When you hear someone say "Ora" in Portuguese, it's a very common and versatile word. Think of it like saying "Well" or "Come on" in English. It's often used when someone is a little surprised, or maybe a bit impatient. You might also hear it when someone is starting a new thought or giving a gentle nudge. It's a small word, but it adds a lot of natural flow to a conversation.
When you're learning Portuguese at an A2 level, you're starting to get comfortable with basic interactions. The word Ora is a great example of a common interjection that adds a lot of natural flow to conversations.
You'll hear it used to express a slight surprise, like saying "Well, I didn't expect that!" or to gently urge someone on, similar to "Come on, let's go." It's also handy for introducing a new thought or changing the subject slightly, much like how you might use "Well..." in English.
Understanding Ora helps you sound more natural and engaged when speaking Portuguese. It's a small word, but it carries a lot of meaning depending on the context and tone.
When used as an interjection, "ora" can convey a variety of subtle meanings depending on the context and intonation. Often, it's a mild expression of surprise or impatience, similar to "well" or "come on" in English. For instance, if someone is being slow, you might hear "Ora, vamos!" (Come on, let's go!).
It can also serve to introduce a thought or a mild protest. Imagine someone says something you find a bit silly, you might respond with "Ora, não seja bobo!" (Oh, don't be silly!). Furthermore, it can be used to dismiss something as obvious, like "Ora, claro que sim!" (Well, of course!). Mastering its nuances comes with listening to native speakers and observing how they use it in different situations.
§ What 'Ora' Means
- Portuguese Word
- Ora
- CEFR Level
- A2
- Definition
- An interjection used to express mild surprise, impatience, or to introduce a thought; well, come on.
§ How to Use 'Ora'
'Ora' is super versatile. Think of it like 'well,' 'oh,' or 'come on' in English. It doesn't have a single direct translation, which is why it can be tricky. It's all about context and tone.
You'll hear 'ora' a lot in everyday conversation in Portugal and Brazil. It's an interjection, meaning it's often used to express a feeling or to transition between thoughts, rather than having a grammatical function.
§ Examples of 'Ora' in Action
Let's look at some common ways 'ora' is used:
Expressing mild surprise or realization:
Ora, é verdade! Não me lembrava.
(Well, it's true! I didn't remember.)
Showing impatience or encouraging someone:
Ora essa, despacha-te!
(Come on, hurry up!)
Introducing a thought or changing the subject (similar to 'well' or 'so'):
Ora, o que vamos fazer hoje?
(So, what are we going to do today?)
In response to a thank you (like 'you're welcome' or 'don't mention it'): This is very common in Portugal.
Obrigado! - Ora, de nada!
(Thanks! - Oh, you're welcome! / Don't mention it!)
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Ora' vs. Alternatives
While 'ora' is unique, it sometimes overlaps with other words or phrases depending on the specific emotion or function. Here's how it compares:
'Bem' (Well):
'Bem' can also mean 'well' and introduce a thought, similar to 'ora'. However, 'bem' is often more neutral or explanatory, while 'ora' carries a bit more emotional weight (surprise, impatience, casual dismissal).
Bem, vamos começar.
(Well, let's start. - More neutral)
Ora, vamos lá!
(Come on, let's go! - More emphatic/impatient)
'Pois' (Well, indeed, so):
'Pois' is another common interjection. It can agree with something, confirm understanding, or act as a filler. It's often more about affirmation or simple continuation, whereas 'ora' often introduces a slight shift or emotional emphasis.
Estou cansado. Pois, eu também.
(I'm tired. Yes, me too. - Agreement)
Ora bolas!
(Oh bother! / Darn it! - Expressing frustration)
'Ah' (Oh):
'Ah' is very similar to 'ora' when expressing sudden realization or surprise. 'Ora' can be a slightly softer or more drawn-out way to say 'ah', or it can imply a mild sense of 'of course' or 'what did you expect?'
Ah, entendi.
(Oh, I understand. - Simple realization)
Ora, é óbvio!
(Well, it's obvious! - Realization with a hint of 'duh!')
How Formal Is It?
"Ora, vejamos o que podemos fazer sobre isso. (Well, let's see what we can do about that.)"
"Ora pois, vamos começar! (Well then, let's begin!)"
"Ora essa, não se preocupe! (Oh come on, don't worry!)"
"Ora, ora, quem está aqui? (Well, well, who's here?)"
"Ora bolas, perdi o ônibus! (Oh hell, I missed the bus!)"
Dato curioso
The evolution of 'hora' to 'ora' involved a semantic shift from a temporal meaning to an interjection expressing various nuances depending on context.
