En 15 segundos
- Used for projects or processes gaining momentum.
- Common in work, bureaucracy, and personal goals.
- Describes a state of moving forward effectively.
- Relates to the rhythm or 'walking' of a task.
Significado
Esta frase describe una situación o proyecto que finalmente avanza después de estar estancado. Sugiere alivio y la sensación de que las cosas realmente están sucediendo.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 11In a corporate meeting
Precisamos que este projeto tenha andamento ainda esta semana.
We need this project to progress/get moving still this week.
Texting a friend about a renovation
Finalmente a obra começou a ter andamento!
Finally the construction started to progress!
At a government office
O meu processo de visto já tem andamento?
Is my visa process already moving forward?
Contexto cultural
The phrase 'ter andamento' is deeply rooted in the Luso-Brazilian relationship with bureaucracy. Historically, both Portugal and Brazil have been known for complex administrative processes where things often get 'stuck' in drawers. Consequently, a phrase that specifically describes the act of a process 'gaining legs' or 'having movement' became a vital part of the linguistic toolkit to describe success in navigating these systems. It reflects a cultural value of persistence and the relief found when the 'system' finally works.
The 'Manager' Trick
If you want to sound competent at work, say 'Vou dar andamento a isso.' It sounds much more professional than 'Vou fazer isso.'
Avoid Physicality
Never use 'ter andamento' for people walking down the street unless they are slow and you're complaining about them as a 'stuck project'.
En 15 segundos
- Used for projects or processes gaining momentum.
- Common in work, bureaucracy, and personal goals.
- Describes a state of moving forward effectively.
- Relates to the rhythm or 'walking' of a task.
What It Means
Imagine you are waiting for a package. You check the tracking app every hour. For three days, it says 'Processing.' Then, suddenly, it says 'In Transit.' That moment of relief? That is when the delivery starts to ter andamento. This phrase is all about momentum. It is not just about starting something. It is about the thing actually functioning and moving toward a goal. Native speakers use it when a process finally has 'legs.' It feels like the difference between a car idling and a car actually driving down the highway. There is a specific energy here. It implies that obstacles are being cleared. The gears of the machine are finally catching.
How To Use It
You will mostly use ter andamento with nouns that represent processes. Think of things like 'projects,' 'processes,' 'works,' or 'requests.' In Portuguese, you would say O projeto precisa de ter andamento. This means the project needs to get moving. It is very common in professional settings. You might hear it in a Zoom meeting when a boss is frustrated. They want to see results, not just plans. You can also use it for your personal life. Maybe your home renovation has been stuck for months. You tell your friend, Finalmente a obra está a ter andamento. You are saying the workers are finally showing up and building things. It is a very satisfying phrase to say because it represents action. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'loading' bar finally reaching 50% after being stuck at 1%.
Real-Life Examples
Let’s look at a common scenario: bureaucracy. We all love paperwork, right? If you are applying for a visa, you might call the embassy. You ask if your request está a ter andamento. You are checking if anyone is actually looking at your papers. Another example is in tech. A developer might say their code fix is ter andamento after a long night of debugging. On social media, you might see a YouTuber post an update about their new studio. They might caption it: 'As coisas estão a ter andamento por aqui!' This tells their followers that the project is alive and well. It is also used in sports. A team might not be winning, but if they are playing better, the commentator says the game is starting to ter andamento. It is about the flow of the activity.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to sound proactive. It is perfect for work emails. If you want to tell your manager that a task is moving along, this is your go-to. It is also great for checking in on people. 'How is that book you are writing?' 'Is it ter andamento?' It shows you care about the progress, not just the start date. Use it when there was a delay. If a project was paused due to a holiday, use ter andamento to describe the restart. It carries a vibe of 'back to business.' It is neutral enough for a bank but warm enough for a chat with your cousin. Think of it as the 'professional' version of saying 'it's happening.'
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical movement of a person walking. If your friend is walking fast, do not say they tem andamento. That sounds like they are a project, which is weird. Unless they are a robot. Are they a robot? Probably not. Also, avoid it for simple, one-step actions. You do not say 'Opening this door is ter andamento.' It is for ongoing processes. Do not use it for things that move randomly. A leaf blowing in the wind does not ter andamento. It needs a purpose or a structure. It is also a bit too 'heavy' for very minor things. You wouldn't usually say 'My breakfast is ter andamento.' Unless you are cooking a 12-course meal. In that case, invite me over.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to translate 'making progress' directly. They might say fazer progresso. While not strictly 'wrong,' it sounds a bit like a textbook. Native speakers prefer ter andamento for the 'vibe' of moving forward.
