em família in 30 Seconds
- "Em família" means 'together as a family'.
- It describes shared activities and togetherness.
- Used for meals, holidays, and general family time.
- Adds warmth and emphasizes family bonds.
The Portuguese phrase "em família" translates directly to "in family" or, more naturally in English, "together as a family." It's a common and warm expression used to describe activities, gatherings, or moments that are shared with one's family members. It emphasizes the sense of unity, togetherness, and shared experience within the family unit. Whether it's a simple dinner, a holiday celebration, a weekend outing, or even just relaxing at home, if it's done with family, it can be described as being done "em família." This phrase evokes feelings of comfort, belonging, and shared joy.
- Core Meaning
- Shared experience and togetherness within the family unit.
- Usage Context
- Activities, events, or moments involving family members.
- Emotional Connotation
- Warmth, belonging, comfort, and shared joy.
People use "em família" to highlight that an activity is specifically a family affair, distinguishing it from activities done alone, with friends, or in a professional setting. It's often used in everyday conversations, especially when talking about leisure time, traditions, or special occasions. For instance, someone might say they are going to the beach "em família" to indicate it's a family trip, not a solo excursion or a gathering with a wider group of friends. The phrase can also be used to express a preference for spending time with loved ones, such as "Prefiro ficar em casa a ver um filme em família" (I prefer to stay home and watch a movie as a family). It's a versatile phrase that adds a layer of warmth and personal connection to the description of an event or activity.
Nós vamos jantar fora em família.
This phrase is particularly common during holidays like Christmas and Easter, or during summer vacations, when families often make a conscious effort to spend quality time together. It's also used to describe simple, everyday moments, like cooking a meal together or playing board games on a Sunday afternoon. The emphasis is always on the shared nature of the experience and the bond between family members. It's a positive and inclusive term that reinforces the importance of family connections in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Os domingos são para estar em família.
- Synonymous Feeling
- Like "togetherness" or "as a unit" but specifically for family.
In essence, "em família" is more than just a literal translation; it's a cultural expression that signifies the value placed on family time and the special bond shared among family members. It adds a personal and heartfelt dimension to any described activity.
The adverbial phrase "em família" is quite flexible in its placement within a sentence. It typically follows the verb or describes the manner in which an action is performed. It can be used with a wide range of verbs, indicating that the action is undertaken with family members.
- Placement
- Often placed after the verb or at the end of the clause it modifies.
Let's explore various sentence structures where "em família" fits naturally:
Vamos passar as férias em família.
Here, "em família" modifies "passar as férias" (to spend the holidays), indicating the holiday will be a family event. It's placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis.
Eles gostam de cozinhar juntos em família.
In this sentence, "em família" follows the verb "cozinhar" (to cook), specifying that the cooking activity is done as a family.
A reunião foi organizada em família.
This example shows "em família" modifying "foi organizada" (was organized), implying the organization was handled by family members or for a family gathering.
- Common Verb Pairings
- Verbs related to activities like eating, traveling, celebrating, playing, or simply being together.
You can also use it to describe a state of being or a general preference:
A nossa casa é um lugar para estar em família.
Here, "em família" describes the purpose or atmosphere of the house.
The phrase is inherently positive and conveys a sense of warmth and connection, so it's often used in contexts where these feelings are desired.
You'll hear "em família" frequently in everyday Portuguese conversations, particularly in informal and semi-formal settings. It's a staple phrase when discussing personal life, leisure activities, and social interactions.
- Common Scenarios
- Discussing weekend plans, holiday traditions, meals, outings, and general lifestyle choices.
Imagine overhearing conversations in various places:
No fim de semana, gostamos de ir ao parque em família.
This might be said by a friend casually explaining their weekend routine.
Este Natal vamos fazer a festa em casa em família.
This is a common sentiment expressed when discussing holiday plans, emphasizing a desire for intimate family celebrations.
A nossa tradição é jantar em família todos os domingos.
This highlights a recurring family custom.
- Media Usage
- Appears in advertisements promoting family products or services, and in lifestyle articles discussing family values.
It's also common in more personal contexts, such as when someone is explaining why they can't attend an event or why they chose a particular activity.
Não posso ir à festa, quero ficar em casa em família.
This demonstrates its use in expressing personal priorities.
- Cultural Significance
- Reflects the strong emphasis on family ties in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
In summary, "em família" is a ubiquitous phrase that paints a picture of shared moments and strengthens the sense of belonging. You'll encounter it wherever people talk about their loved ones and the activities they share.
