Translations 

Re: translation - Message sent by Jerry on Nov 12, 2010

Q. I work in a software development company and we are in a pinch to get a phrase translated. We want to translate the phrase, “Press the number displayed or F1 key to fail”.  (The translation company sent us the phrase “Prima o número apresentado”.  Isn’t “Prima” the word for cousin?).  I found a site online that offered this translation using their translation tool, “Pressione a tecla número visualizada ou F1 chave para reprovar”. But without the experience, I am not confident to use this without checking. I know that I am a stranger asking for a favor, so I thank you very much in advance, Jerry

A. The first translation is very bad. The second is better, but also not so good. Translation tools are not 100% (done by machine!) and they make lots of mistakes. Here is the translation: "Pressione o número indicado ou a tecla F1 para reprovar". This word fail doesn't make sense for me. Usually you have to see the word in context to do the right translation. If you need further help with translations, check out the translation services available on my website (see Links). 

Re: expressions - Message sent by Mick on Sept 27, 2010

Q. I lived in Rio for a while, and would like to return to Brazil sometime soon. What does 'puxa vida' mean? Literally its 'pull life' i think, but beyond that i don't understand it. I think its also shortened to 'puxa!' sometimes? Like 'nossa senhora' and 'nossa', which is much more straightforward. Also, i'm wondering the English equivalent of 'mexe', which seems to be used usually in a sexual context. It seems to mean 'mix' or 'stir', which is consistent with the frequent use of culinary terms in sexual contexts in Portugese Brasiliano. ciao chau Mick

A. Words like "Puxa, Puxa vida, Nossa, Nossa Senhora (Our Lady)"  can be translated as "Oh, my God/goodness/gosh/gee/boy, wow", etc. In a context, you will be able to understand what they mean. "Mexer" means "to mix, to stir, to touch something (Não mexa nas minhas coisas), to feel emotions (Você mexe comigo), etc. and "mexer-se"  means "to move, to be active, to do something"", etc. It's not used in sexual context. You always have to see a word in context in order to understand it.  

Re: storm surge - Message sent by Simon (Macau) on Aug 21, 2010

Q. May I know how people in Brazil and Portugal translate the term "storm surge" (a kind of natural disaster from coastal water)? Thanks in advance. Tenha um ótimo dia! Best Regards, Simon

A. I asked my friends and they say "ondas gigantes de rebentação" or "rebentação de ondas gigantes" seems to be an accurately description.

Re: translation - Message sent by Tarun on May 28, 2010

Q. Greetings. A small help is required from you, pls confirm what does this line means in English “oi quero ser sua amiga posso” Waiting to hear from you soon. Thanks & Regards, Tarun

A. That means: Hi, I would like to be your friend. Can/May I? 

Re: translation - Message sent by Jeannene on Apr 29, 2010

Q. I was looking at your site and was thinking maybe you could help me with a few “saying” or phrases if you will. I’m going to Brazil in about 6 months on a missions trip, I was wanting to know how you say “ Jesus loves you” or God bless you” you know things like that. Thank you, Jeannene

A. Here is the translation: "Jesus te ama" (Jesus loves you) - "Deus te abençoe" (God bless you)

Re: translation - Message sent by Sridevi (India) on Feb 25, 2010

Q. Can you please tell the exact meaning of saudosas, saudade , ve-la, prazeiroso jeito,recados? Regards , Sridevi

A. "Saudades" means "to miss something/someone" or "to long for something".  (Example: Estou com saudades do Brasil. Estou com saudades de você), vê-la (to see you/her), prazeroso (pleasurable) jeito (way), recados (messages). P.S. if you are learning Portuguese, I suggest that you buy a dictionary and highly recommend Collins or Longman Pocket EngPort - Port/Eng dictionary. 

Re: translation - Message sent by John on Feb 9, 2010

Q. What is the Brazilian slang word for a big mess up or confusion? I recall one person kept using the word, bagonza or something like that? Thanks, John

A. It's "bagunça". Example: Que bagunça! (What a mess!)

Re: translation - Message sent by Sridevi (India) on Jan 9, 2010

Q. I have a small request. I want the exact meaning of these sentences: "que alegria, rever vc...! Te juro...digo que nem lembrava...as fotos me trouxeram as lembranças...que legal, menina! Adorei receber a sua visita...... " Thanks in antecipation. Regards, Sridevi

A. Here is the translation: "I am so happy to see you again. I swear ... I couldn't even remember...  the photos brought me some memories ... great, girl! I really enjoyed receiving your visit. " 

Re: translation - Message sent by Deepak (India) on Jan 9, 2010

Q. Your website is great. It helped me a lot.   How to express/tell "I was missing u all day" and "I miss u a lot"? I need to write it to my friend in Brazil.

