This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 noun 10 min read

mensagem de texto

Examples Notes & Tips mensagem de texto in 30 Seconds
Explanation mensagem de texto in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should know that 'mensagem de texto' means 'text message'. You use it to talk about simple things on your phone. You should learn the verb 'mandar' (to send) or 'enviar' (to send). For example: 'Eu mando uma mensagem'. Remember that 'mensagem' is a feminine word, so we say 'a mensagem'. You can use this word when you want to tell a friend you will write to them instead of calling. It is a very common word because everyone uses phones today. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just focus on 'uma mensagem' (a message) and 'a mensagem' (the message).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you can start using 'mensagem de texto' in more complete sentences. You should be able to say you received a message ('Eu recebi uma mensagem') or that you are reading one ('Eu estou lendo uma mensagem'). You should also learn the plural: 'mensagens de texto'. Notice that the 'm' changes to 'ns'. You might use this word to explain why you are late or to ask for information. For example: 'Eu te mandei uma mensagem com o endereço'. You are becoming more comfortable with the idea that 'mensagem' is feminine and requires matching adjectives, like 'uma mensagem curta' (a short message).
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you understand that 'mensagem de texto' is the standard term, but you also know that people often just say 'mensagem'. You are aware of the difference between 'mensagem de texto' (written) and 'mensagem de voz' (audio). You can use the word in professional contexts, such as 'Vou enviar uma mensagem de texto para confirmar a reunião'. You should also be comfortable with the preposition 'por', as in 'por mensagem de texto'. You might start to notice regional differences, like the use of 'SMS' in Portugal and 'zap' in Brazil. You can describe the content of messages using more complex verbs like 'avisar' (to warn/notify) or 'confirmar' (to confirm).
At the B2 level, you can discuss the social implications of 'mensagens de texto'. You might talk about how 'mensagens de texto' can be misinterpreted because they lack tone of voice. You are proficient in using the 'crase' correctly, such as 'Ele não respondeu à mensagem de texto'. You can use the term in the context of news or technology, discussing 'segurança de mensagens de texto' or 'vazamento de mensagens'. You understand the nuance of using 'enviar' in formal writing versus 'mandar' in casual conversation. You can also handle more complex sentence structures involving relative pronouns, like 'A mensagem de texto que eu te enviei ontem continha o arquivo'.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you use 'mensagem de texto' with native-like precision. You are aware of the legal and formal weight the term carries, such as in 'evidência por mensagem de texto'. You can engage in debates about the linguistic evolution of Portuguese driven by 'mensagens de texto', including the use of abbreviations and emojis. You understand the subtle social protocols, such as when it is inappropriate to send a 'mensagem de texto' versus making a call. You can use the term in idiomatic ways and understand how it fits into the broader category of 'comunicação digital'. Your use of agreement and prepositions is flawless even in rapid conversation.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you have a complete command of 'mensagem de texto' and its place in the Lusophone linguistic landscape. You can analyze the stylistic differences between a 'mensagem de texto' written by someone from Lisbon versus someone from Rio de Janeiro. You understand the historical transition from 'torpedos' to modern encrypted messaging. You can use the term in highly academic or technical discussions regarding data privacy, linguistics, or sociology. You are capable of irony and wordplay involving the term. You recognize the term's function as a noun phrase and can manipulate it within the most complex syntactic structures without hesitation.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples Notes & Tips

mensagem de texto in 30 Seconds

  • It is a feminine noun phrase: 'a mensagem de texto'.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'mandar', 'enviar', and 'receber'.
  • In Brazil, it is often shortened to 'mensagem' or referred to as 'zap'.
  • The plural is 'mensagens de texto', changing 'm' to 'ns'.

The term mensagem de texto refers to any short, written electronic communication transmitted between devices, traditionally mobile phones. While it originally specifically designated the SMS (Short Message Service) protocol, its usage in contemporary Portuguese has expanded to encompass messages sent via instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. In the modern Lusophone world, the act of sending a mensagem de texto is the primary mode of informal communication, often superseding voice calls in daily social interactions. It represents a shift in linguistic pragmatics where brevity and asynchronous communication are valued.

