Top 10 Everyday Portuguese Sayings in English

When you first start to learn languages, you usually focus on aspects like vocabulary and verb tenses. After all, without these elements, you will have a hard time communicating. Nonetheless, as you continue learning, you will see how entangled language and culture are.

For example, if you already speak English, it is unlikely that you do not know a single English idiom. Instead, it is much more likely that you not only know many but also use them almost without thinking. The same goes for any other language, including Portuguese.

Most learners start by exploring common Portuguese phrases, which is undoubtedly helpful. However, for those who understand the importance of immersing themselves in the culture, it is hardly enough. Previously, we have looked into funny sayings, like Tirar o cavalinho da chuva

(To take the horse from the rain) and Engolir sapos

(To swallow frogs). In this article, you will explore ten more Portuguese idioms:

• Pôr-se fino
• Passar pelas brasas
• Estar a treinar para burro
• Fazer das tripas coração
• Ir aos arames
• Pôr-se na alheta
• Estar a bater mal
• Não dar a bota com a perdigota
• Bola para a frente
• Custar os olhos da cara

Discover what each phrase means and its direct translation into English. Explore how you can apply these sentences in real-life conversations. After all, can you really say you are fluent if you do not know how to use idioms? Portuguese people love and use them every day. From now on, you can too.

Language Learning Through Portuguese Expressions

Exploring idioms is just one of the strategies you can apply to immerse yourself in a foreign language. At Portuguese With Carla, we focus on helping you learn European Portuguese, the variant spoken in Portugal. Our approach emphasizes exposure to the way native people talk.

Portuguese opens the door to many exciting opportunities in personal and professional life. With our course, The Journey, you will dive into the culture and gain the confidence to make it a language of your own. Are you ready to get started? Click HERE to learn more and start your journey!

Idioms and sayings are essential elements of any language. They reflect local history, traditions, and ways of thinking. Plus, they are rewarding to learn. Understanding the meaning behind them and using them in conversation is like unlocking a new side of the language. It helps you connect with native speakers and show respect and appreciation for their culture.

10 Idioms From Portugal: Portuguese Sayings in English

Similar to what you will find in other languages, Portuguese sayings often have a literal translation that is different from their actual meaning. This aspect makes them particularly interesting and challenging to learn.

For example, the phrase Mais vale um pássaro na mão do que dois a voar

translates to It’s better to have one bird in your hand than to see two birds flying. But the equivalent expression in English is A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Understanding Portuguese sayings will help you mingle with the locals. You will acquire their vocabulary and cultural reasoning, allowing you to describe situations and emotions more expressively. Knowing these phrases can also help you avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications. But, above all, doing so will improve your language skills and make you a more effective communicator in Portuguese.

Pôr-se Fino

Pôr-se fino

is an expression typical of Northern Portugal. It translates to Put yourself thin and serves as a warning for the other person to start acting right. Remember that Portuguese is a gendered language, so you will have to adapt the verb to the person you are referring to.

Passar Pelas Brasas

Passar pelas brasas

is one of those expressions that might be challenging to understand. It translates to: To go through hot coals, but it means to doze off or to take a nap. You will usually hear it said by older natives.

Estar a Treinar Para Burro

This fun expression is for close friends and family only. Its literal translation is To be training to be a donkey. It can be used ironically or as a reprimand to show someone is working hard but not wisely. It refers to putting in a lot of effort without smart planning.

Fazer das Tripas Coração

The literal translation of Fazer das tripas coração

phrase is To make a heart out of the guts. It means to do something with great effort and determination. It usually includes the idea of enduring difficulties or discomfort.

Ir aos Arames

Originating in the First World War, Ir aos arames

translates to To go to the wires. It is an expression that might confuse you when you first hear it, but you can understand its meaning from the context. It refers to being on the edge of a breakdown or losing patience. You can use it to describe someone who is getting angry or frustrated, or to indicate something that has that effect.

Pôr-se na Alheta

This unique expression comes from nautical terminology, where it means positioning a ship to catch the wind and sail faster. It means to leave quickly, to bail out, or to take off in a hurry, usually to avoid a difficult or awkward situation. It is usually confrontational and can be used matter-of-factly or with irony.

Estar a Bater Mal

The translation of Estar a bater mal

is To be beating badly. Although it might seem confusing at first, this phrase is similar to the English saying: To go off the deep end. It applies when someone is mentally or emotionally off or when something is not going right. You might also hear the version Estar a bater mal da bola

, referring specifically to someone not having their head straight.

Não Dar a Bota com a Perdigota

Another unique Portuguese idiom is Não dar a bota com a perdigota.

It means that two things do not match or do not make sense together. This short rhyme literally states: Doesn’t match the boot with the young quail. Despite making no sense when translated, its meaning is close to the English phrase: It’s like comparing apples and oranges.

