Stop Saying “Como Isso”! The Right Way to Say It in Portuguese

If you’re learning Portuguese, you’ve probably tried translating “like that” or “like this” as “como isso” at some point. It seems logical, but it’s incorrect.

Why Fix This Mistake Early?

If you don’t, it might become a habit. Even as an advanced speaker, you could say something like:

🚫 Eu gosto da minha casa organizada como isso.

This sounds unnatural in Portuguese. The correct way?

✅ Eu gosto da minha casa organizada assim.

In Portuguese, “assim” is the right word for “like this” or “like that”—not “como isso”. NEVER “como isso”.

Why Do English Speakers Make This Mistake?

It comes down to how “like” works in English versus Portuguese.

In English, “like” can mean:

• Preference → I like coffee.
• Comparison → He runs like a pro.
• Manner → Do it like this.

In Portuguese, different words cover these meanings:

👉 “Assim” describes how something is done:

✔️ Faça assim. (Do it like this.)
✔️ Eu quero o cabelo assim. (I want my hair like this.)

👉 “Como” is used for questions and comparisons:

✔️ Como você fez isso? (How did you do that?)
✔️ Ele é como um irmão para mim. (He is like a brother to me.)

English speakers often say “como isso” because they’re following familiar patterns from English.

The Fix: A Simple Rule

Ask yourself: Are you describing how something is done?
✅ If yes, use “assim”
✔️ Eu gosto da minha casa organizada assim. (I like my house organized like that.)
✔️ Você pode fazer assim? (Can you do it like this?)

If you’re asking a question or making a comparison, use “como”.

Break the habit now, and your Portuguese will sound much more natural! 🚀

But why stop here? If you’re passionate about learning Portuguese in a fun, immersive way, join one of our online courses and take your skills to the next level:

Learn Portuguese the Brazilian Way! 🇧🇷✨

At The Brazilian Ways, we believe language learning should be fun, immersive, and deeply connected to culture. Our unique courses help you speak Portuguese naturally while experiencing Brazil through its music, films, literature, and dance.

🎶 The Brazilian Music Club – Learn Portuguese through the rhythm and lyrics of Brazilian music.
🎬 The Movie Club – Improve your Portuguese while exploring the best of Brazilian cinema.
📖 The Short Story Club – Enhance your skills by diving into Brazilian literature.
💃 Portuguese for Zouk – Connect with the Zouk dance community while learning Portuguese.

✨ Join a vibrant community of learners and experience Brazil through language!
👉 Explore our programs and start today! 🚀

📲 Follow us on Instagram for more engaging content, language tips, and cultural insights: @thebrazilianways