lá longe en 30 secondes
- Indicates great distance, both physical and temporal.
- Used to describe places far away.
- Can also refer to the past or a distant future.
- Adds emphasis to the concept of 'far'.
The Portuguese phrase lá longe is used to indicate a location that is far away, both physically and sometimes metaphorically. It's a common and versatile expression that adds a sense of distance or remoteness to a statement. Think of it as the Portuguese equivalent of "far away" or "over there, far off." It's not a single word but a two-word expression that functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or other adverbs to specify a distant location.
You'll hear lá longe in everyday conversations, in literature, and even in songs. It's a fundamental phrase for describing spatial relationships when the object or place being referred to is not nearby. For instance, if you're looking out at the horizon or talking about a place you visited a long time ago, lá longe can effectively convey that sense of distance. It can also be used to talk about things that are far in the future, though this is less common than its physical meaning. The emphasis is on the significant distance, implying that it's not easily reachable or immediately visible.
Consider the feeling it evokes. It's not just "far," but "far away" with a touch of wistfulness or wonder. It can suggest a place that is perhaps idyllic, mysterious, or simply very, very distant. The phrase is often used when pointing towards something in the distance or when reminiscing about a place that feels like a world away. It’s a descriptive tool that paints a picture of remoteness for the listener.
- Physical Distance
- When you see a mountain range in the distance, you might say it's lá longe.
- Metaphorical Distance
- Dreams or aspirations can feel lá longe if they seem very difficult to achieve.
- Time
- A past event that feels very distant in memory can be described as being lá longe.
Onde você mora? Moro lá longe, perto da praia.
Eu vejo uma luz lá longe no horizonte.
The phrase is inherently visual and often implies a broad perspective. It's not about a specific, pinpointed location but rather a general area that is far from the speaker's current position. This makes it very useful for setting scenes in stories or for general descriptions of landscapes. It’s a part of the everyday Portuguese lexicon that helps to communicate spatial ideas effectively and poetically.
- Describing Views
- Imagine standing on a hill and looking out at the vastness. You might point and say, “As casas estão lá longe.” (The houses are far away.)
- Recalling Memories
- When talking about childhood, someone might say, “Aquele tempo parece lá longe agora.” (That time seems far away now.)
- Expressing Desire
- A person might dream of a vacation destination, saying, “Queria estar lá longe, num lugar tranquilo.” (I wish I were far away, in a peaceful place.)
Ele mora lá longe, num sítio que eu nunca vi.
Using lá longe is quite straightforward, as it functions as an adverbial phrase indicating distance. It typically follows the verb it modifies or is placed at the end of a clause to emphasize the location. The core idea is always "far away." Let's explore various sentence structures where lá longe fits naturally.
The most common usage involves describing a physical location. For example, if you're talking about a town or a house that is not close by, you'd use lá longe. You can also use it to refer to things you see in the distance, like a ship on the horizon or a light in the night. The phrase adds a sense of scale and remoteness to these descriptions.
Beyond physical distance, lá longe can also refer to a time that feels distant, often the past. When reminiscing about childhood or a past event that feels like a long time ago, this phrase perfectly captures that sentiment. It's less common but can also refer to a future that feels far off and perhaps uncertain.
Here are some typical sentence patterns:
- Verb + lá longe
- Eu moro lá longe. (I live far away.)
- Object + Verb + lá longe
- Ele mora lá longe. (He lives far away.)
- See + lá longe
- Vejo uma montanha lá longe. (I see a mountain far away.)
- Go + lá longe
- Queria ir lá longe. (I wanted to go far away.)
- Feel + lá longe (for time)
- Aquele dia parece lá longe. (That day seems far away.)
As crianças brincam lá longe no parque.
You can also use it in more complex sentences to add detail. For instance, you might describe a specific place that is far away, or explain why someone is going far away. The key is that lá longe always conveys a sense of significant distance, making it a useful tool for descriptive language.
- Describing a distant event
- A festa aconteceu lá longe, numa cidade pequena.
- Expressing a desire for distance
- Às vezes, eu só queria estar lá longe, longe de tudo.
- Referring to a distant memory
- A minha infância parece lá longe agora.
O navio apareceu lá longe no mar.
You'll encounter lá longe in a wide variety of everyday Portuguese conversations, making it an essential phrase for learners. It's not confined to any particular region or social group; its usage is widespread across the Lusophone world.
Imagine yourself in a bustling marketplace in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro. If someone is describing where their aunt lives, they might say, “Ela mora lá longe, no interior.” (She lives far away, in the countryside.) This is a very natural way to convey distance in casual chat. Similarly, when friends are planning a trip, one might say, “Vamos para um lugar lá longe nas montanhas?” (Shall we go somewhere far away in the mountains?)