Literal Meaning
The phrase translates directly to 'message of text'. 'Mensagem' (feminine noun) comes from the Latin 'missus', meaning sent, while 'texto' refers to the written content.
Cultural Ubiquity
In Brazil and Portugal, the phrase is ubiquitous. However, in Brazil, you will frequently hear the diminutive 'mensagenzinha' for a quick note, or the slang 'zap' specifically for WhatsApp messages.

Eu acabei de receber uma mensagem de texto da minha mãe confirmando o jantar.

Translation: I just received a text message from my mother confirming dinner.

The evolution of this term mirrors the technological progress of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Initially, a mensagem de texto was a costly, 160-character limited service provided by telecommunications companies. Today, it is a multimedia experience involving emojis, stickers, and voice notes, yet the foundational term remains 'texto' because the core interaction is rooted in the written word. It is used in professional contexts to provide quick updates and in personal contexts to maintain constant, low-pressure contact with friends and family.

Você pode me enviar os detalhes por mensagem de texto?

Translation: Can you send me the details via text message?
Social Protocol
In many Lusophone cultures, it is considered more polite to send a text message before calling someone unexpectedly, especially in a professional or semi-formal setting.

Furthermore, the phrase is often shortened in casual speech. While 'mensagem de texto' is the full, grammatically correct term you would see in a manual or a formal settings, most people will simply say 'mensagem'. If you specify 'de texto', you are usually distinguishing it from a 'mensagem de voz' (voice message). This distinction has become increasingly important as the popularity of recording audio clips within messaging apps has skyrocketed in Brazil particularly.

Não posso ouvir áudio agora, mande uma mensagem de texto.

Translation: I can't listen to audio right now, send a text message.

Using mensagem de texto correctly involves understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verbs are enviar (to send), mandar (to send - more informal), receber (to receive), and responder (to respond). Because it is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine articles 'a' (the) or 'uma' (a/an). When talking about the medium itself, we use the preposition 'por' (by/through).

With 'Mandar'
Mandar is the go-to verb in Brazil. It feels active and direct. 'Vou te mandar uma mensagem de texto' is a standard way to say 'I'll text you'.

Ele me mandou uma mensagem de texto avisando que vai atrasar.

Translation: He sent me a text message warning that he will be late.

In more formal or technical contexts, enviar is preferred. If you are writing a business email and want to mention a follow-up via text, 'enviar uma mensagem de texto' sounds more professional. Additionally, when discussing the act of checking one's messages, the verb checar or ver is used.

É falta de educação ficar olhando mensagens de texto durante o jantar.

Translation: It is rude to keep looking at text messages during dinner.
Prepositional Usage
To say 'by text message', use 'por mensagem de texto'. To say 'in a text message', use 'em uma mensagem de texto' (or the contraction 'numa').

One interesting aspect of Portuguese is how it handles the recipient. You can send a message *to* someone (para alguém) or send someone a message (mandar alguém uma mensagem - though this is less common than 'mandar uma mensagem para alguém'). In Brazil, the use of the indirect object pronoun 'te' or 'lhe' before the verb is very frequent: 'Eu te mando uma mensagem'.

Por favor, responda à minha mensagem de texto assim que puder.

Translation: Please respond to my text message as soon as you can.

Finally, consider the context of 'texto' vs 'voz'. If you want to specify that you are not sending an audio, you emphasize the 'de texto' part. 'Vou escrever uma mensagem de texto, pois não posso falar agora'. This highlights the written nature of the communication.

You will encounter mensagem de texto in a variety of settings, ranging from the extremely formal to the mundane. In the news, anchors might report on 'mensagens de texto vazadas' (leaked text messages) in political scandals. In the workplace, a manager might ask you to 'formalizar o pedido por mensagem de texto' to ensure there is a written record of a conversation. However, in the streets of Lisbon or São Paulo, you're more likely to hear the shortened version 'mensagem' or the specific app name.

In Customer Service
Automated systems often say: 'Enviaremos um código de confirmação por mensagem de texto'. This is the standard terminology for 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication).

O banco enviou uma mensagem de texto com o código de segurança.

Translation: The bank sent a text message with the security code.

In pop culture, specifically in Brazilian 'novelas' (soap operas), characters often discover secrets by reading someone else's mensagens de texto. The phrase is used to build tension. You might hear a character scream, 'Eu vi a mensagem de texto que você mandou para ela!'. In this context, it represents a private thought made public, a common trope in modern storytelling.

