The experience abroad is pleasant, we can see how different is the English language learned in English schools and the one actually spoken in the UK or the US.
There are many words, expressions and sayings spoken by people in Brazil not applied in many other countries. Do you know why? Meanings… that's it!
Meanings change according to a nation's culture. Culturally speaking, there are many reasons why an expression makes sense to you, but not to your friends or me. Your experiences, the city you live in, your financial condition, and so on. The environment that surrounds you contributes to the way you feel about life. Simple expressions that we say in Brazil we never use in the US, for example. Let's look below!
"Calma aí (lá), já tô indo!"
"Calma aí (lá), já tô indo!" which translated into English sounds like "Calm down, I'm going!"
Never say that, you should say "Just a second, I'll be there soon!" - "Just a moment, I'll be there soon!" or "Just a minute, I'll be there soon!" but "Just a moment, please!" sounds much more American. On the other hand, you say "Calm down" if the person is angry for whatever reason, "Calm down" is a strong expression we use to reassure someone.
"A cavalo dado não se olham os dentes!"
"A cavalo dado não se olham os dentes!" is a popular saying very common in Brazil that teaches us that when someone gives us a gift, we should not complain about it. We just gladly accept it, whether for good or bad reasons. Instead, a good English expression for this should be something like "Beggars can't choose" or "Beggars can't be choosers" and not "A horse given, you don't look at its teeth" or whatever.
Thanks for reading.
See ya!