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10 Summer Idioms, Sayings, and Quotes in Portuguese

Portuguese is a language spoken by millions worldwide. From Portugal to Brazil, Africa to Asia, it connects diverse cultures. Learning its sayings and expressions is a gateway to understanding the Portuguese-speaking world.

These phrases reveal cultural nuances and showcase humor and wisdom. They tell about historical events, reflect national traditions, and highlight regional customs. Famous Portuguese quotes, in particular, emphasize the beauty and significance of the language.

Learning them is one of the best ways to sound more natural. When you do so, your communication skills improve. Besides, you connect with native speakers on a deeper level.

So, continue reading to discover your need-to-know summer idioms, sayings, and quotes in Portuguese!

10 European Portuguese Sayings and Expressions For The Summer

Portuguese is a language rich in expressive idioms. Below, you will find a collection of summer-related idioms, sayings, and quotes. These unique expressions, some of the most famous Portuguese quotes, showcase the language’s vibrant and colorful nature.

From European to Brazilian variations, these Portuguese sayings help you feel more at ease among natives. It does not matter if you are a language enthusiast or simply curious about Portuguese culture. Exploring these sayings will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this beautiful language.

Learning idioms and quotes in Portuguese increases your fluency level
Learning idioms and quotes in Portuguese increases your fluency level

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Pineapple Fruit Growing with Sharp Leaves
Learn the Portuguese idiom: Está um calor de ananases!

About the Heat

Está um calor de ananases!

Está um calor de ananases!

is a playful Portuguese idiom whose literal translation is It is pineapple heat. It humorously describes the hot and humid weather in which pineapples usually grow.

This expression evokes the vivid imagery of sweltering temperatures often associated with tropical climates. It’s commonly used in casual conversations during summer to emphasize the scorching heat in a light-hearted manner. Curiously, Portugal also has pineapple plantations in the Azores.

Estorrina do calor

Estorrina do calor

translates to The scorching heat and refers to the hottest period of the day. It underscores the intensity of midday heat, often experienced between noon and 3 PM. It is a descriptive term most often employed in meteorological contexts or casual discussions about the weather.

This Portuguese saying originated in the Alentejo. Some natives use only the first part of the expression. Upon hearing Estorrina

, the people familiar with this Portuguese phrase immediately understand its meaning. Like another Portuguese idiom states Para bom entendedor, meia palavra basta
(For those who are wise, half a word is enough).

Estar com os bofes de fora

Estar com os bofes de fora

is a common Portuguese expression that means To have the lungs out. It is similar to the English expression To be out of breath. It is used to describe someone who is extremely exhausted or panting from physical exertion.

Orange Safety Ring on Man Shoulder Near Body of Water
Estar com os bofes de fora is a common Portuguese expression similar to the English expression To be out of breath

This idiom is common in everyday conversations, especially during the summer, because of the heat. Natives also use it after someone has engaged in activities like running or heavy lifting. But it suits any situation involving physical fatigue and breathlessness.

For example, were you climbing the hills while visiting Lisbon and need a minute to recompose? You can say Epá, tenho os bofes de fora!

(Man, I am out of breath!)

Related to The Beach

Morrer na praia

Top View of the Coastline in Algarve Region, Portugal
Morrer na praia (To die at the beach): the disappointment of falling short of success when it seemed within grasp

With over 800 kilometers of the Atlantic coast, Portugal was bound to have some idioms about the beach. Morrer na praia

means To die on the beach. It describes the frustration of almost achieving something but failing at the very last moment. It evokes the imagery of a swimmer drowning just as they reach the shore.

This idiom expresses the disappointment of falling short of success when it seemed within grasp. It is common to hear it when someone has invested significant effort only to falter at the final hurdle. Additionally, it is also one of the most popular national inspirational quotes.

You might know someone who puts much effort into an endeavor but feels discouraged and wants to give it all up. In that case, you can tell them Não vais morrer na praia!

(Do not die on the beach!).

Conseguir vender areia na praia

Conseguir vender areia na praia

translates to Being able to sell sand on the beach. This idiom is used to describe someone with exceptional persuasive skills. So much so that they can sell something as unnecessary or abundant as sand on a beach.

It highlights the individual’s talent in convincing others to buy what they do not need. It is commonly employed in business contexts or when praising someone’s negotiating abilities. It emphasizes the art of persuasion and the ability to achieve the seemingly impossible through it.

About The Sea

Aproveitar a maré

Aproveitar a maré

translates to Taking advantage of the tide. This idiom describes seizing favorable conditions or opportunities when they arise. It is similar to the English expression Make hay while the sun shines.

Ocean During Golden Hour
Aproveita a maré! (Take advantage of the tide!)
Learn summer idioms in Portuguese

As such, it suggests being proactive and making the most of advantageous situations. This Portuguese quote is often used in both personal and professional contexts. It emphasizes the importance of timing and initiative.

Nem muito ao mar, nem muito à terra

The literal translation of Nem muito ao Mar, nem muito à terra

is Neither too much to the sea, nor too much to the land. This idiom emphasizes balance and moderation, advocating for the avoidance of extremes. Thus, it emphasizes the importance of finding a middle ground in various aspects of life.

It is one of the most meaningful quotes in Portuguese applied in real-life discussions about decision-making or lifestyle choices. It highlights the wisdom of avoiding excess and seeking equilibrium.