A. Here is the translation: 1) Eu estava sentindo a sua falta o dia todo. 2) Eu sinto muito a sua falta. 

Re: chuchu - Message sent by Alan (NY, USA) on Jan 5, 2010

Q. Can you tell me what chuchu means? Thank you, Alan

A. It depends on context. It could be a vegetable (chayote), pretty (chuchuzinho), too much (pra chuchu), etc.

Re: translation - Message sent by Andrea  on Dec 18, 2009

Q. Could you please help me to translate: Christiana ficou muito abalada e decepcionada que voce nem nos visitou  em Natal/RN. Thanks for your help! Your sincerely, Andrea

A. Here is the translation: Christiana was very shaken/upset and disappointed because you haven't visited us in Natal/RN. 

Re: translation - Message sent by Ashika (India) on Nov 28, 2009

Q. I saw your website. It was wonderful. I would like to send a message to a Brazilian friend. Can you translate the below lines into their language ? 'Hello. I would like to be your friend' And please can you tell me what does 'Oi quem he vc' mean? Yours friendly, Ashika  

A. Here is the translation: Oi! Eu gostaria de ser seu amigo (male friend) / sua amiga (female friend) (Hello.. I would like to be your friend) and Hi, who are you? (Oi quem he vc = Oi, quem é você?) 

Re: translation - Message sent by Simon on Aug 19, 2009

Q. What a fantastic website. Please can you help me as I'm giving a girl from Brazil a present and wanted to have a nice saying on it. Can you translate the following into Portuguese for me: "One day you will see how beautiful you are to me through my eyes. Amor, Simon." Hope you can help me. 

A. Here is the translation: "Um dia você vai ver como você é linda para mim através dos meus olhos." Note: We don't finish a letter with "Amor" (Love) in Portuguese. You can either say "Um beijo" (A kiss) or "Eu te amo" (I love you). If she is not your girlfriend, just say "Um abraço" (A hug/Regards) or "Com carinho" (With affection/love)

Re: translation - Message sent by Auby on Aug 14, 2009

Q. Nasci em Trinidad e Tobago. Qual é a palavra em português para Trinidadian? Em espanhol, é Trinitario. Muito obrigado. Um abraço, Auby

A. Quem nasce em Trinidade e Tobago é trinidadiano em português. 

Re: translation - Message sent by John on Aug 1, 2009

Q. I am trying to learn a bit of European Portuguese for an upcoming trip and had this sent to me last night. Can you please translate? "O comensal era divertimento a noite passada. Tenha um grande dia em seu barco." Abrigado, John

A. Here is the translation: "The "comensal" (people who eat together) was fun last night. Have a great day on your boat."  http://www.dicionarioinformal.com.br/definicao.php?palavra=comensal&id=3823

Re: translation - Message sent by Pierre on Jul 23, 2009

Q. How do you say in English? "Nunca se diz que deste agua nunca bebarei"

A. Here is the translation: "You should never say that you are not going to drink from this water" 

Re: translation - Message sent by Neal on Jul 6, 2009

Q. I keep coming across this phrase sera que. The dictionary defines it as I wonder if. Yet, I see it used in the beginning of questions that do not necessarily begin that way. I cannot find it in the book. Can you help? Neal

A. You can find this phrase in my CD-ROM course. We use this phrase a lot. Ex: Será que vai chover? (I wonder if it's going to rain or Do you think it's going to rain?)

