Não deixes para amanhã o que podes fazer hoje.
Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Signification
It's best to complete tasks promptly rather than delaying them.
Contexte culturel
In Portugal, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'desenrascar'—the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. It is a highly valued trait in the workplace. While the proverb is well-known, Brazil has a famous 'jeitinho' culture which sometimes conflicts with it, leading to a humorous tension between being organized and being flexible. In Angolan Portuguese, proverbs are a vital part of oral tradition and are used frequently in formal speeches to show wisdom and authority. The proverb is often translated or adapted into Crioulo, maintaining the same core message of diligence which is central to the island's work ethic.
Use it as a gentle nudge
It's a very polite way to remind someone of a task without being bossy.
Watch the conjugation
Remember to use 'deixe' in Brazil and 'deixes' in Portugal to sound natural.
Signification
It's best to complete tasks promptly rather than delaying them.
Use it as a gentle nudge
It's a very polite way to remind someone of a task without being bossy.
Watch the conjugation
Remember to use 'deixe' in Brazil and 'deixes' in Portugal to sound natural.
The 'o que' link
This is a great phrase to practice the 'o que' (that which) structure, which is vital for intermediate Portuguese.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Não _______ para amanhã o que _______ fazer hoje.
In standard European Portuguese, we use the 2nd person singular 'tu'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Your friend is tired and wants to finish a project next week, but the deadline is Monday.
The proverb encourages finishing tasks now to meet deadlines.
Match the Portuguese words with their English equivalents.
Match the following:
These are the core vocabulary components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Pai: 'Filho, já lavaste o carro?' Filho: 'Vou lavar amanhã.' Pai: '____________________'
The father is using the proverb to correct the son's procrastination.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNão _______ para amanhã o que _______ fazer hoje.
In standard European Portuguese, we use the 2nd person singular 'tu'.
Your friend is tired and wants to finish a project next week, but the deadline is Monday.
The proverb encourages finishing tasks now to meet deadlines.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core vocabulary components of the phrase.
Pai: 'Filho, já lavaste o carro?' Filho: 'Vou lavar amanhã.' Pai: '____________________'
The father is using the proverb to correct the son's procrastination.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's very common in daily life, especially between parents and children or colleagues.
Yes, if you are in Brazil or using the formal 'você' in Portugal.
There isn't a direct proverb opposite, but 'devagar se vai ao longe' (slowly one goes far) suggests a different pace.
It can be risky. It's better to use it with peers or subordinates.
No, it applies to anything: cleaning, exercise, or even saying 'I love you'.
Focus on the nasal 'ã' at the end; it's like saying 'ah' through your nose.
Not a direct one, but 'Bora lá!' (Let's go!) captures the same energy.
Because it's a negative command, which requires the subjunctive mood in Portuguese.
Yes, it is universally understood from Lisbon to Luanda to Rio.
Yes, sometimes people just say 'Não deixes para amanhã...' and the listener knows the rest.
It means 'that which' or 'what'.
Yes, for people who value productivity and living in the moment.
Yes, to encourage someone not to wait to express their feelings.
Not a standard one, but the rhythm itself is very musical.
Expressions liées
Mais vale tarde do que nunca
contrastBetter late than never.
A pressa é inimiga da perfeição
contrastHaste is the enemy of perfection.
Quem cedo madruga, Deus ajuda
similarGod helps those who wake up early.
Tempo é dinheiro
similarTime is money.