In a more reflective context, perhaps during a family gathering, an older relative might be reminiscing about their youth. They could say, “Ah, a minha juventude parece lá longe agora.” (Ah, my youth seems far away now.) This usage highlights the temporal aspect of the phrase, referring to a past that feels distant.
Listening to Portuguese music is another excellent way to hear lá longe. Many fado songs, for example, evoke a sense of longing for distant places or times, and lá longe is a perfect fit for such lyrical themes. Similarly, Brazilian popular music often uses it to describe romanticized or faraway settings.
Even in educational settings, when teachers are explaining concepts of geography or history, they might use it. For instance, when discussing ancient civilizations, a teacher might say, “Esta civilização existiu lá longe no tempo.” (This civilization existed far away in time.)
- Conversations
- People use it when talking about family members, vacation spots, or places they've visited.
- Literature and Media
- It appears in novels, poems, and song lyrics to describe remote locations or distant feelings.
- Travel Descriptions
- When discussing faraway destinations, it's a natural choice.
- Storytelling
- Used to set a scene or describe characters' origins.
O meu avô contava histórias de quando ele era jovem, e tudo parecia acontecer lá longe.
Ele sonhava em viajar para um país lá longe.
While lá longe is a common phrase, learners sometimes make mistakes that can alter the meaning or sound unnatural. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you use the phrase more accurately and confidently.
One frequent error is trying to use lá longe as if it were a single adjective modifying a noun directly. For instance, saying “uma casa lá longe” might sound a bit awkward. It's more natural to say “uma casa que fica lá longe” (a house that is far away) or simply place lá longe after the verb: “A casa é lá longe.” The phrase functions as an adverbial, describing where something is or happens, rather than describing the noun itself.
Another mistake is confusing lá longe with the word longe (far). While longe is a valid adverb on its own, lá longe adds a specific emphasis on the distance, often implying a greater or more indefinite remoteness. Using just longe might be too general when you want to convey a sense of significant distance. For example, “Moro longe” is correct, but “Moro lá longe” suggests a greater distance, perhaps a place that feels more remote or harder to reach.
Some learners might also incorrectly use prepositions with lá longe where they are not needed, or use the wrong prepositions. For example, “em lá longe” is generally incorrect. If you need a preposition, it usually precedes the entire phrase or refers to the context, like “em um lugar lá longe” (in a place far away).
- Mistake: Using as an adjective
- Incorrect: “Vi um pássaro lá longe voando.” (Awkward structure)
- Correct: “Vi um pássaro voando lá longe.” or “Vi um pássaro que estava lá longe.”
- Mistake: Confusing with 'longe'
- Incorrect: “O meu amigo mora longe.” (Less emphasis on remoteness)
- Correct: “O meu amigo mora lá longe.” (Implies a greater, more distant location)
- Mistake: Incorrect preposition usage
- Incorrect: “Estou em lá longe.”
- Correct: “Estou lá longe.” or “Estou em um lugar lá longe.”
A cidade parece lá longe da minha casa.
Ele mora lá longe, numa aldeia esquecida.
While lá longe is a very common and useful phrase, Portuguese offers other ways to express distance, each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you choose the most appropriate word for your specific context.
The most direct synonym is simply longe. As an adverb, longe means "far." However, lá longe often carries a stronger sense of remoteness, a more indefinite or significant distance. For example, if you say “Eu moro longe,” it could mean a few miles away. If you say “Eu moro lá longe,” it implies a place that is truly distant, perhaps hard to get to or very out of the way. Lá adds emphasis and a sense of "over there, far off."
Another related term is ao longe. This phrase is often used to describe something seen or heard from a distance, implying it's not clear or distinct. It translates to "in the distance" or "far off." For example, “Ouvi um som ao longe” (I heard a sound in the distance). While lá longe refers to a location, ao longe often describes the perception of something from a distance.
For very specific, distant locations, you might use phrases like em um lugar distante (in a distant place) or em um local afastado (in a remote location). These are more descriptive and less idiomatic than lá longe.
When referring to time, lá longe can be used metaphorically. However, for a more formal or direct reference to a past time, you might use phrases like há muito tempo (a long time ago) or no passado distante (in the distant past).
- Longe
- Longe is a general adverb for "far." Lá longe adds emphasis and a sense of greater remoteness.
- Example: “A loja fica longe.” vs. “A loja fica lá longe.” (The latter implies a more significant distance).
