In 15 Seconds
- Used to simplify or clarify a previous statement quickly.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
- The Portuguese equivalent of saying 'to put it simply'.
Meaning
This phrase is used to rephrase a point you just made to make it clearer or more direct. It is the perfect bridge when you want to simplify a complex idea or get straight to the point.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a work delay
O sistema caiu e o técnico não veio. Em outras palavras, não teremos o relatório hoje.
The system crashed and the technician didn't come. In other words, we won't have the report today.
Talking about a breakup
Ele não liga e não manda mensagem. Em outras palavras, acabou.
He doesn't call and doesn't text. In other words, it's over.
Explaining a confusing movie plot
O protagonista era um fantasma o tempo todo. Em outras palavras, o final é chocante!
The protagonist was a ghost the whole time. In other words, the ending is shocking!
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Em outras palavras' to soften a 'No'. Instead of saying 'I can't go,' they might explain a long list of problems and then say 'Em outras palavras, vai ser difícil eu ir.' In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in news broadcasts and political debates to ensure the public understands the implications of new laws or economic measures. In Luanda, formal Portuguese is highly respected. Using 'Em outras palavras' in a business meeting shows a high level of education and command of the language. In academic settings in Maputo, this phrase is a staple for students defending their theses to clarify their research findings.
The 'Check' Technique
Use this phrase to check if you understood someone. Start your sentence with 'Em outras palavras, você está dizendo que...' to confirm facts.
Don't over-simplify
If you use this phrase too much with native speakers, it might sound like you think they are not smart enough to understand your first sentence.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to simplify or clarify a previous statement quickly.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
- The Portuguese equivalent of saying 'to put it simply'.
What It Means
Em outras palavras is your go-to tool for clarity. It functions exactly like the English phrase "in other words." You use it when you realize your first explanation was a bit too messy. It signals to your listener that a simpler version is coming. It is the verbal equivalent of a "reset" button for a conversation.
How To Use It
Place it right after a statement that needs more punch or detail. You can use it to summarize a long story. You can also use it to translate technical jargon into everyday speech. It works beautifully at the start of a sentence. For example, if you describe a complex recipe, you can follow up with: Em outras palavras, é só misturar tudo. It keeps the rhythm of your speech natural and helpful.
When To Use It
Use it in professional meetings to summarize action items. Use it with friends when you are rambling about your day. It is perfect for texting when you want to clarify a confusing autocorrect. It shines in academic writing to explain difficult concepts. Basically, use it whenever you feel a "huh?" look creeping onto someone's face. It makes you sound patient and articulate.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if your first sentence was already very simple. Don't say "I'm hungry. In other words, I want food." That feels a bit redundant and robotic. Also, avoid using it to be condescending. You don't want to make the other person feel like they are too slow to understand. If you use it five times in one minute, you might sound like a politician avoiding a direct question. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value good conversation and "jogos de palavras" (wordplay). However, clarity is also deeply respected in social circles. This phrase has been a staple of the language for centuries. It mirrors the Latin roots found in many Romance languages. In Brazil, people love to talk, so this phrase acts as a necessary filter. It helps navigate the wonderful, sometimes chaotic, flow of a typical family lunch.
Common Variations
If you want to sound a bit more casual, you might say ou seja. This is incredibly common in Brazil and means "that is to say." For a more formal vibe, you could try isto é. In very informal settings, some might just say quer dizer. Each one serves the same purpose of clarifying your intent. Em outras palavras remains the most versatile and universally understood version across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Usage Notes
This phrase is extremely safe to use. It carries no negative baggage and fits into any register from a legal document to a WhatsApp group chat.
The 'Check' Technique
Use this phrase to check if you understood someone. Start your sentence with 'Em outras palavras, você está dizendo que...' to confirm facts.
Don't over-simplify
If you use this phrase too much with native speakers, it might sound like you think they are not smart enough to understand your first sentence.
Examples
6O sistema caiu e o técnico não veio. Em outras palavras, não teremos o relatório hoje.
The system crashed and the technician didn't come. In other words, we won't have the report today.
Summarizes a series of problems into one clear result.
Ele não liga e não manda mensagem. Em outras palavras, acabou.
He doesn't call and doesn't text. In other words, it's over.
Used to deliver a blunt truth after listing evidence.
O protagonista era um fantasma o tempo todo. Em outras palavras, o final é chocante!
The protagonist was a ghost the whole time. In other words, the ending is shocking!
Highlights the main takeaway of a story.
Eu só posso comer alface e água. Em outras palavras, estou sofrendo.
I can only eat lettuce and water. In other words, I am suffering.
Uses the phrase for humorous exaggeration.
Vou chegar tarde. Em outras palavras, não me espere para o jantar.
I'll arrive late. In other words, don't wait for me for dinner.
Provides a practical instruction based on the first statement.
A inflação reduziu o poder de compra. Em outras palavras, os preços estão mais altos.
Inflation reduced purchasing power. In other words, prices are higher.
Translates an economic concept into plain language.
Test Yourself
Complete a frase com a forma correta da expressão.
O céu está muito escuro; __________, vai chover.
Devemos usar o feminino plural 'outras palavras'.
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma natural?
Escolha a opção correta:
A expressão deve ser usada para explicar ou simplificar um termo (poliglota).
Complete o diálogo.
João: 'A empresa faliu.' Maria: '__________ estamos desempregados?'
Maria está simplificando a consequência da falência.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesO céu está muito escuro; __________, vai chover.
Devemos usar o feminino plural 'outras palavras'.
Escolha a opção correta:
A expressão deve ser usada para explicar ou simplificar um termo (poliglota).
João: 'A empresa faliu.' Maria: '__________ estamos desempregados?'
Maria está simplificando a consequência da falência.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsSlightly. 'Ou seja' is very common in speech, while 'Em outras palavras' is preferred in writing and structured explanations.
Yes, it is a perfectly valid synonym, often used in technical or academic contexts.
Because 'palavra' is a feminine noun, and adjectives must agree in gender and number.
Related Phrases
Ou seja
synonymThat is to say / In other words
Isto é
synonymThat is
Quer dizer
similarI mean / It means
Em suma
specialized formIn short
