andar atrás de

You use it just like a regular verb phrase. Conjugate andar to match the person doing the chasing. Follow it with atrás de and then the object of your search.

• Eu ando atrás de um carro novo. (I'm looking for a new car.)
• Ela anda atrás dele. (She is chasing/pursuing him.)

It works for physical objects, people, and abstract goals like 'success' or 'the truth.'

Use it when you want to show you've been busy searching. It sounds very natural in daily conversation. Use it at a party to talk about your dating life. Use it at work to explain you are hunting for a specific file. It fits perfectly when the search isn't just a one-second glance, but a process. It’s great for texting friends about your latest obsession.

Don't use it for a literal physical position in a race. If you are physically walking behind someone in a line, just use atrás de. Andar atrás de implies intent or a goal. Also, avoid it in extremely formal legal documents. It’s a bit too 'active' and colorful for a dry contract. If you just found something instantly, don't use it. It requires that 'searching' energy.

Portuguese culture values persistence and the 'hustle.' The phrase reflects a proactive attitude. In smaller towns, if someone is andar atrás de someone else, it’s often the talk of the town. It carries a sense of 'correr por fora' (running on the outside) to get what you want. It’s a very human, relatable expression of desire and effort.

You might hear ir atrás de. This is more immediate, like 'Go after it!' Andar atrás de feels more like a state of being or a phase you are in. You can also say correr atrás de, which is much more intense. That one means you are really sweating to make it happen!