Meaning
Asking for the Portuguese translation of a word or phrase.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very informal. You will often hear 'Como se fala' just as much as 'Como se diz'. In Portugal, people appreciate the slightly more formal 'Como se diz'. In schools, teachers expect 'Como se diz' as it is the standard pedagogical form. In business, using 'Como se diz' shows you are focused on precision.
Add 'em português'
Adding 'em português' at the end makes your question much clearer to native speakers.
Use it to learn slang
Ask 'Como se diz [English slang] em português?' to learn local, informal language.
Meaning
Asking for the Portuguese translation of a word or phrase.
Add 'em português'
Adding 'em português' at the end makes your question much clearer to native speakers.
Use it to learn slang
Ask 'Como se diz [English slang] em português?' to learn local, informal language.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
_____ se diz 'apple' em português?
'Como' means 'how', which is required for this question.
Choose the most natural way to ask for a translation.
Which sentence is correct?
'Como se diz' is the standard, most neutral way to ask.
Complete the dialogue.
Learner: '_____' Native: 'Dizemos 'obrigado'.'
The learner is asking for a translation, so 'Como se diz' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises_____ se diz 'apple' em português?
'Como' means 'how', which is required for this question.
Which sentence is correct?
'Como se diz' is the standard, most neutral way to ask.
Learner: '_____' Native: 'Dizemos 'obrigado'.'
The learner is asking for a translation, so 'Como se diz' is the correct choice.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it is neutral and polite.
Yes, both understand it perfectly.
Related Phrases
Como se fala
synonymHow is it spoken
O que significa
contrastWhat does it mean
Como se escreve
builds onHow is it spelled
Qual é a palavra para
similarWhat is the word for
