em vez en 30 segundos
- Em vez de means 'instead of'.
- It indicates a choice or substitution.
- Always use 'de' after 'em vez'.
- Common in everyday conversations.
- Meaning
- The Portuguese phrase 'em vez' is an adverbial expression that means 'instead of'. It is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' and then the noun or pronoun that is being replaced or not chosen. It signifies a choice or substitution, indicating that one thing is done or preferred over another.
- Usage
- You use 'em vez de' when you want to express that something else is happening or being done. For example, if you were offered coffee but preferred tea, you would say you want tea 'em vez de' coffee. It's a very common and useful phrase for expressing preferences, making substitutions, or indicating an alternative action. It’s important to remember that 'em vez' itself means 'instead', but in practical usage, it is overwhelmingly used with 'de' to form the complete phrase 'instead of'.
Eu queria água em vez de sumo. (I wanted water instead of juice.)
- Example 1
- Instead of going to the cinema, we decided to stay home. (Em vez de ir ao cinema, decidimos ficar em casa.)
- Example 2
- He chose to walk instead of taking the bus. (Ele escolheu caminhar em vez de apanhar o autocarro.)
- Example 3
- She bought a red dress instead of the blue one. (Ela comprou um vestido vermelho em vez do azul.)
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure is: [Action/Thing 1] em vez de [Action/Thing 2]. This implies that Action/Thing 1 is the chosen or preferred option, and Action/Thing 2 is the alternative that was not chosen. The verb in the sentence will usually agree with the subject performing the action or the main focus of the sentence, not with the element introduced by 'em vez de'.
- Verb Conjugation
- The verb in the main clause is conjugated according to the subject of that clause. The phrase 'em vez de' introduces a noun, pronoun, infinitive verb, or even a whole clause that is being contrasted. For example, 'Eu comi fruta em vez de chocolate.' (I ate fruit instead of chocolate.) Here, 'comi' is conjugated for 'Eu' (I).
- Use with Infinitives
- 'Em vez de' can be followed by an infinitive verb to indicate an action that was not performed in favor of another. For example: 'Em vez de estudar, ele foi jogar futebol.' (Instead of studying, he went to play football.) The verb 'estudar' is in the infinitive form.
- Use with Nouns and Pronouns
- When followed by nouns or pronouns, 'em vez de' functions similarly to 'instead of'. For instance: 'Prefiro chá em vez de café.' (I prefer tea instead of coffee.) Or: 'Ela trouxe presentes para mim em vez de para ele.' (She brought gifts for me instead of for him.)
- Sentence Placement
- 'Em vez de' can appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, or more commonly, in the middle, after the main clause. When it starts a sentence, it often sets up a contrast for the rest of the statement. Example: 'Em vez de reclamar, ele decidiu agir.' (Instead of complaining, he decided to act.)
Vou de carro em vez de autocarro. (I'm going by car instead of by bus.)
- Everyday Conversations
- You will hear 'em vez de' constantly in casual conversations. People use it to express preferences, explain choices, or describe situations where one thing happened or was chosen over another. For instance, when discussing meals: 'Comi salada em vez de batatas fritas.' (I ate salad instead of fries.) Or when talking about plans: 'Vamos ao parque em vez de ir ao centro comercial.' (Let's go to the park instead of going to the mall.) It's a fundamental phrase for expressing alternatives in daily life.
- Shopping and Preferences
- When shopping, people might say things like: 'Eu queria aquela camisola, mas comprei esta em vez dela.' (I wanted that sweater, but I bought this one instead of it.) Or when choosing between products: 'Este modelo é melhor em vez do outro.' (This model is better instead of the other one.) It's used frequently when comparing options.
- Expressing Regret or Alternatives
- Sometimes, 'em vez de' is used to express a missed opportunity or a different course of action that could have been taken. For example: 'Se eu tivesse estudado mais em vez de sair com amigos, teria passado no exame.' (If I had studied more instead of going out with friends, I would have passed the exam.) This highlights a hypothetical alternative.
