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A1 adverb #3,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

Atrás

Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Atrás en 30 secondes

Explication Atrás in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'atrás' is primarily taught as a spatial preposition to describe the location of objects in a house or classroom. Students learn 'atrás de' as part of a set of basic prepositions like 'em cima de' (on top of) or 'dentro de' (inside). The goal is to provide simple descriptions of where things are. Example: 'O livro está atrás da mochila.' (The book is behind the backpack). Learners also begin to see it in very simple time phrases like 'um dia atrás' (one day ago), though 'ontem' (yesterday) is usually taught first. The focus is on physical placement and basic temporal distance.

At A2, the student expands the use of 'atrás' to describe past events in more detail. They learn to specify time intervals like 'três meses atrás' (three months ago) or 'muito tempo atrás' (a long time ago). Grammatically, students at this level start to notice the contraction of 'de' (atrás de o -> atrás do). They also encounter the word in common social contexts, such as describing where someone is sitting in a car or a cinema. The concept of 'correr atrás' (to run after) might be introduced in a literal sense, such as a child running after a ball.

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By B1, 'atrás' becomes more abstract. Students learn to use it to describe being 'behind' in their studies or work ('estou atrás na matéria'). They also start to use idiomatic expressions like 'ir atrás de um sonho' (to go after a dream). This level introduces the distinction between 'atrás' and 'trás', and the common (though technically incorrect) pleonasm 'há... atrás'. B1 learners should be able to navigate more complex spatial descriptions, such as 'por trás de', indicating something hidden or less obvious. They use 'atrás' to narrate stories with specific time markers.

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At the B2 level, students are expected to use 'atrás' with high fluency and correct prepositional contractions. They understand the stylistic difference between 'há' and 'atrás' for temporal markers and can choose the appropriate one for formal vs. informal writing. B2 learners use 'atrás' in professional contexts to discuss competition or market trends ('A nossa empresa não pode ficar atrás'). They also master the figurative uses, such as 'trazer algo atrás de si' (to bring something along with oneself/consequences). The nuance of 'atrás' in different Lusophone dialects (Brazilian vs. European) becomes more apparent.

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C1 learners use 'atrás' with the precision of a native speaker. They can identify and correctly use 'detrás' for literary effect. They understand complex idioms like 'correr atrás do prejuízo' (to work hard to recover from a loss). At this level, 'atrás' is used in nuanced arguments about history or sociology to describe what lies 'behind' certain social movements or political decisions. The student can also handle the word in legal or technical documents where spatial and temporal precision is paramount. They are sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic placement of the word in sophisticated prose.

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At the C2 level, 'atrás' is used effortlessly in all its forms, including archaic or highly regional variations. The speaker can engage in deep linguistic discussions about the etymology (from Latin 'ad trans') and the evolution of the 'há... atrás' pleonasm in modern Portuguese. They can use 'atrás' in poetry or high literature to create specific atmospheres or metaphors. The distinction between 'atrás', 'trás', 'detrás', and 'traz' is second nature, and they can even use the word to play with double meanings in puns or sophisticated humor. Their usage reflects a deep cultural integration into the Portuguese-speaking world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Atrás en 30 secondes

Atrás is a versatile Portuguese adverb meaning 'behind' for space and 'ago' for time.
It usually forms the phrase 'atrás de' when identifying a specific object or person.
In Brazilian Portuguese, it is commonly used in idioms like 'correr atrás' (to pursue).
Avoid the formal mistake of combining 'há' with 'atrás' in academic writing.

The word atrás is a fundamental building block of the Portuguese language, primarily functioning as an adverb of place or time. At its core, it signifies a position that is posterior to something else—whether that is a physical object, a point in time, or a metaphorical goal. For English speakers, the most direct translation is 'behind' or 'ago', depending on the context of the sentence. Understanding the nuances of atrás is essential because it appears in everything from simple directions to complex philosophical discussions about the past.

