Portuguese Phrase
Sempre dá uma pesquisada nos costumes locais.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to always take a moment to look up or learn about the local customs before or during a visit. It carries a friendly, informal tone, typical of everyday Brazilian speech.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving travel advice, reminding a friend to respect cultural norms, or simply suggesting a quick check on local etiquette before an event or trip.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sempredáumapesquisadanoscostumeslocais
Sempre (adverb of frequency)
Placed at the beginning of the sentence, it means 'always' and modifies the whole clause.
dar + noun (colloquial idiom)
In Brazilian Portuguese, "dar" can be used like "to do" or "to make" when followed by a noun, e.g., "dar uma pesquisada" = 'to do a quick look‑up'.
uma pesquisada (noun phrase)
Literally 'a research', but idiomatically it means a brief check or quick search.
nos = em + os
The preposition "em" (in/at) contracts with the definite article "os" to form "nos", meaning 'in the'.
costumes locais (noun + adjective)
"Costumes" are customs or habits; "locais" specifies that they belong to the place being visited.
🗨In Conversation
Vou para o interior de Minas amanhã, mas não conheço nada da região.
I'm going to the countryside of Minas tomorrow, but I don't know anything about the area.
Então, sempre dá uma pesquisada nos costumes locais, assim você evita gafes.
Then, always do a quick research on the local customs, so you avoid faux pas.
✕Common Mistakes
Sempre dá uma pesquisa nos costumes locais.
Learners often think "dá" means "gives"; here it is part of the idiom "dar uma pesquisada" meaning "to do a quick check".
Sempre dá uma pesquisada em os costumes locais.
Do not separate the preposition and article; "nos" is the correct contraction of "em + os".
Sempre dá uma pesquisada no costume local.
The word is plural because it refers to multiple customs; using the singular "costume" changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Sempre investigue os costumes locais.
Always investigate the local customs.
Sempre faça uma pesquisa sobre os costumes locais.
Always make a research about the local customs.
Sempre informe‑se sobre os costumes locais.
Always inform yourself about the local customs.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, showing interest in regional traditions—whether it's the way people greet each other, the food etiquette, or local festivals—signals respect and helps you blend in. Many towns have unique customs (e.g., "cafézinho" rituals in the Southeast, or "chimarrão" in the South), so a quick look‑up can make a big difference in how locals receive you.