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A2 noun #3,500 most common 12 min read

sushi

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sushi in 30 Seconds

Explanation sushi in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'sushi' is a masculine noun ('o sushi') and that it refers to the popular Japanese food. You should be able to say whether you like it or not: 'Eu gosto de sushi' or 'Eu não gosto de sushi'. You can also use it with simple verbs like 'comer' (to eat) and 'pedir' (to order/ask for). Because it is an international word, it is very easy to remember, but make sure to practice the Portuguese pronunciation where the 'i' at the end is stressed. You might see it on menus in Brazil or Portugal as a basic food item. It is a great word for practicing basic restaurant interactions, such as 'Um sushi, por favor' (One sushi, please).

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sushi' in more descriptive contexts. You should be able to specify what kind of sushi you want using the preposition 'de', such as 'sushi de salmão' (salmon sushi) or 'sushi de pepino' (cucumber sushi). You will also encounter the concept of the 'rodízio de sushi', which is a fundamental part of Brazilian dining culture. At this level, you should be comfortable with basic pluralization ('dois sushis') and using adjectives to describe the food, like 'fresco' (fresh) or 'gostoso' (tasty). You might also learn related words like 'hashi' (chopsticks) and 'shoyu' (soy sauce) to build a complete sentence about your dining experience.

At the B1 level, you can discuss 'sushi' in the context of preferences, experiences, and social plans. You can explain why you like a particular restaurant ('O sushi de lá é muito fresco') or describe a past event ('Ontem nós fomos comer sushi para comemorar o aniversário'). You will also start to distinguish between different types like 'nigiri', 'temaki', and 'uramaki'. At this stage, you should be aware of the cultural nuances of sushi in Brazil, such as the use of cream cheese and fruit. You can use more complex sentence structures: 'Embora eu goste de sushi, prefiro comida italiana' (Although I like sushi, I prefer Italian food).

At the B2 level, you can have detailed conversations about the quality and preparation of 'sushi'. You might discuss the 'ponto do arroz' (the texture/doneness of the rice) or the 'corte do peixe' (the cut of the fish). You can understand and participate in debates about 'fusion' versus 'traditional' sushi. You are comfortable using the word in idiomatic or slang contexts, such as using 'japa' as a synonym. You can also read reviews of Japanese restaurants in Portuguese and understand specific culinary terms like 'maçaricado' (torched) or 'trufado' (truffled). Your vocabulary includes the tools and side dishes like 'gari' (pickled ginger) and 'wasabi'.

At the C1 level, you can discuss 'sushi' from a sociological or historical perspective in Portuguese. You might talk about the influence of the Japanese immigration on Brazilian gastronomy and how 'sushi' became a localized phenomenon. You can use the word in complex professional or academic contexts, perhaps discussing the sustainability of fish used in sushi or the business model of 'rodízio' restaurants. You have a deep understanding of the subtle differences in how the word is used in Portugal versus Brazil. You can express complex opinions about the 'abrasileiramento' (Brazilianization) of Japanese food and its impact on traditional culinary standards.

At the C2 level, your use of the word 'sushi' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You can use it in metaphors, jokes, and highly specific technical discussions about 'itamae' (sushi chef) techniques. You understand the deepest levels of cultural context, such as the significance of specific high-end sushi 'balcões' (counters) in São Paulo. You can write sophisticated critiques of Japanese cuisine in Portuguese, using a wide range of synonyms and related concepts fluently. You are aware of the most obscure regional variations of sushi across the Lusophone world and can navigate any social situation involving the food with perfect linguistic and cultural etiquette.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sushi in 30 Seconds

Sushi is a masculine noun in Portuguese used to describe the famous Japanese dish of vinegared rice and raw fish.
In Brazil, it is a cultural staple with unique local variations like 'hot rolls' and the use of cream cheese.
The word is pronounced with emphasis on the final 'i' (su-SHI) and always takes masculine articles.
It is commonly associated with 'rodízios' (all-you-can-eat restaurants) and is a popular social dining choice.

In the Portuguese-speaking world, particularly in Brazil, the word sushi refers to the globally recognized Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients, most commonly raw seafood and vegetables. However, its cultural footprint in Brazil is exceptionally deep due to the country hosting the largest Japanese diaspora in the world. When a Brazilian says they are going to 'comer um sushi,' they aren't just talking about a quick snack; they are often referring to a social event, frequently involving a 'rodízio' (all-you-can-eat service).

