Do you sometimes feel that you work so hard on your grammar and then find yourself looking for words during a conversation? This is common with language learners. But Street Smart Brazil is here to the rescue.

Today I want to show you one word and one expression that work just as “Finally” and “At last” in English.

These words and expressions have the power to make your life much easier when speaking your new language. For example, when your Brazilian friend is late for a movie date, you can say: “You’re finally here!” 

I have more good news: These two expressions are very easy in Portuguese. Keep reading. 

Até que enfim

First I will show you the expression: Até que enfim.

It means: finally, at last.

Examples:

1. Até que enfim você chegou! Eu estava preocupada.

= You’re finally here! I was worried.

 

2. Até que enfim terminei a mudança. Deu muito trabalho.

= At last I am done moving. It was a lot of work.  

 

3. Até que enfim você decidiu! Já estava em tempo.

= You have finally made up your mind! It was about time.

 

Finalmente

Finalmente is even easier to remember because it is similar to English.

It also means: finally, at last.

Até que enfim and finalmente can be used interchangeably.

Examples:

1. Finalmente terminei o relatório.

= I finally finished the report.

 

2. Finalmente vou conhecer seu namorado.

= At last I am going to meet your boyfriend.

 

3. Finalmente o verão chegou.

= Summer is finally here.

Now practice these expressions by using them in real-life conversations with your Portuguese instructor and your friends. Practice makes new learning permanent and it is the best way to see if you really got it.

Divirta-se!