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A1 adverb #300 más común 11 min de lectura

Depois

Top 300

At the A1 level, 'depois' is introduced as a basic building block for describing time and daily routines. Students learn to use it as a simple adverb to sequence two actions, such as 'Eu estudo e depois eu jogo' (I study and then I play). The focus is on the standalone use or the basic 'depois de' + noun construction. At this stage, learners should be able to understand 'depois' in simple instructions and use it to talk about their immediate plans. It is one of the first temporal markers taught alongside 'antes' (before) and 'agora' (now). The goal is to move beyond single-verb sentences and start creating simple narratives. Exercises at this level usually involve ordering pictures of a day's activities and using 'depois' to connect them. Learners also learn the very common 'Até depois!' (See you later!) as a standard greeting. The main challenge for A1 students is remembering the 'de' in 'depois de', but with practice, it becomes second nature. This word is essential for basic survival Portuguese, as it allows you to navigate schedules and appointments.

At the A2 level, the use of 'depois' expands to include more complex prepositional phrases and the beginning of conjunction use. Students learn to use 'depois de' followed by an infinitive verb, which is a very common and efficient way to express sequence, such as 'Depois de comer, vou caminhar' (After eating, I'll walk). They also begin to encounter 'depois que' in simple past contexts, like 'Depois que ele saiu, eu chorei' (After he left, I cried). The distinction between 'depois' (adverb) and 'depois de' (preposition) becomes a key focus. Learners are expected to use 'depois' to give more detailed directions and to describe past events in a logical order. They also learn common time expressions like 'depois de amanhã' (the day after tomorrow). At this stage, students should be comfortable using 'depois' to connect multiple sentences in a short paragraph about a trip or a past experience. The focus is on increasing the flow of speech and making descriptions more coherent and less fragmented.

At the B1 level, students master the use of 'depois que' with the future subjunctive, a hallmark of intermediate Portuguese proficiency. For example, 'Depois que você terminar o trabalho, poderemos sair' (After you finish the work, we can leave). This requires a deeper understanding of mood and tense. Learners also start to use 'depois' in more abstract or figurative ways, such as in idioms like 'deixar para depois' (to procrastinate). They begin to recognize and use synonyms like 'em seguida' and 'logo depois' to vary their language. B1 students are expected to follow more complex narratives where 'depois' might be used to introduce a plot twist or a significant change in circumstances. They also learn to use 'depois' in professional contexts, such as describing a process or a workflow. The emphasis is on accuracy in complex structures and the ability to use 'depois' to create a more sophisticated and nuanced narrative. Students at this level should also be aware of the regional differences in usage between Brazil and Portugal.

At the B2 level, 'depois' is used with high frequency and precision in both spoken and written forms. Students are expected to use it as a transition word in formal essays, often alternating it with 'após' or 'posteriormente' to maintain a high register. They understand the subtle differences in meaning and tone between these alternatives. B2 learners can use 'depois' to handle hypothetical situations and complex temporal relationships, such as 'Se tivéssemos chegado depois, teríamos perdido o trem' (If we had arrived later, we would have missed the train). They are also familiar with a wider range of idioms and cultural references involving 'depois'. At this stage, the focus is on stylistic variety and the ability to use 'depois' to structure long, coherent arguments or detailed reports. Learners should be able to identify the logical role 'depois' plays in a text, distinguishing between simple temporal sequence and logical consequence. Their use of the subjunctive after 'depois que' should be near-perfect.

At the C1 level, the learner's use of 'depois' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. They use it effortlessly in all its grammatical forms and are sensitive to its various pragmatic functions. They can use 'depois' to convey irony, emphasis, or subtle shifts in perspective. For example, using 'depois' to highlight a contradiction: 'Ele diz que é honesto, mas depois faz isso?' (He says he's honest, but then he does this?). C1 students are also familiar with literary uses of 'depois' and can appreciate its role in poetry and classic prose. They can navigate highly formal or technical documents where 'depois' might be replaced by very specific legal or academic terms. The focus at this level is on the fine-tuning of register and the ability to use 'depois' to create rhythm and flow in complex rhetorical structures. They also understand the historical evolution of the word and how it relates to other Romance languages, providing a deeper linguistic context for its use.