Gramática que debes saber
Ora can be used to express mild surprise, similar to 'well' or 'oh' in English.
Ora, que surpresa! (Well, what a surprise!)
It can also convey impatience or urging someone to act.
Ora, despacha-te! (Come on, hurry up!)
Ora is frequently used to introduce a thought or a response, acting as a conversational filler.
Ora, eu acho que sim. (Well, I think so.)
When repeated ('Ora, ora'), it often implies disapproval or resignation.
Ora, ora, não me digas isso. (Oh dear, don't tell me that.)
In some contexts, 'Ora' can function as a rhetorical device, questioning an assumption.
Ora, quem não quer ter sucesso? (Well, who doesn't want to succeed?)
Ejemplos por nivel
Ora, vamos lá!
Well, let's go!
Ora, o que é isso?
Well, what is that?
Ora, claro que sim!
Oh, of course!
Ora, espere um pouco.
Well, wait a bit.
Ora, não te preocupes.
Come on, don't worry.
Ora, chegamos!
Well, we arrived!
Ora, que boa ideia!
Well, what a good idea!
Ora, fala mais alto.
Well, speak louder.
Ora, não sabia que ele estava aqui!
Well, I didn't know he was here!
Expressing mild surprise.
Ora, vamos! Estamos atrasados.
Come on, let's go! We are late.
Expressing impatience, urging action.
Ora, o que você acha disso?
So, what do you think about that?
Introducing a question or thought.
Ora, é claro que sim!
Well, of course, yes!
Emphasizing agreement or certainty.
Ora, não se preocupe com isso.
Oh, don't worry about that.
Dismissing a concern gently.
Ora, parece que chegamos a tempo.
Well, it seems we arrived on time.
Introducing an observation.
Ora, diga-me o que aconteceu.
So, tell me what happened.
Prompting for information.
Ora, vamos ver o que tem para hoje.
Well, let's see what's for today.
Introducing a plan or action.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Ora, não te preocupes com isso.
Well, don't worry about that.
Ora, eu acho que sim.
Well, I think so.
Ora essa, não faz mal.
Come on, it's fine. (It doesn't hurt.)
Ora, vamos despachar isto.
Well, let's get this done. (Let's hurry this up.)
Ora, já era tempo!
Well, it was about time!
Ora, o que queres que eu faça?
Well, what do you want me to do?
Ora, por favor, ouve-me.
Well, please, listen to me.
Ora, é uma longa história.
Well, it's a long story.
Ora, não digas disparates.
Well, don't say nonsense.
Ora, o autocarro está atrasado.
Well, the bus is late.
Se confunde a menudo con
Don't confuse 'Ora' with 'hora' (hour) or 'agora' (now). While 'Ora' is an interjection expressing mild surprise or impatience, 'hora' refers to a unit of time, and 'agora' means 'at this moment.'
These two words often get mixed up. 'Já' means 'already' or 'now,' while 'ainda' means 'still' or 'yet.' They are often antonyms in certain contexts, so pay attention to whether an action is completed or ongoing.
While 'mesmo' can mean 'even' or 'really,' when preceded by the definite article 'o' or 'a' (o mesmo, a mesma), it means 'the same.' The article is crucial for this distinction.
Modismos y expresiones
"Ora bolas!"
Oh, come on!/For goodness sake!
Ora bolas! Esqueci minha carteira em casa de novo. (Oh, come on! I forgot my wallet at home again.)
informal"Ora essa!"
Well, I never!/Indeed! (Expressing mild surprise or disagreement)
Ora essa! Não esperava te encontrar aqui. (Well, I never! I didn't expect to find you here.)
neutral"Ora pois"
Well then/Of course (often used in Portugal to emphasize a statement or as a filler)
Ora pois, vamos começar a aula. (Well then, let's start the class.)
neutral"Ora viva!"
Hello!/Cheers! (often used in Portugal as a greeting)
Ora viva! Tudo bem? (Hello! How are you?)
neutral"Ora vê lá!"
Well, look here!/Just look!
Ora vê lá o que eu encontrei! (Well, look here what I found!)
informal"Ora, vamos!"
Come on, let's go!/Let's get going!
Ora, vamos, estamos atrasados! (Come on, let's go, we're late!)
informal"Ora então?"
So, what now? (often used to prompt a response or continue a conversation)
Ora então? Qual é o plano para hoje? (So, what now? What's the plan for today?)
neutral"Ora sim, ora não"
Sometimes yes, sometimes no/It depends
Você gosta de café? Ora sim, ora não. (Do you like coffee? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.)
neutral"Ora bota!"
