In 15 Seconds
- Describes the very beginning or first impression.
- Implies things might have changed since.
- Works in casual chats and professional settings.
- Use when contrasting start vs. later stages.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for describing the very beginning of something. Think of it as your first impression, the initial stage, or how things were when they first started out. It often carries a hint that things might have changed or evolved since then.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a new restaurant
De início, achei o lugar meio estranho, mas a comida é sensacional!
At first, I found the place a bit strange, but the food is sensational!
WhatsApp message about a new TV series
A série parecia meio parada de início, mas agora está pegando fogo!
The series seemed a bit slow at first, but now it's on fire!
Professional email to a colleague
De início, o projeto parecia desafiador, mas com sua ajuda, estamos avançando bem.
Initially, the project seemed challenging, but with your help, we are progressing well.
Cultural Background
The phrase `de início` likely emerged as a natural linguistic development to articulate the concept of an initial state or perception, a common human experience across cultures. Its prevalence in Portuguese reflects the language's expressive capacity for nuanced temporal and perceptual descriptions. It exists because people need a concise way to mark the difference between first impressions and later realities, a fundamental aspect of storytelling and personal reflection.
The 'Change' Indicator
While not strictly required, `de início` often implies that things have changed or developed since that initial moment. Use it when you want to highlight that evolution!
Subtle Nuance
Brazilians often use `de início` to soften a criticism or negative first impression, making it sound less harsh by immediately contrasting it with a positive outcome.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes the very beginning or first impression.
- Implies things might have changed since.
- Works in casual chats and professional settings.
- Use when contrasting start vs. later stages.
What It Means
De início is all about the starting point. It’s how something or someone seemed right at the very beginning. Imagine meeting someone new; de início is that first vibe you got before you really knew them. It’s like the opening scene of a movie, setting the stage for everything that follows. It’s not just about time, but also about perception. You might have thought something was tough de início, but later found it easy. It captures that initial phase, the first impression, or the early stages of a situation. It’s the raw, unedited first take on things before any edits or rewrites happened.
How To Use It
Use de início when you want to pinpoint the start of an experience or a feeling. Did you find learning Portuguese difficult de início? Maybe your new job seemed overwhelming de início, but you’ve since settled in. It’s perfect for contrasting past feelings with present ones. You can say, "De início, eu não gostei desse filme, mas depois me envolvi." (At first, I didn't like this movie, but then I got into it.) It’s super versatile for describing anything from a personal feeling to a project's early stages. Think of it as setting the scene for a story you’re about to tell.
Formality & Register
De início is quite flexible. You can totally use it in a casual chat with friends about your weekend plans. "De início, pensei em ir à praia, mas o tempo mudou." (At first, I thought about going to the beach, but the weather changed.) It also works well in slightly more formal settings, like a work meeting discussing project timelines. "De início, o cronograma parecia apertado, mas encontramos soluções." (Initially, the schedule seemed tight, but we found solutions.) It’s not super slangy, but it’s not stiffly academic either. It lands comfortably in the middle, making it a reliable choice for most situations. It’s like that perfectly balanced outfit – suitable for almost any occasion.
Real-Life Examples
- Texting a friend: "
De início, achei que ia ser chato, mas o show foi incrível!" (At first, I thought it would be boring, but the show was amazing!) - Ordering food: "
De início, pedi a salada, mas mudei para o hambúrguer." - Work email: "
De início, o feedback do cliente foi negativo, mas conseguimos reverter a situação." - Social media post: "Minha jornada de fitness
de iníciofoi difícil, mas agora adoro! #fitnessmotivation" - Casual conversation: "
De início, não entendi a piada, mas depois achei engraçada."
When To Use It
Use de início when you're talking about:
- Your first impression of a person, place, or thing.
- The very first steps of a process or project.
- How you felt or thought about something *before* things changed.
- The initial phase of a historical event or trend.
- Setting up a contrast between the beginning and later stages.
It’s great for adding a narrative touch, showing development or change over time. It’s like saying, "Here’s how it started..."
When NOT To Use It
Avoid de início if you're talking about:
- Something that is *still* in its initial state and hasn't changed.
- The absolute end or conclusion of something.
- A general habit or ongoing state, unless you're specifically contrasting it with how it *used* to be.
- When you mean "finally" or "eventually." That’s a whole different vibe! Think of it like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole – it just won’t work!
Common Mistakes
- ✗
De iníciomeans "finally". → ✓De iníciomeans "at first". - ✗ Using
de inícioto describe something that is *still* happening in the same initial way. - ✗ Confusing it with
no início, which is similar but can sometimes refer to a more general or less impression-based starting point.