- Media and News
- In news reports or discussions, it can be used to contrast different approaches or outcomes. For example: 'O governo decidiu investir em educação em vez de em infraestruturas.' (The government decided to invest in education instead of infrastructure.) Or in sports: 'O jogador entrou em campo em vez do titular.' (The player entered the field instead of the starter.)
- Formal vs. Informal
- While 'em vez de' is common in all registers, in very formal writing, you might occasionally see alternatives like 'ao invés de' (though 'em vez de' is perfectly acceptable and more common). However, in spoken Portuguese and most written contexts, 'em vez de' is the go-to phrase.
Eu prefiro ler um livro em vez de ver televisão. (I prefer to read a book instead of watching television.)
- Forgetting 'de'
- The most frequent mistake for learners is omitting the preposition 'de' after 'em vez'. While 'em vez' on its own can sometimes be understood as 'instead', the complete and grammatically correct phrase is 'em vez de'. Saying 'Eu quero café vez sumo' is incorrect. It should be 'Eu quero café em vez de sumo.' Always remember to include 'de'.
- Confusing with 'ao invés de'
- Some learners might encounter or try to use 'ao invés de'. While 'ao invés de' also means 'instead of', it is generally considered more formal and less common in everyday speech than 'em vez de'. Using 'ao invés de' when 'em vez de' is more natural can sound a bit stilted. Stick with 'em vez de' for general use.
- Incorrect Verb Agreement
- Another potential pitfall is incorrectly conjugating the verb based on the noun or pronoun that follows 'em vez de'. Remember, the verb in the main clause of the sentence is conjugated according to the subject of that clause, not the element being substituted. For example, in 'Eu comi maçã em vez de pera', the verb 'comi' (I ate) refers to 'Eu' (I), not 'maçã' (apple) or 'pera' (pear).
- Misplacing the Phrase
- While 'em vez de' can start a sentence, beginners might misplace it, making the sentence structure awkward. Generally, it fits best after the main clause it's contrasting. For example, 'Fui para casa em vez de ir ao cinema' is natural. Saying 'Em vez de ir ao cinema, eu fui para casa' is also correct and common. Avoid placing it arbitrarily within the main clause.
- Using 'em vez' without 'de' in formal contexts
- While 'em vez' can sometimes imply 'instead' in very specific, often idiomatic, contexts or when the object of substitution is clearly understood from prior conversation, it's best practice for learners to always use 'em vez de' when introducing the alternative. Relying on just 'em vez' can lead to ambiguity or grammatical errors in many situations.
Incorrect: Eu bebo café vez leite. Correct: Eu bebo café em vez de leite. (I drink coffee instead of milk.)
- Ao invés de
- This is the closest synonym and also means 'instead of'. However, 'ao invés de' is generally considered more formal and less common in everyday spoken Portuguese. Some linguists argue for a subtle distinction where 'ao invés de' implies a direct opposition or reversal, while 'em vez de' is a more general substitution. In practice, for most learners and in most contexts, 'em vez de' is the safer and more widely used option. (Example: Ele agiu ao invés de pensar nas consequências. - He acted instead of thinking about the consequences. - More formal.)
- Em lugar de
- This phrase also translates to 'instead of' or 'in place of'. It is very similar in meaning and usage to 'em vez de' and is often interchangeable. It's also quite common in both spoken and written Portuguese. (Example: Prefiro ficar em casa em lugar de ir à festa. - I prefer to stay home instead of going to the party.)
- Em substituição de
- This phrase means 'in substitution of' and is more formal than 'em vez de'. It's typically used when one thing is officially or formally replacing another, such as in legal, technical, or business contexts. It's less common in casual conversation. (Example: O novo sistema será implementado em substituição do antigo. - The new system will be implemented in substitution of the old one.)
- Em vez (alone)
- As mentioned before, 'em vez' by itself can sometimes imply 'instead', but it's often incomplete or relies heavily on context. For example, if someone asks 'Do you want coffee or tea?' and you reply 'Em vez', it's understood you mean 'Em vez de café' or 'Em vez de tea' depending on what was offered. However, for clarity and grammatical correctness, especially for learners, it's best to use 'em vez de' followed by the object of substitution. (Example: Ele deu um presente, mas eu queria que ele tivesse dado tempo em vez. - He gave a gift, but I wish he had given time instead. - Context-dependent and less common.)
