When you're trying to get someone's attention in Portugal, you might hear or use the word epá. It's a casual way of saying 'hey' or 'listen up'. It can also show surprise or astonishment, similar to 'wow' or 'oh man'.
When learning Portuguese, especially European Portuguese, you'll often hear the interjection "epá." It's a very common, informal way to get someone's attention, similar to saying "hey" or "dude" in English.
You can also use "epá" to express surprise, slight annoyance, or even agreement, depending on the context and your tone of voice. Mastering its use will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and authentic.
When someone says epá, they're usually trying to get your attention, similar to how we'd say "hey" or "listen" in English. It's quite common in Portugal, and you'll hear it a lot in informal conversations between friends or family.
You can also use epá to express surprise, both positive and negative. For example, if something unexpected happens, you might exclaim, "Epá, did you see that?" It's a versatile interjection that adds a natural, colloquial feel to your Portuguese.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Portuguese interjection "epá" is a really common word you'll hear all the time, especially in Portugal. It's a versatile little word that can mean a few different things depending on the context and how it's said. At its core, "epá" is an informal exclamation, similar to "hey" or "wow" in English.
- DEFINITION
- An informal exclamation to get attention or express surprise; hey.
You'll find people using "epá" in a variety of everyday situations. It's a conversational filler, an attention-grabber, and an expression of emotion. Let's break down its main uses:
- Getting Attention: Just like "hey" in English, "epá" is often used to get someone's attention in an informal setting. You might use it to call out to a friend or to start a conversation.
- Expressing Surprise or Amazement: "Epá" can also convey surprise, shock, or amazement. The tone of your voice will be key here. A rising intonation usually indicates surprise.
- Expressing Annoyance or Frustration: With a different tone, "epá" can show frustration or annoyance. This is where context becomes really important.
- As a Filler Word: Sometimes, "epá" is used almost subconsciously as a filler word, similar to "um" or "like" in English, to give the speaker a moment to think or to emphasize a point.
Epá, vem cá ver isto!
Epá, desculpa, não te tinha visto.
Epá, que fixe!
Não acredito! Epá!
Epá, para com isso!
Epá, outra vez?
Então, epá, eu acho que sim.
"Epá" is a truly ubiquitous part of Portuguese informal speech, particularly in Portugal. It adds a natural, colloquial feel to conversations. As you become more comfortable with Portuguese, you'll start to hear and understand its nuances. Don't be afraid to try using it yourself in appropriate contexts – it's a great way to sound more like a native speaker!
§ What "epá" Means
- Word
- epá
- Part of Speech
- Interjection
- CEFR Level
- B1
- Definition
- An informal exclamation used to get attention or express surprise; similar to "hey" or "wow" in English.
§ How to Use It
"Epá" is a really common and versatile interjection in Portuguese, especially in Portugal. It's super informal, so you'll hear it a lot in casual conversations. Think of it like saying "hey" or "wow" or even "man" in English, depending on the context. It can be used for several things, mainly to grab someone's attention or to show surprise.
§ Getting Attention
The most straightforward use of "epá" is to get someone's attention, much like a casual "hey" or "excuse me." You'll often use it before addressing someone directly.
Epá, podes ajudar-me aqui?
English hint: "Hey, can you help me here?"
Epá, olha para isto!
English hint: "Hey, look at this!"
§ Expressing Surprise or Amazement
"Epá" is also perfect for conveying surprise, shock, or even mild annoyance. The tone of your voice will make a big difference here. It can mean anything from "wow!" to "oh, man!" or "seriously?"
Epá, não acredito!
English hint: "Wow, I don't believe it!" or "Man, I don't believe it!"
Que susto, epá!
English hint: "What a fright, man!"
Epá, que fixe!
English hint: "Wow, that's cool!"
§ General Usage Notes
Informality: Remember, "epá" is very informal. Don't use it in formal settings or when speaking to people you need to show great respect to, like your boss or someone much older than you, unless you have a very close relationship.
Placement: "Epá" usually comes at the beginning of a sentence or phrase, but it can also be inserted mid-sentence or at the end for emphasis, particularly when expressing surprise or frustration.
No Gender/Number: As an interjection, "epá" doesn't change for gender or number. It's always "epá."
Common in Portugal: While understandable in Brazil, "epá" is far more common in European Portuguese. Brazilians have their own informal interjections, but if you're learning European Portuguese, this one is essential.
Here are a few more examples to get a feel for its use:
Não me digas que perdemos o comboio, epá!