Common Variations
No início: Very similar, often interchangeable.No iníciocan sometimes feel a bit more general, like "in the beginning" of a longer period.Desde o início: Means "from the beginning" and emphasizes continuity from the start.A princípio: Can mean "at first" or "in principle." Context is key here! It's a bit trickier.Inicialmente: A more formal synonym, often used in writing.
Real Conversations
Speaker 1: E aí, o que achou do novo café?
Speaker 2: Olha, de início achei o preço um pouco alto, mas o café é realmente bom. Vale a pena.
Speaker 1: Como foi a adaptação ao trabalho remoto?
Speaker 2: De início foi um desafio, mas agora me sinto mais produtivo em casa.
Speaker 1: Vi seu post sobre a maratona! Como foi?
Speaker 2: De início pensei que não conseguiria terminar, mas a torcida me deu força!
Quick FAQ
- Is
de inícioalways about feelings? Not always! It can be about the physical start of something too. - Can I use it for a book? Yes! "
De início, a história parecia confusa, mas depois fez sentido." - Does it imply change? Often, yes, but not strictly required. It *highlights* the beginning.
Usage Notes
This phrase is quite versatile, fitting comfortably in most everyday and professional conversations. While generally neutral, it leans slightly informal in casual chat and can be used effectively in more formal writing. Be mindful not to use it when the initial state hasn't changed or is still ongoing without contrast.
The 'Change' Indicator
While not strictly required, `de início` often implies that things have changed or developed since that initial moment. Use it when you want to highlight that evolution!
Subtle Nuance
Brazilians often use `de início` to soften a criticism or negative first impression, making it sound less harsh by immediately contrasting it with a positive outcome.
Don't Use for Ongoing States
Avoid using `de início` if the situation *hasn't* changed or if you're just stating a general fact. Saying 'De início, eu gosto de sorvete' sounds odd unless you mean you *used* to not like it.
Sounding Natural
Pair `de início` with phrases that show contrast, like 'mas agora...' (but now...), 'depois...' (later...), or 'com o tempo...' (over time...).
Examples
12De início, achei o lugar meio estranho, mas a comida é sensacional!
At first, I found the place a bit strange, but the food is sensational!
Shows a first impression that was later proven wrong by a positive experience.
A série parecia meio parada de início, mas agora está pegando fogo!
The series seemed a bit slow at first, but now it's on fire!
Highlights the initial pacing of a show that improved over time.
De início, o projeto parecia desafiador, mas com sua ajuda, estamos avançando bem.
Initially, the project seemed challenging, but with your help, we are progressing well.
Used in a professional context to acknowledge initial difficulty and current progress.
Minha jornada com a fotografia começou de início com um celular simples. Olha onde cheguei!
My photography journey started at first with a simple phone. Look where I've gotten!
Emphasizes the humble beginnings of a skill or passion.
De início, não sabia nada de tricô, mas agora já fiz um cachecol!
At first, I knew nothing about knitting, but now I've already made a scarf!
Contrasts initial lack of knowledge with current accomplishment.
De início, a transição para o trabalho remoto apresentou alguns obstáculos técnicos, mas rapidamente implementamos soluções.
Initially, the transition to remote work presented some technical obstacles, but we quickly implemented solutions.
Addresses initial difficulties in a professional setting, framing them as overcome.
De início, pensei que era um fantasma, mas era só o gato pulando na cortina!
At first, I thought it was a ghost, but it was just the cat jumping on the curtain!
Uses the phrase for a funny, relatable misunderstanding.
De início, eu era cética sobre nós dois, mas você me conquistou completamente.
At first, I was skeptical about us, but you won me over completely.
Conveys emotional vulnerability about initial feelings in a relationship.
✗ De início, eu gosto de café. → ✓ Eu gosto de café.
✗ At first, I like coffee. → ✓ I like coffee.
`De início` implies a past state that may have changed. If you *still* like coffee, you just state it directly.
✗ De início, ele chegou. → ✓ Finalmente, ele chegou.
✗ At first, he arrived. → ✓ Finally, he arrived.
`De início` means 'at the beginning,' not 'at the end' or 'after a long wait.'
De início, fiquei um pouco perdido em Tóquio, mas logo peguei o jeito do metrô!
At first, I got a little lost in Tokyo, but soon I got the hang of the subway!
Describes the initial feeling of being lost in a new place, followed by adaptation.
De início, a descrição do produto me confundiu, mas o item é exatamente o que eu precisava.
At first, the product description confused me, but the item is exactly what I needed.
