In this episode we’ll hear the main sayings in Portuguese, their literal translation and their meaning in English. Let’s hear it!
Transcription
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Quem semeia ventos, colhe tempestades
Literal translation: ” Who sows winds, reaps storms. “
Meaning: Actions have consequences; if you do something wrong, expect trouble in return.
Quem não tem cão, caça com gato
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have a dog, hunts with a cat. “
Meaning: Making do with what you have; finding alternative solutions.
Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura
Literal translation: ” Soft water on hard rock, beats until it pierces. “
Meaning: Persistence overcomes resistance; consistent effort can achieve anything.
Quem tem boca vai a Roma
Literal translation: ” He who has a mouth goes to Rome. “
Meaning: Communication and persuasion can take you places.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t risk, doesn’t snack. “
Meaning: No risk, no reward; sometimes you have to take chances to succeed.
A pressa é inimiga da perfeição
Literal translation: ” Haste is the enemy of perfection. “
Meaning: Rushing leads to mistakes; patience is key to achieving excellence.
Cada macaco no seu galho
Literal translation: ” Each monkey on its own branch. “
Meaning: Stick to what you know; mind your own business.
Em terra de cego, quem tem olho é rei
Literal translation: ” In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. “
Meaning: Even minimal competence can lead to superiority in certain circumstances.
Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga
Literal translation: ” God helps those who wake up early. “
Meaning: Success comes to those who work hard and start their day early.
Quem não chora, não mama
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t cry, doesn’t nurse. “
Meaning: You won’t get anything if you don’t ask for it or show your need.
Quem espera sempre alcança
Literal translation: ” He who waits always achieves. “
Meaning: Patience leads to success; good things come to those who wait.
Mais vale tarde do que nunca
Literal translation: ” Better late than never. “
Meaning: It’s better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Em casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau
Literal translation: ” In the blacksmith’s house, a wooden skewer. “
Meaning: Sometimes professionals neglect their own needs or possessions.
Quem não tem dinheiro, não tem vícios
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have money, doesn’t have vices. “
Meaning: Lack of resources prevents indulgence in luxuries or bad habits.
Quem tudo quer, tudo perde
Literal translation: ” He who wants everything, loses everything. “
Meaning: Being greedy or overly ambitious can lead to loss or failure.
A ocasião faz o ladrão
Literal translation: ” The occasion makes the thief. “
Meaning: Opportunities or circumstances can tempt people to do wrong.
O seguro morreu de velho
Literal translation: ” The sure one died of old age. “
Meaning: It’s better to be safe than sorry; take precautions.
Quem não tem cão, caça com a gata
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have a dog, hunts with the female cat. “
Meaning: Adapt to the situation; make the best out of what you have.
Quem não tem cão, caça como gato
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have a dog, hunts like a cat. “
Meaning: Adaptability and resourcefulness in finding solutions.
Casa de ferreiro, espeto de pau
Literal translation: ” Blacksmith’s house, wooden skewer. “
Meaning: Professionals sometimes neglect their own work or possessions.
O amor é cego, mas os vizinhos não
Literal translation: ” Love is blind, but the neighbors aren’t. “
Meaning: Others can see the flaws in a relationship that the people involved might overlook.
Quem não arrisca, não petisca
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t risk, doesn’t snack. “
Meaning: No risk, no reward; sometimes you have to take chances to succeed.
Quem não tem dinheiro, não tem vícios
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have money, doesn’t have vices. “
Meaning: Lack of resources prevents indulgence in luxuries or bad habits.
” A galinha do vizinho é sempre melhor que a minha . “
Literal translation: ” The neighbor’s chicken is always better than mine. “
Meaning: People often think others have it better than them.
De pequenino é que se torce o pepino
Literal translation: ” It’s when it’s small that the cucumber is twisted. “
Meaning: Education and habits formed in youth have a lasting impact.
Quem não tem cão, caça com gato
Literal translation: ” He who doesn’t have a dog, hunts with a cat. “
Meaning: Make do with what you have; find alternative solutions.
Cada macaco no seu galho
Literal translation: ” Each monkey on its own branch. “
Meaning: Stick to what you know; mind your own business.
Em terra de cego, quem tem olho é rei
Literal translation: ” In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. “
Meaning: Even minimal competence can lead to superiority in certain circumstances.
Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura
Literal translation: ” Soft water on hard rock, beats until it pierces. “
Meaning: Persistence overcomes resistance; consistent effort can achieve anything.
Deus ajuda quem cedo madruga
Literal translation: ” God helps those who wake up early. “
Meaning: Success comes to those who work hard and start their day early.
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