In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to summarize a long story or complex idea.
- Perfect for busy work environments or quick social updates.
- Signals that you respect the listener's time and attention span.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to give someone the 'TL;DR' or the gist of a situation without getting bogged down in every single detail.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a project status to a boss
O projeto está atrasado, brevemente explicado, devido à falta de materiais.
The project is late, briefly explained, due to a lack of materials.
Texting a friend about a movie
O filme é sobre um robô que se apaixona, brevemente explicado.
The movie is about a robot that falls in love, briefly explained.
Explaining why you missed a call
Meu celular descarregou, brevemente explicado.
My phone died, briefly explained.
Cultural Background
Brazilians value directness in business to save time.
Placement
Put it at the start for maximum impact.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to summarize a long story or complex idea.
- Perfect for busy work environments or quick social updates.
- Signals that you respect the listener's time and attention span.
What It Means
Brevemente explicado is your go-to tool for efficiency. It signals that you are about to provide the core facts of a story or concept. It is the verbal equivalent of a summary. You use it to save time while still sounding helpful. It tells your listener: "I won't bore you with the long version."
How To Use It
You can use it at the start of a sentence to set expectations. It also works perfectly at the end of a long email. In conversation, it acts as a transition. Use it when you see someone's eyes glazing over. It immediately pulls their attention back to the main point. It is versatile and fits into most sentence structures easily.
When To Use It
Use it during a busy workday when a colleague asks for an update. It is great for texting a friend who missed the party drama. Use it in a presentation to summarize a complex slide. It works well when you are the one asking for information too. You might say, "Can you tell me what happened, brevemente explicado?"
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase during a deep, emotional heart-to-heart. Your partner might feel you are being dismissive if you 'briefly explain' your feelings. Do not use it in legal documents where every detail matters. If a doctor is explaining a surgery, you probably want the full version. Using it when someone is clearly looking for a long chat can feel a bit cold.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values good conversation, which often involves long, winding stories. However, modern life in cities like Lisbon or São Paulo is fast-paced. This phrase bridges the gap between traditional storytelling and modern efficiency. It shows you respect the other person's time. It is a sign of a polite, organized communicator.
Common Variations
You might hear em poucas palavras for a more poetic touch. Some people say resumidamente which is a bit more clinical. In very casual settings, you might just hear pra encurtar a história. But brevemente explicado remains the most balanced and professional choice. It works across all Portuguese-speaking borders without sounding out of place.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly safe for beginners because it doesn't require complex conjugation. It fits into almost any conversation where you need to be concise.
Placement
Put it at the start for maximum impact.
Examples
6O projeto está atrasado, brevemente explicado, devido à falta de materiais.
The project is late, briefly explained, due to a lack of materials.
Provides the reason without making excuses.
O filme é sobre um robô que se apaixona, brevemente explicado.
The movie is about a robot that falls in love, briefly explained.
A quick pitch for a recommendation.
Meu celular descarregou, brevemente explicado.
My phone died, briefly explained.
Short and sweet excuse.
Este é o conceito de gravidade, brevemente explicado.
This is the concept of gravity, briefly explained.
Sets the stage for a simple overview.
Eu queimei o bolo porque esqueci o forno ligado, brevemente explicado!
I burned the cake because I left the oven on, briefly explained!
Uses brevity to hide the embarrassment of a kitchen fail.
Nós simplesmente queríamos coisas diferentes, brevemente explicado.
We simply wanted different things, briefly explained.
Summarizes a painful topic to avoid crying.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
______, o plano não funcionou.
The past participle is required here.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises______, o plano não funcionou.
The past participle is required here.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is excellent for professional emails.
Related Phrases
Em resumo
synonymIn summary