In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe actively seeking or pursuing a person or goal.
- Combines the verb 'to walk' with 'behind' for a persistent search.
- Perfect for talking about job hunts, dating, or finding lost items.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of actively looking for something or someone, or chasing a specific goal. It implies a sense of persistence, like you are 'on the trail' of a person, a job, or even a romantic interest.
Key Examples
3 of 6Looking for a new job
Eu ando atrás de um novo emprego há meses.
I've been looking for a new job for months.
Talking about a crush
O João anda atrás da Maria, mas ela não quer nada.
João is chasing Maria, but she's not interested.
Searching for a specific document at work
Ando atrás daquele relatório desde ontem!
I've been after that report since yesterday!
Cultural Background
This expression captures the Portuguese spirit of 'desenrascar' (finding a way). It is frequently used in romantic contexts to describe the 'chase' before a relationship begins. In Brazil and Portugal, it also appears often in sports commentary when a team is trailing and trying to catch up.
The 'Time' Factor
Use this phrase when the search has lasted more than a few minutes. It implies a duration of effort.
Don't be too literal
If you are literally walking one meter behind someone in the street, just say 'atrás de'. Adding 'andar' makes it sound like you're stalking them!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe actively seeking or pursuing a person or goal.
- Combines the verb 'to walk' with 'behind' for a persistent search.
- Perfect for talking about job hunts, dating, or finding lost items.
What It Means
Andar atrás de is more than just walking. It means you are actively pursuing something. Think of it as being on a mission. You might be looking for a lost set of keys. You might be trying to land a new job. It suggests a continuous effort over time. It is the Portuguese way of saying you are 'after' something.
How To Use It
You use it just like a regular verb phrase. Conjugate andar to match the person doing the chasing. Follow it with atrás de and then the object of your search.
Eu ando atrás de um carro novo.(I'm looking for a new car.)Ela anda atrás dele.(She is chasing/pursuing him.)
It works for physical objects, people, and abstract goals like 'success' or 'the truth.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show you've been busy searching. It sounds very natural in daily conversation. Use it at a party to talk about your dating life. Use it at work to explain you are hunting for a specific file. It fits perfectly when the search isn't just a one-second glance, but a process. It’s great for texting friends about your latest obsession.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a literal physical position in a race. If you are physically walking behind someone in a line, just use atrás de. Andar atrás de implies intent or a goal. Also, avoid it in extremely formal legal documents. It’s a bit too 'active' and colorful for a dry contract. If you just found something instantly, don't use it. It requires that 'searching' energy.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values persistence and the 'hustle.' The phrase reflects a proactive attitude. In smaller towns, if someone is andar atrás de someone else, it’s often the talk of the town. It carries a sense of 'correr por fora' (running on the outside) to get what you want. It’s a very human, relatable expression of desire and effort.
Common Variations
You might hear ir atrás de. This is more immediate, like 'Go after it!' Andar atrás de feels more like a state of being or a phase you are in. You can also say correr atrás de, which is much more intense. That one means you are really sweating to make it happen!
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile. While it's slightly informal, it's common in offices when discussing projects or goals. Just be careful with the preposition 'de', as it must contract with articles (do, da, dos, das).
The 'Time' Factor
Use this phrase when the search has lasted more than a few minutes. It implies a duration of effort.
Don't be too literal
If you are literally walking one meter behind someone in the street, just say 'atrás de'. Adding 'andar' makes it sound like you're stalking them!
The Romantic Chase
In Portugal, if someone says 'ele anda atrás dela', it’s the classic way to describe someone who is 'wooing' or trying to get a date.
Examples
6Eu ando atrás de um novo emprego há meses.
I've been looking for a new job for months.
Shows a persistent search over time.
O João anda atrás da Maria, mas ela não quer nada.
João is chasing Maria, but she's not interested.
Commonly used for romantic pursuit.
Ando atrás daquele relatório desde ontem!
I've been after that report since yesterday!
Expresses frustration in a professional yet relatable way.
Ainda andas atrás das tuas chaves?
Are you still looking for your keys?
Informal check-in on a search.
O meu cão anda sempre atrás de comida.
My dog is always after food.
Lighthearted use for a constant habit.
Sempre andei atrás dos meus sonhos.
I have always gone after my dreams.
Used for long-term life ambitions.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say 'We are looking for a house.'
Nós ___ atrás de uma casa nova.
The subject 'Nós' requires the first-person plural conjugation 'andamos'.
Complete the sentence to mean 'He is chasing success.'
Ele anda atrás ___ sucesso.
'Sucesso' is masculine, so 'de' + 'o' becomes 'do'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Andar atrás de'
Too structured for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
Ando atrás dela.
Safe for work and general use.
Andamos atrás de soluções.
Too colloquial for legal texts.
N/A
When to use 'Andar atrás de'
Job Hunting
Searching for a career move.
Romance
Pursuing a crush.
Lost Items
Finding your wallet.
Information
Seeking the truth.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesNós ___ atrás de uma casa nova.
The subject 'Nós' requires the first-person plural conjugation 'andamos'.
Ele anda atrás ___ sucesso.
'Sucesso' is masculine, so 'de' + 'o' becomes 'do'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, despite the verb andar, it refers to the act of seeking or pursuing, whether you are on foot, in a car, or online.
Absolutely! It's very common to say Ando atrás de emprego when you are looking for work.
Procurar is 'to look for'. Andar atrás de is more idiomatic and suggests a more active, persistent chase.
Not at all. It is a neutral-to-informal phrase that is perfectly acceptable in most social and semi-professional settings.
You combine de with the pronoun. For example, Ando atrás dele (I'm after him) or Ando atrás dela (I'm after her).
Yes, you can use it for anything you are trying to find, like Ando atrás de um livro raro.
Correr atrás (to run after) is more intense and implies a lot of hard work or urgency compared to andar atrás.
Yes, it is widely used in both Portugal and Brazil with the same general meaning of pursuing something.
Yes, you can say Andei atrás de ti o dia todo! (I've been looking for you all day!).
Context matters! Usually, it's harmless, but if said with a creepy tone, it could imply unwanted following. Stick to normal social contexts.
Related Phrases
Correr atrás
To work hard for something / To chase intensely
Estar à procura de
To be looking for (more literal)
Ir atrás de
To go after something/someone
Andar em cima de
To be closely monitoring or pressuring someone