- Ao longe
- Ao longe means "in the distance" and is often used for things perceived from afar.
- Example: “Vimos um barco ao longe.” (We saw a boat in the distance.)
- Em um lugar distante / Em um local afastado
- These are more literal and descriptive phrases for "in a distant place" or "in a remote location." They are less idiomatic than lá longe.
- Example: “Ele vive em um lugar distante.” (He lives in a distant place.)
- Há muito tempo / No passado distante
- These phrases are used to refer to time that feels distant, similar to the metaphorical use of lá longe, but are more direct.
- Example: “A Segunda Guerra Mundial aconteceu há muito tempo.” (World War II happened a long time ago.)
A paisagem lá longe era deslumbrante.
O vilarejo ficava lá longe nas montanhas.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'o' in 'longe' as a pure 'o' sound instead of a nasalized 'o'.
- Mispronouncing the 'ge' in 'longe' as a hard 'g' sound.
- Not emphasizing the second syllable of 'longe'.
Exemples par niveau
Onde você mora?
Where do you live?
Moro longe.
I live far.
Vejo uma casa.
I see a house.
A montanha está longe.
The mountain is far.
Eu quero ir.
I want to go.
Onde está?
Where is it?
É muito longe.
It is very far.
Eu estou aqui.
I am here.
Onde você mora?
Where do you live?
Moro lá longe.
I live far away.
Introduces 'lá longe' for greater emphasis on distance.
Vejo uma luz lá longe.
I see a light far away.
Using 'lá longe' to describe a distant visual.
A cidade fica lá longe.
The city is far away.
Describing a distant geographical location.
Eu queria ir para lá longe.
I wanted to go far away.
Expressing a desire to travel to a distant place.
Onde fica a estação?
Where is the station?
É muito lá longe.
It is very far away.
Emphasizing extreme distance.
Aquele tempo parece lá longe.
That time seems far away.
Metaphorical use for time.
O meu primo mora lá longe, numa pequena ilha no Pacífico.
My cousin lives far away, on a small island in the Pacific.
Using 'lá longe' to describe a remote geographical location with specific details.
Do topo da montanha, podíamos ver o oceano lá longe.
From the top of the mountain, we could see the ocean far away.
Describing a visual perspective of a distant element.
Ele sonhava em visitar terras lá longe, cheias de mistério.
He dreamed of visiting lands far away, full of mystery.
Using 'lá longe' to evoke a sense of adventure and unknown destinations.
Aquele concerto inesquecível aconteceu lá longe, há muitos anos.
That unforgettable concert happened far away, many years ago.
Combining physical and temporal distance.
Às vezes, sinto que a minha juventude ficou lá longe.
Sometimes, I feel that my youth remained far away.
Expressing a feeling of temporal distance and nostalgia.
Vamos acampar em um lugar lá longe, onde não há poluição.
Let's camp in a place far away, where there is no pollution.
Using 'lá longe' to describe an ideal, remote location.
O farol brilhava lá longe, guiando os navios.
The lighthouse shone far away, guiding the ships.
Describing a distant, functional element in a landscape.
Será que eles ainda se lembram de nós, que vivemos tão lá longe?
Do they still remember us, who live so far away?
Expressing the feeling of separation due to distance.
A exploração espacial nos permite vislumbrar mundos lá longe, para além da nossa galáxia.
Space exploration allows us to glimpse worlds far away, beyond our galaxy.
Using 'lá longe' in a scientific and imaginative context to refer to celestial bodies.
Ele mantinha a esperança de um futuro melhor, mesmo que ele parecesse lá longe.
He held onto the hope of a better future, even though it seemed far away.
Metaphorical use for a distant future, emphasizing its perceived remoteness.
Os contos de fadas frequentemente se passam em reinos lá longe, onde a magia é real.
Fairy tales often take place in realms far away, where magic is real.
Used in a literary context to describe fantastical settings.
O som das ondas quebrando na praia distante chegava até nós, vindo de lá longe.
The sound of waves breaking on the distant beach reached us, coming from far away.
Describing a sensory perception originating from a distant source.
Após anos de trabalho árduo, a sua ambição de abrir um negócio próprio parecia finalmente se concretizar, embora ainda estivesse lá longe.
After years of hard work, his ambition to open his own business finally seemed to materialize, although it was still far away.
Referring to a future goal that is still perceived as distant despite progress.
As tradições ancestrais ainda são preservadas em aldeias remotas, situadas lá longe das grandes cidades.
Ancestral traditions are still preserved in remote villages, situated far away from big cities.
Highlighting the isolation and remoteness of a place where traditions are maintained.