While "em família" is a straightforward phrase, learners might make a few common mistakes, often related to direct translation from English or misunderstanding its idiomatic nature.
- Mistake 1: Using "na família"
- Using "na família" (in the family) instead of "em família" (together as a family). "Na família" usually refers to something or someone *within* a specific family, whereas "em família" describes an activity done *by* the family as a unit.
Incorrect: Vamos comer na família.
Correct: Vamos comer em família.
"Vamos comer na família" sounds like you are eating inside a specific family's house, perhaps as a guest, or referring to something happening within the family structure itself. "Vamos comer em família" clearly means you are eating together as a family.
- Mistake 2: Literal Translation of English Phrases
- Trying to find a word-for-word equivalent in English and using it directly. For example, translating "together as a family" too literally might lead to awkward phrasing.
Incorrect: Nós jogamos juntos como família.
Correct: Nós jogamos juntos em família.
While "como família" (like a family) can sometimes be used, "em família" is the standard and more natural way to express the concept of doing something *as* a family or *together as a family* in the context of an activity.
- Mistake 3: Overusing or Underusing
- Using it when it's not necessary or failing to use it when it would add clarity and warmth.
Less natural: Nós vamos ao cinema com a minha família.
More natural: Nós vamos ao cinema em família.
"Com a minha família" (with my family) is grammatically correct but "em família" is often more concise and idiomatic when describing the activity itself. Conversely, you don't need to add "em família" to every single family activity; context often makes it clear.
By understanding these nuances and focusing on the idiomatic usage, learners can avoid common pitfalls and use "em família" effectively and naturally.
While "em família" is the most common and versatile way to express "together as a family," there are other phrases and words that can convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you want to express.
- Alternative 1: Com a família
- Meaning: With the family.
- Usage: This is a more literal translation and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but "em família" often feels more idiomatic when describing an activity as a family event.
- Example: "Eu vou ao cinema com a minha família." (I am going to the cinema with my family.) vs. "Eu vou ao cinema em família." (I am going to the cinema as a family.) The latter emphasizes the family unit doing the activity together.
- Alternative 2: Juntos como família
- Meaning: Together as a family.
- Usage: This is a more direct translation of the English phrase and is understandable, but "em família" is generally preferred for its conciseness and natural flow in Portuguese.
- Example: "Queremos passar mais tempo juntos como família." (We want to spend more time together as a family.) This is perfectly fine, but "Queremos passar mais tempo em família" is often more common.
- Alternative 3: Em união familiar
- Meaning: In family unity.
- Usage: This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the concept of unity and togetherness in a stronger, more deliberate way. It's less common in casual conversation.
- Example: "A celebração foi realizada em união familiar." (The celebration was held in family unity.) This sounds more official or perhaps used in a written context.
- Related Concept: Aconchego familiar
- Meaning: Family coziness/comfort.
- Usage: This isn't a direct replacement for "em família" as an adverbial phrase, but it describes the *feeling* or *atmosphere* associated with spending time "em família." It's a noun phrase.
- Example: "Adoro o aconchego familiar dos domingos." (I love the family coziness of Sundays.) This evokes the warm feeling of being together as a family.
In most everyday situations, "em família" is your best bet. The alternatives offer slightly different shades of meaning or formality, but "em família" captures the essence of shared family time most effectively.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'familia' in ancient Rome was quite broad, encompassing all the people who lived under the authority of the 'pater familias' (the male head of the household). This included not only blood relatives but also servants and even livestock.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'em' as a clear 'en' instead of nasalized.
- Not stressing the correct syllable ('mi').
- Mispronouncing the 'lh' sound, which is unique to Portuguese and related languages.
Examples by Level
Nós estamos em casa.
We are at home.
Simple present tense, basic location.
Eu gosto de estar com minha família.
I like to be with my family.
Verb 'gostar de' + infinitive.
Vamos comer juntos.
Let's eat together.
Imperative 'vamos' + infinitive.
Onde está a família?
Where is the family?
Interrogative 'onde'.
Eles brincam no parque.
They play in the park.
Present tense verb, preposition 'em'.
É um dia feliz.
It is a happy day.
Ser verb, adjective.
Nós viajamos para a praia.
We travel to the beach.
Verb 'viajar', preposition 'para'.
Eu amo minha família.
I love my family.
Verb 'amar'.
Nós gostamos de passar os fins de semana em família.
We like to spend weekends together as a family.
Use of 'em família' to describe an activity done collectively.
A festa de aniversário foi em família.
