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How to Say ‘That's why they swap from time to time.’ in Portuguese

Por isso trocam de vez em quando.

poor EE-soo TRO-kawn deh vehz ehm KWAN-doo

[poor EE-soo TRO-kawn deh vehz ehm KWAN-doo]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: The bearers are often members of a local brotherhood, called a irmandade, and carrying the float is considered an honour, often passed down in families.

Phrase Breakdown

Por isso trocam

poor EE-soo TRO-kawn

That's why they swap

'Por isso' means 'that's why'. 'Trocam' comes from 'trocar' (to swap or change). The '-am' ending sounds like 'ow(ng)'.

Example

Por isso trocam de lugar.

That's why they change places.

Words in this phrase

Por

[poor]

for (in 'por isso' = that's why)

With 'isso' forms 'therefore'.

Example

Choveu, por isso fiquei em casa.

It rained, so I stayed home.

isso

[EE-soo]

that

Used to refer to an idea just mentioned, such as a company value or cultural trait.

Example

Isso chamou-me a atenção durante a conversa.

That caught my attention during the conversation.

trocam

[TRO-kawn]

they swap / change

From 'trocar', to exchange or take turns.

Example

Eles trocam de lugar.

They switch places.

de vez em quando.

deh vehz ehm KWAN-doo

from time to time.

This fixed expression is said in one flow: 'de-VEZH-ain-KWAN-du'.

Example

Visito os meus avós de vez em quando.

I visit my grandparents from time to time.

Words in this phrase

[deh]

(no direct translation)

Preposition linking 'importar-se' to the following verb.

Example

Importa-se de esperar?

Do you mind waiting?

vez

[vehz]

time

Used in expressions about an occasion or experience.

Example

É a primeira vez que venho aqui.

It is the first time I have come here.

[ehm]

Used to indicate inclusion within space or limits.

Example

Está em casa.

It's in the house.

quando

[KWAN-doo]

when (in 'de vez em quando' = from time to time)

Part of the fixed expression meaning occasionally.

Example

Vou ao cinema de vez em quando.

I go to the cinema now and then.

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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