não perder tempo
to waste time
Littéralement: not to lose time
Use this phrase to show you are efficient, decisive, and don't let good opportunities pass you by.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe acting quickly and decisively without any delay.
- Perfect for business, shopping, or making the first move socially.
- Implies that speed led to a successful or smart outcome.
Signification
It means getting straight to the point or taking action immediately without any delays. It is about being efficient and not letting a good opportunity slip away.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Seeing a sale at a clothing store
Vi a promoção e não perdi tempo: comprei logo duas camisas.
I saw the sale and didn't waste time: I bought two shirts right away.
Starting a business meeting
Bom dia a todos, não vamos perder tempo e vamos começar a apresentação.
Good morning everyone, let's not waste time and start the presentation.
Texting a friend about a date
Ele me chamou para sair e eu não perdi tempo, disse logo que sim!
He asked me out and I didn't waste time, I said yes immediately!
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a modern shift in Lusophone cultures toward productivity and seizing opportunities. While traditional life might be slower, this expression is the anthem of the 'correria' (the hustle) of big cities like São Paulo or Lisbon. It is frequently used in marketing to trigger the 'Fear Of Missing Out' (FOMO).
The 'Logo' Connection
This phrase is almost always followed by the word `logo` (immediately/soon). Pairing them makes you sound like a native speaker.
Don't rush the Chef
In Portugal, telling a waiter 'não quero perder tempo' might be seen as pushy. Use it for your own actions, not to demand speed from others.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe acting quickly and decisively without any delay.
- Perfect for business, shopping, or making the first move socially.
- Implies that speed led to a successful or smart outcome.
What It Means
Não perder tempo is your go-to phrase for efficiency. It means you are acting fast. You aren't waiting around for permission or luck. It is about being proactive and decisive. Think of it as the opposite of procrastinating. When you say this, you sound like someone who knows what they want. It is a very positive and energetic expression.
How To Use It
You can use it as a statement of intent. Use vou (I will) or não vamos (let's not) before it. It usually precedes another action. For example: Não perdi tempo e comprei o bilhete. You are linking your speed to a specific result. It works perfectly with verbs like comprar, falar, or ir. It is like adding a turbo button to your sentences.
When To Use It
Use it when you see a great deal at a store. Use it when you meet someone cute at a party. It is perfect for business meetings to show you are focused. Text it to a friend when you've already booked the table. It shows you are reliable and quick. If you finish your work early, you didn't lose time. It is a badge of honor for the productive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if someone is grieving or upset. In those moments, "speed" feels rude or dismissive. Avoid it during a slow, romantic dinner. You don't want to sound like you are rushing the romance! Also, don't use it if you actually made a mistake by rushing. It implies the speed was a good thing. If you rushed and failed, this phrase doesn't fit.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often values social time and long lunches. However, the modern Brazilian and Portuguese city life is fast-paced. Não perder tempo reflects a shift toward modern efficiency. It is often used in advertising to create urgency. "Don't waste time, buy now!" is a classic trope. It captures the spirit of the 'desenrascar' (getting things done) attitude. It's about being sharp and seizing the moment.
Common Variations
You might hear não perca tempo as a command. This is very common in TV commercials. Another version is ganhar tempo, which means to save or gain time. If you want to be more slangy, you can say não vacilar. But não perder tempo remains the most versatile. It is the gold standard for being quick. It works in the boardroom and the bar.
Notes d'usage
This is a highly versatile collocation that fits almost any social register. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you don't sound like you are blaming someone else for wasting your time, as that can be offensive.
The 'Logo' Connection
This phrase is almost always followed by the word `logo` (immediately/soon). Pairing them makes you sound like a native speaker.
Don't rush the Chef
In Portugal, telling a waiter 'não quero perder tempo' might be seen as pushy. Use it for your own actions, not to demand speed from others.
The Marketing Hook
In Brazil, you will see 'Não perca tempo!' on almost every storefront. It's the ultimate call to action for shoppers.
Exemples
6Vi a promoção e não perdi tempo: comprei logo duas camisas.
I saw the sale and didn't waste time: I bought two shirts right away.
Shows quick decision making in a consumer context.
Bom dia a todos, não vamos perder tempo e vamos começar a apresentação.
Good morning everyone, let's not waste time and start the presentation.
Professional way to keep the team focused.
Ele me chamou para sair e eu não perdi tempo, disse logo que sim!
He asked me out and I didn't waste time, I said yes immediately!
Expresses excitement and lack of hesitation.
A pizza chegou e ninguém perdeu tempo, a caixa já está vazia.
The pizza arrived and nobody wasted time, the box is already empty.
Uses the phrase to joke about how fast people ate.
Não perca tempo com bobagens, foque nos seus estudos.
Don't waste time with nonsense, focus on your studies.
Giving firm but helpful advice.
O trem estava saindo, não perdi tempo e corri para embarcar.
The train was leaving, I didn't waste time and ran to board.
Describes a physical rush to avoid missing something.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence about a past action.
Eu vi que o preço estava baixo e não ___ tempo.
Since the first part of the sentence is in the past ('vi', 'estava'), you need the first-person past tense 'perdi'.
Complete the suggestion for a group of people.
O sol está lindo! Não ___ tempo e vamos à praia.
'Vamos perder' fits the collective suggestion 'vamos à praia'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'Não perder tempo'
Used with friends about daily habits.
Não perdi tempo e comi tudo.
Standard use in shops or general conversation.
Não perca tempo, a oferta acaba hoje.
Used in work emails or meetings.
Para não perdermos tempo, serei breve.
Where to use 'Não perder tempo'
Shopping
Buying a limited item.
Romance
Asking someone out quickly.
Work
Starting a project early.
Travel
Running for a flight.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. While it implies speed, it focuses more on not wasting an opportunity. To tell someone to hurry, you would say depressa or corre.
Yes, it shows you are a person of action. You could say Gosto de não perder tempo com tarefas desnecessárias to show efficiency.
Usually no, it's neutral. However, if you say Não perca meu tempo, that is very rude and aggressive.
The opposite would be perder tempo (to waste time) or enrolar (to procrastinate/dilly-dally).
You say Não vamos perder tempo. It is a great way to lead a group toward a goal.
No, it is strictly for people or entities (like companies) that can 'spend' or 'waste' time.
A common slang version in Brazil is não moscou (didn't fly/didn't space out), meaning you were sharp and didn't miss the chance.
Mostly yes, but it's specifically about 'efficiency'. It means doing the right thing at the right moment.
It is neutral. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandma, or a stranger on the street.
Yes! Não vou perder tempo (I won't waste time) is a very common way to express a firm intention.
Expressions liées
Ir direto ao ponto
To go straight to the point
Aproveitar a oportunidade
To seize the opportunity
Num piscar de olhos
In the blink of an eye
Mãos à obra
Let's get to work / hands to the task
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