Archive for the year 2007
To Become Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 19, 2007
How do you translate the English verb ‘to become’ into Portuguese? Short Answer: it depends Long Answer: It is very helpful to examine 5 common applications of to become and the most appropriate counterparts in Portuguese. 1. To represent a long gradual change, or a change that results from a great intellectual effort, use the…
Brazil’s Middle Class Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 18, 2007
This great article from the BBC (in English) details some of the recent growth of the Brazilian middle class. The gist of the article is that stabilization of the Brazilian economy, particularly the currency (the Real) has provided increased lending opportunities and augmented the buying power of the lower classes. I am no economist, so…
Ilha Fiscal Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 17, 2007
Ilha Fiscal is a small island in the Baía de Guanabara which served for many years as the ‘customs house’ for the port of Rio de Janeiro. Here’s a description in Portuguese from the Brazilian Navy’s website, followed by a translation for your reference. Please give it a try and see how much you understand!…
Black Orpheus Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 14, 2007
Black Orpheus or Orfeu Negro is a French film adaptation of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth which was released in 1959. Marcel Camus did a brilliant job of directing this classic film which was scored beautifully, featuring Luis Bonfá’s classic Manhá de Carnaval, which many consider to have beenBossa Nova before Bossa Nova ‘existed.’ Bruno…
‘Amanhã’ vs ‘A manhã’ Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 14, 2007
Amanhã means tomorrow, while a manhã means the morning. Frequently confused by Portuguese learners, these two words are separate and non-interchangeable. Some related common phrases are café da manhã (breakfast), amanhã de manhã (tomorrow morning), and Manhã de Carnaval, or Carnival Morning, the famous theme to the movie Black Orpheus written by Luis Bonfá and…
Maria Rita Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 13, 2007
My absolute favorite Brazilian performer is Maria Rita. Maria Rita (full name: Maria Rita Mariano) is a Brazilian singer who comes by her deep musicality and immense talent honestly; she is the daughter of the late Elis Regina perhaps the most internationally famous Brazilian singer ever, and César Camargo Mariano a famous Brazilian composer. I…
Queimar o Filme Posted by Transparent Language on Sep 13, 2007
A fantastic colloquialism, queimar o filme means to do something to hurt your reputation. Here are some examples: Meu amigo chamou a namorada dele pelo nome incorreto. Queimou o filme! My friend called his girlfriend by the wrong name. Queimou o filme! Usei uma palavrão na minha redação, e meu professor notou. Pode crer? Queimei…