Signification
One should never give up hope, even in the most difficult situations.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians are known for their 'eternal optimism.' This phrase is often used as a national motto during economic crises or before major football matches like the World Cup. In Portugal, while the phrase is common, it is sometimes delivered with a touch of 'Fado'—a sense of melancholic persistence rather than the high-energy optimism found in Brazil. In African Lusophone countries, this proverb often appears in music and poetry as a symbol of anti-colonial struggle and post-war rebuilding.
Use it for comfort
It's the safest thing to say when you don't know how to help someone but want to be supportive.
Don't change the gender
Never say 'o último'. Even if you are a man, the 'última' refers to the hope (a esperança).
Signification
One should never give up hope, even in the most difficult situations.
Use it for comfort
It's the safest thing to say when you don't know how to help someone but want to be supportive.
Don't change the gender
Never say 'o último'. Even if you are a man, the 'última' refers to the hope (a esperança).
Add 'né?'
Adding 'né?' at the end (A esperança é a última que morre, né?) makes you sound very natural and conversational.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
A esperança é a _______ que morre.
The proverb specifically uses 'última' (last).
Which sentence is the correct proverb?
Select the correct version:
Gender agreement is key: 'A esperança' (fem) and 'a última' (fem).
In which situation would you most likely say this?
Your friend's team is losing, but there is still time left.
This proverb is used for encouragement in difficult situations.
Complete the dialogue.
Pessoa A: 'Acho que não vou conseguir o emprego.' Pessoa B: 'Não diga isso! _________.'
Pessoa B is trying to encourage Pessoa A.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say it
Sports
- • Losing a match
- • Final minutes
Life
- • Job search
- • Hard exams
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA esperança é a _______ que morre.
The proverb specifically uses 'última' (last).
Select the correct version:
Gender agreement is key: 'A esperança' (fem) and 'a última' (fem).
Your friend's team is losing, but there is still time left.
This proverb is used for encouragement in difficult situations.
Pessoa A: 'Acho que não vou conseguir o emprego.' Pessoa B: 'Não diga isso! _________.'
Pessoa B is trying to encourage Pessoa A.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, if a project is struggling but there is still a chance for success, it shows a positive leadership attitude.
Always 'a última' because it refers to the feminine noun 'esperança'.
People say this constantly in real life! It is one of the most used proverbs in the Portuguese language.
Sometimes people just say 'A esperança é a última...' and leave the rest implied.
Expressions liées
Enquanto há vida, há esperança.
synonymWhile there is life, there is hope.
Dar um jeitinho.
similarTo find a way/fix.
Perder as esperanças.
contrastTo lose hope.
