📚 Complete Portuguese School Supply Glossary
Your comprehensive guide to understanding school supply terms in Portugal
🧭 Quick Navigation
💡 How to Use This Guide: Start with the reference sections to understand Portuguese school terminology and supply categories. Then use the “Select Your Supplies” section at the bottom to build your custom shopping list with checkboxes. Your selected items will appear automatically in the My Shopping List section, which you can print or export.
✏️ Essential Classroom Items
These are the fundamental supplies every student needs for daily classroom activities.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mochila | Backpack | Look for one with good back support |
| Estojo | Pencil case | Often requires specific size/style |
| Lápis | Pencil | HB/#2 pencils are standard |
| Borracha | Eraser | White erasers preferred |
| Afia | Pencil sharpener | With case to collect shavings |
| Canetas | Pens | Blue or black for most work |
| Lápis de cor | Colored pencils | Set of 12-24 typically required |
| Marcadores | Markers | Washable ones recommended |
| Tesoura | Scissors | Blunt-tip for younger students |
| Cola | Glue | Both stick and liquid often needed |
| Régua | Ruler | 30cm transparent ruler standard |
| Esquadro | Set square | For geometry in older grades |
| Transferidor | Protractor | For geometry in older grades |
| Compasso | Compass | For geometry in older grades |
| Calculadora | Calculator | Scientific for older students |
| Dossier | Binder | A4 size with rings |
| Folhas pautadas | Lined paper | A4 size standard |
| Folhas quadriculadas | Graph paper | Often required for math |
| Separadores | Dividers | For organizing binders |
| Micas | Sheet protectors | For important documents |
📓 Notebook Types
Different subjects often require specific types of notebooks.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caderno pautado | Lined notebook | Most common type |
| Caderno quadriculado | Graph paper notebook | For math and sciences |
| Caderno liso | Blank page notebook | For art or drawing |
| Caderno de música | Music notebook | With staff lines |
| Caderno A4 | A4 notebook | Standard large size |
| Caderno A5 | A5 notebook | Medium size |
| Bloco de notas | Notepad | Smaller, informal notes |
| Diário escolar | School diary/planner | For recording homework |
| Caderneta do aluno | Student notebook | For school-parent communication |
🎨 Art Supplies
Creative subjects require specialized materials.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aguarelas | Watercolors | Paint set |
| Pincel | Paintbrush | Various sizes may be required |
| Tela | Canvas | For painting projects |
| Bloco de desenho | Drawing pad | Usually A4 or A3 size |
| Papel cavalinho | Drawing paper | Thicker quality paper |
| Pasta de modelagem | Modeling clay | Similar to Play-Doh |
| Plasticina | Modeling clay | Firmer type |
| Cartolina | Poster board | Various colors |
| Giz de cera | Crayons | Usually required for younger students |
| Avental | Art smock/apron | To protect clothing |
⚽ Physical Education Items
Sports and PE classes have their own specific requirements.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Equipamento de educação física | PE uniform | School-specific requirements |
| Sapatilhas | Sneakers/trainers | Non-marking soles required |
| Calções | Shorts | Usually required color |
| T-shirt | T-shirt | Usually required color |
| Fato de treino | Tracksuit | For colder weather |
| Saco de equipamento | PE bag | For carrying equipment |
| Toalha | Towel | Small for after class |
| Sabonete | Soap | For showering if applicable |
| Chinelos | Flip-flops | For showers if applicable |
🎒 Miscellaneous Items
Additional items that enhance the school experience.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lancheira | Lunch box | Insulated recommended |
| Garrafa de água | Water bottle | Reusable preferred |
| Lenços de papel | Tissues | Individual packets |
| Bata | School smock | Required in some schools |
| Chapéu | Hat | For sun protection |
| Identificação | Name labels | For all personal items |
| Saco de pano | Cloth bag | For library books |
| Capa de chuva | Raincoat | Portable type recommended |
| Protetor solar | Sunscreen | If outdoor activities planned |
💻 Technology Items
Modern schools increasingly require digital tools.
