Daí
Literalmente: From there
Use `daí` to link your thoughts together naturally and keep your listener engaged during a story.
En 15 segundos
- A conversational bridge meaning 'and then' or 'so'.
- Essential for storytelling and keeping the flow of dialogue.
- Can mean 'So what?' when used as a question.
Significado
It is a versatile filler word used to transition between ideas, meaning 'and then' or 'so'. It helps keep a story moving or asks for a conclusion.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Telling a story about a trip
Eu perdi o ônibus, daí tive que pegar um táxi.
I missed the bus, so I had to take a taxi.
Texting a friend about a party
A gente chegou lá e daí começou a chover.
We got there and then it started to rain.
In a meeting, explaining a result
O cliente não gostou, daí decidimos mudar o projeto.
The client didn't like it, so we decided to change the project.
Contexto cultural
While used everywhere in Brazil, `daí` is the linguistic mascot of Curitiba. In that region, it serves as a greeting, a comma, and a full stop all at once. It reflects the rhythmic, connected nature of Portuguese speech where ideas flow into one another.
The 'Story Glue'
If you forget a word while speaking, say `daí...` slowly. It gives you 2 seconds to think without the silence feeling awkward.
The Curitiba Greeting
In Southern Brazil, `Daí!` is a complete sentence. It means 'Hi, how are you, what's new?' all at once.
En 15 segundos
- A conversational bridge meaning 'and then' or 'so'.
- Essential for storytelling and keeping the flow of dialogue.
- Can mean 'So what?' when used as a question.
What It Means
Daí is the Swiss Army knife of Portuguese transitions. At its core, it combines de (from) and aí (there). In conversation, it rarely refers to a physical place. It usually means "and then" or "so." It acts as a bridge between two thoughts. You use it to show that one event led to another. It is the glue that holds a Brazilian's story together.
How To Use It
Think of it as a conversational pause button. You finish one sentence and drop a daí to signal more is coming. It works perfectly when telling a long story about your weekend. You can also use it at the end of a sentence to ask "And?" or "So what?" If someone tells you a boring fact, a quick E daí? means "So what?"
When To Use It
Use it constantly in casual storytelling. It is perfect for texting friends about your day. Use it at a restaurant when explaining your order changed. It is great for connecting steps in a process. "I went to the bank, daí I realized I forgot my ID." It keeps the rhythm of the language flowing naturally.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid overusing it in very formal academic writing. Do not use it in a legal contract or a somber eulogy. If you say it every three words, you might sound a bit like a rambling teenager. In a job interview, use more formal connectors like portanto or em seguida. However, even in professional settings, a well-placed daí is usually fine.
Cultural Background
This expression is deeply rooted in the oral tradition of Brazil. Brazilians love a good, long story with lots of flavor. Daí allows the speaker to keep the floor without pausing too long. In the South of Brazil, specifically Curitiba, Daí is used as a greeting. You walk into a shop and they say, "Daí!" It basically means "Hey, what's up?"
Common Variations
E daí? is the most common spin-off. It translates to "So what?" or "What about it?" Sometimes you will hear daí então, which adds more emphasis to the sequence. In very fast speech, it might sound like a short dái. It is the ultimate filler for when your brain is still catching up with your mouth.
Notas de uso
Very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It sits between neutral and informal. Avoid in academic essays, but use it freely with friends, family, and colleagues.
The 'Story Glue'
If you forget a word while speaking, say `daí...` slowly. It gives you 2 seconds to think without the silence feeling awkward.
The Curitiba Greeting
In Southern Brazil, `Daí!` is a complete sentence. It means 'Hi, how are you, what's new?' all at once.
Don't Over-repeat
Using it in every sentence makes you sound like a child. Try to mix it up with `então` or `depois`.
Ejemplos
6Eu perdi o ônibus, daí tive que pegar um táxi.
I missed the bus, so I had to take a taxi.
Connects two sequential events in a narrative.
A gente chegou lá e daí começou a chover.
We got there and then it started to rain.
Used as 'and then' to describe a sudden change.
O cliente não gostou, daí decidimos mudar o projeto.
The client didn't like it, so we decided to change the project.
Shows cause and effect in a professional but relaxed setting.
Eu não gosto da sua roupa. — E daí?
I don't like your clothes. — So what?
A defiant way to show you don't care.
Ele parou de ligar, daí eu entendi que tinha acabado.
He stopped calling, and then I understood it was over.
Used to transition to a realization.
Vire à direita, daí você vai ver a farmácia.
Turn right, then you will see the pharmacy.
Acts as a directional 'then'.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to connect these two events: 'I ate a lot ___ I felt sleepy.'
Eu comi muito, ___ fiquei com sono.
`Daí` works perfectly here to show the consequence of eating too much.
How would you say 'So what?' in a sassy way?
E ___?
`E daí?` is the standard informal way to say 'So what?' or 'Who cares?'
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Daí'
Used as a greeting in Curitiba.
Daí, beleza?
Standard storytelling with friends.
Fui lá, daí voltei.
Explaining things to a boss or stranger.
O sistema caiu, daí paramos.
Avoid in formal speeches or legal texts.
N/A
Where to use 'Daí'
Telling a joke
O cara entrou no bar, daí...
Texting
Vou me atrasar, daí te aviso.
Cooking
Mexa bem, daí coloque o sal.
Defending yourself
E daí que eu errei?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasMostly, yes! It indicates a sequence of events. For example: Estudei, daí passei na prova (I studied, then I passed the exam).
It can be. It means 'So what?' and depends on your tone. If said sharply, it's definitely a bit confrontational.
Use it sparingly. It's better to use more professional connectors like consequentemente or por isso. But one or two won't hurt.
They are very similar. Então is slightly more formal, while daí is more common in spoken, casual Brazilian Portuguese.
It's a way of asking the listener to continue or react. It's like saying '...and?' in English.
Yes, but it's much more common as a filler word in Brazil. In Portugal, they might prefer então or depois.
Yes, literally it means 'from there'. Saia daí! means 'Get out of there!'
It's two syllables: dah-EE. Make sure to put the stress on the 'í'.
Not exactly slang, just very informal. Everyone from kids to grandmas uses it in daily conversation.
Using it in formal writing. Teachers will usually cross it out and ask for a more formal conjunction.
Frases relacionadas
Então
So / Then
E aí?
What's up?
Depois
After / Later
Logo em seguida
Immediately after
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