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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Business Letters

Business Letters

 

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Pedido de referências De um parceiro de negócios	Request for references From a business partner
Prezados Senhores, Agradecemos o pedido apresentado à nossa empresa. Como ainda não mantivemos negócios com sua empresa, solicitamos respeitosamente que nos indiquem suas referências. Contamos com sua compreensão de nosso pedido. Atenciosamente	Dear Sir or Madam, Thank you for the order you have placed with us. As we have had no business dealings with you to date we would respectfully request you to supply us with references. We trust you will appreciate that we must make this request.    Yours faithfully

Expression of the week

Job Search

Here’s the list of important vocabulary and sentences regarding the busca por emprego (job search)!

Estou me candidatando para uma vaga de emprego.	I’m applying for a job.
Vou fazer uma entrevista.	I’m going to do an interview.
Carta de apresentação	Cover letters
Currículo	Resume
Cargo	Position

Here, there is a video in Brazilian about some guidelines to do a better job interview.

Dicas para entrevista de emprego

Expression of the week…

Ficar...

Está ficando escuro.	It’s getting dark.
Ficamos cansados ontem.	We got tired yesterday.
Estou ficando confuso, estou fazendo confusão.	I’m getting confused.
Estou ficando acostumado a trabalhar muito.	I’m getting accustomed /used to working hard.

Music

Fado (Portuguese: destiny, fate) is a music genre which can be traced to the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. In popular belief, fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure. The music is usually linked to the Portuguese word saudade which symbolizes the feeling of loss (a permanent, irreparable loss and its consequent life lasting damage).


This is the video with sub titles in English of Mariza (Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐˈɾizɐ]) is the stage name of a popular fado singer. She was born on 16 December 1973 in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique. At the time, Mozambique was known as the Portuguese Colony Overseas Province of Mozambique.

Brazil

Understanding the diversity of Brazilian society and the unique values and attitudes of

their citizens will help you develop better relationships and do business more successfully with your Brazilian colleagues.

Family – Brazil is a collectivist society which places family at the centre of its social structure. Families in Brazil tend to be large and close-knit, providing members security and connections. The importance of family is also evident in Brazilian business culture where often family members will often be found working for the same company, either family owned or otherwise.

Relationships – Similar to the importance placed on family, Brazilians depend heavily on relationships with others. It is essential therefore to spend the time getting to know your Brazilian counterparts, both personally and professionally. Knowing the right people will also help minimize any frustrations you might experience doing business in Brazil.

Time – Time in Brazil is approached in a very relaxed and flexible manner. Punctuality and precise plans are not common. Brazilians tend to live life at a slower pace, and this carries over into business which can result in negotiations taking much longer than you are used to. Meetings are also often delayed or cancelled without any prior warning.

Expression of the week

A menos que... unless

Ex: A menos que você conheça bem esta rua!