- ✗ Eu quero fazer andamento no trabalho → ✓ Eu quero que o trabalho tenha andamento
- ✗ O carro tem muito andamento → ✓ O carro está a andar bem (Unless you mean the car's 'pace' in a racing context, but that's advanced).
Another mistake is using dar andamento and ter andamento interchangeably. Dar is to GIVE (the action you take). Ter is to HAVE (the state of the project). If you are the boss, you dá andamento. If you are the observer, the project tem andamento.
Similar Expressions
You have a few options if you want to mix it up. Ir para a frente (to go to the front) is a very common synonym. It is slightly more informal. You might say O namoro não foi para a frente. (The relationship didn't move forward). Another one is deslanchar. This is like 'taking off' or 'launching.' Use deslanchar when things go from slow to super fast. It is like the 'nitro' version of ter andamento. There is also andar. Simply saying Isso não anda! (That isn't moving!) is a very common way to complain about slow bureaucracy. It is punchy and effective.
Common Variations
You will often see the noun form andamento on its own. In music, andamento means the tempo. So if someone says 'Keep the andamento,' they mean keep the rhythm. You also have dar andamento. This is the active version. 'I will dar andamento to your request' means 'I will process your request.' In Brazil, you might hear tocar o barco (steer the boat). It means to keep things moving forward despite difficulties. In Portugal, estar em andamento is very common for 'being in progress.' It is like the status update on an app.
Memory Trick
Think of the word 'Android.' What does an Android do? It walks (andar). 'Andamento' is the 'walking-ness' of a project. If a project has andamento, it is like a little robot walking toward the finish line. No walking? No andamento. Just a sad, stationary robot. Also, think of the 'A' in andamento standing for 'Action.' No Action, no andamento.
Quick FAQ
Is it more common in Brazil or Portugal? It is used in both! However, it feels very 'bureaucratic' in Portugal, while in Brazil it can feel a bit more dynamic. Is it formal? It is neutral-to-formal. You can use it with your boss or your friend without looking out of place. Can I use it for relationships? Yes! If a relationship is ter andamento, it means you are moving from 'just friends' to something more serious. Maybe meeting the parents? That is definitely ter andamento. Just don't tell your partner they are a 'project'—that never ends well.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile, sitting comfortably between formal and informal registers. Be careful not to use 'fazer' (to do) as it's a direct translation error from English; always stick with 'ter' (to have) or 'dar' (to give).
The 'Manager' Trick
If you want to sound competent at work, say 'Vou dar andamento a isso.' It sounds much more professional than 'Vou fazer isso.'
Avoid Physicality
Never use 'ter andamento' for people walking down the street unless they are slow and you're complaining about them as a 'stuck project'.
The Bureaucracy Secret
In Portuguese-speaking countries, asking if something 'tem andamento' is a polite but firm way to ask a clerk if they are actually working on your request.
Musical Connection
Remember that 'andamento' also means 'tempo' in music. Progress is just like keeping a good beat.
Ejemplos
11Precisamos que este projeto tenha andamento ainda esta semana.
We need this project to progress/get moving still this week.
Used to express urgency and the need for action.
Finalmente a obra começou a ter andamento!
Finally the construction started to progress!
Expresses relief that a long process is moving.
O meu processo de visto já tem andamento?
Is my visa process already moving forward?
Checking the status of a bureaucratic request.
O treino está a ter andamento e os resultados aparecem! 💪
The training is progressing and the results are showing!
Using the phrase for personal development goals.
Acho que o nosso namoro não está a ter o andamento que eu esperava.
I think our relationship isn't progressing the way I expected.
Metaphorical use for emotional or social connections.
Com o João na equipa, nada parece ter andamento.
With João on the team, nothing seems to move forward.
A slightly humorous but frustrated observation.
A organização da viagem está a ter andamento no grupo?
Is the trip organization moving along in the group chat?
Checking if plans are actually being made.
A nossa startup está finalmente a ter andamento no mercado internacional.
Our startup is finally gaining momentum in the international market.
Professional context describing growth.
✗ Eu fiz andamento no meu livro hoje → ✓ O meu livro teve andamento hoje.
✗ I made progress in my book today → ✓ My book progressed today.