Comparing 'em vez de' and 'em lugar de': Both are very common and often interchangeable. Em vez de ir ao cinema, fui para casa. (Instead of going to the cinema, I went home.) Em lugar de ir ao cinema, fui para casa. (Same meaning.)
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The word 'vice' in Latin, related to 'vez', also gives us English words like 'vice president' (meaning 'in place of the president') and 'vicarious' (experienced through the agency or suffering of another). This connection highlights the core idea of substitution or acting in place of something else.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'vez' with a hard 'z' sound like in 'zoo'.
- Not nasalizing the 'em' sound.
- Omitting the 'de' sound entirely.
- Pronouncing 'de' like the English 'day'.
Nivel de dificultad
CEFR A2. The phrase 'em vez de' is introduced early in language learning. Its meaning is straightforward, and it's used in simple sentence structures. Understanding its basic function is relatively easy for beginners.
CEFR A2. Learners can easily incorporate this phrase into their writing by following basic sentence patterns. The main challenge is remembering to include 'de'.
CEFR A2. This phrase is very common in spoken Portuguese, making it essential for learners to practice. Its frequent use in daily conversations helps with memorization and natural application.
CEFR A2. Due to its high frequency in spoken Portuguese, learners will encounter 'em vez de' often. Recognizing it and understanding its context is usually straightforward.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Prepositional Phrases with 'de'
The preposition 'de' is used extensively in Portuguese to connect words and indicate possession, origin, material, or to follow certain verbs and expressions. 'Em vez de' is one such expression that requires 'de'.
Infinitive Verbs after Prepositions
Prepositions like 'de', 'para', 'em', 'a' are often followed by the infinitive form of a verb. For example, 'Em vez de estudar...' (Instead of studying...).
Subject-Verb Agreement
The verb in the main clause agrees with its subject. The phrase 'em vez de' introduces a contrasting element and does not affect the main verb's conjugation. 'Eu como maçã em vez de pera.' (Verb 'como' agrees with 'Eu').
Common Adverbial Expressions
'Em vez de' is classified as an adverbial expression because it modifies the verb or sentence, indicating 'how' or 'in what manner' something is done (by substitution).
Formal vs. Informal Registers
While 'em vez de' is common in all registers, 'ao invés de' is generally considered more formal. Understanding register helps in choosing the appropriate expression.
Ejemplos por nivel
Eu quero maçã em vez de banana.
I want apple instead of banana.
Simple preference.
Vamos andar em vez de correr.
Let's walk instead of run.
Using infinitive after 'em vez de'.
Ela prefere azul em vez de vermelho.
She prefers blue instead of red.
Expressing color preference.
Fiquei em casa em vez de sair.
I stayed home instead of going out.
Past tense action.
Ele comprou um carro em vez de uma moto.
He bought a car instead of a motorcycle.
Purchasing decision.
Quero água em vez de sumo.
I want water instead of juice.
Drink preference.
Estudamos em casa em vez da escola.
We study at home instead of at school.
Location of activity.
Ele falou em vez de ouvir.
He spoke instead of listening.
Action contrast.
Eu vou de autocarro em vez de ir de carro.
I'm going by bus instead of going by car.
Mode of transport.
Ela comeu salada em vez de pizza.
She ate salad instead of pizza.
Food choice.
Nós vimos um filme em vez de ler um livro.
We watched a movie instead of reading a book.
Leisure activity choice.
Ele decidiu ficar em casa em vez de sair com os amigos.
He decided to stay home instead of going out with friends.
Social decision.
Comprei este livro em vez daquele.
I bought this book instead of that one.
Item selection.
Vamos caminhar pela praia em vez de ir para o parque.
Let's walk on the beach instead of going to the park.
Location preference.
Eu prefiro chá em vez de café pela manhã.
I prefer tea instead of coffee in the morning.
Morning routine preference.
Ele respondeu a pergunta em vez de fazer outra.
He answered the question instead of asking another.
Action in a conversation.
Em vez de reclamar, ele decidiu procurar uma solução.
Instead of complaining, he decided to look for a solution.
Problem-solving approach.
