Greetings! If you’re interested in learning how to say “come” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a trip to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, understanding the various ways to express “come” in Portuguese will undoubtedly be helpful. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “come” in Portuguese, focusing on the standard language while highlighting any regional variations if necessary. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Portuguese expressions!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Come” in Portuguese
In formal settings such as business meetings, official events, or when addressing someone with respect, you might want to opt for a more polite way of inviting someone to come. Here are a few formal expressions:
1. Venha (VING-ha)
This is the formal imperative form of the verb “vir” (to come). It can be used to address a person you are not familiar with, or to show respect. An example would be:
Por favor, venha à minha apresentação amanhã. (Please come to my presentation tomorrow.)
2. Compareça (kom-pa-REH-sa)
When there is an event or gathering that someone needs to attend, “comparecer” is an appropriate verb to use. It implies a more formal obligation to be present, as in:
Peço que compareça à reunião na próxima quinta-feira. (I ask that you attend the meeting next Thursday.)
Informal Ways to Say “Come” in Portuguese
Now let’s dive into the informal ways of expressing “come” in Portuguese. These are commonly used among friends, family, or in casual encounters.
1. Vem (VEH-m)
In informal situations, it is common to use the verb “vir” in the second-person singular imperative form, “vem.” This is the standard way of inviting someone to come in a casual context. For example:
Vem jantar comigo hoje à noite! (Come have dinner with me tonight!)
2. Chega (CHEH-ga)
In certain contexts, particularly in Brazil, “chega” can be used to invite someone to come, often indicating that the person has arrived and it’s time to join a group or start an activity. It can be used casually among friends, as in:
Chega aí, pessoal! Vamos começar a festa. (Come here, guys! Let’s start the party.)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are commonly used throughout Portuguese-speaking countries, there are some regional variations worth noting:
1. Portugal
Portugal has its own unique expressions for “come.” In addition to “venha” and “vem,” you may also hear:
- “Aproxima-te” (a-pro-KHEE-ma-teh) – This means “come closer” and is used when indicating physical proximity.
- “Entra” (EN-tra) – Literally meaning “enter,” this can be used informally to invite someone into a place.
2. Brazilian Portuguese
In Brazil, you may encounter different ways to say “come” due to the country’s size and diverse cultural heritage. Here are a couple of examples:
- “Bora” (BOH-ra) – A popular slang expression used in many regions of Brazil to invite someone to come along or take part in an activity. It derives from “vamos embora” (let’s go).
- “Vamos” (VA-mos) – While technically meaning “let’s go,” Brazilians often use it to invite someone to come.
Remember, regional variations might exist, but the expressions provided above will be universally understood across Portuguese-speaking countries. Now, let’s reinforce what we’ve learned with a few more examples:
Example 1:
(Formal) Por favor, venha à exposição de arte amanhã. (Please come to the art exhibition tomorrow.)
(Informal) Vem visitar a exposição de arte amanhã! (Come visit the art exhibition tomorrow!)
Example 2:
(Formal) Compareça à cerimônia de abertura do evento. (Attend the opening ceremony of the event.)
(Informal) Chega à cerimônia de abertura do evento, vai ser incrível! (Come to the opening ceremony of the event, it’s going to be amazing!)
With these phrases in your toolbox, you’ll be ready to invite people to come in any Portuguese-speaking setting. Remember to adapt your choice of expression based on the level of formality and the country you are in. Practice speaking with native speakers to refine your pronunciation and to get a better feel for regional variations. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Portuguese language and the cultures that it represents!
