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How to Say ‘Time flies’ in Portuguese

O tempo passa depressa

oo TEM-poo PAH-sah deh-PREH-sah

[oo TEM-poo PAH-sah deh-PREH-sah]

Phrase Breakdown

O tempo

oo TEM-poo

Time

Portuguese uses the article here: 'o tempo'. 'Tempo' starts with a nasal 'tem': 'tẽpu'.

Example

O tempo está bom.

The weather is good.

Words in this phrase

[oo]

the

A masculine singular definite article used before nouns.

Example

O prazer de participar foi grande.

The pleasure of taking part was great.

tempo

[TEM-poo]

time

Refers to the other person's availability or minutes spent with you.

Example

Agradeci o «tempo» que dedicou à nossa conversa.

I thanked the “time” that you dedicated to our conversation.

passa depressa

PAH-sah deh-PREH-sah

goes by quickly

'Depressa' means 'quickly'. The first 'e' is nearly silent: 'dprèssa'.

Example

O comboio passa depressa.

The train goes by quickly.

Words in this phrase

passa

[PAH-sah]

passes

Form of 'passar' (to pass): it passes, goes by.

Example

O elétrico passa pela Sé.

The tram passes by the cathedral.

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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