sorvete
/soʁˈve.t͡ʃi/Portugal, masculine
The English phrase sorbet is translated into Portuguese as sorvete.
The term sorvete refers to frozen fruit juice. In formal culinary contexts, the word sorbet is used to specifically denote a dairy-free frozen fruit dessert.
Meaning: frozen fruit juice (noun)
Which one should you use?
In Portuguese, the word sorvete is used broadly for both sorbet and ice cream.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form sorvete is used in Portugal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of sorvete is sorvetes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /soʁˈve.tʃi/.
Did you know?
- The word sorvete traces its roots back to the Arabic verb šariba, which means 'to drink'.
- The Portuguese sorvete is a linguistic relative of the English 'syrup', as both words stem from the same Middle Eastern roots related to sweet liquids.
- The evolution of sorvete reflects the historical influence of French culinary prestige on Portuguese language and dessert culture.
Examples in context
- "Vejo um café ali," disse Lemercier; "aprendamos tudo o que pudermos sobre a desconhecida encantadora, enquanto saboreamos um sorvete ou um copinho."“I see a cafe yonder,” said Lemercier; “let us learn all we can as to the fair unknown, over a sorbet or a petit verre.”Tatoeba #10937888 by Cangarejo, translation #10937887 by Cangarejo
- Você recomenda algum sabor específico de sorbet?Do you recommend any specific sorbet flavor?
- Você já experimentou o sorbet de manga?Have you tried the mango sorbet?
- O que é mais popular aqui: sorvetes ou sorbets?What's more popular here: ice cream or sorbet?
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are at a dessert shop.
- RodrigoJuliana, qual sabor de sorvete preferes?Juliana, which sorbet flavor do you prefer?
- JulianaEu prefiro o de framboesa, Rodrigo.I prefer the raspberry one, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoVou pedir um sorvete de framboesa para ti.I will order a raspberry sorbet for you.
- JulianaMuito obrigada, és muito gentil!Thank you very much, you are very kind!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sorbet” translations and entries sorvete, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sorvete, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