At the C2 level, mastery of 'depois' involves a complete command of its most obscure and archaic uses, as well as its most modern slang variations. The learner can analyze the use of 'depois' in classical Portuguese literature, such as the works of Camões or Machado de Assis, and understand how its usage has shifted over centuries. They can use 'depois' in highly sophisticated wordplay or to create specific atmospheric effects in creative writing. At this level, the learner is not just using the word; they are playing with it, using it as a tool for advanced communication and artistic expression. They can also discuss the philosophical implications of 'depois' in the context of time and existence in Lusophone thought. A C2 learner can teach the nuances of 'depois' to others, explaining the subtle differences in prosody and syntax that define its use across the entire Portuguese-speaking world. Their command is total, encompassing every possible context, from the most casual street slang to the most elevated academic discourse.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

Depois en 30 segundos

Depois means 'after' or 'later' and is used to sequence events in time.
Use 'depois de' with nouns or infinitives (e.g., depois do trabalho).
Use 'depois que' with full clauses (e.g., depois que ele sair).
It is a core A1 word essential for daily conversation and planning.

The Portuguese word depois is a fundamental temporal adverb that translates primarily to 'after', 'afterwards', or 'later' in English. It serves as a cornerstone for sequencing events in time, allowing speakers to establish a chronological order for actions, thoughts, and occurrences. In the Lusophone world, time is often perceived through these sequential markers, and 'depois' is perhaps the most frequently used tool to bridge the gap between the present moment and a subsequent one. Whether you are describing a daily routine, giving directions, or procrastinating on a task, 'depois' is the word you will reach for. It functions not just as a simple marker of time, but as a conceptual anchor for the future. When used alone, it often implies a delay or a secondary priority, as in the common phrase 'deixa para depois' (leave it for later). This cultural nuance reflects a specific approach to time management where flexibility is often valued over rigid scheduling. Understanding 'depois' requires more than just knowing its translation; it requires an appreciation for how it segments the flow of life into 'now' and 'not now'.

Temporal Sequence: Used to indicate that one event follows another in time. Example: 'Primeiro almoçamos, depois trabalhamos.'

Spatial Order: Less common but possible, referring to a position following another in a line or sequence. Example: 'A casa dele é logo depois da padaria.'

Logical Consequence: Sometimes used to show a result or a secondary importance in an argument. Example: 'Se ele não vier, depois decidimos o que fazer.'

Eu vou ao mercado agora e passo na sua casa depois.

O que aconteceu depois da festa foi um mistério.

Não deixe para depois o que você pode fazer hoje.

Logo depois do sinal, os alunos saíram da sala.

Vemo-nos depois!

The versatility of 'depois' extends into various registers of the language. In formal writing, it might be replaced by 'posteriormente' to sound more sophisticated, but in daily speech, 'depois' is king. It is also a key component in compound temporal expressions like 'depois de amanhã' (the day after tomorrow), which is a single concept in many languages but requires this construction in Portuguese. The word also carries a certain weight in philosophical or existential contexts, referring to the 'afterlife' or the consequences of one's actions. In summary, 'depois' is not just a word; it is the bridge between the immediate present and the infinite possibilities of what follows. Mastery of this word is essential for any learner aiming for fluency, as it appears in nearly every conversation involving plans, history, or simple storytelling.

