Are you learning Portuguese and wondering how to express the word “by” in this beautiful language? Whether you need to communicate in formal or informal situations, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “by” in Portuguese, provide regional variations when relevant, and offer essential tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “By” in Portuguese
If you’re interested in polite or formal expressions, here are several ways to say “by” in Portuguese:
- Por
The most common and versatile way to say “by” in Portuguese is “por.” It can be used in a wide range of contexts, such as to indicate a means, an agent or doer, or a deadline. Let’s explore some examples:- Enviado por email. (Sent by email)
- Escrito por Machado de Assis. (Written by Machado de Assis)
- Deve ser entregue por amanhã. (It must be delivered by tomorrow)
- Através de
Another formal way to express “by” is using “através de.” This phrase is typically used when referring to a medium, channel, or method. Take a look:- Entre em contato através do telefone. (Contact us by phone)
- Esse documento foi enviado através da plataforma online. (This document was sent through the online platform)
- Mediante
“Mediante” is commonly used to express “by” when referring to conditions or circumstances. It implies that something is done in exchange for or based on specific terms. Consider the following examples:- O acesso é permitido mediante uma taxa. (Access is allowed by payment of a fee)
- Ele foi liberado mediante a assinatura do contrato. (He was released by signing the contract)
Informal Ways to Say “By” in Portuguese
Now, let’s explore some informal or colloquial expressions to say “by” in Portuguese:
- Pelo
“Pelo” is a popular informal contraction of “por” and “o” (the masculine definite article). It is more commonly used in spoken language and may not be suitable for formal situations. Check out the examples below:- Passo pelo banco antes de ir para casa. (I stop by the bank before going home)
- O livro foi escrito pelo meu amigo. (The book was written by my friend)
- Por meio de
In colloquial speech, you might encounter the informal phrase “por meio de,” which is an alternative to “através de.” It carries a similar meaning and is widely understood in casual conversations. Take a look:- Entre em contato por meio do WhatsApp. (Contact us by WhatsApp)
- Comprei esse produto por meio da internet. (I bought this product through the internet)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries across the world, and there are some regional variations in how “by” is expressed. Here are a couple of examples:
In Brazil, you might hear the informal phrase “via” being used instead of “por” or “através de.” It has a similar meaning and is commonly used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
In Portugal, “pela” can be used as an informal contraction of “por” and “a” (the feminine definite article) in colloquial speech. For example:
- Passo pela farmácia todos os dias. (I stop by the pharmacy every day)
- O texto foi escrito pela professora. (The text was written by the teacher)
Additional Tips for Using “By” in Portuguese
Here are a few handy tips to keep in mind when dealing with the word “by” in Portuguese:
- Consider the context: The choice of the appropriate word or phrase for “by” depends on the context, so always take into account the specific situation in which you’re using it.
- Pay attention to gender: In Portuguese, nouns and articles have gender. Make sure to match the appropriate gender when using contractions like “pelo” or “pela.”
- Practice with diverse examples: The more you expose yourself to different examples, the better you’ll become at using “by” in Portuguese. Experiment with different sentences and scenarios to gain confidence.
With these tips and examples, you’re now well-equipped to navigate the various ways of expressing “by” in Portuguese. Whether you’re aiming for formal or informal language, practicing regularly will help you master these expressions and integrate them naturally into your Portuguese conversations. Boa sorte!
