Fewer things are more refreshing and insightful than proverbial wisdom and memorable quotes. Yes, these bite size pieces of information are an easy way to reflect and ponder on life, love, and and whatever else we are going through in our lives.
Quotes and proverbs can also provide a great entry point into a new language. How? Reading quotes in their original language and comparing its translation is the perfect way to pick up new vocabulary and better understand the peculiarities of different languages.
Portuguese is one language that is a trove of proverbial wisdom. As a Romance language, it is also a great language for English speakers to learn since there are many cognates and structural similarities. Learning Portuguese will give you access to some of the most intriguing and beautiful places you can experience. Brazil, for example, is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world and culturally rich cities and regions.
Did you know that Portuguese has 258 million speakers? Portuguese is also the fifth most spoken language in the world and is the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique.
This article will introduce you to some basic words and phrases in Portuguese. We will also explore some fantastic quotes to enrich your language learning journey.
Getting Started with Essential Portuguese Words
To get started learning any language, it is useful to know essential words. Memorizing these words will enable you to interact with other Portuguese at a basic level. Here are some basics to get your started.
| Portuguese | English |
| Olá | Hello |
| Sim | Yes |
| Não | No |
| Desculpe | Sorry |
| Tchau | Goodbye |
| Por favor | Please |
| Obrigado/Obrigada | Thank you |
| De nada | You're welcome |
What are some Basic Portuguese Phrases for Beginners?
In addition to basic words, it is also useful to memorize some key phrases in Portuguese so you can engage in simple conversations, ask questions, and perform tasks like shopping or navigating a new place. Here are some frequently used phrases in Portuguese.
| Portuguese | English |
| Meu nome é... | My name is... |
| De onde você é? | Where are your from? |
| Eu sou do/do(a)... | I am from... |
| Como você está? | How are you? |
| Estou bem, obrigado/obrigada. | I'm fine, thank you. |
| O que é isso? | What is this? |
| Quanto custa? | How much does it cost? |
| Onde fica...? | Where is...? |
| Você fala inglês? | Do you speak English? |
| Pode me ajudar? | Can you help me? |
Would you like to know what day-to-day Portuguese sounds like outside the classroom? Check out an online Portuguese class here, where language learning is hands-on and goes straight to the heart!
What Are the Most Famous Portuguese Sayings and Proverbs?
Now that we've explored some of the basics of Portuguese, it might be useful to hear the language in action so you can get used to the sounds and rhythm of the language. Let's have some fun and delve into some Portuguese proverbs.
A proverb is a sentence or saying that is often used to give advice or tell you something about life. Different cultures have their own unique proverbs, and they can reveal a lot about the mentality, attitude, and values of that culture.
Take a quick listen to this video on proverbs in Portuguese. Take note that the speaker is using European Portuguese, which differs from other varieties you might hear in countries like Brazil or Portuguese regions like the Azores.
Popular Portuguese Sayings and Proverbs
Next, let's take a closer look at some popular sayings and proverbs in Portuguese. For each quote, we will provide the literal translation and an interpretation of the meaning.
Proverbs about Love and Relationships
Who has never been in love and felt strange feelings for someone or known loss and heartbreak? Portuguese people are no exception to the rule and have several inspiring quotes on this subject, whether about jealousy, true love, or the more spiritual aspects of love.
E como tudo na vida, dê tempo ao tempo e ele encarregar-se hà de resolver os problemas.
Saramago
- Translation: In life, as in everything else, give time some time, and it will solve your problems for you.
- Interpretation: This quote could also be used in the category "hope," but it also provides good relationship advice.
Amar é a inocência eterna, e a unica inocência é de nõa pensar.
Fernando Pessoa
- Translation: To love is eternal innocence, and the only absolute innocence is not to think.
- Interpretation: This Portuguese love quote conveys that we are encouraged to live out our passions and not let thought interfere.
"O amor com amor se paga."
Translation: this quote literally translates to "Love is paid by love in return."
Interpretation: this saying emphasizes that love is a sentiment but is seen as an exchange that can only effectively function when shared. It highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships.
Which relationships in your life is it important to receive love in return?
Quem sabe amar sabe castgar.
- Translation: this Portuguese quote translates to "who knows how to love knows how to punish."
- Interpretation: this quote makes us understand the power that love gives us over another person, and that person has power over us.
Knowing these expressions isn't going to make you perfectly fluent in two flicks of a lamb's tail. Still, they will help you feel more familiar with Portuguese, give you some insights into Portuguese culture, and show others the effort you put into becoming a true lusophone —another way to refer to Portuguese speakers.
Portuguese Sayings about Hope
We look to famous quotes and phrases for insight into our internal struggles, hoping to find guidance from the great minds of the past and present. Hope is one of the main themes of inspirational quotes because it applies to many aspects of life. It is a simple concept, and yet highly metaphysical. Thus, it should come as no surprise that it appears in Portuguese!