Using depois correctly involves understanding its three main grammatical structures. First, as a standalone adverb, it usually appears at the end of a sentence or between two clauses to show sequence. Second, as part of a prepositional phrase 'depois de', it connects to a noun or an infinitive verb. Third, as a conjunction 'depois que', it introduces a subordinate clause with a conjugated verb. This flexibility allows for a wide range of expression. For instance, 'Eu como depois' (I eat later) is a simple adverbial use. 'Depois de comer, eu durmo' (After eating, I sleep) uses the prepositional form with an infinitive. 'Depois que eu comer, eu vou dormir' (After I eat, I will sleep) uses the conjunction with the future subjunctive, which is a common pattern in Portuguese. Each of these structures requires attention to the words that follow. One of the most common errors for English speakers is forgetting the 'de' when a noun follows. You cannot say 'depois o almoço'; it must be 'depois do almoço' (after the lunch). This small prepositional link is vital for grammatical integrity.

Standalone Adverb: Placed after the verb or at the end of the thought. Example: 'Não posso agora, talvez depois.'

Prepositional Phrase (Depois de): Used before nouns or infinitive verbs. Example: 'Depois de amanhã será feriado.'

Conjunction (Depois que): Used to link two full clauses. Example: 'Depois que você sair, feche a porta.'

Nós vamos ao cinema e depois jantamos.

Depois de ler o livro, eu entendi tudo.

Tudo mudou depois que ela se mudou.

Furthermore, 'depois' can be modified by other adverbs to specify the duration of the gap. 'Logo depois' means 'immediately after', while 'muito depois' means 'long after'. These modifiers help paint a clearer picture of the timeline. In narrative storytelling, 'depois' serves as a transition word that keeps the plot moving forward. Without it, sentences would feel disconnected and static. It is also worth noting that in European Portuguese, there is a slight preference for 'após' in more formal or written contexts, whereas in Brazil, 'depois' remains overwhelmingly dominant in almost all situations. By mastering these patterns, you will be able to describe complex sequences of events with ease and accuracy, making your Portuguese sound much more natural and fluid.

In the daily life of a Portuguese speaker, depois is ubiquitous. You will hear it at the breakfast table when discussing the day's plans: 'Depois do café, vou trabalhar.' You will hear it in the workplace during meetings: 'Vamos discutir esse ponto depois.' You will hear it in the streets when someone gives you directions: 'Vire à direita depois do semáforo.' It is a word that permeates every social interaction because it is the primary way we organize our shared reality in time. In Brazilian culture specifically, 'depois' often carries a relaxed connotation. The phrase 'depois a gente vê' (we'll see about it later) is a classic example of the 'jeitinho brasileiro', where definitive plans are sometimes avoided in favor of spontaneity. In songs, especially in Bossa Nova and Samba, 'depois' often appears in lyrics about lost love or the hope for a better future, such as 'depois de tanto tempo' (after so much time). It is a word of transition, of waiting, and of eventual resolution.

In the Kitchen: 'Lave a louça depois de jantar.' (Wash the dishes after dinner.)

At School: 'A prova será depois do intervalo.' (The test will be after the break.)

In Relationships: 'Depois de tudo o que passamos, ainda somos amigos.' (After all we've been through, we're still friends.)

A gente se fala depois, tchau!

Television soap operas (telenovelas) are another place where 'depois' is constantly used to build suspense. 'O que acontecerá depois?' (What will happen next?) is a common hook. Even in news broadcasts, journalists use 'depois' to sequence the events of a report. It is also prominent in advertising, often promising benefits 'depois do uso' (after use). Essentially, if there is a 'before' (antes), there must be a 'depois'. The two words are inseparable twins in the architecture of the Portuguese language. By paying attention to how native speakers use 'depois', you'll notice it's often used as a filler word or a way to buy time while thinking of the next sentence, similar to how 'and then' is used in English. This makes it a very useful tool for learners to keep their speech flowing even when they are searching for more complex vocabulary.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with depois is confusing it with 'atrás' when talking about time passed. In English, we say 'two days ago', but in Portuguese, you cannot use 'depois' for this; you must use 'atrás' (dois dias atrás) or 'faz' (faz dois dias). 'Depois' always looks forward from a point in time, never backward from the present. Another common error is the omission of the preposition 'de'. English speakers often translate 'after the movie' as 'depois o filme', but the correct form is 'depois do filme' (depois + de + o). This contraction is mandatory. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the choice between 'depois que' and 'depois de'. Remember: 'depois de' is for nouns and infinitives, while 'depois que' is for clauses with a subject and a conjugated verb. Mixing these up can make your sentences sound broken or confusing to a native ear.

