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How to Say ‘Properly’ in Portuguese

Como deve ser

KOH-moo DEH-vuh seh-r

[KOH-moo DEH-vuh seh-r]

Phrase Breakdown

Como

[KOH-moo]

like; as

Used for comparison, often to explain how something feels.

Example

Trabalham como uma verdadeira equipa.

They work like a real team.

deve

[DEH-vuh]

should

From 'dever'; 'como deve ser' means properly.

Example

Faz como deve ser.

Do it properly.

ser

[seh-r]

Used to describe the state or condition of something.

Example

Tudo vai ser diferente aqui.

Everything will be different here.

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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