Re: translation - Message sent by Jeff on Jun 27, 2009

Q. I've been trying to find out the meaning of "disajeitado", which I've seen used as an adjective in describing people.  Thanks for your help, Jeff

A. "desajeitado" means "awkward"  

Re: translation - Message sent by Mariel on Jun 9, 2009

Q. Could you please help me to translate "Aquele abraço" Thanks, Mariel

A. I would translate "aquele abraço" to "a big hug". Do you know the song "Aquele abraço" by Gilberto Gil? http://letras.terra.com.br/gilberto-gil/16138/ 

Re: translation - Message sent by Simone on May 1, 2009

Q. I have been searching for a while now for a translation of "Um beijo caprichado", a closing note to an e-mail. I am trying to figure out the adjective. If you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Salutoni, Simone

A. It means "a (well done) kiss", that is, a nice or long kiss. 

Re: translation - Message sent by Simone on Apr 24, 2009

Q. How would I elegantly say: “It is great to see you again. You look beautiful.” Ciao e grazie, Simone

A. "Que bom te ver de novo. Você está linda." (“It is great to see you again. You look beautiful.”) 

Re: translation - Message sent by Marc on Mar 20, 2009

Q. Gostaria de saber como eu falo em ingles "você tem ideia de quanto tempo nao namoro nem escuto alguem dizer que gosta de mim?"

A. "Do you have an idea how long I don't have a girlfriend nor hear someone telling me that he likes me?" 

Re: translation - Message sent by Marareth on Mar 11, 2009

Q. Por favor, como posso traduzir "takeaway message" para o português? Obrigada, Margareth

A. "Take away" pode ser traduzido como "para levar" ou "embalagem para viagem" se você pedir alguma coisa num restaurante. Eu não nunca ouvi falar em "take away message". Você tem que ver a palavra dentro de um contexto para poder fazer a tradução correta. 

Re: translation - Message sent by Maritza on Mar 4, 2009

Q. I was wondering if you can tell me how to say this in portuguese: Where you able to call your brother on his birthday?  Thanks, Maritza

A. Here is the translation: "Você conseguiu ligar para o seu irmão no aniversário dele?" 

Re: meaning of "xo"- Message sent by Francisco on Jan 24, 2009

Q. I was wondering if you could tell me the meaning of XO. My girlfriend wrote XO after signing her name… does it mean good bye? Thank you very much, Francisco

A. You'd better ask your girlfriend what she means because "xô" is normally used to send bad things/people away.

Re: meaning of "xo" - Message sent by Daniela on Feb 23, 2009

A. Creio que o XO signifique beijos e abracos: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugs_and_Kisses Abracos, Daniela

Re: meaning of "xo" - Message sent by Iza on Feb 25, 2009

A. Em inglês é comum entre amigos usar "xoxoxo" antes de assinar o nome.

Re: meaning of "xo" - Message sent by Jennifer on March 7, 2009

A. Usually when we (Americans) write XO after signing our names it means hugs and kisses. Sometimes we sign several Xs and Os in a row like this - xoxoxoxo.

Re: translation - Message sent by Matthew on Jan 13, 2009

Q. How do you say my name (Matthew) in português?

A. Your name in Portuguese is "Mateus". 

Re: translation - Message sent by Mike on Dec 13, 2008

Q. Já sei que o "Hanukkah" não é um feriado muito comum no Brasil, mas é uma palavra portuguêsa para ele?

A. A palavra deve ser usada pelos judeus no Brasil. Dê uma olhada neste site: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanucá  

Re: translation - Message sent by Pat on Dec 8, 2008

Q. Can you please tell me what this means "enviado de meu"? Thanks, Pat

A. "Enviado de meu" means "sent from my" 

Re: translation - Message sent by Michelle on Dec 3, 2008

Q. Can you please please help me with the translation of this message? It was sent to me by my friend and he thinks it is a huge joke to send me messages which i cannot understand... "Oi! Fazer Michelle e voce e como a vida, de meus cumprimentos so seu pai e mae de bye bye… agoro e cuidar dues re abencoe". Thank you so much. Regards, Michelle

A. There are lots of mistakes in the sentences. I can only translate two sentences: 1) "meus cumprimentos ao seu pai e a sua mãe (my regards to your parents), 2) Deus te abençoe. (God bless you).

