B1 Idiom Informal 4 min read

subir atrás de

subir after

Literally: to climb behind

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to chase someone, often uphill.
  • Implies urgency and physical effort.
  • Use for playful or necessary pursuits.
  • Avoid for metaphorical or flat chases.

Meaning

This isn't about literally climbing *behind* something! It's about the energetic chase to catch up. Think of it as 'hustling after' someone, usually up stairs or a hill. There's a sense of urgency, like you're trying to reach them before they get away.

Key Examples

3 of 11
1

Texting a friend to meet up

Ei, onde você está? Se não sair logo, vou `subir atrás de você`!

Hey, where are you? If you don't leave soon, I'm going to chase after you!

<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>
2

At a busy market with hills

Vi o vendedor fugindo com meu troco, tive que `subir atrás dele` por aquela ladeira!

I saw the vendor running off with my change, I had to climb after him up that slope!

<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>
3

Trying to catch a colleague before a meeting

Ele estava indo rápido demais para a sala de reuniões, precisei `subir atrás dele` para perguntar sobre o projeto.

He was going too fast to the meeting room, I needed to go after him to ask about the project.

<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>
🌍

Cultural Background

This idiom likely emerged from the physical realities of navigating older urban environments or marketplaces, where inclines and stairs were common. The act of physically ascending to catch someone highlights a sense of directness and effort in communication or pursuit. It reflects a time when actions spoke louder than words and a determined chase was a visible, understandable part of life.

💡

Visualize the Climb!

The 'subir' (to climb) part is crucial. Always imagine an upward motion, like stairs or a hill, when using this phrase. If it's flat, `correr atrás` is usually better.

⚠️

Don't Chase Dreams with This!

Avoid using `subir atrás de` for abstract goals like 'chasing success' or 'pursuing happiness'. It’s strictly for physical pursuits. Stick to `correr atrás` or `buscar` for those!

In 15 Seconds

  • Means to chase someone, often uphill.
  • Implies urgency and physical effort.
  • Use for playful or necessary pursuits.
  • Avoid for metaphorical or flat chases.

What It Means

This phrase, subir atrás de, paints a vivid picture. It's not about literally climbing behind a piece of furniture! It means to go after someone, usually with a bit of a chase involved. You're physically moving upwards, like climbing stairs or a hill, to catch someone. Think of it as a determined pursuit. It carries a vibe of urgency and sometimes a playful challenge. It’s like saying, 'I’m coming after you, and I’m not stopping!'

Origin Story

The origin of subir atrás de is a bit murky, like trying to find the end of a long staircase in the dark. However, it likely stems from the literal act of chasing someone up a physical incline. Imagine old marketplaces or crowded streets where someone might try to slip away. The quickest way to follow them would be to literally climb *up* behind them, perhaps on a hill or a set of stairs. This action became a metaphor for any determined pursuit. It’s a very visual idiom, born from physical effort.

How To Use It

Use subir atrás de when you're chasing someone, especially if there's a physical climb involved. It works great for playful situations, like trying to catch a friend. It also fits when you need to catch someone for an important reason. Just remember the upward motion is key to the literal image. You're not just walking; you're ascending. It adds a dynamic feel to your sentence. It’s like adding a little action movie flair!

Real-Life Examples

  • Scenario: Your friend is running down the street with your favorite snack.

Dialogue: "Espera! Vou subir atrás de você se não parar!"

Translation: "Wait! I'm going to chase after you if you don't stop!"

Note: Here, it implies a playful chase, possibly involving a slight incline.

  • Scenario: You see your boss leaving the office quickly.

Dialogue: "Ele saiu apressado, acho que vou ter que subir atrás dele para entregar o relatório."

Translation: "He left in a hurry, I think I'll have to go after him to deliver the report."

Note: This shows a more urgent need to catch up, perhaps up an office ramp or stairs.

When To Use It

This phrase shines in situations where there's a clear pursuit. Use it when someone is moving away from you, and you need to follow. It's perfect for playful banter with friends. It also works when you need to catch someone for a quick, important word. Think of catching a sibling who just took the last cookie. Or maybe catching a colleague before they board the elevator. It adds a sense of action. It’s more exciting than just saying 'follow'.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid subir atrás de if the chase isn't physical or upward. If you're just calling someone's name across a flat room, it doesn't fit. Don't use it for metaphorical pursuits like 'chasing a dream'. That's a different kind of uphill battle! It's also too energetic for a calm, polite conversation. You wouldn't use it to ask someone to pass the salt. That would be weird, right? Keep it for actual movement and pursuit.