Mistake: Depois vs Atrás: Incorrect: 'Eu vi ele dois dias depois.' (Unless you mean two days after another event). Correct for 'two days ago': 'Eu o vi há dois dias.'

Mistake: Missing 'de': Incorrect: 'Depois a aula eu vou para casa.' Correct: 'Depois da aula eu vou para casa.'

Mistake: Wrong Subjunctive: Incorrect: 'Depois que eu chego, eu ligo.' (If referring to a future event). Correct: 'Depois que eu chegar, eu ligo.'

Errado: Depois o jantar nós saímos. Certo: Depois do jantar nós saímos.

Another nuance is the difference between 'depois' and 'então'. While both can translate to 'then' in English, 'depois' is strictly temporal (next in time), whereas 'então' is often logical (consequently) or used to restart a story. If you say 'Eu fui ao banco, depois ao mercado', you are listing a sequence. If you say 'Eu não tinha dinheiro, então fui ao banco', you are showing cause and effect. Using 'depois' where 'então' is required is a common pitfall for beginners. Finally, be careful with the pronunciation of the 'oi' in 'depois'. It should be a clear diphthong, not two separate vowels. In some Brazilian accents, the 's' at the end might sound like a 'sh' (chiado), especially in Rio de Janeiro, but the core meaning remains the same. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your clarity and confidence when speaking Portuguese.

While depois is the most common way to express 'after', Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the context and desired formality. Após is the most direct synonym, used frequently in written texts and formal speeches. It functions similarly to 'depois de' but is slightly more concise. Em seguida and logo após are used to emphasize that one action follows another immediately, equivalent to 'next' or 'right after'. For a more formal or academic tone, you might use posteriormente, which is the equivalent of 'subsequently'. If you are talking about something that happens much later, mais tarde is a perfect choice. Understanding these nuances allows you to vary your vocabulary and adapt your speech to different social situations. For example, in a business report, 'posteriormente' sounds much more professional than 'depois'. In a casual conversation with friends, however, 'posteriormente' would sound out of place and overly stiff.

Após: More formal than 'depois'. Used before nouns. Example: 'Após a reunião, enviaremos o relatório.'

Em seguida: Means 'immediately after' or 'next'. Example: 'Ele falou e, em seguida, saiu.'

Posteriormente: Academic or formal. Example: 'Os resultados serão publicados posteriormente.'

Comparação:
1. Depois do almoço (Comum)
2. Após o almoço (Formal)
3. Logo após o almoço (Imediato)

Another interesting alternative is ulteriormente, which is very rare and mostly found in legal or highly technical documents. On the other hand, logo can sometimes mean 'after' in specific contexts like 'logo mais' (a bit later today). In European Portuguese, a seguir is a very common way to say 'next' in a sequence, such as 'Quem é o próximo? Sou eu a seguir.' (Who is next? I am next/after). In Brazil, this would more likely be 'depois de você'. By learning these synonyms, you not only improve your comprehension but also gain the ability to express yourself with more precision and style. Whether you want to sound casual, professional, or urgent, there is a word in the 'depois' family that fits the bill perfectly.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Posteriormente à conferência, os delegados reuniram-se."

Neutral

"Depois da reunião, vamos almoçar."

Informal

"A gente se fala depois, tá?"

Child friendly

"Depois de brincar, você precisa guardar os brinquedos."

Jerga

"Deixa pra depois, mano."

Dato curioso

The word 'post' in Latin is the root for many English words like 'postpone', 'postscript', and 'posterior'. In Portuguese, it evolved into 'depois' while Spanish became 'después'.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /de.ˈpojs/

US /de.ˈpojs/

The stress is on the second syllable: de-POIS.

