lanche
/ˈlɐ̃.ʃi/masculine
In Portuguese, the word for snack is lanche.
The noun lanche refers to an item of food eaten between meals. If you are referring specifically to the mid-afternoon snack period, use the phrase lanche da tarde. There are several verbs used to describe the act of eating a light meal or snacking: lanchar, merendar and laricar.
Meaning: an item of food eaten between meals (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal context involving treats or sweet indulgences, you might use guloseima. In informal settings, you can use the verb beliscar to mean nibbling or snacking. If you are using slang to describe craving or eating junk food, use laricar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Northeastern states of Brazil, the word quindim refers to a traditional coconut-based dessert or sweet snack.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
It is very common to use the diminutive form lanchinho to describe a light, small or cozy snack.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈlɐ̃.ʃi/.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word lanche is actually a loanword from the English word 'lunch', but the meaning has shifted to describe a light snack instead of a midday meal.
- The verb beliscar literally means 'to pinch', but it is used to describe the act of nibbling on snacks.
- The verb merendar is used to describe snacking, a term derived from 'merenda', which historically referred to a soldier's daily ration or provision.
Examples in context
- É hora do lanche.It's snack time.This sentence shows how to express that it is snack time using lanche.Tatoeba #12009024 by carlosalberto, translation #11176428 by CK
- Preciso de um lanche.I need a snack.This sentence demonstrates how to say you need a snack using lanche.Tatoeba #881798 by alexmarcelo, translation #881796 by CK
- Vou preparar o lanche.I gonna prepare the snack.This sentence illustrates the phrase for preparing the snack using lanche.Tatoeba #7582795 by iart61, translation #8190259 by Wagner1994
- Quero experimentar alguns petiscosI want to try some snacks
- Eu adoro as guloseimas desta lojaI love the treats from this shop
- Vamos comer uma comidinha rápida?Shall we grab a quick snack?
- Estou beliscando enquanto assisto ao filmeI'm snacking while watching the movie
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Gabriel are in the kitchen during the afternoon.
- BeatrizVocê quer dividir o lanche comigo?Do you want to share the snack with me?
- GabrielSim, eu estou com muita fome.Yes, I am very hungry.
- BeatrizEste lanche está muito gostoso.This snack is very delicious.
- GabrielRealmente, ele é ótimo.Indeed, it is great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snack” translations and entries lanche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lanche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
