In 15 Seconds
- Use it exactly like 'by the way' in English.
- Perfect for introducing a new, related thought mid-conversation.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
Meaning
It is exactly like saying 'by the way' or 'incidentally' in English. You use it when you want to bring up a new topic that just popped into your head during a conversation.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant with friends
A propósito, você já provou a sobremesa daqui?
By the way, have you tried the dessert here yet?
In a professional meeting
A propósito, o relatório estará pronto amanhã.
By the way, the report will be ready tomorrow.
Texting a friend about a movie
A propósito, que horas começa o filme?
By the way, what time does the movie start?
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for 'puxar conversa' (starting conversations). 'A propósito' is a key tool for this, allowing people to jump from one topic to another rapidly, which is seen as a sign of high energy and friendliness. In Portugal, 'Já agora' is often preferred in informal settings when the new topic is a request or an addition to an existing action. 'A propósito' remains slightly more formal or used for purely informational shifts. In Angolan Portuguese, 'a propósito' is used frequently in formal speeches and radio broadcasts to ensure the listener follows the thematic shifts of the speaker. In Lusophone business meetings, 'a propósito' is a polite way to interrupt. It signals that you are not just changing the subject randomly, but that your new point has a 'purpose' related to the goal.
The Comma Rule
Always use a comma after 'A propósito' when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader/listener pause and prepare for the new topic.
The 'De' Danger
Be careful not to say 'a propósito' when you mean you did something intentionally. This is the most common error for English speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it exactly like 'by the way' in English.
- Perfect for introducing a new, related thought mid-conversation.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
What It Means
A propósito is your go-to bridge for shifting gears in a conversation. It signals that you are about to add something relevant or share a sudden thought. It feels natural and fluid. It keeps the dialogue moving without sounding abrupt or rude.
How To Use It
Place it at the very start of your sentence to introduce a new point. You can also use it mid-sentence to add a detail you almost forgot. If someone says something that reminds you of a task, drop an a propósito right there. It acts as a linguistic 'pause button' before you change the subject slightly. It is incredibly versatile for both speaking and writing.
When To Use It
You will use this constantly in daily life. Use it at a restaurant when you suddenly remember you need extra napkins. Use it in a business meeting to bring up a related project. Use it while texting a friend to mention a party this weekend. It works perfectly when the new topic is loosely connected to the current one. It is the ultimate tool for the 'oh, I almost forgot' moments.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to interrupt someone who is in the middle of a deep, emotional story. That would feel dismissive. Avoid using it if the new topic is completely, 100% unrelated to anything said before. In those cases, mudando de assunto (changing the subject) is better. Don't overthink it, but don't use it as a filler word every three sentences. It loses its impact if you say it too much.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value smooth social transitions. We don't like to jump randomly from topic to topic without a 'bridge.' A propósito provides that polite social glue. It shows you are engaged but also have more to contribute. It reflects the conversational nature of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures. We love to weave stories together, and this phrase is the needle.
Common Variations
You might hear por falar nisso, which means 'speaking of which.' It is slightly more informal than a propósito. Another one is aliás, which is very common and means 'furthermore' or 'actually.' If you want to be very casual, you can just say ah, e... (oh, and...). However, a propósito remains the most balanced and elegant choice for most situations.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember that `a propósito` (by the way) and `de propósito` (on purpose) are different!
The Comma Rule
Always use a comma after 'A propósito' when it starts a sentence. It helps the reader/listener pause and prepare for the new topic.
The 'De' Danger
Be careful not to say 'a propósito' when you mean you did something intentionally. This is the most common error for English speakers.
Sound More Native
In Brazil, use 'Por falar nisso' for 80% of your casual transitions to sound more like a local. Save 'A propósito' for slightly more structured thoughts.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, try using 'Já agora' when asking for a small favor. It's the secret password to sounding like a 'alfacinha' (Lisbon local).
Examples
6A propósito, você já provou a sobremesa daqui?
By the way, have you tried the dessert here yet?
Used to transition from main course talk to dessert.
A propósito, o relatório estará pronto amanhã.
By the way, the report will be ready tomorrow.
Adding a status update to a related discussion.
A propósito, que horas começa o filme?
By the way, what time does the movie start?
A quick follow-up question in a chat thread.
A propósito, sua camiseta está do avesso!
By the way, your shirt is inside out!
Pointing out a funny mistake politely.
A propósito, como está sua mãe?
By the way, how is your mother?
Transitioning from a general chat to a personal inquiry.
A propósito, obrigada pelo convite.
By the way, thank you for the invitation.
A final polite remark before departing.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence: 'Eu não fiz isso ______, foi um acidente!'
Eu não fiz isso ______, foi um acidente!
'De propósito' means 'on purpose' (intentionally), which fits the context of an accident.
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction of 'a propósito de'.
A propósito ______ (de + a) viagem, você já comprou as passagens?
'Viagem' is a feminine noun, so 'de + a' becomes 'da'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural transition.
A: O tempo está ótimo hoje! B: Sim, está lindo. ______, você quer ir ao parque?
'A propósito' is used to transition from talking about the weather to an invitation.
Match the usage of 'a propósito' to its meaning.
Match: 1. 'Isso não vem a propósito.' 2. 'A propósito, como vai?' 3. 'A propósito da reunião...'
1 uses the 'vir a propósito' (relevance) sense, 2 is a transition, and 3 uses the 'regarding' sense.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu não fiz isso ______, foi um acidente!
'De propósito' means 'on purpose' (intentionally), which fits the context of an accident.
A propósito ______ (de + a) viagem, você já comprou as passagens?
'Viagem' is a feminine noun, so 'de + a' becomes 'da'.
A: O tempo está ótimo hoje! B: Sim, está lindo. ______, você quer ir ao parque?
'A propósito' is used to transition from talking about the weather to an invitation.
Match: 1. 'Isso não vem a propósito.' 2. 'A propósito, como vai?' 3. 'A propósito da reunião...'
1 uses the 'vir a propósito' (relevance) sense, 2 is a transition, and 3 uses the 'regarding' sense.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt's better to start with a greeting. Use 'A propósito' in the second or third paragraph to introduce a side note.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's very versatile.
'Por falar nisso' is more informal and literally means 'speaking of that'. 'A propósito' is slightly more elegant.
No, it is an invariable phrase. It never changes to 'A propósita'.
You can say 'A propósito de nada' or 'Do nada'.
Yes, but do it politely. Wait for a small pause, then say 'A propósito...'
Yes, but 'Já agora' is a very strong competitor in casual speech.
It means 'to be relevant' or 'to come at the right time'.
That means 'with a purpose' or 'meaningfully', which is different from 'by the way'.
It is open, like the 'o' in 'hot' (in some accents) or 'door'. The accent mark (´) tells you it's open and stressed.
Absolutely! It's very common in WhatsApp to pivot a conversation.
Because in many languages (like English), the word 'purpose' is used for both 'by the way' (apropos) and 'on purpose'.
Related Phrases
Por falar nisso
synonymSpeaking of that
Já agora
similarSince we're at it / By the way
De propósito
contrastOn purpose
A propósito de
specialized formRegarding / About
Vem a propósito
builds onIt is relevant / timely
