amêijoa
/aˈme(j).ʒwɐ/feminine
The Portuguese word for clam is amêijoa.
amêijoa is a noun used to refer to a clam, a type of mollusc. If you want to describe the action of digging for clams, you can use the related verb mariscar.
Meaning: mollusc (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word amêijoa is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable. It is pronounced /aˈme(j).ʒwɐ/.
Did you know?
- The word amêijoa shares a mysterious linguistic connection with the Galician word ameixa, which actually means 'plum'.
- In Portugal and Brazil, amêijoas are often used as a benchmark for freshness in seafood markets. A common custom to check if they are alive is to see if the shell closes immediately when touched or exposed to light.
- In Portuguese gastronomy, amêijoas are frequently paired with bolinhos de bacalhau or used in 'à Bulhão Pato' style, a preparation that is a signature of Portuguese coastal identity.
Examples in context
- A apanha da amêijoa-gigante, somada à utilização de cianeto e dinamite na captura de peixe, danificou os recifes de coral o ano passado, segundo os analistas.Giant clam harvesting, added to use of cyanide and dynamite bombing for fish, damaged coral reefs last year, the analysts said.This sentence is useful for seeing how amêijoa is used when discussing the harvesting of giant clams and its impact on coral reefs.Tatoeba #11108937 by Cangarejo, translation #11108934 by Cangarejo
- A amêijoa estava muito fresca hoje.The clam was very fresh today.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are at a seafood restaurant.
- BeatrizRodrigo, queres provar a amêijoa?Rodrigo, do you want to try the clam?
- RodrigoSim, parece deliciosa.Yes, it looks delicious.
- BeatrizVou pedir mais uma dose.I'm going to order another portion.
- RodrigoBoa ideia, Beatriz!Good idea, Beatriz!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clam” translations and entries amêijoa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amêijoa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
