In 15 Seconds
- Refers to things that are temporary or not meant to last.
- Used for business strategies, personal habits, or temporary fixes.
- Helps manage expectations about how long something will stay effective.
Meaning
This phrase describes something that isn't intended to last for a long time. It refers to a temporary situation or a quick fix rather than a permanent commitment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a temporary diet
Esta dieta funciona, mas não a longo prazo.
This diet works, but not in the long term.
Talking about a job contract
O meu plano aqui não é a longo prazo.
My plan here isn't for the long term.
Business meeting about a quick fix
Essa solução não se sustenta no longo prazo.
This solution doesn't hold up in the long term.
Cultural Background
The 'Custo Brasil' (Brazil Cost) often forces businesses to focus on 'não longo prazo' strategies due to economic volatility. Portuguese culture tends to be more risk-averse, making 'longo prazo' planning the default expectation in formal agreements. In rapidly developing Luanda, 'não longo prazo' solutions are common in infrastructure as the city grows faster than planning allows. Environmental sustainability is a major topic; 'não longo prazo' fishing practices are strictly discouraged.
The Preposition Trick
If you are in doubt, use 'a'. It works in every Portuguese-speaking country and sounds the most professional.
Gender Trap
Never say 'longa prazo'. Even if you are talking about a 'dieta' (feminine), the phrase 'a longo prazo' stays masculine because it refers to the 'prazo'.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to things that are temporary or not meant to last.
- Used for business strategies, personal habits, or temporary fixes.
- Helps manage expectations about how long something will stay effective.
What It Means
Think of no longo prazo as the horizon of your plans. When you add não in front, you are saying 'this isn't forever.' It is the difference between a summer fling and a marriage. It marks things that are fleeting or immediate. You use it to manage expectations about time.
How To Use It
In Portuguese, we usually say a longo prazo for 'in the long term.' To say something isn't for the long haul, you say não é a longo prazo. You can also say não funciona no longo prazo. It acts like a qualifier for your goals or habits. It is very flexible and fits into most sentences easily. Just drop it after the verb ser (to be).
When To Use It
Use it when discussing investments that you want to cash out quickly. Use it when talking about a temporary job or a diet. It is perfect for telling a friend a strategy is just for now. If you are fixing a leaky pipe with duct tape, that is não no longo prazo. It is the language of the 'now' versus the 'always.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for things that are literally short. For example, a 5-minute walk is curto, not não longo prazo. This phrase is about the duration of an effect or a plan. Avoid using it for physical objects like a short pencil. It sounds strange to use it for very emotional, romantic promises. It is a bit too analytical for a deep love confession.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people often value the 'jeitinho'—a quick, creative fix. Sometimes these fixes are explicitly não no longo prazo. There is a cultural tension between immediate joy and future stability. Using this phrase shows you are being realistic and pragmatic. It suggests you know the difference between a dream and a reality.
Common Variations
You will often hear a curto prazo which means 'in the short term.' Another common one is temporário for something strictly temporary. Some people might say para agora (for now) instead. You can also say não se sustenta (it doesn't sustain itself). These all circle the same idea of being temporary.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. In professional settings, it sounds analytical and responsible. In casual settings, it sounds realistic and grounded. Always remember to include the preposition 'a' or 'no' for it to sound natural.
The Preposition Trick
If you are in doubt, use 'a'. It works in every Portuguese-speaking country and sounds the most professional.
Gender Trap
Never say 'longa prazo'. Even if you are talking about a 'dieta' (feminine), the phrase 'a longo prazo' stays masculine because it refers to the 'prazo'.
The 'Jeitinho' Connection
When a Brazilian says something is 'não a longo prazo', they might be hinting that they are using a 'jeitinho' to fix it for now.
Examples
6Esta dieta funciona, mas não a longo prazo.
This diet works, but not in the long term.
Expressing that a habit isn't sustainable.
O meu plano aqui não é a longo prazo.
My plan here isn't for the long term.
Clarifying career intentions to a friend.
Essa solução não se sustenta no longo prazo.
This solution doesn't hold up in the long term.
Professional critique of a strategy.
Comprei, mas sei que não é a longo prazo.
I bought it, but I know it's not for the long term.
Acknowledging low quality or temporary use.
Nós dois? Definitivamente não a longo prazo!
The two of us? Definitely not long term!
Self-deprecating humor about a dating situation.
Viver assim não é possível a longo prazo.
Living like this isn't possible in the long term.
A serious realization about one's well-being.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition and phrase.
Eu não quero um contrato ____.
'A longo prazo' is the standard prepositional phrase for 'long-term'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
You need the preposition 'a' and the masculine 'longo'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Você vai morar em Portugal para sempre?' B: 'Não, ____.'
This correctly negates the idea of staying forever.
Match the phrase to the situation.
In which situation would you say 'Não é sustentável a longo prazo'?
Lack of sleep is a health issue that cannot be maintained over time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Time Horizons in Portuguese
When to use 'Não a Longo Prazo'
Work
- • Temporary contracts
- • Quick fixes
- • Internships
Health
- • Crash diets
- • Painkillers
- • Sprinting
Life
- • Rentals
- • Travel
- • Summer flings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu não quero um contrato ____.
'A longo prazo' is the standard prepositional phrase for 'long-term'.
Choose the best option:
You need the preposition 'a' and the masculine 'longo'.
A: 'Você vai morar em Portugal para sempre?' B: 'Não, ____.'
This correctly negates the idea of staying forever.
In which situation would you say 'Não é sustentável a longo prazo'?
Lack of sleep is a health issue that cannot be maintained over time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn a sentence, no. You need 'não é a longo prazo' or 'não funciona a longo prazo'. As a title or a fragment, it's okay.
No, it is two words. In English, we use a hyphen (long-term), but in Portuguese, we don't.
'Data' is a specific day (e.g., October 5th). 'Prazo' is the duration or the deadline (e.g., 30 days).
Yes, especially when complaining about things that don't last or discussing life plans.
Use 'a curto prazo'. It's the exact opposite.
No. For a long road, use 'longo' or 'comprido'. 'Prazo' is only for time.
No! That's 'preço'. They sound a bit similar but are very different.
It's not 'wrong' in Brazil, but 'a longo prazo' is more traditional and universally accepted.
No. Use 'que não é a longo prazo' or 'de curto prazo'.
Use 'insustentável sob uma perspectiva de longo prazo'.
Related Phrases
a curto prazo
contrastshort-term
a médio prazo
similarmedium-term
prazo de validade
specialized formexpiration date
dar um prazo
builds onto give a deadline
