Each carries an informal and ironic tone, usually with meanings other than the literal meaning
The popular expressions are a valuable find in the Portuguese language that give dynamicity and movement to speak of Brazilians. They enrich the culture and are part of the mood and creativity of a nation.
Brazil is full of regions with its own popular expressions, but there are some, in particular, that stand out more universally in the territory. Check out some of them:
6 Expressions that only those who are Brazilian understands (leave the gringos confused)
1. “I didn’t even see the smell”
You pay all your bills at once and someone asks if you have money left, you answer, “I didn’t even see the smell.” This expression is used when someone expected something, but received absolutely nothing. Indicates frustration or surprise with the absence of something expected.
Example of use: “I calculated that I was going to be money after salary payment, but I didn’t even see the smell.”
2. “I don’t know, but I know who it is”
You know when someone will tell you a gossip of a random person and you have no friendship with her, but do you know who it is? This phrase is used when the person has never had direct contact with someone, but has heard or know sight of the person.
Example of use: “Ah, Pedro? I don’t know, but I know who it is.”
3. “Listen just for you to see”
Although it seems contradictory, this expression is common when someone wants someone else to pay attention to a sound to understand or confirm something.
Example of use: “Listen just to see how this song has a letter that talks about your relationship.”
4. “It is, but it’s over”
You arrive at a store to buy an item and the saleswoman replies that she has, but she has already sold out. Here, the phrase reveals a purposeful contradiction. The person means that the product exists, but is missing at the moment.
Example of use: “Do you have warm French bread?” – “It’s, but it’s over.”
5. “It just started”
Have you arrived late in the movies and someone told you that the movie has just started? This phrase is used to say that something barely started.
Example of use: “Don’t worry, the movie has just started.”
6. “There were very few people”
This gives an idea of notion of space and time. Although grammatically contradictory, this expression brings together “a lot” and “little” to emphasize that there were few people, but even more than expected.
Example of use: “And the live show you won Vips? There were a few people.”
So, follow the Portal 6 On Instagram: And stay on top of various news and curiosities, all online and in real time for you!
