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How to Say ‘And here I was thinking I could pass for a Lisboner.’ in Portuguese

E eu a achar que já passava por lisboeta.

ee EH-oo uh uh-SHAR kuh zhah puh-SAH-vuh poor leezh-BWEH-tuh

[ee EH-oo uh uh-SHAR kuh zhah puh-SAH-vuh poor leezh-BWEH-tuh]

💬 Usage Tip: E eu a + verb is a handy self-mocking frame: "and here I was doing…". Try E eu a pensar que falava bem "And here I was thinking I spoke well".

Phrase Breakdown

E eu a achar

ee EH-oo uh uh-SHAR

And here I was thinking

'A' + infinitive is the typical European Portuguese continuous form. 'E eu' blends as 'i-eu'.

Example

E eu a achar que era fácil.

And here I was thinking it was easy.

Words in this phrase

[ee]

and

A simple connector joining two qualities or ideas.

Example

Procuro um ambiente aberto e humano.

I am looking for an open and human environment.

[EH-oo]

The speaker refers to themselves.

Example

Eu vou ao bar esta noite.

I am going to the bar tonight.

[uh]

(progressive marker)

With an infinitive, 'a' shows an ongoing action, like '-ing'.

Example

Estou a comer.

I'm eating.

achar

[uh-SHAR]

thinking

Infinitive of 'achar', to think or reckon.

Example

Estava a achar graça.

I was finding it funny.

que já passava

kuh zhah puh-SAH-vuh

that I already passed

'Que' introduces the thought. Say it quickly as 'k'já'.

Example

Pensei que já passava o autocarro.

I thought the bus was already coming by.

Words in this phrase

que

[kuh]

that

Often used in expressions like claro que sim to reinforce the statement.

Example

Acho que podemos colaborar bem.

I think that we can collaborate well.

já

[zhah]

already

Indicates something happening sooner than expected or anticipated.

Example

Eu já terminei o jantar.

I already finished dinner.

passava

[puh-SAH-vuh]

passed (as)

From 'passar'; 'passar por' means to pass for someone.

Example

Ele passava por turista.

He passed for a tourist.

por lisboeta.

poor leezh-BWEH-tuh

as a Lisboner.

'Passar por' means 'to pass as'. Pronounce it 'lizh-bu-É-ta'.

Example

Já pareces um lisboeta.

You already look like a Lisboner.

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.

lisboeta

[leezh-BWEH-tuh]

Lisbon native

Person from Lisbon.

Example

A minha mãe é lisboeta.

My mother is from Lisbon.

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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