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the 'upward' part. They might use it for any chase. Or they might confuse it with just 'following'.

Eu vou subir atrás dele no corredor. Eu vou atrás dele no corredor. (If it's flat)
Subir atrás da informação Buscar a informação or Correr atrás da informação (Metaphorical chase)

Similar Expressions

  • Correr atrás de: This is a very common synonym, meaning 'to run after' or 'to chase'. It's less specific about the upward movement.
  • Ir atrás de: A more general term for 'to go after' or 'to look for'. It lacks the urgency and physical effort.
  • Perseguir: Means 'to pursue' or 'to stalk'. It can sound more serious or even negative.

Memory Trick

💡

Picture yourself chasing a runaway ice cream truck... uphill! You're *climbing* (subir) *behind* (atrás de) that delicious, melting treat. The visual of the climb makes it stick. If you can't picture the climb, you're probably not using the phrase right! It’s all about that effortful ascent.

Quick FAQ

  • Is it always literal climbing? Mostly, yes. The image is of going uphill.
  • Can it be used metaphorically? Rarely. Stick to the physical chase.
  • Is it formal? Nope, it's quite informal.
  • What's the vibe? Energetic, urgent, sometimes playful.
  • Does it mean 'stalking'? Not usually. It's more of a chase than a stalk.

Usage Notes

This phrase is firmly in the informal register. Its literal imagery of climbing makes it unsuitable for formal contexts. Be mindful that the 'climbing' aspect is key; avoid using it for chases on level ground or for abstract pursuits, as this can lead to confusion or sound awkward.

💡

Visualize the Climb!

The 'subir' (to climb) part is crucial. Always imagine an upward motion, like stairs or a hill, when using this phrase. If it's flat, `correr atrás` is usually better.

⚠️

Don't Chase Dreams with This!

Avoid using `subir atrás de` for abstract goals like 'chasing success' or 'pursuing happiness'. It’s strictly for physical pursuits. Stick to `correr atrás` or `buscar` for those!

🎯

Add a Playful Punch

This phrase sounds more dynamic and engaging than simply saying 'follow'. Use it to add a bit of fun and energy to your descriptions of chasing someone.

💬

Echoes of the Past

The phrase hints at a time when physical action was key. Imagine bustling old towns with steep streets – catching someone meant literally going *up* behind them. It’s a linguistic footprint of that era.

Examples

11
#1 Texting a friend to meet up
<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>

Ei, onde você está? Se não sair logo, vou `subir atrás de você`!

Hey, where are you? If you don't leave soon, I'm going to chase after you!

Playful threat to hurry up, implying the friend is ahead and might need catching.

#2 At a busy market with hills
<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>

Vi o vendedor fugindo com meu troco, tive que `subir atrás dele` por aquela ladeira!

I saw the vendor running off with my change, I had to climb after him up that slope!

Emphasizes the literal upward movement during the chase.

#3 Trying to catch a colleague before a 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>

Ele estava indo rápido demais para a sala de reuniões, precisei `subir atrás dele` para perguntar sobre o projeto.

He was going too fast to the meeting room, I needed to go after him to ask about the project.

Shows a practical need to catch up, implying a short chase, maybe up stairs.

#4 Instagram caption for a playful chase
<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>

Tentando pegar o doguinho antes que ele roube meu chinelo de novo! 🐶💨 #`subindoatrásdele`

Trying to catch the doggo before he steals my slipper again! 🐶💨 #chasinghim

Uses the phrase in a hashtag for a fun, relatable pet owner moment.

#5 WhatsApp message to a sibling
<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>

Mãe mandou você trazer o lixo pra fora. Se não fizer, vou `subir atrás de você`!

Mom told you to take out the trash. If you don't do it, I'm coming after you!

A common sibling dynamic, often involving a chase around the house.

#6 Job interview follow-up
<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>

O gerente saiu apressado, então eu `subi atrás dele` para agradecer a oportunidade.

The manager left in a hurry, so I went after him to thank him for the opportunity.

Shows a polite but determined effort to connect, even if the 'climb' is just walking fast.

Mistake: Using for a flat chase Common Mistake
<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>

✗ Ele correu pelo campo, e eu `subi atrás dele`.

✗ He ran across the field, and I climbed after him.

Incorrect because 'subir' implies an upward movement, not a chase on flat ground.

Mistake: Using metaphorically Common Mistake
<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>

✗ Preciso `subir atrás de mais clientes` para a empresa.