The birthday party was a family affair.
'Em família' modifying the event type.
Eles preferem jantar em casa em família.
They prefer to have dinner at home as a family.
'Em família' specifying the manner of dining.
Vamos viajar para o campo em família.
Let's travel to the countryside as a family.
'Em família' indicating the group participating in the trip.
Os avós vieram visitar em família.
The grandparents came to visit as a family.
'Em família' clarifying the nature of the visit.
É importante ter tempo em família.
It is important to have family time.
Abstract concept of 'family time' using 'em família'.
O Natal é sempre celebrado em família.
Christmas is always celebrated as a family.
'Em família' specifying the context of celebration.
A decisão foi tomada em família.
The decision was made as a family.
'Em família' indicating a collective decision-making process.
Planeamos as nossas férias de verão para serem passadas em família, longe da agitação da cidade.
We planned our summer holidays to be spent together as a family, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Using 'em família' to describe a planned activity and its context.
Para nós, o mais importante é cultivar momentos de união em família, mesmo com as agendas ocupadas.
For us, the most important thing is to cultivate moments of family unity, even with busy schedules.
'Em família' linked to the concept of 'união' (unity).
A tradição de assar castanhas na lareira é algo que fazemos em família todos os outonos.
The tradition of roasting chestnuts by the fireplace is something we do as a family every autumn.
'Em família' attached to a specific, recurring tradition.
Decidimos mudar para uma casa maior para termos mais espaço para estar em família.
We decided to move to a bigger house to have more space to be together as a family.
'Em família' explaining the reason for a significant life decision.
Ele sente falta dos almoços de domingo em família que tinha quando era criança.
He misses the Sunday family lunches he had when he was a child.
'Em família' modifying a specific meal occasion.
Apesar das diferenças, eles sempre conseguiram resolver os conflitos em família.
Despite their differences, they always managed to resolve conflicts as a family.
'Em família' describing the context of conflict resolution.
O voluntariado é uma atividade que praticamos em família para incutir valores nos nossos filhos.
Volunteering is an activity we practice as a family to instill values in our children.
'Em família' specifying the context of practicing a value-based activity.
As festas de fim de ano são o momento perfeito para reconectar e fortalecer os laços em família.
The end-of-year holidays are the perfect time to reconnect and strengthen family bonds.
'Em família' emphasizing the strengthening of relationships.
A decisão de se mudar para o exterior foi tomada em família, após longas discussões sobre o futuro profissional e pessoal.
The decision to move abroad was made as a family, after long discussions about professional and personal futures.
'Em família' indicating a collective, well-considered decision.
Ele sempre valorizou os momentos de lazer passados em família, considerando-os essenciais para o seu bem-estar emocional.
He always valued the leisure time spent together as a family, considering it essential for his emotional well-being.
'Em família' used in a reflective context, emphasizing its importance.
A reconstrução da casa após o incêndio foi um esforço comunitário, mas acima de tudo, foi um ato de resiliência em família.
The reconstruction of the house after the fire was a community effort, but above all, it was an act of family resilience.
'Em família' highlighting a specific quality (resilience) within the family context.
Os rituais de passagem, como aniversários e formaturas, são celebrados com especial ênfase em família, reforçando a identidade e a pertença.
Rites of passage, such as birthdays and graduations, are celebrated with special emphasis as a family, reinforcing identity and belonging.
'Em família' linked to cultural rituals and the reinforcement of identity.
Apesar das obrigações profissionais, procuram sempre garantir que o tempo dedicado em família seja de qualidade e significativo.
Despite professional obligations, they always strive to ensure that the time dedicated to family is of quality and meaningful.
'Em família' used to describe the quality and significance of dedicated time.
Ela descreveu a sua infância como um período de grande segurança e afeto, passado maioritariamente em família.
She described her childhood as a period of great security and affection, spent mostly together as a family.
'Em família' characterizing the environment of childhood.
Os debates sobre política e sociedade ocorrem frequentemente em casa, e é interessante ver como as opiniões são formadas em família.
Debates about politics and society frequently occur at home, and it's interesting to see how opinions are formed within the family.
'Em família' referring to the influence of family dynamics on opinion formation.
A partilha de responsabilidades domésticas é vista como fundamental para manter a harmonia e o bom funcionamento em família.
Sharing domestic responsibilities is seen as fundamental to maintaining harmony and the smooth functioning of the family.
'Em família' describing the context of domestic harmony.
