molde (noun); mofo/bolor (fungus); moldar (verb)
1. a container or form used to shape something
Pour the concrete into the mold.
Despeje o concreto no molde.
2. a fungus that grows on damp surfaces
There is mold growing in the bathroom.
Há mofo crescendo no banheiro.
3. to shape or form something
The artist molded the clay into a sculpture.
O artista moldou a argila em uma escultura.
4. to influence or shape someone's character or behavior
Good teachers mold young minds.
Bons professores moldam mentes jovens.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'mold' (fungus) is a common household concern, especially in humid climates like Brazil's coastal regions. The expression 'break the mold' is popular in both cultures when discussing innovation or nonconformity. In Portuguese, 'mofo' is the everyday term, while 'bolor' is more technical or literary.
Related Idioms & Phrases
break the mold - quebrar o molde (to do something different or innovative)
cast in the same mold - feito do mesmo molde (very similar to someone/something else)
mold someone in one's own image - moldar alguém à sua imagem
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →