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Tag Archives: expressions

Expressions with “dar” – Part II Posted by on Mar 20, 2016

Olá pessoal! (Hey, everyone!) As you know, to use expressions shows that you have a good command of a foreign language. Last week we learned a few idiomatic expressions and collocations with the verb “dar” (to give). Now we’ll move on to the second part of the list. Se dar mal – to fail, to get…

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Common Expressions Posted by on May 13, 2015

Brazilian Portuguese has a lot of unique expressions and quirks. That is why Portuguese is overall a wonderful language and fun to learn as a second language! Here, I’ve made a short list of the most useful expressions that helped me when I was first learning Portuguese. Tranquilo This word can be used in a few…

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Hard to Believe Posted by on May 25, 2011

The other day, I was talking to a Brazilian friend and he used an expression that I wanted to share, since it’s perfect for using in everyday conversation. Por mais incrível que pareça / Pelo incrível que pareça This expression roughly translates as, “As difficult as it is to believe,” or “As hard as it…

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Paulistanês: Speaking Like You’re From São Paulo City Posted by on Oct 18, 2010

Continuing with our “getting to know Brazilian accents & regional sayings,” series, I realized I hadn’t written about Paulistanês, the “language” spoken in São Paulo city, where I’m currently living and hear everyday! The funny thing about people who live in the city of São Paulo is that they think everyone else has an accent…

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Missing You Posted by on May 7, 2009

In Portuguese, there are a few ways to express the feeling of missing someone or something. Let’s take a look. 1. estar com saudades This expression means to miss or feel nostalgia for a person or thing. Estou com saudades tuas. I miss you. Eles estão com saudades do Brasil. They miss Brazil. 2. sentir…

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Origins of Portuguese Expressions Posted by on Sep 11, 2008

Today we’re going to look at a few Portuguese expressions and their origins in the state of Minas Gerais. 1. Lavar à égua This expressions means “to do well,” “to have success,” or to “enjoy oneself.” It originated in Minas Gerais during the gold boom, when horses and donkeys were used to haul the gold…

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The Little Things that Count Posted by on Jul 1, 2008

Today we’re going to look at some short, simple phrases used in everyday Portuguese that help you sound more like a native speaker. 1. Olha só [ohl-yah soh]This expression literally means “just look,” but is used when trying to make a point in conversation. It’s how we would use the expression “look” in English. Look…

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