em cima ou em baixo
/ẽj̃ ˈsĩ.mɐ o(w) ẽj̃ ˈbaj.ʃu/word by word
The English phrase "top or bottom" is translated into Portuguese as em cima ou em baixo.
This phrase is used to ask or specify the vertical position of an object. You can use the related expressions Na parte de cima to mean "in the top part" or Na parte de baixo to mean "in the bottom part" when referring to the specific sections of an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many Brazilian dialects, 'em baixo' is frequently written and spoken as a single word, embaixo.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ẽj̃ ˈsĩ.mɐ o(w) ẽj̃ ˈbaj.ʃu/', 'syllables': 5, 'stressed_syllable': '2 of 5'}
Did you know?
- The word cima traces its distant origins back to a Greek root meaning 'to be pregnant' or 'conceive', referring to the way something swells upward.
- While English uses 'bottom' to refer to one's backside, in Portuguese, using baixo to describe a person's body part would be seen as a mistake in height rather than a reference to anatomy.
- If you are looking for something 'at the top' of a list, you might say no topo, but if you are describing its physical vertical position, em cima is the more natural choice.
Examples in context
- Vamos colocar os livros em cima da mesa.Let's put the books on the top of the table.
- O controle remoto está na parte de cima da mesa.The remote control is on the top of the table.
- Os sapatos estão na parte de baixo do armário.The shoes are at the bottom of the closet.
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Juliana are organizing a storage closet.
- RodrigoOnde eu guardo os sapatos, Juliana?Where should I put the shoes, Juliana?
- JulianaPode ser em cima ou em baixo.It can be on top or on the bottom.
- RodrigoVou colocar em baixo para facilitar.I'll put them on the bottom to make it easier.
- JulianaTudo bem, Rodrigo.That's fine, Rodrigo.