A transição para a vida adulta é frequentemente um processo complexo, mas o apoio incondicional recebido em família pode ser um pilar fundamental.
The transition to adulthood is often a complex process, but the unconditional support received within the family can be a fundamental pillar.
'Em família' used to denote the source of crucial support during a life stage.
A preservação de tradições culturais e a transmissão de valores morais são tarefas que muitas vezes se consolidam através de práticas realizadas em família.
The preservation of cultural traditions and the transmission of moral values are tasks that are often consolidated through practices carried out as a family.
'Em família' as the locus for cultural and moral transmission.
A dinâmica familiar, quando saudável, proporciona um ambiente propício ao desenvolvimento da autonomia e da autoconfiança, cultivados em família.
Family dynamics, when healthy, provide an environment conducive to the development of autonomy and self-confidence, cultivated within the family.
'Em família' specifying the environment where personal traits are nurtured.
Perante adversidades económicas, a coesão e a solidariedade manifestadas em família tornam-se um refúgio e uma fonte de força.
In the face of economic adversity, the cohesion and solidarity manifested within the family become a refuge and a source of strength.
'Em família' highlighting the role of the family unit during hardship.
O conceito de lar transcende a mera habitação física; representa um espaço de afeto, segurança e crescimento, vivenciado em família.
The concept of home transcends mere physical housing; it represents a space of affection, security, and growth, experienced as a family.
'Em família' defining the experiential aspect of 'home'.
A educação dos filhos é um empreendimento complexo que exige dedicação, paciência e a colaboração de todos os membros, trabalhando em família.
The upbringing of children is a complex undertaking that requires dedication, patience, and the collaboration of all members, working as a family.
'Em família' emphasizing the collaborative nature of child-rearing.
A celebração de marcos importantes na vida, como casamentos e nascimentos, adquire um significado mais profundo quando partilhada em família.
The celebration of important life milestones, such as weddings and births, acquires deeper meaning when shared as a family.
'Em família' enhancing the significance of life events.
A transmissão intergeracional de conhecimentos e histórias é uma componente vital da identidade familiar, perpetuada em família.
The intergenerational transmission of knowledge and stories is a vital component of family identity, perpetuated within the family.
'Em família' as the mechanism for intergenerational transmission.
A resiliência de um núcleo familiar perante a adversidade é frequentemente um testemunho da força intrínseca dos laços forjados e mantidos em família.
The resilience of a family unit in the face of adversity is often a testament to the intrinsic strength of the bonds forged and maintained within the family.
'Em família' denoting the environment where fundamental strengths are developed.
A edificação de um legado duradouro assenta, em grande medida, nos valores éticos e nas tradições que são transmitidos e praticados em família.
The building of a lasting legacy relies, to a great extent, on the ethical values and traditions that are transmitted and practiced within the family.
'Em família' as the crucible for the formation of legacies and values.
A complexa teia de relações e influências que moldam o indivíduo encontra no contexto familiar um dos seus mais significativos vetores de desenvolvimento, cultivado em família.
The complex web of relationships and influences that shape an individual finds in the family context one of its most significant vectors of development, cultivated within the family.
'Em família' specifying the primary context for intricate personal development.
O sentido de pertença e identidade coletiva é intrinsecamente ligado às narrativas partilhadas e aos rituais que definem a experiência de ser e viver em família.
The sense of belonging and collective identity is intrinsically linked to the shared narratives and rituals that define the experience of being and living as a family.
'Em família' defining the experiential essence of belonging and identity.
A capacidade de adaptação a novas realidades e a superação de desafios existenciais são frequentemente fortalecidas pela sinergia e pelo apoio mútuo proporcionados em família.
The capacity to adapt to new realities and overcome existential challenges is often strengthened by the synergy and mutual support provided within the family.
'Em família' as the source of synergistic strength and mutual support.
O processo de socialização primária, fundamental para a inserção do indivíduo na sociedade, tem o seu epicentro na dinâmica e nas interações estabelecidas em família.
The process of primary socialization, fundamental for the individual's insertion into society, has its epicenter in the dynamics and interactions established within the family.
'Em família' as the central point for primary socialization.
A transmissão de um património cultural imaterial, seja ele de saberes, ofícios ou costumes, é um processo que se perpetua organicamente através das vivências partilhadas em família.
The transmission of intangible cultural heritage, be it knowledge, crafts, or customs, is a process that organically perpetuates itself through shared experiences within the family.
'Em família' as the organic vehicle for intangible cultural heritage transmission.