O Rodízio: This is the most common way to consume sushi in Brazil. For a fixed price, waitstaff bring endless platters of various rolls, nigiri, and appetizers to your table.
Sushi de Fruta: A unique Brazilian adaptation where sushi is made with mango, strawberry, or guava paste (goiabada), often served as a dessert or a sweet-and-sour option.
Hot Roll: A deep-fried sushi roll, often containing cream cheese and salmon, which is incredibly popular across all regions of Brazil.

Usage of the word is identical to English in its basic form, but the phonetic emphasis is strictly on the last syllable: su-SHI. In Portugal, while also popular, the scene is slightly more traditional than the experimental fusion found in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. You will hear this word in casual conversations between friends planning a night out, in food delivery apps like iFood, and in professional culinary critiques.

Vamos pedir um sushi pelo aplicativo hoje à noite?

Translation: Shall we order some sushi via the app tonight?

The term is also used collectively. If someone says 'O sushi daquele restaurante é ótimo,' they are referring to the quality of the entire Japanese menu, not just a single piece. In the context of health and fitness, 'comer sushi' is often seen as a 'light' or healthy alternative to pizza or burgers, despite the high sugar content in the rice vinegar and the presence of deep-fried 'hot rolls' in many Brazilian assortments.

Eu não como carne vermelha, então o sushi é a minha melhor opção quando saio para jantar.

Translation: I don't eat red meat, so sushi is my best option when I go out to dinner.

The evolution of the word in the Lusophone world mirrors the globalization of Japanese culture. In the mid-20th century, it was a niche ethnic food. Today, it is a localized staple. In neighborhoods like Liberdade in São Paulo, 'sushi' is part of the local identity, appearing on signs, in street food markets, and even in fusion dishes like 'sushiburrito'.

O sushi brasileiro costuma ter muito cream cheese e molho tare.

Translation: Brazilian sushi usually has a lot of cream cheese and tare sauce.

Peixe Cru: Raw fish. This is the core component that defines most people's concept of sushi in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Alga Nori: The dried seaweed used to wrap rolls (maki) and hand rolls (temaki).

Você prefere sushi de salmão ou de atum?

Translation: Do you prefer salmon or tuna sushi?

Amanhã vamos comemorar o aniversário dele em um rodízio de sushi.

Translation: Tomorrow we are going to celebrate his birthday at a sushi rodízio.

Grammatically, 'sushi' is a masculine noun in Portuguese. You will always use masculine articles: o sushi (the sushi), um sushi (a sushi/some sushi). When referring to the food in general, we usually use the singular, but the plural sushis is used when counting individual pieces or different types.

Direct Object: Eu amo comer sushi. (I love to eat sushi.) Here, it functions as the recipient of the action 'comer'.
Subject: O sushi está fresco hoje. (The sushi is fresh today.) It is the focus of the sentence.

Because it is a loanword, it doesn't change form much, but it integrates into Portuguese syntax seamlessly. For example, when ordering, you might say 'Eu queria um combinado de sushi para duas pessoas.' The word 'combinado' refers to a pre-set platter, a very common way to buy sushi in Brazil and Portugal.

Quantos sushis vêm nesse combinado?

Translation: How many sushi pieces come in this combo?

When describing the sushi, adjectives must agree in gender (masculine). You would say 'sushi gostoso' (tasty sushi) or 'sushi caro' (expensive sushi). If you are talking about the cuisine as a whole, you might use 'comida japonesa,' but 'sushi' is often used as a shorthand for the entire dining experience.

Este sushi de atum é o melhor da cidade.

Translation: This tuna sushi is the best in town.

In more formal writing, such as a menu or a culinary magazine, you will see 'sushi' paired with specific types. For example: 'sushi de maçarico' (torched sushi) or 'sushi vegetariano'. The preposition 'de' is used to indicate the main ingredient or style.

O chef preparou um sushi especial com trufas negras.

Translation: The chef prepared a special sushi with black truffles.

Ordering: 'Vou querer um sushi' is a common way to start an order at a counter.
Quantity: 'Uma porção de sushi' refers to a serving, usually 6 to 10 pieces.

