Rico vs. abastado
While both rico and abastado can be translated as rich or wealthy in English, they carry distinct nuances in Portuguese. Rico is a general, all-purpose term, whereas abastado implies a more specific kind of established and comfortable wealth.
Rico
A2Rico is the most common and versatile word for rich. It can describe people, countries, companies, and even abstract things like food, soil, or experiences. It covers a broad spectrum, from being simply well-off to being a billionaire.
Ele ficou rico da noite para o dia com aquela invenção.
(He got rich overnight with that invention.)
O Brasil é um país rico em recursos naturais.
(Brazil is a country rich in natural resources.)
Este prato tem um molho muito rico e saboroso.
(This dish has a very rich and flavorful sauce.)
A sua experiência de vida é mais rica do que a de qualquer outra pessoa que conheço.
(His life experience is richer than anyone else's I know.)
Para este tipo de planta, você precisa de um solo rico em nutrientes.
(For this type of plant, you need a soil rich in nutrients.)
Abastado
B2Abastado is a more formal and specific term. It suggests a person or family with substantial, stable, and often long-held wealth. The word implies an abundance of resources and a comfortable lifestyle free from financial worries, focusing less on flashiness and more on solid security.
Ele nasceu numa família abastada de Lisboa.
(He was born into a wealthy family from Lisbon.)
Apenas a classe mais abastada da sociedade podia comprar automóveis naquela época.
(Only the wealthier class of society could afford cars back then.)
O advogado levava uma vida abastada e tranquila no campo.
(The lawyer led a comfortable and wealthy life in the countryside.)
Ele é um comerciante abastado, dono de várias propriedades na cidade.
(He is a wealthy merchant, owner of several properties in the city.)
Eles não são bilionários, mas são considerados abastados pela comunidade.
(They are not billionaires, but they are considered wealthy by the community.)
Summary
In essence, rico is the general-purpose word for rich and can be used in many contexts, including abstract ones. Abastado is more formal and is used specifically for people or families who possess significant, stable wealth that ensures a comfortable and well-provided life, often suggesting old money or established prosperity.