vamos
/ˈvɐ̃.mus/
The Portuguese phrase for the encouragement of "come on" is vamos.
In Portuguese, vamos is used as an interjection to urge someone to act or to motivate a group. While the word can suggest physical movement like "let's go," when used as an expression of encouragement, it focuses on urging a person or group to overcome hesitation or difficulty.
Meaning: expression of encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
vamos is the first-person plural present indicative of the verb ir (to go), and literally means "we go" or "let's go".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the colloquial expression Vamos lá, carago! is sometimes used to say "come on!"
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the adverb lá (there) to vamos, you create the common idiomatic expression vamos lá, which is frequently used to mean "come on" or "let's do it".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of vamos is /ˈvɐ̃.mus/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, if you want to sound more natural when using vamos as an encouragement, you might hear people say bora instead.
- If a Portuguese speaker says vamos embora, they aren't encouraging you to start a task, but are telling you it is time to leave the place entirely.
- In Portugal, adding carago to vamos lá is a regionalism from the north that adds an intense, salty flavor of urgency to the request.
Examples in context
- Vamos! Para a cama!Come on! Off to bed!This example shows how to use vamos to urge someone to go to bed.Tatoeba #11514640 by Advanced, translation #10962665 by Amastan
- Vamos lá, não parem!Come on, don't stop!This example shows how to use vamos lá to encourage people not to stop.Tatoeba #4585769 by Ricardo14, translation #12799706 by DJ_Saidez
- Vamos, não seja bobo.Come on, don't be silly.This example shows how to use vamos to urge someone not to be silly.Tatoeba #913057 by alexmarcelo, translation #282403 by al_ex_an_der
- Vamos lá, nós conseguimos!Come on, we can do it!
- Vamos nessa, pessoal!Come on, guys!
- Bora lá, vai ser incrível!Come on, let's go, it's going to be amazing!
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila is trying to motivate Rodrigo to finish a workout.
- CamilaVamos, Rodrigo! Só mais um pouco!Come on, Rodrigo! Just a little more!
- RodrigoEstou muito cansado, Camila.I am very tired, Camila.
- CamilaVamos! Você consegue fazer isso!Come on! You can do this!
- RodrigoTudo bem, eu tento mais uma vez.Alright, I will try one more time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vamos, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