Even in slang, 'sushi' remains stable. However, you might hear people say 'japa' as a shorthand for Japanese food or a Japanese restaurant: 'Vamos no japa comer um sushi?' (Let's go to the 'Japa' [Japanese place] to eat some sushi?). This is very informal and common among younger generations in Brazil.

Eles servem sushi frito nesse lugar?

Translation: Do they serve fried sushi in this place?

Não aguento mais comer sushi, comi demais no rodízio!

Translation: I can't eat any more sushi, I ate too much at the rodízio!

You will hear the word sushi everywhere in Brazilian urban life. It is not an exotic term; it is a daily reality. From high-end restaurants in the Jardins neighborhood of São Paulo to small delivery kiosks in suburban malls, the word is ubiquitous. If you are watching a Brazilian 'novela' (soap opera), characters will often meet for 'sushi' to discuss their problems. It signifies a modern, urban lifestyle.

In Restaurants: Waiters asking: 'Mais algum sushi, senhor?' (Any more sushi, sir?).
On Television: Cooking competitions like MasterChef Brasil frequently feature sushi-making challenges.

In Portugal, the word is also common, though the dining culture is slightly different. In Lisbon and Porto, you'll find 'sushi bars' that are very popular for lunch. You'll hear office workers saying, 'Vamos ao sushi hoje?' (Shall we go for sushi today?). The word serves as a functional noun for the meal itself. Interestingly, in Portuguese airports, 'sushi' is one of the most common grab-and-go healthy options mentioned on signage.

Ouvi dizer que aquele novo sushi no centro é excelente.

Translation: I heard that new sushi place downtown is excellent.

Social media is another place where 'sushi' dominates. Instagram and TikTok feeds in Brazil are full of 'sushi reviews' or 'sushi mukbangs'. The visual nature of the food makes it a favorite for 'foodies' (gastronônomos). You will often see hashtags like #sushilovers or #sushitime alongside the Portuguese text. The word is part of the globalized vocabulary of the internet, yet it carries a specific local weight in Brazil because of the history of immigration.

O vídeo de sushi dela viralizou no TikTok.

Translation: Her sushi video went viral on TikTok.

In supermarkets like Pão de Açúcar (Brazil) or Continente (Portugal), you will see 'sushi' sections. The labels will often specify 'sushi feito na hora' (freshly made sushi). Hearing the word in these contexts is very common during the lunch hour rush. People will often debate the quality of 'sushi de mercado' (supermarket sushi) versus 'sushi de restaurante'.

Prefiro comprar sushi fresco no mercado do que pedir delivery.

Translation: I prefer buying fresh sushi at the market than ordering delivery.

Podcasts: In lifestyle podcasts, guests often talk about 'sushi' as their favorite 'comfort food'.
Dating Apps: 'Amo sushi e vinho' (I love sushi and wine) is a very cliché bio on Brazilian Tinder.

Ele me levou para comer sushi no nosso primeiro encontro.

Translation: He took me to eat sushi on our first date.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using the word sushi in Portuguese is the pronunciation of the vowels. In English, the 'u' can sometimes sound like 'uh' and the 'i' can be lax. In Portuguese, both vowels are 'closed' and clear. The 'u' is always like the 'oo' in 'food', and the 'i' is like the 'ee' in 'feet'. Furthermore, the stress is on the last syllable (su-SHI), whereas in English it is often on the first (SU-shi).

Gender Confusion: Mistaking it for a feminine noun. Never say 'a sushi'. It is always 'o sushi'. Even if you are thinking of 'comida' (food), which is feminine, the word 'sushi' itself remains masculine.
Pluralization: Using 'sushis' to mean 'Japanese food' in general. While 'sushis' is correct for multiple pieces, use 'comida japonesa' for the category.

Another mistake is confusing 'sushi' with 'sashimi'. While this happens in English too, in a Brazilian 'rodízio', they are distinct categories on the menu. If you order 'sushi', you will get rice. If you want just the fish, you must say 'sashimi'. Mixing these up might lead to a plate full of rice when you wanted pure protein.

Eu pedi sushi, mas queria apenas o peixe sem arroz.

Translation: I ordered sushi, but I only wanted the fish without rice.

