom de cores melhora o design.
    The right choice of colors improves the design.
  • Um plano bom ajuda a alcançar metas.
    A suitable plan helps achieve goals.

Similar words

The good

noun
philosophy
neutral
The positive or beneficial aspect of something, often used abstractly.

Examples

  • O bom sempre triunfa sobre o mal.
    The good always triumphs over evil.
  • Lutar pelo bom é um dever moral.
    Fighting for the good is a moral duty.
  • Ele dedicou sua vida ao bom da humanidade.
    He devoted his life to the good of humanity.
  • A história celebra o bom dos heróis.
    History celebrates the good of heroes.
  • Buscar o bom traz satisfação.
    Seeking the good brings satisfaction.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin bonus, meaning ‘good’, via Old Portuguese bom.

FAQ

What does bom mean in Portuguese?

Bom means good, suitable, or the good in a general sense.

When should I use bom instead of boa?

Use bom with masculine nouns and boa with feminine nouns; they are gender‑specific forms of the same adjective.

How do I form the comparative of bom?

The irregular comparative is melhor (better).

What is the superlative form of bom?

The superlative can be expressed with ótimo or the periphrastic o melhor.

Can bom be used as a noun?

Yes, bom can function as a noun meaning “the good” in philosophical or moral contexts.

Is bom ever used as an adverb?

No, the adverb form is bem; using bom as an adverb is a common mistake.

What are common synonyms for bom?

Synonyms include excelente, ótimo, favorável, positivo, aprovado, valioso, ideal, and satisfatório.

What are typical antonyms for bom?

Antonyms are ruim, , pior, and defeituoso.

Where does the word bom come from?

It derives from Latin bonus, meaning ‘good’, and entered Portuguese through Old Portuguese.

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