Ela preferiu estudar em casa em vez de ir à biblioteca.
She preferred to study at home instead of going to the library.
Study location preference.
O governo investiu em saúde em vez de em defesa.
The government invested in health instead of defense.
Government spending priorities.
Ele aprendeu a cozinhar em vez de pedir comida.
He learned to cook instead of ordering food.
Developing a skill.
Fiz o trabalho em casa em vez de o fazer no escritório.
I did the work at home instead of doing it at the office.
Workplace choice.
Em vez de esperar pelo autocarro, decidi caminhar.
Instead of waiting for the bus, I decided to walk.
Taking initiative.
Ela mudou de opinião em vez de manter a sua posição.
She changed her mind instead of sticking to her position.
Decision making process.
Os alunos fizeram perguntas em vez de ficarem em silêncio.
The students asked questions instead of remaining silent.
Classroom participation.
Em vez de aceitar o acordo, ele decidiu levar o caso a tribunal.
Instead of accepting the deal, he decided to take the case to court.
Legal proceedings.
Ela dedicou o seu tempo a ajudar os outros em vez de se focar apenas na sua carreira.
She dedicated her time to helping others instead of focusing solely on her career.
Altruistic choices.
O artista pintou uma paisagem em vez de um retrato.
The artist painted a landscape instead of a portrait.
Artistic subject choice.
Em vez de seguir as regras à risca, ele procurou interpretá-las de forma criativa.
Instead of following the rules strictly, he sought to interpret them creatively.
Rule interpretation.
A empresa optou por investir em tecnologia em vez de expandir o seu espaço físico.
The company opted to invest in technology instead of expanding its physical space.
Business strategy.
Ele preferiu viajar de comboio em vez de voar, para apreciar a paisagem.
He preferred to travel by train instead of flying, to appreciate the scenery.
Travel preference for experience.
Em vez de se lamentar pela derrota, a equipa concentrou-se no próximo jogo.
Instead of lamenting the defeat, the team focused on the next game.
Resilience and focus.
Ela escreveu um ensaio em vez de um relatório formal.
She wrote an essay instead of a formal report.
Academic writing style.
Em vez de se render às adversidades, ele encontrou forças para perseverar.
Instead of succumbing to adversity, he found the strength to persevere.
Overcoming challenges.
O crítico elogiou a ousadia do diretor em criar um filme com um final ambíguo, em vez de um convencional.
The critic praised the director's boldness in creating a film with an ambiguous ending, instead of a conventional one.
Artistic interpretation and reception.
Em vez de buscar a aprovação alheia, ela aprendeu a valorizar a sua própria opinião.
Instead of seeking others' approval, she learned to value her own opinion.
Self-reliance and self-esteem.
A sociedade evoluiu ao adotar novas tecnologias em vez de se apegar rigidamente às tradições.
Society evolved by adopting new technologies instead of clinging rigidly to traditions.
Societal progress and tradition.
Em vez de simplesmente reportar os factos, o jornalista procurou analisar as suas causas subjacentes.
Instead of merely reporting the facts, the journalist sought to analyze their underlying causes.
Investigative journalism.
Ele optou por um estilo de vida minimalista, em vez de acumular bens materiais.
He opted for a minimalist lifestyle, instead of accumulating material possessions.
Lifestyle choices and values.
A empresa promoveu a colaboração entre departamentos em vez de manter silos isolados.
The company promoted collaboration between departments instead of maintaining isolated silos.
Organizational structure.
Em vez de se deixar consumir pela raiva, ela canalizou essa energia para a ação positiva.
Instead of letting herself be consumed by anger, she channeled that energy into positive action.
Emotional regulation and transformation.
O orador desconstruiu o argumento tradicional em vez de simplesmente refutá-lo.
The speaker deconstructed the traditional argument instead of simply refuting it.
Rhetorical strategy and critical analysis.
Em vez de uma revolução abrupta, a mudança social ocorreu de forma gradual e orgânica.
Instead of an abrupt revolution, social change occurred gradually and organically.
Nature of societal transformation.
A obra literária explora a complexidade da condição humana, em vez de oferecer respostas fáceis.
The literary work explores the complexity of the human condition, instead of offering easy answers.
