Significado
It is preferable to do something belatedly rather than not doing it at all.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, 'Antes tarde do que nunca' is often used to justify 'horário brasileiro' (Brazilian time), where being 15-30 minutes late to social events is culturally acceptable. In Portugal, the variation 'Mais vale tarde do que nunca' is more common and is often used with a bit more formality or as a genuine apology. In Angola, the phrase is used with a similar sense of resilience, often in the context of overcoming bureaucratic or logistical delays. The phrase is often translated or used alongside Crioulo equivalents that emphasize that 'God's time' is the right time, even if it feels late to humans.
Use it with a smile
This phrase is 50% words and 50% attitude. A friendly tone makes it an apology; a grumpy tone makes it a complaint.
Not for emergencies
Never use this if your lateness caused a serious problem. It will sound like you don't care.
Significado
It is preferable to do something belatedly rather than not doing it at all.
Use it with a smile
This phrase is 50% words and 50% attitude. A friendly tone makes it an apology; a grumpy tone makes it a complaint.
Not for emergencies
Never use this if your lateness caused a serious problem. It will sound like you don't care.
The 'Portugal' Switch
If you are in Lisbon, try saying 'Mais vale tarde do que nunca' to sound more like a local.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Antes ______ do que ______.
The standard proverb is 'Antes tarde do que nunca.'
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
You forgot your mother's birthday yesterday and you are calling her now.
It's a common way to apologize for a late celebration.
Which of these is a common variation of the phrase in Portugal?
Variation of 'Antes tarde do que nunca':
'Mais vale' is the standard variation in European Portuguese.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Onde você estava? O filme já começou!' B: 'Desculpe, o trânsito parou tudo. Mas...'
The speaker is justifying their late arrival.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosAntes ______ do que ______.
The standard proverb is 'Antes tarde do que nunca.'
You forgot your mother's birthday yesterday and you are calling her now.
It's a common way to apologize for a late celebration.
Variation of 'Antes tarde do que nunca':
'Mais vale' is the standard variation in European Portuguese.
A: 'Onde você estava? O filme já começou!' B: 'Desculpe, o trânsito parou tudo. Mas...'
The speaker is justifying their late arrival.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with colleagues in a relaxed office environment.
No, the full phrase is necessary for it to be recognized as the proverb.
Both are correct. 'Do que' is more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, while 'que' is slightly more formal or literary.
It depends on your relationship. If the boss is waiting for a critical report, it might sound dismissive. Use it only if the atmosphere is casual.
Yes, it's one of the most common ways to welcome a latecomer.
Not really a slang version, but people might say it with a very casual 'Né?' at the end: 'Antes tarde do que nunca, né?'
Yes! It's perfect for long-delayed life events, like getting a degree at age 70.
In Portugal, the 'de' at the end is almost silent or a very short 'd', unlike the Brazilian 'djee'.
Exactly the same. The meaning and usage patterns are identical.
Yes, it's often used jokingly for very small delays.
Frases relacionadas
Mais vale tarde do que nunca
synonymIt's worth more late than never.
Tarde, mas a tempo
similarLate, but in time.
Devagar se vai ao longe
builds onSlow and steady wins the race.
Antes só do que mal acompanhado
similarBetter alone than in bad company.
