Today someone said on the phone: “No worries”. This phrase brought me back in time to when I first came from Brazil to the US. I was fluent in English at the time, but I sounded like a textbook. I remember how happy I was each time I learned how to communicate an idea just like Americans do. “No worries” was one of these phrases.

This is why I so enjoy writing these lessons on how to communicate what you need in Portuguese in a clear, Brazilian way. I hope you will have fun and impress your friends with each new phrase and expression.

Today I will give you two similar phrases for two different situations. The phrases are: “I’m leaving” and “I’m on my way out”.

Both phrases use the verb Sair, which means to leave or to go out.

I’m leaving

Example 1

Clara is to going to pick Daniela up at work so they can go get dinner together. Clara is ready to leave the office. She calls Daniela and says:

• Estou saindo. Você está pronta?

= I’m leaving. Are you ready?

Learn the -ing form in Portuguese. 

Example 2

Bianca is waiting for Antônio at the restaurant. He is running late, so she calls and asks if he is on his way. He says:

• Estou saindo do escritório agora. Chego em dez minutos.

= I’m leaving the office now. I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

I’m on my way out

I really like this phrase, both in English and in Portuguese. Don’t ask me why :) Sometimes I just like a word or phrase for how it sounds.

Example 1

Joana is just about to step out of the house to go to a doctor appointment when her cell rings. It is her husband. She answers and says:

• Estou de saída. Não posso falar agora. Te ligo depois, tá?

= I’m on my way out. I can’t talk now. I will call you later, OK?

Example 2

It is 7pm and Joana is still at work. When she is just about to step out of her office, her manager shows up to talk to her. She says:

• Eu estava de saída. Podemos conversar amanhã?

= I was on my way out. Can we talk tomorrow?

What phases would you like to learn next? Let me know in the comments!