The Portuguese word passas primarily refers to raisins—those sweet, shriveled, dried grapes that find their way into everything from breakfast cereals to festive holiday dishes. While the singular form passa exists, you will almost exclusively encounter the plural form passas because raisins are rarely consumed or discussed in isolation. In a culinary context, they are a staple of the Mediterranean diet influence found throughout Portugal and Brazil. However, passas is also a homonym; it is the second-person singular present indicative form of the verb passar (meaning 'you pass' or 'you spend time'), but in this lesson, we are focusing on the noun form. Understanding the noun passas is essential for navigating Portuguese grocery stores, interpreting dessert menus, and participating in one of the most iconic cultural traditions in the Lusophone world.
- Culinary Usage
- In the kitchen, passas are used as a natural sweetener. They are frequently added to 'Arroz Doce' (sweet rice pudding), 'Bolo Rei' (King Cake), and even savory dishes like 'Arroz à Grega' in Brazil. The presence of raisins in savory rice is a point of humorous contention during Christmas dinners.
Muitas pessoas não gostam de passas no arroz de Natal.
Beyond simple food, passas are the centerpiece of the Portuguese New Year's Eve. As the clock strikes midnight, it is tradition to eat twelve passas, one for each chime of the bell, representing twelve months of good luck and twelve wishes for the coming year. This tradition is so deeply ingrained that you will see small packets of exactly twelve raisins sold in supermarkets across Portugal in late December. Using the word in this context immediately marks you as someone familiar with the deep-seated customs of the country.
- Biological Origin
- Technically, they are uvas passas (dried grapes). Over time, the 'uvas' part was dropped in casual speech, leaving just passas to represent the dried fruit.
Eu como doze passas à meia-noite para ter sorte.
In a metaphorical sense, the word can sometimes describe things that are shriveled or aged, though this is less common than the literal fruit. For example, 'ficar como uma passa' means to get very wrinkled, usually from spending too much time in the water or simply from old age. This descriptive power makes the word versatile in both literal and figurative Portuguese.
- Regional Variation
- In Brazil, you will often hear the full term 'uva-passa' more frequently than in Portugal, where the shortened 'passas' is the standard default for raisins.
O Bolo-Rei tradicional tem muitas frutas cristalizadas e passas.
As passas de Corinto são as minhas favoritas para cozinhar.
Using passas in a sentence requires an understanding of its role as a countable noun, though it is usually treated as a collective quantity in culinary contexts. Because it is feminine and plural, any adjectives or articles modifying it must agree in gender and number. For instance, if you want to say 'sweet raisins', you would say passas doces. If you are referring to a specific bowl of raisins, you use the definite article: as passas. This section explores the grammatical structures where passas typically appears, ranging from simple expressions of preference to complex instructions in recipes.
- Expressing Preferences
- When talking about likes and dislikes, passas is the object of the verb. 'Eu gosto de passas' (I like raisins) or 'Eu detesto passas' (I hate raisins). Note the use of the preposition 'de' after the verb 'gostar'.
Tu gostas de passas no gelado de baunilha?
In recipes, passas often appears in lists of ingredients or as the object of action verbs like adicionar (to add), misturar (to mix), or demolhar (to soak). A common instruction might be 'Adicione as passas à massa do bolo' (Add the raisins to the cake batter). When raisins are soaked in alcohol, which is common in Portuguese desserts, you might see 'passas demolhadas em vinho do Porto' (raisins soaked in Port wine).
- Quantities and Measurements
- We measure passas in grams (gramas), cups (chávenas/xícaras), or handfuls (puínhados). 'Um punhado de passas' is a common way to describe a healthy snack portion.
A receita pede cem gramas de passas sem grainha.
One of the most frequent uses of passas is in the context of the New Year's Eve countdown. Here, the number 12 is inseparable from the word. 'Comer as doze passas' is a fixed phrase that every Portuguese speaker knows. You might hear someone ask, 'Já tens as tuas passas prontas?' (Do you have your raisins ready?). This usage bridges the gap between simple food vocabulary and cultural fluency.
- The 'Passar' Homonym
- Be careful not to confuse the noun with the verb. 'Tu passas por aqui' means 'You pass through here'. The context (presence of articles or prepositions) usually makes the distinction clear.
Se tu passas no supermercado, compra um pacote de passas.
Finally, passas can be used in the context of healthy eating. You might hear a nutritionist say, 'As passas são uma excelente fonte de energia, mas têm muito açúcar.' (Raisins are an excellent source of energy, but they have a lot of sugar). In this way, the word is used in scientific or health-related discussions about nutrition and dietetics.
As passas escuras são geralmente mais doces que as claras.