Re: translation - Message sent by Anton (Bulgaria) on Oct 16, 2008

Q. Can you please help me translate a phrase for a birthday wish? The phrase is: "A person does not grow old when he/she collects year, but when one loses a a desire to fight with life hardships and struggles."I think it's great that you'd like to reach the people who are learning Portuguese as a 2nd language. Many thanks! Anton

A. Here is the translation: "Uma pessoa não envelhece quando faz anos, mas quando ela perde o desejo de lutar contra as dificuldades e os problemas da vida" 

Re: translation - Message sent by Sherrin on Oct 15, 2008

Q. I want to know the word for intelligent and the word for lovely. My father was from the Azores but I never knew him. The language is beautiful. It is a great site. Thanks, Sherrin

A. Intelligent is "inteligente". Lovely has different meanings in Portuguese and I can only translate it in context.   

Re: "mas sim"- Message sent by Andrew (Brazil) on Oct 12, 2008

Q. How would you translate "mas sim" as a conjunction? I see that a lot, and I'm 99% sure that I know what it is, but I'd like to hear what it is from someone else or see it in a book to know for sure.

A. "Mas sim" is the same as "mas". "Sim" is just used for emphasis.  Exemplo: A fecidade não depende do outros, mas (sim) de você. You have to see the word in context to find the corresponding form in English. 

Re: "carente" - Message sent by Roberto (Toronto, Canada) on Oct 7, 2008

Q. I was wondering if you could help me out with the meaning of the word: carente. I see and hear it used a lot and can't find the meaning of it anywhere. Please enlighten me. Thank you, Roberto

A. "Carente" means needy, deprived (criança carente) or in need of affection (Estou carente).

M. Thank you so much Sonia. I appreciate your help. I'm European Portuguese Speaker, but some Brazilian vocabulary has me stumped in things I've been reading and could not find an answer anywhere online until I came across your site. 

Re: translation - Message sent by Cassady on Sept 30, 2008

Q. Can you also please tell me what the following words (brother, sister, parents (not Mae e Pai, but 'parents'), girl, boy, aunt, uncle, grandma, grandpa) are in Portuguese? Thanks! Cassady. 

A. Here is the translation: brother = irmão, sister = irmã, parents = pais, girl = menina, boy = menino, aunt = tia, uncle = tio, grandma = avó, grandpa = avô. P. S. You can find these words in a dictionary.

Re: translation - Message sent by Cassady on Sept 24, 2008

Q. I am a 28 year-old Australian woman. I have been two Brazil twice (I love it!!!) and now I am thinking of going to Portugal. Can you please tell me what the following words (than (as in 'more than'), that (as is 'this or that'?), try, confusing, hear, listen, look) are in Portuguese? Muito obrigada!! Cassady

A. Here is the translation: than (as in 'more than') = (do) que, that (as is 'this or that'?) = aquele/aquela, try = provar, experimentar, tentar, confusing = confuso, hear = ouvir, escutar, listen = ouvir, escutar, look = olhar.

Re: "Come-quieto" - Message sent by Brad on Sept 11, 2008

Q. I enjoy learning Brazilian Portuguese from you site. Keep up the good work! I would like to know what come quieto! means. It’s an expression that seems to be lost in translation. My female friend sent me a reply that went…..You’ll learn in time…. Come quieto! Thanks, Brad.

A. "Come-quieto" (Eat and keep quiet) is an expression. It means that someone does something, but doesn't talk about it, that is, he keeps quiet. For other meanings and explanations, check out this site: http://br.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061215183136AACyWnL 

Re: spelling - Message sent by Jen on Sept 4, 2008

Q. Could some one confirm with me if this would be the correct spelling for (I Love Grandma) and let me know. EU ANO VAVO. Thank you for your time, Jen

A. Correct spelling is "Eu amo a vovó". 

Re: translation - Message sent by Mary on August 21, 2008

Q. How do you say “I like your smile?” Thank you, Mary

A. Here is the translation: Eu gosto do seu sorriso (I like your smile)

Re: translation - Message sent by Raydeline on August 13, 2008

Q. I'm watching some cartoons in Portuguese to get just to the language. And i heard every time someone say Legado or legao? I search for the translation on internet, but i only find legacy, i am sure that's not what it meant in the sentence that i heard. Can you tell me what it means? Raydeline

A. "Legal" means cool, nice, great, friendly and also legal depending on context. Examples" 1) Que legal!  2) Ela é muito legal. 3) A festa foi legal. 

Re: translation - Message sent by Roni on August 1, 2008

Q. My teenage daughter and three female friends are

A. You can say: Bem-vindas de volta à terrinha! (terrinha means the home country). Instead of "terrinha" you could also use the name of the country in question. Ex: Bem-vindas de volta aos EUA (= USA) / ao Canadá / à Argentina.