Rima con

Pois Dois Depois Heróis Lençóis Sóis Mois Faróis

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as two separate words 'de' and 'pois'. It is one fluid word.
Over-emphasizing the 's' at the end in regions where it should be a soft 'sh'.
Confusing the 'oi' diphthong with a single 'o' sound.
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'de' too strongly like an English 'ee'.
Forgetting the diphthong in 'pois' and saying 'pos'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in texts.

Escritura 2/5

Requires remembering the 'de' or 'que' connectors.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires correct placement.

Escucha 1/5

Clearly audible and frequently used.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

Antes Agora Hoje Amanhã Comer

Aprende después

Logo Então Durante Enquanto Finalmente

Avanzado

Posteriormente Ulteriormente Subsequente Consequentemente

Gramática que debes saber

Contraction of 'de' with articles

Depois + do (de+o) almoço.

Future Subjunctive after 'depois que'

Depois que eu *fizer* (subjunctive) o bolo.

Infinitive after 'depois de'

Depois de *estudar* (infinitive), vou dormir.

Placement of adverbs

Eu vou *depois* vs *Depois* eu vou.

Difference between 'depois' and 'então'

Use 'depois' for time, 'então' for logic.

Ejemplos por nivel

Eu como e depois durmo.

I eat and then I sleep.

Simple adverbial use to show sequence.

Até depois!

See you later!

Common fixed expression for farewells.

Depois do café, eu vou trabalhar.

After coffee, I go to work.

Use of 'depois de' + noun.

O que você faz depois?

What do you do afterwards?

Question using 'depois' as a standalone adverb.

Primeiro A, depois B.

First A, then B.

Basic sequencing pattern.

Vamos ao parque depois?

Shall we go to the park later?

Using 'depois' to mean 'later' in a suggestion.

Depois da aula, eu estudo.

After class, I study.

Contraction 'de + a = da'.

Ele chega depois de mim.

He arrives after me.

Using 'depois de' with a pronoun.

Depois de terminar a lição, assisti TV.

After finishing the lesson, I watched TV.

'Depois de' followed by an infinitive verb.

Eles saíram logo depois da chuva.

They left right after the rain.

Use of 'logo' to modify 'depois'.

O hospital fica depois daquela rua.

The hospital is after that street.

Spatial use of 'depois'.

Depois que ele ligou, eu fiquei feliz.

After he called, I was happy.

'Depois que' followed by a past tense clause.

Podemos falar disso depois do almoço?

Can we talk about this after lunch?

Standard prepositional use in a request.

Ela sempre chega depois do horário.

She always arrives after the scheduled time.

Idiomatic use for being late.

Depois de amanhã é meu aniversário.

The day after tomorrow is my birthday.

Fixed temporal expression.

Eu te ligo um pouco depois.

I'll call you a little later.

Modifying 'depois' with 'um pouco'.

Depois que você chegar em casa, me avise.

After you get home, let me know.

'Depois que' with the future subjunctive 'chegar'.

Não deixe tudo para depois, faça agora.

Don't leave everything for later, do it now.

Common idiom 'deixar para depois'.

Depois de muito pensar, decidi viajar.

After thinking a lot, I decided to travel.

Using 'depois de' with an adverbial phrase and infinitive.

O que aconteceu depois foi surpreendente.

What happened afterwards was surprising.

Using 'depois' to introduce a result.

Ele prometeu pagar, mas depois sumiu.

He promised to pay, but then he disappeared.

Using 'depois' to show a contradictory sequence.

Depois que a tempestade passar, o sol voltará.

After the storm passes, the sun will return.

Future subjunctive 'passar'.

Sempre há esperança, mesmo depois da dor.

There is always hope, even after the pain.

Abstract use of 'depois'.

Depois de ler o contrato, ele assinou.

After reading the contract, he signed.

Formal sequence of actions.

Posteriormente, descobrimos que ele estava certo, mas na hora ninguém acreditou; depois de tudo, ele foi perdoado.

Subsequently, we found out he was right, but at the time no one believed; after everything, he was forgiven.

