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How to Say ‘This way is longer, but you get there faster.’ in Portuguese

Por aqui dá mais voltas, mas chega-se mais depressa.

poor ah-KEE DAH mysh VOL-tash mahsh SHAY-gah-seh mysh deh-PREH-sah

[poor ah-KEE DAH mysh VOL-tash mahsh SHAY-gah-seh mysh deh-PREH-sah]

Phrase Breakdown

Por aqui

poor ah-KEE

This way

Literally 'through here'. 'Por' links to 'aqui': 'pu-ra-KEE'.

Example

Vá por aqui, por favor.

Go this way, please.

Words in this phrase

Por

[poor]

by / for

In the fixed expression 'por favor,' it helps form the meaning 'please'.

Example

Por favor, confirme a reserva.

Please confirm the reservation.

aqui

[ah-KEE]

here

Refers to this place or this context nearby.

Example

Aqui, no evento, há muitas oportunidades de networking.

Here, at the event, there are many networking opportunities.

dá mais voltas,

DAH mysh VOL-tash

it's more roundabout,

'Dar voltas' means taking a winding route. Pause briefly after the comma.

Example

A estrada dá mais voltas.

The road winds around more.

Words in this phrase

dá

[DAH]

makes / gives

From 'dar'; in 'dar voltas' it means to go around, make detours.

Example

Este caminho dá muitas voltas.

This route goes round a lot.

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

voltas

[VOL-tash]

turns / detours

Plural of 'volta', a turn or roundabout way.

Example

Demos muitas voltas.

We took many detours.

mas chega-se mais depressa.

mahsh SHAY-gah-seh mysh deh-PREH-sah

but you get there faster.

'Mas' (but) introduces the advantage. 'Chega-se' is impersonal: 'SHE-ga-s'.

Example

É longe, mas chega-se mais depressa.

It's far, but you get there faster.

Words in this phrase

mas

[mahsh]

but

Used to introduce a condition or playful twist, often teasing in a flirty way.

Example

Mas não penses que me convences assim tão facilmente.

But don’t think you can convince me that easily.

chega-se

[SHAY-gah-seh]

one gets there

Impersonal form of 'chegar', to arrive.

Example

Chega-se lá a pé.

You can get there on foot.

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

depressa

[deh-PREH-sah]

quickly

Fast, in a short time.

Example

Anda depressa!

Walk quickly!

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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