Portuguese Phrase
Como você se informa?
Meaning
Literally, “How do you inform yourself?” It is used to ask someone about the ways they keep up with news, events, or any kind of information. The phrase is neutral and works in both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
When to use
Use this question when you want to know a person’s information sources – TV, radio, newspapers, social media, podcasts, or word‑of‑mouth. It’s common in conversations about current events, work‑related updates, or personal interests.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comovocêseinforma?
Como (How)
Interrogative adverb used to ask about manner or method.
você (you)
Second‑person singular pronoun; neutral in formal and informal Brazilian Portuguese.
se informa (inform‑yourself)
Reflexive form of the verb informar‑se ‘to get informed’. The reflexive pronoun ‘se’ must stay attached to the verb.
Verb conjugation
‘informa’ is the 3rd‑person singular present indicative of informar; with the reflexive pronoun it means ‘you (formal) inform yourself’.
🗨In Conversation
Como você se informa?
How do you keep yourself informed?
Eu leio jornais online e sigo alguns podcasts de notícias.
I read online newspapers and follow a few news podcasts.
✕Common Mistakes
Como você informa?
The reflexive pronoun must stay attached; do not drop it or place it before the verb in a question.
Como você se informa
Missing the question mark changes the tone; in writing, always end interrogatives with ‘?’
Como se informa você?
Word order is unusual in Brazilian Portuguese; keep the subject before the verb.
↔Alternatives
De que forma você se informa?
In what way do you keep yourself informed?
Como você se mantém informado?
How do you stay informed?
Quais são suas fontes de informação?
What are your sources of information?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, people often combine traditional media (newspapers like Folha de S.Paulo, TV news) with digital platforms (Twitter, WhatsApp groups, podcasts). Asking "Como você se informa?" can open a conversation about regional preferences – for instance, many Northeastern states still rely heavily on radio, while São Paulo residents may mention specific news apps. Be aware that mentioning social media is perfectly normal, but in formal settings it’s polite to also reference reputable outlets.