Re: translation - Message sent by Jessica on July 27, 2008

Q. I am hoping you will help me; I have looked on different websites to verify that the word “love” in Portuguese is “amor”. I am getting a tattoo on my wrist with the word “amor” but want to make sure that it is spelled correctly and if there are any accentuation marks, that I have those as well. It is a partial tribute to my grandparents who passed away recently and I would hate to have it spelled wrong. Thank you so much in advance for your help! Jessica

A. The spelling "amor" is correct  and there is no accentuation mark.

Re: translation - Message sent by Ron and Ingrid on July 27, 2008

Q. If you would, could you please translate this into English? A primeira deve ser a P-58, projetada para o campo de Baleia Azul, no norte da Bacia de Campos. Orçada em torno de US$ 1,2 bilhão pelo mercado, a unidade será disputada pelas empresas Flotec, SBM e Modec. In searching the net for translations the word  disputada is "diispute". But I'm wondering if it could also mean "bid"?  What do you think? Thank You, Ron and Ingrid

A. You are right. Here it means "bid".

Re: translation - Message sent by Gina on July 1, 2008

Q. I am Portuguese and want to send a card to my family in the Azores. I hope you don't mind, but I was wondering if you may be able to tell me if I wrote this correctly: Obrigado pela sua lembrança que é muito apreciado. Beijos e abraços. (Thank you for your gift that was much appreciated! Kisses and hugs). Thank you, Gina

A. You can say: "Obrigada pelo presente. Gostei muito. Beijos e abraços ". 

Re: translation - Message sent by Russel on June 30, 2008

Q. I have a Tee Shirt with “So Curticao!!!“ on it. What does that mean? I’ve try to get a translation on several language translation sites but no luck.

A. "Só curtição" means  "Only/Just enjoyment". "Curtir" means to enjoy and it's slang.

Re: translation - Message sent by Darryl on June 29, 2008

Q. "Nâo tem como você me visitar no dia 17 de julho". The phrase above using como after tem is a little strange and confusing to me. What exactly does the above mean? It's clear after visitar but before I am confused. Thanks, Darryl

A. "Não tem como você me visitar no dia 17 de julho" means "There is no chance for you to visit me on July 17th". 

Re: translation - Message sent by Amy on May 19, 2008

Q. I am getting a portuguese waterdog puppy and would like the translation for Beautiful Lake. How would you say that in Portuguese?  I want to name the puppy. Thanks!

A. The literal translation is "lago lindo" 

Re: translation - Message sent by Jeannete on May 18, 2008

Q. Can you tell me what the word rebolando means?

A. It means '"swaying".

Re: translation - Message sent by Rachel on May 9, 2008

Q. What does it mean when someone says "Eu tambem amo voce" How do you describe what the idea of "trust" is? Thanks! Rachel

A. "Eu também amo você" means: "I also love you". As for "trust", you can say: "Eu confio em você" (I trust you).

Re: "colorful friend" - Message sent by Lee on March 29, 2008

Q. I heard there is a word in Portuguese for "colorful friend" - a friend that is kind of more than a friend - friend with benefits. What is the Brazilian term for that? I'm writing a Brazilian friend of mine a note and wanted to know that term for the word. If you could help me out, I would appreciate it. Thanks, Lee

A. "colorful friend" is "amigo colorido > amiga colorida" in Portuguese.

Re: Translation - Message sent by Michael on March 29, 2008

Q. The previous owners of my house painted a line of poetry on one of my walls. I am pretty sure it is Portuguese (Com o amor nao se pode negociar la, a escolho nao e sua. O amor e um espelho, se refleta so sua essencia, se voce tendra o coragem pra encara-lo.) Can you tell me what it says? Thanks, Michael 

A. Yes, it is Portuguese. Here is the literal translation: "With love you cannot negotiate, the choice is not yours. Love is a mirror, it reflects only its essence, if you have the courage to face it" (Com o amor não se pode negociar, a escolha não é sua. O amor é um espelho, se reflete só sua essência, se você tiver coragem pra encará-lo.) Note: There were some spelling mistakes.

