A Princípio vs. Em Princípio: Two Portuguese Phrases That Differ — Practice
A guided practice lesson with English explanations, Brazilian Portuguese examples, and answers you can check. Read the examples, recall the meaning, then say a version of your own.
Use a princípio for what happened at first
A princípio usually means “at first” or “initially.” It introduces an early impression or situation that may later change.
The phrase often appears with contrast words such as mas (but) or depois (later), because the speaker is describing how the situation developed.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| A princípio, achei o exercício difícil, mas depois gostei. | At first, I thought the exercise was difficult, but I liked it later. |
| A princípio, o plano parecia simples. | At first, the plan seemed simple. |
| A princípio, ela não queria viajar; depois mudou de ideia. | Initially, she didn’t want to travel; later, she changed her mind. |
Use em princípio for a general rule or expectation
Em princípio often means “in principle,” “generally,” or “as things stand.” It signals a general expectation, while leaving room for an exception or a later detail.
For example, a person might say a store is open em princípio, then explain that a holiday schedule could change the hours. The phrase is not about the first moment in a timeline.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Em princípio, a entrada é gratuita. | In principle, admission is free. |
| Em princípio, todos podem participar. | As a general rule, everyone can take part. |
| A entrega deve chegar amanhã, em princípio. | The delivery should arrive tomorrow, in principle. |
Use the timeline test
Ask whether you are describing an early stage that may change or a general expectation that may have exceptions. The first idea points to a princípio; the second points to em princípio.
Because the phrases differ by only one preposition, learn them in a complete sentence and practice saying them with the rest of the clause.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| A princípio, a rua estava vazia. | At first, the street was empty. |
| Em princípio, a rua fica aberta ao trânsito. | In general, the street is open to traffic. |
| A princípio, eu ia de carro; em princípio, agora vou de ônibus. | At first I was going by car; as things stand, I’m going by bus now. |
Remember: Remember the contrast: a princípio looks back at an initial moment; em princípio states a general principle or expectation.
Check your understanding
Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.
Recall the Portuguese, then say it
Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.
At first, I thought the exercise was difficult, but I liked it later.
Show a Portuguese answer
A princípio, achei o exercício difícil, mas depois gostei.
At first, the plan seemed simple.
Show a Portuguese answer
A princípio, o plano parecia simples.
Initially, she didn’t want to travel; later, she changed her mind.
Show a Portuguese answer
A princípio, ela não queria viajar; depois mudou de ideia.
In principle, admission is free.
Show a Portuguese answer
Em princípio, a entrada é gratuita.
As a general rule, everyone can take part.
Show a Portuguese answer
Em princípio, todos podem participar.
The delivery should arrive tomorrow, in principle.
Show a Portuguese answer
A entrega deve chegar amanhã, em princípio.
Make the phrase useful to you
Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.
Remember the contrast: a princípio looks back at an initial moment; em princípio states a general principle or expectation.
Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.
Sources and your next lesson
This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our A Princípio vs. Em Princípio: Two Portuguese Phrases That Differ lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.
To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.
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