Definition
A way of doing something, or a natural skill or knack for it. Can also mean manner or style.
Example
Ela tem jeito para aprender idiomas novos.
Show translation
She has a knack for learning new languages.
Etymology
From Old Portuguese *geito*, derived from Latin *iactus* ("a throw, a cast"), itself from *iacere* ("to throw"). The sense evolved from a physical gesture or motion to a manner or method of doing things.
Cultural note
*Jeito* is deeply embedded in Brazilian culture, so much so that linguists and sociologists speak of the *jeitinho brasileiro* — the "little Brazilian way" — a cultural tendency to improvise creative solutions to problems, bend rules, and find workarounds. It carries both admiration (resourcefulness) and criticism (cutting corners). You'll also hear phrases like *dar um jeito* ("to figure something out / make it work") constantly in daily speech. False friend warning for Spanish speakers: Spanish *hecho* (done) looks similar but is unrelated.