Archive for 'Vocabulary'
Again in Portuguese Posted by Rachel on Dec 3, 2010
Inspired by the Spanish Blog post with the same concept, today we’re going to look at the different ways to say “again” in Portuguese. 1. de novo This can be used in all circumstances, and is the simplest way to use “again.” Adorei o filme! Queria vê-lo de novo. I loved the movie! I want…
Pé Frio is not Cold Feet! Posted by polyana on Nov 29, 2010
The other day, I was talking to my Brazilian friend who was an English student of mine, and since then we like to speak in English so he can practice. We were trying to figure out when to go to the beach and I told him the last few times I went to the beach…
The Word Mergulho Posted by Rachel on Nov 23, 2010
Mergulho has few different meanings, so it’s a useful Portuguese vocabulary word to know, especially when traveling. 1. Scuba Diving This is the noun used for scuba in Brazilian Portuguese. Here’s an example: Durante as férias, gosto de curtir a praia e fazer mergulho. During the holidays, I like to enjoy the beach and go…
A Viola Caipira Posted by polyana on Nov 8, 2010
I grew up to my dad listening to Brazilian folk music, especially “old school” sertanejo & forró (my mom was more of an 80’s rock and Roberto Carlos girl). One instrument that’s always stuck out to me in Brazilian folk music is the viola caipira. Unlike the “viola” you’re thinking of, the viola (pronounced vee-aw-lah)…
The Word Graça Posted by Rachel on Oct 25, 2010
Continuing in our vocabulary series from last week, we’re going to take a closer look at the word graça to examine its several meanings and uses. 1. De graça – free; no cost Example: A comida no evento é de graça. The food at the event is free. 2. Engraçado – funny Example: Ele é…
Untranslatable Portuguese Words Posted by Rachel on Oct 22, 2010
There’s much ado in the linguist community about words that are difficult to translate, and two Portuguese words often appear on lists of untranslatable words. But I’m going to argue that while both are complex words, they’re not untranslatable. 1. Cafuné While this word encompasses a concept rather than a single word, it’s pretty straightforward…
The Verb Chutar Posted by Rachel on Oct 20, 2010
You’ll find that in Portuguese, there are quite a few soccer vocabulary words, phrases or expressions that have second and third meanings that have different, real-life applications, but are related to the physical actions from the sport. One example is the verb chutar. It has a couple of different meanings that all derive from its…