In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a recurring event or existing experience.
- Commonly used to express frustration or establish expertise.
- Usually phrased as 'Não é a primeira vez'.
Meaning
This phrase is used to point out that something isn't happening for the first time. It usually implies that there is a history, a pattern, or a previous experience behind the current situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a favorite restaurant
Não é a primeira vez que venho aqui, o bacalhau é incrível.
It's not the first time I've come here; the cod is amazing.
Complaining about a tech issue
Não é a primeira vez que esse sistema trava hoje!
It's not the first time this system has crashed today!
In a job interview
Não é a primeira vez que lidero uma equipe de vendas.
It's not the first time I've led a sales team.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple in Lusophone storytelling and daily gossip. It highlights the importance of 'antecedentes' (background) in social interactions. In Brazil, it is often used with a specific intonation to signal that a person is 'esperto' (clever) and cannot be easily fooled.
The 'Que' Connection
Usually, this phrase is followed by 'que' to link it to the action. For example: 'Não é a primeira vez QUE vejo isso.'
Watch the Article
Always include the 'a'. Saying 'Não é primeira vez' sounds slightly robotic and incomplete to native ears.
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a recurring event or existing experience.
- Commonly used to express frustration or establish expertise.
- Usually phrased as 'Não é a primeira vez'.
What It Means
This expression is your go-to when you want to signal familiarity. It tells your listener that the current event is a repeat performance. In English, we often say 'it's not my first rodeo' or simply 'not for the first time.' In Portuguese, it acts as a bridge between the past and the present. It suggests you already know the ropes or have dealt with this nonsense before.
How To Use It
You will almost always see this preceded by não é a. The full standard structure is Não é a primeira vez. You can use it to show off your expertise. You can also use it to complain about a recurring problem. It fits perfectly at the start of a sentence to set the stage. It also works as a standalone comment when you roll your eyes at a friend's predictable behavior.
When To Use It
Use it when you arrive at a restaurant you love. Use it when your computer crashes for the third time today. It is great for professional settings to show you have experience. Use it in romantic contexts to talk about shared memories. It is a versatile tool for emphasizing frequency or persistence. If your friend is late again, this is your weapon of choice.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are actually doing something for the first time. That would be confusing and potentially awkward. Avoid using it in very high-stakes legal documents where specific dates are required. Don't use it to dismiss someone's genuine excitement about a new experience. It can sound a bit cynical if overused. Nobody likes a 'know-it-all' who has seen everything before.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value shared history and 'jeitinho' (finding a way). Saying não é a primeira vez often implies a level of street smarts. It suggests you aren't a 'turista' (tourist) in life. It reflects a culture that values experience over raw theory. It is also a common trope in Brazilian soap operas for dramatic reveals. 'It's not the first time he lied to me!' is a classic line.
Common Variations
You might hear Não é de hoje, which means 'it's not just from today.' Another one is Já perdi a conta, meaning 'I've already lost count.' For a more formal touch, use Não é a primeira ocasião. In slang, you might hear De novo?, which is just a tired 'Again?'. Each variation adds a slightly different flavor to your frustration or expertise.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and adapts to any social setting. Ensure you include the feminine article 'a' before 'primeira'.
The 'Que' Connection
Usually, this phrase is followed by 'que' to link it to the action. For example: 'Não é a primeira vez QUE vejo isso.'
Watch the Article
Always include the 'a'. Saying 'Não é primeira vez' sounds slightly robotic and incomplete to native ears.
The Sarcastic Nod
In Brazil, if you say this while slowly nodding, it often implies 'I told you so' without being too rude.
Examples
6Não é a primeira vez que venho aqui, o bacalhau é incrível.
It's not the first time I've come here; the cod is amazing.
Shows familiarity and gives a recommendation.
Não é a primeira vez que esse sistema trava hoje!
It's not the first time this system has crashed today!
Expresses frustration with a recurring problem.
Não é a primeira vez que lidero uma equipe de vendas.
It's not the first time I've led a sales team.
Establishes professional experience and confidence.
Não é a primeira vez que você se atrasa, né?
It's not the first time you're late, right?
A slightly passive-aggressive call-out of a habit.
Não é a primeira vez que o gato tenta roubar meu bife.
It's not the first time the cat has tried to steal my steak.
Lighthearted comment on a pet's predictable behavior.
Infelizmente, não é a primeira vez que ele me decepciona.
Unfortunately, it's not the first time he has let me down.
Conveys sadness and a history of disappointment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to show you've been to Lisbon before.
___ que visito Lisboa.
Using 'Não é a primeira vez' indicates that this is a repeat visit.
Which word is missing to make the phrase grammatically complete?
Não é ___ primeira vez que isso acontece.
In Portuguese, 'vez' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine definite article 'a'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Não é a primeira vez'
Used with friends to complain or joke.
Não é a primeira vez que ele esquece a chave.
Standard daily use in shops or offices.
Não é a primeira vez que pedimos esse material.
Used in reports or polite speeches.
Não é a primeira vez que esta empresa demonstra excelência.
Where to use 'Não é a primeira vez'
Customer Service
Não é a primeira vez que o pacote atrasa.
Work Meeting
Não é a primeira vez que lidamos com este erro.
With Family
Não é a primeira vez que a vovó faz esse bolo.
Travel
Não é a primeira vez que perco o trem.
Practice Bank
2 exercises___ que visito Lisboa.
Using 'Não é a primeira vez' indicates that this is a repeat visit.
Não é ___ primeira vez que isso acontece.
In Portuguese, 'vez' is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine definite article 'a'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. You almost always need the verb 'ser' and the article, making it Não é a primeira vez.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable. For example: Não é a primeira vez que solicitamos estes documentos.
The opposite is É a primeira vez (It is the first time).
No! It can be positive, like saying Não é a primeira vez que ganhamos o prêmio (It's not the first time we've won the award).
People often just say De novo? (Again?) or Sempre a mesma coisa (Always the same thing) in very casual settings.
You can use Não é a primeira vez or the more idiomatic Eu não nasci ontem (I wasn't born yesterday).
Usually, you use the indicative because you are stating a fact. Example: Não é a primeira vez que ele *faz* isso.
Yes, to describe their habits. Não é a primeira vez que ela nos ajuda.
Yes, it is used identically in both countries.
No, that sounds like a direct translation from English and is incorrect in Portuguese.
Related Phrases
Mais uma vez
Once more / One more time
De novo
Again
Já aconteceu antes
It has happened before
Repetidas vezes
Repeatedly
