filho de peixe, peixinho é
Like father, like son
بهطور تحتاللفظی: Son of a fish, a little fish is
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when children inherit traits or talents from their parents.
- The Portuguese version of 'the apple doesn't fall far'.
- A charming, maritime-themed idiom for family similarities.
معنی
This phrase is used to say that children often inherit the same talents, personality traits, or habits as their parents. It is the Portuguese equivalent of saying 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.'
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Observing a friend's son playing soccer well
O seu filho joga muito bem! Afinal, filho de peixe, peixinho é.
Your son plays very well! After all, like father, like son.
A daughter becoming a doctor like her mother
Ela também vai ser médica? Filho de peixe, peixinho é!
She's going to be a doctor too? The apple doesn't fall far!
A formal speech at a retirement party
O sucessor é seu filho, e como dizemos: filho de peixe, peixinho é.
The successor is his son, and as we say: like father, like son.
زمینه فرهنگی
In Brazil, this phrase is almost mandatory when talking about the children of famous musicians (like the children of Gilberto Gil or Caetano Veloso) or soccer players. In Portugal, the variation 'Filho de peixe sabe nadar' is very common and emphasizes that skills are innate. The phrase is widely used in Angola to reinforce family respect and the idea that children carry the 'honra' (honor) of their parents. Given the island nation's deep connection to the sea, this idiom feels particularly literal and resonant in Cape Verdean culture.
Use it on Social Media
If you want to sound like a native on Instagram, use this phrase when a friend posts a photo of their child doing something similar to them.
Check the Gender
Don't forget to change it to 'Filha de peixe, peixinha é' for girls. It's a very common learner mistake!
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used when children inherit traits or talents from their parents.
- The Portuguese version of 'the apple doesn't fall far'.
- A charming, maritime-themed idiom for family similarities.
What It Means
This is one of the most beloved idioms in the Lusophone world. It suggests that characteristics are passed down through generations. If a father is a great cook, and his daughter wins a culinary competition, you say this. It implies that nature and nurture work together. You are essentially saying that a 'little fish' couldn't possibly be anything other than a fish. It is a biological certainty wrapped in a cute metaphor.
How To Use It
You use it as a standalone comment or a reaction. When you see a child doing something exactly like their parent, just nod and say the phrase. You don't need a long lead-in. It works perfectly as a 'mic drop' observation. You can use it for physical looks, but it is better for skills. Use it when a kid mimics a parent's funny habit. It shows you are paying attention to their family bond.
When To Use It
Use it at birthday parties when the kid acts like the dad. Use it at work if a colleague's son joins the same profession. It is great for social media comments on family photos. If your friend is a musician and their toddler grabs a guitar, type this. It is a warm way to acknowledge family legacy. It works in almost any social setting where families are present.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if the trait being discussed is negative. If a father is known for being grumpy, don't tell the son filho de peixe, peixinho é. That might feel like an insult to their character. Also, avoid it in very stiff, academic environments. It is a bit too colorful for a legal deposition. Don't use it if you aren't sure about the family relationship. It could get awkward if they aren't actually related!
Cultural Background
Portugal and Brazil both have deep maritime histories. The sea is a constant theme in their literature and proverbs. Using a fish as a metaphor feels natural and 'at home' for Portuguese speakers. It reflects a culture that values family roots and heritage deeply. It has been used for centuries to celebrate family continuity. It is a 'grandma' favorite that never goes out of style.
Common Variations
You might occasionally hear tal pai, tal filho which is more literal. However, the fish version is much more popular and flavorful. Some people might just say peixinho é... and let you finish the thought. In some regions, people might add puxou ao pai (he took after his father). But stick to the fish version for maximum cultural points. It sounds more authentic and charming to native ears.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is highly versatile and safe for most social interactions. It is slightly informal but widely accepted in professional circles when discussing family legacies.
Use it on Social Media
If you want to sound like a native on Instagram, use this phrase when a friend posts a photo of their child doing something similar to them.
Check the Gender
Don't forget to change it to 'Filha de peixe, peixinha é' for girls. It's a very common learner mistake!
مثالها
6O seu filho joga muito bem! Afinal, filho de peixe, peixinho é.
Your son plays very well! After all, like father, like son.
Complimenting the father's talent through the son.
Ela também vai ser médica? Filho de peixe, peixinho é!
She's going to be a doctor too? The apple doesn't fall far!
Used to remark on following a career path.
O sucessor é seu filho, e como dizemos: filho de peixe, peixinho é.
The successor is his son, and as we say: like father, like son.
Even in formal settings, it adds a touch of warmth.
Ele é teimoso igual a você! 😂 Filho de peixe, peixinho é.
He is stubborn just like you! Like father, like son.
Playful teasing between close friends.
Ele tem o talento da mãe. Filho de peixe, peixinho é.
He has his mother's talent. Like mother, like daughter/son.
Expressing pride in family heritage.
Olha como ele cruza as pernas! Filho de peixe, peixinho é.
Look how he crosses his legs! The apple doesn't fall far.
Observing a physical mannerism.
خودت رو بسنج
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
A filha da Gisele Bündchen já começou a modelar. Filha de peixe, _________ é.
Since we are talking about a girl (filha), we must use the feminine diminutive 'peixinha'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'Filho de peixe, peixinho é'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is used when a child follows in their parent's footsteps or shares their traits.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Pai: 'Nossa, meu filho adora ler livros de história, igualzinho a mim!' Amigo: '____________________'
This is the most natural response to a parent noticing a shared trait with their child.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
بانک تمرین
3 تمرینهاA filha da Gisele Bündchen já começou a modelar. Filha de peixe, _________ é.
Since we are talking about a girl (filha), we must use the feminine diminutive 'peixinha'.
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is used when a child follows in their parent's footsteps or shares their traits.
Pai: 'Nossa, meu filho adora ler livros de história, igualzinho a mim!' Amigo: '____________________'
This is the most natural response to a parent noticing a shared trait with their child.
🎉 امتیاز: /3
سوالات متداول
3 سوالYes, but be careful. It's usually used for lighthearted things like being messy or stubborn. Don't use it for serious crimes or tragedies.
Use 'peixinho' for a boy and 'peixinha' for a girl. The first word also changes: 'filho' vs 'filha'.
Yes, though they often prefer the variation 'Filho de peixe sabe nadar.'
عبارات مرتبط
Tal pai, tal filho
synonymLike father, like son.
Quem sai aos seus não regenera
similarOne who takes after their own doesn't change.
Puxar a alguém
builds onTo take after someone.
