Portuguese · Food & Drink
Feijão
[/fejˈʒɐ̃w/]
Beans
Beginnernoun · m
Definition
A legume seed used as a food, a staple of Brazilian cuisine.
Semente de leguminosa usada como alimento, básica na culinária brasileira.
Example
Fiz feijão temperado com alho e louro.
I made beans seasoned with garlic and bay leaf.
Etymology
'Feijão' comes from the Latin 'faba', meaning 'bean'. The term has been used historically in Portuguese culinary contexts, especially in relation to traditional dishes.
How & Where It’s Used
'Feijão' is commonly used in informal settings and everyday conversations across Portugal and Brazil, reflecting its role as a staple in regional diets.
Literary Heritage
Prominent in Brazilian literature, beans are often referenced in folk stories and songs, symbolizing nourishment and culture.