O conceito de 'lar' como refúgio emocional e espaço de desenvolvimento pessoal é intensificado pela qualidade das relações e pela cumplicidade que se cultiva em família.
The concept of 'home' as an emotional refuge and a space for personal development is intensified by the quality of relationships and the complicity cultivated within the family.
'Em família' enhancing the emotional and developmental significance of 'home'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To spend time together as a family.
É fundamental para o desenvolvimento das crianças passar tempo em família.
— To have dinner together as a family.
Todos os domingos, fazemos questão de jantar em família.
— To travel together as a family.
As férias foram ótimas porque pudemos viajar em família.
— To stay home and spend time with family.
Hoje não quero sair, vou ficar em família.
— A decision made collectively by the family.
A decisão sobre a mudança foi tomada em família.
— A gathering of family members.
Tivemos uma grande reunião em família no fim de semana.
— A moment shared specifically with family.
Este piquenique é um momento especial em família.
— To work together within the family unit (e.g., in a family business).
Eles construíram o negócio a trabalhar em família.
Idioms & Expressions
— Home is where the family is. This idiom emphasizes that the emotional core of 'home' is the presence of family, not just the physical structure.
Mesmo vivendo em cidades diferentes, a casa é onde a família está, e eles se visitam sempre.
Common— Blood of my blood. A strong expression of familial connection and belonging, often used to emphasize unbreakable bonds.
Ele é meu primo, sangue do meu sangue, e sempre o apoiarei.
Emotional/Informal— To fall from the sky. Used to describe something unexpected and welcome, often in the context of family blessings or gifts.
A chegada do novo bebé foi como se tivesse caído do céu para a família.
Figurative— To give one's life for the family. Expresses extreme devotion and willingness to sacrifice everything for the well-being of one's family.
Um pai verdadeiro daria a vida pela família sem hesitar.
Strong/Emotional— One for all and all for one. While not exclusively about family, it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of unity and mutual support often found 'em família'.
No nosso lar, praticamos o lema 'um para todos e todos para um'.
Inspirational/Unity— The daily bread. Refers to basic necessities, often implying that providing for the family's daily needs is a fundamental duty.
Ele trabalha arduamente para garantir o pão de cada dia da sua família.
Proverbial— Thread of the skein. Refers to the main line of thought or the core element of something. In family context, it might refer to the lineage or the central figure.
Ela é o fio da meada da nossa família, mantendo todos conectados.
Figurative— Like a fish in water. Describes someone who is perfectly comfortable and at ease in a particular environment. This can apply to feeling at home 'em família'.
Com os seus netos, a avó sentia-se como um peixe na água.
Idiomatic— To admit one's mistake; to eat humble pie. While not directly family-related, resolving conflicts 'em família' might involve this.
Ele teve de dar a mão à palmatória e pedir desculpa aos pais.
Colloquial— Bread, bread; cheese, cheese. To call things by their proper name; to be direct and clear. Essential for healthy communication 'em família'.
Na nossa família, gostamos de dizer as coisas como são: pão, pão; queijo, queijo.
Proverbial/DirectnessWord Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a family of mice ('em' sounds a bit like 'm' for mice) all huddled together in their tiny home, sharing a meal. They are 'em família' - all together.
Visual Association
Picture a warm, inviting dinner table set for multiple people, with plates, glasses, and food being passed around. The focus is on the shared meal and the people present – the family.
Word Web
Word Origin
The phrase 'em família' originates from the Latin word 'familia', which referred to a household, including slaves and servants, not just blood relatives. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the modern concept of a nuclear or extended family.
Original meaning: In Latin, 'familia' denoted the entire household, including the master, his wife, children, and slaves.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseSummary
The phrase "em família" is a warm and common way to express that an activity or event is being done collectively by family members, highlighting togetherness and shared experience.
- "Em família" means 'together as a family'.
- It describes shared activities and togetherness.
- Used for meals, holidays, and general family time.
- Adds warmth and emphasizes family bonds.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More family words
à medida que
A2As; at the same time that.
abençoado
A2Blessed, consecrated; sacred.
abrigo
A2Shelter, a place providing temporary protection from bad weather or danger.
acarinhar
A2To show affection to; to caress or cuddle.
aceito
A2Accepted; generally recognized or agreed upon.
acenar
A2To wave (as a greeting).
acolher
A2To receive (a guest or new member) with pleasure and hospitality.
acolhimento
A2The action of welcoming or receiving someone; hospitality or fostering.
acolitar
B2To assist or accompany.
acomodar
A2To provide lodging or space for.