A trama da novela mudou quando ela descobriu aquela mensagem de texto.

Translation: The soap opera's plot changed when she discovered that text message.

In academic or sociological discussions in Portugal or Brazil, researchers might talk about the 'impacto das mensagens de texto na alfabetização dos jovens' (the impact of text messages on youth literacy). Here, the term is used technically to describe the medium of SMS or instant messaging as a linguistic phenomenon. You will see it in headlines and titles of articles discussing digital communication.

Lastly, in the legal system, mensagens de texto are often cited as evidence. Lawyers and judges use the full term to maintain legal precision. 'As mensagens de texto servem como prova documental no processo'. This illustrates how the term transitions from a casual daily act to a formal legal entity.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers learning Portuguese is the gender of the word mensagem. Because 'message' is neutral in English, students often mistakenly use the masculine article 'o'. Remember: A mensagem. Another common error involves the pluralization. Words ending in 'm' in Portuguese must change to 'ns' in the plural. Therefore, it is 'mensagens', not 'mensagems'.

Mistake: Wrong Gender
Saying 'o mensagem' instead of 'a mensagem'. This is a fundamental error that affects the agreement of adjectives and articles.

Errado: Eu li o mensagem.
Correto: Eu li a mensagem.

Another nuance is the preposition used after 'responder'. In English, we 'respond to' something. In Portuguese, 'responder' also takes the preposition 'a'. If you are responding to 'a mensagem', the 'a' (preposition) and 'a' (article) merge into 'à'. Many learners forget the crase or omit the preposition entirely, saying 'responder a mensagem' (which is common in speech but technically incorrect in formal writing).

Correto: Ela respondeu à mensagem de texto imediatamente.

Mistake: 'Texto' as an Adjective
In English, 'text' can be a noun or an adjective (text message). In Portuguese, you cannot say 'mensagem texto'. You must use the preposition 'de' to link the two nouns: 'mensagem de texto'.

Finally, be careful with the distinction between 'mensagem de texto' and 'mensagem de voz'. With the rise of audio messages, simply saying 'mensagem' might lead to the question: 'Escrita ou falada?' (Written or spoken?). If clarity is needed, always include 'de texto'. Also, avoid the word 'torpedo'. While it was a popular slang for SMS in Brazil during the 2000s, it now sounds very dated and might cause confusion among younger speakers.

While mensagem de texto is the standard term, several alternatives exist depending on the region, the technology used, and the level of formality. Understanding these synonyms will help you sound more like a native speaker and navigate different social circles in Brazil and Portugal.

SMS
Common in Portugal and in technical contexts. It specifically refers to the cellular protocol. 'Recebi um SMS da operadora'.
Zap / Whats
Very common Brazilian slang for WhatsApp messages. 'Me manda um zap' is perhaps the most frequent way to request a text in Brazil today.

Vou te mandar um zap com o endereço do restaurante.

Translation: I'll send you a 'zap' (WhatsApp message) with the restaurant's address.

Another term you might encounter is recado. While 'mensagem' is a direct communication, a 'recado' is more like a 'message' in the sense of a 'memo' or a 'note' left for someone. You might 'deixar um recado' (leave a message) if someone doesn't answer their phone. However, a 'recado' can be delivered via a 'mensagem de texto'.

Deixei um recado por mensagem de texto, mas ele ainda não viu.

Translation: I left a note via text message, but he hasn't seen it yet.
Direct / DM
Used specifically for social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. 'Manda uma DM' or 'Manda um direct'.

In Portugal, you might also hear mensagem escrita. This is a very clear way to distinguish from a phone call or a voice message. It is slightly more formal than just saying 'SMS'. In older literature or very formal documents, you might see 'missiva', but this is extremely rare for electronic communication and refers more to a physical letter.

