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How to Say ‘I was once’ in Portuguese

Eu já fui

eh-ooh zhah FOO-ee

[eh-ooh zhah FOO-ee]

💬 Usage Tip: Já fui often means "I once was" or "I've already been," depending on context. Já is very flexible in Portuguese, so don't always translate it as just "already."

Phrase Breakdown

[eh-ooh]

Pronoun referring to oneself.

Example

Eu estou aqui.

I am here.

já

[zhah]

already

Prior to a specified or implied time.

Example

Já comi meu almoço.

I have already eaten my lunch.

fui

[FOO-ee]

was

Past tense of 'am/is'.

Example

Eu fui estudante ali.

I was a student there.

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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