In 15 Seconds
- Used to express liking or disliking someone's vibe.
- Usually paired with the preposition 'com'.
- Derived from football culture but used for everything.
Meaning
This phrase describes liking or getting along with someone or something. It is often used in the negative to say you just don't 'vibe' with a person or a specific idea.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a new colleague with a friend
Para ser sincero, não vou nada à bola com o novo chefe.
To be honest, I don't like the new boss at all.
Talking about a specific food or dish
Eu até gosto de sushi, mas não vou à bola com algas.
I even like sushi, but I'm not into seaweed.
A polite but informal disagreement in a meeting
Percebo a ideia, mas não vou muito à bola com esse plano.
I see the idea, but I'm not really feeling that plan.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the Portuguese passion for football (soccer). 'Going to the ball' implies being part of the game or being 'in' on the action, eventually evolving into a metaphor for social harmony or personal preference.
The Negative is King
While you can say 'vou à bola com ele', it is 80% more common to hear it in the negative. It's the go-to way to say someone bugs you without being too aggressive.
Don't forget the 'à'
Make sure you use 'à' (a + a). If you just say 'ir a bola', it sounds like you are literally walking toward a physical ball.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express liking or disliking someone's vibe.
- Usually paired with the preposition 'com'.
- Derived from football culture but used for everything.
What It Means
Imagine you are at a party. You see someone and instantly feel a connection. That is the essence of ir à bola. It means you find someone sympathetic or likeable. It is not about romance. It is about that natural 'click' between people. In English, you might say you 'take to' someone. Or perhaps you just 'vibe' with them. It is simple, warm, and very human.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the preposition com. For example, não vou à bola com ele. This means 'I don't really like him.' You can use it for people, objects, or even abstract ideas. It is a flexible tool for your social kit. Just remember to conjugate the verb ir (to go).
When To Use It
Use it when chatting with friends about a new coworker. It is perfect for casual coffee dates. You can use it when discussing a movie or a book too. If a new fashion trend seems weird, say you don't ir à bola with it. It sounds much more natural than saying 'I do not like this.' It shows you have a grasp of real, living Portuguese.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal written reports. Do not tell your CEO you don't ir à bola with the new strategy. It is a bit too relaxed for a boardroom. Also, do not use it for deep, serious love. It is about liking and compatibility, not soul-shattering passion. If you hate someone deeply, this phrase might feel too light. Use it for those 'gut feelings' instead.
Cultural Background
Portugal is a football-obsessed nation. The 'bola' (ball) usually refers to a soccer ball. Historically, 'going to the ball' meant joining the game or the fun. If you didn't 'go to the ball,' you were out of the loop. Over time, it shifted from sports to social chemistry. It reflects how sports language permeates daily life in Portugal. Even if you hate soccer, you will use this phrase!
Common Variations
The most common version is the negative: não ir à bola com. It is actually more frequent than the positive version. You might also hear não gramar or não engraçar com. These mean roughly the same thing. However, ir à bola remains the most classic and widely understood. It is the 'old reliable' of Portuguese social commentary.
Usage Notes
The phrase is quintessentially informal and common in European Portuguese. It relies heavily on the 'vibe' or 'chemistry' between people rather than a reasoned dislike.
The Negative is King
While you can say 'vou à bola com ele', it is 80% more common to hear it in the negative. It's the go-to way to say someone bugs you without being too aggressive.
Don't forget the 'à'
Make sure you use 'à' (a + a). If you just say 'ir a bola', it sounds like you are literally walking toward a physical ball.
The Soccer Connection
Even if you've never watched a match, using this phrase makes you sound like a local because it taps into the deep-rooted Portuguese 'futebol' mentality.
Examples
6Para ser sincero, não vou nada à bola com o novo chefe.
To be honest, I don't like the new boss at all.
The word 'nada' (nothing) is used here to add emphasis.
Eu até gosto de sushi, mas não vou à bola com algas.
I even like sushi, but I'm not into seaweed.
Shows the phrase can be used for things, not just people.
Percebo a ideia, mas não vou muito à bola com esse plano.
I see the idea, but I'm not really feeling that plan.
Using 'muito' softens the rejection of the idea.
Ele é simpático, mas não fui à bola com ele.
He is nice, but I didn't really vibe with him.
Used in the past tense (pretérito perfeito) to describe a first impression.
O gato do vizinho não vai à bola comigo, sopra-me sempre!
The neighbor's cat isn't into me, it always hisses at me!
Personifies the animal to create a funny situation.
Há qualquer coisa nele... simplesmente não vou à bola com o tipo.
There is something about him... I just don't click with the guy.
Highlights the 'gut feeling' aspect of the expression.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Eu não vou à bola ___ a nova vizinha.
The phrase 'ir à bola' always requires 'com' when specifying who or what you don't like.
Conjugate the verb 'ir' for the first person plural (we).
Nós não ___ à bola com aquele restaurante.
'Nós vamos' is the correct present tense conjugation for 'we go'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Ir à bola'
Very street-level talk
Não gramo o gajo.
Friends, family, casual talk
Não vou à bola com ele.
Business or official letters
Não me agrada a personalidade dele.
Where to use 'Ir à bola'
New People
Meeting a friend's partner
Food/Drink
Trying a strange craft beer
Fashion
Seeing a weird outfit
Work Ideas
Discussing a new office rule
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu não vou à bola ___ a nova vizinha.
The phrase 'ir à bola' always requires 'com' when specifying who or what you don't like.
Nós não ___ à bola com aquele restaurante.
'Nós vamos' is the correct present tense conjugation for 'we go'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo! While it comes from soccer, ir à bola com alguém is strictly about your personal opinion or 'vibe' with that person.
You could, but it sounds a bit weak. It's better for friends or acquaintances. For a partner, you'd use gostar or amar.
It's not rude, but it is very direct. Saying não vou à bola com ele is a clear statement that you don't like someone's personality.
Probably not. It is too informal. Stick to não me identifico com or não aprecio in professional settings.
You just conjugate the verb ir. For example: Eu não fui à bola com o filme (I didn't like the movie).
Gostar is a general 'to like'. Ir à bola is more about chemistry and first impressions. It's like saying 'we don't click'.
Yes! You can say não vou à bola com estas cortinas if you think the curtains are ugly.
This specific expression is much more common in Portugal. In Brazil, they might say não bater o santo for a similar meaning.
Adding nada (e.g., não vou nada à bola) makes the statement stronger, like saying 'I don't like them at all'.
Yes, if you visit a city and don't feel a connection, you can say não fui muito à bola com a cidade.
Related Phrases
não gramar
To not stand/like someone (slang)
engraçar com
To take a liking to someone
não me diz nada
It doesn't do anything for me / I'm indifferent
ficar com um nó na garganta
To have a lump in one's throat (unrelated to liking, but emotional)
