mandioca
/mɐ̃.d͡ʒiˈɔ.kɐ/
The English phrase "manioc" is translated into Portuguese as mandioca.
Meaning: root (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English uses the term "manioc," the standard Portuguese word for this edible root is mandioca.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region of Brazil, different terms are used: aipim is particularly popular in Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, while macaxeira is commonly used in Northeastern Brazil, specifically in states like Pernambuco and Ceará. In the states of Bahia and Ceará, the term Puba is used to refer specifically to fermented manioc.
How do you pronounce it?
mandioca is pronounced /mɐ̃.dʒiˈɔ.kɐ/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- There is a popular legend that the word mandioca comes from a Tupi girl named Mani, who died and was buried in her 'oca' or hut, leading to the growth of the plant from her grave.
- Because some varieties of mandioca contain cyanide, the process of making puba involves fermentation to make the root safe to eat.
- The word mandioca is used for the plant in general, but in some Brazilian regions, the term macaxeira is used for a specific variety that can be eaten without fermentation.
Examples in context
- Eu adoro bobó de camarão feito com mandioca!I love shrimp bobó made with manioc!
- Vamos preparar aipim frito como acompanhamento do churrasco.Let's make fried manioc as a barbecue side dish.
- Eu comprei mandioca na feira.I bought manioc at the street market.
- A mandioca é um ingrediente importante.Manioc is an important ingredient.
- Você prefere mandioca frita ou cozida?Do you prefer fried or boiled manioc?
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are planning a meal in the kitchen.
- FelipeMariana, temos mandioca para o jantar?Mariana, do we have manioc for dinner?
- MarianaSim, eu acabei de descascar a mandioca.Yes, I just finished peeling the manioc.
- FelipeÓtimo, então vou prepará-la agora.Great, then I will prepare it now.
- MarianaEu te ajudo com o preparo.I will help you with the preparation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mandioca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mandioca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
