Did you know that some Japanese words actually come from Portuguese? This Luso influence dates back to the 1500s, when the Portuguese established trade with Japan, the first Europeans to manage the journey.  Through traders and missionaries, the Portuguese brought new words and products to Japan, and thus a lasting cultural influence.

Let’s check out some of the words:

Japanese English definition Portuguese

bīdoro – a type of glass -  vidro

birōdo – velvet – veludo

furasuko – flask – frasco

jōro  – watering can – jarro

kappa – raincoat – capa

koppu – cup – copo

manto – cloak – manto

pan – bread – pão

shabon – soap – sabão

tabako – tobacco – tabaco

One of the most surprising words: tempura, the famous Japanese fried seafood and vegetables dish, comes from the Portuguese word tempero and temporar, which means seasoning and to season, respectively. Some say it comes from the word têmpora, a period when Catholics abstain from eating meat. Another interesting caveat: the Portuguese introduced European cooking oil in Japan, which is used to make this fried dish.

For a complete list of Japanese words of Portuguese origin, see here.