Idioms

The phrases Portuguese speakers actually use

Status
E daí?
B1
dismissive responseirrelevance

E daí?

The expression "e daí?" is used to dismiss a comment or suggest that the information shared is irrelevant or unimportant. Another similar...

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Já estava a ver
B1
anticipationexpressing relief

Já estava a ver

The phrase "já estava a ver que..." introduces a suspicion or worry that, in the end, didn’t happen. It expresses relief.

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Se tanto
B1
expressing doubtvalue skepticism

Se tanto

The phrase "se tanto" expresses skepticism and doubt about a stated value, suggesting it might actually be even lower.

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Fator P.I.
B1
age humorhealth complaints

Fator P.I.

"P. I." in "Fator P.I." is a common acronym for "Puta da Idade", in other words: "bloody age." It's used humorously to...

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Zé-povinho
B1
common citizenpolitical critique

Zé-povinho

"Zé-povinho" is a term that refers to the average person, especially those with little social or economic power. It's often used critically...

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Dar conta
B1
awarenessnoticing

Dar conta

The expression "dar conta" means to become aware of something through observation or reflection.

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Lá está
B1
agreementconfirmation

Lá está

The expression "lá está" is used to confirm or reinforce a point that’s already been made. It’s often used to agree with...

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Zé-Ninguém
B1
insignificancesocial status

Zé-Ninguém

The expression "zé-ninguém" refers to someone insignificant or powerless. It's often used in a dismissive way to belittle someone's authority or importance.

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Tanto quanto sei
B1
limited knowledgeuncertainty

Tanto quanto sei

The phrase "tanto quanto sei" expresses limited knowledge or uncertainty. It shows that the speaker is sharing what they believe to be...

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Fazer-se a
B1
flirtingromantic interest

Fazer-se a

The expression "fazer-se a" refers to someone who shows romantic interest in another person. It suggests actively pursuing someone, often with charm...

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Sei lá
B1
casual filler

Sei lá

"Sei lá" is a casual way of saying "I don't know". It can also be used like filler when you're hesitating or...

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Cheirinho
B1
positive smellsmell reactions

Cheirinho

Both expressions are reactions to a smell, but with opposite meanings. "Que cheirinho!" is used when you smell something pleasant. "Que cheirete!"...

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Da noite para o dia
B1
quick transformationsudden change

Da noite para o dia

The expression "da noite para o dia" refers to a sudden and unexpected change. It suggests something happening abruptly.

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Ao calha
B1
chancerandom action

Ao calha

The expression "ao calha" means to do or say something randomly. Similar expressions include "à sorte" and "ao acaso".

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Por assim dizer
B1
figurative meaning

Por assim dizer

The expression "por assim dizer" shows that a sentence is figurative or metaphorical rather than literal.

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Tanto é que
B1
cause effect

Tanto é que

The phrase "tanto é que" introduces a fact that proves or supports a previous statement.

Watch nowTanto é que