Portuguese Phrase
As vistas eram de tirar o fôlego.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'The views were to take the breath.' It's a common and vivid way to express that something, usually a landscape or scenery, was incredibly beautiful, stunning, or awe-inspiring to the point of leaving one speechless.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing a particularly beautiful landscape, a stunning panorama, or any visual experience that left you deeply impressed and amazed. It's suitable for both casual conversation and more formal descriptions of travel or nature.
✦Grammar Breakdown
As vistaseramde tirar o fôlego
As vistas
'As vistas' means 'the views'. 'Vista' is a feminine noun, so it takes the feminine plural definite article 'as'.
Eram (Ser - Imperfect Past)
'Eram' is the third-person plural imperfect past tense of the verb 'ser' (to be). It's used here to describe a continuous state or characteristic of the views in the past, rather than a single completed action.
De tirar o fôlego (Idiom)
This is an idiomatic expression meaning 'breathtaking' or 'to take one's breath away'. It's a fixed phrase used to describe something incredibly impressive or beautiful.
🗨In Conversation
Você gostou da viagem para a serra?
Did you like the trip to the mountains?
Adorei! As vistas eram de tirar o fôlego.
I loved it! The views were breathtaking.
✕Common Mistakes
As vistas foram de tirar o fôlego.
While 'foram' (simple past of 'ser') might seem correct, 'eram' (imperfect past of 'ser') is more appropriate here. 'Eram' describes a continuous state or characteristic in the past, fitting for describing the inherent quality of the views, whereas 'foram' implies a completed action or a specific event.
As vistas eram de tirar o ar.
Although 'ar' means 'air', the idiomatic expression in Portuguese uses 'fôlego' (breath) to convey the idea of being breathtaking. Using 'o ar' would sound unnatural.
↔Alternatives
As vistas eram espetaculares.
The views were spectacular.
As vistas eram maravilhosas.
The views were marvelous.
As vistas eram incríveis.
The views were incredible.
Cultural Tip
Brazilians often use expressive language to convey strong emotions, and 'de tirar o fôlego' is a prime example. It's a very common and well-understood idiom. When describing natural beauty, don't shy away from using such vivid expressions; they are appreciated and make your speech sound more natural and engaging.