Bedeutung
To speak directly and frankly, without hesitation or holding back.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, being too direct can sometimes be seen as 'grosseria' (rudeness). Brazilians often use 'diminutivos' (like 'chatinho') to soften the blow. Someone who 'não tem papas na língua' is someone who refuses to use these social cushions. In Portugal, the phrase is equally common but can sometimes be replaced by 'não ter pelos na língua.' The Portuguese tend to value a certain level of formal distance, so this phrase is a strong way to describe someone breaking that distance. In Angolan Portuguese, idioms often blend with local languages (like Kimbundu), but 'não ter papas na língua' remains a standard expression in urban centers like Luanda to describe bold speakers. On the internet, 'sem papas na língua' is often used as a hashtag (#SemPapasNaLingua) for tell-all videos or controversial opinion threads.
Use it for kids
This is the perfect phrase to describe children who say embarrassing things in public. It makes the situation sound more humorous and less rude.
Don't use it for lying
This idiom is only for people who tell the truth. If someone talks a lot but lies, they don't 'lack papas,' they are just 'mentirosos'.
Bedeutung
To speak directly and frankly, without hesitation or holding back.
Use it for kids
This is the perfect phrase to describe children who say embarrassing things in public. It makes the situation sound more humorous and less rude.
Don't use it for lying
This idiom is only for people who tell the truth. If someone talks a lot but lies, they don't 'lack papas,' they are just 'mentirosos'.
The 'Sem' variation
You can use 'Sem papas na língua' as an adjective. Example: 'Ele é um homem sem papas na língua.' This is very common in journalism.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'ter'.
Eu sou muito sincero, eu não _______ papas na língua.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'ter' must be conjugated as 'tenho'.
What does 'Não ter papas na língua' mean?
Se o Pedro não tem papas na língua, ele...
The idiom refers to blunt honesty, not food or speech impediments.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
Marta: 'O que você achou do meu novo namorado?' Ana: 'Sinceramente? Ele é muito chato.' Marta: 'Nossa, Ana! Você...'
Ana was very blunt, which is the perfect context for this idiom.
Match the person to the description.
Quem 'não tem papas na língua'?
Children are famous for not having 'papas na língua' because they are naturally honest.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Honesty Spectrum
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEu sou muito sincero, eu não _______ papas na língua.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'ter' must be conjugated as 'tenho'.
Se o Pedro não tem papas na língua, ele...
The idiom refers to blunt honesty, not food or speech impediments.
Marta: 'O que você achou do meu novo namorado?' Ana: 'Sinceramente? Ele é muito chato.' Marta: 'Nossa, Ana! Você...'
Ana was very blunt, which is the perfect context for this idiom.
Quem 'não tem papas na língua'?
Children are famous for not having 'papas na língua' because they are naturally honest.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenNo. While 'Papa' means Pope, 'papas' in this context means porridge or mash. It's a common false friend for learners.
It's a bit too informal for a standard business email. Use 'franqueza' or 'objetividade' instead.
Not at all! It can be a compliment for someone who is brave enough to speak the truth when others are silent.
The closest opposite is 'medir as palavras' (to measure one's words) or 'ter papas na língua' (though the latter is rarely used).
No, the phrase 'papas na língua' stays the same. Only the verb 'ter' changes based on the subject.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Falar na lata
synonymTo speak directly and immediately.
Mandar a real
similarTo tell the truth about a situation.
Falar pelos cotovelos
contrastTo talk too much (chatterbox).
Medir as palavras
contrastTo choose words carefully.
