açaí
noun, Brazil
In Brazil the word is written açaí and said roughly "ah-sah-EE", with the stress on the last syllable. A frozen bowl of it is açaí na tigela.
Meaning: purple palm berry eaten as a frozen bowl or drink (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| açaí | noun, Brazil |
| Açaí na tigela | phrase, bowl |
You order it at a juice bar or street stand with Quero um açaí and then pick toppings such as banana, granola or condensed milk.
How do you pronounce it?
The ç is an "s" sound and the accent on the final í tells you where the stress falls. English speakers often stress the middle, which sounds off to Brazilians.
When do people say it?
The açaí palm grows in the Amazon region, and the state of Pará is especially tied to the fruit.
Did you know?
- The word açaí comes from the Tupi language.
Examples in context
- Quero um açaí na tigela, por favor.I would like an açaí bowl, please.
- Você quer açaí com banana?Do you want açaí with banana?
- O açaí aqui é muito bom.The açaí here is very good.
Example conversation
Pedro orders at an açaí stand on a beach in Salvador, and the seller Marta takes his order.
- PedroBoa tarde. Quero um açaí na tigela.Good afternoon. I would like an açaí bowl.
- MartaCom que acompanhamento?With what toppings?
- PedroCom banana e granola, por favor.With banana and granola, please.
- MartaPode deixar!Coming right up!