Contrast between 'posteriormente' and 'depois'.

Depois que os dados forem analisados, publicaremos o estudo.

After the data are analyzed, we will publish the study.

Passive voice with future subjunctive.

A decisão foi tomada pouco depois da meia-noite.

The decision was made shortly after midnight.

Precise temporal marker.

Depois de ter estudado tanto, ela passou no exame.

After having studied so much, she passed the exam.

Compound infinitive 'ter estudado'.

O autor discute o tema e, logo depois, apresenta uma solução.

The author discusses the theme and, immediately after, presents a solution.

Formal narrative transition.

Não se pode julgar uma obra antes de conhecê-la, nem depois de apenas uma leitura.

One cannot judge a work before knowing it, nor after just one reading.

Parallel structure with 'antes' and 'depois'.

Depois que o sol se põe, a cidade ganha outra vida.

After the sun sets, the city takes on another life.

Descriptive use with 'depois que'.

Ele agiu como se nada tivesse acontecido, mas depois pediu desculpas.

He acted as if nothing had happened, but later apologized.

Contrasting behavior over time.

A relevância desse fato só seria compreendida muito depois, em um contexto histórico distinto.

The relevance of this fact would only be understood much later, in a distinct historical context.

Conditional mood with 'muito depois'.

Depois de esgotadas todas as possibilidades, ele finalmente desistiu.

After all possibilities were exhausted, he finally gave up.

Participle construction after 'depois de'.

O que virá depois da crise é uma incógnita para os economistas.

What will come after the crisis is an unknown for economists.

Using 'depois' to discuss future uncertainty.

Depois que se cruza o Rubicão, não há mais volta.

After one crosses the Rubicon, there is no turning back.

Impersonal 'se' with 'depois que'.

A paz foi selada, mas o ressentimento permaneceu por muito tempo depois.

Peace was sealed, but resentment remained for a long time after.

Adverbial use emphasizing duration.

Depois de tanto esforço, o reconhecimento finalmente chegou.

After so much effort, recognition finally arrived.

Emphatic use of 'depois de tanto'.

É curioso como as coisas mudam: hoje amigos, depois estranhos.

It's curious how things change: friends today, strangers later.

Elliptical use in a philosophical observation.

Depois que a verdade veio à tona, nada mais foi o mesmo.

After the truth came to light, nothing was ever the same.

Metaphorical use of 'depois que'.

O bardo cantou a glória dos heróis e, muito depois de suas vozes silenciarem, o eco de seus feitos ainda ressoava nas montanhas.

The bard sang the glory of heroes and, long after their voices fell silent, the echo of their deeds still resonated in the mountains.

Literary and poetic use of 'muito depois de'.

A análise fenomenológica do 'depois' revela a angústia da finitude humana.

The phenomenological analysis of the 'after' reveals the anguish of human finitude.

Substantive use of 'depois' in academic discourse.

Depois de transcorridos os prazos regimentais, a petição foi indeferida.

After the regulatory deadlines had elapsed, the petition was denied.

Highly formal legal jargon with 'depois de'.

O 'depois' é um horizonte que se afasta à medida que avançamos.

The 'after' is a horizon that recedes as we advance.

Metaphorical and philosophical substantive use.

Não obstante o clamor popular, a lei só foi alterada décadas depois.

Notwithstanding the popular clamor, the law was only changed decades later.

Formal historical narrative.

Depois que se desvanece a ilusão, resta apenas a crueza do real.

After the illusion fades, only the rawness of the real remains.

Sophisticated literary structure.

A herança cultural sobrevive muito depois da queda dos impérios.

Cultural heritage survives long after the fall of empires.

Historical observation.

Depois de lido o veredito, o silêncio no tribunal era ensurdecedor.

After the verdict was read, the silence in the courtroom was deafening.

Absolute participle construction.

Colocaciones comunes

Depois de amanhã

Logo depois

Pouco depois

Muito depois

Depois do almoço

Depois de tudo

Deixar para depois

Sempre depois

Logo depois que

Até depois

Frases Comunes

A gente se vê depois.