O eco da sua voz ressoava lá longe nas montanhas, como um chamado solitário.
The echo of his voice resounded far away in the mountains, like a solitary call.
Describing the effect of sound in a vast, distant landscape.
Ele olhava para o horizonte, imaginando as aventuras que o esperavam em países lá longe.
He looked at the horizon, imagining the adventures that awaited him in countries far away.
Expressing a sense of wanderlust and anticipation for distant journeys.
A cidade antiga, outrora um centro vibrante, jaz agora em ruínas lá longe no deserto, um testemunho silencioso do tempo.
The ancient city, once a vibrant center, now lies in ruins far away in the desert, a silent testament to time.
Used to describe a remote, historical site with a poetic and evocative tone.
O perfume das flores silvestres, trazido pela brisa, parecia vir de um lugar lá longe, intocado pela civilização.
The scent of wild flowers, carried by the breeze, seemed to come from a place far away, untouched by civilization.
Evoking a sensory experience and a sense of untouched, remote nature.
Ele sentia uma nostalgia profunda por um lar que agora existia apenas em memórias, um lar que parecia lá longe, quase inatingível.
He felt a deep nostalgia for a home that now existed only in memories, a home that seemed far away, almost unattainable.
Expressing profound emotional distance and a sense of loss regarding a past home.
As estrelas, pontos cintilantes num céu infinito, nos lembram da vastidão do universo e dos mundos lá longe que talvez abriguem vida.
The stars, twinkling points in an infinite sky, remind us of the vastness of the universe and the worlds far away that may harbor life.
Used in an astronomical context to emphasize the immense distances in space.
A busca pela verdade, muitas vezes, nos leva por caminhos sinuosos e nos confronta com realidades que parecem estar lá longe do nosso entendimento inicial.
The search for truth often leads us down winding paths and confronts us with realities that seem to be far from our initial understanding.
Metaphorical use for abstract concepts, implying a journey away from initial perceptions.
O som do sino da igreja, que ecoava pelas colinas, anunciava a hora da missa para os fiéis que moravam lá longe.
The sound of the church bell, which echoed through the hills, announced the time for mass for the faithful who lived far away.
Describing a sound that travels from a distant source to reach a remote community.
Ele se via como um explorador, sempre buscando novos horizontes e terras desconhecidas, lá longe onde a aventura o chamava.
He saw himself as an explorer, always seeking new horizons and unknown lands, far away where adventure called him.
Portraying a character driven by a desire for exploration in distant, unknown places.
A memória de sua infância, passada em uma casa de campo isolada, trazia uma sensação de paz, como se aquele tempo estivesse guardado em um lugar lá longe, intocado pelo tempo.
The memory of his childhood, spent in an isolated country house, brought a sense of peace, as if that time were stored in a place far away, untouched by time.
Connecting a past time with a physically remote and idyllic location, emphasizing nostalgia and peace.
A sua obra poética frequentemente evoca a saudade de um paraíso perdido, um Éden que se desvanece no horizonte, lá longe no tempo e no espaço.
His poetic work frequently evokes the longing for a lost paradise, an Eden that fades on the horizon, far away in time and space.
Used in a highly literary and philosophical context to describe an idealized, unreachable past.
As civilizações antigas, cujos vestígios mal se distinguem hoje, floresceram em terras hoje desoladas, lá longe nas brumas da história.
Ancient civilizations, whose traces are barely distinguishable today, flourished in lands now desolate, far away in the mists of history.
Employing 'lá longe' to describe historical periods and locations that are obscure and remote in time.
A busca pela transcendência, para alguns, é uma jornada que se estende por vidas, anelando por um estado de ser que reside lá longe, para além da compreensão mortal.
The search for transcendence, for some, is a journey that spans lifetimes, yearning for a state of being that resides far away, beyond mortal comprehension.
Used metaphorically for abstract or spiritual goals that are perceived as extremely distant and profound.
O eco das suas palavras, proferidas em tempos de adversidade, ressoava como um farol, guiando aqueles que navegavam em mares turbulentos, lá longe da costa segura.
The echo of his words, spoken in times of adversity, resonated like a lighthouse, guiding those navigating turbulent seas, far away from the safe shore.
Metaphorically describing the influence of past words or actions that offer guidance from a distant, impactful origin.
A melodia melancólica, que flutuava no ar noturno, parecia contar histórias de amores perdidos e de esperanças que se esvaíram, cantadas por vozes lá longe no passado.
The melancholic melody, floating in the night air, seemed to tell stories of lost loves and vanished hopes, sung by voices far away in the past.
Evoking a sense of deep historical or emotional distance through a sensory experience.