Spatial Orientation: When used spatially, it indicates that an object is located at the back of another. It is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' (atrás de) when a reference point is mentioned.

O gato está escondido atrás da cortina.

Translation: The cat is hidden behind the curtain.

Temporal Reference: In a temporal sense, it translates to 'ago'. It is placed after the time period mentioned, much like in English. For instance, 'dois dias atrás' means 'two days ago'.

Beyond physical and temporal placement, atrás is used in many idiomatic expressions. It can imply following someone, pursuing a dream, or being late with a schedule. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between the physical world and the abstract concept of time. Whether you are looking for your keys behind the sofa or reflecting on a decision made years ago, atrás is the anchor for those thoughts.

Eu vi ele correndo atrás do ônibus.

Metaphorical Pursuit: The phrase 'ir atrás de' is frequently used to mean 'to go after' or 'to pursue', such as pursuing a goal, a job, or even a romantic interest.

Você deve ir atrás dos seus sonhos.

In summary, atrás is a word that describes the 'rear' aspect of our existence. It organizes our physical surroundings and our historical timeline. Mastery of this word allows a learner to navigate physical spaces and narrate life events with clarity and precision. It is one of the top 500 most used words in the Portuguese language, making it indispensable for any student.

Using atrás correctly involves understanding its grammatical relationship with prepositions and nouns. While it can stand alone as an adverb, it most frequently appears in the prepositional phrase atrás de. This phrase is the standard way to say 'behind [something]' or 'after [something]'.

Spatial Placement: To describe where an object is, use 'atrás de' + [Object]. Note that 'de' contracts with articles: de + o = do, de + a = da.

Coloque a cadeira atrás da mesa.

Temporal Usage (Ago): When expressing how long ago something happened, the pattern is: [Time Quantity] + atrás. Unlike English 'ago', which comes at the end, 'atrás' also comes at the end of the time phrase.

Eu cheguei aqui dez minutos atrás.

In more complex sentences, atrás can indicate a lack of progress or a delay. For example, 'estar atrás' can mean to be behind schedule. It can also be used with verbs of movement like 'ficar' (to stay/remain) or 'deixar' (to leave). 'Deixar para atrás' means to leave something behind, either physically or emotionally.

Não olhe para atrás, o passado já foi.

Common Verbs with Atrás: Correr atrás (to chase), Ficar atrás (to stay behind), Olhar para atrás (to look back), Estar atrás (to be behind).

Estamos atrás do cronograma previsto.

Finally, consider the word 'trás' (without the 'a'). This is often confused with 'atrás'. 'Trás' is usually part of the prepositional phrase 'por trás de' (behind/from behind) or is the 3rd person singular of the verb 'trazer' (to bring). Always check if you are describing a location (atrás) or an action of bringing (trás).

The word atrás is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking cultures. You will hear it in the bustling streets of São Paulo, the historic alleys of Lisbon, and the quiet countryside of Angola. Its usage spans from the most mundane daily tasks to high-stakes professional environments. Because it deals with time and space, it is a 'high-frequency' word that appears in almost every conversation.

Daily Errands and Directions: When asking for directions, people will often say 'é atrás daquele prédio' (it's behind that building). In a supermarket, you might ask 'onde estão os ovos?' and hear 'atrás de você' (behind you).

O estacionamento fica atrás do shopping.

In the Workplace: In professional settings, 'atrás' is frequently used to discuss deadlines and progress. 'Estamos atrás da concorrência' (We are behind the competition) or 'A entrega foi feita dois dias atrás' (The delivery was made two days ago).

Não podemos ficar atrás nas atualizações tecnológicas.

You will also encounter atrás in media and entertainment. Songs often use it to talk about past loves ('anos atrás') or looking back at one's life. In sports commentary, if a team is losing, the narrator will say they are 'atrás no placar' (behind on the scoreboard). In news reporting, it is used to describe the location of incidents or the timing of past events.

