Meaning
To explain something clearly and simply, using understandable language.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'em bom português' is often a precursor to 'sinceridade' (sincerity). Brazilians generally value social harmony and might avoid direct confrontation, so using this phrase is a socially recognized signal that the 'politeness filter' is being turned off. In Portugal, the phrase can sometimes carry a more formal, almost patriotic weight. It implies that the Portuguese language itself is a tool for logic and clarity, contrasting with the perceived 'vagueness' of foreign influence or bureaucracy. In Angola, where Portuguese coexists with many national languages (like Kimbundu), 'em bom português' can specifically mean using the official language to ensure that people from different ethnic groups can understand a central message clearly. Across all Lusophone countries, there is a tradition of 'Bacharelismo'—using overly complex language to show status. 'Em bom português' is the cultural antidote to this, used by the public to demand transparency from experts.
The 'Reality Check' Signal
Use this phrase when you want to interrupt someone who is being vague. It's a polite but firm way to say 'Stop wasting time and tell me the truth'.
Don't be too blunt
In some cultures, 'em bom português' can be a bit too aggressive. If you're with a superior, try 'Poderia me explicar de forma mais simples?' instead.
Meaning
To explain something clearly and simply, using understandable language.
The 'Reality Check' Signal
Use this phrase when you want to interrupt someone who is being vague. It's a polite but firm way to say 'Stop wasting time and tell me the truth'.
Don't be too blunt
In some cultures, 'em bom português' can be a bit too aggressive. If you're with a superior, try 'Poderia me explicar de forma mais simples?' instead.
The 'Plain English' Rule
Remember that this is the direct equivalent of 'In plain English'. If you would use that in English, you can almost certainly use 'Em bom português' in Portuguese.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a expressão correta para pedir uma explicação simples.
O advogado falou muito difícil. Pode me explicar o que ele disse ___ ___ ___?
A expressão fixa é 'em bom português'.
Qual frase usa a expressão 'em bom português' para indicar honestidade brutal?
Selecione a opção correta:
Neste contexto, a expressão introduz uma verdade direta e sem rodeios.
Associe a frase técnica à sua versão 'em bom português'.
Técnico: 'Houve uma interrupção no fornecimento de energia no servidor central.'
Esta opção simplifica a causa técnica para uma linguagem cotidiana.
Complete o diálogo.
Chefe: 'Precisamos de um downsizing estrutural.' Funcionário: '___ ___ ___, você vai demitir alguém?'
O funcionário está pedindo a tradução do eufemismo 'downsizing'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO advogado falou muito difícil. Pode me explicar o que ele disse ___ ___ ___?
A expressão fixa é 'em bom português'.
Selecione a opção correta:
Neste contexto, a expressão introduz uma verdade direta e sem rodeios.
Técnico: 'Houve uma interrupção no fornecimento de energia no servidor central.'
Esta opção simplifica a causa técnica para uma linguagem cotidiana.
Chefe: 'Precisamos de um downsizing estrutural.' Funcionário: '___ ___ ___, você vai demitir alguém?'
O funcionário está pedindo a tradução do eufemismo 'downsizing'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is 'em bom português'. While the other is grammatically possible, it doesn't function as the idiom for 'speaking clearly'.
Yes, but usually to critique someone else's complex language or to introduce a simplified summary of a complex theory.
Not necessarily. It refers to the clarity of the message, not the grammatical perfection of the speaker.
No. Even if the speaker is female, the phrase remains 'em bom português' because it refers to the language.
Yes, it is universally understood and used across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
You could say 'falar grego' (to speak Greek/gibberish) or 'enrolar' (to beat around the bush).
In Portuguese, you would still say 'em bom português' even if you are translating English jargon, because you are speaking to a Portuguese speaker.
It can be, depending on the tone. It's often used when someone is frustrated by a lack of clarity.
Usually, yes. But it can also mean being very honest about a difficult situation.
You say 'Em bom português'. You don't translate 'English' literally in this idiom.
Related Phrases
Em português claro
synonymIn clear Portuguese.
Pôr os pontos nos is
similarTo dot the i's.
Falar a real
informalTo speak the reality.
Sem papas na língua
similarWithout mush on the tongue.