Bola Para a Frente

The origins of this expression are unknown, but its meaning likely relates to soccer. The literal translation of Bola para a frente

is Ball to the front. It suggests the idea of moving forward, especially after something negative happens. As such, it is often used to encourage others. You can compare it to sentences like Let’s move on or Let’s not dwell on it. This expression is also common in Brazilian Portuguese.

Custar os Olhos da Cara

This final expression is not only common in Portuguese, but it has versions all over Europe. Custar os olhos da cara

describes something extremely expensive. It has the same meaning as To cost an arm and a leg. This expression also exists in French (Coûter les yeux de la tête), Italian (Costare un occhio della testa), and Spanish (Sale por un ojo de la cara).

Sayings Used in European and Brazilian Portuguese

Despite sharing the same language, Portugal and Brazil have very distinct cultures. The language had different influences and evolved differently in both countries, creating its two main variants. In Brazil and Portugal, Portuguese shows changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Still, there are many Portuguese expressions you can use with your Portuguese and Brazilian friends. They share the most polite expressions like Obrigado

(Thank you) and De nada

(You’re welcome). Greetings are also the same, such as Bom dia

(Good morning), Boa tarde

(Good afternoon), Boa noite

(Good night), and Adeus (Goodbye).

Ultimately, these and other Portuguese-speaking countries share a common language. Thus, speakers of one variety can generally understand speakers of the other. Here are five common idioms you can use when interacting with Brazilian and Portuguese people.

Viajar na Maionese

One of the funniest Brazilian Portuguese sayings is Viajar na maionese

(To travel in the mayonnaise). This idiom is used when someone is talking nonsense or drifting off into an unrealistic or irrelevant train of thought. It is similar to the English expressions To be off in la-la land or To be talking nonsense.

Fazer uma Vaquinha

Fazer uma vaquinha

refers to putting resources together, usually money, toward a common goal. The literal translation of this Portuguese phrase is To make a little cow. Originating in the 20th century, it is another soccer-inspired expression. It conveys the sense of the English expression To chip in.

Comprar Gato por Lebre

Another expression common in other Romance languages is To buy a cat for a hare. The Portuguese phrase Comprar gato por lebre

refers to being tricked or deceived. It specifically describes buying something that seems good but turns out to be worthless or different than promised. It is similar to Buying a pig in a poke in English, meaning you are getting something with hidden flaws or risks.

Ter Dor de Cotovelo

The pain that results from hitting your elbow is strong and persistent. Thus, Portuguese speakers use the saying Ter dor de cotovelo

(To have elbow pain) to indicate feelings of jealousy or envy. Despite also being used to describe real pain, this saying has a negative connotation related to these foul feelings.

Pôr a Mão na Consciência

No Portuguese sayings list would be complete without this idiom. It is simple to understand from its translation: Put your hand on your conscience. It means to reflect on your actions and examine your conscience. It is often used to encourage someone to understand whether they are in the right or if their conscience might be accusing them of something wrong.

Did you know that in The Journey, you get a section full of colloquial sayings and expressions? This feature, called Not in the Textbook, is included in your subscription. It helps you learn dozens of Portuguese sayings, along with their meaning, pronunciation, literal translation, and English equivalent. We even added an informality meter so you can know exactly when and how to use each phrase.

Practical Applications of Portuguese Sayings

Portuguese sayings apply in almost all contexts, including everyday life and business. Of course, you will find that some are not a good fit for all situations. For example, you do not want to say São muitos anos a virar frangos

in a job interview. Regardless of how experienced you are, It’s many years turning chickens will make you seem overly confident.

Similarly, you might want to watch out for proverbs like Quem feio ama, bonito lhe parece

. It is equivalent to the English idiom Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Nonetheless, its literal translation is Whoever loves one who’s ugly, finds beauty in his sight.

Still, many idioms are appropriate even in formal situations. For example, consider the Portuguese proverb Quem tem boca vai a Roma

(He who has a mouth, goes to Rome). It means that communicating and, particularly, asking questions can help someone get where they want to be, even if it is far away.

The secret to knowing what proverbs to say and when is to understand their meaning and the situation. When you learn to read the environment, you can easily include a popular expression in the conversation. You might feel a bit nervous in the first few tries, but you will be surprised by the positive reaction of the person you are speaking to.

Our Top 10 Portuguese Sayings in English

Idioms are not most language learners’ top priority. However, they are a crucial aspect of any language. They shed light on local culture, reflecting age-old traditions and historical events. Besides, learning them will help you avoid miscommunications and feel more comfortable with a foreign language.

The Portuguese language has many such sayings, whether originating in Portugal or Brazil. Learning and using them will bring you closer to the Portuguese speakers, showing respect for their culture.

These are not polite expressions like Por favor

(Please), Obrigado

(Thank you), or Com licença

(Excuse me). They will not help you get useful information like Como chego ao restaurante?

(How do I get to the restaurant?), Quanto custa isto? (How much does this cost?), or Onde é a casa de banho?

(Where is the bathroom?). But they are just as significant when it comes to connecting with the locals.

So, what is your favorite Portuguese idiom? Which one do you use the most? Comment on it with us below!

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