In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to suggest meeting up in the future.
- Often used politely without a specific date in mind.
- The Portuguese equivalent of 'Let's do lunch sometime.'
- Essential for ending conversations warmly and naturally.
Meaning
This is the universal Portuguese way of saying 'Let's hang out' or 'Let's schedule something.' It is often used as a friendly way to end a conversation without actually picking a date.
Key Examples
3 of 6Running into an old classmate
Nossa, quanto tempo! Vamos marcar de nos ver!
Wow, it's been so long! Let's schedule to see each other!
Ending a casual business chat
Gostei das ideias. Vamos marcar uma reunião semana que vem.
I liked the ideas. Let's schedule a meeting next week.
Texting a friend to hang out
Oi! Vamos marcar aquele churrasco?
Hey! Let's schedule that barbecue?
Cultural Background
The 'Vamos marcar' is often called 'The Brazilian Lie', but it's actually a form of 'negative politeness'—avoiding the imposition of a 'no'. In Portugal, people tend to be slightly more literal. While 'Vamos marcar' is used, 'Vamos combinar' is very frequent and often leads to an actual plan more quickly than in Brazil. Cariocas are famous for 'Vamos marcar' and then never showing up or following through. It's part of the relaxed, beach-culture vibe. In the business-heavy São Paulo, 'Vamos marcar' might actually result in a calendar invite, especially if said in a work context.
The 24-Hour Rule
If someone says 'Vamos marcar' and doesn't follow up within 24 hours, assume it was just a polite goodbye.
How to be Sincere
If you REALLY want to meet, say: 'Vamos marcar? Que tal na quarta? Vou te mandar um convite no Google Agenda.'
In 15 Seconds
- A friendly way to suggest meeting up in the future.
- Often used politely without a specific date in mind.
- The Portuguese equivalent of 'Let's do lunch sometime.'
- Essential for ending conversations warmly and naturally.
What It Means
Vamos marcar is the ultimate social lubricant in Brazilian and Portuguese culture. It literally translates to 'Let’s mark' or 'Let’s schedule.' In practice, it means you want to see someone again. It is the verbal equivalent of a warm hug. It signals interest in a future meeting. However, it is often delightfully vague. It is the bridge between 'Goodbye' and 'See you later.'
How To Use It
You use it when you run into an old friend. You use it when finishing a first date that went well. You even use it with colleagues you actually like. Simply say Vamos marcar to show you are open to plans. If you are serious, follow it with a specific activity. For example, Vamos marcar um café (Let's schedule a coffee). If you aren't serious, just leave it as a standalone phrase. It’s the perfect way to be polite and warm.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to be social but are currently busy. It works great at the end of a phone call. Use it when you bump into someone on the street. It’s perfect for those 'we should totally do this again' moments. In a professional setting, it’s a soft way to suggest a follow-up meeting. It keeps the relationship door open without the pressure of a calendar.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you need a firm commitment right now. If the wedding is tomorrow, don't say vamos marcar. Use a specific time instead. Avoid using it in very high-stakes legal or medical situations. You wouldn't tell a surgeon vamos marcar for an emergency. Also, if you really dislike someone, don't say it. Brazilians are polite, but they aren't robots. Saying it and then ignoring their texts is a bit 'uó' (bad vibe).
Cultural Background
In Brazil, time is fluid and relationships are everything. Vamos marcar represents the 'Jeitinho'—the flexible way of life. It reflects a culture that values the intention of meeting over the strictness of a clock. It is famous for being the 'lie everyone tells.' Everyone knows that 50% of the time, nothing will be marked. It’s a social dance. It’s about the feeling of wanting to meet, not the logistics of doing it.
Common Variations
You will often hear Vamos marcar alguma coisa (Let's mark something). Another common one is A gente marca (We'll mark it). In texting, you might see Bora marcar? (Let's mark?). If someone is being persistent, they might say Vamos marcar de verdade? (Let's mark for real?). This last one is the signal that they actually want to open their Google Calendar.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to informal. The main 'gotcha' is the cultural expectation: don't expect a calendar invite to follow immediately unless a specific day was mentioned.
The 24-Hour Rule
If someone says 'Vamos marcar' and doesn't follow up within 24 hours, assume it was just a polite goodbye.
How to be Sincere
If you REALLY want to meet, say: 'Vamos marcar? Que tal na quarta? Vou te mandar um convite no Google Agenda.'
Don't be the 'Chato'
Don't push for a specific date if the other person seems hesitant after saying 'Vamos marcar'.
Examples
6Nossa, quanto tempo! Vamos marcar de nos ver!
Wow, it's been so long! Let's schedule to see each other!
A classic way to end a chance encounter.
Gostei das ideias. Vamos marcar uma reunião semana que vem.
I liked the ideas. Let's schedule a meeting next week.
Adds a bit more structure by suggesting a timeframe.
Oi! Vamos marcar aquele churrasco?
Hey! Let's schedule that barbecue?
Using 'aquele' implies a recurring or previously discussed idea.
Você sempre diz 'vamos marcar', mas nunca aparece!
You always say 'let's schedule', but you never show up!
Calling out the phrase's reputation for being vague.
Eu me diverti muito. Vamos marcar de novo?
I had a lot of fun. Shall we schedule again?
A soft way to gauge interest in a second date.
Vou sentir saudades, vamos marcar de conversar por vídeo.
I'll miss you, let's schedule a video chat.
Shows emotional intent to stay in touch.
Test Yourself
Which response is the most typical 'polite' Brazilian answer to 'Vamos marcar'?
Pessoa A: 'Adorei te ver! Vamos marcar um café?'
Option B follows the social ritual of agreeing enthusiastically without necessarily demanding a date.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'marcar'.
A gente vai _______ de ir à praia no sábado.
After the auxiliary 'vai' (from 'ir'), we use the infinitive.
Match the phrase to the level of formality.
1. Bora marcar? / 2. Vamos marcar? / 3. Poderíamos agendar?
'Bora' is slang, 'Vamos' is standard, 'Poderíamos agendar' is formal.
Complete the dialogue to make a SINCERE plan.
A: 'Vamos marcar?' B: 'Vamos! ________?'
To make a plan real, you must suggest a specific time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPessoa A: 'Adorei te ver! Vamos marcar um café?'
Option B follows the social ritual of agreeing enthusiastically without necessarily demanding a date.
A gente vai _______ de ir à praia no sábado.
After the auxiliary 'vai' (from 'ir'), we use the infinitive.
1. Bora marcar? / 2. Vamos marcar? / 3. Poderíamos agendar?
'Bora' is slang, 'Vamos' is standard, 'Poderíamos agendar' is formal.
A: 'Vamos marcar?' B: 'Vamos! ________?'
To make a plan real, you must suggest a specific time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but socially no. It's a 'white lie' used to maintain friendship and avoid rudeness.
Better to use 'Vamos agendar uma reunião' to sound more professional.
'Bora' is much more informal and common among younger people.
Yes, but 'Vamos combinar' is slightly more common there.
Just say 'Com certeza! Vamos sim!' and then never bring it up again. That's the standard move.
Related Phrases
Bora marcar
similarLet's schedule (slang)
Vamos combinar
synonymLet's arrange
A gente se fala
builds onWe'll talk
Dar um perdido
contrastTo ghost someone
Marcar bobeira
specialized formTo mess up / To be distracted
