New Year’s Resolutions in Brazilian Portuguese
By Bruno Lopes · Brazilian Portuguese teacher
Host of I Speak Portuguese · Updated
Meet Bruno and the teaching teamResolução or meta?
Resolução de Ano Novo is a direct way to say “New Year’s resolution.” In everyday conversation, meta para o ano novo (“goal for the new year”) is another useful phrase. A meta can be small, specific, and easier to turn into an action.
- Minha meta para este ano é praticar português todos os dias. — My goal for this year is to practice Portuguese every day.
- Quero fazer mais caminhadas. — I want to go on more walks.
- Pretendo cozinhar em casa com mais frequência. — I plan to cook at home more often.
These are original examples for the guide. Choose a goal that fits your life and replace the activity with something meaningful to you.
Use verbs to describe a new habit
After common intention verbs such as querer (to want), pretender (to plan or intend), and decidir (to decide), use the next verb in its infinitive form:
| Portuguese pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| quero + infinitive | I want to… | Quero ler mais. |
| vou + infinitive | I’m going to… | Vou estudar de manhã. |
| pretendo + infinitive | I plan to… | Pretendo caminhar três vezes por semana. |
| decidi + infinitive | I decided to… | Decidi dormir mais cedo. |
In these examples, the second verb stays in the infinitive: ler, estudar, caminhar, and dormir.
Make the goal specific and realistic
A broad goal can be hard to follow. Add a time, place, or frequency to make it easier to explain:
- Vou praticar português por quinze minutos depois do café. — I’m going to practice Portuguese for fifteen minutes after coffee.
- Quero caminhar no parque aos sábados. — I want to walk in the park on Saturdays.
- Pretendo ler um capítulo antes de dormir. — I plan to read one chapter before bed.
You can also describe a habit you want to change:
- Quero passar menos tempo no celular. — I want to spend less time on my phone.
- Vou tentar dormir mais cedo. — I’m going to try to go to bed earlier.
- Quero continuar estudando, mesmo quando estiver ocupado. — I want to keep studying, even when I’m busy.
Practice a short conversation
This original dialogue shows how to ask about someone’s plans and answer with a specific goal.
A: Você tem alguma meta para este ano?
B: Tenho. Quero praticar português um pouco todos os dias.
A: Como você vai fazer isso?
B: Vou ouvir um episódio no caminho para o trabalho e anotar uma frase nova.
Show the English translation
- Do you have a goal for this year?
- I do. I want to practice Portuguese a little every day.
- How are you going to do that?
- I’m going to listen to an episode on my way to work and write down one new phrase.
Listen for the main idea
- Listen to Bruno’s conversation once without pausing. What is the general topic?
- Listen again and note any words related to plans, habits, or goals.
- Check your understanding with captions if they are available.
- Say one sentence about a goal you have, using quero, vou, or pretendo.
To keep practicing, explore the Real Life Portuguese app for more listening and everyday expression practice. You can also get personal speaking feedback in a trial lesson with the teaching team, or practice with other learners in the community.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say New Year’s resolution in Portuguese?
A common translation is resolução de Ano Novo. Many speakers also talk about metas para o ano novo, meaning goals for the new year.
How do I say ‘I want to’ in Brazilian Portuguese?
Use quero followed by an infinitive: Quero aprender português means ‘I want to learn Portuguese.’ For a plan or intention, vou + infinitive is also common.
How can I make a Portuguese listening exercise from a podcast?
Listen once for the main idea, then listen again for words related to the topic. Check a short section with captions if available, and use one phrase you learned to describe your own goal.
