In 15 Seconds
- Used for pursuing goals, dreams, or even a romantic interest.
- Implies hard work, hustle, and taking initiative to succeed.
- Can also mean fixing a mistake or catching up on work.
Meaning
While it can mean physically chasing someone, it's mostly used to describe working hard to achieve a goal or fixing a mistake.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new job
Eu vou correr atrás de um emprego novo amanhã.
I am going to chase a new job tomorrow.
Fixing a mistake at work
Eu perdi o prazo, agora tenho que correr atrás do prejuízo.
I missed the deadline, now I have to make up for the loss.
Giving advice to a friend about a crush
Se você gosta dela, tem que correr atrás!
If you like her, you have to go after her!
Cultural Background
This phrase is central to the Brazilian concept of 'o corre'—the daily hustle of working multiple jobs or overcoming obstacles. It reflects a national identity of perseverance and 'jeitinho' where one must actively chase opportunities rather than wait for them. It became a staple in popular music, especially Samba and Pagode, to describe romantic pursuit.
The 'Prejuízo' Paradox
Logic says you'd run 'away' from loss (prejuízo), but in Brazil, you run 'after' it to catch up and fix it!
O Corre
If someone says 'Tô no corre', they are busy hustling or working hard. It's a very common urban slang derived from this phrase.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for pursuing goals, dreams, or even a romantic interest.
- Implies hard work, hustle, and taking initiative to succeed.
- Can also mean fixing a mistake or catching up on work.
What It Means
Correr atrás de is your go-to phrase for ambition and effort. It translates literally to 'running behind' something. Think of it as chasing a dream or a bus. It means you are actively pursuing a result. You aren't just waiting for things to happen. You are the protagonist of your own hustle.
How To Use It
You use it with a direct object. You can correr atrás de a job, a person, or a dream. It works just like a regular verb. You conjugate correr and keep atrás de the same. It sounds very natural in almost any conversation. It shows you have grit and determination.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing your career goals. It is perfect for talking about romantic interests too. Use it when you need to fix a problem you caused. For example, if you missed a deadline, you corre atrás. It’s great for pep talks with your friends. It implies a sense of urgency and movement.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very stiff legal documents. Don't use it if you are literally running away. That would be fugir. It’s not for passive situations. If you are just 'looking' for something, use procurar. Correr atrás implies much more sweat and energy. It’s about the chase, not just the search.
Cultural Background
Brazilians value the 'hustle' or corre. Life can be tough, so you must move. The phrase reflects a culture of resilience. It’s linked to the idea of the batalhador (the warrior/worker). It’s a badge of honor to be someone who 'runs after' things. It suggests you don't expect handouts from anyone.
Common Variations
You will often hear people just say ir atrás. This is slightly less intense but means the same. Sometimes people say correr atrás do prejuízo. This specifically means making up for lost time or money. It’s the ultimate 'damage control' expression in Portuguese. Use it when you're late to the party!
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social situation from a business meeting to a bar. The only 'trap' is the idiom 'correr atrás do prejuízo', which sounds counter-intuitive but is used constantly.
The 'Prejuízo' Paradox
Logic says you'd run 'away' from loss (prejuízo), but in Brazil, you run 'after' it to catch up and fix it!
O Corre
If someone says 'Tô no corre', they are busy hustling or working hard. It's a very common urban slang derived from this phrase.
Don't be literal
If a dog is chasing you, don't say 'O cachorro está correndo atrás de mim' unless you want to sound like you're in a movie. Use 'me perseguindo' for scary chasing!
Examples
6Eu vou correr atrás de um emprego novo amanhã.
I am going to chase a new job tomorrow.
Shows proactive intent to find work.
Eu perdi o prazo, agora tenho que correr atrás do prejuízo.
I missed the deadline, now I have to make up for the loss.
A very common idiom for damage control.
Se você gosta dela, tem que correr atrás!
If you like her, you have to go after her!
Encouraging someone to pursue a romantic interest.
Tô no corre atrás de uns documentos.
I'm on the move chasing some documents.
Uses 'corre' as a noun for the hustle.
A única coisa que eu corro atrás é do caminhão de lixo.
The only thing I run after is the garbage truck.
Self-deprecating humor about lack of ambition.
Sempre corri atrás dos meus sonhos, custe o que custar.
I've always chased my dreams, whatever the cost.
Emotional and determined tone.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say you are pursuing your goals.
Eu preciso ___ dos meus objetivos.
The full expression is 'correr atrás de', which means to pursue or chase goals.
Which phrase completes the 'damage control' idiom?
Perdemos tempo, vamos correr atrás do ___.
'Correr atrás do prejuízo' is the set phrase for making up for lost time or mistakes.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Correr Atrás'
Using 'O corre' to mean the daily hustle.
Tô no corre!
Talking to friends about goals or dating.
Vou correr atrás dela.
Standard workplace or daily conversation.
Vou correr atrás desse contrato.
Rarely used; 'empenhar-se' is preferred.
Empenhar-se-á na busca.
When to use 'Correr Atrás'
Career
Chasing a promotion
Romance
Winning someone over
Mistakes
Fixing a late project
Dreams
Pursuing a big ambition
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu preciso ___ dos meus objetivos.
The full expression is 'correr atrás de', which means to pursue or chase goals.
Perdemos tempo, vamos correr atrás do ___.
'Correr atrás do prejuízo' is the set phrase for making up for lost time or mistakes.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it rarely means physical running. Usually, it means putting in effort to achieve something, like correr atrás de um sonho (chasing a dream).
Yes, it's very common in professional settings to describe being proactive. For example: Vou correr atrás desses dados (I'll go get those data points).
Procurar is just to look for something. Correr atrás implies you are working hard to obtain it.
Not at all! It shows initiative. Saying Vou correr atrás disso tells your boss you are taking responsibility.
If you are interested in someone, your friends might say Você tem que correr atrás!, meaning you should take action to date them.
It means to work hard to recover what was lost or to fix a mistake. It's like saying 'to play catch-up'.
Yes, people often say ir atrás. It's slightly less intense but used in the same way.
Usually no. If you lost your keys, use procurar. If you lost a document and need to get a new one from the government, use correr atrás because that's a struggle!
Yes, it is used in Portugal with the same meaning of pursuing a goal or fixing a situation.
The opposite would be esperar sentado (waiting seated), which implies being passive or lazy.
Related Phrases
Ir atrás
To go after (similar, but less intense)
Dar um jeito
To find a way / to fix something
Batalhar por
To fight for / to work hard for
Fazer o corre
To do the hustle / to work hard
