Welcome! If you’re eager to learn how to say “plantain” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to refer to this versatile fruit. While we mainly focus on the standard Portuguese spoken in Portugal and Brazil, we’ll also touch upon regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in and expand your Portuguese vocabulary with various tips and examples along the way!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Plantain in Portuguese
When using formal language, it’s important to demonstrate respect and politeness. Here are a few ways to say “plantain” in formal Portuguese:
1. Banana-da-terra
One widely recognized term for plantain in Portuguese is “banana-da-terra.” This term is commonly used in Brazil and Portugal, and it translates to “earth banana” in English. Though it literally refers to a type of banana, it is specifically used to describe the plantain.
TIP: Remember that “banana-da-terra” specifically refers to the cooking variety of large plantains, not the smaller, sweet ones used for snacking.
Here’s an example of how to use “banana-da-terra” in a formal context:
Example: No supermercado, você pode encontrar banana-da-terra na seção de frutas tropicais. (At the supermarket, you can find plantains in the tropical fruit section.)
2. Plátano
In Portugal, another formal term for plantain is “plátano.” This term is primarily used in European Portuguese and is derived from the word “plátano,” meaning “plane tree.” It may be less commonly used than “banana-da-terra,” but it is equally valid.
TIP: In Brazil, “plátano” more commonly refers to the American sycamore tree rather than the plantain fruit.
Here’s an example of how to use “plátano” formally:
Example: O restaurante serve pratos deliciosos com plátanos grelhados. (The restaurant serves delicious dishes with grilled plantains.)
Informal Ways to Say Plantain in Portuguese
Now, let’s explore some informal alternatives when referring to plantains in Portuguese. These terms are commonly used in everyday conversations, both in Brazil and Portugal.
1. Banana-da-terra (Informal)
Even though “banana-da-terra” is primarily a formal term, it is also used informally when referring to plantains in Portuguese. It is quite versatile and covers both formal and informal contexts.
Here’s an example of using “banana-da-terra” informally:
Example: Vamos fazer um purê de banana-da-terra para o almoço. (Let’s make mashed plantains for lunch.)
2. Pacová
In certain regions of Brazil, an informal and colloquial term for plantain is “pacová”. The usage of this term is mainly restricted to Northern Brazil, particularly in the states of Pará and Amazonas.
Here’s an example of using “pacová” informally:
Example: Adoro o cheiro da fritura do pacová com carne de sol. (I love the smell of fried plantains with sun-dried beef.)
Regional Variations
While “banana-da-terra” and “plátano” are widely accepted terms, various regional differences exist throughout the Portuguese-speaking world. Here are a few notable regional variations:
1. Banana-pão (Brazil)
In certain regions of Brazil, particularly in the Northeast, a common term for plantain is “banana-pão.” This term literally translates to “bread banana” and is often used interchangeably with “banana-da-terra.”
2. Plantaína (Cape Verde)
In Cape Verde, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa where Portuguese is the official language, plantains are typically referred to as “plantaínas”. This local term reflects the influence of the Crioulo language, which incorporates Portuguese, African, and other linguistic elements.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now expanded your Portuguese vocabulary by learning how to say “plantain” in both formal and informal contexts. You can confidently use terms like “banana-da-terra” and “plátano” when speaking to native speakers in Portugal and Brazil. Additionally, if you encounter regional variations such as “banana-pão” in Brazil or “plantaína” in Cape Verde, you’ll now have a basic understanding of their meaning as well. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly discuss plantains in Portuguese like a native! Boa sorte!