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet | Tablet | If allowed/required by school |
| Computador portátil | Laptop | For older students if required |
| Pen drive | USB flash drive | For saving/transferring work |
| Auscultadores | Headphones | For language labs/computer work |
| Carregador | Charger | For electronic devices |
| Capa protetora | Protective case | For electronic devices |
🏫 School Terms & Vocabulary
Essential Portuguese school terminology that every international family should know.
📚 Subject Names
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matemática | Mathematics | Core subject at all levels |
| Português | Portuguese Language | Mother tongue subject |
| Inglês | English | Usually starts in primary school |
| História | History | Portuguese and world history |
| Geografia | Geography | Physical and human geography |
| Ciências Naturais | Natural Sciences | Biology, chemistry, physics combined |
| Educação Física | Physical Education | Sports and fitness |
| Educação Visual | Visual Arts | Drawing, painting, design |
| Educação Musical | Music Education | Music theory and practice |
| Educação Tecnológica | Technology Education | Basic technology and design |
📝 Assessment & Tests
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Teste | Test/Quiz | Regular classroom assessment |
| Exame | Exam | Formal, high-stakes examination |
| Trabalho de casa | Homework | Assignments to complete at home |
| Projeto | Project | Long-term assignment |
| Apresentação | Presentation | Oral presentation to class |
| Nota | Grade/Mark | Usually 1-5 or 1-20 scale |
| Avaliação | Assessment | General term for evaluation |
| Recuperação | Make-up test/Remedial | Second chance or extra help |
👥 School Staff & People
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professor/Professora | Teacher | Male/female forms |
| Diretor/Diretora | Principal/Director | Head of school |
| Coordenador | Coordinator | Subject or year level coordinator |
| Secretária | Secretary | Administrative staff |
| Psicólogo escolar | School psychologist | Student support services |
| Assistente operacional | Support staff | Non-teaching staff, cleaners, etc. |
| Explicador | Tutor | Private tutor (very common) |
⏰ School Activities & Schedule
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aula | Class/Lesson | Individual class period |
| Recreio | Recess/Break | Break time between classes |
| Almoço | Lunch | Lunch break |
| ATL | After-school care | Extended hours program |
| Atividades extracurriculares | Extracurricular activities | After-school clubs and sports |
| Visita de estudo | Field trip | Educational excursion |
| Reunião de pais | Parent meeting | Parent-teacher conference |
📊 Academic Terms
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Período | Term/Semester | Academic term (3 per year) |
| Ano letivo | School year | Academic year |
| Turma | Class group | Set group of students |
| Horário | Schedule/Timetable | Class schedule |
| Falta | Absence | Missing class |
| Falta justificada | Excused absence | Absence with valid reason |
| Matrícula | Enrollment/Registration | School registration process |
| Lista de material | Supply list | Required materials list |
🎓 Support & Special Services
| Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apoio educativo | Educational support | Special needs support |
| Aulas de apoio | Support classes | Extra help sessions |
| Português Língua Segunda (PLS) | Portuguese as Second Language | Language support for internationals |
| Necessidades educativas especiais | Special educational needs | Learning disabilities support |
| Explicações | Private tutoring | Very common in Portugal |
📦 Select Your Supplies
Check the boxes next to items you need to add them to your shopping list below.
