Portuguese Phrase
Repara como os outros se cumprimentam.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to observe the way other people greet each other. It can be a gentle suggestion to learn social customs by watching how locals interact.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re in a new cultural setting, a language class, or a workplace and you want to encourage someone to pay attention to local greeting habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Reparacomoosoutrossecumprimentam
Repara (imperative)
‘Repara’ is the informal imperative form of the verb ‘reparar’, meaning ‘notice’ or ‘pay attention to’.
como (conjunction)
‘como’ introduces a comparison, equivalent to ‘how’ or ‘the way that’ in English.
os outros (noun phrase)
‘os outros’ means ‘the others’ or ‘other people’, with the definite article agreeing in gender and number.
se cumprimentam (pronominal verb)
‘cumprimentar‑se’ is a reciprocal verb; the reflexive pronoun ‘se’ indicates that the subjects act on each other, and the verb is conjugated in the third‑person plural.
🗨In Conversation
Repara como os outros se cumprimentam antes de entrar na reunião.
Notice how the others greet each other before joining the meeting.
Boa ideia, assim não pareço estranho.
Good idea, that way I won’t look out of place.
✕Common Mistakes
Repara como os outros se cumprimentam.
If you want a formal tone, use ‘Observe’ or ‘Preste atenção’ instead of the informal imperative ‘Repara’.
Repara como os outros cumprimentam.
Do not drop the reflexive pronoun; ‘cumprimentam’ alone would change the meaning to ‘they greet (someone)’.
Repara como as outras se cumprimentam.
‘Outros’ already implies ‘others’; adding ‘as’ or ‘os’ incorrectly can cause gender disagreement.
↔Alternatives
Observe como as pessoas se cumprimentam.
Observe how people greet each other.
Preste atenção ao jeito que os outros se cumprimentam.
Pay attention to the way others greet each other.
Veja como se cumprimentam por aqui.
See how they greet each other around here.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, greetings vary by region: a handshake is common in business, a kiss on the cheek (usually one or two) is typical among friends, and a hug may be used in more informal settings. Observing these nuances helps you fit in and avoid awkward moments.