How to Say “The Power Went Out” in Portuguese
The most common way to say “the power went out” in Portuguese is:
A luz acabou.
A energia acabou.
Faltou luz.
Faltou energia.
All these phrases are widely understood in Brazil and Portugal, although “a luz acabou” and “faltou luz” are the most frequently used in everyday conversation, especially in Brazil.
Breaking Down the Phrases
- A luz acabou – Literally translates to “the light finished.” In Portuguese, “luz” often refers to electricity in a general sense.
- A energia acabou – Means “the energy finished.” This is a bit more formal, but still common.
- Faltou luz – Translates as “light was missing” or “there was a lack of light.” This is a very natural way to describe a power outage.
- Faltou energia – Means “energy was missing.” Similar to the above, but using “energia” (energy) instead of “luz” (light).
When and Where to Use These Expressions
These phrases can be used in several situations, such as:
- Explaining why an appliance or the internet is not working.
- Calling your landlord or utility company to report the outage.
- Informing friends, neighbors, or colleagues about the situation.
For example, if you want to inform someone at home, you could say:
A luz acabou, por isso a televisão não está funcionando.
(“The power went out, so the TV is not working.”)
Other Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Expanding your vocabulary can help you describe the situation in more detail. Here are some additional words and phrases related to power outages in Portuguese:
- Queda de energia – Power outage (technical term)
- Pico de luz – Power surge
- Pane elétrica – Electrical failure
- Gerador – Generator
- Lanterna – Flashlight
- Estou sem energia – I am without power
Sample Dialogues
To help you practice, here are some sample dialogues:
Pessoa 1: O que aconteceu?
Pessoa 2: A luz acabou de repente!
Pessoa 1: Você sabe quando a energia volta?
Pessoa 2: Ainda não, estou esperando uma resposta da companhia elétrica.
Tips for Sounding Natural
- Use “a luz acabou” or “faltou luz” in casual conversations. These are the most natural for day-to-day situations.
- If you are speaking to utility company staff, you may use more formal terms like “queda de energia.”
- Remember to keep your sentences simple, especially if you are still learning Portuguese. Native speakers will appreciate your effort and help you if you struggle with vocabulary.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning how to communicate everyday situations is a crucial part of becoming fluent in a new language. Practice these phrases with a language partner, or use an interactive app like Talkpal AI to simulate real-world conversations and reinforce your skills. The more you use these phrases, the more confident you will become in handling unexpected situations like a power outage.
Conclusion
Now you know how to say “the power went out” in Portuguese and have a range of related phrases at your disposal. Whether you are traveling, living abroad, or just practicing your language skills, these expressions will help you navigate everyday challenges with ease. Keep practicing with resources like the Talkpal AI language learning blog, and soon you’ll find yourself speaking Portuguese naturally and confidently in any situation!
