valer por um
worth um
Literalmente: to be worth for one
Use this to tell someone they are so capable they don't need backup.
En 15 segundos
- Used to praise someone's exceptional efficiency or high value.
- Often used with higher numbers like two, ten, or a thousand.
- Perfect for thanking someone who did the work of many.
Significado
This phrase is used to say that one person or thing is so good, strong, or efficient that they provide the value of many others combined.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Praising a hardworking coworker
O Ricardo é incrível, ele vale por dois na equipe.
Ricardo is incredible; he is worth two people on the team.
Thanking a friend for help
Obrigada por tudo, você vale por mil!
Thanks for everything, you are worth a thousand!
Talking about a versatile tool
Esta ferramenta vale por um kit completo.
This tool is worth a complete kit.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the Mediterranean and Lusophone admiration for the 'multitasker' or the 'heroic individual.' It gained popularity in literature and folk songs to describe brave soldiers or tireless workers who could outwork a whole group. It captures the spirit of 'resiliência' (resilience) which is central to Portuguese identity.
Scale the number
Don't stick to 'um'. Use 'dois', 'dez', or 'mil' to increase the level of the compliment. The higher the number, the bigger the praise!
Watch the 'Meio'
Saying someone 'vale por meio' (worth half) is a common sarcastic joke in Brazil to call someone lazy. Use it carefully!
En 15 segundos
- Used to praise someone's exceptional efficiency or high value.
- Often used with higher numbers like two, ten, or a thousand.
- Perfect for thanking someone who did the work of many.
What It Means
Think of that one friend who can organize an entire party alone. They don't need a team. They are a powerhouse. When you say someone vale por um, you are giving them a massive compliment. You are saying their quality outweighs the quantity of others. It is about impact over numbers. It means they are enough all by themselves.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to highlight exceptional skill or effort. It usually follows a person's name or a pronoun. For example, Ela vale por dez. Wait, did I say ten? Yes! While the base idiom is valer por um (to be worth one), we almost always change the number to show scale. If someone is amazing, they vale por dois. If they are a legend, they vale por mil. It acts like a flexible math equation for praise.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely impressed. Use it at work when a colleague finishes a week's worth of tasks in a day. Use it when a friend helps you move houses and carries the fridge alone. It is perfect for thanking someone who went above and beyond. You can even use it for objects, like a Swiss Army knife that vale por um toolbox.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this if you want to be modest. It is a high-energy expression. Avoid it in very somber or tragic situations where 'value' might sound cold. Also, be careful with the number you choose. Saying someone vale por meio (half) is a hilarious but brutal insult. Only do that if you are joking with a very close friend who has thick skin.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on the 'desenrascar'—the ability to solve problems creatively. This phrase rewards that trait. It stems from a history of needing to do a lot with very little. In a country of explorers and innovators, being a 'one-man army' is a respected social status. It’s the ultimate 'MVP' award in a casual conversation.
Common Variations
The most common way to see this is valer por dois (worth two). Brazilians and Portuguese people love hyperbole. You will often hear vale por uma frota (worth a fleet) or vale por um exército (worth an army). If you want to be extra sweet to your partner, tell them they valer por todo o ouro do mundo (worth all the gold in the world).
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social register. Just remember to conjugate the verb 'valer' correctly according to the subject.
Scale the number
Don't stick to 'um'. Use 'dois', 'dez', or 'mil' to increase the level of the compliment. The higher the number, the bigger the praise!
Watch the 'Meio'
Saying someone 'vale por meio' (worth half) is a common sarcastic joke in Brazil to call someone lazy. Use it carefully!
The 'One-Man Show'
In Portuguese, we often say 'um homem-orquestra' (orchestra man) for someone who 'vale por muitos'. It's the same energy!
Ejemplos
6O Ricardo é incrível, ele vale por dois na equipe.
Ricardo is incredible; he is worth two people on the team.
Using 'dois' emphasizes that he does double the work.
Obrigada por tudo, você vale por mil!
Thanks for everything, you are worth a thousand!
A very common hyperbolic way to show deep gratitude.
Esta ferramenta vale por um kit completo.
This tool is worth a complete kit.
Shows the phrase can apply to objects, not just people.
Amiga, você vale por dez! Arrasou!
Girl, you're worth ten! You crushed it!
Very informal and supportive tone.
Ele é tão devagar que não vale por meio.
He is so slow he isn't even worth half a person.
A funny, slightly mean twist on the idiom.
Minha mãe vale por um exército inteiro.
My mother is worth an entire army.
Used to show deep respect for someone's strength.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb form to complete the praise.
Vocês são ótimos, ___ por mil!
Since the subject is 'Vocês' (plural), the verb 'valer' must be conjugated as 'valem'.
Complete the sentence to say someone is worth a lot.
Ela é tão eficiente que vale por ___.
'Dez' (ten) completes the idiom to mean she is highly valuable/efficient.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Scale of 'Valer por...'
Used with friends/family
Você vale por mil!
Standard daily use
Ele vale por dois.
Professional settings
Este funcionário vale por uma equipe.
When to use 'Valer por um'
At the Office
A productivity beast.
Moving House
The friend who carries everything.
In a Relationship
Telling your partner they are your everything.
Shopping
A high-quality item that replaces many cheap ones.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, 'um' is the base, but you usually swap it for 'dois', 'dez', or 'mil' to make it a real compliment like Você vale por mil.
Yes, it is neutral enough for work. Saying a software vale por uma equipe inteira is a great way to describe its value.
The meaning is identical in both. Brazilians might use higher numbers (like 'um milhão') more often for dramatic effect.
Not exactly. Custar is about price, while valer por is about merit, utility, or intrinsic value.
Usually, it is positive. However, you could say a problem vale por dez if it's exceptionally difficult to solve.
Vale por dois is the most frequent version you will hear in daily conversation.
It follows the verb valer. So: Eu valho, Você vale, Nós valemos, Eles valem.
Yes, but vale por um (or por dois) is more idiomatic and paints a stronger picture of replacing others.
Sure! If your dog is a great guard, you can say Ele vale por um exército.
Saying não vale por nada means something is completely useless, which is a very strong negative statement.
Frases relacionadas
Vale ouro
Dar conta do recado
Ser pau para toda obra
Um homem-orquestra
Não trocar por nada
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