B2 Expression Formal 2 min read

Segundamente

Secondly

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to introduce the second point in a list or argument.
  • Best used after starting with 'primeiramente' to maintain logical flow.
  • Common in both professional emails and structured spoken debates.

Meaning

This word is used to introduce the second point in a sequence or argument. It is the natural follow-up after you have already stated your first point using 'primeiramente'.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Explaining rules to a roommate

Primeiramente, limpe a mesa. Segundamente, lave a louça.

Firstly, clean the table. Secondly, wash the dishes.

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2

In a professional business meeting

Segundamente, o relatório aponta um crescimento de dez por cento.

Secondly, the report points to a ten percent growth.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Texting a friend about weekend plans

Segundamente, não esquece de levar o carregador!

Secondly, don't forget to bring the charger!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Brazilians value warmth. Using 'segundamente' can make you sound cold.

🎯

Avoid it

Unless you are giving a formal speech, just use 'em segundo lugar'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to introduce the second point in a list or argument.
  • Best used after starting with 'primeiramente' to maintain logical flow.
  • Common in both professional emails and structured spoken debates.

What It Means

Segundamente is the Portuguese equivalent of "secondly." It is an adverb used to organize your thoughts. It signals to your listener that you have more to say. It follows a logical sequence. It makes your speech or writing feel structured and professional.

How To Use It

You almost always start a sentence with it. Use it right after you finish your first point. Usually, you follow it with a comma. For example: Segundamente, precisamos de mais tempo. It acts like a bridge between your ideas. It keeps the rhythm of your conversation flowing smoothly.

When To Use It

Use it when you are explaining a plan. It is great for work meetings or emails. Use it when you are listing reasons for something. It works well when you are debating with a friend. It shows you have a clear line of thinking. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying e (and).

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it if you haven't said primeiramente (firstly). It sounds very strange to start with the second point. Avoid using it in extremely casual, one-word replies. If you go past terceiramente (thirdly), stop. Using quartamente or quintamente sounds robotic and a bit silly. Stick to simpler transitions for long lists.

Cultural Background

For a long time, grammarians debated if this word was "correct." Some preferred the phrase em segundo lugar. However, segundamente won the battle of daily usage. It became very popular in Brazilian public speaking and social media. It adds a certain weight to your argument. It feels authoritative yet modern.

Common Variations

The most common alternative is em segundo lugar. You can also use além disso (besides that). In casual speech, people often just say depois (after/then). If you want to sound very formal, try outrossim. But for most daily interactions, segundamente is your best friend.

Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and versatile. It is safe for work, school, and hanging out with friends, but remember to always pair it with a preceding 'primeiramente'.

🎯

Avoid it

Unless you are giving a formal speech, just use 'em segundo lugar'.

Examples

6
#1 Explaining rules to a roommate
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Primeiramente, limpe a mesa. Segundamente, lave a louça.

Firstly, clean the table. Secondly, wash the dishes.

Used here to set clear expectations in a domestic setting.

#2 In a professional business meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Segundamente, o relatório aponta um crescimento de dez por cento.

Secondly, the report points to a ten percent growth.

Adds a structured, professional tone to a data presentation.

#3 Texting a friend about weekend plans
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Segundamente, não esquece de levar o carregador!

Secondly, don't forget to bring the charger!

Even in texts, it helps separate different pieces of information.

#4 A humorous argument about food
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Segundamente, pizza com abacaxi é um crime.

Secondly, pizza with pineapple is a crime.

Used for comedic emphasis during a playful debate.

#5 An emotional heart-to-heart
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Segundamente, eu sempre estarei aqui para te apoiar.

Secondly, I will always be here to support you.

Shows that the speaker has multiple thoughtful points to make.

#6 Giving directions to a tourist
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Segundamente, você vira à direita no próximo semáforo.

Secondly, you turn right at the next traffic light.

Helps the listener track the steps of the directions.

Test Yourself

Which is the most natural way to list points in a formal meeting?

Primeiramente, o projeto é bom. _____, o custo é alto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em segundo lugar

While 'segundamente' is grammatically possible, 'em segundo lugar' is the standard, natural choice.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Which is the most natural way to list points in a formal meeting? Choose B2

Primeiramente, o projeto é bom. _____, o custo é alto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em segundo lugar

While 'segundamente' is grammatically possible, 'em segundo lugar' is the standard, natural choice.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it is grammatically correct, just very formal and slightly pedantic.

Related Phrases

🔗

Primeiramente

builds on

Firstly

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