Language isn’t just about words – body language plays a huge role too! In Portuguese, we always use hand gestures to emphasise our words. Some of these gestures are so uniquely Portuguese that even fluent speakers might not know them!
For example, if someone has their “nariz empinado” (literally “nose raised”), they’re acting snobbish or arrogant. If someone waves their hand dismissively, they’re saying they don’t care at all (“está-se nas tintas!”). And when it’s time to leave, just tap your wrist: no words are needed, everyone will understand “está na hora!”
In this post, I’ll break down some of the most useful Portuguese hand gestures, so you can understand and use them like a local! And please watch the video to get some of these gestures in context. I made up a hypothetical story where I used these gestures in context, and my guest participant had to guess what each meant.
Portuguese Gestures
Firstly, let’s look at the gestures I used in the made-up story before you watch the video.
“Nariz empinado” (Nose in the air) is linked to the idea of someone who considers themselves socially or intellectually superior and looks down on others.
“Ter medo” / “Ficar assustado/a” (being scared or frightened)
“Estar-se nas tintas” (lit: to be in the paint/ink – meaning: to not care) This is an idiomatic expression that dates back to the 19th century. It’s related to the process of letterpress printing. Typographers used inks to print text and if a smudge or smear occurred, some didn’t worry too much, as the error could be corrected or wasn’t something serious. Thus, “being in ink” came to mean disinterest or indifference.
“Está um brinco” / “É daqui!” (lit. it’s an earing – Looks perfect!). This idiomatic expression compares the appearance of something or someone to the shine of an earring. In the past, earrings were small, well-polished pieces of jewellery associated with elegance and neatness. So to say that something “looks like an earring” means that it is very well cared for and presentable. We also use it to describe very delicious food.
“Ter garganta” (lit: “to have throat” meaning: too much talking and little action). This is another idiomatic expression and has a metaphorical meaning based on the voice and the ability to speak loudly. In the past, “having a throat” referred to someone who could project their voice, whether to sing or give a speech. Over time, it came to be used to describe someone who speaks exaggeratedly, either to show off or to convince others.
“Há muito tempo atrás” (a long time ago)
“Desculpe”/”Se faz favor” (Excuse me or please). It’s used to call a waiter/waitress over.
“um café/ um cafezinho” (Expresso coffee) – Usually used to order from afar or ask if anyone wants one.
“a conta” – I think this one is universal and very common in Portugal. I know that in other cultures this may not be very polite, but here it is very normal and natural.
“roubar” (to steal)
“Bem visto!” (well seen/spotted or also used to mean “good thinking”). It can also mean “to take a peek/look”.
“Despacha-te” (hurry up)