adivinha só
/a.d͡ʒiˈvĩ.ɲɐ ˈsɔ/word by word
The English phrase 'guess what' is translated into Portuguese as adivinha só.
The expression is used to dramatize the unsurprising.
Meaning: used to dramatize the unsurprising (phrase)
Which one should you use?
You may also hear Sabe o que é? or sabe de uma coisa? to introduce news or a dramatic point. You can also use the phrase Você não vai acreditar no que eu vou te contar!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
adivinha só is an informal expression. Other variations like Sabe o que é? and Você não vai acreditar no que eu vou te contar! are also informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a group of people, you should use the plural imperative form adivinhem só.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.dʒiˈvĩ.ɲɐ ˈsɔ/. The word has five syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'guess' implies a lack of knowledge, the verb adivinhar is also the standard word used for 'to divine' or to predict the future through supernatural means.
- The expression adivinha só can be used sarcastically to point out something incredibly obvious, effectively acting as a Portuguese version of 'no kidding'.
- The word só in the phrase adivinha só literally translates to 'only' or 'alone' in many contexts, but here it acts as an emphatic particle to heighten the suspense.
Examples in context
- Adivinha só o que aconteceu! Eu ganhei na loteria!Guess what! I won the lottery!
- Sabes o que é? O restaurante novo da esquina está com desconto hoje!Guess what? The new restaurant on the corner has a discount today!
- Consegues adivinhar o quê? Vou viajar para Portugal nas férias!Can you guess what? I am going to travel to Portugal on vacation!
- Adivinha só, ele chegou atrasado de novo.Guess what, he arrived late again.
- Adivinha só, a chuva não parou.Guess what, the rain hasn't stopped.
- Adivinha só, o café acabou.Guess what, the coffee ran out.
Example conversation
Lucas and Juliana are talking about their weekend plans.
- LucasAdivinha só, eu comprei os ingressos!Guess what, I bought the tickets!
- JulianaSério? Você conseguiu para o show?Really? Did you manage to get them for the show?
- LucasSim, consegui dois lugares ótimos.Yes, I got two great seats.
- JulianaQue incrível, Lucas! Muito obrigada.That's amazing, Lucas! Thank you so much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guess what” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (adivinha, só) and can differ in connected speech.