Re: Famiy surname - Message sent by Candie on March 27, 2008

Q. My family surname is Canja, but my great grandparents were Romanian from Austria. How can this be? What does the word Canja mean? They came to the United States around 1905. Any information you can give me would be great. Thanks, Candie 

A. "Canja" means soup in Portuguese. You can even find a recipe for "canja de galinha" (chicken soup) on my website (see recipes). Maybe your surname has nothing to do with the Portuguese word since your grandparents were Romanian from Austria. I've heard from a student who could speak Romanian that Romanian and Portuguese are similar.  

Re: Boa - Message sent by Diane on March 18, 2008

Q. How do you say good-boa? As in refreshingly good. Thanks, Diane

A. It's depends on context if you agree with the object/noun or not. The word "refrescante" (refreshing) is used only an an adjective in Portuguese, not as an adverb (refreshingly) as in your example. I suggest that you contact one of the professional translators recommended on my website (see Links).

Re: translation- Messages sent by Stan on Feb 14, 2008

Q. I have been writing a girl in Brazil. I asked her if she had a boyfriend or namorado this is what she sent me back. Tenho namorado faz pouco tem... Could you please tell me what this says when you get time. Thank you very much. Stan

A. Tenho namorado faz pouco tem... (=  tempo)  means "I've had a boyfriend for a short time" 

Re: conditional- Messages sent by Thea on Feb 6, 2008

Q. I'm studying the portuguese conditional tense at the moment and have a question I was wondering if you could help me with? I read this sentence on the internet the other day: Se nao fosse ela nao teria barraco. I understand this to mean, if it wasnt for her, there wouldnt be arguements. Not sure if i've understood correctly though or if the sentence is correct itself. What do you think? Thanking you in advance. With Love, Thea

A. Your translation is correct. You can find a detailed explanation (followed by examples) about all tenses used in Portuguese, including conditional tenses in my grammar book and CD-ROM course, which are available for sale only through my website.

Re: "to take for granted" - Messages sent by Sarah on Feb 5, 2008

Q. How do you say "to take for granted" in Portuguese?

A. "to take for granted" in Portuguese is "não dar valor" 

Re: translation - Messages sent by Henry on Feb 4, 2008

Q. 1) "...todos os animais que se movem rente ao chao" - Can't find "rente" in the two dictionaries I checked. What's the definition? 2) "Que minha vida pessoal nunca estraguem a beleza da usa vos no meu mundo." Unable to figure what meaning the words "da usa vos" add to the sentence. Thanks for your help. Henry

A. 1) "rente: means "very close" in Portuguese. 2) "da usa vos" doesn't make sense in Portuguese. Please check the spelling. 

Re:  Birthday - Messages sent by T Mac on Dec 13, 2007 

Q. Your website is great. What does this mean in Portuguese?  Ate mais tarde.

A. "Até mais tarde" means "See you later".

Re:  Birthday - Messages sent by Ben (UK) on Dec 2, 2007 

Q. I just wanted to ask a quick question. I have a female friend who is Brazilian and her birthday is approaching. I would be really grateful if you could help me out. I wanted to write`for my special friend (name), i hope you have a lovely birthday. How would I write this in Portuguese? Thanks so much for your time in advance. Ben

A. Here is the translation: "Para minha amiga especial" (for my special friend). You can write: "Querida .., (Dear+ name). Feliz aniversário! (Happy birthday). Eu espero que você tenha um dia ótimo no dia do seu aniversário. (I hope you have a wonderful day on your birthday). Note: We don't say "lovely birthday"  in Portuguese. "Um abraço, (a Hug)" or "Um beijo, (A kiss)" 

Re: Translation - Messages sent on Nov 1, 2007 

Q. I have made a friend over the last year who is from Sao Palo and she recently sent me a short message. I’m usually able to translate with a little work. She repellently sent me a message that read as follows: "Te pego de jeito. Beijos da fofa." I translated it into "I catch you of skill, kisses of the sweet one". I am sure of the second part but the first is confusing. Any help or translation you could offer would be greatly appreciated. 

A. "Te pego de jeito" means "I will catch unawares".

Re: “take away” - Message sent by Dave on September 5, 2007

Q. Could you please tell me how to say, take away in Portugues. I go to a portugues cafe and I can never say I want to take away some cakes. thanks a lot from Dave

A. You can say: Para levar (to take away).

Re: “razão” - Message sent by Oseiowu on August 31, 2007

Q. i am in love with the song tive razao by seu jorge. i listen to it everyday. i was just wondering what does tive razao mean? Obrigada.

