Damos por encerrado
We're calling it a day; let's wrap this up.
Literally: We give for closed
In 15 Seconds
- Used to officially signal the end of a task or meeting.
- Translates to 'we consider this closed' or 'let's wrap up.'
- Works in both professional settings and organized social events.
Meaning
This phrase is the perfect way to say 'we're calling it a day' or 'let's wrap this up.' It signals that a task, meeting, or event is officially finished.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ending a long business meeting
Damos por encerrada a reunião de hoje.
We are declaring today's meeting closed.
Finishing a project with a friend
Finalmente! Damos por encerrado o trabalho.
Finally! Let's call the work finished.
A judge closing a court session
Dou por encerrada esta audiência.
I declare this hearing closed.
Cultural Background
This expression has its roots in the formal protocols of the Portuguese Republic and legal courts. It carries a sense of 'official' finality that makes the speaker sound organized and decisive. Today, it's a staple of corporate culture in Lisbon and São Paulo to prevent meetings from dragging on forever.
Gender Agreement
Remember to change 'encerrado' to 'encerrada' if the thing you are closing is feminine, like 'a conversa' or 'a aula'.
Don't over-use with friends
If you say this every time you leave a bar, your friends might think you're acting like their boss!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to officially signal the end of a task or meeting.
- Translates to 'we consider this closed' or 'let's wrap up.'
- Works in both professional settings and organized social events.
What It Means
Damos por encerrado is your go-to closer. It translates to 'we consider this closed' or 'we're wrapping this up.' It sounds definitive and satisfying. Use it when you want to put a period at the end of a sentence. It implies the work is done. It suggests there is nothing left to say. It is the verbal equivalent of a mic drop.
How To Use It
You usually start the sentence with it. You can say Damos por encerrado o assunto to end a specific topic. Or just Damos por encerrado por hoje to finish work. It uses the verb dar (to give) in a unique way. Here, it means 'to consider' or 'to deem.' You are officially declaring a state of completion. It is punchy and clear.
When To Use It
Use it in a professional meeting to stop the chatter. Use it at a family dinner when the gossip gets too heavy. It works great when you are tired. It is perfect for ending a long study session. Use it when a deal is signed. It feels authoritative but not necessarily rude. It provides a clean break for everyone involved.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a casual goodbye to one person. It sounds a bit too 'official' for just saying bye to a friend. Avoid it if the task isn't actually finished. Using it prematurely can sound dismissive. Don't use it in a romantic breakup unless you want to sound like a lawyer. It lacks the emotional warmth for intimate endings. Keep it for tasks, events, and discussions.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values formal structures in public life. This phrase comes from legal and parliamentary language. It was how sessions of court or government were officially closed. Over time, it moved into the office and the home. It reflects a desire for clear boundaries. It shows that even in a relaxed culture, we appreciate a clear 'end' to the workday.
Common Variations
You can change the person. Dou por encerrado means 'I am ending this.' Damos por encerrada a sessão changes the ending to feminine. This happens because encerrada must match the noun (the session). You might also hear Vamos dar por encerrado. This is slightly softer and more collaborative. It’s like saying 'Let's wrap this up, shall we?'
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It is most effective when you want to sound organized and bring a clear conclusion to a shared activity.
Gender Agreement
Remember to change 'encerrado' to 'encerrada' if the thing you are closing is feminine, like 'a conversa' or 'a aula'.
Don't over-use with friends
If you say this every time you leave a bar, your friends might think you're acting like their boss!
The 'Power' Move
In Brazil, using 'Dou por encerrado' (singular) is a subtle power move to show you are the one in charge of the timeline.
Examples
6Damos por encerrada a reunião de hoje.
We are declaring today's meeting closed.
Very standard way to dismiss a group in a professional setting.
Finalmente! Damos por encerrado o trabalho.
Finally! Let's call the work finished.
Shows relief that a shared task is finally over.
Dou por encerrada esta audiência.
I declare this hearing closed.
The most formal version, using the singular 'I'.
Por hoje é tudo, damos por encerrado!
That's all for today, let's call it a day!
Short and punchy for digital communication.
Ok, você venceu. Damos por encerrada a discussão!
Okay, you win. Let's consider this argument closed!
Using formal language to add a humorous dramatic effect.
Damos por encerrado o evento, obrigado por virem!
We're wrapping up the event, thanks for coming!
A polite but firm way to tell guests it is time to go.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to end a 'reunião' (feminine noun).
Damos por ___ a reunião.
The adjective 'encerrada' must agree with the feminine noun 'reunião'.
Which verb is used to start this expression?
___ por encerrado o assunto.
The idiom specifically uses the verb 'dar' (to give).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Damos por encerrado'
Used with friends after a long task
Damos por encerrado?
Standard office or group use
Damos por encerrado o dia.
Legal or official ceremonies
Dou por encerrada a sessão.
Where to use 'Damos por encerrado'
Office Meeting
Ending the weekly sync
Study Group
Finishing a library session
Family Debate
Stopping a circular argument
Event Hosting
Closing a workshop
Practice Bank
2 exercisesDamos por ___ a reunião.
The adjective 'encerrada' must agree with the feminine noun 'reunião'.
___ por encerrado o assunto.
The idiom specifically uses the verb 'dar' (to give).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'We consider this finished' or 'We are wrapping this up.' It is used to officially end a task or discussion.
No, while common in offices, you can use it anytime a group activity ends. For example, Damos por encerrado o treino after a sports practice.
No, you cannot 'encerrar' a person. It is only for events, topics, or periods of time like o dia or o assunto.
You can add 'por hoje' (for today). Saying Damos por encerrado por hoje sounds like a friendly 'let's call it a day.'
Yes, if you specify what is being closed. Damos por encerrada a discussão (feminine) vs Damos por encerrado o caso (masculine).
Acabou just means 'it's over.' Damos por encerrado is more intentional, meaning 'we have decided to finish it now.'
Yes, it's a great way to end an email thread about a specific problem. You can write: Com isso, damos o assunto por encerrado.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning.
Forgetting the word por. Saying Damos encerrado is incorrect; you need the por to link the action to the state.
It's technically possible but very cold. It would sound like you are treating the relationship like a business contract.
Related Phrases
Encerrar o expediente
To finish the workday
Dar por concluído
To consider something completed
Bater o martelo
To make a final decision (hit the gavel)
Ponto final
Full stop / End of story