When comparing mensagem de texto to e-mail, the former implies a higher degree of urgency and informality. An 'e-mail' is for long-form, structured communication, while a 'mensagem de texto' is for rapid, often fragmented exchange. Knowing when to use each is key to mastering Portuguese social dynamics.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'texto' comes from the same root as 'textile'. Just as threads are woven into cloth, words are woven into a text.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mẽ.ˈsa.ʒẽ dʒi ˈtɛks.tu/
US /mẽ.ˈsa.ʒẽ dʒi ˈtɛks.toʊ/
The primary stress in 'mensagem' is on the second syllable 'sa'. In 'texto', it is on the first syllable 'tex'.
Rhymes With
Linguagem Viagem Coragem Vantagem Contexto Pretexto Sexto Cesto
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'm' in 'mensagem' as a hard 'm' (it should be a nasal vowel).
  • Pronouncing 'texto' as 'testo' (forgetting the 'k' sound in 'x').
  • Over-emphasizing the 'de' (it is usually quick and reduced).
  • Failing to nasalize the 'en' in 'mensagem'.
  • Pronouncing the 'j' in 'mensagem' like an English 'j' (it should be like the 's' in 'measure').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very similar to English 'message' and 'text', making it easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

The 'm' to 'ns' pluralization and the feminine gender can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Nasalizing the final 'm' in 'mensagem' requires practice for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

In fast speech, 'de texto' might sound like 'd'texto' or be omitted entirely.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Mensagem Texto Celular
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Eu mando uma mensagem de texto.

I send a text message.

Uses the present tense of 'mandar'.

2

Você tem uma mensagem de texto.

You have a text message.

Uses the verb 'ter' (to have).

3

A mensagem de texto é curta.

The text message is short.

Adjective 'curta' agrees with feminine 'mensagem'.

4

Ela lê a mensagem de texto.

She reads the text message.

Present tense of 'ler' (to read).

5

Onde está a mensagem de texto?

Where is the text message?

Interrogative sentence with 'onde'.

6

Eu não vejo a mensagem de texto.

I don't see the text message.

Negative sentence using 'não'.

7

Mande uma mensagem de texto agora.

Send a text message now.

Imperative mood of 'mandar'.

8

Uma mensagem de texto para você.

A text message for you.

Preposition 'para' indicates the recipient.

1

Eu recebi sua mensagem de texto ontem.

I received your text message yesterday.

Preterite tense of 'receber'.

2

Nós estamos escrevendo mensagens de texto.

We are writing text messages.

Present continuous and plural 'mensagens'.

3

Você pode me mandar uma mensagem de texto?

Can you send me a text message?

Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.

4

Ele apagou a mensagem de texto sem querer.

He deleted the text message by mistake.

Verb 'apagar' (to delete).

5

Minha mãe não gosta de mensagem de texto.

My mother doesn't like text messages.

Verb 'gostar' requires preposition 'de'.

6

Eu vi a mensagem de texto no seu celular.

I saw the text message on your cell phone.

Preposition 'no' (em + o).

7

Eles enviaram muitas mensagens de texto hoje.

They sent many text messages today.

Quantifier 'muitas' agrees with 'mensagens'.

8

A mensagem de texto era sobre o trabalho.

The text message was about work.

Imperfect tense of 'ser'.

1

Vou te enviar os detalhes por mensagem de texto.

I will send you the details by text message.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive; 'por' indicates the medium.

2

Não responda à mensagem de texto enquanto dirige.

Do not respond to the text message while driving.

Negative imperative; use of crase (à).

3

A mensagem de texto confirmou nossa reserva.

The text message confirmed our reservation.

Subject 'mensagem' performing the action.

4

Eu prefiro ligar do que mandar uma mensagem de texto.

I prefer calling over sending a text message.

Comparison using 'preferir... do que'.

5

Ela esqueceu de ler a mensagem de texto importante.

She forgot to read the important text message.

Verb 'esquecer' with 'de' + infinitive.

6

O código chegou por mensagem de texto agora há pouco.

The code arrived by text message just a moment ago.

Idiomatic expression 'agora há pouco'.

7

Recebi uma mensagem de texto de um número desconhecido.

I received a text message from an unknown number.

Adjective 'desconhecido' modifying 'número'.

8

As mensagens de texto facilitam a comunicação rápida.

Text messages facilitate quick communication.

Plural agreement throughout the sentence.

1

A ambiguidade de uma mensagem de texto pode causar brigas.

The ambiguity of a text message can cause fights.

Abstract noun 'ambiguidade' as the subject.

2

Ele ignorou a mensagem de texto de propósito.