Learners also often struggle with the preposition 'de'. In English, we say 'salmon sushi' (noun-noun). In Portuguese, you must use 'de': 'sushi de salmão'. Omitting the 'de' sounds unnatural and 'broken'. Similarly, don't forget the article when referring to the concept in certain sentence structures, like 'O sushi é popular no Brasil' (Sushi is popular in Brazil).

Você gosta de sushi de camarão?

Translation: Do you like shrimp sushi?

Finally, there is the 'Hot Roll' confusion. In Brazil, many people call deep-fried sushi 'hot roll' (using the English term). Learners might try to translate this to 'rolo quente,' but no one says that. Use the borrowed term 'hot roll' or 'sushi frito'. Similarly, don't try to translate 'temaki' (hand roll) into Portuguese; just use the word 'temaki'.

Não existe 'rolo quente', o nome correto é sushi frito ou hot roll.

Translation: There is no 'rolo quente', the correct name is fried sushi or hot roll.

The 'S' Sound: In some Portuguese accents (like Rio), the 's' before a consonant or at the end of a word sounds like 'sh'. But in 'sushi', the first 's' is always a sharp 's' (like 'snake').
Agreement: Avoid 'muita sushi'. Since it's masculine, use 'muito sushi'.

Comi sushi demais e agora estou passando mal.

Translation: I ate too much sushi and now I feel sick.

While sushi is the specific term for the rice-based dish, there are several related words you will encounter in a Portuguese-speaking culinary context. Understanding the nuances between these will make you sound much more like a native speaker. The most common alternative is 'comida japonesa', which covers the entire spectrum of Japanese cuisine, including ramen, yakisoba, and tempura.

Sashimi: Slices of raw fish without rice. Often confused with sushi by beginners.
Temaki: Large cone-shaped hand rolls. In Brazil, there are dedicated 'temakerias' that only serve these.
Nigiri: A specific type of sushi with a slice of fish over a small ball of rice.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear the term 'japa' used to describe the food. 'Vamos comer um japa?' is a very common way to suggest going to a sushi restaurant. It is important to note that while 'japa' is common and usually not intended to be offensive in a culinary context, it is a slang term derived from 'japonês' and should be used with awareness of your surroundings.

Hoje não quero sushi, prefiro um yakisoba.

Translation: Today I don't want sushi, I prefer a yakisoba.

Another alternative in a restaurant setting is the word 'combinado'. If you are overwhelmed by the menu, you can simply ask for 'um combinado de sushi'. This word literally means 'combined' and refers to a platter curated by the chef. It is the most efficient way to order a variety of items without naming each one individually.

O combinado executivo é uma ótima opção para o almoço.

Translation: The executive combo is a great option for lunch.

If you are looking for something similar but cooked, 'Hot Roll' is your best bet. It is technically sushi (it has rice and nori), but it is battered and fried. In Portugal, you might also see 'Gunkans', which are battleship-style rolls wrapped in fish or seaweed. Understanding these specific terms helps you navigate a 'cardápio' (menu) with confidence.

Eu gosto de sushi, mas meu prato japonês favorito é o guioza.

Translation: I like sushi, but my favorite Japanese dish is gyoza.

Uramaki: Inside-out rolls (rice on the outside). Very common in Brazil with sesame seeds.
Hossomaki: Thin rolls with seaweed on the outside, usually with only one filling like cucumber (kappa maki) or tuna (tekka maki).

Você já provou o sushi de sobremesa com doce de leite?

Translation: Have you tried the dessert sushi with dulce de leche?

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O restaurante oferece uma seleção refinada de sushi tradicional."

Neutral

"Eu quero comer sushi no almoço."

Informal

"Bora bater um sushi hoje?"

Child friendly

"Olha que bonitinho esse sushi de peixinho!"

Slang

"Aquele japa tem um sushi nota dez."

Fun Fact

In Brazil, sushi was initially eaten only by the Japanese community. It only became a mainstream 'fashionable' food in the late 1980s and early 90s.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsuːʃi/

US /ˈsuːʃi/

Last syllable: su-SHI (oxítona).

Rhymes With

ali aqui javali colibri gari tupi abacaxi esquimó (near rhyme in some dialects)

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (SU-shi) like in English.
Pronouncing the 'u' as a schwa.
Making the 'i' too short.
Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z'.
Using a flat English intonation.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

International word, very easy to recognize.

Writing 1/5

Spelling is identical to English.