Misture as passas com as nozes para fazer um lanche saudável.
The word passas is most audible during specific times of the year and in specific locations. If you are in Portugal during December, you will hear it everywhere. It echoes through television commercials, radio announcements, and supermarket aisles. The 'doze passas' (twelve raisins) tradition is a national obsession. On New Year's Eve, as the countdown begins, you'll hear families shouting, 'Onde estão as passas?' (Where are the raisins?) as they scramble to ensure everyone has their twelve pieces of luck before the clock finishes striking twelve.
- In the Supermarket
- You will hear this word in the 'frutos secos' (dried fruits and nuts) section. If you can't find them, you might ask a clerk: 'Onde posso encontrar as passas de uva?'
As passas estão em promoção nesta semana.
In a domestic setting, passas are a frequent topic of kitchen conversation. Portuguese grandmothers (avós) are famous for putting raisins in almost everything during the holidays. You might hear a grandchild complain, 'Avó, puseste passas no arroz outra vez?' (Grandma, did you put raisins in the rice again?). This playful conflict over the inclusion of raisins in savory dishes is a common trope in Portuguese and Brazilian family life, often appearing in social media memes during the Christmas season.
- At the Bakery (Pastelaria)
- When ordering traditional pastries, you might ask if they contain raisins. 'Este pão de Deus tem passas?' or 'O bolo-rei tem muitas passas?'
Eu prefiro o bolo-rainha porque não tem frutas cristalizadas, apenas passas e frutos secos.
You will also hear the word in schools or health clinics. Because raisins are a common snack for children (lanche escolar), teachers and parents often discuss them. 'As passas são mais saudáveis que as bolachas' (Raisins are healthier than cookies) is a sentence you might hear in a discussion about childhood nutrition. In Brazil, the term 'passas' is frequently heard in the context of 'Arroz à Grega', a colorful rice dish that almost always includes them, sparking the perennial 'com ou sem passas' (with or without raisins) debate.
- In Literature and Metaphor
- While less common in daily speech, in literature, a person might be described as having 'pele de passa' (raisin skin) to emphasize their extreme age and wrinkles.
Depois de tanto tempo ao sol, a fruta ficou como passas.
Não te esqueças de comprar as passas para a passagem de ano!
The most frequent mistake English speakers make with passas is confusing it with the verb passar. Because 'passas' is both 'raisins' and 'you pass', it is easy to get tripped up in a sentence like 'Tu passas as passas' (You pass the raisins). While this sentence is grammatically correct, it highlights the potential for confusion. Another common error is using the wrong gender. Since passas ends in 'as', it is feminine, but beginners often default to masculine 'os passas' because they associate dried fruits with the masculine 'frutos secos'. Always remember: as passas.
- The Singular/Plural Trap
- English speakers might try to use the singular 'uma passa' when they mean 'some raisins'. In Portuguese, 'uma passa' literally means one single raisin. To say 'some raisins', you must use 'algumas passas' or 'umas passas'.
Eu quero um passa.
Eu quero umas passas.
Confusing passas with other dried fruits is another pitfall. In English, 'raisin' is specific to grapes. In Portuguese, while passas usually means grapes, the word passa can technically apply to any dried fruit (e.g., figos passas for dried figs). However, if you just say passas, people will assume grapes. If you want prunes, don't say passas; say ameixas secas. If you want dried apricots, say alperces secos. Being specific prevents you from getting the wrong fruit at the market.
- Pronunciation Errors
- The 'ss' in passas is a sharp, voiceless 's' sound (like 'hiss'). English speakers sometimes vibrate the 's' into a 'z' sound, which is incorrect. It should be /'pa.sɐʃ/ in Portugal or /'pa.sas/ in Brazil.
Ela comprou passas de uva para a sobremesa.
A subtle mistake is using passas when you mean 'currants'. While related, currants are usually called passas de Corinto. If you are following a specific British or American recipe that calls for currants, simply asking for passas might give you larger, sweeter sultanas instead. Knowing the distinction helps in achieving the right flavor profile in your baking.
- Preposition Misuse
- When saying 'raisins in the rice', use 'no' (em + o). 'Passas no arroz'. Beginners sometimes use 'em' without the article, which sounds less natural in this specific context.
As passas estão dentro do armário da cozinha.
Tu passas as passas para este lado da mesa, por favor?
While passas is the standard term for raisins, there are several related words and alternatives that you should know to expand your culinary and descriptive vocabulary. Depending on the variety of grape or the method of drying, different terms might be used. Additionally, knowing the names of other dried fruits helps you navigate menus and grocery stores more effectively.