English hint: "Don't tell me we missed the train, man!"
Epá, isto está complicado.
English hint: "Man, this is complicated."
By incorporating "epá" into your vocabulary, you'll sound much more natural and integrated into informal Portuguese conversations. It's a small word that carries a lot of conversational weight.
Guia de pronúncia
- Making the 'e' sound too long.
- Not stressing the first syllable.
Exemplos por nível
Epá, não te esqueças que temos uma reunião importante amanhã de manhã.
Hey, don't forget we have an important meeting tomorrow morning.
Epá, essa é uma ideia fantástica! Por que não pensamos nisso antes?
Wow, that's a fantastic idea! Why didn't we think of that before?
Epá, podes-me dar uma mãozinha com estas caixas? São um pouco pesadas.
Hey, can you give me a hand with these boxes? They're a bit heavy.
Epá, o que se passa aqui? Está tudo em silêncio.
Hey, what's going on here? It's all silent.
Epá, desculpa, não te tinha visto. Estás bem?
Oh, sorry, I didn't see you. Are you okay?
Epá, nunca pensei que ele fosse capaz de fazer algo assim.
Wow, I never thought he would be capable of doing something like that.
Epá, temos mesmo que resolver este problema o mais rapidamente possível.
Hey, we really need to solve this problem as quickly as possible.
Epá, que susto! Pensei que era outra pessoa.
Wow, what a scare! I thought it was someone else.
Epá, não te esqueças que temos uma reunião daqui a dez minutos!
Hey, don't forget we have a meeting in ten minutes!
Used to get attention.
Epá, que surpresa te ver por aqui! Não sabia que estavas na cidade.
Wow, what a surprise to see you here! I didn't know you were in town.
Expressing surprise.
Epá, isto é inacreditável! O trânsito está completamente parado.
Man, this is unbelievable! The traffic is completely stopped.
Expressing exasperation/disbelief.
Epá, podias dar-me uma ajuda com estas caixas, por favor?
Hey, could you give me a hand with these boxes, please?
Politely asking for help.
Epá, olha para aquilo! Que pôr do sol espetacular!
Whoa, look at that! What a spectacular sunset!
Drawing attention to something remarkable.
Epá, já são horas de ir. Tenho de apanhar o último autocarro.
Oh man, it's time to go. I have to catch the last bus.
Indicating realization of time.
Epá, não me digas que esqueceste os bilhetes de novo!
Ugh, don't tell me you forgot the tickets again!
Expressing mild annoyance or frustration.
Epá, esta comida está deliciosa! Tens de me dar a receita.
Wow, this food is delicious! You have to give me the recipe.
Expressing strong positive reaction.
Teste-se 54 perguntas
___, que horas são? (Hey, what time is it?)
The word 'Epá' is used informally to get someone's attention, similar to 'hey' in English. The other options don't fit this context.
___, olha que bonito! (Hey, look how beautiful!)
'Epá' is a suitable exclamation to draw attention to something, like 'hey' or 'wow'. The other words have different meanings.
___, eu não sabia disso! (Wow, I didn't know that!)
In this context, 'Epá' expresses surprise, which is one of its common uses. It's like saying 'wow' or 'oh, really?'.
___, está tudo bem? (Hey, is everything okay?)
'Epá' is used here to get someone's attention before asking a question, much like 'hey' or 'excuse me' in an informal setting.
___, que bom te ver! (Hey, good to see you!)
This sentence uses 'Epá' as a friendly exclamation when encountering someone, expressing pleasant surprise or a simple greeting.
___, não te esqueças! (Hey, don't forget!)
Here, 'Epá' is used to emphasize a reminder, similar to how 'hey' can be used to precede an important note.
Choose the best English equivalent for 'Epá, que surpresa!'
'Epá' is used to get attention or show surprise, so 'Hey, what a surprise!' is the best fit.
In which situation would you most likely use 'Epá'?
'Epá' is an informal interjection, suitable for informal interactions like calling a friend.
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'Epá'?
'Epá' is an interjection used at the beginning of a sentence to get attention or express something informally.
You can use 'Epá' in a formal business email.
'Epá' is an informal interjection and is not appropriate for formal communication like business emails.
'Epá' can be used to express surprise.
'Epá' is commonly used to express surprise, similar to 'Wow' or 'Hey' in English.
The word 'Epá' is a verb.
'Epá' is an interjection, which is a word used to express an emotion or sudden feeling, not a verb.
