perfeitamente normal
perfectly normal
Use it to validate someone's feelings or actions and make them feel less awkward or worried.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to reassure someone that their situation is standard.
- Works in both formal and informal Portuguese settings.
- Combines 'perfeitamente' (perfectly) with 'normal' (normal).
Meaning
It's a way to reassure someone that a situation isn't weird or wrong. You use it to say that what's happening is standard, expected, and nothing to worry about.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reassuring a nervous friend
Ficar nervoso antes de uma apresentação é perfeitamente normal.
Getting nervous before a presentation is perfectly normal.
At a doctor's appointment
Doutor, é perfeitamente normal sentir esse cansaço?
Doctor, is it perfectly normal to feel this tiredness?
Texting about a delayed reply
Não se preocupe, é perfeitamente normal demorar para responder hoje.
Don't worry, it's perfectly normal to take a while to reply today.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of polite reassurance in both Brazil and Portugal. It reflects a cultural tendency to downplay individual awkwardness to keep the social flow smooth. It is frequently used in media and self-help contexts to destigmatize common human emotions.
The 'Ufa' Factor
Pair this phrase with a sigh of relief or a smile. It's meant to lower the tension in the room.
Don't over-perfect it
If you use it for something truly bizarre, people will think you're being sarcastic or that you have very strange standards!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to reassure someone that their situation is standard.
- Works in both formal and informal Portuguese settings.
- Combines 'perfeitamente' (perfectly) with 'normal' (normal).
What It Means
Perfeitamente normal is your go-to phrase for validating experiences. It means exactly what it sounds like: perfectly normal. You use it to smooth over awkward moments. It tells the other person their feelings or actions are standard. It is the verbal equivalent of a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone reaction. If a friend says they are nervous about a date, say it. You can also embed it into longer sentences. Use it with the verb ser (to be). For example: É perfeitamente normal sentir isso. It works for physical states, emotions, or technical glitches. It is a very flexible and stable collocation.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is overthinking a common situation. It works great at the doctor's office for symptoms. Use it in a job interview to discuss nerves. It is perfect for texting a friend who is stressed. Use it at a restaurant if you ask for a modification. It makes you sound empathetic and balanced. It is a great way to sound fluent without using complex slang.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are actually extreme. If a house is on fire, it is not perfeitamente normal. Avoid using it sarcastically unless you know the person well. It can sound dismissive if used while someone is truly grieving. Don't use it to describe a person's character directly. It is better for situations, reactions, or specific behaviors. Saying a person is perfeitamente normal can sound a bit boring or faint-praise.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values social harmony and 'fitting in' to an extent. This phrase helps maintain that 'normality' in social interactions. It is often used to avoid 'mico' (social embarrassment). By calling something perfeitamente normal, you are saving face for someone else. It is a polite way to minimize drama. It reflects the generally laid-back but polite nature of Lusophone social circles.
Common Variations
You might hear completamente normal for more emphasis. Some people say super normal in very casual settings. In Portugal, you might hear naturalmente used in similar contexts. However, perfeitamente normal remains the most balanced version. It sounds educated but not stuffy. It is the 'Goldilocks' of reassuring phrases.
Usage Notes
The phrase is extremely safe to use. It sits perfectly in the middle of the formality spectrum. Just ensure the adverb `perfeitamente` matches the tone—don't use it if you're trying to be extremely brief or 'street'.
The 'Ufa' Factor
Pair this phrase with a sigh of relief or a smile. It's meant to lower the tension in the room.
Don't over-perfect it
If you use it for something truly bizarre, people will think you're being sarcastic or that you have very strange standards!
The Brazilian 'Super'
In Brazil, young people often swap 'perfeitamente' for 'super'. 'É super normal' is the trendy younger sibling of this phrase.
Examples
6Ficar nervoso antes de uma apresentação é perfeitamente normal.
Getting nervous before a presentation is perfectly normal.
Validates feelings in a supportive way.
Doutor, é perfeitamente normal sentir esse cansaço?
Doctor, is it perfectly normal to feel this tiredness?
Asking for professional confirmation of a state.
Não se preocupe, é perfeitamente normal demorar para responder hoje.
Don't worry, it's perfectly normal to take a while to reply today.
Removing guilt from a social interaction.
Beber cinco cafés por dia é perfeitamente normal aqui, certo?
Drinking five coffees a day is perfectly normal here, right?
Using the phrase to justify a funny habit.
Essa oscilação no mercado é perfeitamente normal nesta época.
This market fluctuation is perfectly normal at this time.
Providing a calm, expert perspective.
É perfeitamente normal você se sentir triste agora.
It is perfectly normal for you to feel sad right now.
Showing deep empathy and validation.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the reassuring sentence.
Não se preocupe, errar o caminho às vezes é ___ normal.
The adverb 'perfeitamente' intensifies 'normal' to provide full reassurance.
Complete the phrase used by a technician explaining a computer noise.
Esse barulho no ventilador é ___ ___.
In a professional context, 'perfeitamente normal' explains that a machine is working as expected.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Perfeitamente Normal'
Used with friends to justify silly mistakes.
É normal, relaxa!
The sweet spot for this specific phrase.
É perfeitamente normal.
Used in clinical or official explanations.
Consideramos tal fenômeno perfeitamente normal.
Where to use Perfeitamente Normal
Health Concerns
Symptoms after a vaccine.
Social Anxiety
Being shy at a party.
Tech Support
A phone getting warm while charging.
Learning
Making grammar mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is widely used and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries without any change in meaning.
Absolutely. It's a great way to reassure a client, such as saying É perfeitamente normal haver atrasos na alfândega.
Adding perfeitamente adds a layer of absolute certainty and comfort that normal alone lacks.
Yes, it's neutral enough to be respectful while still being helpful.
You can, but it sounds a bit like you're defending them, e.g., Ele é um cara perfeitamente normal.
No, it is a very natural and common collocation in native Portuguese speech.
You would say não é normal or é fora do comum for something unusual.
Yes, totalmente normal is a very common synonym that carries the same weight.
It can be! Break it down: per-fei-ta-men-te. The 'mente' ending is common for adverbs in Portuguese.
Not at all. It is standard vocabulary that you will find in newspapers, books, and daily conversation.
Related Phrases
Completamente normal
Completely normal
Dentro do esperado
Within expectations
Nada de mais
Nothing special / No big deal
Faz parte
It's part of it / It happens
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