Sabonete vs. sabão
Although sabão and sabonete both translate to "soap" in English, they are used in completely different contexts in Portuguese. The distinction lies mainly in the purpose of the cleaning product: personal hygiene versus household cleaning.
Sabonete
A1This word refers specifically to toilet soap used for personal hygiene, such as washing your hands, face, or body in the shower. Sabonete is typically scented, gentle on the skin, and can be found in solid bars or liquid form.
Eu gosto de usar sabonete líquido para lavar as mãos.
(I like using liquid soap to wash my hands.)
Você comprou um sabonete novo para o banho?
(Did you buy a new bar of soap for the shower?)
Este sabonete é especial para pele oleosa.
(This soap is special for oily skin.)
O banheiro de hóspedes tem um sabonete de lavanda.
(The guest bathroom has a lavender soap.)
Passe o sabonete no corpo e enxágue bem.
(Rub the soap on your body and rinse well.)
Sabão
A2This is the general term for soap used for household chores, such as doing laundry, washing dishes, or scrubbing floors. Sabão is usually stronger and comes in various forms like powder, big bars, or heavy-duty liquid.
Precisamos comprar mais sabão em pó para lavar as roupas.
(We need to buy more laundry detergent powder.)
O sabão de coco é ótimo para tirar manchas.
(Coconut soap is great for removing stains.)
Por favor, coloque sabão na máquina de lavar louça.
(Please put soap in the dishwasher.)
Minha avó faz sabão caseiro com óleo usado.
(My grandmother makes homemade soap with used oil.)
Use água e sabão para limpar o chão da cozinha.
(Use water and soap to clean the kitchen floor.)
Summary
To summarize, use sabonete when you are washing your body, hands, or face. Use sabão when you are cleaning objects, clothes, dishes, or the house.