Depth of artistic expression.
Em vez de se conformar com o status quo, o ativista desafiou as normas estabelecidas.
Instead of conforming to the status quo, the activist challenged established norms.
Social activism and change.
O economista argumentou a favor de uma abordagem holística em vez de soluções fragmentadas.
The economist argued for a holistic approach instead of fragmented solutions.
Economic policy and strategy.
Em vez de uma mera representação mimética da realidade, o surrealismo buscou expressar o inconsciente.
Instead of a mere mimetic representation of reality, surrealism sought to express the unconscious.
Artistic movements and philosophies.
O filósofo propôs um novo paradigma em vez de simplesmente refinar teorias existentes.
The philosopher proposed a new paradigm instead of merely refining existing theories.
Philosophical innovation.
Em vez de uma narrativa linear, o filme empregou uma estrutura não cronológica para envolver o espectador.
Instead of a linear narrative, the film employed a non-chronological structure to engage the viewer.
Narrative techniques in film.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Instead of. Used to indicate a substitution or preference.
Eu vou beber sumo em vez de água.
— Instead of going. Used when talking about not going somewhere.
Ela ficou em casa em vez de ir à festa.
— Instead of doing. Used when talking about not performing an action.
Ele leu um livro em vez de fazer os trabalhos de casa.
— Instead of buying. Used when talking about not purchasing something.
Eu fiz o bolo em vez de comprar um.
— Instead of eating. Used when talking about not consuming food.
Comi uma maçã em vez de comer um chocolate.
— Instead of speaking. Used when someone remains silent or communicates differently.
Ela apenas acenou em vez de falar.
— Instead of thinking. Used when someone acts without much thought.
Ele agiu em vez de pensar nas consequências.
— Instead of wanting. Used to express a different desire or outcome.
Eu queria ir ao cinema em vez de querer ficar em casa.
— Instead of having. Used to express a different possession or state.
Ele tem um carro pequeno em vez de ter um grande.
— Instead of being. Used to express a different identity or state of being.
Ele quer ser médico em vez de ser engenheiro.
Se confunde a menudo con
Similar meaning ('instead of'), but 'ao invés de' is more formal and sometimes implies opposition rather than simple substitution. 'Em vez de' is more common in everyday speech.
Very similar meaning ('instead of', 'in place of') and often interchangeable with 'em vez de'. It is also very common.
Sometimes used contextually to mean 'instead', but it is grammatically incomplete for introducing the alternative. Learners should use 'em vez de' for clarity and correctness.
Modismos y expresiones
— This is not an idiom, but a standard phrase for substitution. True idioms are expressions whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meaning of its words.
The phrase 'em vez de' itself is not idiomatic. It's a functional grammatical expression.
Neutral— While not an idiom, its consistent usage with 'de' is a key feature.
A fixed expression is 'em vez de'. You don't say 'em vez café', but always 'em vez de café'.
Neutral— The meaning is straightforward: 'instead of'. It doesn't have a hidden or figurative meaning.
If you say 'Eu prefiro ler em vez de ver TV', it clearly means 'I prefer to read instead of watching TV'.
Neutral— Learners often mistakenly omit the 'de', which is a common error, but not an idiomatic usage.
The error of saying 'em vez café' is a grammatical mistake, not an idiom.
Neutral— There are no common Portuguese idioms that specifically play on the phrase 'em vez de' itself in a figurative sense.
Unlike phrases like 'kick the bucket', 'em vez de' is purely functional.
Neutral— The closest to an idiomatic feel might be its use in contrasting hypothetical situations, but even then, it's literal.
'Em vez de ter ficado em casa, ele foi viajar.' (Instead of having stayed home, he went traveling.) - This is literal.
Neutral— The phrase is too common and literal to function as an idiom.
It's like saying 'and' or 'but' in English - they are core grammatical connectors, not idioms.
Neutral— No hidden meanings, just direct substitution.
If someone offers you soup instead of salad, you say 'Eu quero salada em vez de sopa'.
Neutral— It's a practical phrase for everyday choices.
When choosing between two items, you'll use 'em vez de'.
Neutral— Its function is to replace one option with another.