Speaking 2/5

Requires shifting the stress to the final syllable.

Listening 2/5

Must recognize the Portuguese vowel clarity.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

peixe arroz comer gostar restaurante

Learn Next

sashimi temaki hashi shoyu wasabi

Advanced

itamae omakase maçaricado maturação nipo-brasileiro

Grammar to Know

Masculine nouns ending in 'i'

O sushi, o abacaxi, o colibri.

Preposition 'de' for composition

Sushi de atum, sushi de camarão.

Adjective agreement

Sushi gostoso, sushis gostosos.

Verb 'gostar' requires 'de'

Eu gosto de sushi.

Articles with general concepts

O sushi é uma comida saudável.

Examples by Level

Eu gosto de sushi.

I like sushi.

Simple present with 'gostar de'.

Você come sushi?

Do you eat sushi?

Interrogative sentence.

O sushi é bom.

The sushi is good.

Using the masculine article 'o'.

Um sushi, por favor.

One sushi, please.

Indefinite article 'um'.

Eu não quero sushi hoje.

I don't want sushi today.

Negative sentence.

Onde tem sushi?

Where is there sushi?

Using the verb 'ter' as 'there is'.

Sushi de salmão.

Salmon sushi.

Using 'de' for ingredients.

Eles amam sushi.

They love sushi.

Third person plural.

Vamos comer um sushi no jantar?

Shall we eat some sushi for dinner?

Using 'um sushi' as a general meal.

Este sushi de pepino é muito fresco.

This cucumber sushi is very fresh.

Adjective agreement (masculine).

Eu prefiro sushi com bastante shoyu.

I prefer sushi with plenty of soy sauce.

Preposition 'com'.

Quanto custa o rodízio de sushi?

How much is the sushi all-you-can-eat?

Vocabulary: rodízio.

Ela sabe fazer sushi em casa.

She knows how to make sushi at home.

Verb 'saber' + infinitive.

O combinado de sushi é grande.

The sushi combo is big.

Vocabulary: combinado.

Não coloque wasabi no meu sushi.

Don't put wasabi on my sushi.

Imperative negative.

Nós compramos sushis no supermercado.

We bought sushi pieces at the supermarket.

Plural form 'sushis'.

Sempre que posso, vou ao meu restaurante de sushi favorito.

Whenever I can, I go to my favorite sushi restaurant.

Relative clause.

O sushi brasileiro é muito diferente do japonês.

Brazilian sushi is very different from Japanese sushi.

Comparison structure.

Se você gosta de peixe cru, deve provar este sushi.

If you like raw fish, you must try this sushi.

Conditional 'se'.

Eu costumava comer sushi toda sexta-feira.

I used to eat sushi every Friday.

Imperfect tense for habits.

O garçom trouxe um prato cheio de sushis variados.

The waiter brought a plate full of assorted sushi.

Past tense 'trouxe'.

Quero aprender a preparar o arroz de sushi corretamente.

I want to learn how to prepare sushi rice correctly.

Adverb 'corretamente'.

Apesar de ser caro, o sushi vale a pena.

Despite being expensive, the sushi is worth it.

Conjunction 'apesar de'.

Você já pediu sushi por esse novo aplicativo?

Have you already ordered sushi through this new app?

Present perfect feel with 'já'.

A qualidade do sushi depende totalmente do frescor do peixe.

The quality of the sushi depends entirely on the freshness of the fish.

Verb 'depender de'.

Muitos puristas criticam o uso de cream cheese no sushi.

Many purists criticize the use of cream cheese in sushi.

Abstract noun 'uso'.

O sushi se tornou um fenômeno cultural nas grandes cidades brasileiras.

Sushi has become a cultural phenomenon in large Brazilian cities.

Reflexive verb 'se tornar'.

É essencial que o sushi seja preparado na hora do consumo.

It is essential that the sushi is prepared at the time of consumption.

Subjunctive mood 'seja'.

O rodízio oferece uma grande variedade de sushis e pratos quentes.

The all-you-can-eat offers a wide variety of sushi and hot dishes.

Noun phrase 'pratos quentes'.

Dizem que o melhor sushi do mundo está em Tóquio.

They say the best sushi in the world is in Tokyo.

Indefinite subject 'dizem'.

Eu não recomendaria aquele lugar se o sushi não fosse excelente.