A. "razão" means "reason" 

Re: “coalho” - Message sent by Alyssa on August 11, 2007

Q. What does Coalho mean?

Re: “to sound like” - Message sent by Lady J on August 4, 2007

Q. I just wanted to let you know that I am enjoying the CD and book and I ordered from you. I am learning more than I ever thought I could, within a short period of time. I am up to lesson 10 now. Your teaching, plus my interactions with Brazilians in my area are helping to give me the confidence to speak and understand Portuguese better. I have a small question, though.  Is there a verb in Portuguese that means “to sound like”?  I know that parecer means to look like, but is there a verb, pertaining to sound.  The only thing I have been able to find is the verb “soar” but that refers to “to sound, as in, a bell”.  Can you please help me? Thanks Again…. Lady J

A. "to sound like" means also "parecer", but you have to see it in context. Examples: "Ela parece simpática, Ela parece ser legal." (She seems/sounds like to be a nice person). 

Re: dúvida - Message sent by Renata on August 3, 2007

Q. Adorei teu site!!!! Mas estou com uma dúvida na frase: Quanto mais conheço os homens mais amo os animais! Como se fala em ingles??? Abraços, Renata

A. "The more I know (the) men, the more I love (the) animals"

Re: Translation - Message sent by Cida on July 24, 2007

Q. Cheguei até vc pois, uns americanos me deram seu site, que legal!!! Nao consegui passar a frase abaixo p/o inglês, espero que possa me ajudar. "Regras de uso do trailer: 1. trazer toalha de banho, sabonete, pasta de dente, shampoo, bronzeador e outros objetos pessoais, 2. manter o trailer limpo: lixo é no lixo, 3. não trazer animais, 4. seja participativo e amigável, 5. Uma mão lava a outra, 6. Aproveite!!" Grata pela atençao, Cida

A. Aqui vai a tradução: "Rules for using the trailer: 1. bring bath towels, soap, tooth paste, shampoo, sun lotion and other personal items, 2. keep the trailer clean: throw your garbage in the garbage bin, 3. pets are not allowed, 4. take part in the activities and be friendly, 5. One hand washes the other, 6. Enjoy your stay!"

Re: Translation - Message sent by Stephen on July 19, 2007

Q. What does "Poxa" mean? I've seen that used a lot. Also, how would this phrase be translated: "vamos marcar de fazer alguma coisa esse fds???"  I'm not sure what the 'fds' stands for, but I guess the first part of the phrase, something like "let's go mark to make something this..." Just curious. Didn't make sense to me. Thanks, Stephen

A. "Poxa" means "wow", "gosh", etc. It's hard to translate this kind of word to another language, but in a context you will always understand what is meant. "Vamos marcar de fazer alguma coisa esse fds?" means "Let's arrange/do something for this weekend". Note: I assume that "fds" stands for "fim de semana". 

Re: Translation - Message sent by Lis on June 30, 2007

Q. You have a lovely website that is very useful for us at the moment. We have a friend over from Brazil, her name is Angelica. Unfortunately next week she is going back to Sao Paulo and I would really like to give her something with a personal text. She cooked Brazilian food for us many times, and she is just a very nice human being. The language was a bit of a problem, but your website was a good help, and the rest we tried in English. As a friend, we would like to give her something before she leaves, but with a short personal text. We are wondering if maybe you can give us a little hand with it, as we know nobody who speaks her language. We would be very very grateful. If you do not have the time, we of course understand. We would like to say something like this: "Dear Angelica, It was very nice to get to know you. Although we had little time, I think you are a very nice person who lives from the heart, a very warm heart! Hope to meet you again very soon. I wish you all the luck and love in the world, for you and also for your family." We really hope you will help us out once more. Thank you very very much in advance. Kind regards, Lis

A. Here is the translation: "Querida Angelica, Foi muito bom conhecê-la. Embora tenhamos tido pouco tempo, eu acho que você é uma pessoa boa e você tem um coração bom. Espero revê-la logo. Eu desejo a você e a sua família toda a felicidade do mundo. Um abraço, Lis"

Re: "cara de pau" - Message sent by Jon on June 24, 2007

Q. You have a great website, I'm learning a lot from it. I'm from Canada. My girlfriend is from Salvador and she'd like some help trying to explain the expression: cara de pau. If you could help out there and perhaps add it to the site, that would be great. Thanks! :- Jon

