Quem ficar, ficou, quem foi, vai vai vai
Who stays, stays, who went, goes goes goes
Language note: Observe the use of both past ('ficou') and implicit future ('vai vai vai') tenses.
Culture note: A common philosophical theme in fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre, is reflected here.
Context: Ana contemplates how people in life come and go, some stay and others don't return.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
Quem
[kẽj̃]
Whoever
Used to refer to an unspecified person or people.
Quem ficar mais verá a verdade.
Whoever stays longer will see the truth.
ficar
[fikˈkaɾ]
stay
Remain in the same place.
Ficar até anoitecer.
Stay until nightfall.
ficou
[fiˈkow]
stayed
Past form of 'stay', indicating remaining in the same place.
Ela ficou até o final.
She stayed until the end.
quem
[kẽj̃]
who
Used to ask or talk about which person or people.
Quem sou eu para julgar?
Who am I to judge?
foi
[foj]
went
Past form of 'go', indicating movement from one place to another.
A equipe foi a melhor.
The team went for the best.
vai
[vaj]
go
Further emphasis on the action of proceeding.
E então vai vai vai, até o final.
And then go go go, until the end.
vai
[vaj]
go
Further emphasis on the action of proceeding.
E então vai vai vai, até o final.
And then go go go, until the end.
vai
[vaj]
go
Further emphasis on the action of proceeding.
E então vai vai vai, até o final.
And then go go go, until the end.
Phrase Parts
Quem ficar, ficou
Quem foi, vai vai vai
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