Archive for January, 2011
Arrasar Posted by Rachel on Jan 18, 2011
Last week, we took a look at the adjective arrasado. This week, we’re going to look at the verb arrasar, which has a few similar negative meanings, and a few very different positive connotations. 1. Destroy, devastate (literally or emotionally) As chuvas arrasaram a Região Serrana do Rio. The rains devastated Rio’s mountain region. A…
How to Order Coffee in Brazil Posted by polyana on Jan 17, 2011
Since it’s Monday morning, let’s talk coffee, shall we? For those of you who are big coffee drinkers, the best advice I can give you for when you get to Brazil and walk into a corner padaria is… take what you can get. Depending on where you are, there are very limited choices in what…
Brazilian Nicknames Posted by Rachel on Jan 13, 2011
One of the most important things to know before traveling or moving to Brazil is that nicknames are not only common, but an important part of Brazilian culture. Many people get a nickname, sometimes early in life. It can be a shortening of a person’s name, like Eduardo being called Dudu or José being called…
Arrasado Posted by Rachel on Jan 11, 2011
There are some words in Portuguese that have multiple meanings, but their most literal meanings relate to their other meanings. Arrasado is such a word, and it’s a helpful adjective to know. Let’s take a look at the different uses and some examples. 1. Demolished, crushed, knocked down O prédio foi arrasado durante o terremoto…
Na Praia! Posted by polyana on Jan 10, 2011
Many times when we think of Brazil, we think beaches! Granted, that’s not ALL there is to see in Brazil, but some of the prettiest beaches I have been to have been… in Brazil. So why not take advantage of the fact that it’s summer in Brazil to get ready for the beach soon, to…
BBB 11 Posted by Rachel on Jan 6, 2011
Big Brother is by far the most popular reality show in Brazil, when millions of viewers tune in to watch seventeen contestants live together in a house in Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, and get voted off one by one until there’s one person remaining, who wins R$1.5 million. Cameras watch the contestants’…
President Dilma Takes Office Posted by Rachel on Jan 4, 2011
On January 1st, Dilma Rousseff took office as Brazil’s first female president. In Brasília, she gave an inspiring speech and outlined her plans for her new administration. Watch her speech below: Here are some excerpts: “Continuaremos fortalecendo nossas reservas externas para garantir o equilíbrio das contas externas e bloquear, e impedir a vulnerabilidade externa. Atuaremos…