We’ve looked at a number of instances when Brazilians often cut off syllables from words in spoken Portuguese, so today we’re going to look at some more. Remember that in written Portuguese, you shouldn’t cut off syllables, but in spoken Portuguese people

acabou – The verb acabar means to end. Occasionally, you’ll hear people cut off the ‘a’ at the beginning so that it becomes “cabou.”

Ganhamos o jogo! We won the game!

Cabou! [Acabou.] It’s over!

de nada – This is the phrase for you’re welcome. Sometimes, though, you’ll hear people just say “nada.”

Obrigado pela dica. Thanks for the tip.

Nada! You’re welcome!

vamos embora – This means “let’s go” or “let’s leave.” You’ll sometimes hear this shortened either as “vamobora” or simply “bora,” which is very slangy.

Estamos atrasados. Vambora! [Estamos atrasados. Vamos embora!] We’re late. Let’s go!

Bora gente! [Vamos embora gente] Let’s go guys!

Similarly, you’ll sometimes hear people cut off the ‘s’ from vamos to become vamo‘.

imagina – Imaginar can be used in a number of ways, but as an expression – imagina! – it can mean “think about that”/”Wonder what” or “no problem.” In this context, you’ll sometimes hear people cut off the ‘i.’

-Obrigada querida. -‘Magina! [Imagina] Thanks honey. No problem.

-‘Magina na Copa. [Imagina na Copa] Wonder what [will happen] during the World Cup.

aguenta aí – This is a slangy expression for “wait a sec” or “hold on.” You’ll sometimes hear people cut off the first ‘a.’

‘Guenta ai bróder! [Aguenta aí bróder] Wait a sec dude!