Ele contemplava a imensidão do cosmos, imaginando a possibilidade de outras inteligências, em planetas lá longe, talvez desenvolvendo tecnologias que desafiam a nossa.
He contemplated the immensity of the cosmos, imagining the possibility of other intelligences, on planets far away, perhaps developing technologies that challenge ours.
Used in speculative contexts to emphasize the extreme distances and potential differences in extraterrestrial civilizations.
A arte abstrata busca expressar emoções e conceitos que transcendem a representação literal, muitas vezes apontando para um universo interior que reside lá longe, além da percepção comum.
Abstract art seeks to express emotions and concepts that transcend literal representation, often pointing to an inner universe that resides far away, beyond common perception.
Describing the abstract nature of art and its connection to inner worlds perceived as distant.
A memória coletiva de um povo é construída sobre narrativas que remontam a tempos imemoriais, a eventos que ocorreram lá longe, moldando a identidade presente.
The collective memory of a people is built on narratives that date back to immemorial times, to events that occurred far away, shaping the present identity.
Referring to the deep historical origins of collective memory and identity, emphasizing their remoteness in time.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— I live far away. This is a common way to state your residence is at a significant distance.
Onde você mora? Moro lá longe, perto da fronteira.
— I see far away. Used when referring to something visible at a great distance.
Do topo da montanha, vejo lá longe o mar.
— He is far away. Refers to someone's physical absence due to distance.
Não o vejo há anos, ele está lá longe a trabalhar.
— It seems far away. Can be used for both physical distance and temporal distance.
Aquele dia parece lá longe agora.
— I wish I were far away. Expresses a desire for escape or to be in a distant place.
Estou cansado daqui, queria estar lá longe.
— In a place far away. Used to specify a remote location.
Eles encontraram uma ruína em um lugar lá longe nas montanhas.
— The sound was coming from far away. Describes the origin of a sound.
O som vinha de lá longe, mas não sabia de onde exatamente.
— A future far away. Refers to a distant future, often aspirational or uncertain.
Ele planeja um futuro lá longe, com uma casa na praia.
— Far, far away. Used for strong emphasis on distance.
Vou para um lugar longe, lá longe, onde ninguém me encontre.
Expressions idiomatiques
— This phrase is not a standard idiom, but 'lá longe' is often contrasted with 'cá perto' (here nearby) to emphasize the distance.
A vida lá longe é diferente da vida cá perto.
Descriptive— Extremely far away; a very remote place. This is a colloquial and somewhat vulgar expression.
Ele foi morar mais longe que o cu da terra, nem sei onde fica.
Slang/Informal— To be daydreaming or not paying attention because one's thoughts are elsewhere, far away.
Ele não ouviu a pergunta, estava com a cabeça lá longe.
Informal— To think about distant possibilities, futures, or remote consequences. Similar to 'estar com a cabeça lá longe' but more focused on contemplation.
Ela pensa lá longe, considerando todas as opções.
Neutral— Someday in the distant future. Expresses hope or a long-term plan.
Um dia lá longe, quero visitar todos os continentes.
Aspirational— To talk about things that are remote in time or space, often with nostalgia or a sense of detachment.
Ele gosta de falar de lá longe, das suas viagens.
Narrative— A time long ago. Refers to a distant past.
Um tempo lá longe, quando as coisas eram mais simples.
Nostalgic— A destination that is very far away, often implying an escape or a special journey.
Precisamos de um lugar para ir lá longe, para descansar.
Descriptive— A distant echo, either literal or metaphorical, referring to something from the past or a remote source.
O eco de lá longe das suas palavras ainda me inspira.
Figurative— A world far away, often used to describe fictional or imagined places, or places perceived as very different.
Ele lia livros sobre um mundo lá longe, cheio de dragões.
ImaginativeFamille de mots
Apparenté
Origine du mot
The phrase 'lá longe' is composed of the adverb 'lá' (there) and the adverb 'longe' (far). 'Lá' itself comes from the Latin 'ILLAC', meaning 'that way' or 'there'. 'Longe' derives from the Latin 'LONGE', meaning 'far off'. The combination creates an emphatic expression for distance.
Sens originel : There, far off.
Indo-European, Romance languages.Summary
The phrase 'lá longe' emphasizes a significant distance, whether it's a physical location far from the speaker, a memory from a distant past, or even a future aspiration that feels remote. It's a common way to convey remoteness in Portuguese.
- Indicates great distance, both physical and temporal.
- Used to describe places far away.
- Can also refer to the past or a distant future.
- Adds emphasis to the concept of 'far'.
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