Expresses initial confusion about a product listing that turned out fine.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
`De início` means 'at first', fitting the context of initial doubt changing to enjoyment.
Choose the sentence that uses 'de início' correctly.
Which sentence correctly uses 'de início'?
The correct sentence shows a contrast between an initial dislike and a current liking, which is a typical use case for `de início`.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While understandable, the pronoun 'ele' referring to 'o filme' is redundant here. The verb 'melhorou' (improved) directly following the initial description is more concise and natural.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
`De início` captures the 'initially' aspect, and the rest of the sentence translates the idea of the plan seeming complicated but then being simplified.
Fill in the blank.
`De início` means 'at first', indicating the initial state of not understanding.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence uses 'de início' appropriately?
This sentence correctly describes the initial state of the house, implying it might not be empty anymore or that something happened later.
Identify and correct the mistake.
`De início` is used for past impressions or states that have changed. Expressing a current opinion like 'I think you are right' doesn't fit this initial, potentially changing, perspective.
Translate the following sentence.
This translates the contrast between initial difficulty and subsequent ease, a core usage of `de início`.
Complete the sentence.
`De início` perfectly describes the chaotic traffic at the beginning of the journey.
Select the correct usage.
Which sentence uses `de início` correctly?
This sentence correctly expresses the state of not knowing someone at the very beginning.
Find the error and correct it.
If the happiness is still current or just a general statement, `de início` isn't needed. It's best used when contrasting the initial feeling with a later, different one.
Translate this sentence.
This captures the nuance of 'first impression' using `de início` combined with `tive a impressão`.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'De início'
Slang, emojis, very casual chat.
Tipo, de início achei mó estranho kkk
Everyday conversation, texting friends.
De início, não gostei, mas depois curti!
General use, most common situations.
De início, o plano parecia bom.
Professional emails, reports, academic contexts.
De início, a proposta foi recebida com ceticismo.
Where You'll Hear 'De início'
Chatting with friends
De início, achei que ia ser chato.
Work meeting
De início, o cronograma parecia apertado.
Social media post
Minha jornada de fitness de início foi difícil.
Reviewing a product
De início, a descrição me confundiu.
Discussing a movie/show
De início, não entendi a trama.
Personal reflection
De início, eu era tímido.
Comparing 'De início' with Similar Phrases
Usage Scenarios for 'De início'
First Impressions
- • Meeting someone
- • Visiting a place
- • Trying new food
Early Stages
- • Starting a project
- • Learning a skill
- • Beginning a journey
Initial Feelings
- • Doubt or uncertainty
- • Surprise or confusion
- • Skepticism
Contrast with Later
- • Then vs. Now
- • Before vs. After
- • Initial state vs. Current state
Practice Bank
12 exercises___, I thought learning Portuguese would be impossible, but it's actually fun!
`De início` means 'at first', fitting the context of initial doubt changing to enjoyment.
Which sentence correctly uses 'de início'?
The correct sentence shows a contrast between an initial dislike and a current liking, which is a typical use case for `de início`.
Find and fix the mistake:
De início, o filme foi muito chato, mas ele melhorou.
While understandable, the pronoun 'ele' referring to 'o filme' is redundant here. The verb 'melhorou' (improved) directly following the initial description is more concise and natural.
Initially, the plan seemed complicated, but we simplified it.
Hints: Think about 'initially' or 'at first'., Consider the verb 'to seem' and 'to simplify'.
`De início` captures the 'initially' aspect, and the rest of the sentence translates the idea of the plan seeming complicated but then being simplified.
___, I didn't understand the instructions, but I figured it out.
`De início` means 'at first', indicating the initial state of not understanding.
Which sentence uses 'de início' appropriately?
This sentence correctly describes the initial state of the house, implying it might not be empty anymore or that something happened later.
Find and fix the mistake:
De início, eu penso que você está certo.
`De início` is used for past impressions or states that have changed. Expressing a current opinion like 'I think you are right' doesn't fit this initial, potentially changing, perspective.
At first, it seemed difficult, but it got easier.
Hints: 'At first' translates to `de início`., 'It seemed' is `pareceu`., 'It got easier' is `ficou mais fácil`.
This translates the contrast between initial difficulty and subsequent ease, a core usage of `de início`.
___, o trânsito estava caótico, mas depois melhorou.
`De início` perfectly describes the chaotic traffic at the beginning of the journey.
Which sentence uses `de início` correctly?
This sentence correctly expresses the state of not knowing someone at the very beginning.
Find and fix the mistake:
De início, eu estava feliz com o resultado.