This is its sole purpose and it's always literal.
NeutralFácil de confundir
Learners might confuse 'em vez de' with other phrases meaning 'instead of' or forget the 'de'.
'Em vez de' is the most common and versatile phrase for 'instead of'. 'Ao invés de' is more formal, and 'em lugar de' is a close synonym. Always remember the 'de'.
Eu quero maçã em vez de banana. (I want apple instead of banana.) vs. Eu quero maçã ao invés de banana. (More formal.)
The omission of 'de' is a frequent error.
'Em vez' means 'instead', but it needs 'de' to connect to the object of substitution. So, 'em vez de' is the complete phrase.
Incorrect: Eu bebo chá vez café. Correct: Eu bebo chá em vez de café.
Confusion with similar-sounding or similarly structured phrases.
'Em vez de' is about substitution. Phrases like 'a favor de' (in favor of) or 'contra' (against) express different relationships.
Prefiro chá em vez de café. (Preference/Substitution) vs. Eu estou a favor de chá. (I am in favor of tea.)
Misunderstanding the role of 'de'.
'De' is essential here to complete the meaning of substitution. It links 'em vez' to what is being replaced.
Think of it like 'in place of' where 'of' is crucial.
Overuse or underuse of the phrase.
It's a very common phrase for expressing preferences and choices. Learners should aim to use it naturally in relevant contexts.
It's as common as 'instead of' in English.
Patrones de oraciones
[Noun 1] em vez de [Noun 2]
Maçã em vez de banana.
[Verb (infinitive)] em vez de [Verb (infinitive)]
Andar em vez de correr.
[Subject] + [Verb] + em vez de + [Noun/Pronoun]
Eu quero água em vez de sumo.
Em vez de + [Noun/Pronoun] + , + [Subject] + [Verb]
Em vez de pizza, comi salada.
[Subject] + [Verb] + em vez de + [Infinitive Verb]
Ela decidiu estudar em vez de sair.
Em vez de + [Infinitive Verb] + , + [Subject] + [Verb]
Em vez de reclamar, ele procurou uma solução.
[Clause 1] em vez de [Clause 2]
Ele aceitou o desafio em vez de o recusar.
Em vez de + [Noun Phrase] + , + [Main Clause]
Em vez de investir em publicidade, a empresa focou-se no produto.
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very High
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Forgetting the 'de'.
→
Em vez de
The phrase requires the preposition 'de' to connect 'em vez' to the substituted element. Saying 'em vez café' is incorrect; it must be 'em vez de café'.
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Using 'em vez' alone.
→
Em vez de
While 'em vez' can sometimes imply 'instead' in very specific contexts, it's grammatically incomplete for learners. Always use the full 'em vez de' to introduce the alternative.
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Incorrect verb agreement.
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The verb agrees with the main subject, not the element after 'em vez de'.
In 'Eu comi maçã em vez de pera', the verb 'comi' refers to 'Eu', not 'maçã' or 'pera'. The phrase 'em vez de' introduces a contrast but doesn't affect the main verb's conjugation.
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Confusing with 'ao invés de' in informal contexts.
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Em vez de
'Em vez de' is much more common and natural in everyday conversation and writing. 'Ao invés de' is more formal and less frequent, so use 'em vez de' unless a formal register is required.
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Incorrect sentence placement.
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Place 'em vez de' either at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis or, more commonly, after the main clause it's contrasting.
Awkward placement can make the sentence sound unnatural. 'Fui para casa em vez de ir ao cinema' is natural. Avoid placing it mid-clause without clear grammatical structure.
Consejos
Never Forget the 'de'!
The most crucial tip for 'em vez de' is to always include the preposition 'de' after 'em vez'. This forms the complete and correct phrase for 'instead of'. Omitting it is a frequent error for learners.
Nasalize 'em' and Soften 'd'
Pronounce the 'em' with a nasal sound. The 'd' in 'de' is soft, similar to the 'th' in 'this'. In European Portuguese, the 'z' in 'vez' is often like 'sh', while in Brazilian Portuguese it's more like 's'.
Use it for Choices and Preferences
'Em vez de' is perfect for expressing what you prefer or what alternative you chose. Think of it as saying 'not this, but that'.
