Portuguese · Time, Numbers & Colors

"Always" in Portuguese: sempre

sempre

Say it: SEM-preeadverb/ˈsẽ.pɾi/

Always in Portuguese is sempre. Put it near the verb: eu sempre acordo cedo. Para sempre means forever.

Morning habit

Eu sempre tomo café antes de sair.
I always drink coffee before leaving.
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How to pronounce sempre

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SEM-pree

/ˈsẽ.pɾi/

SEM-pree — stress SEM.

"Always" in Portuguese: quick reference

PortugueseEnglish
semprealways

Default adverb.

para sempreforever

Strong lasting sense.

como sempreas always

Habits and mild irony.

quase semprealmost always

Softening always.

How to use sempre in real life

  1. 1Morning habit

    Eu sempre tomo café antes de sair.

    I always drink coffee before leaving.

    Sempre before the verb is common.

  2. 2Friendly tease

    Você sempre chega cantando no escritório.

    You always arrive singing at the office.

    Habit observation.

  3. 3Promise

    Vou lembrar de você para sempre.

    I'll remember you forever.

    Para sempre strengthens duration.

Mistakes English speakers make with sempre

Incorrect: Eu always estudo.

Correct: Eu sempre estudo.

Use sempre, not English always.

Incorrect: Sempre eu sou atrasado. (with ser)

Correct: Eu sempre chego atrasado. / Estou sempre atrasado.

Pair sempre with the right verb: chegar/estar, not ser for lateness.

Good to know

Sempre shows up in affectionate lines (te amo para sempre) and in mild complaints (você sempre faz isso). Tone decides if it feels sweet or nagging.

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Talking about a reliable café

  1. ChatPal

    Esse lugar sempre tem pão quentinho.

    This place always has warm bread.

  2. You

    Por isso eu sempre volto aqui.

    That's why I always come back here.

  3. ChatPal

    E a fila sempre anda rápido, né?

    And the line always moves fast, right?

  4. You

    Sempre. Por isso vale a pena.

    Always. That's why it's worth it.

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"Always" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Always" in Portuguese

Where does sempre go?

Usually before the main verb: eu sempre faço.

How do I say forever?

Para sempre.

What is quase sempre?

Almost always.

How do I say as always?

Como sempre.

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