Imagine you're walking down the street and you see a friend you haven't seen in a while. How would you greet them informally in Portuguese, using an exclamation to get their attention?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Epá! Olá, tudo bem?
You are surprised by something a friend just said. Write a short sentence in Portuguese expressing your surprise, starting with an informal exclamation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Epá, a sério? Não acredito!
You want to tell a friend something important, so you need to get their attention. Write a short phrase you would use in Portuguese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Epá, escuta! Tenho que te dizer uma coisa.
O que a Ana quer fazer?
Read this passage:
Ana e Pedro estão a falar. A Ana diz: "Epá, tenho uma novidade para ti!". O Pedro responde: "Conta, conta!".
O que a Ana quer fazer?
A interjeição 'Epá' é usada aqui para chamar a atenção do Pedro, indicando que a Ana tem algo a dizer.
A interjeição 'Epá' é usada aqui para chamar a atenção do Pedro, indicando que a Ana tem algo a dizer.
Qual é a emoção que a Maria está a expressar?
Read this passage:
A Maria está a ler um livro e de repente ela diz: "Epá! Que susto!". O João, que estava ao lado dela, pergunta: "O que foi?".
Qual é a emoção que a Maria está a expressar?
A expressão 'Epá! Que susto!' é usada para indicar surpresa, geralmente de forma inesperada.
A expressão 'Epá! Que susto!' é usada para indicar surpresa, geralmente de forma inesperada.
Nesta situação, o que 'Epá' expressa?
Read this passage:
Durante um jogo de futebol, um jogador faz um golo incrível. Um adepto grita: "Epá! Que golo fantástico!". Outro adepto concorda e aplaude.
Nesta situação, o que 'Epá' expressa?
No contexto de um golo incrível, 'Epá' é usado para expressar admiração e entusiasmo.
No contexto de um golo incrível, 'Epá' é usado para expressar admiração e entusiasmo.
What a pleasant surprise!
Can you help me here?
I can't believe that happened!
Read this aloud:
Epá, tens um minuto?
Focus: E-pá
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, olha para isto!
Focus: Epá
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, estás a ouvir?
Focus: Epá
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This phrase expresses disbelief, using 'Epá' to introduce the strong feeling.
'Epá' is used here to get someone's attention in an informal way, followed by a request.
In this sentence, 'epá' is placed at the end to add emphasis and a touch of frustration to the question.
Listen for surprise and a question about a big mess.
Listen for disbelief and frustration about forgetting something again.
Listen for a call to attention, asking someone to come see something.
Read this aloud:
Epá, que ideia fantástica!
Focus: The 'E' at the start and the 'pá' sound.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, olha para aquilo!
Focus: The open 'a' sound in 'pá'.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, não sei se consigo.
Focus: The slight pause after 'Epá' to convey hesitation.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate response using 'epá' to someone who just told you an unbelievable story.
The interjection 'epá' is often used to express strong surprise or disbelief, making this option the most fitting for an unbelievable story.
In which scenario would 'epá' be considered too informal or out of place?
'Epá' is an informal interjection and would be highly inappropriate in a formal business setting, where more formal language is expected.
Someone drops a plate by accident. What would be a natural reaction using 'epá'?
'Epá, que pena!' (Oh, what a pity!) is a common and natural way to express mild disappointment or sympathy in an informal context.
Using 'epá' is generally acceptable when addressing a government official in a formal context.
'Epá' is an informal interjection and would be considered inappropriate and disrespectful in a formal interaction with a government official.
'Epá' can be used to politely interrupt someone to get their attention.
While informal, 'epá' can indeed be used to get someone's attention in a non-aggressive, often friendly or mildly urgent, manner.
The interjection 'epá' exclusively expresses positive emotions like joy or excitement.
'Epá' is versatile and can express a range of emotions, including surprise, disbelief, frustration, or even just to get attention, not solely positive ones.
Listen for the interjection and its surprising tone.
Listen for the interjection used to get attention before a request.
Listen for the interjection expressing disbelief.
Read this aloud:
Epá, que dia lindo!
Focus: The 'E' is short, and the 'pá' is pronounced like 'pah' in English.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, escuta só isto!
Focus: Ensure the 'p' sound is clear and crisp.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Epá, estás a brincar comigo?
Focus: Focus on the intonation to convey surprise or mild incredulity.