I wouldn't recommend that place if the sushi weren't excellent.

Conditional and imperfect subjunctive.

O chef inovou ao criar um sushi com ingredientes locais da Amazônia.

The chef innovated by creating a sushi with local Amazonian ingredients.

Gerund substitute 'ao criar'.

A sofisticação do sushi reside na simplicidade de seus elementos.

The sophistication of sushi lies in the simplicity of its elements.

Formal verb 'residir'.

Houve uma explosão de temakerias antes da consolidação do sushi tradicional.

There was an explosion of 'temakerias' before the consolidation of traditional sushi.

Historical 'houve'.

A técnica de maturação do peixe eleva o sushi a outro patamar gastronômico.

The fish aging technique elevates sushi to another gastronomic level.

Technical vocabulary 'maturação'.

Não se pode ignorar a pegada ecológica do consumo massivo de sushi.

One cannot ignore the ecological footprint of massive sushi consumption.

Passive 'se' construction.

O sushi contemporâneo desafia as fronteiras entre a tradição e a inovação.

Contemporary sushi challenges the boundaries between tradition and innovation.

Abstract concepts.

A etiqueta do sushi exige que não se misture o wasabi diretamente no shoyu.

Sushi etiquette requires that one does not mix wasabi directly into the soy sauce.

Verb of demand + subjunctive.

A disseminação do sushi pelo interior do país mostra a força da cultura nipo-brasileira.

The spread of sushi through the countryside shows the strength of Japanese-Brazilian culture.

Complex subject phrase.

Apreciar um bom sushi é, acima de tudo, um exercício de paciência e observação.

Appreciating good sushi is, above all, an exercise in patience and observation.

Infinitive as subject.

A onipresença do sushi nas metrópoles lusófonas atesta a globalização do paladar.

The omnipresence of sushi in Lusophone metropolises attests to the globalization of the palate.

High-level vocabulary 'atesta'.

O itamae maneja a faca com uma precisão que transcende a mera culinária, beirando a arte.

The itamae handles the knife with a precision that transcends mere cooking, bordering on art.

Literary style.

Subjacente à popularidade do sushi, encontra-se uma complexa rede logística de importação.

Underlying the popularity of sushi is a complex logistics network of imports.

Inverted sentence structure.

A desconstrução do sushi em pratos como o 'poke' sinaliza novas tendências de consumo rápido.

The deconstruction of sushi into dishes like 'poke' signals new fast-consumption trends.

Modern culinary terminology.

A harmonização de sushis gordurosos com saquês secos é uma ciência em si mesma.

The pairing of fatty sushis with dry sakes is a science in itself.

Specific noun 'harmonização'.

Raramente se encontra um sushi que equilibre tão bem a acidez do vinagre e o dulçor do arroz.

Rarely does one find a sushi that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the sweetness of the rice so well.

Adverbial start requiring 'se'.

O sushi, em sua essência, é um diálogo silencioso entre o chef e o comensal.

Sushi, in its essence, is a silent dialogue between the chef and the diner.

Metaphorical language.

A despeito das críticas, a versão brasileira do sushi logrou conquistar um nicho global próprio.

Despite the criticism, the Brazilian version of sushi managed to conquer its own global niche.

Formal conjunction 'a despeito de'.

Common Collocations

rodízio de sushi

sushi de salmão

comer sushi

sushi fresco

fazer sushi

combinado de sushi

sushi vegetariano

arroz de sushi

sushi bar

pedir sushi

Common Phrases

Bora comer um sushi?

— Slang for 'Let's go eat sushi?'. Very common among friends.

Bora comer um sushi hoje à noite?

Sushi com cream cheese

— A staple of Brazilian-style sushi. Almost a default in Brazil.

Eu não gosto de sushi com cream cheese.

Combinado individual

— A sushi platter for one person. Common for lunch.

Vou querer o combinado individual, por favor.

Peixe do dia

— Refers to the freshest fish available for the sushi.

Qual é o sushi com o peixe do dia?

Sem wasabi

— A necessary phrase if you don't like the spicy green paste.

Por favor, o meu sushi é sem wasabi.

Molho shoyu

— The soy sauce used for dipping. Essential accompaniment.

Pode me trazer mais molho shoyu?

Hot roll de salmão

— Specifically refers to the fried salmon roll.

