The grandmother of the family next door passed away last week.
So I bumped into the father earlier last week in the lift and said 'muitas desculpas' (even though probably - ok definitely - wrong, I thought he would understand the sentiment). I think he was as confused as I was so we talked about the weather instead. The next day I had a portuguese class so I asked my teacher what was the correct form to pass on our condolences...
So 2 days later as I was leaving I saw the parents standing out at the main gate. I had to hide behind a pillar to remember what to say before I walked past.
Me: Ola, bom dia. Sinto muito.
Her: Obrigada.
Awkward silence for about 15 seconds as I nod my head in sympathy...
Me: Ok, ciao
Her: Ciao.
... and eventually continue walking.
I'm SO good at this stuff in english but in portuguese... next time i'm just going to hide until they walk by!!
So I bumped into the father earlier last week in the lift and said 'muitas desculpas' (even though probably - ok definitely - wrong, I thought he would understand the sentiment). I think he was as confused as I was so we talked about the weather instead. The next day I had a portuguese class so I asked my teacher what was the correct form to pass on our condolences...
So 2 days later as I was leaving I saw the parents standing out at the main gate. I had to hide behind a pillar to remember what to say before I walked past.
Me: Ola, bom dia. Sinto muito.
Her: Obrigada.
Awkward silence for about 15 seconds as I nod my head in sympathy...
Me: Ok, ciao
Her: Ciao.
... and eventually continue walking.
I'm SO good at this stuff in english but in portuguese... next time i'm just going to hide until they walk by!!
Hey! I just wanted to tell you that your blog is really great. I am taking into serious consideration moving to Brazil and it's nice to hear a little bit of what it would be like to live there. So thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. Congrats on the new member of the family! :)