Portuguese Phrase
É rapidinho.
Meaning
This phrase uses the diminutive form of the adjective 'rápido' to express that something will take a very short amount of time. It is a common way to suggest that a task or a wait is negligible and won't cause any inconvenience.
When to use
Use this in informal situations when you are about to do something that takes a few seconds or when you are asking someone to wait for a very brief moment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Érapidinho
Verbo Ser
The word 'é' is the third-person singular present tense of 'ser', used here to describe the inherent quality of the action's duration.
Diminutive Suffix
The suffix '-inho' is added to 'rápido' (fast) to create 'rapidinho', which conveys a sense of extreme brevity and informality.
🗨In Conversation
Você pode pegar o meu casaco?
Can you get my coat?
Claro, é rapidinho.
Sure, it's real quick.
✕Common Mistakes
Está rapidinho.
Use the verb 'ser' (é) instead of 'estar' because you are defining the nature of the duration, not a temporary mood.
É rápidozinho.
The correct diminutive of 'rápido' is 'rapidinho'; adding 'zinho' is a common over-correction for learners.
↔Alternatives
É um segundo.
It's one second.
Num vapt-vupt.
In a flash.
Cultural Tip
Brazilians frequently use diminutives like '-inho' to sound more friendly, polite, or to minimize the weight of a request. Using 'rapidinho' instead of 'rápido' makes the interaction feel more casual and reduces the perceived pressure on the listener.