como se diz
The Portuguese phrase for "how do you say" is como se diz.
Use como se diz to ask for the translation or pronunciation of a word or expression in another language. When using this phrase, you typically follow it with the preposition em (in) and the name of the target language, such as em português or em inglês.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how one says" or "how it is said". It uses the reflexive pronoun se to create an impersonal construction.
Which one should you use?
While como se diz is standard, you will very often hear the variation como é que se diz. Adding é que between como and se diz is a common way to make the question sound more natural and fluid in spoken Portuguese.
Did you know?
- In Brazil, people often replace como se diz with como fala in casual conversation, using the verb for 'to speak'.
- Portuguese has a distinct way of expressing the idea of 'how' through the word quão when modifying an adjective, which is different from the como used in this phrase.
- While como se diz is used for translation, if you didn't hear someone and want them to repeat themselves, you would say como? with a rising intonation.
Examples in context
- Como se diz isso em Russo?How do you say that in Russian?This sentence shows how to ask for a translation into Russian using como se diz.Tatoeba #6329996 by carlosalberto, translation #5816226 by Fin
- Como se diz isso em turco?How do you say that in Turkish?This sentence shows how to ask for a translation into Turkish using como se diz.Tatoeba #13860001 by carlosalberto, translation #13860019 by carlosalberto
- Como se diz isso em francês?How do you say that in French?This sentence shows how to ask for a translation into French using como se diz.Tatoeba #2453826 by alexmarcelo, translation #2451512 by CK
- Poderia me dizer como se fala 'thank you' corretamente?Could you please tell me how to correctly say 'thank you'?
- Me ensina a falar 'I love you' no sotaque portuguêsTeach me how to say 'I love you' in a Portuguese accent.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana is studying Portuguese and asks Felipe for help.
- MarianaFelipe, como se diz 'apple' em português?Felipe, how do you say 'apple' in Portuguese?
- FelipeDizemos 'maçã'.We say 'maçã'.
- MarianaComo se diz 'bread'?How do you say 'bread'?
- FelipeDizemos 'pão'.We say 'pão'.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
