En 15 secondes
- A polite way to pause and find your words.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
- Signals you need a moment or help with vocabulary.
Signification
This is your go-to phrase for when you're stuck mid-sentence and need a second to find the right word. It's the Portuguese equivalent of saying 'How do you say?' or 'How should I put this?'
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Ordering at a bakery
Eu queria aquele pão... como dizer?... o pão de queijo!
I wanted that bread... how to say?... the cheese bread!
In a business meeting
O projeto é muito... como dizer?... inovador.
The project is very... how to say?... innovative.
Texting a crush
Você é uma pessoa, como dizer?, especial.
You are a person, how to say?, special.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians are generally very helpful and will often finish your sentence for you if you use 'como dizer'. It's seen as a collaborative way of speaking. In Portugal, 'Como é que se diz?' is very common. The 'é que' adds a rhythmic flow to the question that is very characteristic of the European dialect. In Luanda, you might hear 'Como se fala?' influenced by both standard Portuguese and local Kimbundu speech patterns, often used with high energy. In Portuguese literature, 'como dizer' is often used to express the 'ineffable'—things that are too beautiful or painful for words.
The 'Buffer' trick
Use 'Como dizer' followed by a small hum ('hmmm') to sound exactly like a native speaker searching for a word.
Don't over-rely
If you use it too much, people might start speaking English to you thinking you're struggling too much.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to pause and find your words.
- Works in both casual chats and professional meetings.
- Signals you need a moment or help with vocabulary.
What It Means
Como dizer? is a linguistic bridge. It helps you pause without losing your listener's attention. It signals that you have the idea but lack the specific word. It is the ultimate 'filler' for someone still mastering the language. It sounds much more natural than just saying 'uhhh' or 'umm'.
How To Use It
Use it when you are searching for a noun or verb. You can say it to yourself while looking at the ceiling. You can also say it to your friend to ask for help. It usually comes after a short pause in your sentence. For example: 'I want that... como dizer?... that green fruit.' It keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when you forget the name of a dish. Use it in a meeting when a technical term escapes you. Use it while texting when you are overthinking a reply. It works perfectly when you are describing a complex emotion. It is great for making your speech sound more thoughtful. Use it whenever your brain and mouth aren't in sync.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you actually know the word. Overusing it can make you sound very hesitant. Avoid using it in very fast, high-pressure environments like a 911 call. Don't use it as a way to avoid learning vocabulary long-term. It is a tool for the moment, not a permanent crutch. If you use it every three words, people might get impatient.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value social connection and 'the flow' of talk. Silence in a conversation can sometimes feel awkward or heavy. Como dizer? acts as a social lubricant to keep the vibe alive. It shows you are making an effort to be precise. In Brazil, people might follow it with a gesture or a whistle. In Portugal, it might sound a bit more contemplative.
Common Variations
Como se diz?(How is it said? - more common for asking others)Como é que se diz?(The longer, more rhythmic version)Sabe como é?(You know how it is?)Qual é a palavra?(What is the word?)Esqueci o nome.(I forgot the name.)
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe for almost any social situation. It bridges the gap between B1 learners and native-like fluency by managing conversational pauses effectively.
The 'Buffer' trick
Use 'Como dizer' followed by a small hum ('hmmm') to sound exactly like a native speaker searching for a word.
Don't over-rely
If you use it too much, people might start speaking English to you thinking you're struggling too much.
Regional Choice
Use 'Como se diz' in Lisbon and 'Como fala' in Rio to blend in perfectly.
Body Language
Tilt your head slightly and look up when saying 'como dizer...' to signal you are thinking.
Exemples
6Eu queria aquele pão... como dizer?... o pão de queijo!
I wanted that bread... how to say?... the cheese bread!
Used here to recall a specific item name.
O projeto é muito... como dizer?... inovador.
The project is very... how to say?... innovative.
Used to find a professional adjective.
Você é uma pessoa, como dizer?, especial.
You are a person, how to say?, special.
Adds a touch of romantic hesitation.
Eu fiz uma... como dizer?... bobagem.
I did a... how to say?... silly thing.
Softens the blow of admitting a mistake.
Sua ajuda foi, como dizer?, essencial para mim.
Your help was, how to say?, essential for me.
Adds weight and sincerity to the compliment.
Sinto uma dor aqui, como dizer?, uma pontada.
I feel a pain here, how to say?, a sharp sting.
Helps in describing physical sensations accurately.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase to ask for a translation.
________ 'bread' em português?
'Como dizer' is the standard way to ask 'How to say'.
Choose the best filler for the pause in the conversation.
A: Você gosta do seu chefe? B: Ele é... ________... muito exigente.
'Como dizer' acts as a filler when you are searching for an adjective like 'exigente'.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You are in a formal meeting and want to sound thoughtful.
'Como dizer' is more neutral/formal than 'Como fala?'.
Which of these is the most common informal variation in Brazil?
Como se pergunta por uma palavra no Brasil de forma informal?
'Como fala?' is the go-to informal expression in Brazil.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________ 'bread' em português?
'Como dizer' is the standard way to ask 'How to say'.
A: Você gosta do seu chefe? B: Ele é... ________... muito exigente.
'Como dizer' acts as a filler when you are searching for an adjective like 'exigente'.
Context: You are in a formal meeting and want to sound thoughtful.
'Como dizer' is more neutral/formal than 'Como fala?'.
Como se pergunta por uma palavra no Brasil de forma informal?
'Como fala?' is the go-to informal expression in Brazil.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, especially in Brazil. It's very common and sounds natural.
'Como dizer' is more personal ('How [to] say'), while 'Como se diz' is more general ('How is it said').
Not when using it as this specific phrase. Keep it in the infinitive.
Yes, but usually in informal writing or to represent speech in a story.
The 'é que' is a common Portuguese filler that adds emphasis and rhythm.
No, usually they are inviting you to help them find the word!
Yes, you can ask 'Como dizer [English sentence] em português?'.
You can just say 'Qual é a palavra?' (What is the word?).
Yes, you can ask 'Como dizer [slang] de um jeito formal?'.
Expressions liées
Como se diz?
similarHow is it said?
Como fala?
synonymHow does one speak [it]?
Por assim dizer
builds onSo to speak
Ou seja
similarIn other words
Sabe?
contrastYou know?
