A2 (Elementary)Lesson 7: Comparisons & Connectors
Portuguese frequency adverbs express how often actions occur, with flexible positioning and colloquial variations that reflect Brazilian attitudes toward time and routine, from absolute expressions (sempre/nunca) to variable frequencies.
sempre = always
nunca = never
às vezes = sometimes
de vez em quando = once in a while
frequentemente = frequently
raramente = rarely
Position: usually before main verb
After auxiliary verbs: tenho sempre feito
Frequency expressions let you describe habits and routines naturally! From "sempre tomo café" (I always drink coffee) to "nunca mais!" (never again!), these words transform simple actions into lifestyle descriptions. Brazilian Portuguese has unique patterns – like using "nunca" without "não" in casual speech or the distinctly Brazilian "vira e mexe" (every now and then). Master these to discuss everything from work habits to social patterns authentically!
frequency adverb + verb OR verb + frequency adverb OR frequency adverb at sentence beginning/end
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From most to least frequent:
| Adverb | Meaning | Percentage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sempre | always | 100% | Sempre acordo cedo |
| quase sempre | almost always | 90% | Quase sempre almoço em casa |
| frequentemente | frequently | 70-80% | Frequentemente viajo |
| às vezes | sometimes | 40-50% | Às vezes saio à noite |
| de vez em quando | once in a while | 20-30% | De vez em quando vou ao cinema |
| raramente | rarely | 10% | Raramente como carne |
"Sempre tomo café antes de sair" (I always have coffee before leaving)
"Nunca esqueço de escovar os dentes" (I never forget to brush my teeth)
"Às vezes trabalho de casa" (Sometimes I work from home)
"De vez em quando peço comida" (Once in a while I order food)
"Raramente como carne vermelha" (I rarely eat red meat)
"Frequentemente vou à academia" (I frequently go to the gym)
"Ela sempre chega atrasada" (She always arrives late)
"Quase nunca assisto TV" (I almost never watch TV)
In casual speech, "nunca" alone is preferred:
Formal: "Não como nunca"
Common: "Nunca como"
Both grammatically correct
In questions, can imply annoyance:
"Você sempre faz isso?" (Do you always do this? - critical)
"Sempre tem que ser assim?" (Does it always have to be like this?)
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