If the happiness is still current or just a general statement, `de início` isn't needed. It's best used when contrasting the initial feeling with a later, different one.
My first impression was that it would be hard.
Hints: 'My first impression' can be translated using `de início`., 'I had the impression' is `tive a impressão`., 'It would be hard' is `seria difícil`.
This captures the nuance of 'first impression' using `de início` combined with `tive a impressão`.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, de means 'of' and início means 'beginning'. So, it translates to 'of beginning'. However, its common usage is 'at first' or 'initially', signifying the starting point of something.
They are very similar and often interchangeable, both meaning 'in the beginning' or 'at first'. However, de início can sometimes emphasize a personal impression or a feeling that might have changed, whereas no início might refer more broadly to the start of a time period or event.
Use de início when you want to talk about your very first impression, the initial stage of a process, or how something seemed when it first started, especially if things are different now. It's perfect for creating a contrast between the past and the present.
Yes, de início is acceptable in many formal contexts, though inicialmente might sound slightly more formal or academic. You can use de início in professional emails or reports when discussing initial findings or plans.
Sure! You could say to a friend: 'De início, achei que o filme seria chato, mas me surpreendeu!' (At first, I thought the movie would be boring, but it surprised me!). This shows your initial feeling versus your later experience.
'A princípio' can mean 'at first' (similar to de início), but it can also mean 'in principle' or 'theoretically'. Context is crucial. De início is more consistently about the starting point or first impression.
Not always, but it very often does. The phrase highlights the beginning state, and the implication is usually that things have progressed or changed since then. If nothing has changed, simply stating the fact might be clearer.
Absolutely! It's great for describing initial emotions. For example, 'De início, eu estava com medo, mas depois me senti confiante' (At first, I was scared, but then I felt confident).
A common mistake is using it to mean 'finally' or 'in the end'. Remember, de início is strictly about the beginning. For 'finally', you'd use words like 'finalmente' or 'no fim'.
While de início is widely understood, variations like no início are also very common. The subtle nuances might be slightly more pronounced depending on the region or speaker, but the core meaning remains consistent.
You could say, 'De início, o projeto parecia simples, mas encontramos vários obstáculos' (Initially, the project seemed simple, but we encountered several obstacles). This highlights the difference between the initial plan and the reality.
If you want to emphasize continuity from the absolute start, 'desde o início' (from the beginning) might be more appropriate. De início focuses more on the initial state or impression.
Yes, it can. For instance, 'De início, a teoria parecia complexa, mas com exemplos ficou clara' (Initially, the theory seemed complex, but with examples, it became clear).
It is used in both variants of Portuguese, although its frequency and specific nuances might slightly differ. It's a common and well-understood expression across the Portuguese-speaking world.
'Comecei a...' means 'I started to...' and focuses on the action of beginning. De início describes the state or perception *at* that beginning point.
Yes, you can. For example, 'De início, eu era uma criança muito quieta' (At first, I was a very quiet child). This implies you might be different now.
The vibe is often one of reflection or comparison. It sets up a narrative arc, contrasting the past beginning with the present situation, often with a touch of realization or discovery.
Definitely! It's common in captions or comments to talk about how something started, like 'De início, não curtia essa música, mas agora não tiro da cabeça!' (At first, I didn't like this song, but now I can't get it out of my head!).
A more formal alternative is inicialmente. You could also use phrases like em um primeiro momento (in a first moment) or nas fases iniciais (in the initial phases), depending on the context.
Yes, it can. For example, 'De início, pedi apenas uma entrada, mas depois decidi pedir o prato principal também' (At first, I only ordered an appetizer, but then I decided to order the main course too).
Related Phrases
No início
synonymIn the beginning
Both phrases indicate the start of something, though `de início` can sometimes carry a stronger sense of initial impression.
Inicialmente
synonymInitially
This is a more formal synonym often used in writing, whereas `de início` is more flexible across registers.
A princípio
related topicAt first / In principle
It can mean 'at first' like `de início`, but also 'in principle', requiring careful attention to context to differentiate.
Desde o início
related topicFrom the beginning
This phrase emphasizes continuity from the very start, whereas `de início` focuses on the state or impression at that starting point.
No fim
antonymIn the end
This phrase marks the conclusion or final outcome, directly contrasting with `de início`, which marks the beginning.
Finalmente
antonymFinally
Similar to 'no fim', this indicates the end point after a process or wait, acting as an opposite to the starting point indicated by `de início`.
Depois
related topicLater / Afterwards
Often used in conjunction with `de início` to show the progression or change from the initial state to a later one.
