Portuguese Phrase
Considera isso um favor devolvido.
Meaning
This phrase is used to signal that the help currently being provided is an act of reciprocity for a previous kindness. It indicates that the speaker acknowledges a past 'debt' of gratitude and is now settling it. It carries a sense of mutual respect and social balance.
When to use
Use this after assisting someone who has helped you in the past. It is most common in informal or semi-formal settings among friends, family, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Consideraissoumfavordevolvido
Considera
The imperative form of the verb 'considerar', used here to suggest how the listener should view the situation.
Favor devolvido
The word 'devolvido' is the past participle of 'devolver' (to return), acting as an adjective that agrees with the masculine noun 'favor'.
🗨In Conversation
Muito obrigado por me ajudar com as malas!
Thank you so much for helping me with the bags!
De nada! Considera isso um favor devolvido.
You're welcome! Consider this a favor returned.
✕Common Mistakes
Considera isso um favor retornado.
While 'retornado' means returned, the idiomatic expression for a favor in Portuguese specifically uses 'devolvido'.
Considera isso um favor de volta.
Using 'de volta' is a literal translation of the English 'back' and sounds less natural than the adjective 'devolvido'.
↔Alternatives
Estamos quites.
We are even.
Considere o favor retribuído.
Consider the favor reciprocated.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, social networks are built on mutual favors. Explicitly mentioning that you are returning a favor is a polite way to show you haven't forgotten the other person's past kindness, helping to maintain a healthy social bond.