Depois eu vejo isso.

Um depois do outro.

Depois de muito tempo.

O que vem depois?

Depois de tudo o que aconteceu.

De hoje para depois.

Logo depois da curva.

Depois de morto.

Deixar o melhor para depois.

Se confunde a menudo con

Depois vs Atrás

English speakers use 'after' for time ago, but Portuguese uses 'atrás'. 'Two days ago' is 'dois dias atrás'.

Depois vs Então

Both can mean 'then', but 'depois' is for time and 'então' is for logic or 'so'.

Depois vs Logo

Logo means 'soon' or 'then', while 'depois' is specifically 'after'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Depois da tempestade vem a bonança."

After the storm comes the calm; things will get better.

Não desanime, depois da tempestade vem a bonança.

Proverb

"Deixar para depois."

To procrastinate or postpone.

Ele tem o hábito de deixar tudo para depois.

Informal

"O depois a Deus pertence."

The future is in God's hands; we don't know what will happen.

Não se preocupe com o futuro, o depois a Deus pertence.

Religious/Common

"Depois de burro roubado, trancas à porta."

Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted; taking precautions too late.

Agora ele quer seguro? Depois de burro roubado, trancas à porta.

Proverb

"Viver o agora, pensar no depois."

To live for today but consider the future.

É importante viver o agora, mas também pensar no depois.

Philosophical

"Depois de velho."

In one's old age (often used for starting something late).

Ele resolveu aprender a nadar depois de velho.

Informal

"Um dia depois do outro."

One day at a time.

Vamos vivendo um dia depois do outro.

Common

"Depois de tudo e mais alguma coisa."

After everything and then some; after a lot of trouble.

Depois de tudo e mais alguma coisa, conseguimos o visto.

Informal

"Para depois de amanhã."

Urgent; something that should have been done already (ironic).

Preciso desse relatório para depois de amanhã!

Informal

"Depois que a Inês é morta."

Too late (referring to Inês de Castro).

Não adianta pedir desculpas agora, depois que a Inês é morta.

Historical/Proverb

Fácil de confundir

Depois vs Após

Direct synonym.

'Após' is more formal and cannot be used alone at the end of a sentence.

Após a aula (Correct). Eu vou após (Incorrect).

Depois vs Atrás

Temporal meaning.

'Atrás' is for 'ago' (past), 'depois' is for 'later' (future/sequence).

Vi ele dois dias atrás.

Depois vs Logo

Sequencing.

'Logo' means 'soon' or 'immediately', 'depois' is just 'after'.

Faça isso logo!

Depois vs Então

Translates to 'then'.

'Então' shows consequence, 'depois' shows time sequence.

Estava frio, então usei casaco.

Depois vs Depois de amanhã

Three words in Portuguese.

It's a fixed phrase for 'the day after tomorrow'.

Vemo-nos depois de amanhã.

Patrones de oraciones

Subj + Verb + depois.

Eu vou depois.

Depois do/da + Noun.

Depois da aula.

Depois de + Infinitive.

Depois de comer.

Depois que + Future Subjunctive.

Depois que você chegar.

Logo depois de + Noun.

Logo depois do evento.

Muito depois de + Clause.

Muito depois de termos saído.

Depois de + Past Participle.

Depois de lida a carta.

Any

Até depois!

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely High (Top 100 words in Portuguese).

Errores comunes

Depois o jantar → Depois do jantar
Forgetting the preposition 'de' and its contraction with the article.
Eu vi ele dois dias depois → Eu o vi há dois dias
Using 'depois' instead of 'atrás' or 'há' for 'ago'.
Depois que eu chegar em casa, eu ligo → Depois que eu chegar em casa, eu ligo
Using the present instead of the future subjunctive (though 'chegar' looks like infinitive, it is future subjunctive here).
Depois de eu comer → Depois de comer
Using a personal pronoun unnecessarily with the infinitive when the subject is the same.
Eu vou após → Eu vou depois
Using 'após' as a standalone adverb at the end of a sentence.

