Expression of the week

There’s a number of ways to say “hopefully” in Portuguese. Let’s take a look at the various expressions and learn how!

Hopefully

1.    Oxalá 2.    Tomara 3.    Se Deus quiser

1. Oxalá

If you know Spanish or Arabic, this word will look familiar to you, and with good reason. It comes from the same meaning (in sa alla in Arabic, ojalá in Spanish), which means hopefully. In Portuguese, it’s commonly associated with a God of Candomble but the use of the word as “hopefully” has its roots in medieval Europe. It’s not used very widely in Brazil, but is used in Portugal, and is a good one to know.

Oxalá  tudo corra bem!	Hopefully everything will go well!
Oxalá amanhã chova!	Hopefully tomorrow it will rain!

2. Tomara

This also means hopefully, and is more commonly used throughout Brazil.

Tomara que não chova amanhã.	Hopefully it won’t rain tomorrow.
Tomara que a casa fique pronta  brevemente.	Hopefully the house will be finished soon.

3. Se Deus quiser

This also means hopefully, and literally it means “if God wishes.”

Se Deus quiser,irei comprar um carro.	Hopefully, I’m going to buy a car someday.
Se Deus quiser, vou ficar mellhor rapidamente.	Hopefully, I’m going to get well soon.

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