Sorte no amor, azar no jogo! Understanding the Popular Saying

Have you ever heard the Portuguese expression “sorte no amor, azar no jogo”? What does it really mean? Let’s find out together!

What is a Popular Saying?

A popular saying is a short phrase of anonymous origin that conveys wisdom or an observation about life. These sayings are passed down from generation to generation and reflect the culture and values of a people.

Cultural Roots of the Saying “sorte no amor, azar no jogo”

The saying suggests that a person cannot be lucky in all areas of life at once. If someone finds success in love, they may not be equally fortunate in gambling, and vice versa. It highlights a belief in the balance of gains and losses in life.

Exploring Paulo Leminski’s Poem

Brazilian poet Paulo Leminski explores this concept in his poem:

sorte no jogo

"azar no amor

de que me serve

sorte no amor

se o amor é um jogo

e o jogo não é meu forte,

meu amor?"

Leminski questions the value of luck in love if love itself is uncertain, like gambling. His poem reinforces the risks involved in both love and games of chance, deepening the reflection on this common saying.

In conclusion, both the saying and Leminski’s poem remind us of life’s unpredictability and the search for balance between love and fortune.

Knowing the popular sayings and literature of a country is essential to understand the culture in which the language is spoken. Want to learn more about Brazilian culture? Get in touch!