sem lactose
/ˈsẽj̃ lakˈtɔ.zi/word by word
The English phrase 'dairy free' can be translated into Portuguese as sem lactose.
This phrase is used to describe food or drinks that do not contain milk or milk products.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sem lactose literally means 'without lactose'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the term Livre de leite may be used to refer to vegan or plant-based products. In Portugal, the expression Sem produtos lácteos can be used to mean 'without dairy products' and the expression Sem leite nem derivados can be used to mean 'without milk or derivatives'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsẽj̃ lakˈtɔ.zi/
Did you know?
- The word sem shares a common ancestor with the English word 'since' through the Latin 'sine', which is an interesting connection between a simple Portuguese preposition and a common English conjunction.
- While sem lactose specifically refers to the sugar lactose, a person who is actually allergic to milk proteins might still use it, even though the product could still contain milk. This can lead to dangerous misunderstandings in restaurants.
- In some Brazilian cafes, you might see leite vegetal listed as the alternative, which literally translates to 'vegetable milk' rather than 'plant-based milk'.
Examples in context
- Desculpe, sou alérgico(a) à lactose. Você tem algum prato sem lactose?Sorry, I'm allergic to lactose. Do you have any dishes without lactose?
- Prefiro evitar laticínios. Existe algo sem leite no cardápio?I prefer to avoid dairy products. Is there anything without milk on the menu?
- Tem certeza de que não contém leite?Are you sure it doesn't contain milk?
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are at a cafe.
- CamilaVocê quer um café com leite?Do you want a coffee with milk?
- RodrigoSim, mas tem que ser sem lactose.Yes, but it has to be dairy-free.
- CamilaTemos leite de amêndoas aqui.We have almond milk here.
- RodrigoPerfeito, eu vou querer esse.Perfect, I'll take that one.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sem, lactose) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lactose, sem, CC BY-SA 4.0.
