Portuguese Phrase
Hardware é físico, software é código.
Meaning
The sentence states the basic distinction in computing: hardware refers to the tangible, physical components of a device, while software refers to the intangible code that runs on that hardware.
When to use
Use this sentence when introducing the concept of computers to beginners, in tech‑related presentations, or whenever you need a concise definition of the hardware‑software dichotomy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hardwareéfísico,softwareécódigo.
Ser (é)
The verb 'ser' in third‑person singular (é) is used for definitions and essential characteristics.
Adjetivo 'físico'
An adjective describing something material, tangible, or having a physical presence.
Substantivo 'código'
A singular collective noun referring to the set of instructions that make up software.
🗨In Conversation
O que exatamente significa hardware e software?
What exactly do hardware and software mean?
Hardware é físico, software é código.
Hardware is physical, software is code.
✕Common Mistakes
Hardware é fisico, software é código.
Missing accent; the correct form is 'físico'.
Hardware é físico, software são códigos.
'Código' is used as a collective singular noun; do not pluralize it here.
↔Alternatives
Hardware corresponde à parte física, enquanto software corresponde ao conjunto de instruções.
Hardware corresponds to the physical part, while software corresponds to the set of instructions.
A parte física do computador é o hardware; o que o faz funcionar é o software.
The physical part of the computer is the hardware; what makes it work is the software.
Cultural Tip
Both 'hardware' and 'software' are loanwords from English and are used unchanged in Brazilian Portuguese. In informal conversation you may hear the shortened forms 'hard' and 'soft', but the full terms are preferred in professional or educational contexts.