Portuguese Blog

To finish the week, we’ll look at three more expressions used to show surprise in Portuguese.

1. Puxa / puxa vida! (poo-shah / poo-shah vee-dah): Jeez! Man! Gosh!

This expression is meant to show surprise, indignation, or frustration.

Examples:

Puxa! Esta cidade é bem cara. Man! This city is expensive.

Puxa vida! Você esqueceu de novo? Jeez! You forgot again?

2. Caraca! (kah-rah-kah): Gee whiz! Wow! Gosh!

This expression is also used to show surprise, indignation, or shock. When used for true surprise by Cariocas, the “r” sound comes out sounding like a Spanish rolled “r.”

Examples:

Caraca! A vista da bahia é incrivel! Gosh! The view of the bay is amazing!

Caraca! A agua está fria! Wow! The water is cold!

3. Ai meu Deus do céu! (i me-oo day-oos doo say-oo): Oh my god!

The literal translation of this expression is “Oh my god in heaven.” It’s used to show surprise or shock.

Examples:

Mãe, eu perdi todo o meu dinheiro. Mom, I lost all my money.
Ai meu Deus do céu! Oh my god!

O fogo destriui a casa toda. The fire destroyed the entire house.
Ai meu Deus do céu! Oh my dear god!