O hot roll de salmão deles é crocante.

Sushiman

— The Portuguese term for the sushi chef (rarely 'itamae' is used in casual talk).

O sushiman daquele lugar é muito rápido.

Festival de sushi

— Another term for 'rodízio' in some Brazilian regions.

Hoje tem festival de sushi no restaurante.

Sushi doce

— Dessert sushi, usually with fruit or chocolate.

Você já provou o sushi doce de morango?

Often Confused With

sushi vs Sashimi

Sashimi is just the raw fish; sushi always includes vinegared rice.

sushi vs Ceviche

Ceviche is marinated raw fish (Peruvian), sushi is vinegared rice (Japanese).

sushi vs Kibe

A common Brazilian snack (Middle Eastern), sometimes served in the same casual buffets, but totally different.

Idioms & Expressions

"Vender como sushi"

— Used (rarely) to describe something selling very fast, like 'selling like hotcakes'.

Os ingressos venderam como sushi.

informal

"Ficar no vácuo de sushi"

— Modern slang for being stood up for a sushi date.

Ela me deixou no vácuo de sushi.

slang

"Mais perdido que cego em rodízio de sushi"

— A variation of 'more lost than a blind man in a shootout', meaning very confused.

Ele estava mais perdido que cego em rodízio de sushi.

informal

"Sushi de ontem"

— Refers to something that is no longer fresh or relevant.

Essa notícia já é sushi de ontem.

informal

"Encher o bucho de sushi"

— To eat until you are completely full, specifically at a rodízio.

Fomos lá e enchemos o bucho de sushi.

informal

"Trocar pizza por sushi"

— To make a healthier choice or to change a routine.

Hoje vamos trocar pizza por sushi.

neutral

"Pagar o sushi"

— To pay for someone's meal as a favor or bet.

Se você ganhar, eu pago o sushi.

informal

"Cara de sushi"

— Slang for someone with a blank or expressionless face.

Ele ficou com cara de sushi quando eu contei.

slang

"Vida de sushiman"

— Refers to a very busy, high-pressure job.

Minha semana está uma vida de sushiman.

informal

"Sushi de morango"

— Sometimes used to describe something that seems wrong or out of place (due to the oddity of fruit sushi to purists).

Essa ideia é um sushi de morango.

slang

Easily Confused

sushi vs Sushiman

Sounds like English.

In Portuguese, it is the standard term for the chef, whereas in English we might just say 'sushi chef'.

O sushiman é japonês.

sushi vs Temaki

Often thought to be a separate category.

Temaki is a type of sushi, but in Brazil, it's often treated as a standalone meal.

Vou comer um temaki rápido.

sushi vs Hot Roll

English name used in Portuguese.

It is a specific Brazilian-favorite fried sushi. Don't translate it to Portuguese.

Peça dois hot rolls.

sushi vs Shari

Technical term.

Shari is the rice, but casual diners just call it 'arroz'.

O shari está bem temperado.

sushi vs Nori

Technical term.

Nori is the seaweed, often just called 'alga' by Brazilians.

A alga está crocante.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [gostar] de sushi.

Eu gosto de sushi.

Vamos comer [sushi] no [time]?

Vamos comer sushi no sábado?

O sushi de [place] é [adjective].

O sushi daquele quiosque é barato.

Eu prefiro sushi que tenha [ingredient].

Eu prefiro sushi que tenha salmão grelhado.

Apesar de [condition], o sushi estava [quality].

Apesar da demora, o sushi estava impecável.

A essência do sushi reside no [concept].

A essência do sushi reside no equilíbrio dos sabores.

Quero um [combinado] de [number] peças.

Quero um combinado de vinte peças.

Você já [verb] sushi de [fruit]?

Você já provou sushi de manga?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in urban areas.

Common Mistakes

Eu gosto sushi. → Eu gosto de sushi.
The verb 'gostar' always requires the preposition 'de' in Portuguese.
Uma sushi, por favor. → Um sushi, por favor.
Sushi is a masculine noun, so it must use the masculine article 'um'.
Sushi salmão. → Sushi de salmão.
You need the preposition 'de' to connect the dish with its main ingredient.
Eu comi muito sushis. → Eu comi muitos sushis.
The quantifier 'muito' must agree in number with the plural noun 'sushis'.
O sushi é japonês. → O sushi é japonês.
Actually, this is correct, but many forget the article 'O' at the start.