✗ I need to climb after more clients for the company.

Incorrect because 'subir atrás de' refers to a physical chase, not pursuing business.

#9 Vlogging about a hike
<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>

Meu amigo está lá na frente! Bora `subir atrás dele` e ver a vista!

My friend is way up there! Let's go catch up to him and see the view!

Perfectly captures the idea of chasing someone up a trail during a hike.

#10 Emotional moment - catching a loved one
<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>

Quando a vi saindo chateada, meu coração apertou, e eu `subi atrás dela` para tentar conversar.

When I saw her leaving upset, my heart sank, and I went after her to try and talk.

Adds emotional weight to the act of pursuit, showing care and concern.

#11 Ordering food delivery
<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>

O entregador já saiu? Acho que ele pegou o caminho errado, vou `subir atrás dele` para mostrar o atalho.

Has the delivery driver left already? I think he took the wrong way, I'll go after him to show him the shortcut.

Implies a quick, urgent chase to correct a mistake or give directions.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: subir atrás

The mother is likely chasing the child, possibly up a small hill or stairs in a park, making `subir atrás` the most fitting.

Choose the sentence that uses `subir atrás de` correctly.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele decidiu subir atrás do gato que fugiu pela janela.

Option 3 correctly depicts a physical chase, likely involving stairs or an incline, to catch a fleeing cat.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase implies chasing someone *up* or *after* them, often involving an incline. `Desci` (went down) contradicts this core meaning.

Translate this sentence into Portuguese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase `subir atrás de` perfectly captures the urgency and upward motion of chasing someone up stairs.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum for `subir atrás de`

Very Informal / Slang

Used among close friends, often in playful contexts. Might sound overly energetic or even slightly aggressive if used inappropriately.

Se você não sair agora, vou `subir atrás de você`!

Informal

The most common usage. Suitable for everyday conversations with friends, family, or casual acquaintances. Captures a sense of lively pursuit.

O entregador estava rápido, tive que `subir atrás dele` para pegar o pacote.

Neutral

Rarely used. While technically understandable, it sounds too casual for formal settings.

Precisei `subir atrás do meu colega` para discutir o projeto.

Formal

Not appropriate. The phrase's inherent energy and literal imagery make it unsuitable for formal communication.

✗ Begging your pardon, I must `subir atrás de` His Excellency.

When to Use `subir atrás de`

Chasing someone uphill
🏃‍♂️

Playful chase with friends

Vou `subir atrás de você` se não esperar!

🐈

Catching a pet

O gato subiu no telhado, tive que `subir atrás dele`.

✉️

Urgent message delivery

Ele saiu apressado, precisei `subir atrás dele`.

🏞️

At a park or hiking trail

Bora `subir atrás dele` para ver a vista!

😾

Sibling rivalry

Se não me der o controle, vou `subir atrás de você`!

Retrieving something dropped

A bola rolou ladeira abaixo, tive que `subir atrás dela`.

Comparing `subir atrás de` with Similar Phrases

`subir atrás de`
subir atrás de to chase after (uphill)
Implies upward movement Essential component
Urgency/Energy High
`correr atrás de`
correr atrás de to run after / chase
Implies upward movement Not necessarily
Urgency/Energy Medium to High
`ir atrás de`
ir atrás de to go after / look for
Implies upward movement No
Urgency/Energy Low to Medium

Usage Scenarios for `subir atrás de`

😜

Playful Pursuit

  • Chasing a friend who ran ahead
  • Teasing a sibling
  • Playing tag on a hill
🏃‍♀️

Practical Necessity

  • Catching someone to give them something
  • Stopping someone for important info
  • Retrieving a runaway pet
⛰️

Physical Context

  • On stairs
  • On a slope or hill
  • Navigating uneven terrain
💬

Informal Settings

  • Text messages
  • Casual conversations
  • Social media posts

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank beginner

O menino correu para o parquinho, então a mãe teve que ___ dele.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: subir atrás

The mother is likely chasing the child, possibly up a small hill or stairs in a park, making `subir atrás` the most fitting.

Choose the sentence that uses `subir atrás de` correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele decidiu subir atrás do gato que fugiu pela janela.

Option 3 correctly depicts a physical chase, likely involving stairs or an incline, to catch a fleeing cat.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu `desci atrás` dela quando a vi saindo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu `subi atrás` dela quando a vi saindo.

The phrase implies chasing someone *up* or *after* them, often involving an incline. `Desci` (went down) contradicts this core meaning.

