In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone being nosy or interfering.
- Commonly used as 'meter o nariz onde não é chamado'.
- Best for casual, family, or friendly settings.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone is being too nosy or interfering in things that don't concern them. It's the perfect way to tell someone to mind their own business or stop poking around.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a nosy sibling
Para de meter o nariz na minha vida!
Stop sticking your nose in my life!
Complaining about a colleague
O João está sempre a meter o nariz no trabalho dos outros.
João is always sticking his nose in other people's work.
Texting a friend about a secret
Não metas o nariz nisso, é segredo!
Don't stick your nose in that, it's a secret!
Cultural Background
The expression reflects a Mediterranean and Lusophone cultural tension between being helpful and being nosy. It has been used for generations to navigate the tight-knit social circles of small villages and urban neighborhoods alike. It is often paired with the proverb 'Em boca fechada não entra mosca' (In a closed mouth, no fly enters).
The 'Bico' Variation
If you want to sound even more like a local in a casual setting, swap 'nariz' for 'bico' (beak). It's slightly more playful.
Careful with the Tone
This phrase can escalate an argument quickly. Only use it if you are prepared for a bit of confrontation!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone being nosy or interfering.
- Commonly used as 'meter o nariz onde não é chamado'.
- Best for casual, family, or friendly settings.
What It Means
Imagine someone literally sticking their face into your private diary or your dinner plate. That is exactly what meter o nariz feels like. It describes that annoying moment when someone gets involved in a situation where they weren't invited. It is about unwanted curiosity or interference. You are basically telling them their nose belongs on their own face, not in your business.
How To Use It
You will usually use the verb meter (to put/stick) or ter (to have). The most common way to hear it is meter o nariz onde não é chamado. This translates to 'sticking your nose where it wasn't called.' You can conjugate it for anyone. If your brother is asking about your bank account, tell him to stop meter o nariz there. It is a very flexible and visual expression.
When To Use It
Use this when you feel your privacy is being invaded. It works great with friends who are being too curious about your dating life. It is also common in family settings. Portuguese families love to know everything, right? You might also use it at work when a colleague from another department tries to change your project. It is perfect for venting to a third party about a nosy neighbor.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this with your boss unless you have a very close relationship. It can sound quite aggressive or defensive. Do not use it in formal documents or official emails. It is too colorful for a legal letter! Also, if someone is genuinely trying to help you in an emergency, telling them they are meter o nariz would be considered very rude. Save it for the gossipers and the busybodies.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture is generally very social and community-oriented. This means people often feel entitled to give 'palpites' (unsolicited advice). Because of this, the language has developed sharp ways to set boundaries. The 'nose' has been a symbol of curiosity in many Latin languages for centuries. In Portugal and Brazil, keeping your nose out of things is a sign of respecting someone's 'espaço' (space).
Common Variations
You might hear meter o bico (stick the beak). This is a bit more informal and funny. There is also não me metas o nariz nisso, which is a direct command. In Brazil, you might hear intrometer-se, which is the more formal verb, but meter o nariz remains the king of idiomatic expressions for daily life.
Usage Notes
This is a quintessential informal expression. It sits right between 'annoyed' and 'confrontational'. Use it with people you know well, or when you genuinely want someone to back off.
The 'Bico' Variation
If you want to sound even more like a local in a casual setting, swap 'nariz' for 'bico' (beak). It's slightly more playful.
Careful with the Tone
This phrase can escalate an argument quickly. Only use it if you are prepared for a bit of confrontation!
The Silent Treatment
In Portugal, sometimes just touching the side of your nose while looking at someone is enough to signal you know they are being nosy.
Examples
6Para de meter o nariz na minha vida!
Stop sticking your nose in my life!
A very common way to set boundaries with family.
O João está sempre a meter o nariz no trabalho dos outros.
João is always sticking his nose in other people's work.
Used here to describe a third person's annoying habit.
Não metas o nariz nisso, é segredo!
Don't stick your nose in that, it's a secret!
Playful warning between friends.
A vizinha já meteu o nariz à janela para ver quem chegou.
The neighbor already stuck her nose out the window to see who arrived.
Refers to the stereotypical nosy neighbor.
Com todo o respeito, não meta o nariz onde não é chamado.
With all due respect, don't stick your nose where it's not called.
Adding 'com todo o respeito' tries to soften a very blunt statement.
Sinto que a tua mãe está sempre a meter o nariz na nossa relação.
I feel like your mother is always sticking her nose in our relationship.
Expressing deep personal frustration.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
Ela adora ___ o nariz nos meus assuntos privados.
The verb 'meter' (to put/stick) is the standard verb used with this idiom.
Complete the common variation of the phrase.
Não metas o nariz onde não és ___.
'Onde não és chamado' means 'where you weren't called/invited'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Meter o Nariz'
Using 'meter o bico' instead.
Não metas o bico!
Standard use with friends/family.
Para de meter o nariz!
Describing a situation objectively.
Ele meteu o nariz na conversa.
Generally avoided; 'intrometer-se' is preferred.
Peço que não se intrometa.
Where to use 'Meter o Nariz'
Family Dinners
When auntie asks about your salary.
Office Gossip
When a coworker asks about your HR meeting.
Street Life
A stranger commenting on your parking.
Friendship
A friend reading your private texts.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEla adora ___ o nariz nos meus assuntos privados.
The verb 'meter' (to put/stick) is the standard verb used with this idiom.
Não metas o nariz onde não és ___.
'Onde não és chamado' means 'where you weren't called/invited'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is quite direct and can be considered rude depending on your tone. Use Não te metas for a slightly softer version.
Absolutely! It is widely understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
The most common version is meter o nariz onde não é chamado.
Yes, you should use the verb intrometer-se if you are in a formal environment.
Yes! You can say Não quero meter o nariz, mas... (I don't want to stick my nose in, but...) to introduce a suggestion politely.
Usually, yes, but you could metaphorically say a company is meter o nariz in a country's politics.
It's the same thing! Bico means beak, making the person sound like a poking bird.
Both work! Use em for a specific thing like no meu namoro and onde for a general place or situation.
No, it almost always has a negative connotation of unwanted interference.
Using the verb pôr instead of meter. While pôr also means put, meter is the idiomatic standard here.
Related Phrases
Meter o bico
To stick one's beak in (more informal).
Dar um palpite
To give unsolicited advice/opinion.
Cuidar da sua vida
To mind one's own business.
Ser um cusco
To be a gossiper/nosy person (Portugal).
