Signification
Do not interfere in other people's affairs unless invited to do so.
Contexte culturel
Brazilians often use 'meter o bedelho' as a synonym for this behavior. While the culture is very social, there is a strong sense of 'cada um no seu quadrado' (each in their own square/space). In Portugal, the phrase might be used with 'tu' (Não te metas), and it is often delivered with a very dry, direct tone compared to the more animated Brazilian delivery. In African Lusophone countries, respect for elders is paramount. Using this phrase toward an elder would be considered a grave insult, regardless of how nosy they are.
Careful with the tone
If said too loudly, this can start a fight. Use it only when you really want someone to back off.
Gender Agreement
Always remember to change 'chamado' to 'chamada' if you are talking to a woman. It shows high fluency.
Signification
Do not interfere in other people's affairs unless invited to do so.
Careful with the tone
If said too loudly, this can start a fight. Use it only when you really want someone to back off.
Gender Agreement
Always remember to change 'chamado' to 'chamada' if you are talking to a woman. It shows high fluency.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Não ___ meta onde não é chamado.
In standard Brazilian Portuguese, 'se' is used for the second person imperative in this proverb.
Which version is correct when speaking to a woman?
Não se meta onde não é...
The past participle must agree with the gender of the person being addressed.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
Your neighbor asks why you are coming home late every night.
The phrase is used to stop unwanted curiosity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'O que você está escrevendo nesse diário?' B: '___'
A diary is private, making the proverb a fitting response to a nosy question.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say it
Safe
- • Siblings
- • Close friends
- • Nosy neighbors
Risky
- • Bosses
- • In-laws
- • Police
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNão ___ meta onde não é chamado.
In standard Brazilian Portuguese, 'se' is used for the second person imperative in this proverb.
Não se meta onde não é...
The past participle must agree with the gender of the person being addressed.
Your neighbor asks why you are coming home late every night.
The phrase is used to stop unwanted curiosity.
A: 'O que você está escrevendo nesse diário?' B: '___'
A diary is private, making the proverb a fitting response to a nosy question.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, it can be. It's a firm way to set a boundary. Use it when politeness hasn't worked.
Only with close colleagues. With a boss, it's better to say 'Isso não faz parte das minhas tarefas'.
Não se meta onde não é chamada.
Expressions liées
Meter o bedelho
similarTo stick one's nose in.
Cuide da sua vida
synonymMind your own business.
Cada macaco no seu galho
similarEach monkey on its own branch.
