Aliás vs. A Propósito: Two Ways to Say “By the Way” in Portuguese — Practice

Use a propósito to introduce a connected subject

A propósito often means by the way or speaking of which. It signals that the next point connects to something already mentioned, even if it was not the main topic.

It helps you move from a conversation about a place, person, or plan to a relevant question. Make the connection clear enough for the listener to follow.

Use aliás to add or correct information

Aliás can mean by the way, as a matter of fact, or more precisely, depending on context. Speakers often use it to add a detail or correct what they just said.

Because it can revise a statement, listen to what follows. The speaker may be refining a time, name, or explanation rather than introducing an unrelated subject.

Choose the expression for your conversational move

The expressions overlap when you introduce a side comment. A propósito points clearly to a connected topic; aliás can do that too, but it is especially useful for adding or adjusting information. Context and intonation matter.

In writing, a comma after either opening expression helps signal the transition. In speech, a brief pause makes the change easier to hear.

Remember: Use a propósito to introduce a connected point and aliás to add, refine, or correct information.

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.

1. By the way, have you visited the historic center yet?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A propósito, você já conheceu o centro histórico?

2. Speaking of the course, do you know when classes start?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A propósito do curso, você sabe quando começam as aulas?

3. The meeting is on Thursday—actually, Friday morning.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A reunião é na quinta — aliás, na sexta de manhã.

4. She lives in Salvador; in fact, she just moved there.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ela mora em Salvador; aliás, acabou de se mudar para lá.

5. By the way, could you send me the address?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A propósito, você pode me mandar o endereço?

6. The address is on Central Street—actually, Flowers Street.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O endereço fica na Rua Central — aliás, Rua das Flores.

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.

Use a propósito to introduce a connected point and aliás to add, refine, or correct information.

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 Aliás vs. A Propósito: Two Ways to Say “By the Way” in Portuguese 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.