Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| a propósito | /a pɾoˈpɔ.zi.tu/ (word by word) |
| aliás | /a.liˈa(j)s/ (Brazil) /aˈlja(j)s/ (Brazil) |
| por sinal | /puʁ siˈnaw/ (Brazil, word by word) |
| diga-se de passagem | |
| já agora | /ˈʒa aˈɡɔ.ɾɐ/ (Brazil, word by word) |
Depending on the nuance, you might use a propósito to introduce a new topic, por sinal to provide a supporting detail or incidental remark related to the current topic or aliás to add a reinforcing point or correct yourself. Informally, you can also use Ah, falando nisso.
Which one should you use?
While a propósito is used to introduce a new topic, aliás is often used to correct oneself or to add a reinforcing point to what was just said. Por sinal is used when the information serves as a supporting detail or an incidental remark related to the current topic.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Diga-se de passagem is a more formal or literary way to express "by the way" or "incidentally". In contrast, Ah, falando nisso and já agora are informal options.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Já agora is a common way to say "by the way" in Portugal, particularly in the Lisbon region, but it is less common in Brazil. In the context of Portugal, it can also mean "while I think of it".
How do you pronounce it?
/a pɾoˈpɔ.zi.tu/ (4 syllables, stress on the 2nd syllable)
Did you know?
- The phrase a propósito shares its root with the English word 'purpose', as both derive from the Latin 'propositum', meaning 'something set forth'.
- Using por sinal suggests that the speaker has noticed a 'sign' or clue in the current conversation that triggered the incidental remark.
- The phrase diga-se de passagem literally translates to 'let it be said in passing', making it the most literary and formal way to introduce an incidental point.
Examples in context
- Aliás, que horas são?By the way, what time is it?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of aliás to ask for the time.Tatoeba #10791214 by carlosalberto, translation #10791213 by carlosalberto
- Aliás, de onde você é?By the way, where are you from?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of aliás to ask about someone's origin.Tatoeba #2392740 by Matheus, translation #38050 by Zifre
- A propósito, onde moras?By the way, where do you live?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of a propósito to ask where someone lives.Tatoeba #2146960 by alexmarcelo, translation #38058 by CK
- A propósito, você poderia me passar o relatório até amanhã?By the way, could you hand me the report by tomorrow?
- Aliás, gostaria de acrescentar algo sobre o tema que acabamos de discutir.By the way, I would like to add something about the topic we just discussed.
- Ah, falando nisso, você já experimentou aquele novo restaurante na esquina?By the way, have you tried that new restaurant around the corner?
- Já agora, posso te pedir um favor?By the way, can I ask you a favor?
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Lucas are finishing a coffee together.
- CamilaA propósito, você viu o meu livro?By the way, did you see my book?
- LucasNão vi, Camila.I didn't see it, Camila.
- CamilaTudo bem, eu procuro depois.That's fine, I'll look for it later.
- LucasSe eu achar, eu te aviso.If I find it, I'll let you know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by the way” translations and entries a propósito, aliás, por sinal, diga-se de passagem, já agora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (a, propósito, por, sinal, já, agora) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, aliás, por, propósito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
