couve-galega
/ˌko(w).vi.ɡaˈle.ɡɐ/feminine
The English phrase collard greens is translated into Portuguese as couve-galega. Wiktionary also lists couve-manteiga.
Meaning: plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| couve-galega | /ˌko(w).vi.ɡaˈle.ɡɐ/ (Brazil) /ˌko(w).vɨ.ɡɐˈle.ɡɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
| couve-manteiga | feminine |
The term refers to a type of leafy green plant. In many culinary contexts, speakers may simply refer to the plant or the dish as couve.
What does it mean word for word?
The word couve refers to the general category of kale or cabbage-like greens.
Is it said differently in some regions?
couve-galega refers specifically to the variety of collard greens common in Portugal, while couve-manteiga is the term used for the variety most common in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both terms are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌko(w).vi.ɡaˈle.ɡɐ/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word couve is a cognate of the French word chou and the English word 'cole', as in 'coleslaw'.
- Despite the word manteiga meaning 'butter', couve-manteiga refers to the leaf's waxy texture rather than its flavor or how it is cooked.
- In Portugal, couve is the essential ingredient in caldo verde, a thick green soup traditionally served with slices of chouriço sausage.
Examples in context
- A couve-galega é muito nutritiva.Collard greens are very nutritious.
- Eu comprei couve-galega fresca no mercado.I bought fresh collard greens at the market.
- A couve-galega cresce bem no jardim.Collard greens grow well in the garden.
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are at a local farmer's market.
- BeatrizGabriel, você viu a couve-galega?Gabriel, did you see the collard greens?
- GabrielSim, elas estão naquela banca ali.Yes, they are at that stall over there.
- BeatrizA couve-galega parece muito boa hoje.The collard greens look very good today.
- GabrielVamos levar um maço para o almoço.Let's take a bunch for lunch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “collard greens” translations and entries couve-galega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
