§ Understanding 'vegetariano'
The Portuguese word for 'vegetarian' is vegetariano. It's an adjective, which means it will change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes. This is a common feature in Portuguese, and it's important to get it right!
- Definition
- Vegetarian; containing no meat or fish.
Here’s how it works:
- Masculine singular: vegetariano (e.g., um homem vegetariano - a vegetarian man)
- Feminine singular: vegetariana (e.g., uma mulher vegetariana - a vegetarian woman)
- Masculine plural: vegetarianos (e.g., os homens vegetarianos - the vegetarian men)
- Feminine plural: vegetarianas (e.g., as mulheres vegetarianas - the vegetarian women)
§ Using 'vegetariano' to describe people
When you want to say that someone is vegetarian, you'll use the verb 'ser' (to be) followed by 'vegetariano' (or its correct form).
Eu sou vegetariano.
This means: "I am vegetarian." (Said by a male speaker).
Ela é vegetariana.
This means: "She is vegetarian." (Notice the 'a' ending for 'ela' - she).
Nós somos vegetarianos.
This means: "We are vegetarian." (If the group includes at least one male, or is all male).
Nós somos vegetarianas.
This means: "We are vegetarian." (If the group is all female).
§ Using 'vegetariano' to describe food or dishes
You can also use 'vegetariano' to describe food items or dishes that are vegetarian. Again, make sure the ending matches the noun.
Este prato é vegetariano.
This means: "This dish is vegetarian." (Prato is masculine singular).
Essa sopa é vegetariana.
This means: "That soup is vegetarian." (Sopa is feminine singular).
Há muitas opções vegetarianas aqui.
This means: "There are many vegetarian options here." (Opções is feminine plural).
§ Asking about vegetarian options
When you're in a restaurant or shopping, knowing how to ask about vegetarian options is super practical. Here are some common phrases:
- Tem algo vegetariano? - Do you have anything vegetarian?
- Este prato é vegetariano? - Is this dish vegetarian?
- Vocês têm opções vegetarianas? - Do you (plural, formal) have vegetarian options?
- Eu sou vegetariano/a. - I am vegetarian.
§ Related words and phrases
While 'vegetariano' is the main word, here are a couple of other useful terms:
- Vegan (vegan): In Portuguese, 'vegan' is often used directly or you might hear vegano/vegana.
- Dieta vegetariana: Vegetarian diet.
- Comida vegetariana: Vegetarian food.
Eu prefiro uma dieta vegetariana.
This means: "I prefer a vegetarian diet."
O restaurante tem ótima comida vegetariana.
This means: "The restaurant has great vegetarian food."
Examples by Level
Eu sou vegetariano.
I am vegetarian.
Ela não come carne; ela é vegetariana.
She doesn't eat meat; she is vegetarian.
Este prato é vegetariano?
Is this dish vegetarian?
Nós queremos uma pizza vegetariana.
We want a vegetarian pizza.
O meu amigo é vegetariano.
My friend (male) is vegetarian.
A minha irmã é vegetariana.
My sister is vegetarian.
Eles preferem comida vegetariana.
They prefer vegetarian food.
Vocês são vegetarianos?
Are you (plural) vegetarian?
Tips
Masculine vs. Feminine
Like many Portuguese adjectives, vegetariano changes its ending to match the gender of the noun it describes. So you'll see vegetariano for masculine nouns and vegetariana for feminine nouns.
Common Usage
You'll most often hear 'vegetariano' when talking about food or people. For example, 'Eu sou vegetariano' (I am vegetarian) or 'um prato vegetariano' (a vegetarian dish).
Related Noun: Vegetariano(a)
The word 'vegetariano' can also be a noun, meaning 'a vegetarian person'. 'Ele é um vegetariano' (He is a vegetarian).
Plural Forms
Remember to make it plural too: vegetarianos (masculine plural) and vegetarianas (feminine plural). For example, 'Eles são vegetarianos' (They are vegetarians).
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the 'an' sound. It's often a nasal sound in Portuguese, similar to the 'on' in 'song' but softer. Practice saying 've-ge-ta-ri-a-no'.
Asking in Restaurants
If you're in a restaurant, you might ask, 'Vocês têm opções vegetarianas?' (Do you have vegetarian options?) or 'Este prato é vegetariano?' (Is this dish vegetarian?)
Comparing with 'vegan'
While 'vegetariano' means no meat or fish, if you want to say 'vegan,' the Portuguese word is 'vegano' (or 'vegana' for feminine). It's a distinct concept.
Word Family: Vegetarianismo
The noun for 'vegetarianism' is 'vegetarianismo'. You might hear someone say, 'O vegetarianismo está a crescer' (Vegetarianism is growing).
Contextual Clues
Even if you forget the exact word, the context of food or diet will often help you understand its meaning, especially if you hear 'vegetal' (vegetable) or 'carne' (meat) nearby.
Beyond Food: Figurative Use (Rare)
While primarily for food, you might rarely hear it used figuratively, like 'uma vida vegetariana' meaning a very simple, perhaps unexciting, life, though this is less common than its literal use. Focus on the food context first.
Masculine vs. Feminine
Like many Portuguese adjectives, vegetariano changes its ending to match the gender of the noun it describes. So you'll see vegetariano for masculine nouns and vegetariana for feminine nouns.
Common Usage
You'll most often hear 'vegetariano' when talking about food or people. For example, 'Eu sou vegetariano' (I am vegetarian) or 'um prato vegetariano' (a vegetarian dish).
Related Noun: Vegetariano(a)
The word 'vegetariano' can also be a noun, meaning 'a vegetarian person'. 'Ele é um vegetariano' (He is a vegetarian).
Plural Forms
Remember to make it plural too: vegetarianos (masculine plural) and vegetarianas (feminine plural). For example, 'Eles são vegetarianos' (They are vegetarians).
Example
Ela escolheu um prato vegetariano no menu.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
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.