He ignored the text message on purpose.

Adverbial phrase 'de propósito'.

3

Caso você receba a mensagem de texto, me avise.

In case you receive the text message, let me know.

Subjunctive mood after 'caso'.

4

A mensagem de texto continha informações confidenciais.

The text message contained confidential information.

Verb 'conter' in the imperfect tense.

5

Embora tenha lido a mensagem de texto, ele não respondeu.

Although he read the text message, he didn't respond.

Concessive clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

6

A empresa utiliza mensagens de texto para marketing direto.

The company uses text messages for direct marketing.

Formal verb 'utilizar'.

7

É possível rastrear a origem desta mensagem de texto?

Is it possible to track the origin of this text message?

Impersonal construction 'é possível'.

8

Fiquei surpreso com o tom daquela mensagem de texto.

I was surprised by the tone of that text message.

Preposition 'com' after 'surpreso'.

1

A proliferação de mensagens de texto alterou a sintaxe da língua.

The proliferation of text messages altered the language's syntax.

Academic vocabulary: 'proliferação', 'sintaxe'.

2

O juiz considerou a mensagem de texto como prova admissível.

The judge considered the text message as admissible evidence.

Legal terminology: 'prova admissível'.

3

Houve um mal-entendido gerado por uma mensagem de texto mal redigida.

There was a misunderstanding generated by a poorly drafted text message.

Passive participle 'redigida' acting as an adjective.

4

As mensagens de texto tornaram-se um registro histórico do cotidiano.

Text messages have become a historical record of daily life.

Reflexive verb 'tornar-se'.

5

É fascinante observar a economia linguística nas mensagens de texto.

It is fascinating to observe linguistic economy in text messages.

Abstract concept 'economia linguística'.

6

A mensagem de texto serviu como um catalisador para a discussão.

The text message served as a catalyst for the discussion.

Metaphorical use of 'catalisador'.

7

Sua hesitação em responder à mensagem de texto foi interpretada negativamente.

Her hesitation in responding to the text message was interpreted negatively.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

8

A criptografia de mensagens de texto é vital para a privacidade digital.

Encryption of text messages is vital for digital privacy.

Technical vocabulary: 'criptografia'.

1

A brevidade inerente à mensagem de texto cerceia a profundidade do diálogo.

The brevity inherent in text messages restricts the depth of dialogue.

High-level verbs: 'cercear', 'inerente'.

2

Subjaz àquela mensagem de texto uma intenção sarcástica quase imperceptível.

Underlying that text message is an almost imperceptible sarcastic intention.

Sophisticated verb 'subjazer'.

3

A onipresença da mensagem de texto reconfigurou as fronteiras entre o público e o privado.

The omnipresence of text messages has reconfigured the boundaries between public and private.

Sociological analysis vocabulary.

4

O autor utiliza a mensagem de texto como um recurso narrativo pós-moderno.

The author uses the text message as a postmodern narrative device.

Literary criticism terminology.

5

A efemeridade da mensagem de texto contrasta com a perenidade da literatura clássica.

The ephemerality of the text message contrasts with the perennial nature of classical literature.

Antonyms: 'efemeridade' vs 'perenidade'.

6

Não se pode negligenciar o impacto psicossocial do vício em mensagens de texto.

One cannot neglect the psychosocial impact of text message addiction.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

7

A mensagem de texto, outrora uma novidade, é hoje um elemento banal da existência humana.

The text message, once a novelty, is today a banal element of human existence.

Adverb 'outrora' (formerly).

8

O escrutínio minucioso das mensagens de texto revelou a trama de corrupção.

The meticulous scrutiny of the text messages revealed the corruption plot.

Formal vocabulary: 'escrutínio', 'minucioso'.

Synonyms

SMS Zap Recado Mensagem Torpedo Direct / DM Mensagem escrita Texto

Antonyms

Ligação Mensagem de voz Chamada Silêncio

Common Collocations

Enviar uma mensagem
Mandar uma mensagem
Receber uma mensagem
Responder a uma mensagem
Apagar uma mensagem
Mensagem de confirmação
Trocar mensagens
Visualizar uma mensagem
Vácuo na mensagem
Encaminhar uma mensagem

Common Phrases

Manda um zap

— Send me a WhatsApp message. Very common in Brazil.