Tips

Try the Hot Roll

Even if you are a purist, try the Brazilian hot roll at least once. It's a unique cultural experience.

Masculine Gender

Always use 'o' or 'um' with sushi. 'A sushi' is a common mistake for beginners.

Rodízio Etiquette

In a rodízio, don't leave rice on the plate. Some places charge an extra fee for wasted food.

Use iFood

If you are in Brazil, use the iFood app to see the most popular sushi places near you.

Stress the End

Practice saying 'su-SHI' to sound more like a native speaker.

Learn 'Combinado'

This word will save you when you don't know what to order.

Watch the Shoyu

Soy sauce is high in sodium. Brazilians often use a lot of it, so be careful!

Liberdade, SP

If you visit São Paulo, go to the Liberdade district for the most authentic sushi experience.

Loanword Status

Because it's a loanword, the spelling is easy, but the phonology adapts to Portuguese.

Sweet Sushi

Don't be afraid of sushi with strawberry and chocolate; it's a popular dessert!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Super-She' (Sushi) who loves eating healthy fish.

Visual Association

Visualize a bright red piece of salmon sitting on a white cloud of rice, with a Brazilian flag toothpick in it.

Word Web

Peixe Arroz Japão Brasil Rodízio Shoyu Hashi Alga

Challenge

Try to order a 'combinado de sushi' in Portuguese without using any English words for the ingredients.

Word Origin

Borrowed from Japanese 'sushi' (寿司). The word historically refers to the sour taste of the vinegared rice.

Original meaning: Sour-tasting.

Japonic.

Cultural Context

Be respectful of the Japanese-Brazilian heritage; it is a point of pride in Brazilian culture.

English speakers might find Brazilian sushi 'heretical' due to the abundance of cream cheese and fruit, but it is the local standard.

Liberdade (neighborhood in SP) Jun Sakamoto (famous chef) iFood (most ordered item)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

Onde fica o rodízio?
Pode trazer o cardápio?
Quais sushis vêm no combinado?
Tem opção sem peixe cru?

Ordering delivery

Qual o tempo de entrega?
Vem com hashi e shoyu?
O sushi é fresco?
Tem cupom de desconto?

Social gathering

Quem quer dividir um combinado?
Eu não gosto de wasabi.
Esse sushi é muito bom!
Vamos naquele japa novo?

At the supermarket

Esse sushi foi feito hoje?
Tem sushi de salmão?
Qual o preço dessa bandeja?
Vem com molho?

Cooking at home

Onde compro o arroz de sushi?
Como enrolar o sushi?
O peixe é próprio para sushi?
Preciso de uma esteira.

Conversation Starters

"Você gosta de sushi ou prefere pizza?"

"Qual é o seu tipo de sushi favorito?"

"Você já foi a um rodízio de sushi no Brasil?"

"Você sabe fazer sushi em casa ou prefere pedir?"

"Qual é o melhor restaurante de sushi da cidade?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva a primeira vez que você provou sushi e se você gostou.

Escreva sobre um jantar ideal em um restaurante de sushi com seus amigos.

Compare o sushi tradicional japonês com o sushi fusion brasileiro.

Por que você acha que o sushi se tornou tão popular no mundo todo?

Se você fosse um sushiman, qual ingrediente secreto você usaria no seu sushi?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Depende. Existem rodízios baratos e restaurantes de luxo muito caros. No geral, é uma refeição de preço médio.

Dizemos 'hashis'. Exemplo: 'Você pode me dar um par de hashis?'

Sim, é comum comer nigiris com as mãos, mas a maioria usa hashis para tudo.

É um sistema onde você paga um valor fixo e come quanto quiser. É o modo mais popular de comer sushi no Brasil.

Sim, é muito comum encontrar sushi de pepino (kappa maki), manga e outros vegetais.

É um molho doce e denso, muito usado no sushi brasileiro, especialmente nos hot rolls.

A pronúncia correta é 'su-SHÍ', com o som forte no final.

Geralmente sim, se o supermercado for confiável e o sushi for feito no dia.

Normalmente uma mistura de sushis (nigiri, maki, uramaki) e às vezes fatias de sashimi.

Sim, a maioria das pessoas vê o sushi como uma opção leve e nutritiva.