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How to Say ‘I was once’ in Portuguese

Eu já fui

💬 Usage Tip: Uses past tense with 'já' to indicate a former state.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Reflects a reflective tone common in autobiographical narratives.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

Eu

[eh-ooh]

I

Pronoun referring to oneself.

Example

Eu estou aqui.

I am here.

[zhah]

already

Prior to a specified or implied time.

Example

Já comi meu almoço.

I have already eaten my lunch.

fui

[FOO-ee]

was

Past tense of 'am/is'.

Example

Eu fui estudante ali.

I was a student there.

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