15秒了解
- Means 'like this' or 'in this way' in most contexts.
- Functions as a bridge between ideas or a way to describe states.
- Highly dependent on gestures and physical context during conversation.
意思
It generally translates to 'like this' or 'this way'. It is a versatile word used to describe how something is done or to transition between ideas.
关键例句
3 / 6Teaching someone to dance
Você tem que mover os pés assim.
You have to move your feet like this.
Explaining a decision to a boss
O mercado mudou, e assim decidimos investir mais.
The market changed, and so we decided to invest more.
Texting a friend about a bad day
A vida é assim mesmo, né?
Life is just like that, right?
文化背景
The expression 'Como assim?' is used constantly to express shock, confusion, or to ask for clarification. It's the equivalent of 'What do you mean?' or 'How so?'. In Portugal, 'assim-assim' is a common response to 'Como estás?' (How are you?), meaning you are feeling 'so-so'. In Brazil, 'mais ou menos' is more frequent. In Angolan Portuguese, 'assim' can be used with specific intonation to emphasize the intensity of an action, often integrated into the rhythmic flow of the sentence. The use of 'assim' is almost always paired with 'deictic' gestures (pointing). It is culturally expected to use your hands to 'draw' the meaning of 'assim' in the air.
The 'Ó' Trick
Add a small 'ó' after 'assim' (assim ó) when showing something. It makes you sound 100% more like a native Brazilian.
Nasal Vowels
Don't close your lips at the end of 'assim'. If you do, it sounds like 'assime', which is wrong. Keep the air going through your nose.
15秒了解
- Means 'like this' or 'in this way' in most contexts.
- Functions as a bridge between ideas or a way to describe states.
- Highly dependent on gestures and physical context during conversation.
What It Means
Assim is your ultimate Swiss Army knife in Portuguese. It points to a specific manner or state. Think of it as saying 'in this manner' or 'just like that'. It captures the essence of how things are happening right now. It is simple but carries a lot of weight in conversation.
How To Use It
You use it to show someone how to do something. If you are teaching a friend to cook, you say Faz assim. Use it to describe your current state of being. It also works as a connector in sentences. It functions like 'so' or 'therefore' when you are explaining a result. It is short, punchy, and very easy to drop into sentences.
When To Use It
Use it when you are giving directions or instructions. It is perfect for physical gestures. Point at something and say Assim? to ask if you are doing it right. Use it in a meeting to summarize a point. It works great when you are texting to show agreement. It is ideal for those 'it is what it is' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it as a direct replacement for 'yes' in every case. While it can imply agreement, sim is still the standard. Avoid using it too much in very academic writing. It can feel a bit too casual if repeated every sentence. Do not confuse it with assim que, which means 'as soon as'. That is a different grammatical beast entirely!
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers love using their hands. Assim is almost always accompanied by a gesture. It reflects the visual and expressive nature of the culture. In Brazil, it often carries a relaxed, 'no worries' vibe. In Portugal, it can be slightly more precise. It has been a staple of the language since its Latin roots. It is the verbal equivalent of a shrug or a nod.
Common Variations
You will often hear assim ó, especially in Brazil. The ó is a shortened version of 'look'. It literally means 'like this, look!'. Another common one is mais ou menos assim. This means 'more or less like this'. It gives you some wiggle room if you are not sure. Then there is e assim por diante, which means 'and so on'.
使用说明
Very safe to use in all registers. Just be careful not to use it as a repetitive filler word ('tipo assim') in professional environments.
The 'Ó' Trick
Add a small 'ó' after 'assim' (assim ó) when showing something. It makes you sound 100% more like a native Brazilian.
Nasal Vowels
Don't close your lips at the end of 'assim'. If you do, it sounds like 'assime', which is wrong. Keep the air going through your nose.
Polite Disagreement
Use 'Não é bem assim...' to disagree without being rude. It suggests the other person is partly right but missing nuance.
例句
6Você tem que mover os pés assim.
You have to move your feet like this.
Used here to demonstrate a physical action.
O mercado mudou, e assim decidimos investir mais.
The market changed, and so we decided to invest more.
Acts as a formal transition meaning 'therefore'.
A vida é assim mesmo, né?
Life is just like that, right?
A common philosophical expression of resignation.
Eu queria um café bem forte, assim.
I wanted a very strong coffee, like this.
Used while gesturing to a small cup size.
Você vive assim ou é um evento especial?
Do you live like this or is it a special event?
Sarcastic use to highlight a surprising state.
Não fique assim, vai dar tudo certo.
Don't be (sad) like that, everything will be okay.
Refers to the person's emotional state without naming it.
自我测试
Fill in the blank with the correct form: 'assim', 'assim que', or 'mesmo assim'.
Eu não gosto de brócolis, mas ________ eu comi tudo.
'Mesmo assim' means 'even so', which fits the contrast in the sentence.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct use of 'assim' for a future event.
'Assim que' requires the future subjunctive (chegar) when referring to a future action.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are showing someone how to tie a knot.
'Faça assim' is used for physical demonstrations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'O filme foi muito longo.' B: 'Sim, ________ fomos embora antes do fim.'
In this context, 'assim' acts as 'therefore' or 'so'.
🎉 得分： /4
视觉学习工具
The Many Faces of Assim
Manner
- • Faça assim
- • Cante assim
- • Ande assim
Logic
- • Assim sendo
- • Assim, decidimos
- • Portanto
Time
- • Assim que chegar
- • Assim que puder
Contrast
- • Mesmo assim
- • Ainda assim
练习题库
4 练习Eu não gosto de brócolis, mas ________ eu comi tudo.
'Mesmo assim' means 'even so', which fits the contrast in the sentence.
Choose the correct use of 'assim' for a future event.
'Assim que' requires the future subjunctive (chegar) when referring to a future action.
Situation: You are showing someone how to tie a knot.
'Faça assim' is used for physical demonstrations.
A: 'O filme foi muito longo.' B: 'Sim, ________ fomos embora antes do fim.'
In this context, 'assim' acts as 'therefore' or 'so'.
🎉 得分： /4
常见问题
12 个问题No. Although it sounds like 'sim', it means 'like this'. However, in a context like 'Is it like this?', you can answer 'É assim' (It is like this).
'Desse jeito' is more informal and literally means 'of that way'. They are often interchangeable in casual speech.
It's a filler word, like 'So...' or 'Well...' in English. It gives the speaker a second to organize their thoughts.
If it's a future or uncertain event, yes (Assim que eu for). If it's a habitual past action, you use the indicative (Assim que eu chegava, ela saía).
In Portugal, you can say 'assim-assim'. In Brazil, 'mais ou menos' is much more common.
Yes, especially in formal writing. It's a synonym for 'portanto' or 'logo'.
It means 'and so on' or 'and so forth'.
Mostly, yes. The main difference is the frequency of 'assim-assim' (PT) vs 'mais ou menos' (BR) and the use of 'ó' (BR).
No. To say 'this much', you would say 'tanto assim' or 'tudo isso'.
It means 'so to speak'. You use it when using a metaphor or a slightly inaccurate term.
It is neutral. It is perfectly fine in a legal document and in a text message to your best friend.
No, it is an adverb/conjunction and is always invariable.
相关表达
Assim que
builds onAs soon as
Mesmo assim
builds onEven so / regardless
Assim como
builds onJust as / as well as
Assim sendo
specialized formThat being the case
Como assim?
specialized formHow so? / What do you mean?
Por assim dizer
specialized formSo to speak