O jogador veio de atrás para marcar o gol.

Family and Social Life: Parents tell children 'não fique atrás da porta' (don't stay behind the door). Friends recounting stories might start with 'muito tempo atrás...' (a long time ago...).

Muitos anos atrás, esta cidade era pequena.

Whether you are reading a history book, watching a football match, or just trying to find your way around a new city, atrás will be there. It is a word that connects the physical space we occupy with the timeline of our lives, making it a cornerstone of effective Portuguese communication.

Even for native speakers, atrás can be a source of confusion, primarily due to its similarity to other words and its use in redundant phrases. For English learners, the challenges often lie in preposition usage and the 'ago' vs. 'behind' distinction.

Atrás vs. Trás: This is the most common error. 'Atrás' is an adverb of place/time. 'Trás' (with an accent and 's') is a preposition or adverb meaning 'behind' but usually used with 'por' or 'para'. 'Traz' (with a 'z') is a form of the verb 'trazer' (to bring).

Errado: Ele atrás o livro para mim.
Correto: Ele traz o livro para mim.

The 'Há... Atrás' Pleonasm: In formal Portuguese, saying 'Há dez anos atrás' is redundant because both 'há' and 'atrás' indicate past time. You should use one or the other: 'Há dez anos' OR 'Dez anos atrás'.

Formal: Eu nasci há vinte anos.
Informal: Eu nasci vinte anos atrás.

Another mistake is forgetting the preposition 'de' when specifying what something is behind. In English, we say 'behind the house'. In Portuguese, you must say 'atrás da (de+a) casa'. Leaving out the 'de' makes the sentence sound incomplete and broken to a native ear.

Errado: O carro está atrás o muro.
Correto: O carro está atrás do muro.

Confusing Atrás with Detrás: 'Detrás' is more formal and specific. While 'atrás' can be used for time and space, 'detrás' is strictly spatial. Learners often use 'detrás' when they mean 'ago', which is incorrect.

Não diga: Dois dias detrás.
Diga: Dois dias atrás.

Lastly, be careful with word order. In English, 'behind' usually precedes the object. In Portuguese, 'atrás de' also precedes the object. However, when used as 'ago', it follows the time duration. Some learners try to put 'atrás' before the time (e.g., 'atrás dois dias'), which is a direct translation from 'behind two days' but doesn't mean 'two days ago'.

While atrás is the most common word for its meanings, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the desired level of formality or the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding these synonyms helps you sound more natural and precise.

Detrás: Very similar to 'atrás', but more formal and strictly spatial. It is often used with 'por' (por detrás de). Use this in literature or formal reports.

A verdade está por detrás das aparências.

Há (Verb Haver): When talking about time in the past, 'há' is the preferred formal alternative to 'atrás'. 'Há um mês' = 'A month ago'.

Há muito tempo, vivia um rei...

If you are talking about being late or lagging, you might use atrasado (delayed/late) or em atraso. While 'atrás' can mean behind schedule, 'atrasado' specifically describes the state of the person or thing that is late.

O trem está atrasado.

Posteriormente / Depois: If you mean 'behind' in terms of sequence (after), you use 'depois' or 'posteriormente'. 'Atrás' is for position, 'depois' is for order.

Ele chegou depois de mim.

Finally, consider the word seguida. If you are following someone, you are 'atrás' of them, but you are also 'em seguida' (next/following). Choosing between these depends on whether you are emphasizing the physical gap (atrás) or the sequential order (seguida).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'atrás' essentially shares the same root as 'transport' and 'transition', all relating to the concept of 'across' or 'beyond'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /aˈtɾas/

US /aˈtɾas/

The stress is on the last syllable: a-TRÁS.

Rime avec

Gás Paz Capaz Rapaz Cartaz Aliás Jamais Cais

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (it should be tapped).
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Confusing the spelling with 'atraz' (which doesn't exist).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'traz' (verb) which sounds identical in some regions.
Not opening the final 'á' enough.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Requires care with 'de' contractions and avoiding pleonasms.