Go on then!/Go for it! (less common, but can be heard)
Ora bota, conta-me tudo! (Go on then, tell me everything!)
informal"Ora essa, não tem de quê."
Oh, don't mention it./You're welcome.
Muito obrigado pela ajuda! Ora essa, não tem de quê. (Thank you very much for your help! Oh, don't mention it.)
neutralFácil de confundir
'Ainda' can mean 'still' or 'yet,' which can be confusing because its usage depends on context and sentence structure.
When 'ainda' means 'still,' it refers to a continuing action or state. When it means 'yet,' it usually appears in negative sentences or questions, implying something has not happened up to now.
Ele ainda está dormindo. (He is still sleeping.) / Você já comeu? Ainda não. (Have you eaten yet? Not yet.)
'Já' is tricky because it can mean 'already,' 'now,' or even 'anymore' depending on the context, and it's often used in conjunction with other words to form new meanings.
As 'already,' it indicates an action completed sooner than expected. As 'now,' it can emphasize immediacy. In negative constructions like 'não...já,' it means 'not anymore.'
Eu já terminei o trabalho. (I already finished the work.) / Faça isso já! (Do that now!) / Eu não moro mais aqui já. (I don't live here anymore.)
'Mesmo' has a wide range of meanings, including 'same,' 'even,' 'really,' or 'itself,' making it highly context-dependent.
As 'same,' it indicates identity. As 'even,' it adds emphasis. As 'really,' it intensifies a statement. When used with pronouns, it means 'self.'
É o mesmo livro. (It's the same book.) / Ele mesmo fez o jantar. (He himself made dinner.) / Mesmo assim, eu não vou. (Even so, I'm not going.)
'Pois' can act as a conjunction meaning 'because' or 'since,' but it can also be an interjection expressing confirmation or agreement, which can be confusing for learners.
When 'pois' means 'because,' it introduces a reason. As an interjection, it's often used to affirm or emphasize a statement.
Não fui à festa, pois estava doente. (I didn't go to the party because I was sick.) / 'Pois sim,' ele respondeu. ('Indeed,' he replied.)
'Então' can mean 'then,' 'so,' or 'therefore,' and its exact nuance changes based on whether it's linking events in time, introducing a consequence, or starting a new thought.
As 'then,' it indicates a sequence of events. As 'so' or 'therefore,' it introduces a conclusion or result. It can also be used as a conversational filler.
Primeiro comi, então fui embora. (First I ate, then I left.) / Estou cansado, então vou dormir. (I'm tired, so I'm going to sleep.) / E então, o que vamos fazer? (So, what are we going to do?)
Cómo usarlo
Ora is a versatile interjection. You'll hear it a lot in spoken Portuguese, and its exact meaning often depends on the context and tone of voice.
Here are some common ways it's used:
1. Mild Surprise/Realization: Similar to 'Oh' or 'Well' in English when something dawns on you.
Example:
A: "Você sabia que a loja fecha mais cedo hoje?" (Did you know the store closes earlier today?)
B: "Ora, não sabia!" (Oh, I didn't know!)
2. Impatience/Urging: Can mean 'Come on!' or 'Hurry up!'
Example:
"Ora, vamos, estamos atrasados!" (Come on, let's go, we're late!)
3. Introducing a Thought/Changing Subject: Like 'Well then' or 'So' to start a new point.
Example:
"Ora, sobre o que estávamos a falar?" (So, what were we talking about?)
4. Dismissal/Disbelief: Can convey a sense of 'Nonsense!' or 'Really?' often with a sarcastic or disbelieving tone.
Example:
A: "Ele disse que pode voar." (He said he can fly.)
B: "Ora, que disparate!" (Oh, what nonsense!)
The biggest mistake learners make is trying to translate ora literally or using it in situations where a simple 'oh' or 'well' isn't sufficient. It's more about the nuance and the feeling it conveys.
Don't overuse it if you're unsure. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in different contexts and try to imitate that rather than forcing it into every sentence where you might use 'well' in English.
Origen de la palabra
Latin 'hora' (hour, time)
Significado original: now, at this time
Indo-European, Italic, RomanceContexto cultural
The interjection 'Ora' is incredibly versatile in Portuguese, reflecting a certain colloquial charm. It's often used to soften a command, express mild exasperation in a good-natured way, or simply to fill a pause while gathering one's thoughts. You'll hear it frequently in everyday conversations, from the bustling streets of Lisbon to quiet family gatherings.
Ponte a prueba 54 preguntas
___, vamos lá! (___, let's go!)
Ora is used here to express mild impatience or to introduce a call to action.
