Learn to connect with Brazilian Locals
1- Isso custa os olhos da cara
How to use this expression:
It costs the face eyes . When we want to say that something costs too much, we use this expression.
Possible translations:
It cost’s an arm and a leg.
Examples:
This shirt costs an arm and a leg!
Essa camisa custa os olhos da cara!
2- Eu te dou a mão e você quer o braço
How to use this expression:
I give you my hand and you want my arm. Brazilians use this expression when they mean that someone is asking for more than what was offered. The connotation of this expression is bad, as we are usually referring to an ungrateful person.
Possible translation:
I give you an inch and you want a mile
Examples:
Son, I just gave you R$50 and you’re asking me for another R$50.00?! I give you an inch and you want a mile
Filho, eu acabei de te dar R$ 50 e você está me pedindo mais R$ 50,00?! Eu te dou a mão e você quer o braço
3 – Dor de cotovelo
How to use this expression:
Elbow pain. This expression is used to say that someone is jealous or envious of someone. Both in the sense of love and in the sense of envy for something important that has been conquered by someone else, for example.
Possible translation
To be green with envy
Examples:
He got a new job but it’s not even that good. / Stop! You are green with envy
Ele conseguiu um emprego novo mas nem é tão bom assim. / Para! Você está com dor de cotovelo.
4- Estou com a pulga atrás da orelha
How to use this expression:
I have a flea behind my ear. When we are suspicious of someone or something, we use this expression.
Possible translations:
my spidey senses are tingling
Examples:
My boss called me to an emergency meeting today. What will it be?! my spidey senses are tingling
Meu chefe me chamou pra uma reunião de emergência hoje. O que será?! Tô com a pulga atrás da orelha.
5- Vou te dar uma mão
How to use this expression:
I’ll give you a hand. This expression is used when we are going to offer help to someone.
Possible translation
I will give you a hand
Examples:
Are you in doubt on this issue? Calm down… I’ll give you a hand.
Você está com dúvida nessa questão? Calma… Eu vou te dar uma mão.
6- Cebeça dura
How to use this expression:
Strong Head. Brazilians use this expression to refer to someone who is stubborn.
Possible translation:
Strong headed / stubborn
Examples:
I’ve told you 10 times to take a flu medicine and you don’t want to take it. You are very stubborn
Eu já te disse 10 vezes pra tomar um remédio pra gripe e você não quer tomar. Você é muito cabeça dura.
7- Perna de pau
How to use this expression:
Wooden leg. This expression is often related to soccer, referring to someone who plays very poorly.
Possible translation
You suck
Examples:
Dude… try another sport because in soccer you suck!
Cara.. tenta outro esporte porque no futebol você é muito perna de pau!
8- Coração mole
How to use this expression:
Soft heart. This expression is used to refer to someone who is easily moved and emotional.
Possible translation:
Softy
Examples:
My friend can’t see a romance movie that starts crying. She’s a softy
Minha amiga não pode ver um filme de romance que começa a chorar. É muito coração mole!
9- Coração de pedra
How to use this expression:
Heart of stone. Unlike the previous expression, Heart of Stone is used for people “without feelings”.
Possible translation:
Cold hearted
Examples:
His ex-girlfriend was crying wanting to talk to him and he didn’t want to. He’s very cold hearted
A ex-namorada dele estava chorando querendo conversar com ele e ele não quis. É muito coração de pedra.
10 – Mão na massa
How to use this expression:
Hands on dough. Used when we are going to start something, such as a project, a study or work.
Possible translation
let’s get to work
It’s already 9am and I have to get to work. Let’s get to work
Já são 09am e eu tenho que começar a trabalhar. Mão na massa!
11 – Não coloca o nariz onde você não é chamado
How to use this expression:
Don’t put your nose where you’re not required. This expression is used when we want to tell someone not to meddle in whatever is going on.
Possible translation
Mind your own business
This fight is between me and her. Mind your own business
Essa briga é entre mim e ela. Não coloca o nariz onde você não é chamado.
This is an example of the content I give in my classes. Schedule a free trial class and get to know my method! – Esse é um exemplo do conteúdo que eu dou em minhas aulas. Agende uma aula experimentalgratuita e conheça o meu método! –> I want to speak portuguese!!!
Support my work and offer me a coffee… or a caipirinha – Apoie o meu trabalho e me ofereça um café… ou uma caipirinha
