In 15 Seconds
- To actively and energetically pursue a goal or dream.
- Used for career moves, romantic interests, or solving urgent problems.
- Implies more speed and intensity than just 'going' after something.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of actively pursuing a goal, a dream, or a person with great energy. It is like 'going after' something but with the added intensity of 'flying' toward it.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a promotion
Eu vou voar atrás dessa promoção na empresa.
I'm going to fly after that promotion at the company.
Texting a friend about a crush
Ele é incrível, você tem que voar atrás dele!
He's amazing, you have to go after him!
Dealing with lost luggage
A mala sumiu? Vou voar atrás do gerente agora!
The suitcase is gone? I'm going to fly after the manager right now!
Cultural Background
This expression reflects the 'hustle culture' prevalent in urban Brazil and Portugal. It emphasizes the importance of individual initiative over passive waiting. It is often used in the context of 'correr atrás do prejuízo' (making up for lost time or losses).
The 'Speed' Nuance
While `correr atrás` is more common, using `voar atrás` makes you sound much more determined and faster. Use it when you want to impress someone with your speed.
Don't use with 'Pessoas'
Be careful when using this with people. In a romantic sense, it's fine, but in a professional sense, it might sound like you are literally chasing someone down the hall. Context is key!
In 15 Seconds
- To actively and energetically pursue a goal or dream.
- Used for career moves, romantic interests, or solving urgent problems.
- Implies more speed and intensity than just 'going' after something.
What It Means
Voar atrás de is all about proactive movement. Imagine you see something you really want. You don't just walk toward it. You 'fly' after it. It implies speed, determination, and a bit of urgency. It is most commonly used for career goals, romantic interests, or solving urgent problems. You are not just waiting for things to happen. You are making them happen.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like 'to chase' or 'to pursue'. It requires an object—the thing or person you are chasing. If you want a new job, you voa atrás of that position. If you lost a document, you voa atrás of the paperwork. It sounds very proactive and energetic. It shows you have initiative.
When To Use It
Use it when talking about your ambitions. It is great for job interviews to show drive. Use it with friends when discussing a crush. It works perfectly when you are stuck in bureaucracy. You might say you need to voar atrás of a permit. It fits any situation where 'waiting' is not an option. It’s the verbal equivalent of a double shot of espresso.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for literal physical chasing, like a dog chasing a ball. That would be correr atrás. Also, avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. It has a high-energy, positive vibe. If someone is grieving, don't tell them to voar atrás of happiness. It might sound a bit insensitive or rushed. Keep it for goals and active problem-solving.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese speakers value 'desenrascar'—the art of fixing things. Voar atrás is the fuel for that. It reflects a culture that rewards hustle. In a world of slow bureaucracy, you often have to 'fly' to get things done. It’s a very modern, fast-paced expression. It grew popular as the professional world became more competitive.
Common Variations
The most common cousin is correr atrás. While correr (to run) is standard, voar (to fly) adds extra flair. It suggests you are even faster than someone who is just running. You might also hear ir atrás, which is the neutral version. But voar makes you sound like a high-achiever.
Usage Notes
This phrase is perfect for informal and semi-formal contexts. It conveys high energy and proactivity. Avoid it in strictly formal legal or academic documents where 'perseguir' or 'empenhar-se' would be better.
The 'Speed' Nuance
While `correr atrás` is more common, using `voar atrás` makes you sound much more determined and faster. Use it when you want to impress someone with your speed.
Don't use with 'Pessoas'
Be careful when using this with people. In a romantic sense, it's fine, but in a professional sense, it might sound like you are literally chasing someone down the hall. Context is key!
The Hustle Secret
In Brazil, 'correr atrás' or 'voar atrás' is seen as a vital personality trait called 'proatividade'. Telling a boss you are 'voando atrás' of a solution is a huge compliment to yourself.
Examples
6Eu vou voar atrás dessa promoção na empresa.
I'm going to fly after that promotion at the company.
Shows high ambition and professional drive.
Ele é incrível, você tem que voar atrás dele!
He's amazing, you have to go after him!
Encouraging a friend in a romantic context.
A mala sumiu? Vou voar atrás do gerente agora!
The suitcase is gone? I'm going to fly after the manager right now!
Expresses urgency and immediate action.
Sempre quis morar fora, agora vou voar atrás do meu visto.
I've always wanted to live abroad, now I'm going after my visa.
Focuses on the logistical steps of a dream.
Esqueci o aniversário dela! Tenho que voar atrás de um presente!
I forgot her birthday! I have to fly after a gift!
A humorous take on a panicked situation.
Não desista, vamos voar atrás desse resultado no segundo tempo.
Don't give up, let's go after this result in the second half.
Used to motivate someone to work harder.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to show you are pursuing your dreams with intensity.
Se você quer o emprego, precisa ___ atrás dele.
`Voar atrás` means to pursue something actively, while the others mean to sleep or forget.
Complete the sentence to show urgency in solving a problem.
O documento vence amanhã! Vou voar ___ do cartório.
The expression is always `voar atrás de` something.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Going After' Something
High energy, used with friends or close colleagues.
Voar atrás de
Standard way to say you are pursuing something.
Correr atrás de
Professional language for official goals.
Empenhar-se em busca de
When to 'Fly After' Things
Career Goals
A new job offer
Romance
Asking out a crush
Bureaucracy
Getting a passport
Shopping
Finding a last-minute gift
Practice Bank
2 exercisesSe você quer o emprego, precisa ___ atrás dele.
`Voar atrás` means to pursue something actively, while the others mean to sleep or forget.
O documento vence amanhã! Vou voar ___ do cartório.
The expression is always `voar atrás de` something.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a figurative expression. It means you are moving very quickly and with great focus toward a goal, like Vou voar atrás dos meus sonhos.
Yes, voar (to fly) is more intense than correr (to run). It implies even more speed and a higher level of priority.
Yes, but keep it slightly informal. It is great for brainstorming sessions or when talking to a supportive manager about your goals.
It is used in both, though correr atrás is more frequent in Portugal. Voar atrás will be understood everywhere as a more emphatic version.
The most common mistake is forgetting the preposition de. You must always fly after *something*, e.g., voar atrás DE um sonho.
Usually, no. It is almost always used for positive pursuits or necessary problem-solving. You wouldn't 'fly after' a fight, for example.
It's more of an informal idiom than 'slang'. It's widely accepted in daily conversation but not in academic writing.
You conjugate it normally. For example: Eu voei atrás, Nós vamos voar atrás, or Eles voam atrás.
Absolutely. If you lost your keys, you can say Vou voar atrás das minhas chaves if you are in a huge rush to find them.
It sounds determined, not aggressive. It shows you have a lot of energy and 'willpower' (vontade).
Related Phrases
Correr atrás
To chase / To go after (the standard version)
Ir à luta
To go to the fight / To work hard for something
Dar o sangue
To give one's blood / To work extremely hard
Pôr as mãos na massa
To get one's hands dirty / To start working
