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Today we’re going to talk about Lover’s Day in Brazil. You will learn a little Brazilian culture and romantic vocabulary to use with that special person.
Why do we celebrate Dia dos Namorados in June?
In Brazil, we celebrate Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) on June 12. Do you know why?
While in the United States and Europe “Valentine’s Day” is celebrated on February 14, in Brazil, the romantic holiday has been commemorated on June 12 since 1948. And the reason is purely commercial.
The idea to commemorate Dia dos Namorados (Lover’s Day) on June 12 came from an advertiser called João Doria, who created an advertising campaign with the intention of increasing sales during the month of June, which were very low during that time
The 12th was chosen for being the eve of Saint Anthony’s Day, who is also known as the saint of marriage.
The advertiser’s idea went really well! Today, Dia dos Namorados is one of the best days for business in our country.
How do we celebrate Dia dos Namorados in Brazil?
In Brazil, our celebration of Lover’s Day is very similar to other countries. Of course, every couple has their own preferences, but overall, it’s very common to go out to dinner, exchange presents, give flowers and chocolates, and things like that.
Since we’re talking about Lover’s Day, let’s study vocabulary for relationships.
Tipos de relacionamentos (Types of relationships)
How would you say you are dating someone in a casual way? In Brazil, we often use the verb “ficar” (“to hook up”) in this context.
For example:
- Marcus está ficando com a Carol. (Marcus is hooking up with Carol.)
- Eles estão ficando. (They are going out.)
- Ele é o “ficante” dela. (He is her “hookup.”)
The verb “namorar” (“to date”) and the terms “namorado” (“boyfriend”) and “namorada” (“girlfriend”) indicate that two people are in a relationship with at least a little commitment.
For example:
- Nós estamos namorando. (We are dating.)
- Este é meu namorado. (This is my boyfriend.)
- Esta é minha namorada. (This is my girlfriend.)
When you have been in a relationship for some time, the next step would be “noivar” (“to get engaged”) or “ficar noivos”(“to be engaged”). “Noivar” indicates the intention of getting married.
For example:
- Nós ficamos noivos. (We got engaged.)
- Ele é meu noivo. (He is my fiancé.)
- Ela é minha noiva. (She is my fiancé.)
The next step after “ficar noivos” (getting engaged) is “casar-se” (to get married) – a pronominal verb.
For example:
- Meu marido e eu nos casamos há 12 anos. (My husband and I got married 12 years ago.)
- Eu vou me casar. (I’m going to get married.)
- Eles vão se casar. (They’re going to get married.)
The ceremony that officiates the union between the two people is called “casamento” (“a wedding”).
For example:
- Vou ao casamento da minha amiga no verão. (I’m going to my friend’s wedding this summer.)
After getting married, we use the terms “marido e mulher” (“husband and wife”) or “esposo e esposa” (“spouse and spouse”).
For example:
- Meu marido é brasileiro. (My husband is Brazilian.)
- Meu irmão e sua mulher estão viajando. (My brother and his wife are traveling.)
O fim de um relacionamento (The end of a relationship)
To indicate that a relationship ended, we use the verb “terminar” (“to break up”), and the verbs “separar-se ou divorciar-se”(“separate” or “divorce”) to talk about the end of a marriage.
For example:
- Eles terminaram. (They broke up.)
- Eles se separaram. (They separated.)
- Eles se divorciaram. (They got divorced.)
Como expressar seus sentimentos (How to express your feelings)
In the beginning of a relationship, we often use the verb “gostar” (“to like”).
For example:
- Eu gosto muito de você. (I like you a lot.)
- Ele gosta muito dela. (He likes her.)
Another way to express that you really like someone is to use the verb “adorar” (“to adore”).
For example:
- João adora Maria. (João adores Maria.)
- Eu te adoro. (I really like you.)
- Te adoro. (I really like you.)
To express passion, we can use the verb “apaixonar-se”(“to fall in love with”) or the phrase “estar apaixonado”(“to be in love with”).
For example:
- Estou apaixonada por você. (I’m in love with you.)
- Ana se apaixonou por Gisele. (Ana fell in love with Gisele.)
To express love, we use the verb “amar” (“to love”).
For example:
- Eu te amo. (I love you.)
- Te amo. (Love you.)
That’s it, everybody!
Feliz dia dos namorados!
Até a próxima!
Speaking Brazilian Team