Expression orale 1/5

Simple pronunciation, though the tapped 'r' takes practice.

Écoute 2/5

Can sometimes sound like 'trás' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

frente lado tempo dias onde

Apprends ensuite

detrás atrasado atrasar adiante diante

Avancé

anteriormente precedente retroceder causualidade

Grammaire à connaître

Contraction of Prepositions

atrás + de + o = atrás do

Adverbial Placement

Atrás usually follows the time duration (dois dias atrás).

Pleonasm Avoidance

Avoid 'Há... atrás' in formal writing.

Atrás vs Trás

Atrás (adverb) vs Trás (preposition/adverb).

Verbs of Motion

Use 'para atrás' with verbs like 'olhar' or 'ir'.

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Exemples par niveau

O gato está atrás da porta.

The cat is behind the door.

Atrás + da (de + a)

A caneta caiu atrás da mesa.

The pen fell behind the table.

Atrás + da

Eu moro atrás do parque.

I live behind the park.

Atrás + do (de + o)

Olhe para atrás!

Look back!

Atrás as a simple adverb

O carro está atrás do ônibus.

The car is behind the bus.

Spatial prepositional phrase

Um minuto atrás.

One minute ago.

Temporal use

Ela está atrás de você.

She is behind you.

Atrás + de + pronoun

O jardim fica atrás da casa.

The garden is behind the house.

Basic spatial description

Eu vi esse filme dois dias atrás.

I saw this movie two days ago.

Time quantity + atrás

O menino correu atrás da bola.

The boy ran after the ball.

Movement + atrás de

Nós viajamos três semanas atrás.

We traveled three weeks ago.

Temporal marker

Onde você estava dez minutos atrás?

Where were you ten minutes ago?

Question with temporal adverb

O cachorro está atrás da árvore.

The dog is behind the tree.

Spatial location

Ele deixou a chave atrás do vaso.

He left the key behind the vase.

Placing an object

Atrás da montanha tem um lago.

Behind the mountain there is a lake.

Sentence starting with the prepositional phrase

Eu te liguei uma hora atrás.

I called you one hour ago.

Temporal use in conversation

Estou muito atrás no meu trabalho.

I am very far behind in my work.

Metaphorical use for progress

Ela foi atrás de uma vida melhor.

She went after a better life.

Idiomatic pursuit

Isso aconteceu muitos anos atrás.

This happened many years ago.

Indefinite time period

Não fique para atrás na corrida.

Don't fall behind in the race.

Ficar para atrás (to fall behind)

O que tem por trás dessa história?

What is behind this story?

Por trás de (hidden meaning)

Ele sempre corre atrás dos seus objetivos.

He always goes after his goals.

Correr atrás (to pursue)

Deixamos as preocupações para atrás.

We left the worries behind.

Deixar para atrás

O prédio fica logo atrás daquela farmácia.

The building is right behind that pharmacy.

Using 'logo' to emphasize proximity

A empresa está atrás de novos talentos.

The company is looking for new talent.

Estar atrás de (searching for)

O país ficou atrás no desenvolvimento tecnológico.

The country fell behind in technological development.

Abstract lag

Há pouco tempo atrás, ninguém usava isso.

A short time ago, nobody used this.

Common (though redundant) temporal phrase

Ele escondeu a verdade atrás de mentiras.

He hid the truth behind lies.

Metaphorical spatial use

Vou correr atrás do prejuízo agora.

I'm going to make up for the loss now.

Idiom: Correr atrás do prejuízo

Atrás de cada grande homem há uma grande mulher.

Behind every great man there is a great woman.

Proverbial usage

O sol se pôs atrás do horizonte.

The sun set behind the horizon.

Literary spatial use

Não olhe para atrás com arrependimento.

Don't look back with regret.

