em breve — meaning in English: shortly

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for shortly

sublime

em breve

navegar

cabeça

restaurante

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Portuguese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'em breve' in casual conversations to indicate that something will happen soon, such as in a conversation about upcoming events or plans. For instance, a friend might say, 'A festa começará em breve,' meaning 'The party will start shortly.' It's also common in professional settings, such as in emails to inform colleagues about an imminent update.

Synonyms & nuances

'Em breve' can be compared to 'logo' and 'daqui a pouco,' both of which also imply something happening soon. However, 'logo' tends to suggest a slightly more certain timeframe, while 'daqui a pouco' leans towards something occurring in just a few moments. Choosing 'em breve' conveys a sense of general imminence without committing to a specific time.

Culture

'Em breve' translates literally to 'in short' or 'in brief,' reflecting a straightforward manner of communication valued in Brazilian culture. Historically, the phrase embodies the Portuguese linguistic tendency to blend practicality with politeness, making it a staple in both spoken and written language. Interestingly, in Portuguese-speaking countries, the phrase is often associated with anticipation, such as the excitement for holidays or major events.

FAQ

Q.What does 'em breve' mean in English?

'Em breve' means 'shortly' in English. It’s commonly used to indicate that something will happen very soon.

Q.How do I use 'em breve' in a sentence?

You can use 'em breve' in a sentence like, 'O filme começará em breve,' which translates to 'The movie will start shortly.' It's versatile and can fit in various contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'em breve'?

One common mistake is using 'em breve' when a more specific timeframe is needed. If something is happening in the next few minutes, 'daqui a pouco' might be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances helps in conveying the right urgency.

Learn portuguese with Maspeak →

Portuguese Vocabulary