- Uvas-passas
- This is the full, formal name. While 'passas' is common, 'uvas-passas' is what you will see on official food labels and in formal recipes. It literally means 'grapes that have passed' (through the drying process).
- Sultanas
- In some regions, particularly in high-end culinary circles, you might hear 'sultanas' to refer to the golden, seedless raisins made from specific grape varieties. In Portugal, they are often just called 'passas douradas' or 'passas claras'.
Prefiro usar passas douradas nesta receita de cuscuz.
If you are looking for alternatives to raisins in a recipe, you might consider other frutos secos (dried fruits/nuts). Arandos (cranberries) are a popular modern alternative that provides a similar texture but a more tart flavor. Groselhas secas (dried currants) are smaller and more intense. Knowing these allows you to substitute ingredients when passas aren't available or when you want to change the flavor profile of a dish.
- Corinto
- Specifically 'passas de Corinto', these are the tiny, dark raisins known in English as Zante currants. They are prized for their intense flavor in baking.
As passas de Corinto são muito pequenas e saborosas.
Comparing passas to fruta cristalizada (candied fruit) is also important. In holiday cakes like Bolo-Rei, you will find both. Candied fruit is preserved in sugar and is much firmer and sweeter than passas. If you dislike the sticky texture of candied fruit, you might look for a 'Bolo-Rainha', which replaces the fruta cristalizada with more passas and nuts like amêndoas (almonds) and nozes (walnuts).
- Frutos Secos
- This is the category raisins belong to. It includes both dried fruits (fruta seca) and nuts. In many contexts, 'passas' are the default 'fruta seca' mentioned.
Comprei um mix de frutos secos que contém passas, nozes e cajus.
As passas pretas são ótimas para fazer pão.
Exemples par niveau
Eu como passas.
I eat raisins.
Simple subject-verb-object structure.
As passas são doces.
The raisins are sweet.
Note the feminine plural agreement: 'As' and 'doces'.
Onde estão as passas?
Where are the raisins?
Using 'onde' for location.
Eu não gosto de passas.
I don't like raisins.
The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de'.
Um pacote de passas, por favor.
A packet of raisins, please.
Common phrase for shopping.
As passas são pequenas.
The raisins are small.
Adjective agreement with feminine plural noun.
Ela tem passas na mão.
She has raisins in her hand.
Use of 'ter' for possession.
As passas são pretas.
The raisins are black.
Color adjective agreement.
Eu compro passas no supermercado todos os sábados.
I buy raisins at the supermarket every Saturday.
Present tense habit.
Podes pôr as passas no bolo?
Can you put the raisins in the cake?
Request using 'poder' + infinitive.
Nós comemos doze passas no Ano Novo.
We eat twelve raisins on New Year's.
Cultural specific usage.
Este iogurte tem passas e nozes.
This yogurt has raisins and walnuts.
Listing ingredients.
As passas sem grainha são melhores para as crianças.
Seedless raisins are better for children.
Comparative 'melhores' and specific term 'sem grainha'.
Queres provar estas passas?
Do you want to taste these raisins?
Demonstrative 'estas' for feminine plural.
Eu prefiro passas claras em vez de escuras.
I prefer light raisins instead of dark ones.
Expressing preference with 'preferir'.
A minha mãe faz um arroz com passas muito bom.
My mother makes a very good rice with raisins.
Descriptive phrase with 'com'.
Se fores ao mercado, traz um quilo de passas para o bolo.
If you go to the market, bring a kilo of raisins for the cake.
Future subjunctive 'fores' and imperative 'traz'.
Antigamente, as passas eram usadas como moeda de troca.
In the past, raisins were used as a form of currency.
Imperfect tense for past habits/states.
É tradição comer doze passas enquanto se pedem doze desejos.
It is tradition to eat twelve raisins while making twelve wishes.
Impersonal 'se' construction.
As passas de Corinto dão um sabor intenso aos doces.
Zante currants give an intense flavor to sweets.
Specific variety 'de Corinto'.
Não ponhas muitas passas, porque o recheio já está doce.
Don't put too many raisins, because the filling is already sweet.
Negative imperative 'não ponhas'.
Dizem que as passas ajudam na digestão e dão energia.
They say raisins help with digestion and give energy.
Third person plural 'dizem' for general belief.
As passas ficaram esquecidas no fundo do armário.
The raisins were forgotten in the back of the cupboard.
Passive-like construction with 'ficar'.
Embora sejam doces, as passas são um fruto seco saudável.
Although they are sweet, raisins are a healthy dried fruit.
Conjunction 'embora' followed by subjunctive 'sejam'.
O processo de secagem transforma as uvas frescas em passas suculentas.