Figurative direction

Atrás da retórica política, escondem-se interesses econômicos.

Behind the political rhetoric, economic interests are hidden.

Formal abstract use

A decisão foi tomada meses atrás, sem consulta prévia.

The decision was made months ago, without prior consultation.

Precise temporal placement in formal context

Ele sempre soube o que estava por trás de suas ações.

He always knew what was behind her actions.

Analyzing motivations

O projeto está dois meses atrás do cronograma original.

The project is two months behind the original schedule.

Professional project management context

Atrás daquela fachada fria, havia um coração generoso.

Behind that cold facade, there was a generous heart.

Literary character description

As gerações que vieram atrás de nós terão desafios maiores.

The generations that came after us will have greater challenges.

Sequence of generations

Não podemos deixar que o medo nos deixe para atrás.

We cannot let fear leave us behind.

Emotional state impact

Atrás de uma porta fechada, tudo pode acontecer.

Behind a closed door, anything can happen.

Suspenseful narrative use

Atrás da aparente calmaria, fervilhava uma revolução silenciosa.

Behind the apparent calm, a silent revolution was simmering.

High-level literary contrast

Remontando a séculos atrás, o costume ainda persiste.

Dating back centuries ago, the custom still persists.

Historical temporal markers

A investigação visa descobrir quem está atrás da cortina de fumaça.

The investigation aims to discover who is behind the smokescreen.

Metaphor for deception

O autor buscou a verdade que jazia atrás dos mitos fundadores.

The author sought the truth that lay behind the founding myths.

Academic/Philosophical use

Ficou para atrás a era da inocência tecnológica.

The era of technological innocence has been left behind.

Cultural shift narration

Atrás do véu da ignorância, todos somos iguais.

Behind the veil of ignorance, we are all equal.

Philosophical reference (Rawls)

Atrás de cada sílaba, percebia-se uma intenção velada.

Behind each syllable, a veiled intention could be perceived.

Linguistic/Literary analysis

Não se deve olhar para atrás quando a ponte já foi queimada.

One should not look back when the bridge has already been burned.

Complex metaphorical idiom

Collocations courantes

atrás de

tempo atrás

correr atrás

ficar atrás

olhar para atrás

deixar para atrás

vir de atrás

logo atrás

atrás da porta

atrás do balcão

Phrases Courantes

Andar para atrás

— To move backwards or to regress in progress.

A economia está andando para atrás.

Passar para atrás

— To deceive or cheat someone.

Ele tentou me passar para atrás no negócio.

Estar atrás de algo

— To be looking for or pursuing something.

Estou atrás de um novo emprego.

Ficar para atrás

— To be forgotten or surpassed.

Muitas tradições ficaram para atrás.

Deixar para atrás

— To abandon or move on from.

É hora de deixar a tristeza para atrás.

Vir atrás

— To follow or come after.

O sucesso vem atrás do esforço.

Botar para atrás

— To push back or delay.

Botaram o início do jogo para atrás.

Saber o que tem atrás

— To know the hidden motive.

Eu sei o que tem atrás desse convite.

Atrás da moita

— Hiding or acting in a sneaky way.

Ele ficou atrás da moita esperando a chance.

Cair para atrás

— To be extremely surprised (literal: to fall backwards).

Eu quase caí para atrás com a notícia.

Souvent confondu avec

Atrás vs trás

Trás is a preposition/adverb used with 'por' or 'para'. Atrás is a standalone adverb.

Atrás vs traz

Traz is the verb 'trazer' (to bring). It sounds the same but has a different meaning.

Atrás vs atraso

Atraso is the noun 'delay'. Atrás is the position 'behind'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Correr atrás do prejuízo"

— To work hard to make up for lost time, money, or a bad situation.

Perdemos o primeiro tempo, agora vamos correr atrás do prejuízo.

informal

"Passar a perna/atrás"

— To trick or betray someone.

