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How to Say ‘It was’ in Portuguese

Foi

Foy

[Foy]

💬 Usage Tip: Foi is the past of ser here: Foi um prazer = It was a pleasure. You'll also see the same foi from ir in phrases like foi ao evento = went to the event, so the rest of the sentence tells you which one it is.

Phrase Breakdown

Foi

[Foy]

Was

The past tense of the verb 'to be' indicating something that happened or existed in the past.

Example

Foi um evento incrível.

It was an amazing event.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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