Você vem? ___, sim! (Are you coming? ___, yes!)
Ora can be used to emphasize an affirmative answer or to express a slight surprise at the question.
___, que surpresa! (___, what a surprise!)
Ora is used here to express mild surprise.
Eu não sei. ___, pensei que soubesse. (I don't know. ___, I thought you knew.)
Ora can introduce a thought or a mild realization.
___, não é tão difícil assim. (___, it's not that difficult.)
Ora can be used to express mild disagreement or to soften a statement.
___, espere um pouco! (___, wait a little!)
Ora can be used to express a gentle request or a slight impatience.
Write a short sentence using 'Ora' to express mild surprise.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, que legal! (Well, how cool!)
Use 'Ora' to show a little impatience in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, vamos logo! (Come on, let's go already!)
Write a sentence where 'Ora' introduces a new thought or idea.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, eu acho que sim. (Well, I think so.)
What does 'Ora' express in this sentence?
Read this passage:
João disse: "Ora, você chegou! Pensei que não viria." (João said: "Well, you arrived! I thought you wouldn't come.")
What does 'Ora' express in this sentence?
In this context, 'Ora' shows mild surprise because João thought the person wouldn't come.
In this context, 'Ora' shows mild surprise because João thought the person wouldn't come.
What feeling does 'Ora' convey here?
Read this passage:
Maria esperou muito e disse: "Ora, vamos! Estou com pressa." (Maria waited a lot and said: "Come on, let's go! I'm in a hurry.")
What feeling does 'Ora' convey here?
Maria's long wait and her hurry indicate impatience, which 'Ora' emphasizes.
Maria's long wait and her hurry indicate impatience, which 'Ora' emphasizes.
How is 'Ora' used in Pedro's sentence?
Read this passage:
Pedro pensou um pouco e disse: "Ora, eu posso ajudar você." (Pedro thought a bit and said: "Well, I can help you.")
How is 'Ora' used in Pedro's sentence?
Pedro uses 'Ora' to introduce his offer of help after thinking, indicating he's starting a new thought.
Pedro uses 'Ora' to introduce his offer of help after thinking, indicating he's starting a new thought.
Choose the best meaning for "Ora, vamos!" (Come on, let's go!)
"Ora" in this context expresses impatience or encouragement, similar to "Well" or "Come on."
If someone says "Ora, que surpresa!" (Well, what a surprise!), what emotion are they most likely expressing?
"Ora" here introduces a thought and suggests a gentle or mild reaction, not an intense one.
Which sentence uses "Ora" to introduce a thought or an opinion?
In this sentence, "Ora" acts as an introductory interjection, similar to "Well" in English when starting a new thought.
"Ora" can be used to express impatience.
Yes, "Ora, despacha-te!" (Come on, hurry up!) is a good example of expressing impatience with "Ora."
When someone says "Ora, claro que não!" (Well, of course not!), they are expressing strong agreement.
"Ora, claro que não!" actually expresses strong disagreement, with "Ora" adding a touch of mild indignation or emphasis to the 'no'.
You can use "Ora" at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a gentle correction.
For example, "Ora, não é bem assim." (Well, it's not quite like that.) uses "Ora" to soften a correction.
Write a short sentence using 'Ora' to express mild surprise.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, que surpresa boa! (Well, what a pleasant surprise!)
Write a sentence where 'Ora' introduces a thought or an idea, like 'Well...' in English.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, acho que podemos ir amanhã. (Well, I think we can go tomorrow.)
Use 'Ora' to show a little impatience in a sentence, similar to 'Come on' in English.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ora, despacha-te! (Come on, hurry up!)
What does 'Ora' express in B's response?
Read this passage:
A: Vamos sair agora? B: Ora, ainda é muito cedo. Podemos esperar um pouco. (A: Shall we leave now? B: Well, it's still too early. We can wait a bit.)
What does 'Ora' express in B's response?
In this context, 'Ora' is used to introduce B's thought that it's still too early to leave.
In this context, 'Ora' is used to introduce B's thought that it's still too early to leave.
What emotion does the mother's 'Ora' suggest?
Read this passage:
A mãe disse: 'Ora, o que é que se passa aqui?' quando viu as crianças a brincar com água dentro de casa. (The mother said: 'Well, what's going on here?' when she saw the children playing with water inside the house.)
What emotion does the mother's 'Ora' suggest?
The mother's 'Ora' indicates a mild surprise or an 'Oh, what's happening?' kind of reaction.
The mother's 'Ora' indicates a mild surprise or an 'Oh, what's happening?' kind of reaction.
What is the function of 'Ora' in the teacher's sentence?
