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How to Say ‘Then teach me properly.’ in Portuguese

Então ensina-me como deve ser.

ehn-TAWNG en-SEE-nuh-muh KOH-moo DEH-vuh seh-r

[ehn-TAWNG en-SEE-nuh-muh KOH-moo DEH-vuh seh-r]

Phrase Breakdown

Então ensina-me

ehn-TAWNG en-SEE-nuh-muh

Then teach me

'Então' means 'then' or 'so', with a nasal ending (en-TÃO). 'Ensina-me' is the command 'teach me'. The pronoun goes after the verb with a hyphen, as is usual in Portugal.

Example

Então ensina-me a cozinhar.

Then teach me how to cook.

Words in this phrase

Então

[ehn-TAWNG]

so; then

Used to conclude a decision after hearing the options.

Example

Depois de comparar, digo Então fico com o do Brasil. no fim.

After comparing, I say So I’ll go with the Brazilian one. in the end.

ensina-me

[en-SEE-nuh-muh]

teach me

From 'ensinar', to teach, plus 'me'.

Example

Ensina-me a dançar.

Teach me to dance.

como deve ser.

KOH-moo DEH-vuh seh-r

the right way / properly

This is a fixed expression meaning 'as it should be' or 'properly'. In European Portuguese the final 'e' in 'deve' is almost silent: 'dév'.

Example

Faz o trabalho como deve ser.

Do the work properly.

Words in this phrase

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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