The term "veranda" is said to be derived from the Portuguese word "varanda," which means "long balcony or terrace." This architectural structure has a roof and generally opens out to the exterior and extends along the outside of a building. The veranda is most commonly found in South Asian and Spanish-speaking countries, but it can be seen in many other places as well. For example, it can be found in China on certain buildings constructed under the Ming and Qing dynasties. The veranda was originally used as an area where members of the household could socialize or receive guests. But over time it became more of a living space with the addition of furniture such as chairs, tables, and sofas. Today, it is known as a popular outdoor living space that can be used for various activities such as dining, reading, or just relaxing in comfort. The veranda has many names in different languages. In English, it is called a "parlor," "porch," or "terrace." In Hindi, it is called a "verandah." In Chinese, it is called a "kuaia." There are several types of verandahs including the open-air veranda, semi-enclosed veranda, and enclosed veranda.