Here is a really simple expression that says so much: rain or shine. We have a corresponding expression in Brazilian Portuguese, and that is what I am going to show you today. Here is the video:

Quer chova, quer faça sol

In Brazil we say:

• Quer chova, quer faça sol = rain or shine

Literally, it translates to: whether it rains, whether it is sunny.

Some people use a modified version of the expression:

• Faça sol ou faça chuva

It means the same thing.

Examples

1)

Melissa corre todos os dias, quer chova, quer faça sol.

= Melissa runs every day, rain or shine.

2)

Sempre começo meu dia com uma xícara de chá, quer chova, quer faça sol.

= I always start my day with a cup of tea, rain or shine.

Go Beyond the Expression

This is a good opportunity to learn this useful structure:

• Quer… quer… = whether this or that

For example:

• Você precisa participar da reunião, quer queira, quer não queira.

= You need to attend the meeting, whether you want to or not.

Here Is a Song

There is a song by Tim Maia called Quer Queira, Quer Não Queira. Check out the lyrics and video here.

The Key to Use this Correctly

The trick to use this expression correctly is to conjugate the verbs in the present subjunctive.

I have a Flashcard App for Android devices that will help you practice the present subjunctive. With this app you will:

• Practice the present subjunctive with the most commonly used expressions that trigger the use of this verb tense
• Build useful vocabulary for both social and professional situations
• Learn idiomatic expressions and colloquial vocabulary to get you speaking like a Brazilian

The set has 120 flashcards:

• 30 cards: regular verbs ending in –ar
• 30 cards: regular verbs ending in –er
• 30 cards: regular verbs ending in –ir
• 30 cards: irregular verbs

Get the app here.

Additional Examples

1)

Vocês precisam usar o novo modelo de relatório, quer gostem, quer não gostem.

= You need to use the new report template, whether you like it or not.

2)

Nós vamos começar a reunião na hora, quer André esteja aqui, quer não esteja.

= We are going to start the meeting on time, whether André is here or not.

You can use this expression in so many situations. I am sure it will be useful to know it both for personal and business conversations.

Want to practice more Portuguese and speak with ease? Book a Trial Lesson with a Street Smart Brazil instructor to see how effective our lessons via Skype are.