Read this passage:
Professor: 'Ora, vamos começar a aula.' (Teacher: 'Well, let's start the class.')
What is the function of 'Ora' in the teacher's sentence?
Here, 'Ora' serves to transition into the beginning of the class, similar to 'Well, let's begin' in English.
Here, 'Ora' serves to transition into the beginning of the class, similar to 'Well, let's begin' in English.
'Ora' often starts a phrase to express encouragement or impatience, like 'Come on, let's go!'
'Ora essa' is a common expression indicating mild disbelief or downplaying something, meaning 'Oh come on' or 'It's not that difficult.'
Here, 'Ora' introduces a thought or opinion, similar to 'Well, I think so.'
___, vamos logo, estamos atrasados!
'Ora' aqui expressa impaciência, um 'vamos lá' ou 'bem'.
Você acha que é fácil? ___, não é de todo!
Neste contexto, 'Ora' introduz uma correção ou discordância, como 'Bem' ou 'De forma alguma'.
___, eu acho que deveríamos considerar outras opções.
'Ora' é usada para introduzir um pensamento ou uma sugestão, similar a 'Bem' ou 'Agora'.
___, que surpresa! Não esperava te encontrar aqui.
'Ora' expressa uma leve surpresa, equivalente a 'Oh!' ou 'Bem'.
Não entendi o que você quis dizer. ___, pode explicar novamente?
Aqui, 'Ora' suaviza o pedido, como um 'Bem' ou 'Por favor'.
Ele disse que não viria. ___, ele está aqui na porta!
'Ora' denota uma surpresa ou uma constatação, um 'Bem, olhe só!'
Choose the best option to complete the sentence: "Ora, ___ é que vais fazer?"
In this context, 'Ora, o que é que vais fazer?' (Well, what are you going to do?) expresses mild impatience or prompts for an answer. 'O que' (what) fits best here.
Which sentence uses 'Ora' to express mild surprise?
'Ora, não sabia que estavas aqui!' (Well, I didn't know you were here!) conveys a sense of mild surprise upon realizing someone's presence.
In which situation would 'Ora' be used to introduce a thought or decision?
'Ora, vamos ao cinema hoje à noite.' (Well, let's go to the cinema tonight.) uses 'Ora' to introduce a suggestion or decision.
The interjection 'Ora' can always be translated as 'now' in English.
'Ora' has various meanings depending on context, including 'well,' 'come on,' or 'so,' and doesn't always translate directly to 'now.'
When 'Ora' is used to express impatience, it often precedes an imperative verb.
When expressing impatience, 'Ora' is frequently followed by an imperative verb, such as 'Ora, despacha-te!' (Come on, hurry up!).
Using 'Ora' at the beginning of a sentence always indicates a negative emotion.
While 'Ora' can express impatience or mild frustration, it can also introduce a thought, express mild surprise, or even agreement, which are not necessarily negative emotions.
Listen for the interjection 'Ora' expressing impatience.
Listen for 'Ora' introducing a positive thought.
Listen for 'Ora' indicating urgency.
Read this aloud:
Ora, não pode ser verdade!
Focus: The intonation of 'Ora' to convey surprise.
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ora, vamos resolver isso agora.
Focus: The emphasis on 'Ora' to convey determination.
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ora, o que mais posso dizer?
Focus: The pause after 'Ora' when introducing a thought.
Dijiste:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
___, já não era sem tempo de te ver por aqui. (Well, it was about time I saw you here.)
'Ora' is used here to express a mild impatience or a sense of 'it's about time'.
___, essa é uma questão complexa que exige muita reflexão. (Well, that's a complex question that requires a lot of thought.)
'Ora' introduces a thought, indicating a moment of consideration or contemplation.
Não me digas que vais desistir agora, ___, força! (Don't tell me you're going to give up now, come on, cheer up!)
'Ora' is used to express encouragement or to urge someone on, similar to 'come on' or 'now'.
___, quem diria que ele ia conseguir alcançar tal feito? (Well, who would have thought he would achieve such a feat?)
Here, 'Ora' conveys mild surprise or a rhetorical 'well' in response to something unexpected.
Se ele não quer vir, ___, que faça o que quiser. (If he doesn't want to come, well, let him do what he wants.)
'Ora' is used to concede a point or to express a shrug of indifference, implying 'well then, so be it'.
___, não é preciso ser um génio para perceber isso. (Come on, you don't need to be a genius to understand that.)
'Ora' is employed to express mild exasperation or to emphasize the obviousness of something, akin to 'come on' or 'really'.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Contenido relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Más palabras de emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
