What Does ‘Tomara que’ Mean?
‘Tomara que’ is a widely used phrase in Brazilian Portuguese that expresses hope or a wish for something to happen. It’s similar to saying “I hope that” or “hopefully” in English. This phrase is used when you are not certain about an outcome but are wishing for it to turn out a particular way.
Origins and Variants
The expression ‘tomara que’ comes from the verb ‘tomar’, which historically meant “to take” or “to receive”. Over time, it evolved in colloquial language to represent the act of wishing or hoping for something to occur. In Portugal, you might hear ‘oxalá’, which has a similar meaning, but in Brazil, ‘tomara que’ is the preferred form.
How to Use ‘Tomara que’ in Sentences
‘Tomara que’ is generally followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. The subjunctive is used in Portuguese to express doubt, uncertainty, or wishes—perfect for this context. Here’s a basic structure:
Tomara que + [subject] + [verb in the subjunctive]
Examples:
- Tomara que ele chegue cedo. (I hope he arrives early.)
- Tomara que não chova amanhã. (Hopefully it won’t rain tomorrow.)
- Tomara que dê tudo certo. (Hopefully everything will work out.)
Common Contexts for ‘Tomara que’
This phrase can be used in a variety of situations, such as:
- Expressing hope for good weather: Tomara que faça sol no fim de semana.
- Wishing someone good luck: Tomara que você consiga o emprego.
- Hoping for positive outcomes in uncertain situations: Tomara que ele goste do presente.
Differences Between ‘Tomara que’, ‘Espero que’, and ‘Oxalá’
While ‘tomara que’ and ‘espero que’ both express hope, ‘espero que’ (I hope that) sounds a bit more formal or personal, as it directly refers to your own feelings. ‘Tomara que’ is more neutral and detached, commonly used for general hopes. ‘Oxalá’, though still understood, is more archaic and regional, mainly used in Portugal or in poetic contexts.
Tips for Mastering ‘Tomara que’
- Practice using the subjunctive mood after ‘tomara que’. This is essential for sounding natural.
- Listen to native speakers in Brazilian movies, TV shows, or podcasts to hear how ‘tomara que’ is used in real conversations.
- Try substituting ‘tomara que’ in your daily language practice when you want to express hope or wishes.
Final Thoughts
Integrating expressions like ‘tomara que’ into your Portuguese vocabulary will not only improve your fluency but also help you connect more authentically with native speakers. Remember, language learning is about immersing yourself in real-life usage, so don’t be afraid to use ‘tomara que’ in your conversations. Keep practicing with the help of language learning resources like Talkpal, and soon you’ll be expressing your hopes and wishes just like a Brazilian!