Ele me passou para atrás na venda do carro.

slang

"Não ficar atrás"

— To be just as good as someone else; not to be outdone.

Maria toca piano bem, mas o irmão não fica atrás.

neutral

"Atrás de um"

— One after another in quick succession.

Os problemas vinham um atrás do outro.

neutral

"Dar um passo atrás"

— To retreat or reconsider a position.

Às vezes é preciso dar um passo atrás para avançar depois.

neutral

"Estar com o pé atrás"

— To be suspicious or hesitant about someone or something.

Fiquei com o pé atrás com aquela proposta.

informal

"Atrás do sol posto"

— In a very remote or distant place.

Ele mora lá atrás do sol posto.

informal

"Pôr-se atrás de"

— To seek protection or hide behind someone's influence.

Ele se pôs atrás do pai para não assumir o erro.

neutral

"Lá atrás"

— A long time ago or far back in the past.

Lá atrás, quando eu era criança, tudo era diferente.

informal

"Ficar para trás"

— To be surpassed by others.

Se não estudar, vai ficar para trás na carreira.

neutral

Facile à confondre

Atrás vs detrás

Both mean behind.

Detrás is more formal and strictly spatial; atrás is versatile.

Ele se escondeu detrás da cortina.

Atrás vs há

Both indicate past time.

Há is a verb; atrás is an adverb. Há comes before time, atrás comes after.

Há dez anos / Dez anos atrás.

Atrás vs depois

Both can mean 'after'.

Depois refers to sequence/time; atrás refers to physical position.

Ele vem depois de mim na fila.

Atrás vs atrasado

Related roots.

Atrasado is an adjective (late); atrás is an adverb (behind/ago).

O relógio está atrasado.

Atrás vs traseira

Related roots.

Traseira is a noun (the rear part of something).

A traseira do carro foi batida.

Structures de phrases

O [objeto] está atrás de [lugar].

O livro está atrás do sofá.

[Quantidade de tempo] atrás.

Três dias atrás.

Correr atrás de [objetivo].

Correr atrás de um sonho.

Ficar para atrás em [contexto].

Ficar para atrás nos estudos.

O que está por trás de [situação].

O que está por trás do crime.

Atrás de [abstração], jaz [resultado].

Atrás do silêncio, jaz a dor.

Olhe para atrás.

Não olhe para atrás agora.

Deixar [algo] para atrás.

Deixei as chaves para atrás.

Famille de mots

Noms

traseira (rear/back part)

atraso (delay)

traseiro (backside/buttocks)

Verbes

atrasar (to delay/to be late)

retrasar (to delay again - rare)

Adjectifs

atrasado (late/delayed)

traseiro (rear)

Apparenté

trás

traz

atraso

atrasar

traseira

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes

Há dez anos atrás. → Há dez anos. / Dez anos atrás.
Redundancy (pleonasm) in formal language.
Ele atrás o café. → Ele traz o café.
Confusing the adverb 'atrás' with the verb 'traz' (trazer).
O gato está atrás o sofá. → O gato está atrás do sofá.
Missing the preposition 'de' and its contraction.
Atrás dois meses. → Dois meses atrás.
Incorrect word order for temporal 'ago'.
Eu olhei para traz. → Eu olhei para trás.
Incorrect spelling of 'trás' (should have an accent).

Astuces

The 'De' Rule

Always follow 'atrás' with 'de' when specifying a noun. Atrás do carro, atrás da mesa.

Temporal Logic

Remember: Quantity + Atrás. 'Dois anos atrás'. Never 'Atrás dois anos'.

Brazilian Ambition

Use 'correr atrás' to show you are motivated. It's a very positive phrase in Brazil.

Pleonasm Alert

Avoid using 'há' and 'atrás' together in the same phrase in formal writing.

Tapped R

The 'r' in atrás is a single tap of the tongue, like the 'tt' in 'kitty'.

