de grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo
Little by little
शाब्दिक अर्थ: Grain by grain, the chicken fills its crop.
15 सेकंड में
- Small actions lead to big results over time.
- The Portuguese version of 'slow and steady wins the race'.
- Uses a chicken metaphor to celebrate incremental progress.
मतलब
It means that big goals are achieved through small, consistent steps. Think of it as the Portuguese way of saying 'slow and steady wins the race.'
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Encouraging a friend saving money
Não se preocupe com o valor, de grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo.
Don't worry about the amount, bit by bit you'll get there.
Discussing language learning progress
Aprendo cinco palavras por dia. De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo!
I learn five words a day. Little by little, I'm getting it!
In a professional performance review
Estamos melhorando os processos. De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo.
We are improving the processes. Step by step, we are reaching our goal.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Brazil, this phrase is often linked to the concept of 'poupança' (savings). Brazilians use it to encourage financial discipline in a country that has historically faced high inflation. In Portugal, the phrase carries a sense of 'paciência alentejana' (patience from the Alentejo region), reflecting a slower, more deliberate pace of life and work. In Angola, proverbs are a vital part of oral tradition. This specific phrase is used to emphasize community building and the slow reconstruction of the country. In Cape Verde, the phrase resonates with the spirit of 'morabeza' and resilience, acknowledging that progress on the islands requires steady, persistent effort.
Shorten it!
You can just say 'De grão em grão...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very native.
Don't say 'estômago'
Even though 'papo' is technically a stomach-like organ, replacing it with 'estômago' ruins the idiom.
15 सेकंड में
- Small actions lead to big results over time.
- The Portuguese version of 'slow and steady wins the race'.
- Uses a chicken metaphor to celebrate incremental progress.
What It Means
Imagine a chicken in a yard. It doesn't swallow a whole bag of corn at once. It picks up one tiny grain at a time. Eventually, its stomach (the papo) is full. This phrase is about the power of patience. It celebrates small progress over long periods. You use it to encourage someone who feels overwhelmed by a big task. It reminds us that every little bit counts toward the final result.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a standalone reaction. If a friend shows you their modest savings, you say it to validate their effort. It works perfectly when discussing long-term projects. You don't need to change the words; the phrase is a fixed proverb. Just drop it into a conversation when someone mentions making incremental progress. It sounds wise and supportive without being overly preachy.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about money or savings. It is perfect for fitness journeys or learning a new language. Use it at work when a project feels like a mountain. It is great for texting a friend who is stressed about a slow process. It fits well in family gatherings when discussing life goals. Basically, any situation involving 'the long game' is fair game for this chicken.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if someone needs a fast, urgent solution. If a pipe is bursting, don't tell them de grão em grão. They will probably throw a wrench at you. It is not for emergencies or high-speed environments. Don't use it if someone is complaining about a lack of ambition. It implies slow growth, so it might sound lazy in a high-pressure corporate 'sprint.' Also, avoid it in very tragic situations where 'patience' might feel insensitive.
Cultural Background
Brazil and Portugal are cultures that value the 'jeitinho' (the little way), but they also respect the grind. This proverb is deeply rooted in rural life. Most Portuguese speakers have a grandparent who said this constantly. It reflects a Mediterranean and Latin patience. It suggests that while life is hard, persistence is the ultimate tool. It is one of the most recognized proverbs in the entire Lusophone world.
Common Variations
You might hear people simply say de grão em grão. Everyone knows the rest of the sentence. Sometimes people swap the chicken for other metaphors, but the chicken is the classic. In some regions, you might hear devagar se vai ao longe (slowly one goes far). Both carry the same DNA of steady progress. Stick to the chicken version for maximum cultural 'street cred.'
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. It is particularly effective when you want to sound encouraging or provide a 'wise' perspective on a slow process.
Shorten it!
You can just say 'De grão em grão...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very native.
Don't say 'estômago'
Even though 'papo' is technically a stomach-like organ, replacing it with 'estômago' ruins the idiom.
Use for encouragement
This is the perfect phrase to use when a friend is frustrated with their slow progress in any hobby.
उदाहरण
6Não se preocupe com o valor, de grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo.
Don't worry about the amount, bit by bit you'll get there.
Focuses on the accumulation of small savings.
Aprendo cinco palavras por dia. De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo!
I learn five words a day. Little by little, I'm getting it!
Shows pride in a slow but consistent study habit.
Estamos melhorando os processos. De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo.
We are improving the processes. Step by step, we are reaching our goal.
Used to show that small improvements are leading to a bigger objective.
Li mais 10 páginas hoje. De grão em grão...
Read 10 more pages today. Grain by grain...
Shortened version used in informal text messages.
Perdi 100 gramas hoje! De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo, né?
I lost 100 grams today! Little by little, right?
Self-deprecating humor about very slow progress.
Cada passo na fisioterapia conta. De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo.
Every step in physical therapy counts. Little by little, you'll recover.
Provides emotional support for a long journey.
खुद को परखो
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
De grão em ______, a galinha enche o ______.
The standard form uses 'grão' (grain) and 'papo' (crop).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo'?
Scenario: You are trying to finish a 500-page book by reading 5 pages every night.
Reading a few pages daily is a small, consistent step toward a large goal.
What is the figurative meaning of this phrase?
When someone says 'De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo', they mean:
The phrase is a metaphor for persistence and accumulation.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Estou desanimado, só aprendi três verbos hoje.' B: 'Não fique assim! ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging someone about slow progress.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासDe grão em ______, a galinha enche o ______.
The standard form uses 'grão' (grain) and 'papo' (crop).
Scenario: You are trying to finish a 500-page book by reading 5 pages every night.
Reading a few pages daily is a small, consistent step toward a large goal.
When someone says 'De grão em grão, a galinha enche o papo', they mean:
The phrase is a metaphor for persistence and accumulation.
A: 'Estou desanimado, só aprendi três verbos hoje.' B: 'Não fique assim! ________.'
This is the most appropriate proverb for encouraging someone about slow progress.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
5 सवालNot at all! While it's an old proverb, it's used daily in modern contexts like banking, fitness, and education.
Yes, but keep it to informal or semi-formal emails. It's great for encouraging a team after a small win.
Literally, it's the 'crop' of a bird. Figuratively, it represents the 'fullness' or 'completion' of a goal.
The meaning is identical. In Portugal, you might hear 'grão a grão' more often than 'de grão em grão', but both are understood.
You can, but it's not the standard idiom. People will understand you're being creative, but the 'galinha' version is the classic.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Devagar se vai ao longe
similarSlowly one goes far.
A pressa é inimiga da perfeição
builds onHaste is the enemy of perfection.
Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura
similarSoft water on hard rock hits until it bores through.
Muitos poucos fazem um muito
synonymMany littles make a lot.