The drying process transforms fresh grapes into juicy raisins.
Formal verb 'transformar' and descriptive adjectives.
Muitos chefs utilizam passas para equilibrar a acidez de certos pratos.
Many chefs use raisins to balance the acidity of certain dishes.
Formal vocabulary like 'utilizar' and 'equilibrar'.
A produção de passas no Algarve tem diminuído nos últimos anos.
Raisin production in the Algarve has decreased in recent years.
Present perfect continuous 'tem diminuído'.
As passas demolhadas em licor são o segredo deste pudim.
Raisins soaked in liqueur are the secret to this pudding.
Past participle 'demolhadas' used as an adjective.
Duvido que ele consiga comer as doze passas antes da meia-noite.
I doubt that he can eat the twelve raisins before midnight.
Subjunctive 'consiga' after 'duvidar que'.
As passas são ricas em fibras, o que é benéfico para o organismo.
Raisins are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for the body.
Relative clause 'o que é...'.
A textura das passas contrasta perfeitamente com a crocância das nozes.
The texture of raisins contrasts perfectly with the crunchiness of walnuts.
Abstract nouns like 'textura' and 'crocância'.
Caso não encontres passas, podes usar arandos secos.
In case you don't find raisins, you can use dried cranberries.
Conditional 'caso' + subjunctive 'encontres'.
A doçura concentrada das passas evoca memórias dos Natais da minha infância.
The concentrated sweetness of raisins evokes memories of the Christmases of my childhood.
Evocative, literary language.
O autor descreveu a pele do velho como uma passa ressequida pelo sol.
The author described the old man's skin as a raisin parched by the sun.
Simile using 'como uma passa'.
A exportação de passas foi outrora um pilar fundamental da economia regional.
The export of raisins was once a fundamental pillar of the regional economy.
Adverb 'outrora' and formal metaphors.
É fascinante como a uva, ao tornar-se passa, adquire propriedades gustativas tão distintas.
It is fascinating how the grape, upon becoming a raisin, acquires such distinct gustatory properties.
Prepositional infinitive 'ao tornar-se'.
As passas, apesar de humildes, carregam um simbolismo profundo na cultura lusa.
Raisins, despite being humble, carry deep symbolism in Portuguese culture.
Concessive clause 'apesar de'.
A acesa polémica sobre as passas no arroz divide famílias brasileiras todos os anos.
The heated controversy over raisins in rice divides Brazilian families every year.
Complex noun phrases like 'acesa polémica'.
A qualidade das passas depende inteiramente do teor de açúcar das uvas originais.
The quality of the raisins depends entirely on the sugar content of the original grapes.
Technical/Scientific register.
Não se deve subestimar o valor nutricional das passas em dietas de alta performance.
One should not underestimate the nutritional value of raisins in high-performance diets.
Impersonal 'se' with modal 'deve'.
A metamorfose da uva em passa encerra em si a própria essência da conservação alimentar ancestral.
The metamorphosis of the grape into a raisin encapsulates within itself the very essence of ancestral food preservation.
Highly philosophical and abstract language.
Nas entrelinhas da tradição das doze passas, vislumbra-se a esperança renovada de um povo.
Between the lines of the twelve raisins tradition, one glimpses the renewed hope of a people.
Metaphorical use of 'nas entrelinhas'.
O declínio da viticultura de sequeiro precipitou o desaparecimento de variedades locais de passas.
The decline of dryland viticulture precipitated the disappearance of local raisin varieties.
Advanced academic/technical terminology.
A doçura melaça das passas de Esmirna é inimitável em qualquer outra proveniência.
The syrupy sweetness of Smyrna raisins is inimitable from any other source.
Precise, descriptive adjectives like 'melaça'.
Ao analisarmos o léxico culinário, percebemos que 'passas' transcende o mero objeto biológico.
When we analyze the culinary lexicon, we realize that 'passas' transcends the mere biological object.
Complex subordinating structure.
Subsiste ainda o hábito de demolhar passas em aguardente velha para fins medicinais em certas aldeias.
The habit of soaking raisins in old brandy for medicinal purposes still persists in certain villages.
Formal verb 'subsiste' and specific cultural reference.
A versatilidade das passas permite-lhes transitar entre o domínio do sagrado e do profano.
The versatility of raisins allows them to transition between the domains of the sacred and the profane.
Philosophical register.
Pudesse a passa falar, e contar-nos-ia histórias de sóis antigos e ventos de outrora.
Could the raisin speak, and it would tell us stories of ancient suns and winds of yesteryear.
Inverted conditional 'Pudesse...' and mesoclisis 'contar-nos-ia'.
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