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How to Say ‘There were loads of people.’ in Portuguese

Estavam bué pessoas.

shtah-VOWNG boo-EH peh-SOH-ush

[shtah-VOWNG boo-EH peh-SOH-ush]

Phrase Breakdown

Estavam

[shtah-VOWNG]

there were / they were

Imperfect past of 'estar' (they); used here for 'there were'.

Example

Estavam todos na festa.

Everyone was at the party.

bué

[boo-EH]

loads of / really

Very common Lisbon slang meaning 'a lot' or 'very'.

Example

Gosto bué de ti.

I like you loads.

pessoas

[peh-SOH-ush]

people

Plural noun meaning 'people'.

Example

As pessoas costumam ajudar os recém-chegados na equipa.

People usually help newcomers in the team.

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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