Learn Alternatives
While 'em vez de' is most common, familiarize yourself with 'ao invés de' (more formal) and 'em lugar de' (similar) to expand your understanding and usage.
Daily Sentences
Incorporate 'em vez de' into your daily practice. Describe simple choices you make: 'I drank water instead of juice,' or 'I walked instead of taking the bus'.
Listen and Imitate
Listen to native speakers in movies, songs, or conversations. Pay attention to how they use 'em vez de' in different contexts and try to imitate them.
Avoid Omitting 'de'
Reiterate the importance of the 'de'. The phrase 'em vez' alone is often insufficient and can lead to misunderstandings or grammatical errors.
Positioning Matters
'Em vez de' can start a sentence for emphasis or appear after the main clause. Practice both structures to add variety to your writing and speaking.
Visual Association
Create a visual cue. Imagine choosing a different path ('em vez') at a fork in the road, leaving the other path ('de') behind.
Test Yourself
Regularly quiz yourself on using 'em vez de' in various sentence constructions. Try translating sentences from English to Portuguese using the phrase.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Imagine you are at a restaurant. You are offered chicken (frango) but you say, 'No, thank you, I want fish em vez de frango.' Picture a fish saying 'instead of' to a chicken.
Asociación visual
Picture two paths. One path is crowded and busy. The other path is quiet and peaceful. You choose the quiet path, saying 'I'm taking this path em vez de the crowded one.' The visual is choosing the less obvious or different option.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to describe three choices you made today, using 'em vez de' for each. For example, 'I drank tea em vez de coffee this morning.' Or, 'I walked to the store em vez de driving.'
Origen de la palabra
The phrase 'em vez de' originates from the Latin word 'vice', which means 'turn' or 'occasion'. In Old Portuguese, 'em vez' (meaning 'in turn' or 'on occasion') evolved to signify a substitution or alternative.
Significado original: Literally, 'in turn of' or 'on occasion of'. Over time, it developed the meaning of 'instead of'.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseContexto cultural
The phrase itself is neutral and does not carry any sensitive connotations. Its usage depends entirely on the context of the statement.
In English, 'instead of' is a direct and common translation. The concept is universal, but the specific phrasing is unique to Portuguese.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Expressing personal preferences for food or drinks.
- Prefiro café em vez de chá.
- Quero água em vez de sumo.
- Comi salada em vez de batatas fritas.
Making choices about activities or leisure.
- Vamos ao cinema em vez de ficar em casa.
- Prefiro ler um livro em vez de ver televisão.
- Ele decidiu estudar em vez de ir à festa.
Describing transportation choices.
- Vou de autocarro em vez de ir de carro.
- Ele caminhou em vez de apanhar o metro.
- Voámos em vez de ir de barco.
Discussing purchases or shopping decisions.
- Comprei esta camisa em vez de aquela.
- Ela escolheu o vestido azul em vez do vermelho.
- Ele preferiu o telemóvel mais barato em vez do caro.
Explaining alternative actions or decisions.
- Em vez de reclamar, ele agiu.
- Ela mudou de ideia em vez de manter a sua posição.
- Fiz o trabalho em casa em vez de o fazer no escritório.
Inicios de conversación
"What did you have for lunch today? Did you eat anything special, or did you have your usual meal instead of something different?"
"When you go to a restaurant, do you usually order your favorite dish, or do you like to try something new instead of your usual choice?"
"If you had a choice between going to the beach or visiting a museum, which would you pick, and why would you choose that instead of the other?"
"Think about a time you had to make a difficult choice. What did you choose, and what did you choose instead of?"
"What's a common mistake people make when they try to learn a new language? Is there something they often do instead of focusing on the right things?"
Temas para diario
Describe a recent decision you made where you chose one option instead of another. What were the options, and why did you make the choice you did?
Reflect on a time you changed your mind about something. What was your initial thought, and what did you decide to do or believe instead?
Think about your daily routine. Are there any parts of your routine that you do one way, instead of another way that might be more common or expected?
Imagine you could have any superpower. Would you choose to fly instead of being invisible, or vice versa? Explain your choice.