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You've just witnessed something truly astonishing and unexpected. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing the event and incorporate 'epá' naturally to convey your surprise and call attention to what happened.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estava a passear no parque quando, epá, vi um esquilo a fazer malabarismos com três nozes! Nunca pensei que fosse possível. Foi tão inacreditável que tive de esfregar os olhos para ter certeza de que não estava a sonhar. Epá, devias ter visto a agilidade dele!
Imagine you're having a casual conversation with a friend about a surprising turn of events in a shared project. Write a short dialogue (2-3 exchanges) where you use 'epá' to express your astonishment and encourage your friend to pay attention to a specific detail.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu: Epá, soubeste da última sobre o projeto? Eles mudaram tudo no último minuto! Amigo: A sério? O quê? Eu: Sim, epá, a data de entrega foi antecipada em duas semanas! Não me digas que não viste o email.
You are writing a social media post about a recent personal achievement that took you by surprise. Use 'epá' to introduce your announcement and convey a sense of delighted disbelief, keeping the tone informal and engaging.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Epá, ainda não acredito! Acabei de receber a notícia de que fui selecionado para o programa de intercâmbio! Tem sido um sonho meu há tanto tempo, e agora é realidade. É surreal, epá, estou nas nuvens!
What emotion does the use of 'Epá' primarily convey in the passage?
Read this passage:
A festa estava a correr perfeitamente, com boa música e comida excelente. De repente, a luz acabou e o silêncio instalou-se na sala. 'Epá, o que se passou aqui?!' gritou alguém do fundo, e as risadas começaram a ecoar. Rapidamente, as pessoas tiraram os seus telemóveis e acenderam as luzes, transformando o imprevisto num momento divertido e memorável.
What emotion does the use of 'Epá' primarily convey in the passage?
The context of the lights going out suddenly, followed by someone shouting 'Epá, o que se passou aqui?!', indicates surprise and an immediate need for an explanation or attention to the situation.
The context of the lights going out suddenly, followed by someone shouting 'Epá, o que se passou aqui?!', indicates surprise and an immediate need for an explanation or attention to the situation.
What does João's use of 'Epá' suggest about his state of mind when he finds Maria?
Read this passage:
No meio da agitada feira, João tentava encontrar a sua amiga Maria. Ele avistou-a finalmente perto da banca de frutas, a rir de uma piada. 'Epá, Maria, finalmente te encontrei!' exclamou João, um pouco ofegante, depois de tanto procurar. Maria virou-se, surpresa, e acenou-lhe com um sorriso. Era evidente o alívio na voz de João.
What does João's use of 'Epá' suggest about his state of mind when he finds Maria?
The passage describes João as 'um pouco ofegante' and 'alívio na voz', indicating that 'Epá' here functions as an informal way to express his relief at finding her and to grab her attention.
The passage describes João as 'um pouco ofegante' and 'alívio na voz', indicating that 'Epá' here functions as an informal way to express his relief at finding her and to grab her attention.
In this context, what is the primary sentiment conveyed by the coach's use of 'Epá'?
Read this passage:
A equipa de futebol estava a perder por um golo a poucos minutos do fim do jogo. O treinador, visivelmente frustrado com uma decisão do árbitro que resultou num penálti contra a sua equipa, virou-se para o seu adjunto e murmurou: 'Epá, isto é inacreditável! Como é que ele pode apitar aquilo?' A sua voz continha uma mistura de choque e indignação, mas sabia que tinha de manter a calma para os jogadores.
In this context, what is the primary sentiment conveyed by the coach's use of 'Epá'?
The coach is described as 'visivelmente frustrado', and his voice containing 'uma mistura de choque e indignação', directly linking 'Epá' to a strong expression of disbelief and indignation about the referee's decision.
The coach is described as 'visivelmente frustrado', and his voice containing 'uma mistura de choque e indignação', directly linking 'Epá' to a strong expression of disbelief and indignation about the referee's decision.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Conteúdo relacionado
Mais palavras de emotions
a sério?
A2seriously?, an expression of surprise, disbelief, or to check earnestness
abalado
A2Emotionally disturbed or upset; shaken.
abalar
A2To shake or disturb (emotionally); to affect deeply.
abalo
A2Shock, emotional disturbance; a sudden, disturbing, or upsetting emotional experience.
abandonado
B1Left by the owner or inhabitants; deserted.
abatidamente
B1In a dejected or disheartened manner; dejectedly.
abatido
A2Dejected; sad and depressed; dispirited.
abatimento
A2Dejection; a sad and depressed state; low spirits.
abertamente
A2openly, frankly; without concealment; publicly.
abismado
B1Filled with astonishment or wonder.
