Portuguese people are masters at using idiomatic expressions, sarcasm, and irony in everyday conversations. Many of these phrases have no direct translation into other languages and are an essential part of the country’s cultural identity.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most typical expressions used by Portuguese people, what they really mean, and when you can use them. After this, you’ll understand (and maybe even start using!) some of the most peculiar phrases in European Portuguese.
“Pois, pois…”
This expression can be confusing for foreigners because the meaning depends on the tone of voice. If it is said with an affirmative tone, it can (but not necessarily) mean a “yes.” If it is said in a neutral way, then it usually just means that the person is listening but does not have a formed opinion to agree or disagree. However, if it is said with a tone of doubt or irony, it means “I doubt what you’re saying.”
Example:
– Eu vou começar a dieta na segunda-feira! (I’m going to start my diet on Monday!)
– Pois, pois… (Yeah, right…) (Said with a sarcastic tone, insinuating the diet won’t last).
If a Portuguese person replies to you with “Pois, pois…” while raising an eyebrow, they are probably not convinced by what you said!
Do not confuse it with “pois é” or “pois não.” “Pois é” is a way of approving something; if the person replies with this, it means they agree with what you said.
Example:
– Este filme é mesmo bom! (This movie is really good!)
– Pois é. (It really is.)
On the other hand, “pois não” is a confirmation question.
Example:
– Tu não és português, pois não? (You’re not Portuguese, are you?)
“É melhor que nada”
This phrase is used when something is not very good, but it is better than nothing. It expresses the attempt to see the glass as “half full” instead of “half empty.”
Example:
– Só recebi um aumento de 10 euros no salário. (I only got a 10-euro salary raise.)
– Bem, é melhor que nada! (Well, it’s better than nothing!)
Portuguese people love to use this phrase to minimize expectations. If someone tells you, “Recebeste um desconto de 5%!” (You got a 5% discount!), you can always reply “É melhor que nada.”
“Vai-se andando”
If you ask a Portuguese person “How are you?”, there’s a chance you’ll hear “Vai-se andando” instead of “Estou bem.” This means something like “getting by” or “not good, not bad.” It does not indicate that the person is unwell, but it also does not mean that they are super happy.
Example:
– Então, como tens passado? (So, how have you been?)
– Vai-se andando… (Getting by…)
If a Portuguese person replies like this, they probably do not want to go into details about how they are feeling!
“Logo se vê”
Portuguese people do not like to make definitive plans and prefer to leave decisions for later. “Logo se vê” means something like “we’ll decide later” or “let’s see how it goes.” It is a classic response to avoid commitments.
Example:
– Então, vamos jantar fora amanhã? (So, are we going out for dinner tomorrow?)
– Sim, talvez… logo se vê. (Yes, maybe… we’ll see.)
If a Portuguese person answers with “Logo se vê,” do not count on a confirmed plan!
“Nem que a vaca tussa”
This expression means a very strong “No.” Equivalent to “Not in a million years!” or “No way!”. It is used when someone proposes something that you will not accept under any circumstances.
Example:
– Queres ir comigo correr às 6h da manhã? (Do you want to go running with me at 6 AM?)
– Nem que a vaca tussa! (Not even if pigs fly!)
If you want to refuse something in an emphatic (but fun) way, use this phrase!
“Estás com os azeites”
If someone tells you “Estás com os azeites,” it means that you are irritated or in a bad mood. Equivalent to “You’re upset” or “You’re irritated.” The origin of the expression comes from boiling olive oil in a frying pan, which bubbles and splashes, just like an angry person!
Example:
– Hoje estás tão rabugento! (You’re so grumpy today!)
– Pois, estou com os azeites! (Yeah, I’m in a bad mood!)
If someone is mad at you, tell them “Estás com os azeites!” and you will probably make them laugh.
“Isso agora não interessa nada”
This expression is often used to dismiss something as irrelevant or to avoid a subject.
Example:
– Lembras-te daquele erro que cometeste na reunião? (Do you remember that mistake you made in the meeting?)
– Isso agora não interessa nada! (That doesn’t matter now!)
It is an effective way to change the subject when you do not want to talk about something!
“Fazer uma vaquinha”
If a group of Portuguese people tells you they are going to “fazer uma vaquinha,” it means they will pool money together for something. Equivalent to “crowdfunding” or “collecting money to share an expense.”
Example:
– Vamos fazer uma vaquinha para comprar um presente para o professor! (Let’s pool money together to buy a gift for the teacher!)
If you hear this expression, be ready to contribute some money!
“Quem não arrisca, não petisca”
This phrase means that if you do not take risks, you will not gain anything. Equivalent to “No pain, no gain” in English. It is used to encourage someone to step out of their comfort zone.
Example:
– Tenho medo de me candidatar a esse emprego. (I’m afraid to apply for that job.)
– Vai em frente! Quem não arrisca, não petisca! (Go for it! No risk, no reward!)
It is a great phrase to motivate someone to try something new!
Conclusion
The Portuguese language is full of unique expressions that reflect the culture and the way Portuguese people interact. Many of these phrases do not make literal sense, but they are essential to understanding and communicating naturally in Portugal.
Now that you know some of these expressions, which one is your favorite? Have you ever heard or used any of them?