Spatial Depth

Use 'atrás' to describe things you can't see because something else is in the way.

A-Trás

Think of 'A' as 'At' and 'Trás' as 'The rear'. At-the-rear.

Atrás vs Antes

Don't confuse 'atrás' (ago/behind) with 'antes' (before). 'Antes' is for sequence, 'atrás' is for distance.

Chasing Dreams

The phrase 'ir atrás de' is the most common way to say you are looking for someone or something.

Regional Sounds

In Rio, the 's' in 'atrás' sounds like 'sh'. In São Paulo, it sounds like 's'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'A TRack behind AS'. You are on A TRack, and there is an ASs (donkey) behind you. A-TR-AS.

Association visuelle

Visualize a car's rear-view mirror. What you see in the mirror is 'atrás' of you.

Word Web

Space Time Behind Ago Pursuit Delay Past Rear

Défi

Try to write three sentences using 'atrás': one for space, one for time, and one using the idiom 'correr atrás'.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin phrase 'ad trans', where 'ad' means 'to' and 'trans' means 'across' or 'beyond'. This evolved through Vulgar Latin into the Old Portuguese forms.

Sens originel : Originally implied a movement toward the other side or the back.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be careful using 'traseiro' as it can refer to a person's buttocks.

English speakers often struggle with 'atrás' vs 'há'. In English, 'ago' is always at the end. In Portuguese, 'atrás' is at the end, but 'há' is at the beginning.

Song: 'Atrás do Trio Elétrico' by Caetano Veloso. Book: 'O Tempo e o Vento' (mentions events 'atrás' in time). Expression: 'Atrás da cortina de ferro' (Behind the Iron Curtain).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Giving Directions

Atrás do banco
Vire atrás
Fica logo atrás
Atrás daquela rua

Talking about the Past

Muitos anos atrás
Pouco tempo atrás
Dias atrás
Semanas atrás

In the Office

Atrás do prazo
Correr atrás de clientes
Ficar atrás da meta
Deixar para atrás

Playing with Kids

Cadê? Está atrás de você!
Esconda-se atrás da porta
Corra atrás dele!
Olhe para atrás

Relationships

Correr atrás de alguém
Deixar o ex para atrás
Ficar com o pé atrás
Por trás de tudo

Amorces de conversation

"O que você estava fazendo dez minutos atrás?"

"Você prefere morar na frente ou atrás de um parque?"

"Você já teve que correr atrás de um ônibus?"

"O que você deixou para atrás quando mudou de cidade?"

"Você fica com o pé atrás quando conhece alguém novo?"

Sujets d'écriture

Descreva como era sua vida cinco anos atrás.

Escreva sobre um objetivo que você está correndo atrás no momento.

O que existe por trás da sua motivação para aprender português?

Descreva a disposição dos móveis no seu quarto usando 'atrás de'.

Pense em uma decisão que você tomou tempo atrás e como ela afeta você hoje.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In formal grammar, yes, it is a pleonasm. However, in casual conversation, especially in Brazil, it is used by almost everyone. For exams, use 'há dois anos' or 'dois anos atrás'.

Use 'atrás' for 99% of situations. Use 'detrás' only if you want to sound very formal or literary when describing spatial position.

No, 'atrás' is an adverb and never changes. Only the preposition 'de' changes to 'da' if the noun is feminine.

No, 'atrás' means 'behind' or 'ago'. 'Before' is 'antes' or 'diante'.

You say 'atrás de mim'.

Atrás is a location. Traz is the verb 'to bring'. They are pronounced similarly but spelled differently.

Yes, it is used exactly the same way spatially. Temporally, Portuguese people tend to use 'há' more often than Brazilians.

Yes, 'ele está atrás de você' means 'he is behind you'.

Literally 'to run after', but figuratively 'to work hard for something' or 'to pursue a goal'.

Only if you mention what it is behind. If you just say 'he is behind', you say 'ele está atrás'.

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