🥧

How to Say ‘A custard tart’ in Portuguese

Um pastel de nata

oom pash-TEL duh nah-tah

[oom pash-TEL duh nah-tah]

💬 Usage Tip: In food names, de links the two words with no "the": pastel de nata, bolo de chocolate "chocolate cake".

Phrase Breakdown

Um pastel

oom pash-TEL

A pastry

Indefinite article 'um' + 'pastel'. 'Um' is nasal, like 'oong' without the 'g': 'oong push-TEL'.

Example

Um pastel, por favor.

One pastry, please.

Words in this phrase

[oom]

a / one

Masculine singular indefinite article used before café.

Example

Um café pode ser uma boa ideia para conversar.

A coffee can be a good idea for talking.

pastel

[pash-TEL]

pastry; tart

A small baked pastry; with 'de nata' it names the famous custard tart.

Example

Este pastel está quentinho.

This pastry is nice and warm.

de nata

duh nah-tah

of cream (custard)

Say it smoothly as 'd'NAH-tuh', with a very short 'de'.

Example

Quero um bolo de nata.

I want a cream cake.

Words in this phrase

[duh]

A preposition meaning "of" or "for," depending on context.

Example

Falámos de carreira durante o intervalo.

We talked about career matters during the break.

nata

[nah-tah]

cream

A dairy product derived from milk, used in many desserts.

Example

Adoro o sabor da nata neste doce.

I love the taste of cream in this dessert.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer