Quem ficar, ficou, quem foi, vai vai
Who stays, stays, who left, goes goes
Language note: Notice how the verbs stay in their base form but imply past action with 'foi' and future continuation with 'vai'.
Culture note: Captures a sense of resolution and acceptance within relationships.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Quem
[kẽj̃]
Whoever
Used to refer to an unspecified person or people.
Quem ficar verá.
Whoever stays will see.
ficar
[fikˈkaɾ]
stay
Remain in the same place.
Precisamos ficar unidos.
We need to stay united.
ficou
[fiˈkow]
stayed
Past form of 'stay', indicating remaining in the same place.
Quem ficou fez a diferença.
Whoever stayed made a difference.
quem
[kẽj̃]
who
Used to ask or talk about which person or people.
Quem sabe, explica.
Who knows, explains.
foi
[foj]
went
Past form of 'go', indicating movement from one place to another.
Quem foi já voltou.
Whoever went has already returned.
vai
[vaj]
go
Repeat for emphasis on the action of going.
Vai vai, sem parar.
Go go, without stopping.
vai
[vaj]
go
Repeat for emphasis on the action of going.
Vai vai, sem parar.
Go go, without stopping.
Phrase Parts
Quem ficar, ficou
Quem foi, vai vai
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