Quem vai ao mar avia-se em terra

Quem vai ao mar avia-se em terra

means He who goes to the sea prepares on land. Hence, it advises thorough preparation before embarking on any venture. It is similar to the popular English phrase Prepare before you go.

Its meaning underscores the importance of planning and readiness to ensure success. You can use it in professional and personal contexts. It might also feature among Portuguese inspiring quotes highlighting the necessity of being well-prepared before taking on new challenges.

Aerial View of City Buildings on Green Grass Field
The Portuguese saying Quem vai ao mar avia-se em terra translates to He who goes to the sea prepares on land

Sayings and Other Expressions Used in The Summer

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Although unrelated to the summer, some idioms are largely applied during the hot season. Here are three examples.

Aguentar-se nas canetas

Aguentar-se nas canetas

literally translates to To hold oneself up on the pens. It means To stand on one’s own two feet. This expression can refer to both physical stability and emotional or mental resilience.

It might describe someone managing to maintain their composure despite difficulties. It also highlights a person’s ability to endure challenges and remain steady during adversity. However, it is also a way to indicate that someone can endure a physically challenging activity. For example, if you go hiking with someone and find a steep hill, you might ask Aguentas-te nas canetas?

Black And White Photo Of Clocks
Maior fosse o dia, maior a romaria translates to The longer the day, the bigger the pilgrimage

Maior fosse o dia, maior a romaria

Maior fosse o dia, maior a romaria

translates to The longer the day, the bigger the pilgrimage. This idiom suggests that the more time available, the more activities a person might take on. It reflects the human tendency to fill available time with more work or events.

It might apply when describing someone with a busy lifestyle or who goes out all the time. During the summer, you might hear natives jokingly criticizing younger ones for wanting to party until late. Parents also use this saying when their children want to fit too much into a single vacation day.

Some Idiomatic expressions in Brazilian Portuguese

A Portuguese proverb often reflects deep cultural insights. The same is safe to say about proverbs from other languages, such as French or Spanish. Thus, while the language is similar in Portugal and Brazil, the sayings used in each country differ. Not only because of changes in grammar and vocabulary but mainly because of cultural differences.

Besides, you can easily say the summer is a year-long season in some parts of Brazil. Thus, you would expect Portuguese speakers there to have many sayings about the hot season and weather. Here are some.

O mar não está para peixe

This fisherman’s quote means The sea is not for fish. It means that conditions are not favorable for a particular activity or endeavor. O mar não está para peixe indicates the current situation is challenging or unproductive. You can compare it to that of a fisherman for whom the conditions (the moon, temperature, tide, etc.) are unfavorable to fishing.

It transmits the picture that it is best to wait for a more opportune moment. It can also express the idea that success depends on approaching the task differently due to adverse circumstances.

Vai dar praia

Vai dar praia translates to It is going to give beach. It means that something will be successful or it is a good idea. This expression conveys optimism and the expectation of a positive outcome. Brazilians apply it in anticipation of enjoyable events or favorable results.

The Praia Da Ursa Beach in Portugal
Céu de brigadeiro is a Brazilian expression to describe a clear blue sky

This phrase is most common in casual conversation. Calling upon the idea of a beautiful beach day is similar to saying We will have a good time or It will be a hit.

Céu de brigadeiro

Céu de brigadeiro is an expression you will only hear in Brazil. It refers to a clear, blue sky without any clouds. Additionally, it can also symbolize a trouble-free situation or a period of calm and peace.

Brigadeiro is the same as the English term Brigadier. In Brazil, it is a high Air Force military rank corresponding to an army general. On days with clear skies, these army officials found perfect conditions for flying.

Thus originating from aviation terminology, it evokes imagery of smooth, uninterrupted flights. In everyday conversation, it signifies a time of tranquility and ease, where everything is going smoothly. Curiously, the word Brigadeiro is also the name of one of the most iconic and delicious sweets in Brazil.

The Weight of Expressions for The Portuguese Language

Idiomatic phrases often encapsulate centuries of history, traditions, and collective experiences. The Portuguese quotes you learned have a significant cultural and communicative significance.

They deliver insights into crucial themes such as life, hope, and human relations. At the same time, they can apply to everyday conversations and situations like tiredness. Thus, through them, learners can better understand the Portuguese-speaking communities they interact with.

Learning Portuguese Expressions Deepens Your Connection With The Culture

Learning Portuguese expressions offers a window into the Lusophone culture. It reveals nuanced insights into societal values, humor, and worldviews. Mastering these expressions will help you enhance your linguistic proficiency and gain valuable cultural competence.

These abilities will lead to more authentic and meaningful connections with native speakers. You will also feel more comfortable speaking Portuguese and interacting in the language. Your communication skills will improve and you will sound more like a native speaker.

Use Portuguese Idiomatic Expressions Related to The Summer

Portuguese idioms bring summer to life. They paint vivid pictures and reveal unique cultural insights. Besides being essential for effective communication, they showcase humor and wisdom. Using them makes you sound more natural. It deepens your connection with native speakers and helps you make new friends.

From “pineapple heat” to “selling sand on the beach” each phrase tells a story. It reflects traditions and customs. Learning these idioms is more than language practice. Now you know when and how to use these unique Portuguese sayings.

So, what are your favorite Portuguese summer idiomatic expressions? Comment them with us below!

Want to discover more quotes and sayings in Portuguese? Check out these extra contents!

TOP 20 Funniest Portuguese Idiomatic Expressions

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