sou vegetariano
The English phrase "I am vegetarian" is translated into Portuguese as sou vegetariano.
This phrase is used to state that you do not eat meat.
Which one should you use?
The phrase sou vegetariano uses the verb ser to express a permanent characteristic or identity. You should not use estou instead, as that would imply being a vegetarian is only a temporary state.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the expression sou vegetariano(a) de carteirinha is used to mean "I'm a card-carrying vegetarian."
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the ending changes from -o to -a, resulting in sou vegetariana. Note that Portuguese does not use an indefinite article (a/an) when stating one's identity in this context.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you say sou vegetariano, some servers might still ask if you eat fish, as peixe is often viewed separately from 'meat' in casual conversation.
- The word vegetariano shares a common root with the English word 'vegetable', both stemming from the Latin 'vegetabilis'.
- The masculine form vegetariano is used as a generic term if you are speaking about a mixed group of men and women.
Examples in context
- Sou vegetariano.I am vegetarian.This sentence is useful for stating that you are vegetarian using sou vegetariano.Tatoeba #367943 by rike, translation #1880029 by Asma
- Eu sou vegetariano desde pequeno.I have been a vegetarian since I was little.
- Não como carne porque sou vegetariano.I don't eat meat because I am a vegetarian.
Example conversation
At a restaurant, Rodrigo is explaining his dietary preferences to Mariana.
- RodrigoEu sou vegetariano, então não posso comer o hambúrguer.I am a vegetarian, so I cannot eat the hamburger.
- MarianaSem problemas, eu posso pedir uma salada para você.No problem, I can order a salad for you.
- RodrigoObrigado, Mariana, você é muito gentil.Thank you, Mariana, you are very kind.
- MarianaDe nada, Rodrigo!You're welcome, Rodrigo!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
