§ Understanding "Tomara"
The Portuguese word “Tomara” is an interjection. You use it to express hope or a strong desire for something to happen. Think of it like saying “I wish!” or “If only!” in English. It often implies a bit of uncertainty about whether the wish will actually come true, but you’re really hoping it does.
- DEFINITION
- I wish!; expressing hope or desire for something to happen.
Tomara que chova amanhã! (I wish it would rain tomorrow!)
Tomara que ele venha à festa. (I hope he comes to the party.)
§ Similar Words and When to Use "Tomara"
While "Tomara" is pretty straightforward, you might encounter other ways to express hope or desire in Portuguese. Here's how it compares:
- Espero que... (I hope that...): This is a more direct and slightly less emotional way to express hope. It's often used when you have a reasonable expectation for something to happen, or when you are simply stating a hope without as much intensity as "Tomara."
Espero que você tenha um bom dia. (I hope you have a good day.)
You could use "Tomara" here, but "Espero que" feels a bit more neutral and common for everyday pleasantries.
- Oxalá! (If only!, Would that!): This is very similar to "Tomara" in meaning and usage. Both convey a strong wish or desire. "Oxalá" is derived from Arabic and has a slightly more archaic or literary feel, though it's still used. "Tomara" is generally more common in everyday spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Oxalá encontrássemos uma solução. (If only we could find a solution.)
In many situations, you can use "Tomara" and "Oxalá" interchangeably. However, if you want to sound more natural in casual conversation, "Tomara" is often your best bet.
- Quem me dera! (If only I could!, I wish I had!): This phrase specifically expresses a wish about something you personally desire or wish you had done/could do. It's about a personal longing or regret.
Quem me dera ser rico! (I wish I were rich!)
You wouldn't use "Tomara" in this exact context because "Quem me dera" is more focused on a personal, often wistful, desire for something to be different for the speaker.
When to choose "Tomara": Use "Tomara" when you want to express a heartfelt wish or hope, especially when there's a bit of uncertainty, and you're really putting that good energy out there. It's a versatile word for wishing for good outcomes, big or small, for yourself or for others.
Comprei um bilhete de loteria. Tomara que eu ganhe! (I bought a lottery ticket. I hope I win!)
O exame é amanhã, tomara que eu passe. (The exam is tomorrow, I hope I pass.)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Tomara que o sol brilhe amanhã para podermos ir à praia.
I wish the sun shines tomorrow so we can go to the beach.
Tomara que eles cheguem a tempo para o jantar.
I hope they arrive on time for dinner.
Tomara que você consiga o emprego dos seus sonhos!
I wish you get your dream job!
Tomara que não chova durante o nosso piquenique.
I hope it doesn't rain during our picnic.
Tomara que a banda toque a minha música favorita hoje à noite.
I wish the band plays my favorite song tonight.
Tomara que a viagem seja tranquila e sem atrasos.
I hope the trip is smooth and without delays.
Tomara que o time vença o campeonato este ano.
I wish the team wins the championship this year.
Tomara que a gente se encontre de novo em breve.
I hope we meet again soon.
يُخلط عادةً مع
A common expression meaning 'I hope so!' or 'Hopefully yes!'
A common expression meaning 'I hope not!' or 'Hopefully no!'
A more formal or emphatic way to express a strong wish, similar to 'would that it were' or 'if only.' 'Tomara' is generally more common in everyday speech.
سهل الخلط
'Ainda' can mean 'still' or 'yet,' which can be tricky for English speakers as these are often expressed differently in English depending on context.
Use 'ainda' for 'still' when something continues (e.g., 'Ele ainda está aqui' - He is still here). Use 'ainda' for 'yet' in negative contexts or questions about something that hasn't happened (e.g., 'Você já comeu? Ainda não.' - Have you eaten yet? Not yet.).
Ele <b>ainda</b> mora na mesma casa. (He <b>still</b> lives in the same house.) Você já terminou o trabalho? <b>Ainda</b> não. (Have you finished the work <b>yet</b>? Not <b>yet</b>.)
'Mexer' can mean 'to touch,' 'to stir,' 'to move,' or 'to bother,' leading to confusion about its specific application.
'Mexer' is generally about causing something to move or change its state. 'Não mexa nisso' means 'Don't touch/mess with that.' 'Mexer o café' means 'to stir the coffee.'
Não <b>mexa</b> nas minhas coisas. (Don't <b>touch/mess with</b> my things.) Por favor, <b>mexa</b> o açúcar no meu café. (Please <b>stir</b> the sugar in my coffee.)
'Logo' can mean 'soon,' 'then,' 'therefore,' or 'as soon as,' which are distinct meanings in English.
The meaning depends heavily on context. 'Logo' by itself often means 'soon.' 'E logo' can mean 'and then.' 'Logo, ...' at the start of a sentence often means 'therefore.' 'Assim que logo' means 'as soon as.'
Chego <b>logo</b>. (I'll arrive <b>soon</b>.) Estudou muito, <b>logo</b> passou no exame. (He studied a lot, <b>therefore</b> he passed the exam.)
'Custar' can mean 'to cost' (money) but also 'to be difficult' or 'to take time,' which can be confusing.
When referring to money, it's straightforward: 'Quanto custa?' (How much does it cost?). When referring to difficulty, it often uses an indirect object: 'Custou-me a entender' (It was difficult for me to understand / It took me time to understand).
Quanto <b>custa</b> este carro? (How much does this car <b>cost</b>?) <b>Custou-me</b> muito aprender português. (It <b>was very difficult for me / it took me a lot of effort</b> to learn Portuguese.)
'Porém' means 'however' or 'but,' and English speakers might confuse it with other conjunctions like 'mas' (but) or 'contudo' (however).
While 'porém' and 'mas' can both translate to 'but,' 'porém' is often slightly more formal and can introduce a stronger contrast than 'mas.' 'Contudo' is a very close synonym to 'porém.'
Ele queria ir à festa, <b>porém</b> estava muito cansado. (He wanted to go to the party, <b>however/but</b> he was very tired.)
اختبر نفسك 6 أسئلة
Choose the best translation for 'Tomara que chova amanhã!'
'Tomara' expresses hope or desire, so the correct option translates this meaning.
If someone says 'Tomara que você goste!', what are they wishing for?
The phrase 'tomara que você goste' means 'I hope you like it'.
Which of these sentences uses 'Tomara' correctly to express a strong desire?
'Tomara' as an interjection means 'I wish' or 'I hope', expressing a desire. The other options use 'tomar' as a verb.
'Tomara' can be used to express a wish for something good to happen.
Yes, 'Tomara' is used precisely for this purpose: to express hope or a strong wish for something desirable.
The word 'Tomara' is usually followed by a verb in the past tense.
No, 'Tomara' is typically followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood, expressing a wish or possibility, not a past action. For example, 'Tomara que chova' (I hope it rains).
If you hear 'Tomara que dê certo!', it means someone is worried it won't work out.
No, 'Tomara que dê certo!' means 'I hope it works out!' or 'Let's hope it works out!', expressing a desire for a positive outcome, not worry.
/ 6 correct
Perfect score!
مثال
Tomara que chova amanhã!
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
