
(Actually) – No, it doesn’t mean “currently.” Actually, it means “as a matter of fact.” Really… (Cigar) – A “cigar” is not a cigarette, but you also can smoke it: it’s a cigar “charuto” in Portuguese. (Excited) – An “excited” American won’t be the same as an excited (excitado) Portuguese. He’ll be “entusiasmado” instead. (Library) – As in “borrowing some books”, the place where we have to be in silence, and not a room where we buy books. Now, English libraries don’t sell books… (Push) – Rationally, I know “push” is “push.” But this word has caused such a short circuit in my Portuguese head that, when I’m in England, I always hesitate for a few seconds before pushing or pulling any door – and even then sometimes I’m wrong. The funny thing is that sometimes such a thing happens to me in Portugal too. Strange things that go on in our brains…
