There is something poetic about the Portuguese language. Perhaps it is the way that the words flow together, or the way that they can express emotions and ideas in a way that is both beautiful and concise. Whatever it is, there is no doubt that Portuguese proverbs are wise words worth taking to heart.

In this article, we will explore some of our favorite Portuguese proverbs and discuss what they mean in English. But before we get knees and elbows into all of that work, let us talk about where and how you can learn these wise sayings. 

italki is an online language tool that enables users all over the world to comfortably learn Portuguese as well as other languages. It is a technology hub that thrives on its ability to offer its users a vast array of qualified Portuguese teachers to choose from. 

When learning any language, the goal is to be able to properly articulate oneself in said language, italki makes this possible. Using advanced teaching techniques, italki has been able to stay one of the most effective language tools for learning Portuguese. 

italki has an active community where students, professors, and Portuguese natives get to connect via means of interactive sessions. These interactive sessions serve the purpose of creating a safe space for students and a means for them to immerse themselves in the Portuguese culture. 

italki is safe, reliable, affordable and resources and it remains one of the best ways to learn Portuguese. The italki services can be accessed via their official website using any browser. italki is accessible to both Android and iOS devices. 

Pros of using italki

  • italki is a safe space for growth. It offers unrestricted access to quality Portuguese learning material. 
  • It also offers its students an array of qualified and experienced Portuguese teachers to choose from. 
  • The best way to learn Portuguese is by practicing. An active and interactive community has been made available as a neutral ground to ensure growth and confidence. 
  • italki is accessible to both Android and iOS devices. 
  • It is affordable and depending on your budget you can get connected instantly with a Portuguese tutor once you get registered on italki. 
  • Students can easily channel their challenges to their Portuguese teacher or tutor and immediate actions will be taken. Progress is also very easily tracked on italki. 

Some great Portuguese sayings and what they mean

Every culture has a wise saying, words, or phrases aimed at making an impact or simply guiding a generation. In the following parts of this article, we will be talking about a few Portuguese sayings:

  1. Origem: “A fonte seca não espera pelo cavaleiro.”

This proverb originates from the north of Portugal and is used to describe someone who is not patient. In other words, if you want something, you cannot wait around for someone else to do it for you. You have to take action and go after what you want.

Meaning in English: “The dry fountain does not wait for the knight.”

  1. “A imagem vale mais que mil palavras.”

This proverb is one that we are sure you have heard before, as it is quite popular in both Portuguese and English. It means that a picture is worth a thousand words. This is often used to describe how a single image can say more than a long explanation.

Meaning in English: “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

  1. “Cada um dá o que tem.”

This proverb is a simple one that means that everyone gives what they have to give. It is often used as a response to someone who has given something less than what was expected. In other words, if someone cannot give more, there is no use complaining. Everyone does the best they can with what they have.

Meaning in English: “Everyone gives what they have.

  1. “Não há mal que sempre dure nem bem que nunca acabe.”

This proverb is a reminder that nothing lasts forever, both good and bad. It is often used as a way to comfort someone who is going through a tough time, as it reminds them that this too shall pass. On the other hand, it can also be used as a warning to enjoy the good times while they last.

Meaning in English: “There is no evil that always lasts nor good that never ends.”

  1. “O tempo é o melhor médico.”

This proverb is another one that you have likely heard before. It means that time heals all wounds. This is a saying that people often use when comforting someone who is going through a tough time. It reassures them that eventually, they will feel better.

Meaning in English: “Time is the best doctor.”

  1. “A esperança é a última que morre.”

This proverb means that hope is the last thing to die. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to keep going, even when things are tough. This saying reminds us that as long as we have hope, anything is possible.

Meaning in English: “Hope is the last thing to die.”

  1. “A vida é feita de escolhas.”

This proverb is a reminder that life is made up of choices. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to make the best choice, as every decision we make has an impact on our lives. This saying reminds us that we are in control of our own destiny.

Meaning in English: “Life is made up of choices.”

  1. “Antes só do que mal acompanhado.”

This proverb means that it is better to be alone than in bad company. It is often used as a warning to stay away from people who are not good for us, as they will only bring us down. This saying reminds us that it is better to be alone than surrounded by people who are not good for us.

Meaning in English: “Better to be alone than in bad company.”

  1. “Aos poucos se anda longe.”

This proverb means that it is possible to go far if you take it one step at a time. It is often used as encouragement, as it reminds us that even the longest journey begins with a single step. This saying reminds us to never give up, as we can accomplish anything if we break it down into small pieces and take it one day at a time.

Meaning in English: “One can go far by taking it one step at a time.”

  1. “Cada um é dono da sua vontade.”

This proverb means that each person is in control of their own destiny. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to make the best choice, as we are the ones who decide our own fate. This saying reminds us that we are in control of our own lives and we should make choices that will lead us down the path to success.

Meaning in English: “Each person is in control of their own destiny.”

  1. “A esperança é a última que morre.”

This proverb means that hope is the last thing to die. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to keep going, even when things are tough. This saying reminds us that as long as we have hope, anything is possible.

Meaning in English: “Hope is the last thing to die.”

  1. “A vida é feita de escolhas.”

This proverb is a reminder that life is made up of choices. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to make the best choice, as every decision we make has an impact on our lives. This saying reminds us that we are in control of our own destiny.

Meaning in English: “Life is made up of choices.”

  1. “Cada um é dono da sua vontade.”

This proverb means that each person is in control of their own destiny. It is often used as a way to encourage someone to make the best choice, as we are the ones who decide our own fate. This saying reminds us that we are in control of our own lives and we should make choices that will lead us down the path to success.

Meaning in English: “Each person is in control of their own destiny.”

  1. Aos poucos se anda longe.”

This proverb means that it is possible to go far if you take it one step at a time. It is often used as encouragement, as it reminds us that even the longest journey begins with a single step. This saying reminds us to never give up, as we can accomplish anything if we break it.

Conclusion

Every language has its perks. Being able to understand and speak ‘wise sayings’ in Portuguese is a flex. As Portuguese students, you can easily learn Portuguese online using effective online language tools. 

italki offers unrestricted access to Portuguese learning resources. On italki, students are safe. Get connected to italki today and express Portuguese sayings like a pro in no time.

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