✏️ Essential Classroom Items
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mochila | Backpack | Look for one with good back support | |
| Estojo | Pencil case | Often requires specific size/style | |
| Lápis | Pencil | HB/#2 pencils are standard | |
| Borracha | Eraser | White erasers preferred | |
| Afia | Pencil sharpener | With case to collect shavings | |
| Canetas | Pens | Blue or black for most work | |
| Lápis de cor | Colored pencils | Set of 12-24 typically required | |
| Marcadores | Markers | Washable ones recommended | |
| Tesoura | Scissors | Blunt-tip for younger students | |
| Cola | Glue | Both stick and liquid often needed | |
| Régua | Ruler | 30cm transparent ruler standard | |
| Esquadro | Set square | For geometry in older grades | |
| Transferidor | Protractor | For geometry in older grades | |
| Compasso | Compass | For geometry in older grades | |
| Calculadora | Calculator | Scientific for older students | |
| Dossier | Binder | A4 size with rings | |
| Folhas pautadas | Lined paper | A4 size standard | |
| Folhas quadriculadas | Graph paper | Often required for math | |
| Separadores | Dividers | For organizing binders | |
| Micas | Sheet protectors | For important documents |
📓 Notebook Types
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caderno pautado | Lined notebook | Most common type | |
| Caderno quadriculado | Graph paper notebook | For math and sciences | |
| Caderno liso | Blank page notebook | For art or drawing | |
| Caderno de música | Music notebook | With staff lines | |
| Caderno A4 | A4 notebook | Standard large size | |
| Caderno A5 | A5 notebook | Medium size | |
| Bloco de notas | Notepad | Smaller, informal notes | |
| Diário escolar | School diary/planner | For recording homework | |
| Caderneta do aluno | Student notebook | For school-parent communication |
🎨 Art Supplies
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aguarelas | Watercolors | Paint set | |
| Pincel | Paintbrush | Various sizes may be required | |
| Tela | Canvas | For painting projects | |
| Bloco de desenho | Drawing pad | Usually A4 or A3 size | |
| Papel cavalinho | Drawing paper | Thicker quality paper | |
| Pasta de modelagem | Modeling clay | Similar to Play-Doh | |
| Plasticina | Modeling clay | Firmer type | |
| Cartolina | Poster board | Various colors | |
| Giz de cera | Crayons | Usually required for younger students | |
| Avental | Art smock/apron | To protect clothing |
⚽ Physical Education Items
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipamento de educação física | PE uniform | School-specific requirements | |
| Sapatilhas | Sneakers/trainers | Non-marking soles required | |
| Calções | Shorts | Usually required color | |
| T-shirt | T-shirt | Usually required color | |
| Fato de treino | Tracksuit | For colder weather | |
| Saco de equipamento | PE bag | For carrying equipment | |
| Toalha | Towel | Small for after class | |
| Sabonete | Soap | For showering if applicable | |
| Chinelos | Flip-flops | For showers if applicable |
🎒 Miscellaneous Items
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lancheira | Lunch box | Insulated recommended | |
| Garrafa de água | Water bottle | Reusable preferred | |
| Lenços de papel | Tissues | Individual packets | |
| Bata | School smock | Required in some schools | |
| Chapéu | Hat | For sun protection | |
| Identificação | Name labels | For all personal items | |
| Saco de pano | Cloth bag | For library books | |
| Capa de chuva | Raincoat | Portable type recommended | |
| Protetor solar | Sunscreen | If outdoor activities planned |
💻 Technology Items
| Select | Portuguese Term | English Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablet | Tablet | If allowed/required by school | |
| Computador portátil | Laptop | For older students if required | |
| Pen drive | USB flash drive | For saving/transferring work | |
| Auscultadores | Headphones | For language labs/computer work | |
| Carregador | Charger | For electronic devices | |
| Capa protetora | Protective case | For electronic devices |
📋 My Shopping List 0 items
📝 Select items from the categories above to build your shopping list!
Check the boxes next to items you need, and they’ll appear here automatically.
💡 Shopping Tips
- Buy in bulk: Many supplies are cheaper when bought in larger quantities
- Quality matters: Invest in good backpacks and basic tools that will last the year
- Label everything: Use waterproof labels with your child’s name and class
- Check school lists: Always verify specific requirements with your school
- Consider second-hand: Join expat groups for uniform and supply exchanges
🛍️ Where to Shop in Portugal
- Continente: Large hypermarkets with good back-to-school sections
- Staples: Office supply chain with comprehensive school sections
- Note! Store for high-quality notebooks and specialized items
- FNAC: Electronics and educational technology
- Local papelarias: Small stationery shops often have better prices