Consejos

The 'De' Rule

Always use 'de' before a noun. 'Depois da festa' is correct, 'Depois festa' is not.

Natural Flow

Contract 'de' with the article. 'Depois do' (masculine) and 'Depois da' (feminine).

Synonym Variety

Use 'em seguida' to sound more dynamic when telling a story.

Brazilian Time

Be aware that 'depois' can sometimes be a polite way to say 'not now' or 'maybe never'.

Formal Writing

In academic papers, prefer 'posteriormente' to 'depois' for a better tone.

Accent Alert

Listen for the 'dji' sound in Brazil and the 'sh' sound in Rio for 'depois'.

Subjunctive use

Master the future subjunctive to use 'depois que' correctly for future plans.

Mnemonic

Associate 'Depois' with 'Post' (after) to remember its meaning.

Standalone

You can use 'Depois' alone to answer a question like 'When?'. 'Depois!'

Farewells

'Até depois' is a very safe and common way to say goodbye.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'DE-POIS'. 'DE' is like 'The' and 'POIS' sounds like 'Pause'. After 'The Pause', something happens 'Later'.

Asociación visual

Imagine a clock where the hands are moving forward. The space between the current time and the next hour is the 'depois'.

Word Web

Tempo Futuro Sequência Amanhã Tarde Depois de Depois que Logo

Desafío

Try to use 'depois' in three different ways today: as a standalone word, with 'de', and with 'que'.

Origen de la palabra

From the Vulgar Latin 'de post', which combines the preposition 'de' (from) and 'post' (after).

Significado original: Literally 'from after', used to indicate a point following another in time.

Romance (Latin origin).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; 'depois' is a neutral temporal marker.

English speakers often use 'then' for sequence, while Portuguese speakers prefer 'depois'. Don't over-rely on 'então' for time.

Song: 'Depois' by Marisa Monte Movie: 'Depois de Horas' (After Hours) Book: 'Depois do Fim'

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Giving Directions

Depois do sinal
Depois da ponte
Vire depois da igreja
Logo depois do banco

Daily Routine

Depois do café
Depois do trabalho
Depois de acordar
Depois de tomar banho

Planning

Vamos depois?
Depois de amanhã
Depois da festa
Depois que eu terminar

Work/Study

Depois da aula
Depois da reunião
Vemos isso depois
Depois do prazo

Socializing

Até depois!
A gente se vê depois
Depois a gente conversa
Passo lá depois

Inicios de conversación

"O que você vai fazer depois do trabalho hoje?"

"Você prefere estudar antes ou depois do jantar?"

"O que aconteceu depois que você terminou o curso?"

"Você costuma deixar as coisas para depois ou faz logo?"

"Onde você quer ir depois da nossa aula de português?"

Temas para diario

Descreva sua rotina matinal usando a palavra 'depois' pelo menos cinco vezes.

Escreva sobre um evento importante na sua vida e o que mudou depois dele.

Quais são seus planos para depois que você aprender português fluentemente?

Você acha que as pessoas deixam muitas coisas para depois? Por quê?

O que você faria se tivesse um dia inteiro livre depois de amanhã?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you must use the preposition 'de'. The correct form is 'depois do almoço' (de + o).

'Após' is more formal and usually used in writing. 'Depois' is used in all contexts, especially speaking.

You can say 'Até depois' or 'A gente se vê depois'.

Use 'depois que' when you want to follow it with a full sentence containing a subject and a conjugated verb.

Yes, in a temporal sense. It can also mean 'later' or 'afterwards'.

No, for 'ago' you should use 'atrás' or 'faz'. Example: 'Dois dias atrás'.

Usually the Future Subjunctive. Example: 'Depois que eu chegar'.

Yes, to mean 'past' or 'beyond'. Example: 'Depois daquela casa'.

Yes, it is one of the most frequently used words in the Portuguese language.

The phrase is 'depois de amanhã'.