Portuguese Phrase
Primeiro online; se a gente se der bem, depois presencialmente.
Meaning
The speaker proposes to start a relationship or meeting through the internet, and if the interaction goes well, to continue it face‑to‑face later. It conveys a cautious, step‑by‑step approach, common in modern dating or business networking.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to suggest an initial virtual meeting before committing to a physical encounter – for example, in a first‑date conversation, a job interview, or a networking chat.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Primeiroonline;seagentesederbem,depoispresencialmente.
Adverbial placement
"Primeiro" and "depois" are adverbs of time that usually appear at the beginning or end of a clause.
Borrowed adjective "online"
"online" is an English loanword used as an adverb meaning "via the internet"; it does not change form in Portuguese.
Subjunctive after "se" (if)
The verb "dar" appears in the future subjunctive (der) after the conditional conjunction "se" to express a possible future situation.
Pronoun placement with reflexive verb
In "se a gente se der bem", the reflexive pronoun "se" appears before the verb, following the standard clitic order.
Adverb "presencialmente"
"Presencialmente" is an adverb formed from the adjective "presencial"; it means "in person" or "face‑to‑face".
🗨In Conversation
Primeiro online; se a gente se der bem, depois presencialmente.
First online; if we get along well, then in person.
Combinado, assim nos conhecemos melhor antes de marcar.
Deal, that way we get to know each other better before setting a date.
✕Common Mistakes
Primeiro online; se a gente se dá bem, depois presencialmente.
Using the indicative "dá" changes the meaning to a habitual fact; the future subjunctive "der" is needed for a conditional future.
Primeiro online; se a gente se der bem, depois presencial.
"Presencial" is an adjective; when you need an adverb, use "presencialmente" or the phrase "cara a cara".
Primeiro online; se a gente se der bem, depois presencialmente.
In very formal writing, replace the English loanword with "pela internet" or "virtualmente".
↔Alternatives
Vamos nos encontrar primeiro pela internet; se tudo correr bem, marcamos um encontro presencial.
Let's meet first online; if everything goes well, we'll arrange an in‑person meeting.
Comecemos virtualmente; caso dê certo, nos vemos pessoalmente depois.
Let's start virtually; if it works out, we'll see each other in person later.
Primeiro via chat; se houver química, nos encontramos cara a cara.
First via chat; if there's chemistry, we'll meet face‑to‑face.
Cultural Tip
Since the pandemic, Brazilians have become comfortable with "online" as a legitimate first step for dates, interviews, and business talks. Using "online" as an adverb (e.g., "primeiro online") is informal but widely accepted, especially among younger speakers. For a more formal tone you could replace "online" with "pela internet" or "virtualmente".