Não éporque uma andorinha morre que acaba a primavera.
- Translation: this proverb translates to "The death of a swallow doesn't mean the end of spring".
- Interpretation: just because something goes wrong doesn't mean that everything is lost.
Não éporque o passarinho estar na gaiola que o impede de cantar.
- Translation: "A caged bird can still sing."
- Interpretation: This quote conveys that even if circumstances are not what you imagined, you can still achieve your goals - or learn to be content with what you have.
Um homem sem paciência é como uma lâmpada sem azeite.
- Translation: "a man without patience is a lamp without oil."
- Interpretation: this proverb suggests that patience is essential. It conveys that patience is everything we need to achieve what we want.
É na dificuldade que se prova a amizade.
- Translation: "Adversity shows your true friends".
- Interpretation: those who stay with you when times are difficult are true friends. Similarly, because times are complex, you still have friends to help you!
Other Popular Portuguese Expressions
In informal speech, we constantly use set idioms, even if we don't realize it. Whether it's "raining cats and dogs," someone's "got the wrong end of the stick," or "hell hath no fury," these set phrases are a staple of conversation.
An idiom or idiomatic expression is a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. Let's take a look at some idioms in Brazilian and European Portuguese that are insightful as they are challenging to decode.
Portuguese idiomatic expressions are frequently present in conversations and popular Portuguese music, books, television or Portuguese films. So why not invest in a Portuguese dictionary of quotes to better understand your favorite Portuguese TV series?
Idiomatic expressions in Brazilian Portuguese
Some common expressions to learn Brazilian Portuguese are:
- "Como cú e calça" translates to "like arse and trousers." The equivalent English expression is "thick as thieves," meaning very close friends or partners in crime.
- "Jogar merda no ventilador" means "to throw shit on the fan." The English equivalent is "to stir up trouble" or "to create a mess."
- "Se contentar com pouco." means "to settle for a little/ to settle for less."
- "Colhe-se o que se planta" translates to "you reap what you sow," suggesting that the outcomes result from the choices made.
- "Meio pedra, meio tijolo" translates to "half rock, half brick," expressing something that doesn't fit neatly into any specific category. The English equivalent is "neither fish nor fowl."
Idiomatic expressions in European Portuguese
In European Portuguese, you might use these expressions instead:
- "Cair de cara no chão" is a quote that translates to "fall face-first on the ground."
- "Em dinheiro vivo" literally means (to pay) in live money.
- "Fora de serie" emphasizes something exceptional or "out of the series."
- "Uma got de água no mar" translates to "A drop of water in the ocean" in English, and this expression is often used to convey the idea of something tiny or insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
- "Riso amarelo" translates as "yellow laugh" in English, but it implies laughter that may not be genuine or sincere.
- "O menos de minas preocupações" literally translates as "the least of my worries" in English, and it is used to convey that something is of minimal concern.
Knowing idiomatic expressions is helpful when learning any language because they resonate with you on another level. They are often little stories in and of themselves that help you remember words and allow you to express a sentiment, even if your vocabulary is not yet broad enough.
Portuguese is a language rife with citations, idiomatic expressions, and rich proverbs or aphorisms. And even if an English translation can give you an idea of what they are saying, you must practice Portuguese to understand the context truly. This is why learning the language with native speakers is a brilliant way to start immersing yourself in the culture.
What is the Best Way to Learn Portuguese?
You can learn a lot about any language, especially Portuguese, by exploring language learning videos and having fun with quotes and expressions. However, to truly get a grasp on the language the most effective practice you can do is engage with a native speaker of the target language you want to learn.
This is where classes and tutoring fit in. By learning in a social context, you will be pushed into situations where you have to speak the words and phrases you are acquiring.
Private Portuguese tutoring is a great way to get both learning and practice in. Unlike classes, you will have complete access to a fluent speaker and educator of Portuguese who can help you reach your individual language goals, whether they are to prepare for a vacation or to connect with loved ones.
You can choose from dozens of Portuguese tutors on Superprof who may work with you face-to-face or virtually. Simply use the search tool on the site to browse Portuguese tutors near you!
Final Thoughts
Beautiful proverbs and inspirational phrases on love and life are hooks on which we hang our hopes, inspirations, and passions. For lovers of philosophy and proverbs, here is a little overview of some of the most beautiful Portuguese quotes!
As you can see, when you learn Portuguese, you will find a wealth of inspiring expressions that will bring your holidays to Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, or Coimbra to life and let you experience the Portuguese language and culture close up.
If you choose to learn Portuguese online, you can learn European Portuguese and find Brazilian Portuguese lessons, too! Finding the best Portuguese lessons in your local town will provide you with private tuition in all forms of Portuguese.
Find Portuguese classes in Toronto here on Superprof!
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
