En 15 secondes
- To spot something and immediately want it.
- Used for shopping, goals, or even romantic interests.
- A more active way to say you noticed something special.
Signification
This phrase means to set your sights on something you really want or desire. It is often used when you've spotted something special and have decided it must be yours.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Shopping for clothes
Eu botei o olho naquela camisa azul e tive que comprar.
I set my eyes on that blue shirt and had to buy it.
At a party with a friend
O João já botou o olho naquela menina do vestido vermelho.
João has already set his sights on that girl in the red dress.
Discussing a job opening
Eu botei o olho nessa vaga desde que foi anunciada.
I've had my eye on this position since it was announced.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the importance of visual connection in Brazilian social interactions. While 'olho gordo' refers to negative envy, 'botar o olho' is the more innocent, consumerist, or romantic version of spotting something you love. It is deeply rooted in the vibrant, street-level commerce of Brazil where spotting a deal is an art form.
The 'Pôr' Alternative
If you want to sound slightly more sophisticated or are in Portugal, swap `botar` for `pôr`. They mean the exact same thing!
Don't confuse with 'Bater o Olho'
`Bater o olho` means to glance quickly or recognize instantly. `Botar o olho` is more about focused desire.
En 15 secondes
- To spot something and immediately want it.
- Used for shopping, goals, or even romantic interests.
- A more active way to say you noticed something special.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking through a crowded market. Suddenly, a vintage leather jacket catches your light. You stop. You stare. You've just 'put your eye' on it. In Portuguese, botar o olho em algo means more than just looking. It implies a spark of interest or desire. It is that moment of selection. You have singled something out from the crowd. It is about focus and intent.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when you identify a target. It works for objects, opportunities, or even people. You conjugate the verb botar normally. For example, Eu botei o olho naquela vaga (I set my eyes on that job). It is very common in daily conversation. Use it when you are shopping or planning. It sounds natural and proactive.
When To Use It
Use it when you find something you love. It fits perfectly at a mall with friends. Use it when discussing career goals with a mentor. It works great when texting about a crush. If you see a delicious dessert, tell your friend you've botado o olho on it. It shows you have a clear preference. It is a very visual and expressive idiom.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very stiff, academic writing. Do not use it for accidental sightings. If you just happened to see a bird, don't use this. It requires a sense of 'wanting' or 'targeting'. Also, be careful in highly professional contracts. Stick to more formal verbs like identificar there. It is a bit too 'vibey' for a legal document.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very visual and expressive people. The 'eye' is a powerful symbol in Lusophone culture. It represents envy, protection, and desire. This phrase likely stems from the idea of 'eyeing' a prize. It is related to the concept of 'olho gordo' (fat eye/envy). However, botar o olho is usually positive or neutral. It is about your own personal attraction to an object.
Common Variations
You might hear pôr o olho instead of botar. Pôr is slightly more common in Portugal. In Brazil, botar is the king of informal speech. You can also say bater o olho. That means to notice something instantly. Botar o olho implies a bit more lingering desire. Both are great tools for your vocabulary.
Notes d'usage
This is a B1 level phrase because it requires understanding metaphorical verb use. It is perfect for casual social settings and informal workplace chats.
The 'Pôr' Alternative
If you want to sound slightly more sophisticated or are in Portugal, swap `botar` for `pôr`. They mean the exact same thing!
Don't confuse with 'Bater o Olho'
`Bater o olho` means to glance quickly or recognize instantly. `Botar o olho` is more about focused desire.
The Power of the Eye
In Brazil, 'eye' expressions are everywhere. Usually, if you 'put your eye' on something, you're about to buy it or ask it out!
Exemples
6Eu botei o olho naquela camisa azul e tive que comprar.
I set my eyes on that blue shirt and had to buy it.
Shows a clear decision based on a first impression.
O João já botou o olho naquela menina do vestido vermelho.
João has already set his sights on that girl in the red dress.
Used here to describe romantic interest or attraction.
Eu botei o olho nessa vaga desde que foi anunciada.
I've had my eye on this position since it was announced.
Appropriate for professional goals in a relaxed conversation.
Botei o olho no pudim e não consigo pensar em outra coisa!
I spotted the pudding and I can't think of anything else!
Hyperbolic and fun, perfect for foodies.
Nós botamos o olho nesta casa e sabíamos que seria nosso lar.
We set our eyes on this house and knew it would be our home.
Conveys a sense of destiny or strong emotional connection.
Bota o olho no site, tem promoções incríveis!
Take a look at the site, there are amazing sales!
An imperative use, urging someone to check something out.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to say you spotted a beautiful car.
Eu ___ o olho naquele carro esportivo na vitrine.
The past tense of 'botar' is 'botei', completing the idiom correctly.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the idiom.
Ela botou o olho ___ apartamento novo.
'Em' + 'o' becomes 'no'. You put your eye 'in/on' something.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Slangy or very relaxed
Botei o olho e catei!
Standard daily conversation
Botei o olho naquela promoção.
Business meetings or writing
Identifiquei uma oportunidade.
When to use 'Botar o Olho'
Window Shopping
Spotted a cool gadget
Dating
Noticing someone attractive
Real Estate
Finding your dream home
Career
Targeting a promotion
Banque d exercices
2 exercicesEu ___ o olho naquele carro esportivo na vitrine.
The past tense of 'botar' is 'botei', completing the idiom correctly.
Ela botou o olho ___ apartamento novo.
'Em' + 'o' becomes 'no'. You put your eye 'in/on' something.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's purely metaphorical! It means you've focused your attention or desire on a specific object or person, like Eu botei o olho naquele bolo.
Yes, it's very common in a romantic context. If you say Botei o olho nele, it means you find him attractive and are interested.
Not at all. It's informal and friendly. However, don't use it in a funeral or a very somber legal setting.
In Brazil, botar is the everyday choice. Pôr is slightly more formal or common in Portugal, but both are understood everywhere.
Absolutely. It shows you are ambitious. For example: Botei o olho naquela vaga de gerente.
Similar, but botar o olho is often more about the moment of selection rather than the continuous act of staring.
For 'I', use eu botei. For 'he/she', use ele/ela botou. For 'we', use nós botamos.
Usually no. Olho gordo is the negative one. Botar o olho is generally just about personal interest.
Yes! Botei o olho nesse filme no catálogo means you've picked it out to watch later.
You can say botar os olhos, which sounds a bit more poetic or intense, but the singular o olho is the standard idiom.
Expressions liées
Bater o olho
To glance at or recognize something instantly.
Olho gordo
The 'evil eye' or envy.
Comer com os olhos
To desire something intensely (usually food).
Ficar de olho
To keep an eye on or watch closely.
