fora
/ˈfɔ.ɾɐ/
The English word 'outside' is translated into Portuguese as fora.
fora is an adverb used to describe being outdoors. In natural, colloquial speech, it is very common to see the word preceded by lá to form the phrase lá fora, which means 'out there' or 'outside'.
Meaning: outdoors (adv)
Which one should you use?
While fora is an adverb meaning 'outside', it is distinct from exterior, which is a noun referring to an 'outer surface'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈfɔ.ɾɐ/.
When do people say it?
For a more poetic touch, one might use the expression no mundo lá fora, which translates to 'in the world out there'.
Did you know?
- The word fora is a linguistic shape-shifter. Depending on the context and verb used, it can either mean 'outside' or function as a conjugated form of the verb 'to be', such as 'they were'.
- If you want to tell someone to 'get out' or 'go away' in a forceful way, you can simply shout fora!
- To be fora de si describes someone who is temporarily insane or acting out of extreme rage.
Examples in context
- É frio lá fora.It is cold outside.This sentence is useful for describing the weather using fora.Tatoeba #2086808 by MarlonX19, translation #2085301 by freddy1
- Só olhe lá fora.Just look outside.This sentence is useful for directing attention to the area outside using fora.Tatoeba #5924646 by Ricardo14, translation #2249448 by CK
- Tom está lá fora.Tom's outside.This sentence is useful for stating someone's location using fora.Tatoeba #3455514 by piterkeo, translation #2107571 by CK
- Está chovendo lá foraIt's raining outside
- um pátio externoAn external courtyard
- uma entrada externaAn external entrance
- Vamos brincar lá foraLet's play outside
- A loja do lado de fora tem preços melhoresThe store outside has better prices
- Estou na rua, esperando vocêI'm outside on the street, waiting for you
- Quero conhecer o mundo lá foraI want to explore the world outside
- Os pássaros cantam mais alto lá fora.The birds sing louder outside.
- Vamos fazer um piquenique do lado de fora da cidade?Shall we have a picnic outside the city?
- Faz mais frio lá fora do que aqui dentro.It's colder outside than inside here.
- 322 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are deciding where to have lunch.
- BeatrizQuer comer aqui ou fora?Do you want to eat here or outside?
- FelipeEu prefiro comer fora hoje.I prefer to eat outside today.
- BeatrizO sol está muito forte fora.The sun is very strong outside.
- FelipePodemos sentar na sombra, Beatriz.We can sit in the shade, Beatriz.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outside” translations and entries fora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
