Portuguese Phrase
Procura o lado positivo.
Meaning
The phrase means ‘Look for the positive side’ or ‘Try to see the good in the situation’. It is an encouraging reminder to focus on what’s favorable rather than dwelling on the negative.
When to use
Use this expression when you want to motivate a friend, colleague, or yourself to adopt a more optimistic outlook, especially after a setback, a disappointment, or during a challenging conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Procuraoladopositivo.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Procura’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb ‘procurar’ used when speaking directly to ‘tu’ (you).
Definite article
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article, matching the noun ‘lado’.
Noun + adjective agreement
‘lado’ (masculine singular) must agree with the adjective ‘positivo’, which also appears in masculine singular form.
Sentence ending punctuation
The period marks a statement; in spoken Portuguese the tone rises slightly to keep it encouraging.
🗨In Conversation
Não consegui terminar o projeto a tempo.
I couldn't finish the project on time.
Procura o lado positivo: ainda temos tempo para melhorar a apresentação.
Look for the positive side: we still have time to improve the presentation.
✕Common Mistakes
Procure o lado positivo.
‘Procure’ is the 3rd‑person singular or formal ‘you’ (você) imperative; it sounds too formal for casual advice.
Procura o lado positivos.
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun; ‘positivos’ would be plural, which doesn’t match ‘lado’ (singular).
Procura lado positivo.
Dropping the article ‘o’ makes the phrase sound incomplete in Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Encontra o lado positivo.
Find the positive side.
Foca no lado positivo.
Focus on the positive side.
Vê o lado bom.
See the good side.
Cultural Tip
Brazilian culture values optimism and the ability to ‘dar a volta por cima’ (turn things around). Using encouraging phrases like this one is common in informal conversations, especially among friends and in workplace settings. However, be mindful of tone – a gentle, supportive voice works best; sounding overly forceful can be perceived as dismissive of the other person's feelings.