Empanadas are delicious pastries that are popular in many Latin American countries. If you’re interested in learning how to say “empanada” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “empanada” in Portuguese, as well as provide some regional variations, tips, and examples.
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Formal Way to Say Empanada in Portuguese
When it comes to formal language, the Portuguese word for “empanada” is “pastel.” Keep in mind that “pastel” can also refer to other types of pastries, so it’s important to specify that you’re referring to an empanada. Therefore, the complete phrase for “empanada” in formal Portuguese is “pastel de carne” (meat empanada). This is a widely understood term across Portugal and Brazil.
Informal Way to Say Empanada in Portuguese
In informal language, especially in Brazil, people often use the word “pastel” to refer to empanadas as well. However, since “pastel” is a more generic term, it may be helpful to specify the filling when ordering an empanada. For example, you can say “pastel de carne” (meat empanada), “pastel de queijo” (cheese empanada), or “pastel de frango” (chicken empanada) to ensure you get the specific type of empanada you desire.
Regional Variations
While “pastel” is widely used to refer to empanadas in both Portugal and Brazil, there are some regional variations worth noting. In the Southern region of Brazil, especially in the state of Santa Catarina, “pastel” may be referred to as “pastelzinho.” Additionally, in the Northeastern region of Brazil, empanadas are commonly known as “pastel de vento” or “pastel de feira.” These variations are mostly used regionally, but you may come across them in other parts of Brazil as well.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you better understand how to say “empanada” in Portuguese:
- When in a formal setting, use the phrase “pastel de carne” to refer to a meat empanada.
- If you’re in an informal setting, simply using the word “pastel” is generally understood to refer to an empanada.
- Specify the filling you want when ordering an empanada, such as “pastel de queijo” for cheese empanada or “pastel de frango” for chicken empanada.
- Be aware of regional variations, such as “pastelzinho” in the Southern region of Brazil or “pastel de vento” in the Northeastern region.
Example dialogues:
Formal:
Person A: Olá, eu gostaria de um pastel de carne, por favor. (Hello, I would like a meat empanada, please.)
Person B: Claro, aqui está o seu pastel de carne. (Sure, here’s your meat empanada.)Informal:
Person A: Oi, me vê um pastel de queijo? (Hi, can I have a cheese empanada?)
Person B: Com certeza, aqui está o seu pastel de queijo. (Certainly, here’s your cheese empanada.)
Now that you’ve learned how to say “empanada” in Portuguese, whether in formal or informal contexts, you can confidently order this delicious pastry during your next visit to a Portuguese-speaking country! Enjoy exploring different fillings and regional variations of this delightful treat!
