🎁

How to Say ‘It was a present’ in Portuguese

Foi um presente

foy oom prez-en-teh

[foy oom prez-en-teh]

💬 Usage Tip: presente means "gift" here, not "the present moment". Another common word for it is prenda.

Phrase Breakdown

Foi

[foy]

it was / was

Past tense of 'ser,' often used in polite follow-up phrases like 'foi um prazer.'

Example

Foi ótimo conhecê-lo no evento.

It was great to meet you at the event.

[oom]

a; one

Indefinite article or number used before a masculine singular noun.

Example

No seguimento do evento, foi um prazer e Um gosto falar consigo.

Following the event, it was a pleasure and a delight to speak with you.

presente

[prez-en-teh]

gift

Something bestowed voluntarily and without expectation of return.

Example

Ele trouxe um pequeno presente.

He brought a small gift.

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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