You don't 'make' (fazer) andamento; the thing 'has' (ter) it.
✗ Estou a ter andamento para a loja → ✓ Estou a ir para a loja.
✗ I am having progress to the store → ✓ I am going to the store.
Don't use it for physical walking to a destination.
Vou dar andamento ao seu pedido de empréstimo agora mesmo.
I will process/move forward your loan request right now.
Using 'dar andamento' as the active version.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ter'.
We use the verb 'ter' (to have) with 'andamento' to describe the state of a process moving forward.
Choose the correct phrase for: 'The project is moving forward.'
'Ter andamento' is the standard collocation for progressing.
Find and fix the error
You don't 'do' progress in this context; the project 'has' progress/pace.
Translate this sentence
'Finalmente' means finally, and 'ter andamento' covers the 'progressing' aspect.
Fill in the blank.
In this context, 'dar andamento' is the active version meaning 'to process' or 'to push forward'.
Put the words in correct order
The subject comes first, then the negative 'não', then the verb and the noun.
Which sentence is most natural for a boss checking on a task?
'Andamento' is the most idiomatic way to ask about the current pace/status of a work task.
Match phrases with meanings
Understanding the difference between the state (ter) and the action (dar) is key at this level.
Find and fix the error
While 'andamento' relates to pace, 'desempenho' (performance) is more natural for a car's capability unless specifically discussing a race rhythm.
Translate this sentence
'Dar andamento' is the standard professional way to say you will process a request.
Fill in the blank.
The subjunctive 'tenha' is required after 'É fundamental que'.
Choose the best synonym for 'A situação finalmente deslanchou'.
'Deslanchar' and 'ter andamento' both describe things moving forward after being stuck.
🎉 Puntuación: /12
Ayudas visuales
Progressing through Language Formality
Talking to friends about plans.
Isso está a andar?
Standard way to discuss projects.
O projeto tem andamento.
Official requests and emails.
Dar andamento ao processo.
When to use 'Ter Andamento'
Bureaucracy
Is my visa moving?
Construction
Are the walls up yet?
Relationships
Is it getting serious?
Work Projects
Are we hitting deadlines?
Personal Goals
Am I losing weight?
Progress Verbs Compared
Common Collocations
Verbs with 'andamento'
- • dar andamento
- • ter andamento
- • estar em andamento
Nouns with 'andamento'
- • projeto
- • processo
- • obra
Banco de ejercicios
12 ejerciciosA minha aplicação para o emprego já ___ andamento.
We use the verb 'ter' (to have) with 'andamento' to describe the state of a process moving forward.
'Ter andamento' is the standard collocation for progressing.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
A obra está a fazer andamento.
You don't 'do' progress in this context; the project 'has' progress/pace.
Finally, the work is progressing!
Pistas: Finalmente, ter andamento
'Finalmente' means finally, and 'ter andamento' covers the 'progressing' aspect.
Se não ___ andamento a este processo, vamos perder o prazo.
In this context, 'dar andamento' is the active version meaning 'to process' or 'to push forward'.
Ordena las palabras en el orden correcto:
Haz clic en las palabras de arriba para construir la oracion
The subject comes first, then the negative 'não', then the verb and the noun.
'Andamento' is the most idiomatic way to ask about the current pace/status of a work task.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Understanding the difference between the state (ter) and the action (dar) is key at this level.
Encuentra y corrige el error:
O meu carro tem muito andamento na autoestrada.
While 'andamento' relates to pace, 'desempenho' (performance) is more natural for a car's capability unless specifically discussing a race rhythm.
I will give this request further processing as soon as possible.
Pistas: dar andamento, pedido, assim que possível
'Dar andamento' is the standard professional way to say you will process a request.
É fundamental que a investigação ___ andamento para apurar os factos.
The subjunctive 'tenha' is required after 'É fundamental que'.
'Deslanchar' and 'ter andamento' both describe things moving forward after being stuck.
🎉 Puntuación: /12
Tutoriales en video
Encuentra tutoriales en video sobre esta expresión en YouTube.
Preguntas frecuentes
20 preguntasNot exactly, although they are close. 'Progredir' is more formal and academic, while 'ter andamento' is what you use when discussing everyday projects or bureaucratic processes that finally start to move. You use it when something was stuck but is now flowing again.
No, that is a very common mistake for English speakers because of the phrase 'making progress.' In Portuguese, andamento is something a project 'has' (ter) or something you 'give' (dar) to it. You would almost never hear a native speaker say 'fazer andamento.'
