jalousie

[ˈdʒæl.ə.ziː or ˌdʒæl.ə.ˈziː]
nounfemininepl: jalousies
persiana
1. A window blind consisting of horizontal slats of wood, metal, or plastic that can be adjusted to control light and ventilation
She adjusted the jalousies to let in the morning sunlight.
Ela ajustou as persianas para deixar entrar a luz da manhã.
2. A louvered window or door that allows ventilation while maintaining privacy
The jalousie windows in the tropical home provided excellent airflow.
As janelas com persiana na casa tropical proporcionavam excelente ventilação.
3. A shutter with fixed or movable horizontal slats
The old mansion had ornate jalousies on all its windows.
A mansão antiga tinha persianas ornamentadas em todas as suas janelas.
Jalousies are particularly common in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in Brazil, the Caribbean, and Southern United States, where they balance the need for light with protection from intense sun and heat. In Brazilian architecture, persianas are a standard feature in residential and commercial buildings. The term 'jalousie' derives from the French word 'jalousie' (jealousy), humorously referring to how these blinds allow one to see out without being fully seen.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
blindshutterlouvervenetian blindlouvered window
Antonyms / Antônimos
curtaindrapesolid shutter

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
persiana
Standard term for window blinds with horizontal slats
Rio de Janeiro
persiana veneziana
More formal or descriptive term emphasizing Venetian style
São Paulo
persiana
Standard usage, same as general Brazilian
Portugal
persiana or veneziana
Portuguese speakers may also use 'estore' for roller blinds

Related Words

louverslatshutterblindventilationwindow treatment

Related Idioms & Phrases

behind closed jalousies - maintaining privacy or secrecy
let light through the jalousies - allow partial information to be revealed
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