What Does “Tomara Que” Mean?
Tomara que is a commonly used phrase in Brazilian Portuguese that translates to “I hope that,” “let’s hope,” or “hopefully” in English. It expresses a wish or hope for something to happen in the future, typically something outside the speaker’s control. Although its literal origin comes from “tomara a Deus” (may God will it), the phrase is now secular and widely used in everyday conversations.
How to Use “Tomara Que” in Sentences
Using tomara que is straightforward, but it requires the use of the subjunctive mood, which is used in Portuguese to talk about doubt, wishes, or possibilities. Here’s the basic structure:
Tomara que + [subject] + [verb in the subjunctive]
Here are some examples:
- Tomara que chova amanhã. (I hope it rains tomorrow.)
- Tomara que você passe na prova. (I hope you pass the test.)
- Tomara que tudo dê certo. (Hopefully everything goes well.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many Portuguese learners struggle with the subjunctive mood. Remember, after tomara que, you must use the verb in the present subjunctive form, not the indicative. For example:
- Correct: Tomara que ele venha. (I hope he comes.)
- Incorrect: Tomara que ele vem.
Also, tomara que is always followed by que (that), unlike in English where you might say “hopefully” without “that.”
Similar Expressions in Portuguese
While tomara que is the most common way to express hope, there are other phrases you might hear, especially in formal or regional contexts:
- Espero que (I hope that…)
- Oxalá (Hopefully, may it be so – more common in Portugal, but sometimes heard in Brazil)
However, tomara que remains the most natural and frequently used expression among Brazilians.
Tips for Practicing “Tomara Que”
1. Listen and Repeat: Watch Brazilian movies, TV shows, or listen to music and pay attention to how natives use tomara que.
2. Practice Speaking: Use tomara que in your daily conversations or language exchanges. For example, say “Tomara que eu aprenda português rápido!” (I hope I learn Portuguese quickly!).
3. Write Your Wishes: Try writing a daily journal entry with one sentence using tomara que to express a hope for that day.
Conclusion
Mastering tomara que is a key step in sounding more like a native Brazilian Portuguese speaker. By understanding its meaning, structure, and the importance of the subjunctive mood, you’ll be able to express your hopes and wishes naturally. For more tips and interactive practice, check out other articles and resources on the Talkpal AI language learning blog. Tomara que you feel more confident using this phrase in your next conversation!
