Introduction
Learning how to say We can talk about it later in Brazilian Portuguese gives you a polite, useful phrase for everyday conversations. This article explains common ways to express this idea, shows when to use each option, and gives natural example sentences and short dialogues for beginners and intermediate learners.
- Common Portuguese phrases for We can talk about it later
- Choosing the right phrase: formality and context
- Politeness and softening phrases
- Common variations and regional differences
- Short dialogues: practical examples
- Additional useful phrases to pair with postponing
- Pronunciation tips
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Resources for practice
- Conclusion
Common Portuguese phrases for We can talk about it later
There are several natural ways to say We can talk about it later in Brazilian Portuguese. The tone and formality change the wording. Below are the most frequent choices and quick notes about their register.
1. Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde is a clear, neutral way to say We can talk about it later. It is appropriate in both formal and informal situations and uses the verb conversar, which directly means to converse or talk.
Example sentences:
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, quando você estiver com tempo.
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, depois da reunião.
Usage note: Use this phrase when you want to be polite and straightforward. It works well with colleagues, friends, and family.
2. Vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde
Vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde uses the verb falar, which is a bit more casual than conversar but still widely used. It often sounds more immediate and proactive because of vamos, meaning let us or we will.
Example sentences:
Vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde, ok?
Estou ocupado agora; vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde?
Usage note: Use this with friends or coworkers when you want a friendly, cooperative tone.
3. Deixa para depois
Deixa para depois is an informal, idiomatic way to say Leave it for later or Let’s leave it for later. It is common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese and often used among friends, family, and informal colleagues.
Example sentences:
Deixa para depois, agora tenho que sair.
Deixa para depois que eu terminar este e-mail.
Usage note: This is casual; avoid it in formal situations or with people you should address more respectfully.
4. A gente fala depois
A gente fala depois literally means we talk later; it uses a gente instead of nós, which is the common spoken form in Brazil. The verb falar is in the present tense but implies a future arrangement.
Example sentences:
A gente fala depois, combinado?
A gente fala depois quando eu voltar para casa.
Usage note: Very natural in everyday speech. Good for conversations with peers and acquaintances.
5. Depois a gente resolve isso
Depois a gente resolve isso translates roughly to We’ll sort this out later. It implies action or resolution later rather than just discussion.
Example sentences:
Estou no meio de algo. Depois a gente resolve isso.
Não se preocupe, depois a gente resolve isso com calma.
Usage note: Use when you want to emphasize resolving a problem or finishing a task later.
6. Podemos deixar para mais tarde
Podemos deixar para mais tarde is a slightly more formal option that means We can leave it for later. The verb deixar para suggests postponing or delaying intentionally.
Example sentences:
Se não for urgente, podemos deixar para mais tarde.
Podemos deixar para mais tarde, quando tivermos todas as informações.
Usage note: Appropriate in both professional and personal contexts, especially when postponement is a deliberate choice.
Choosing the right phrase: formality and context
Choosing which phrase to use depends on formality, relationship, and urgency. Here are general rules of thumb.
Formal or professional situations
In formal contexts or with people you do not know well, prefer phrases that use formal grammar and polite tone, such as Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde or Podemos deixar para mais tarde. These sound respectful and clear to colleagues, managers, or clients.
Informal conversations
With friends, family, or close coworkers, you can use informal and casual phrases like A gente fala depois, Deixa para depois, or Vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde. They sound natural and friendly.
When you want to postpone but not forget
If you want to postpone but ensure action happens later, choose phrases that imply action or resolution: Depois a gente resolve isso or Podemos deixar para mais tarde. Adding a specific time helps: Depois a gente resolve isso hoje à tarde.
Politeness and softening phrases
Adding polite or softening expressions helps the sentence sound less abrupt. Use please or thanks equivalents in Portuguese.
Polite additions
Common polite words to add:
- por favor
- tudo bem?
- se não for incômodo
Examples:
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, por favor?
