açaí
/a.saˈi/masculine
açaí is the Portuguese word for acai.
açaí refers to the fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so it is used with masculine articles like o or um.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and the stress is on the third syllable: /a.saˈi/.
When do people say it?
In Brazil, people commonly use the verb tomar (to take/drink) instead of comer (to eat) when referring to consuming an acai bowl or smoothie.
Did you know?
- In the Amazon region, açaí is traditionally served as a savory side dish with fried fish or shrimp instead of a sweet treat.
- The word 'açaí' is a linguistic enigma because, despite its widely accepted Tupi-Guarani origins, it does not actually appear in the records of Old Tupi or the Língua Geral Amazônica.
- In Northern Brazil, açaí is considered such a fundamental part of the diet that it is viewed as a staple meal rather than a snack.
Examples in context
- Vou tomar um açaí.I will drink some acai.This sentence is useful for showing how to use açaí with the verb tomar.Tatoeba #2554314 by alexmarcelo, translation #2857485 by mervert1
- Eu gosto muito de açaí com granola.I really like açaí with granola.
- O açaí está muito gelado hoje.The açaí is very cold today.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are deciding on a snack at a cafe.
- BeatrizVocê quer pedir um açaí?Do you want to order an açaí?
- RodrigoSim, eu adoraria um açaí agora.Yes, I would love an açaí right now.
- BeatrizVou pedir para nós dois.I will order for both of us.
- RodrigoObrigado, Beatriz!Thanks, Beatriz!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acai” translations and entries açaí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries açaí, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
