If you’re planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro or simply want to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture, learning local slang is a must! Carioca expressions are vibrant, playful, and full of personality. In this blog post, we’ve gathered 21 popular Carioca expressions with their literal translations, short explanations, and diverse examples in both Portuguese and English to help you understand and use them naturally.

1. Parada

Literal Translation: Stop
Explanation:
“Parada” refers to an object or situation and can also be used to express agreement—similar to saying “That’s right” or “Exactly” in English.

• Example 1 (Referring to an object):
  • Portuguese: “Eu preparei aquela parada que você pediu, está pronta para levar.”
  • English: “I prepared that thing you asked for; it’s ready to go.”
    Context: Talking about an item or task.
• Example 2 (Agreement):
  • Portuguese: “A parada é isso aí, a gente tem que ser mais unidos!”
  • English: “That’s right, we need to stick together!”
    Context: Expressing agreement or confirmation.
• Example 3 (Referring to a situation):
  • Portuguese: “Essa parada está mais complicada do que eu imaginava.”
  • English: “This situation is more complicated than I imagined.”
    Context: Describing a challenging situation.

2. Se liga

Literal Translation: Get plugged in
Explanation:
“Se liga” is used to tell someone to pay attention or stay alert—similar to “Pay attention” or “Watch out” in English.

• Example 1 (Alert):
  • Portuguese: “Se liga, eles estão nos observando desde ontem!”
  • English: “Watch out, they’ve been watching us since yesterday!”
    Context: Urging someone to be cautious.
• Example 2 (Safety tip):
  • Portuguese: “Se liga nos sinais, a rua está bloqueada.”
  • English: “Pay attention to the signs; the street is closed.”
    Context: Advising someone to notice important details.
• Example 3 (Admiration):
  • Portuguese: “Se liga nos detalhes dessa pintura, é incrível!”
  • English: “Focus on the details of this painting; it’s amazing!”
    Context: Inviting someone to appreciate something noteworthy.

3. Bolado

Literal Translation: Confused
Explanation:
“Bolado” describes someone who is upset, worried, or annoyed—akin to “upset” or “bothered” in English.

• Example 1 (Frustration):
  • Portuguese: “Estou bolado com o atraso do voo, isso é um saco.”
  • English: “I’m really upset about the flight delay; it’s such a pain.”
    Context: Expressing frustration over travel issues.
• Example 2 (Worry):
  • Portuguese: “Estou bolado com os resultados da prova, acho que não passei.”
  • English: “I’m worried about my exam results—I think I failed.”
    Context: Expressing concern about an outcome.
• Example 3 (Anger):
  • Portuguese: “Fiquei bolado com o que ele falou ontem, não dá pra ficar quieto.”
  • English: “I got mad about what he said yesterday—I can’t just stay quiet about it.”
    Context: Reacting to hurtful words.

4. Caraca

Literal Translation: Wow
Explanation:
“Caraca” is an exclamation of surprise or disbelief, much like “Wow!” in English. The tone may imply admiration or shock.

• Example 1 (Positive surprise):
  • Portuguese: “Caraca, que praia maravilhosa, nunca vi algo assim!”
  • English: “Wow, what a gorgeous beach—I’ve never seen anything like it!”
    Context: Admiring a breathtaking view.
• Example 2 (Disbelief):
  • Portuguese: “Caraca, você vai mesmo fazer isso? Não acredito!”
  • English: “Wow, you’re really going to do that? I can’t believe it!”
    Context: Expressing incredulity about someone’s decision.
• Example 3 (Shock):
  • Portuguese: “Caraca, ele conseguiu! Nunca imaginei que ele fosse tão bom.”
  • English: “Wow, he did it! I never imagined he’d be this good.”
    Context: Mixed surprise and admiration.

5. Sangue bom

Literal Translation: Good blood
Explanation:
“Sangue bom” describes someone as a genuinely good or trustworthy person—similar to calling someone “a good guy” in English.

• Example 1 (Praise):
  • Portuguese: “Ele é muito sangue bom, sempre ajuda todo mundo sem esperar nada em troca.”
  • English: “He’s such a good guy; he always helps everyone without expecting anything in return.”
    Context: Praising someone’s generosity.
• Example 2 (Reassurance):
  • Portuguese: “Você vai ver, a Ana é sangue bom, pode confiar nela.”
  • English: “You’ll see, Ana is a good person; you can trust her.”
    Context: Reassuring someone about a friend.
• Example 3 (Admiration):
  • Portuguese: “Aquele cara é sangue bom, sempre faz o possível para agradar os outros.”
  • English: “That guy is really a good person—he always goes out of his way to please others.”
    Context: Admiring someone’s kindness.