Qualquer coisa, manda um zap.

Me manda uma mensagem

— Send me a message. General request.

Me manda uma mensagem com o seu endereço.

Responder na hora

— To reply immediately to a text message.

Ela sempre responde na hora.

Deixar no vácuo

— To read a message but not reply (ghosting/leaving on read).

Não me deixe no vácuo!

Grupo de mensagens

— A group chat on a messaging platform.

Vou te adicionar no grupo de mensagens.

Mensagem apagada

— A message that was deleted by the sender.

O que dizia aquela mensagem apagada?

Notificação de mensagem

— The alert on your phone for a new message.

Minha notificação de mensagem está desligada.

Histórico de mensagens

— The log of previous conversations.

Vou checar nosso histórico de mensagens.

Mensagem automática

— An out-of-office or automated reply.

Recebi uma mensagem automática da loja.

Mandar por engano

— To send a message to the wrong person or by mistake.

Desculpe, mandei essa mensagem por engano.

Idioms & Expressions

"Ler nas entrelinhas da mensagem"

— To understand the hidden or implied meaning behind the text.

Você precisa ler nas entrelinhas daquela mensagem de texto.

Neutral
"Passar a mensagem"

— To convey an idea or instruction clearly.

Ele conseguiu passar a mensagem de texto de forma eficaz.

Neutral
"Mensagem cifrada"

— A message that is hard to understand or contains a secret code.

Ela me mandou uma mensagem de texto cifrada.

Informal
"Dar um toque por mensagem"

— To give someone a quick heads-up or reminder via text.

Vou te dar um toque por mensagem antes de sair.

Informal
"Encher de mensagem"

— To spam someone with many messages.

Minha tia me enche de mensagem de texto no domingo.

Informal
"Mensagem de paz"

— A metaphorical message of reconciliation, sometimes sent after an argument.

Ele finalmente mandou uma mensagem de texto de paz.

Neutral
"Mensagem na garrafa"

— A metaphor for a message sent with little hope of being received, now applied to shouting into the digital void.

Postar no Twitter é como mandar uma mensagem de texto na garrafa.

Literary/Metaphorical
"Matar a saudade por mensagem"

— To ease the feeling of missing someone by texting them.

A gente mata a saudade por mensagem de texto enquanto você está longe.

Informal
"Mensagem curta e grossa"

— A very direct, blunt, and potentially rude message.

A resposta dele foi uma mensagem de texto curta e grossa.

Informal
"Mensagem de última hora"

— A message sent right before an event or deadline.

Recebi uma mensagem de texto de última hora cancelando o plano.

Neutral

Word Family

Nouns

Mensageiro (messenger)
Textualidade (textuality)
Textículo (short text)

Verbs

Mensagear (to message - rare)
Textualizar (to put into text)

Adjectives

Mensageiro (messenger as adj)
Textual (textual)

Related

Celular
Smartphone
Notificação
Teclado
Ecrã/Tela
Sign up free to see all examples

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'MEN' (men) with a 'SAGE' (sage/wise person) sending a 'TEXT' (texto) to 'YOU' (u). Mensagem de Texto.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny envelope flying out of a smartphone screen with the word 'TEXTO' written on it in bold letters.

Word Web

Celular WhatsApp SMS Escrita Teclado Dedo Ecrã Amigo

Challenge

Try to use the phrase 'mensagem de texto' in three different tenses (past, present, future) today.

Word Origin

From 'mensagem' (Old Portuguese 'memsagem', from Occitan 'messatge', from Latin 'missus') and 'texto' (Latin 'textus', meaning woven fabric or structure).

Original meaning: A 'sent piece of woven structure' (metaphorically, a sent piece of writing).

Romance (Latin roots).

Cultural Context

Be careful when texting in professional environments; use 'enviar' and avoid excessive slang like 'vc' or 'tbm' until a rapport is established.

English speakers might find the Portuguese use of 'mensagens de voz' (voice notes) within text apps surprising, as it's much more common than in the US/UK.

The song 'Mensagem' by Isaurinha Garcia (though it refers to letters, the modern context applies). The 'Zap' culture in Brazilian politics. Digital literacy programs in rural Portugal.
Sign up free for tips & notes

Related Content

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!