Portuguese Phrase
A gente é uma família bem unida.
Meaning
This phrase expresses that a family group has very strong emotional bonds and stays together through different situations. The term 'a gente' is a common, informal way to say 'we' in Brazilian Portuguese, and 'unida' implies solidarity and closeness. It reflects a positive and warm sentiment regarding one's domestic life.
When to use
You should use this phrase when describing your relationship with your relatives to friends or colleagues. It is perfect for explaining why your family spends a lot of time together or supports one another during tough times.
✦Grammar Breakdown
A genteéuma famíliabem unida
A gente
This is an informal substitute for 'nós' (we) that always takes the third-person singular conjugation.
Ser (é)
The verb 'ser' is used for permanent characteristics, such as the inherent nature of a family relationship.
🗨In Conversation
Sua família viaja sempre junta no Natal?
Does your family always travel together at Christmas?
Sim, a gente é uma família bem unida.
Yes, we are a very close-knit family.
✕Common Mistakes
A gente somos uma família bem unida.
Even though 'a gente' means 'we', it must always be followed by a singular verb.
Nós é uma família bem unida.
When using the formal 'nós', the verb must be plural ('somos') to match.
↔Alternatives
Nós somos uma família muito unida.
We are a very united family.
Minha família é muito próxima.
My family is very close.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian culture, family ties are extremely important and often extend to distant relatives. Using 'a gente' makes you sound more like a local, as 'nós' can sometimes feel overly formal in casual conversation. Being 'unida' is considered one of the most important virtues a family can have in Brazil.