Some Portuguese expressions make me smile, some remind me of people and places, and others, like não me dá jeito, are simply too good not to use.
There are certain words and expressions in Portuguese that I particularly love. Not necessarily because they're unusual or difficult to translate, but because of the way they sound, the feelings they bring back, or simply because they're so much part of everyday life in Portugal.
Here are a few that have a special place in my vocabulary.
À minha beira
Literally, by my side or next to me.
I have a particular soft spot for this expression. There's something incredibly sweet about the way it sounds. It feels warmer and more personal than simply saying ao meu lado. It also brings back memories of shared moments, familiar places and people who've been close to me. One of those little expressions that feels like home.
Baza!
A very informal, colloquial way of saying leave! or get out of here!
You'll hear this one quite often in everyday Portuguese. It's short, direct and full of personality. You might hear someone say Baza daqui! when telling someone to get out of a place, or simply Baza! when they want someone to leave. It's definitely not the most polite way of asking someone to go, but that's part of its charm!
Anda lá!
One of my favourites, partly because I love the sound of it.
It can mean come on!, go on! or please! depending on the situation and the tone of voice. You can use it to encourage someone, convince a friend to do something or gently push someone along. It's one of those expressions that can say so much with just two little words.
Não me chateies
Quite literally, don't annoy me or don't bother me.
I like using this one every now and then, especially when I'm in the mood to be left alone. It's a very natural, everyday expression, and depending on how you say it, it can sound genuinely annoyed or completely playful. Sometimes you just need a little space, and this is a perfectly Portuguese way of saying so.
Não me dá jeito
One of those expressions I don't think about much because I use it so naturally.
It roughly translates as it's not convenient for me or it doesn't work for me. You can use it when a time doesn't suit you, when making plans is difficult or when something simply isn't practical. For example, Amanhã não me dá jeito means Tomorrow doesn't work for me.
I love how useful this expression is. It's one of those little phrases that will make your Portuguese sound much more natural.
These are just a few of the expressions I find myself using all the time. Some make me smile, some remind me of people and places, and others are simply too good not to use.