When talking about veganism in Portuguese, we use the adjective vegano for masculine nouns and vegana for feminine nouns. For example, you would say "um prato vegano" (a vegan dish) or "uma opção vegana" (a vegan option).
If you want to describe a person who is vegan, you can say "ele é vegano" (he is vegan) or "ela é vegana" (she is vegan). The term also extends to products and lifestyles, so you can encounter "produtos veganos" (vegan products) or discuss a "estilo de vida vegano" (vegan lifestyle).
It's a straightforward adjective used just like its English counterpart to denote the absence of animal products.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Portuguese word vegano (or vegana if you're talking about a woman or a feminine noun) is an adjective that directly translates to "vegan" in English. It describes something that does not contain any animal products. Think of it as a label for food, products, or even people who follow a vegan lifestyle. Just like in English, being vegan means avoiding all animal-derived ingredients, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey.
- DEFINITION
- Vegan, not containing any animal products.
You'll encounter vegano most often in contexts related to food and dining. When you're in a restaurant in Portugal or Brazil, or looking at product labels in a supermarket, you'll see this word indicating that a dish or product is suitable for vegans. It's a very practical word to know if you or someone you're with follows a vegan diet. It's used just like you would use "vegan" in English, to describe the nature of something.
Este bolo é vegano e não tem ovos nem leite. (This cake is vegan and doesn't have eggs or milk.)
The word also extends beyond just food. You might see it applied to clothing, cosmetics, or other goods that are produced without using animal products or by-products, and without animal testing. This is becoming more common as veganism grows worldwide.
Ela só compra produtos de beleza veganos. (She only buys vegan beauty products.)
If you're asking about food, you can use it in a question like: "Is this vegan?" which would be "Isso é vegano?" (if you're asking about a masculine noun or generally) or "Isso é vegana?" (if referring to a feminine noun, like 'a comida' - the food). It's a straightforward way to communicate your dietary needs.
Há alguma opção vegana no menu? (Is there any vegan option on the menu?)
Understanding vegano is essential for navigating menus and product labels, especially if you're trying to avoid animal products. It's a clear and unambiguous term that helps you make informed choices. Keep an eye out for it when you're shopping or dining in Portuguese-speaking regions.
Examples by Level
Eu sou vegano.
I am vegan.
Ela é vegana.
She is vegan.
Este bolo é vegano?
Is this cake vegan?
Nós comemos comida vegana.
We eat vegan food.
Eles são veganos.
They are vegan.
Eu gosto de queijo vegano.
I like vegan cheese.
O restaurante tem opções veganas.
The restaurant has vegan options.
Minha amiga é vegana e ela cozinha muito bem.
My friend is vegan and she cooks very well.
Word Family
Nouns
Test Yourself 12 questions
This means 'It is a vegan dish.' In Portuguese, the verb 'ser' (to be) comes first, followed by the article, then the noun, and finally the adjective.
This translates to 'I want vegan food.' The subject 'Eu' (I) comes first, then the verb 'querer' (to want), followed by the noun 'comida' (food), and the adjective 'vegana' (vegan). Note the feminine form of 'vegana' to match 'comida'.
This means 'This restaurant has vegan options.' 'Este' (this) comes before the noun 'restaurante', then the verb 'ter' (to have), followed by the noun 'opções' (options), and the adjective 'veganas' (vegan). Note the plural and feminine form of 'veganas' to match 'opções'.
Eu prefiro comida ___ para o jantar.
The sentence indicates a preference for 'vegan' food. 'Vegana' is the feminine singular form of the adjective 'vegano' and matches 'comida'.
Muitas pessoas estão a tornar-se ___ por razões de saúde.
The sentence suggests people are becoming 'vegan' for health reasons. 'Veganas' is the feminine plural form of 'vegano' and agrees with 'pessoas'.
Aquele restaurante tem um menu completamente ___.
The sentence states the restaurant has a 'vegan' menu. 'Vegano' is the masculine singular form of the adjective and matches 'menu'.
Ele é ___ e não come produtos de origem animal.
The sentence describes someone who doesn't eat animal products, which is the definition of 'vegano'. 'Vegano' is the masculine singular form.
Minha amiga encontrou um bolo ___ delicioso na padaria.
The sentence describes a delicious 'vegan' cake. 'Vegano' is the masculine singular form of the adjective and matches 'bolo'.
Eles estão procurando opções ___ para a festa.
The sentence implies they are looking for 'vegan' options for the party. 'Veganas' is the feminine plural form of 'vegano' and agrees with 'opções'.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
Example
Este bolo é vegano, feito sem ovos nem leite.
Related Content
More food words
a conta
A1The bill or check (in a restaurant).
a gosto
A2To taste, according to one's preference for flavor.
à la carte
A2À la carte, ordering individual dishes from a menu.
à mão
A2By hand (e.g., prepare by hand), done manually.
à mesa
A2At the table, referring to dining.
à parte
A2Aside; separately, served separately.
à pressa
A2In a hurry, with great haste.
à saúde
A2A toast, meaning 'to health' or 'cheers'.
a vapor
A2Steamed; cooked by steam.
à vontade
A2At ease/As much as you want; freely, comfortably.