Use 'dar andamento' when you are the one taking the action to make something move forward. For example, a lawyer will 'dar andamento' to a case. If you are just observing that the case is moving, you would say the case 'tem andamento.'
Yes, it is very common in Brazil, especially in professional and legal settings. However, in casual Brazilian speech, people might also use 'o negócio está andando' (the thing is walking) to mean the same thing. 'Ter andamento' remains a solid, neutral choice for all contexts.
Definitely! You can tell your teacher, 'O meu estudo de português finalmente está a ter andamento.' It shows that you feel you are gaining momentum and actually getting somewhere with the language, rather than just repeating the same basic verbs every day.
This is a very common variation that means 'in progress.' You will see it on tracking apps or official documents. If a task 'está em andamento,' it means someone is currently working on it right now. It is more of a status than a description of speed.
Yes, it comes from the verb 'andar' (to walk). So, literally, 'ter andamento' means to have 'walk-ability' or a pace. It helps to visualize your project as a person walking toward a goal; if it's sitting on the ground, it has no 'andamento.'
Yes, in a musical context, 'andamento' refers to the tempo or speed of a piece. If a conductor asks for more 'andamento,' they want the musicians to play faster or with more energy. This reflects the 'momentum' meaning we use in everyday life.
You can use it to talk about the 'pace' of a relationship. If things are moving too fast, you might say 'Isto tem muito andamento!' If things are stuck, you say 'O nosso namoro não tem andamento.' It is a bit cheeky and metaphorsical.
Yes, 'ter andamento' is more formal than simply using the verb 'andar.' If you say 'Isso não anda,' it sounds like a complaint to a friend. If you say 'Isso não tem andamento,' it sounds like a professional assessment of a situation.
Absolutely! In fact, construction (obras) is one of the most common places to use this phrase. Because home renovations are notoriously slow in many places, saying 'A obra tem andamento' is a cause for celebration among neighbors and family.
Yes, simply add 'sem' or 'não' to say something is stuck. 'Um projeto sem andamento' is a project that is going nowhere. It is a common way to describe a frustrating situation where no progress is being made despite efforts.
'Velocidade' is strictly speed (how many km/h). 'Andamento' is about the flow, the rhythm, and the fact that something is actually happening. A car can have 'velocidade' but a project has 'andamento.' You wouldn't say a project has 'velocidade' unless it's moving very, very fast.
Yes, commentators use it to describe the flow of a game. If a football match is boring and slow, they might say the game has no 'andamento.' When the teams start attacking more, the 'andamento' increases. It is about the excitement and movement of the play.
Sure! If you are on a diet and the scale is finally moving down, you can say 'A minha dieta está a ter andamento.' It implies that the system you are using is finally producing the results you wanted to see for a long time.
In some technical contexts in Portugal, 'andamento' can refer to the 'gear' or the way a car is running. However, for everyday drivers, it's more about the overall pace of the journey. It is better to use 'marcha' for the specific mechanical gears of a vehicle.
You would say 'Finalmente tem andamento!' This is a very natural way to express that something that was delayed is now progressing. It is short, punchy, and uses the collocation exactly as a native speaker would in a moment of relief.
Yes, in a more literal sense, it can describe how a person or an animal walks. For example, a horse with a 'bom andamento' has a steady, rhythmic walk. This is the origin of the metaphorical usage for projects and tasks moving forward.
Yes, it is excellent for job interviews. You can talk about how you 'deram andamento' to a difficult project at your last job. It makes you sound like an action-oriented person who knows how to get things done and overcome obstacles.
The most common mistake is using 'ter' when you should use 'dar' or vice versa. Remember: 'ter' is for the project (it HAS progress), and 'dar' is for the person (you GIVE progress). Getting these mixed up is a classic sign of a learner.
Frases relacionadas
dar andamento
related topicto process / to push forward
This is the active version where a person takes action to move a project along.
ir para a frente
synonymto move forward
A more informal way to say a project or relationship is progressing.
estar em andamento
related topicto be in progress
Describes the status of a task that is currently being worked on.
deslanchar
synonymto take off / to succeed quickly
Used when progress goes from zero to a hundred very rapidly.
ficar parado
antonymto be stuck / stopped
The direct opposite of having progress; it describes a stagnant situation.
pôr em marcha
related topicto set in motion
The action of starting the 'andamento' in the first place.
