pôr a mão em algo
pôr one's mão
Literalmente: To put the hand in something
Use this phrase when you finally get that specific item you've been looking for or waiting to buy.
En 15 segundos
- To finally acquire or touch something you wanted.
- Used for physical objects like gadgets, clothes, or mail.
- Conveys a sense of satisfaction or successful searching.
Significado
This phrase means to finally get your hands on something you've been wanting or waiting for. It is usually about physical possession or successfully acquiring a specific object.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Buying a new phone
Finalmente pus a mão no novo iPhone!
I finally got my hands on the new iPhone!
Finding lost keys
Preciso pôr a mão naquelas chaves antes de sair.
I need to get my hands on those keys before leaving.
Awaiting a delivery
Assim que eu pôr a mão na encomenda, te aviso.
As soon as I get my hands on the package, I'll let you know.
Contexto cultural
This expression highlights the importance of physical possession in Portuguese daily life. It often carries a sense of relief or victory after a period of waiting. In some regions, it is closely tied to the bustling street markets where 'getting your hands' on the best produce is a skill.
The 'Finally' Factor
This phrase pairs perfectly with the word 'finalmente'. It emphasizes that you've been waiting for the item.
Watch out for 'Meter a mão'
In Brazil, 'meter a mão' can mean to charge an unfairly high price. Stick to 'pôr' to avoid sounding like you're complaining about costs.
En 15 segundos
- To finally acquire or touch something you wanted.
- Used for physical objects like gadgets, clothes, or mail.
- Conveys a sense of satisfaction or successful searching.
What It Means
Pôr a mão em algo is all about that moment of acquisition. It is the physical or metaphorical act of finally grabbing something. Think of it as 'getting your hands on' that new phone. It implies a sense of achievement or long-awaited arrival. You aren't just touching it; you are claiming it.
How To Use It
Use it when you are talking about buying or receiving things. It works perfectly for shopping, gifts, or finding lost items. You can conjugate the verb pôr normally. For example, eu pus a mão means 'I got my hands on.' It is very flexible with different objects. Just make sure the object is something you actually want.
When To Use It
Use this when you finally buy that expensive sneakers. It is great for when a package arrives at your door. Use it when you find a rare book in a shop. It sounds natural when talking to friends about new gadgets. It also works for finding your keys after a long search. It adds a bit of excitement to the discovery.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for abstract concepts like love or peace. You wouldn't say you 'put your hand' on a feeling. Avoid it in very high-level legal documents. It is a bit too physical for a courtroom. Also, don't confuse it with meter a mão, which can mean stealing. You don't want to sound like a thief by accident!
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values the physical connection to things. Owning something often feels more real when you can touch it. This phrase reflects the satisfaction of tangible ownership. It has been used for generations to describe the end of a search. It is a very grounded, 'down-to-earth' way to speak. It shows you are practical and focused on results.
Common Variations
You might hear deitar a mão in some regions. This version feels a bit more sudden or aggressive. Another variation is meter a mão, but be careful with that one. In some contexts, meter a mão means overcharging someone. Stick to pôr a mão to stay safe and positive. It is the most 'friendly' version of the bunch.
Notas de uso
The phrase is primarily informal to neutral. It is perfect for daily conversations but should be replaced by 'obter' or 'adquirir' in formal writing.
The 'Finally' Factor
This phrase pairs perfectly with the word 'finalmente'. It emphasizes that you've been waiting for the item.
Watch out for 'Meter a mão'
In Brazil, 'meter a mão' can mean to charge an unfairly high price. Stick to 'pôr' to avoid sounding like you're complaining about costs.
Physicality Matters
Portuguese speakers often use body parts in idioms. Using 'mão' (hand) makes the achievement feel more personal and earned.
Ejemplos
6Finalmente pus a mão no novo iPhone!
I finally got my hands on the new iPhone!
Shows excitement about a new purchase.
Preciso pôr a mão naquelas chaves antes de sair.
I need to get my hands on those keys before leaving.
Used for finding something necessary.
Assim que eu pôr a mão na encomenda, te aviso.
As soon as I get my hands on the package, I'll let you know.
Common in texting about deliveries.
Todos querem pôr a mão no novo protótipo.
Everyone wants to get their hands on the new prototype.
Used for a physical product in a work setting.
Não vejo a hora de pôr a mão naquela pizza!
I can't wait to get my hands on that pizza!
Hyperbolic use for something delicious.
Ela chorou quando pôs a mão no presente do avô.
She cried when she touched her grandfather's gift.
Focuses on the physical connection to a sentimental object.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Eu mal posso esperar para ___ naquele livro raro.
You use 'pôr a mão' when you want to get or touch a physical object like a book.
Choose the best verb form for 'I finally got'.
Finalmente ___ a mão no meu diploma!
'Pus' is the first-person past tense of 'pôr', indicating you already got the diploma.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Pôr a mão em algo'
Too casual, might mean stealing.
Meter a mão
Perfect for friends and family.
Pus a mão no celular!
Standard daily conversation.
Consegui pôr a mão no material.
Too physical for formal writing.
Obtive a posse do objeto.
When to use 'Pôr a mão'
At the Mall
Getting a sale item
At Home
Finding the remote
Online Shopping
Package arrives
With Friends
Grabbing a snack
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasUsually, yes! It implies physical contact or possession, like pus a mão no livro (I got the book).
No, that would be weird and potentially aggressive. Stick to objects like o carro or o dinheiro.
Yes, in a casual office setting. For example, preciso pôr a mão nesse relatório (I need to get my hands on this report).
Both work, but pôr a mão is the more common idiomatic set. Colocar a mão sounds a bit more deliberate and less like an idiom.
Not usually. Pôr a mão is neutral. Meter a mão or deitar a mão are the ones that sometimes imply taking something that isn't yours.
You can say Quero pôr a mão naquilo. It sounds very natural.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
It's better to use alcançar for success. Pôr a mão is for things you can actually hold.
Not at all. It is just informal. It's like saying 'get my hands on' in English.
That doesn't work. The idiom is strictly with a mão (the hand).
Frases relacionadas
Deitar a mão
To grab or seize something quickly.
Ter à mão
To have something handy or nearby.
Abrir a mão
To spend money or let go of something.
Mão na massa
To get to work or get your hands dirty.
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