When it comes to expressing the sentiment “it is what it is” in Portuguese, there are several ways to convey this idea depending on the formality of the situation and the region you find yourself in. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “it is what it is” in Portuguese, providing you with tips, examples, and even some regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Expressions:
When you want to express “it is what it is” in a more formal context, you can use the following expressions:
- É o que é. This is a straightforward and common way to express the sentiment, maintaining a formal tone. It directly translates to “It is what it is” in English.
- Não há nada a fazer. Translated to “There is nothing to be done,” this phrase conveys the acceptance of a situation and the impossibility of changing it.
- Não há como evitar. This expression means “There is no way to avoid it” and is commonly used to accept a situation that cannot be altered or changed.
Here’s an example of how these formal expressions can be used:
Example: Infelizmente, o resultado não foi o que esperávamos. É o que é. (Unfortunately, the result wasn’t what we expected. It is what it is.)
Example: Os impostos estão aumentando novamente. Não há nada a fazer. (Taxes are increasing again. There is nothing to be done.)
Example: A reunião foi cancelada devido ao mau tempo. Não há como evitar. (The meeting got canceled due to bad weather. There is no way to avoid it.)
Informal Expressions:
If you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you can use the following expressions to convey the sentiment “it is what it is” in Portuguese:
- É isso aí. This informal phrase is equivalent to “That’s it” or “That’s the deal” in English. It is commonly used to express acceptance or resignation regarding a situation.
- Deixa estar. Literally translated to “Let it be,” this expression communicates the idea of accepting and not interfering with something that cannot be changed.
- Fazer o quê? Meaning “What can you do?” or “What can be done?” this phrase is used to acknowledge and accept a situation without any possibility of changing it.
Here’s an example of how these informal expressions can be used:
Example: A festa foi cancelada, é isso aí. (The party got canceled, that’s it.)
Example: O jogo foi adiado, deixa estar. (The game got postponed, let it be.)
Example: Ele não se desculpou, fazer o quê? (He didn’t apologize, what can you do?)
Regional Variations:
While the expressions mentioned above are commonly understood throughout Portuguese-speaking regions, there may be some regional variations in certain areas. However, it’s important to note that these variations should only be used if you are familiar with the particular region’s dialect and way of speaking.
One example of a regional variation is the use of the phrase “Paciência.” This expression, meaning “Patience” in English, is commonly used in Brazil and can convey the acceptance of a situation or the idea of “it is what it is.”
Here’s an example of how this regional variation can be used:
Example: A estrada está congestionada novamente. Paciência. (The road is congested again. Patience.)
Remember, regional variations should only be used when appropriate and if you are confident in their understanding and acceptance within a particular region.
Now armed with both formal and informal expressions, as well as an understanding of regional variations, you can confidently express “it is what it is” in Portuguese according to the context and situation you find yourself in. Remember to consider the formality of the setting and be mindful of any regional differences before using specific expressions.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you, and that it enables you to effectively communicate this sentiment in Portuguese whenever the need arises. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