6. 0800

Literal Translation: 0800 (toll-free number)
Explanation:
“0800” is used to describe something that’s free of charge, similar to saying “free” or “complimentary” in English.

• Example 1 (Event):
  • Portuguese: “Ouvi dizer que o evento vai ser 0800, ninguém vai precisar pagar nada.”
  • English: “I heard the event is free; no one will have to pay anything.”
    Context: Talking about a cost-free event.
• Example 2 (Ticket):
  • Portuguese: “Esse ingresso para o show é 0800, você não vai pagar nada!”
  • English: “This concert ticket is free—you won’t pay a dime!”
    Context: Describing free entry.
• Example 3 (Promotion):
  • Portuguese: “Esse restaurante tem um jantar 0800 para quem fizer a reserva até amanhã.”
  • English: “This restaurant offers a free dinner for those who reserve by tomorrow.”
    Context: Referring to a promotional offer.

7. Fala sério

Literal Translation: Speak seriously
Explanation:
“Fala sério” expresses disbelief, frustration, or annoyance. It’s equivalent to saying “Are you serious?” or “Come on!” in English.

• Example 1 (Disbelief):
  • Portuguese: “Você vai sair com esse look? Fala sério!”
  • English: “You’re going out in that outfit? Are you serious?”
    Context: Questioning someone’s choices.
• Example 2 (Frustration):
  • Portuguese: “Fala sério, já são 10 horas e o ônibus não chegou.”
  • English: “Come on, it’s already 10 o’clock and the bus still hasn’t arrived.”
    Context: Expressing impatience.
• Example 3 (Skepticism):
  • Portuguese: “Fala sério, você realmente acredita nessa história?”
  • English: “Seriously, do you really believe that story?”
    Context: Expressing doubt.

8. Mermão

Literal Translation: My brother
Explanation:
“Mermão” is a friendly, casual term derived from “meu irmão” (my brother) and is similar to “dude” or “bro” in English.

• Example 1 (Greeting):
  • Portuguese: “Mermão, quanto tempo! Como você está?”
  • English: “Bro, it’s been a while! How have you been?”
    Context: Casual greeting among friends.
• Example 2 (Excitement):
  • Portuguese: “Mermão, você viu aquele gol ontem? Foi demais!”
  • English: “Dude, did you see that goal yesterday? It was awesome!”
    Context: Sharing excitement about a sports moment.
• Example 3 (Surprise):
  • Portuguese: “Mermão, eu não sabia que você tinha passado nesse concurso!”
  • English: “Bro, I had no idea you passed that exam!”
    Context: Expressing pleasant surprise at an achievement.

9. Dar moral

Literal Translation: Give moral
Explanation:
“Dar moral” means to give someone support, attention, or respect. It’s similar to saying “give someone a hand” or “show some respect” in English.

• Example 1 (Support):
  • Portuguese: “Ela me deu moral e me ajudou a terminar o projeto a tempo.”
  • English: “She gave me a hand and helped me finish the project on time.”
    Context: Expressing gratitude for support.
• Example 2 (Respect):
  • Portuguese: “O João sempre dá moral para os mais novos, ele é um exemplo.”
  • English: “João always shows respect to the younger ones; he’s a real role model.”
    Context: Praising someone for their respectful attitude.
• Example 3 (Request for help):
  • Portuguese: “Me dá uma moral, manda essa mensagem para ele!”
  • English: “Give me a hand—send that message to him!”
    Context: Informally asking for assistance.

10. Coé

Literal Translation: What is it
Explanation:
“Coé” is a relaxed, casual greeting or inquiry, similar to “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?” in English.

• Example 1 (Greeting):
  • Portuguese: “Coé, mermão, tudo certo?”
  • English: “What’s up, bro? Everything good?”
    Context: Casual greeting among friends.
• Example 2 (Inquiry):
  • Portuguese: “Coé, você vai na festa hoje?”
  • English: “What’s up, are you going to the party tonight?”
    Context: Checking someone’s plans.
• Example 3 (Invitation):
  • Portuguese: “Coé, vamos ao cinema amanhã?”
  • English: “What’s up, shall we go to the movies tomorrow?”
    Context: Casually inviting someone out.

11. Já é

Literal Translation: Already is
Explanation:
“Já é” is used to agree with or confirm something—similar to “Sure!” or “You got it!” in English.

• Example 1 (Simple agreement):
  • Portuguese: “– Vamos ao cinema hoje?”
  • English: “– Are we going to the movies today?”
    “– You got it!”
    Context: Confirming a plan.
• Example 2 (Reassuring confirmation):
  • Portuguese: “– Vou te ligar depois da reunião.”
  • English: “– I’ll call you after the meeting.”
    “– Sure, no problem!”
    Context: Informal confirmation.
• Example 3 (Enthusiastic consent):
  • Portuguese: “– Quer ir à praia mais tarde?”
  • English: “– Do you want to go to the beach later?”
    “– For sure!”
    Context: Expressing enthusiasm about plans.

