Portuguese Phrase
O que é realmente importante pra você?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and thoughtful question asking someone to reflect on their core values, priorities, or what truly matters in their life. It goes beyond superficial interests to probe deeper personal significance. The use of 'realmente' emphasizes the search for genuine importance.
When to use
Use this phrase in conversations when you want to get to know someone on a deeper level, understand their motivations, or discuss life's priorities. It's suitable for more intimate or reflective settings, rather than casual small talk. It can also be used for self-reflection.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O queérealmenteimportantepravocê
O que
'O que' means 'what' and is used to ask about things or concepts in a general sense. It functions as an interrogative pronoun.
É (Ser)
'É' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ser' (to be). 'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identities, and essential qualities, which fits the context of asking about what is fundamentally important.
Realmente
'Realmente' is an adverb meaning 'really' or 'truly'. It emphasizes the sincerity or depth of the question, seeking genuine importance rather than superficial answers.
Importante
'Importante' means 'important'. It is an adjective that agrees in number (but not gender) with the noun it modifies, though in this general question, it remains singular.
Pra (Para)
'Pra' is a common contraction of 'para' (for/to) in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It indicates the recipient or beneficiary of the importance, in this case, 'you'.
Você
'Você' means 'you' (singular, informal/neutral). It is the most common way to address someone directly in Brazil.
🗨In Conversation
Depois de tudo, o que é realmente importante pra você?
After everything, what is really important to you?
Acho que a família e a saúde são o mais importante.
I think family and health are the most important.
✕Common Mistakes
O que é importante para você realmente?
While grammatically correct, placing 'realmente' at the end sounds less natural and can change the emphasis. It's more common to place it before 'importante'.
Qual é realmente importante para você?
Using 'Qual' (which) instead of 'O que' (what) is incorrect here. 'O que' is used for general questions about things or concepts, while 'Qual' is used when choosing from a specific set of options.
O que é realmente importante a você?
The preposition 'a' is not typically used with 'importante' in this context. 'Para' (or 'pra') is the correct preposition to indicate 'to you' or 'for you'.
↔Alternatives
O que é importante para você?
What is important to you?
Quais são suas prioridades?
What are your priorities?
O que te move na vida?
What moves you in life?
Cultural Tip
Brazilians generally appreciate directness in personal questions once a certain level of rapport is established. This question can lead to very open and heartfelt discussions, fostering deeper connections. The informal 'pra' (contraction of 'para a/o') is very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, making the phrase sound natural and less formal than 'para você'.