Povo

Povo is a term with multiple uses in different languages and contexts. In Portuguese, povo means “people” or “the folk” and is used to refer to the population of a country or community. It is a common noun in everyday speech, appearing in phrases such as o povo brasileiro (the Brazilian people). The word derives from Latin populus, and cognate forms are found in related Iberian languages such as Galician, where the equivalent is pobo.

Povo is also the brand name of a Japanese mobile network service operated by KDDI, marketed under the au umbrella. Launched in 2021, povo is described as a digital-first, contract-free service that lets users customize features through optional add-ons for data, calls, and roaming. Customers typically sign up online and can use eSIM on compatible devices. The service uses au’s network infrastructure and is aimed at flexible, pay-as-you-go style mobile use in Japan.

As a linguistic term, povo’s primary meaning as “people” contrasts with its branding as a service; the two uses are unrelated aside from sharing the same spelling. The form appears in related Romance languages with similar meanings, reflecting a historical link to Latin populus.