Translate this sentence into Portuguese. Translate advanced

I had to hurry after him up the stairs to give him the message.

Hints: Think about the upward movement., Use the phrase for 'hurry after him'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tive que `subir atrás dele` pelas escadas para entregar a mensagem.

The phrase `subir atrás de` perfectly captures the urgency and upward motion of chasing someone up stairs.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

Literally, it translates to 'to climb behind'. This paints a picture of someone physically ascending, like going up stairs or a hill, while pursuing another person.

No, it specifically implies an upward movement during the chase. If the chase is on flat ground, you'd typically use correr atrás de or ir atrás de instead.

It's generally not used metaphorically. While Portuguese idioms can be flexible, this one strongly retains its connection to physical action. For abstract pursuits, use phrases like buscar or correr atrás de.

Use it when you're describing a situation where someone is moving away from you, and you need to follow them, especially if there's an incline like stairs or a hill involved. It adds a sense of urgency and action.

Definitely not. Subir atrás de is considered informal. You wouldn't use it in a business meeting, a formal presentation, or when writing a professional email. It's best reserved for casual conversations.

Subir atrás de specifically includes the idea of climbing or moving upwards during the chase. Correr atrás de simply means 'to run after' and doesn't necessarily imply any vertical movement.

Ir atrás de is a more general term meaning 'to go after' or 'to look for'. It lacks the specific urgency and physical effort implied by subir atrás de or correr atrás de.

Yes, learners often forget the 'upward' component. They might use subir atrás de for any chase, even on flat ground, or use it for metaphorical pursuits, which is incorrect.

Saying 'Vou subir atrás de uma solução para o problema' is incorrect. The phrase is for physical chases, not for seeking abstract solutions. Better: 'Vou buscar uma solução para o problema'.

The vibe is energetic, active, and urgent. It can be playful, like chasing a friend, or practical, like needing to catch someone quickly for a specific reason. It implies determination.

Not necessarily significant, but present. It could be a flight of stairs, a small ramp, or a gentle slope. The key is the *idea* of ascending while pursuing someone.

If the person is already at the top and you are below, you would indeed 'climb after' them. So, subir atrás de still applies in that scenario.

The best translation often depends on context, but common options include 'to chase after (uphill)', 'to hurry after', or 'to go after someone up [stairs/a hill]'. It's more specific than just 'to chase'.

While the core meaning is consistent, the frequency of use might vary. In areas with more hills or stairs, the literal connection might be stronger. However, it's widely understood across Portuguese-speaking regions.

There isn't a direct opposite idiom that perfectly mirrors the structure. However, conceptually, 'to go down to meet someone' or 'to wait for someone' would be contrasting actions to a chase.

Yes, absolutely! If a pet runs away, especially up a hill or stairs, you might say 'Tive que subir atrás do meu cachorro!' (I had to climb after my dog!).

For simply looking for someone, use Estou procurando por ele or Estou indo atrás dele. Subir atrás de implies a more active, physical pursuit.

It *can*, depending on the tone and context. The phrase itself is neutral, but the situation dictates whether the chase is playful, urgent, or disciplinary. The 'climbing after' adds energy to the interaction.

Technically, subir atrás on its own is incomplete. The preposition de is needed to link the action of climbing after someone or something. So, subir atrás de is the full, correct idiomatic form.

Netflix subtitles might translate it simply as 'chase after', 'go after', or 'run after', sometimes losing the specific 'uphill' nuance. They prioritize conveying the general meaning quickly for viewers.

Related Phrases

🔄

correr atrás de

synonym

to run after / to chase

This is a very close synonym, differing mainly in that `correr atrás de` doesn't inherently imply upward movement like `subir atrás de` does.

🔗

ir atrás de

related topic

to go after / to look for

This phrase is more general and less urgent than `subir atrás de`, indicating simply going to find someone or something without the implication of a chase.

🔗

perseguir

related topic

to pursue / to stalk

While it means to pursue, `perseguir` can carry a more intense, serious, or even negative connotation than the typically energetic `subir atrás de`.

🔗

buscar

related topic

to look for / to seek

This is used for finding things or people, but lacks the active chase element inherent in `subir atrás de`.

🔗

seguir

related topic

to follow

This is a neutral term for following someone, lacking the urgency, effort, and upward motion implied by `subir atrás de`.

🔄

dar uma corrida atrás de

synonym

to go for a quick run after someone

Similar to `correr atrás de`, this emphasizes a quick, possibly brief pursuit, but still lacks the specific 'uphill' connotation of `subir atrás de`.

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