Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “really” in Portuguese! Whether you are learning the language for business, travel, or personal reasons, understanding the various ways to express “really” will greatly enhance your communication skills. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to convey the meaning of “really” in Portuguese, focusing on European Portuguese while also mentioning some regional variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Really” in Portuguese
When you want to express “really” in a formal context, such as in professional settings or when speaking to people you do not know well, you can use the following phrases:
1. Muito
The most common way to say “really” formally in Portuguese is by using the word “muito.” This versatile word translates to “very” or “a lot” and can be used to emphasize the intensity or truthfulness of something. Here are some examples:
Este livro é muito interessante. (This book is really interesting.)
O seu trabalho foi muito bem feito. (Your work was really well done.)
2. Realmente
Another formal option for expressing “really” is the word “realmente.” This term is a bit more explicit, emphasizing the truth or authenticity of an action or statement. Consider these examples:
Ela realmente se esforçou para passar no exame. (She really made an effort to pass the exam.)
A empresa realmente cumpre as suas promessas. (The company really fulfills its promises.)
Informal Ways to Say “Really” in Portuguese
In more casual or colloquial situations, you may find it necessary to use informal expressions to convey the meaning of “really” in Portuguese. Here are a few popular choices:
1. Mesmo
The word “mesmo” is widely used in informal conversations to mean “really.” It adds emphasis and conviction to your statements, reflecting a more relaxed and friendly tone. Take a look at these examples:
A festa foi mesmo divertida! (The party was really fun!)
Eu gostei mesmo do filme. (I really liked the movie.)
2. Pra valer
Another informal way to say “really” in Portuguese is “pra valer.” It is a colloquial expression used mainly in Brazil to intensify the meaning of something. Consider the following examples:
Aquela comida é boa pra valer! (That food is really good!)
Eu estou cansado pra valer depois de tanto trabalho. (I am really tired after so much work.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries across the world, with differences in vocabulary and pronunciation. Here are a couple of regional variations of saying “really” in Portuguese:
1. De verdade (Brazil)
In Brazil, it is common to use the expression “de verdade” to mean “really.” It is a more informal way to emphasize the truthfulness of something. Check out these examples from Brazilian Portuguese:
Eu gostei desse filme de verdade. (I really liked this movie.)
O time jogou bem de verdade. (The team played really well.)
2. Mesmamente (Portugal)
In Portugal, people occasionally use the word “mesmamente” to convey the meaning of “really.” Although not as widely used as in the past, it reflects the traditional Portuguese language. Here are a few examples:
Ele está cansado mesmamente após a caminhada. (He is really tired after the walk.)
Isso é bom mesmamente para a saúde. (That is really good for your health.)
Tips for Using “Really” in Portuguese
Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “really” in Portuguese, here are some additional tips to help you use these expressions effectively:
1. Practice Using Contextual Clues
Like in any language, understanding the appropriate use of “really” in Portuguese relies on context. Pay attention to the situation, the people you are speaking to, and the level of formality required. This will guide you in choosing the most appropriate expression.
2. Adjust Your Tone
When using informal expressions for “really” in Portuguese, make sure to adapt your tone to the situation. These expressions tend to be more relaxed and friendly, so use them when speaking to friends, colleagues, or in a casual setting.
3. Listen and Observe
To become more comfortable with the different ways “really” is expressed in Portuguese, practice active listening and observe how native speakers use these words in various situations. This will help you develop a natural sense of when to use each expression.
4. Expand Your Vocabulary
While “muito” and “realmente” are the go-to options for expressing “really” formally, don’t limit yourself. The Portuguese language is rich and diverse, so explore other words and phrases that convey a similar meaning. This will make your speech more varied and nuanced.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed this comprehensive guide on how to say “really” in Portuguese. Now you can confidently express the intensity, emphasis, and truthfulness you desire in any conversation. Remember, “muito” and “realmente” are great choices for formal situations, while “mesmo” and “pra valer” are more suitable in informal contexts. Explore regional variations, like “de verdade” in Brazil and “mesmamente” in Portugal, to add depth to your language skills. Keep practicing, listening, and learning, and soon you’ll be able to navigate conversations in Portuguese with ease!
