Ananas vs. Abacaxi — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Ananas and abacaxi are both terms for pineapple, but "ananas" is used internationally in various languages, while "abacaxi" specifically refers to pineapple in Portuguese.
Difference Between Ananas and Abacaxi
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Ananas" is the common name for pineapple in many languages, including French, Italian, and German, suggesting a broad international usage. On the other hand, "abacaxi" is the Portuguese word for pineapple, used predominantly in Brazil and Portugal.
While both terms refer to the same fruit, "ananas" originates from the Guarani word "naná naná," meaning "excellent fruit," which was adopted into many languages due to early global trade. Conversely, "abacaxi" also originates from Guarani but has remained specific to Portuguese.
The term "ananas" is often used in scientific and international contexts, aligning with the botanical name of the fruit, Ananas comosus. Abacaxi, however, is typically used in everyday, casual contexts within Portuguese-speaking countries.
In culinary contexts, recipes across Europe and other non-Portuguese speaking regions will likely reference "ananas" when incorporating this tropical fruit. In contrast, recipes from Brazil or Portugal will use "abacaxi."
The understanding and use of these terms can affect how the fruit is marketed and understood in different regions. For example, "ananas" might be seen on multilingual product labels, while "abacaxi" would be used in local markets and stores in Portuguese-speaking areas.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Linguistic Origin
Derived from Guarani "naná naná," meaning "excellent fruit."
Also from Guarani, used specifically in Portuguese.
Usage
Common in many languages worldwide.
Used exclusively in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Context
Often seen in scientific and international contexts.
Common in everyday, casual contexts in Brazil and Portugal.
Culinary Reference
Used in recipes across Europe and globally.
Used in Portuguese recipes, especially in Brazil and Portugal.
Marketing
Seen on multilingual product labels.
Found in local markets in Portuguese-speaking areas.
Compare with Definitions
Ananas
Commonly used in scientific contexts.
Ananas comosus is studied for its unique bromelain enzyme.
Abacaxi
The Portuguese word for pineapple.
Abacaxi is widely cultivated in Brazil.
Ananas
Appears in multilingual translations.
The label showed ananas next to several other translations.
Abacaxi
Common in Brazilian and Portuguese recipes.
Abacaxi is often used in refreshing summer drinks.
Ananas
The international term for pineapple.
Ananas is enjoyed in a variety of dishes worldwide.
Abacaxi
Used in everyday language in Brazil and Portugal.
He bought an abacaxi at the local market.
Ananas
Known for its broad usage across languages.
Ananas is recognized in French, German, and Italian.
Abacaxi
Part of local marketing in Portuguese areas.
The store displayed a sign advertising fresh abacaxi.
Ananas
Featured in global culinary recipes.
Ananas is a popular ingredient in tropical fruit salads.
Abacaxi
Specific to Portuguese-speaking regions.
Abacaxi is a favorite flavor for desserts in Portugal.
Ananas
Ananas is a plant genus in the family Bromeliaceae. It is native to South America.
Abacaxi
A large Brazilian pineapple.
Ananas
(obsolete) Pineapple.
Ananas
(obsolete) Bromelia pinguin, a plant with edible fruit.
Ananas
The pineapple (Ananassa sativa).
Ananas
A genus of tropical American plants have sword-shaped leaves and a fleshy compound fruits composed of the fruits of several flowers (such as pineapples)
Ananas
Large sweet fleshy tropical fruit with a terminal tuft of stiff leaves; widely cultivated
Common Curiosities
Is abacaxi only used in Brazil and Portugal?
Primarily, yes, it is specific to Portuguese-speaking countries.
How do the uses of ananas and abacaxi differ in recipes?
Ananas is used in a global culinary context, while abacaxi appears specifically in Portuguese recipes.
Are ananas and abacaxi the same fruit?
Yes, both terms refer to the pineapple fruit.
Can I find products labeled as ananas outside of Europe?
Yes, ananas is used on product labels in various non-European countries as well.
What is the difference between ananas and abacaxi?
Ananas is used internationally, while abacaxi is specific to Portuguese.
What does ananas mean in the scientific community?
It refers to the genus name of the pineapple, Ananas comosus.
Is ananas ever used in Portuguese?
Rarely, as abacaxi is the preferred term in Portuguese-speaking regions.
Why is pineapple called ananas in many languages?
Due to early trade and scientific naming, the word "ananas" was adopted broadly.
Are there any cultural significances associated with abacaxi in Brazil?
Abacaxi is often associated with tropical abundance and is a popular fruit in festive occasions.
How is abacaxi typically consumed in Brazil?
Often eaten fresh, used in desserts, or made into juices.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Bewildered vs. Dazed
Next Comparison
Low vs. ModerateAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
