While you solely use textbooks to study a language, you’ll be able to sound stiff, awkward, even robotic. That is why studying how natives actually communicate is so vital.
Think about you’re at a celebration at a buddy’s home. Loud music thumps via your chest. Pals and strangers chat with one another and sip beer from purple plastic cups. Then, your buddy Carlos waves you over and introduces somebody new. She smiles, shakes your hand, and says, “Hiya. My identify is Adriana. I not too long ago arrived to this get together. How are you doing at the moment?”
Sounds bizarre, proper? This isn’t how individuals usually discuss.
Think about if as a substitute, she stated, “Hey! I’m Adriana. I simply received right here. What’s up?” Sounds higher, proper? With a little bit of slang, she appears cooler, extra comfy, and simpler to speak to.
On this article, I’ll offer you ten slang phrases (gírias) and phrases which might be used at the moment on the streets of Brazil, so that you’ll mix in like a brasileiro.
Prime 10 Should-Know Brazilian Slang Phrases and Phrases for Portuguese Learners
Whether or not you wish to begin a dialog, emphasize your level, or let your dialog associate understand how a lot they imply to you, these slang phrases and phrases may also help. Let’s start!
1. Qual é a boa?
This phrase is a enjoyable greeting. The literal translation is “What’s the good?” nevertheless it’s only a method of claiming “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”
For those who actually wish to be hip, you’ll be able to say simply “Qual é?” and even Coé? (a mispronunciation of “Qual é?“) Usually the shorter the phrase, the cooler you sound!
In case your Brazilian buddy asks you “Qual é a boa?“, inform them what’s new in your life. Or when you do not feel like speaking, simply reply with “to de boas.” (I’m all good)
Instance:
Qual é a boa? (How’s it going?)
Tá de boa. Você foi à festa ontem? (It’s alright. Did you go to the get together yesterday?)
2. Tá ligado
This phrase actually interprets to “are you related?” nevertheless it means “?” or “you are feeling me?”
You’ll hear Brazilians use it on the finish of a sentence to emphasise what they’re saying or to test that the opposite particular person understands them.
You may also use “tá ligado” in the midst of a sentence to accentuate what you are saying. As in “Você não tá ligado no que acabou de acontecer…” (You gained’t imagine what simply occurred…)
Subsequent time a Brazilian asks you, “tá ligado?,” you’ll be able to reply with “tô ligado” or “eu me toquei.” (I received it)
Instance:
Como foi o jogo? Eu não assisti. (How was the sport? I didn’t watch it.)
Tão emocionante! Eu gritei tanto que mal consigo falar, tá ligado? (So thrilling! I screamed a lot, I can barely discuss, ?)
3. Beleza
This phrase actually interprets to “magnificence” however as slang, it means “what’s up/how are you doing?” or “alright!”
You will hear some Brazilians say “tudo beleza?” as typically as they are saying “tudo bem?”
You should utilize beleza or massa (alright) as a reply, and even “tá suave.” (it’s all cool) You’ll hear massa extra within the North and Northeast areas of Brazil whereas beleza is kind of common.
Instance:
Oi! Tudo beleza? (Hello! How are you?)
Tudo beleza. Quer ir ao bar? (All good. Wish to go to the bar?)
Beleza! (Alright!)
4. Né
This phrase is a contraction of “não é“ and means “isn’t it” or “proper.”
It’s one of the frequent slang phrases in Brazil. You’ll hear it typically on the finish of a sentence, the identical as how People say “proper?” and Brits say “isn’t it?” on the finish of sentences.
Instance:
O peixe não é tão bom aqui, né? (The fish is not that nice right here, proper?)
Não, não é. Foi o que Luciana me disse. Que chato. (No, it isn’t. That is what Luciana instructed me. How lame.)
Né. (Proper.)
5. Valeu
Wish to present your appreciation? Say valeu. It means “thanks.”
Valeu is reserved for casual conditions. You may also say agredecido.
For those who’re in a extra formal state of affairs like a enterprise assembly or courthouse, you’ll be able to say grato as in “Senhor, grato por me manter fora da prisão!” (“Sir, thanks for maintaining me out of jail!”)
Instance:
Quer que eu te apresente ao João? (Would you want me to introduce you to John?)
Sim, valeu! (Sure, thanks!)
6. Na ethical
Do you prefer to regale individuals along with your tales? Strive utilizing this phrase subsequent time to emphasise or intensify what you are saying.
It means “truthfully/significantly” or “for actual.” You may simply add it to the start or finish of your sentence for a little bit of pizzazz.
Instance:
Bem, eu não tenho certeza. Eu nem a conheço. (Properly, I am undecided. I do not even know her.)
Você deveria conhecê-la na ethical! Ela é tão authorized! (You need to meet her, significantly! She’s so cool!)
7. Sei lá
This phrase means “I do not know” or “no matter.”
Watch out utilizing this gíria, although. It has a delicate taste of “I don’t care.” It’s just like saying “how ought to I do know?” or “who is aware of?”
Instance:
Ei, você sabe o nome desse cara? (Hey, have you learnt that man’s identify?)
Sei lá. Acho que ele é o novo namorado da Ana, ou sei lá. (I do not know. I believe he is Ana’s new boyfriend, or no matter.)
8. Mano
While you name somebody mano, they’re your dude, your bro, or buddy. It doesn’t get a lot much less formal than that!
The phrase comes from the Spanish mano, a shortening of hermano, that means “brother.”
Listed here are some extra Brazilian slang phrases that imply the identical factor: bróder, mein, velho, and véi.
Mano is unisex and might apply to a person or lady. You may also check with a lady as mina, (quick for menina – woman) nevertheless it’s most frequently used when referring to a younger lady.
Instance:
Mano, quem é aquela mina linda ali? (Dude, who’s that cute woman over there?)
Essa é minha irmã! (That is my sister!)
9. Breja
If somebody desires to get a breja with you, you might be positive you’ve made a buddy. Breja is brief for cerveja (beer).
For those who don’t really feel like beer, you’ll be able to counter with drinques (cocktails) or um goró (an alcoholic drink typically however typically means cachaça particularly) on the native boteco. (bar)
Instance:
Quer tomar uma breja comigo? (Wish to have a beer with me?)
10. Falou
By the tip of the evening, or everytime you’re prepared to go away, it’s time to say “bye.” As an alternative of claiming the standard adeus or tchau, strive falou.
Instance:
Obrigado pela moqueca. Estava uma delícia! Vejo você amanhã. Falou! (Thanks for the moqueca. (fish stew) It was scrumptious. I am going to see you tomorrow. Bye!)
Observe Your New Brazilian Slang Phrases At the moment!
The previous saying is true: observe makes good. So, observe your new Brazilian slang each probability you get. It may be so simple as beginning a dialog with “Qual é a boa?”
Additionally, take note of Brazilians round you and those in movies and TV. Discover how they communicate and take a look at the brand new slang phrases you study.
Simply remember the fact that Brazil is a big, various nation with regional variations. A phrase that’s slang in a single metropolis and even one neighborhood might not be in one other. If doubtful, ask an area, in Brazil or on-line, for assist.
Brazilian Portuguese is constantly evolving, with slang phrases being created nearly day by day. And I believe that is what makes the language so enjoyable!
I want you one of the best along with your journey to Portuguese success. Boa sorte!