Write about a time you learned something new. Did you learn it through practice instead of just reading about it, or vice versa?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThe literal translation of 'em vez de' is a bit tricky as it's an idiomatic expression. 'Em vez' comes from 'em (in) + vez (turn/time)', meaning something like 'in turn' or 'on occasion'. The 'de' then specifies what is being replaced. So, it evolved to mean 'instead of' or 'in place of'.
While 'em vez' on its own can sometimes imply 'instead' if the context is very clear, it is generally considered incomplete or grammatically incorrect in most situations. For learners, it is always best practice to use the full phrase 'em vez de' when introducing the alternative.
'Em vez de' is the more common and widely used phrase in everyday spoken and written Portuguese. 'Ao invés de' is more formal and less frequent. For general purposes, 'em vez de' is the safer and more natural choice.
Forgetting the 'de' after 'em vez' is a common mistake. It can make your sentence grammatically incorrect or unclear. For example, saying 'Eu quero café vez sumo' is wrong; it should be 'Eu quero café em vez de sumo'.
Yes, 'em vez de' can be followed by a noun ('em vez de café'), a pronoun ('em vez de ele'), or an infinitive verb ('em vez de ir'). The structure remains consistent: introduce the alternative.
Yes, 'em vez de' is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. While 'ao invés de' exists and is more formal, 'em vez de' is widely used and understood in all registers.
No, the verb in the main clause of the sentence is conjugated according to its subject. 'Em vez de' introduces a contrasting element and does not influence the verb's agreement.
Yes, 'Em vez de' can start a sentence for emphasis. For example: 'Em vez de esperar, ele decidiu agir.' This structure is common and grammatically correct.
Common phrases include 'em vez de ir' (instead of going), 'em vez de fazer' (instead of doing), 'em vez de comer' (instead of eating), and 'em vez de comprar' (instead of buying).
Both phrases mean 'instead of' and are often interchangeable. 'Em lugar de' is also very common and carries a similar meaning of substitution or being in someone's place.
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Summary
'Em vez de' is a fundamental Portuguese phrase meaning 'instead of'. It's used to express preferences or alternatives. Remember to always use 'de' after 'em vez' for correct grammar. For example: 'Eu prefiro ler em vez de ver televisão.' (I prefer to read instead of watching television.)
- Em vez de means 'instead of'.
- It indicates a choice or substitution.
- Always use 'de' after 'em vez'.
- Common in everyday conversations.
Never Forget the 'de'!
The most crucial tip for 'em vez de' is to always include the preposition 'de' after 'em vez'. This forms the complete and correct phrase for 'instead of'. Omitting it is a frequent error for learners.
Nasalize 'em' and Soften 'd'
Pronounce the 'em' with a nasal sound. The 'd' in 'de' is soft, similar to the 'th' in 'this'. In European Portuguese, the 'z' in 'vez' is often like 'sh', while in Brazilian Portuguese it's more like 's'.
Use it for Choices and Preferences
'Em vez de' is perfect for expressing what you prefer or what alternative you chose. Think of it as saying 'not this, but that'.
Learn Alternatives
While 'em vez de' is most common, familiarize yourself with 'ao invés de' (more formal) and 'em lugar de' (similar) to expand your understanding and usage.
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de academic
a despeito de
A2A pesar de; pese a. Es una locución prepositiva que indica concesión, similar a 'apesar de' pero más formal.
a fim
A2Locución que significa 'a fin de' o 'para'. Informalmente, significa 'tener ganas de' o 'estar interesado'.
a saber
A2A saber; es decir.
a título de exemplo
A2Una expresión formal que significa 'a modo de ejemplo'. Se utiliza en contextos académicos o profesionales.
abordagem
A2Un enfoque es una forma de tratar algo. Se refiere al método o estrategia que se utiliza. (El enfoque es la manera de abordar una situación.)
abordar
B1Abordar un tema o a una persona.
abreviar
B1To shorten (a word, phrase, or text).
abreviatura
B1A shortened form of a word or phrase.
abstração
B1The quality of dealing with ideas rather than events.
abstracto
B1Que existe en el pensamiento o como una idea, pero que no tiene una existencia física o concreta.