12. Maneiro

Literal Translation: Cool
Explanation:
“Maneiro” is used to describe something as cool, nice, or interesting—very similar to “awesome” or “cool” in English.

• Example 1 (Compliment):
  • Portuguese: “Esse seu novo carro é maneiro!”
  • English: “Your new car is awesome!”
    Context: Complimenting an item.
• Example 2 (Event feedback):
  • Portuguese: “Que festa maneiro, adorei!”
  • English: “What a cool party—I loved it!”
    Context: Describing a fun event.
• Example 3 (Expressing enthusiasm):
  • Portuguese: “A ideia do show de amanhã é maneiríssima!”
  • English: “The idea for tomorrow’s show is super cool!”
    Context: Praising a creative plan.

13. Sinistro

Literal Translation: Sinister
Explanation:
“Sinistro” can have dual meanings. It may describe something incredibly impressive or intense, or it can denote something eerie or creepy—context matters!

• Example 1 (Positive intensity):
  • Portuguese: “Aquele jogo de futebol foi sinistro, cara!”
  • English: “That football game was insane, man!”
    Context: Expressing enthusiasm about an exciting match.
• Example 2 (Negative vibe):
  • Portuguese: “Aquela casa abandonada está sinistra, não vamos entrar.”
  • English: “That abandoned house looks creepy; let’s not go in.”
    Context: Warning about a spooky situation.
• Example 3 (Extreme situation):
  • Portuguese: “Aquela tempestade foi sinistra, o vento estava muito forte!”
  • English: “That storm was intense; the wind was incredibly strong!”
    Context: Describing an extreme weather event.

14. Deu ruim

Literal Translation: It gave bad
Explanation:
“Deu ruim” is used when something goes wrong—similar to “it went south” or “things went bad” in English.

• Example 1 (Work mishap):
  • Portuguese: “A reunião deu ruim, ninguém conseguiu chegar a um acordo.”
  • English: “The meeting went south; no one could reach an agreement.”
    Context: Describing a failed business situation.
• Example 2 (Travel issue):
  • Portuguese: “Deu ruim no voo, perdemos a conexão.”
  • English: “The flight went bad; we missed our connection.”
    Context: Expressing disappointment with travel plans.
• Example 3 (Everyday mishap):
  • Portuguese: “Deu ruim com a minha bateria, acabou bem na hora que eu precisava.”
  • English: “My battery died at the worst moment; things just went bad.”
    Context: Describing a personal setback.

15. Trocar uma ideia

Literal Translation: To exchange an idea
Explanation:
“Trocar uma ideia” means to have a chat or conversation—akin to “let’s talk” or “have a chat” in English.

• Example 1 (Discussing work):
  • Portuguese: “Preciso trocar uma ideia com você sobre nosso projeto.”
  • English: “I need to have a chat with you about our project.”
    Context: Initiating a discussion about work.
• Example 2 (Planning):
  • Portuguese: “Vamos trocar uma ideia amanhã para decidir os detalhes do evento.”
  • English: “Let’s chat tomorrow to work out the details of the event.”
    Context: Organizing plans with a friend or colleague.
• Example 3 (Personal talk):
  • Portuguese: “Eu quero trocar uma ideia com ela sobre o que aconteceu.”
  • English: “I want to talk to her about what happened.”
    Context: Discussing a personal matter.

16. Vamo marcar

Literal Translation: Let’s mark
Explanation:
“Vamo marcar” is a casual way to suggest setting up plans or agreeing to meet up later—similar to “let’s set a date” in English.

• Example 1 (Suggesting a meeting):
  • Portuguese: “– Quando a gente vai sair para almoçar?
    – Vamo marcar.”
  • English: “– When are we going out for lunch?
    – Let’s set a date.”
    Context: Casual planning.
• Example 2 (Postponing):
  • Portuguese: “– Vou viajar no próximo mês, vamo marcar de nos encontrar quando eu voltar.”
  • English: “– I’m traveling next month, let’s set a date to meet when I get back.”
    Context: Delaying plans until a more convenient time.
• Example 3 (Follow-up meeting):
  • Portuguese: “– Eu te vi no evento, vamo marcar de conversar melhor outro dia.”
  • English: “– I saw you at the event; let’s arrange to chat more another day.”
    Context: Proposing a future conversation.

17. Tá mec

Literal Translation: It’s mec
Explanation:
“Tá mec” means everything is cool or all is well—similar to “it’s all good” or “it’s chill” in English. Commonly used among younger people.

