“Assim” vs “Desse jeito” in Portuguese: This Way, That Way, and Style

Introduction

This article explains the difference between assim and desse jeito in Brazilian Portuguese. You will learn when to use each expression, how they relate to this way and that way in English, sample sentences, common collocations, and cultural notes to sound natural in conversation.

What do assim and desse jeito mean?

Assim is a versatile adverb in Portuguese that often means like this, in this way, or like that depending on context. It can refer to manner, result, or comparison.

Desse jeito literally combines the contraction de + esse with jeito and means in that way, like that, or in such a manner. It tends to emphasize a particular manner or style and often points to a specific way someone is doing something.

Basic grammar and form

Assim is a simple adverb and does not change form. You can place it before or after a verb or clause to modify how something is done.

Desse jeito is a phrase made of the prepositional phrase desse + jeito. It can be modified for gender and number if you replace jeito with a noun that agrees, but as the fixed expression it remains desse jeito for masculine singular situations and can vary to dessa maneira if you need a feminine alternative.

Position in the sentence

Assim is flexible in position.

Examples:

Ele fez assim.

Assim você não aprende.

Eu quero assim.

Desse jeito usually follows the verb or clause to describe the manner.

Examples:

Ele fez desse jeito.

Você não pode falar comigo desse jeito.

Eu não quero trabalhar desse jeito.

Nuances of meaning: manner, result, and example

Both assim and desse jeito can describe manner, but they carry different nuances.

Manner and style: desse jeito often highlights a specific manner, especially one that is observable or criticized. Use it when pointing to a particular way of acting or doing something.

Example:

Ela passou a prova desse jeito.

Meaning: She passed the exam in that particular way (implying a method or strategy).

Assim can mean like this or like that, but it is often more general and idiomatic. It can introduce examples, signal result, or make comparisons.

Example:

Se você fizer assim, vai funcionar.

Meaning: If you do it like this, it will work (general instruction).

When to prefer assim

Use assim when you want a shorter, more general expression. It fits well for:

• Giving quick instructions: Faça assim.

• Showing similarity or comparison: Ela é assim mesmo.

• Introducing a consequence: Ele falou alto e assim causou confusão.

• Using idiomatic expressions: Assim seja; Não é assim tão simples.

When to prefer desse jeito

Use desse jeito when you want to emphasize the specific manner or criticize someone’s behavior. It is often more colloquial and expressive in speech.

• Pointing out a particular method: Não vou aceitar uma solução desse jeito.

• Expressing disapproval: Você não pode tratar as pessoas desse jeito.

• Clarifying how something was done: Ele montou a estante desse jeito, por isso está torta.

Comparison in context

Consider these paired examples to feel the difference.

Example 1:

Faça assim.

Faça desse jeito.

Both ask for a way to do something, but desse jeito feels more specific or demonstrative (as if showing a particular method).

Example 2:

Não fale assim comigo.

Não fale desse jeito comigo.

The first sounds like a general reproach about tone; the second targets a particular manner or example of speaking, often more emotional.

Pronouns and deixis: this way vs that way

English distinguishes this way and that way with spatial deixis. Portuguese uses assim for general this/that-like references and uses demonstratives (assim, desse jeito, daquele jeito) to mark proximity or distance.

Examples:

Faça assim (do this).

Faça desse jeito (do it that way, referring to a specific way just mentioned).

Faça daquele jeito (do it that way over there, referring to a previously mentioned distant example).

Use with verbs and moods

Both expressions work with imperative, indicative, and subjunctive moods.

Imperative examples:

Faz assim. (informal imperative)

Não faça desse jeito. (negative command)

Indicative examples:

Ela trabalha assim há anos.

Ele trabalha desse jeito desde que começou.

Subjunctive examples:

Se for assim, podemos aceitar.

Se for desse jeito, vamos pensar melhor.

Common collocations and idioms

There are useful fixed expressions and collocations to learn.

• Assim mesmo: used to confirm or accept something as it is. Example: Está certo, assim mesmo.

• Não é assim tão…: used to downplay. Example: Não é assim tão difícil.

• Dessa vez: unrelated to jeito but common; means this time. Example: Dessa vez vou conseguir.

• Dessa maneira: synonym for desse jeito but slightly more formal. Example: Não faça dessa maneira.

Register and formality

Assim can appear across registers: formal writing, conversation, and idioms. Because it is short and flexible, it fits many contexts.

Desse jeito is more conversational and expressive. Replace it with dessa maneira or desse modo for a more formal style in writing or presentations.

Pronunciation and rhythm

In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, both expressions are often reduced slightly for natural rhythm.

Assim sounds like ah-SEEN or ah-SIM depending on regional pronunciation.

Desse jeito sounds like DEH-see ZHAY-too, with the j as in the s in measure. In quick speech, you may hear some linking: desse jeito -> de-se-jei-to.

Regional and cultural notes

Both expressions are widely understood across Brazil. However, the choice between them can reflect tone and attitude. Desse jeito is often used in emotional or emphatic speech to show annoyance, surprise, or admiration about a specific way of doing something.

Examples:

Meu Deus, você vai sair de casa desse jeito? (surprise or disapproval about appearance)

Ele completou a prova desse jeito, acredita? (amazement about a specific method)

Using gestures and context

When Brazilians use desse jeito, they often accompany it with gestures that mimic the manner discussed. Assim is also commonly paired with a demonstration, like moving hands to show how to do something.

Practical tips for learners

1. Start by learning assim for general instructions and idioms. It is the safest, most flexible option.

2. Use desse jeito when you want to point to a specific way or when you want to express emotion, criticism, or emphasis.

3. Swap desse jeito for dessa maneira or desse modo in formal writing to sound more polished.

4. Pay attention to intonation and gestures when native speakers use these expressions; they often convey meaning beyond the words.

Examples in everyday contexts

Household:

Arrume a cama assim.

Ele está arrumando o quarto desse jeito de novo. (expressing annoyance)

Work:

Apresente o relatório assim.

Não envie e-mails desse jeito para o cliente. (warning about tone)

Social:

Ela fala assim com todo mundo.

Você não pode chegar na festa desse jeito. (commenting on appearance)

Quick reference summary

Assim:

– General, short, versatile.

– Use for instructions, idioms, comparisons, and results.

– Fits formal and informal contexts.

Desse jeito:

– Specific, emphatic, conversational.

– Use to point to a particular manner, criticize, or show emotion.

– Prefer dessa maneira or desse modo for formality.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between assim and desse jeito helps you express manner, emphasis, and attitude in Brazilian Portuguese. Use assim for broad, flexible usage and desse jeito when you need to highlight a specific manner or add emotional color. Pay attention to context, intonation, and gestures to sound natural and effective in conversation.