Vamos falar sobre isso mais tarde, tudo bem?
Deixa para depois, se não for incômodo?
Making a suggestion rather than a command
Use conditional or question forms to sound less commanding. Examples:
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde? — polite question.
Será que a gente pode falar sobre isso depois? — soft suggestion.
Common variations and regional differences
Brazilian Portuguese is diverse. Here are regional and stylistic variants you might hear.
Use of a gente vs nós
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, a gente is much more common than nós. Both mean we, but a gente conjugates like third person singular, e.g., A gente fala depois. In formal writing, use nós: Nós podemos conversar mais tarde.
Colloquial contractions
People often contract or drop words in casual speech. Examples:
Vamos falar depois — can become — Vamo falar depois.
Deixa pra depois — a common contracted form spoken quickly.
Regional slang and casuality
In some regions you might hear more local expressions, but the phrases shown here are widely understood across Brazil.
Short dialogues: practical examples
Below are short dialogues showing natural, everyday usage. Line breaks are inserted for clarity.
Dialogue 1 — Workplace
Colega: Você tem um minuto para falar sobre o relatório?
Você: Estou no meio de uma entrega agora. Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, depois da reunião?
Dialogue 2 — Friends
Amigo: Quer discutir os planos de viagem agora?
Você: Acho que não dá. A gente fala depois, tudo bem?
Dialogue 3 — Family
Mãe: Precisamos conversar sobre as contas.
Você: Pode ser amanhã? Deixa para depois hoje que estou cansado.
Additional useful phrases to pair with postponing
These supporting phrases help clarify when or why you’ll talk later.
Suggesting a specific time
Combine the postponing phrase with a clear time to avoid ambiguity.
Examples:
Podemos falar sobre isso mais tarde, às 15h?
A gente fala depois, hoje à noite.
Explaining a reason
Giving a brief reason makes the postponement seem more reasonable.
Examples:
Deixa para depois, preciso terminar esse trabalho.
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde porque estou em uma ligação.
Confirming the follow-up
End with a confirmation to ensure the other person agrees.
Examples:
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, combinado?
A gente fala depois, fechado?
Pronunciation tips
Here are simple pronunciation hints for beginners. Use these to sound more natural when saying the phrases aloud.
Consonants: Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation is generally soft. Pronounce r at the start of syllables like an English h in many regions — e.g., conversar may sound a bit like con-hen-sar in Rio-style speech.
Vowels: Keep vowels clear and open. Falar sounds like fah-lar with a clear a in each syllable.
Useful guiding pronunciations:
Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde — poh-DEH-mos con-ver-SAR SOH-bree ISS-oh myz TAR-jee.
A gente fala depois — ah ZHEN-che FAH-la deh-POYS.
Common mistakes to avoid
Beginners often make predictable mistakes. Here are some to watch for.
Overusing nós in speech
While correct, using nós in everyday speech can sound stiff. Prefer a gente in casual conversation unless the setting is formal.
Mixing formal verbs with informal pronouns
Be consistent. Saying Vamos falar sobre isso, senhor can feel mismatched. In formal situations, use a more respectful structure: Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde, senhor?
Forgetting to schedule
Saying Deixa para depois without suggesting when can lead to misunderstandings. Try to add a time or a follow-up plan when possible.
Resources for practice
To internalize these phrases, listen to native speakers and practice short dialogues. Watch Brazilian TV shows, listen to podcasts, and repeat common lines. Pay attention to how speakers soften requests, use a gente, and contract casual speech.
Recommended formats: short video clips, conversational podcasts, and language exchange with native speakers. Mimic the rhythm and intonation to sound more natural.
Conclusion
Knowing different ways to say We can talk about it later in Brazilian Portuguese helps you sound polite and natural in many situations. Use Podemos conversar sobre isso mais tarde for formal needs, A gente fala depois or Deixa para depois for informal chats, and add time or reasons when possible. Practice with short dialogues and listening exercises to build confidence and fluency.
