Portuguese Phrase
Vamos nos encontrar online.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to suggest or propose a virtual meeting. It literally translates to "Let's meet ourselves online," with "nos" being the reflexive pronoun indicating that the action of meeting is done by and to the subjects (us). It implies a suggestion for a future online gathering.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you want to suggest or agree to a meeting that will take place virtually, such as via video call, chat, or any other internet-based platform. It's suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts, like planning a virtual coffee with friends or a remote team meeting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamosnosencontraronline
Vamos (ir + infinitive)
'Vamos' is the first-person plural of the verb 'ir' (to go). When followed by an infinitive verb (like 'encontrar'), it forms a construction equivalent to 'Let's [do something]' in English, expressing a suggestion or invitation.
nos (reflexive pronoun)
'Nos' is a reflexive pronoun meaning 'ourselves' or 'each other'. It's used here with 'encontrar' to form 'encontrar-se' (to meet each other), indicating that the action of meeting is reciprocal among the subjects.
encontrar (verb)
The verb 'encontrar' means 'to find'. When used reflexively as 'encontrar-se', it means 'to meet' or 'to encounter' someone. It's a regular -ar verb.
online (loanword)
'Online' is an English loanword widely adopted into Portuguese. It functions as an adverb here, specifying the manner or location of the meeting. It's used exactly as it would be in English.
🗨In Conversation
Não consegui te encontrar no café. Onde você está?
I couldn't find you at the cafe. Where are you?
Ah, desculpe! Esqueci de avisar. Vamos nos encontrar online?
Oh, sorry! I forgot to tell you. Shall we meet online?
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos encontrar online.
The verb 'encontrar' (to find) becomes 'encontrar-se' (to meet oneself/each other) when referring to people meeting. The reflexive pronoun 'nos' is essential here.
Nós vamos nos encontrar online.
While not strictly incorrect, the subject pronoun 'Nós' is often omitted in Portuguese when the verb conjugation (Vamos) already indicates the subject. It can sound redundant or overly formal in casual conversation.
↔Alternatives
A gente se encontra online.
We'll meet online. (More informal)
Podemos nos ver virtualmente.
We can see each other virtually.
Que tal nos encontrarmos pela internet?
How about we meet via the internet?
Cultural Tip
The use of the English loanword "online" is extremely common and widely accepted in Portuguese, especially in Brazil. While "virtualmente" (virtually) is also understood, "online" is often preferred for its conciseness and widespread use in digital contexts. Brazilians are generally very open to incorporating English tech terms into their daily language.