In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone meddling in private affairs.
- Equivalent to 'sticking your nose' into something.
- Best for casual, social, or slightly confrontational settings.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone is being too curious or meddling in things that don't concern them. It's like saying someone is sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a nosy sibling
Para de meter o nariz na minha vida!
Stop sticking your nose in my life!
Gossiping about a neighbor
A vizinha adora meter o nariz em tudo o que fazemos.
The neighbor loves to pry into everything we do.
Setting a boundary in a tense discussion
Desculpe, mas não deve meter o nariz neste assunto.
I'm sorry, but you shouldn't meddle in this matter.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a Mediterranean and Lusophone tension between being neighborly and being intrusive. While 'fofoca' (gossip) is a national pastime in many Portuguese-speaking countries, 'meter o nariz' serves as a necessary social boundary to protect individual privacy.
The 'Onde' Connection
This phrase is almost always followed by 'onde não é chamado' (where you aren't called). Memorize this combo to sound like a native!
Careful with the Tone
Saying this to someone can be quite aggressive. If you aren't joking, be prepared for a bit of a confrontation.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone meddling in private affairs.
- Equivalent to 'sticking your nose' into something.
- Best for casual, social, or slightly confrontational settings.
What It Means
Meter o nariz is the classic way to call out a busybody. It describes the act of interfering in someone else's business. Think of it as physical intrusion. You are literally 'inserting' your nose into a private conversation or situation. It implies the person wasn't invited to give an opinion. It is expressive, visual, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
You use it just like the English 'to pry'. You can use it as a warning or a complaint. It often appears with the word onde (where). For example: Não metas o nariz onde não és chamado. This means 'Don't stick your nose where you aren't called'. It is a flexible verb phrase. You can conjugate meter for any person or tense.
When To Use It
Use this with friends when they get too curious about your dating life. It works great when gossiping about a neighbor who watches everyone. You might use it at a restaurant if a stranger comments on your food. It's perfect for family drama too. If your aunt asks about your salary, she is a meter o nariz. It’s effective for setting boundaries quickly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in high-level professional meetings with your boss. It is a bit too blunt for formal settings. Don't use it if you want to be extremely polite. If a doctor asks personal questions, they aren't metendo o nariz; they are doing their job. Using it there would seem rude or defensive. Stick to casual or heated personal interactions.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values privacy within the family but also loves a bit of 'fofoca' (gossip). This phrase acts as the 'stop sign' for that gossip. It has been around for centuries. It likely stems from the idea that the nose is the most protruding part of the face. It's the first thing that enters a space. In Portugal and Brazil, people are generally warm, but they know when someone is crossing the line.
Common Variations
You will often hear meter o nariz em tudo. This means poking one's nose into everything. Another common version is meter o bedelho. A bedelho is a small latch or a meddling person. It’s slightly more old-fashioned but very funny. Some people also say não metas o bico, which uses 'beak' instead of 'nose'. It makes the person sound like a pecking bird!
Usage Notes
The phrase is firmly in the informal register. It is highly effective for setting boundaries but should be avoided in formal hierarchies unless you intend to be confrontational.
The 'Onde' Connection
This phrase is almost always followed by 'onde não é chamado' (where you aren't called). Memorize this combo to sound like a native!
Careful with the Tone
Saying this to someone can be quite aggressive. If you aren't joking, be prepared for a bit of a confrontation.
The 'Bedelho' Alternative
If you want to sound like a cute Portuguese grandma, use 'meter o bedelho' instead. It’s less harsh and more colorful.
Examples
6Para de meter o nariz na minha vida!
Stop sticking your nose in my life!
Direct and common between family members.
A vizinha adora meter o nariz em tudo o que fazemos.
The neighbor loves to pry into everything we do.
Describing a third person's behavior.
Desculpe, mas não deve meter o nariz neste assunto.
I'm sorry, but you shouldn't meddle in this matter.
A slightly more restrained but still firm usage.
Lá vem ela outra vez meter o nariz onde não deve... 🙄
Here she comes again prying where she shouldn't...
Commonly used with emojis to show annoyance.
Cuidado para não meter o nariz e acabar sem ele!
Careful not to stick your nose in and end up without it!
A playful, hyperbolic threat.
Eu odeio quando a tua mãe mete o nariz nas nossas contas.
I hate it when your mother meddles in our finances.
Used to express deep annoyance regarding privacy.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
Tu sempre ___ o nariz onde não és chamado!
The subject is 'Tu', so the verb 'meter' must be conjugated in the second person singular.
Complete the common expression.
Não metas o ___ em assuntos alheios.
The idiom specifically uses 'nariz' (nose) to represent prying.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Meter o Nariz'
Meter o bedelho
Não metas o bedelho!
Meter o nariz
Para de meter o nariz!
Interferir
Não quero interferir.
Imiscuir-se
Não se deve imiscuir em assuntos privados.
Where to use 'Meter o Nariz'
Family Dinners
When an uncle asks about your taxes.
Office Gossip
When a colleague asks about your private call.
Apartment Life
The neighbor watching through the peephole.
Friend Groups
When someone reads your texts over your shoulder.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesTu sempre ___ o nariz onde não és chamado!
The subject is 'Tu', so the verb 'meter' must be conjugated in the second person singular.
Não metas o ___ em assuntos alheios.
The idiom specifically uses 'nariz' (nose) to represent prying.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. It's a direct way to tell someone they are being nosy, so use it with people you know well or when you are genuinely annoyed.
Only with close work friends. In a formal meeting, use interferir or envolver-se to remain professional.
They mean the same thing, but bedelho is more idiomatic and slightly more lighthearted or old-fashioned.
You would say Não metas o nariz (informal) or Não meta o nariz (more polite/Brazilian standard).
Yes, it is widely understood and used in both countries, as well as other Lusophone nations.
Yes, meter o bico (beak) is common. However, meter a mão usually means to steal or to get physically involved.
It means 'where you are not called' or 'where you weren't invited'. It's the standard ending for this phrase.
The most formal version would be the verb imiscuir-se, but it's very literary and rarely used in speech.
Yes! You can say Não quero meter o nariz, mas... (I don't want to pry, but...) as a way to introduce a curious question.
A metediço is the noun for a person who constantly mete o nariz in everything. It means a busybody.
Related Phrases
Meter o bedelho
To meddle/pry (informal/funny)
Cuidar da própria vida
To mind one's own business
Não é da tua conta
It's none of your business
Fofoqueiro
A gossip/busybody