A. "cara-de-pau" means "shameless, very forward, brazen", etc.)

Re: Translation - Message sent by Tara on June 19, 2007

Q. I am in my fourth day of learning Portuguese. Can you please translate “beijos” for me? Obrigada! Tara

A. Beijos = kisses

Re: Translation - Message sent by Rudy on June 10, 2007

Q. "she's too much sand for my little truck"

A. It means "(Ela) é muita areia para o meu caminhão".

Re: Translation - Message sent by Lady J on June 6, 2007

Q. I was trying to translate an excerpt from a poem Cancao Do Exilio and there were a couple of small parts that I don’t understand. Could you please shed some light on this, for me? Muito Obrigada! Lady J "Minha terra tem palmeiras (My land has palm trees) Onde canta o sabiá (Where the wise sing) As aves que aqui gorjeam (The birds that ??? here) Não gorjeam como lá" (not ???? like there)

A. Here is the translation of the two words that you don't understand: "Sabiá" is a kind of bird (thrush, mockingbird), not wise (sábio/a). "Gorjear" = "cantar" (to sing).

Re: Translation - Message sent by Richard on May 28, 2007

A. My girlfriend is from Brazil and the time has come to ask her to marry me. I would like you to tell me, if you could, how to say "will you marry me" in Portuguese so I can ask her this coming weekend. Thank you so much, Richard

B. You can say: "Você quer se casar comigo?"

Re: Translation - Message sent by Amy on May 22, 2007 

Q. Oi! (I learned that from your website!) I work with young children at a church and soon we are going to be teaching them about our neighbors in Mozambique – the church is sponsoring a village there through World Vision. We want to teach the children how to say “Hi” (which I’ve already learned) and “Jesus loves you”. I can’t seem to find a website that will do a straight translation. Can you help? Thanks a lot! Amy 

A. You can say: "Jesus te ama" (Jesus loves you)

Re: slang meaning - Message sent by Carol on May 4, 2007

Q. Can you please tell me what the phrase "cara de pau" means? Also, what does "ela e super implicante, ate mesmo com os cameras", "ela e a apresentadora mais manhosa". I pretty much know the phrases, except for those two underlined words. Please help!!! Thank you, Carol

A. "cara de pau" means "very forward" or "shameless"; "implicante" means "nagging" and "manhosa" means "wiles", "sly', "whining", etc.

Re: "fui" - Message sent by Jennifer on April 30, 2007

Q. What does the word "fui" mean in English? Thanks in advance, Jennifer

A. The word "fui" means "(I) was" or "(I) went".

Re: question for you - Message sent by Bianca on April 27, 2007

Q. I am very curious, o que significam os tres beijos dados de um homem pra mulher...significa que o homem quer se casar com a garota haha só é curiosidade hehe tem ouvido significados mas estou um pouco confused hehe. Obrigada, Bianca

A. It simply means  "Three kisses given a woman by a man"

Re: "neto dez" - Message sent by Antonio on March 11, 2007

Q. I keep hearing a word or an expression that sounds like "neto dez", which seems to be used as "and so" or "moving on" in order to introduce new information. I've heard it used by young and older speakers. I'm not sure how it is spelled or what it means, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. It is very confusing and I'd appreciate any help. Thank you, Antonio

A. The correct spelling is "nota dez" and it means literally "You've got 10" (the highest mark that you can get) or "great, well done", etc." It doesn't mean "and so" or "moving on". 

Re: Translation - Message sent by Katie on March 25, 2007

Q. Can you please tell me what this means? "gostei de você, boa semana". Thanks

A. "gostei de você, boa semana" means "I liked you, have a nice week"

Re: Proverb - Message sent by Ana Maria on March 13, 2007 

Q. Sou brasileira, professora de inglês, e descobri o seu site  no google. Estou com uma dúvida cruel: Uma aluna me perguntou como se diz "Quem canta seus males espanta" em inglês, e como é um provérbio, sei que não pode ser traduzido literalmente. Qual é o equivalente em inglês? Procurei na sua lista de provérbios e não encontrei. Pode me ajudar? grata!!! Ana Maria

A. Segundo um amigo inglês, o provérbio "Quem canta seus males espanta" pode ser traduzido para o inglês como "Sing your cares away", que é uma expressão usada em inglês.

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