chover no molhado
To state the obvious
Literalmente: To rain on the wet
Use it to politely or humorously point out that a point has already been made or understood.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe redundant actions or stating the obvious.
- Literally means 'to rain on what is already wet'.
- Perfect for stopping circular arguments or repetitive office meetings.
Significado
It describes the act of repeating something that everyone already knows or doing something that is completely redundant. Imagine trying to water your garden while it is pouring rain outside—that is exactly the vibe.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6In a long work meeting
Falar que precisamos de lucro é chover no molhado, né?
Saying we need profit is stating the obvious, right?
Texting a friend who is over-explaining
Amigo, você está chovendo no molhado, eu já entendi!
Dude, you're repeating yourself, I already got it!
A teacher explaining a basic rule
Não quero chover no molhado, mas não esqueçam os nomes nos trabalhos.
I don't want to state the obvious, but don't forget your names on the papers.
Contexto cultural
The phrase likely stems from the agricultural reality of Brazil, where rain is vital but over-saturation is useless. It gained massive pop-culture status through Brazilian MPB (Musica Popular Brasileira) songs. It reflects a cultural dislike for 'enchendo linguiça' (stuffing the sausage), which means talking too much without saying anything new.
The Softener
If you want to be polite, start with 'Não quero chover no molhado, mas...'. It's like saying 'I know you know this, but it's important.'
Don't be too blunt
In Brazil, being direct can sometimes be seen as rude. Use a friendly tone so you don't sound like you're calling the other person stupid.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe redundant actions or stating the obvious.
- Literally means 'to rain on what is already wet'.
- Perfect for stopping circular arguments or repetitive office meetings.
What It Means
This expression is all about redundancy. When you chover no molhado, you are adding information to a situation that is already saturated. It is like telling a professional chef that salt makes food savory. You are not being helpful; you are just repeating the obvious. It captures that feeling of 'we get it already.'
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone is chovendo no molhado when they keep arguing a point everyone agrees on. It is very common in debates or long meetings. Just drop it when you want to move the conversation forward. It sounds natural and very 'native.'
When To Use It
Use it when a friend explains a movie plot you both just watched. Use it in an office meeting when a colleague repeats a goal for the tenth time. It is perfect for texting when someone gives you advice you already followed. It adds a bit of flavor to your frustration. It shows you are sharp and value efficiency.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if someone is genuinely trying to be helpful or kind. Do not use it with your boss unless you have a very close relationship. It can sound a bit dismissive or impatient if used poorly. If someone is grieving or upset, keep this phrase in your pocket. You do not want to sound like a jerk during a sensitive moment.
Cultural Background
Brazil is a country of intense summer rains. Everyone knows the feeling of a sudden downpour making everything soggy in seconds. The imagery is very relatable to any Brazilian. It has been a staple of the language for decades. Even famous musicians like Luciana Mello have songs with this title. It is deeply embedded in the Brazilian way of criticizing inefficiency.
Common Variations
You might hear people simply say é chover no molhado. This turns the action into a state of being. It means 'this whole situation is redundant.' Sometimes people just roll their eyes and say the phrase to end a circular argument. It is the ultimate 'let's move on' signal.
Notas de uso
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' category. It is safe for most social situations, but keep an eye on your intonation to avoid sounding impatient.
The Softener
If you want to be polite, start with 'Não quero chover no molhado, mas...'. It's like saying 'I know you know this, but it's important.'
Don't be too blunt
In Brazil, being direct can sometimes be seen as rude. Use a friendly tone so you don't sound like you're calling the other person stupid.
The Song Connection
Check out the song 'Chover no Molhado' by Luciana Mello. It's a great way to hear the phrase in a catchy, rhythmic context!
Ejemplos
6Falar que precisamos de lucro é chover no molhado, né?
Saying we need profit is stating the obvious, right?
Used to point out a redundant business goal.
Amigo, você está chovendo no molhado, eu já entendi!
Dude, you're repeating yourself, I already got it!
Casual way to tell someone to stop explaining.
Não quero chover no molhado, mas não esqueçam os nomes nos trabalhos.
I don't want to state the obvious, but don't forget your names on the papers.
A polite way to introduce a necessary reminder.
Assistir esse jornal é chover no molhado, as notícias são sempre as mesmas.
Watching this news is redundant, the stories are always the same.
Expressing boredom with repetitive content.
Dizer que você é linda é chover no molhado.
Saying you are beautiful is just stating the obvious.
A clever, romantic way to use a common idiom.
Continuar essa discussão é chover no molhado.
Continuing this discussion is a waste of time.
Used to signal that the conversation has reached a dead end.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
Eu não aguento mais o João, ele vive ___ no molhado.
We use the gerund 'chovendo' because the sentence describes a continuous, annoying action.
Complete the common idiomatic expression.
Explicar isso para ele é chover no ___.
The idiom is 'chover no molhado' (to rain on the wet).
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends to stop them from rambling.
Para de chover no molhado!
Common in offices and general social settings.
Não quero chover no molhado, mas...
Rarely used in high-level legal or academic writing.
Seria redundante, ou como dizem, chover no molhado.
When to use 'Chover no Molhado'
Redundant Meeting
When the boss repeats the same slide.
Obvious Advice
When someone tells you to wear a coat in a blizzard.
Circular Argument
When you and your partner keep saying the same thing.
Flirting
Telling someone they are obviously attractive.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt depends on your tone! If said with a smile, it's a funny observation. If snapped during an argument, it can be quite dismissive.
It is better suited for spoken meetings. In a formal email, use redundante or reiterar o que já foi dito instead.
The closest equivalents are 'to state the obvious' or 'to preach to the choir.' It captures that same sense of unnecessary repetition.
Mostly, yes. However, it can apply to actions too, like bringing a bottle of wine to a party where there are already fifty bottles open.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Portugal, though Brazilians might use it more frequently in daily conversation.
No, that doesn't exist! The whole point of the idiom is that the ground is already wet (molhado), making the rain useless.
You might hear encher linguiça, but that means talking a lot to fill space, whereas chover no molhado specifically means repeating known facts.
You usually use it in the infinitive chover or the gerund chovendo. For example: Ele está chovendo no molhado.
Yes, some learners confuse it with 'rain on my parade.' In Portuguese, it has nothing to do with luck, only with redundancy.
The word molhado acts as a noun here meaning 'the wet surface.' It creates a more vivid image of a saturated ground.
Frases relacionadas
Encher linguiça
To talk a lot without saying anything substantial.
Bater na mesma tecla
To keep harping on the same point.
Chutar cachorro morto
To attack someone who is already defeated (redundant cruelty).
Falar o óbvio
To say the obvious (the literal version).
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