ananas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, botanical, international, or regional (e.g., UK restaurants, Europe).
Quick answer
What does “ananas” mean?
A large tropical fruit with a spiky, tough skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a distinctive sweet-tangy flavor, which is also called 'pineapple'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large tropical fruit with a spiky, tough skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a distinctive sweet-tangy flavor, which is also called 'pineapple'.
In some contexts, particularly botanical or historical, refers to the plant of the bromeliad family (Ananas comosus) that produces the fruit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'ananas' is rarely used in everyday speech but is recognized, sometimes appearing on restaurant menus for European-styled dishes. In the US, it is almost exclusively a botanical term or used in international contexts (e.g., referencing foreign languages or cultures). 'Pineapple' is overwhelmingly preferred in both regions.
Connotations
In the UK: evokes a continental European feel, sometimes perceived as more gourmet or specific. In the US: sounds scientific, foreign, or pretentious in casual conversation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher recognition in the UK due to EU influence and multicultural menus.
Grammar
How to Use “ananas” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] ananas was delicious.We imported a crate of [ananas].The dessert is made with [ananas] and cream.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ananas” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; no verb form)
American English
- (Not standard; no verb form)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; no adverb form)
American English
- (Not standard; no adverb form)
adjective
British English
- The ananas flavour was subtle.
- An ananas-scented candle.
American English
- An ananas-infused cocktail.
- The ananas glaze on the ham.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The company imports ananas from Costa Rica.' (Used in international trade to align with partner terminology.)
Academic
'The genome of Ananas comosus has been fully sequenced.' (Standard term in botany.)
Everyday
'Let's buy a pineapple.' (Almost never 'ananas' in casual US/UK speech.)
Technical
'The proteolytic enzyme bromelain is extracted from ananas stems.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ananas”
- Using 'ananas' in casual conversation with native English speakers who might not understand.
- Pronouncing it /ˈænənæs/ (like 'bananas') instead of the correct /əˈnɑːnəs/ or /əˈnænəs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a correct but less common synonym, primarily used in botanical, formal, or specific regional/international contexts. 'Pineapple' is the standard term for everyday use.
The word originates from the Tupi (indigenous Brazilian) word 'nanas', meaning 'excellent fruit'. It entered European languages via Portuguese and Spanish during the colonial period.
Many will, especially in the UK and in educated circles, but they may find it unusual. In the US, comprehension is lower. It's safer to use 'pineapple' in most situations.
In British English: /əˈnɑː.nəs/ (uh-NAH-nuhs). In American English: /əˈnæn.əs/ (uh-NAN-uhs). The stress is always on the second syllable.
A large tropical fruit with a spiky, tough skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a distinctive sweet-tangy flavor, which is also called 'pineapple'.
Ananas is usually formal, botanical, international, or regional (e.g., uk restaurants, europe). in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As sweet as an ananas (regional/rare).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Ananas sounds like 'a nanas' – imagine a grandmother ('nan') offering you a slice of this tropical fruit.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY/TROPICALITY (same as pineapple) – associated with exotic vacations, hospitality (as a decorative symbol).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'ananas' MOST likely to be used correctly in English?