Portuguese Phrase
Ele só é amigo quando as coisas vão bem.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is only supportive or present during good times, but disappears or offers no help when difficulties arise. It implies a lack of true loyalty or commitment in a friendship, highlighting a superficial relationship.
When to use
You would use this phrase to describe a 'fair-weather friend' – someone who is not reliable or supportive during challenging times. It's often used in a slightly critical or disappointed tone when discussing a friend's behavior.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Elesóéamigoquandoas coisasvãobem
Só (only)
'Só' is an adverb meaning 'only' or 'just'. Its placement can affect emphasis, but it typically precedes the verb or the element it modifies. Here, it emphasizes that his friendship is limited to certain conditions.
Ser (é)
'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identities, or definitions. In this case, 'é amigo' describes a fundamental quality of his friendship, even if that quality is conditional.
Quando (when)
'Quando' is a conjunction used to introduce a temporal clause, indicating the time or condition under which the main action occurs. It functions similarly to 'when' in English.
As coisas (things)
'As coisas' literally means 'the things'. It's a common way to refer to general circumstances or situations, much like 'things' in English when talking about how life is going.
Ir (vão)
'Ir' (to go) is conjugated as 'vão' for 'as coisas' (they). In this context, 'ir bem' means 'to go well' or 'to be going well', referring to the state of affairs.
🗨In Conversation
O João não me ajudou quando precisei. Ele só é amigo quando as coisas vão bem.
João didn't help me when I needed him. He's only a friend when things are going well.
Pois é, sinto muito. Amigos de verdade estão lá em todos os momentos.
Exactly, I'm sorry. True friends are there at all times.
✕Common Mistakes
Ele é só amigo quando as coisas vão bem.
The particle 'só' (only) should generally precede the verb it modifies, or the element it restricts. Placing it after 'é' can sound less natural or slightly change the emphasis.
Ele só está amigo quando as coisas vão bem.
Use 'ser' (é) for permanent or inherent qualities like being a friend, not 'estar' (está) which implies a temporary state. Being a friend is considered a characteristic here.
↔Alternatives
Ele é um amigo da onça.
He's a 'jaguar friend' (a false friend).
Ele só aparece nos bons momentos.
He only shows up in good times.
Ele não é um amigo de verdade.
He's not a true friend.
Cultural Tip
The concept of a 'fair-weather friend' is universal, but in Portuguese, the idiom 'amigo da onça' (jaguar friend) is a very common and colorful way to express this. It refers to someone who pretends to be a friend but is actually treacherous or unreliable, much like a jaguar that might seem docile but is a predator. This phrase is widely understood and used in Brazil.