• Example 1 (General well-being):
  • Portuguese: “– Como estão as coisas?
    – Tá mec, tudo tranquilo.”
  • English: “– How’s everything going?
    – It’s chill, all good.”
    Context: Casual response to “How are you?”
• Example 2 (No stress):
  • Portuguese: “– Como você está?
    – Tá mec, sem stress.”
  • English: “– How are you?
    – I’m fine, no stress.”
    Context: Expressing a relaxed state.
• Example 3 (Event feedback):
  • Portuguese: “O rolê foi massa, tava tudo tá mec.”
  • English: “The hangout was awesome; everything was cool.”
    Context: Summarizing a positive experience.

18. Papo reto

Literal Translation: Straight talk
Explanation:
“Papo reto” means to speak honestly and directly—akin to “let’s be straight” or “no-nonsense talk” in English.

• Example 1 (Giving advice):
  • Portuguese: “– Papo reto, você precisa melhorar a sua alimentação.”
  • English: “Straight talk: you need to improve your diet.”
    Context: Offering honest advice without sugarcoating.
• Example 2 (Problem solving):
  • Portuguese: “– Estou muito cansado de tanto trabalho.
    – Papo reto, você precisa tirar uma folga.”
  • English: “– I’m exhausted from all this work.
    – Straight talk, you need to take a break.”
    Context: Suggesting a solution plainly.
• Example 3 (Direct request):
  • Portuguese: “– Não tenho muito tempo, então, papo reto: você vai me ajudar ou não?”
  • English: “I don’t have much time, so straight talk: will you help me or not?”
    Context: Getting directly to the point.

19. Meter o pé

Literal Translation: Put the foot
Explanation:
“Meter o pé” is used when you decide to leave or tell someone to leave—similar to “take off” or “bounce” in English.

• Example 1 (Leaving an event):
  • Portuguese: “– A festa estava boa, mas decidi meter o pé mais cedo.”
  • English: “The party was good, but I decided to take off early.”
    Context: Choosing to leave before the event ends.
• Example 2 (Exiting a conversation):
  • Portuguese: “– O assunto não está fluindo, acho que vou meter o pé dessa conversa.”
  • English: “This conversation isn’t going anywhere; I think I’ll take off.”
    Context: Exiting an unproductive discussion.
• Example 3 (Telling someone to leave):
  • Portuguese: “– Não quero mais conversar com você, mete o pé daqui.”
  • English: “I don’t want to talk to you anymore; get out of here.”
    Context: Dismissing someone in a heated moment.

20. Brotar

Literal Translation: To sprout
Explanation:
“Brotar” is a colloquial way to invite someone to show up or to appear—similar to “come over” or “show up” in English.

• Example 1 (Inviting to an event):
  • Portuguese: “– Você vai brotar no meu aniversário amanhã?”
  • English: “Are you coming to my birthday tomorrow?”
    Context: Inviting someone to a celebration.
• Example 2 (Casual invitation):
  • Portuguese: “– Vamos fazer um churrasco no sábado, brota lá!”
  • English: “We’re having a barbecue on Saturday—come over!”
    Context: Inviting someone to a casual gathering.
• Example 3 (Unexpected appearance):
  • Portuguese: “– Ele simplesmente brotou no meio da festa.”
  • English: “He just showed up in the middle of the party.”
    Context: Describing an unexpected arrival.

21. Ainda

Literal Translation: Still
Explanation:
“Ainda” is used to confirm plans, express ongoing actions, or show certainty—similar to saying “for sure” or “still” in English.

• Example 1 (Confirming plans):
  • Portuguese: “– Vamos sair amanhã?
    – Ainda, não posso perder esse rolé!”
  • English: “– Are we going out tomorrow?
    – For sure, I can’t miss that event!”
    Context: Confirming excitement about future plans.
• Example 2 (Expressing belief):
  • Portuguese: “– Eu ainda acredito no que você disse.”
  • English: “I still believe what you said.”
    Context: Expressing continuous belief or agreement.
• Example 3 (Ongoing action):
  • Portuguese: “– Ainda estou esperando minha resposta.”
  • English: “I’m still waiting for my response.”
    Context: Indicating that an action or state continues.

Conclusion

Understanding these 21 Carioca expressions can enrich your vocabulary and help you blend into the local culture in Rio de Janeiro. Whether you’re chatting with friends, planning an outing, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, these expressions add flavor to your conversations. Remember, practice is key—try using these expressions in context and soon you’ll be speaking like a true Carioca!

If you enjoyed this post and want to learn more about Brazilian Portuguese and culture, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media for more tips and lessons.