In 15 Seconds
- To actively and urgently chase a person or a goal.
- Combines the verb 'to jump' with 'behind' for high energy.
- Best used for informal 'hustle' or literal physical chasing.
Meaning
This phrase means to go after something or someone with high energy and urgency. It is like 'jumping' into action to catch up or chase a goal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Chasing a bus
Eu tive que pular atrás do ônibus porque ele não parou!
I had to jump after the bus because it didn't stop!
Looking for a job
Estou pulando atrás de um emprego novo toda manhã.
I'm chasing after a new job every morning.
Professional follow-up (informal)
Vou pular atrás desse contrato para fecharmos logo.
I'll go after this contract so we can close soon.
Cultural Background
The phrase captures the Brazilian 'ginga' and the necessity of the hustle. It likely evolved from the literal act of jumping over obstacles during a chase. It is particularly popular in informal urban settings where life moves fast.
The 'Hustle' Vibe
Use this when you want to sound like a go-getter. It implies you aren't just waiting for things to fall into your lap.
Don't over-jump
If you use this in a very serious corporate meeting with a CEO, you might sound a bit too 'street'. Stick to 'correr atrás' or 'buscar' there.
In 15 Seconds
- To actively and urgently chase a person or a goal.
- Combines the verb 'to jump' with 'behind' for high energy.
- Best used for informal 'hustle' or literal physical chasing.
What It Means
Pular atrás de is about active pursuit. It implies you aren't just walking. You are moving fast to catch something. It could be a person or an opportunity. Think of it as 'chasing' with a bit more physical energy. It suggests you were behind and now you're rushing.
How To Use It
You use it like a regular verb phrase. Just conjugate pular (to jump). Add atrás de (after/behind) and then your target. It works for physical chasing. It also works for chasing dreams or jobs. You can say you are pulando atrás de um sonho. It sounds very proactive and determined.
When To Use It
Use it when time is of the essence. Use it when you are talking to friends about your hustle. It is great for describing a busy day. Use it when you literally have to run after a bus. It fits perfectly in casual conversations about goals. It shows you are not being lazy.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in a legal contract. It is too physical and informal for that. Avoid it in very somber or sad situations. If you are stalking someone, don't use this—it sounds too playful. In a super formal job interview, use buscar instead. Pular might make you sound a bit chaotic to a CEO.
Cultural Background
Brazilians love metaphors involving movement and energy. Life in big cities like São Paulo requires constant 'jumping'. The phrase reflects the 'correria' or the daily hustle of life. It’s about the spirit of not waiting for things to happen. You have to 'jump' to get what you want.
Common Variations
You might hear correr atrás de. That is the most common version. Pular atrás de is slightly more emphatic about the 'start' of the chase. Some regions might just say ir atrás. But pular adds that extra 'oomph' of sudden movement. It’s like you were sitting, and now you’re flying.
Usage Notes
This is a versatile B1-level phrase. It is safe for all casual and semi-casual interactions. In Brazil, it carries a positive connotation of being a 'proactive' person.
The 'Hustle' Vibe
Use this when you want to sound like a go-getter. It implies you aren't just waiting for things to fall into your lap.
Don't over-jump
If you use this in a very serious corporate meeting with a CEO, you might sound a bit too 'street'. Stick to 'correr atrás' or 'buscar' there.
The Carnival Connection
In some regions, 'pular atrás' is used literally for following carnival blocks (blocos). You 'pula' (dance/jump) behind the music truck!
Examples
6Eu tive que pular atrás do ônibus porque ele não parou!
I had to jump after the bus because it didn't stop!
Literal physical use indicating urgency.
Estou pulando atrás de um emprego novo toda manhã.
I'm chasing after a new job every morning.
Metaphorical use for job hunting.
Vou pular atrás desse contrato para fecharmos logo.
I'll go after this contract so we can close soon.
Used among colleagues to show proactivity.
Amiga, você ainda está pulando atrás daquele garoto?
Girl, are you still chasing after that boy?
Common way to talk about romantic pursuits.
O cachorro pulou atrás do garçom e foi uma confusão!
The dog jumped after the waiter and it was a mess!
Funny literal description of a chase.
Eu vou pular atrás da minha felicidade, custe o que custar.
I will go after my happiness, no matter the cost.
Shows strong intent and emotional drive.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to say 'She is chasing her dreams'.
Ela está ___ atrás dos sonhos dela.
We use the gerund 'pulando' to indicate an ongoing action.
Complete the sentence for a literal chase.
O gato ___ atrás do rato.
'Pulou' is the past tense of pular, fitting the context of a completed action.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Pular atrás de'
Slangy/Street use
Pula atrás dele, mano!
Everyday talk
Vou pular atrás de resolver isso.
Business/Legal
Not recommended (Use 'Diligenciar')
Where to use 'Pular atrás de'
Career
Chasing a promotion
Transit
Catching a taxi
Romance
Pursuing a crush
Errands
Solving bureaucracy
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEla está ___ atrás dos sonhos dela.
We use the gerund 'pulando' to indicate an ongoing action.
O gato ___ atrás do rato.
'Pulou' is the past tense of pular, fitting the context of a completed action.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost! Correr atrás is more common, but pular atrás emphasizes a more sudden or energetic start to the chase.
Yes! You can pular atrás of a ball or a document you lost in the wind.
Not at all. It is just informal and energetic. It shows you are hardworking or determined.
You say Nós pulamos atrás or more colloquially A gente pula atrás.
Yes, but it usually implies you are the one doing all the work to get the person's attention, like pular atrás do ex.
No, most of the time it is metaphorical for 'putting in effort' or 'chasing a goal'.
You should use empenhar-se em or simply buscar in formal writing.
It is much more common in Brazil. In Portugal, they might prefer ir atrás or correr atrás.
No, for that use seguir. Pular atrás implies a more active, real-world effort.
Forgetting the de. You must say pular atrás DE algo. Never just pular atrás algo.
Related Phrases
correr atrás de
ir atrás de
perseguir
dar um pulo em
fazer o corre
