ou seja/isto é

That Is (Reformulation)

Level 5

Ou seja and isto é are reformulation markers used to explain something in different words. Ou seja is common in all contexts for interpretation, while isto é is more formal and definitional.

How It Works

In Portuguese, when you want to rephrase a statement to make it clearer, more specific, or to correct yourself, you use reformulation markers.

  • Ou seja: Literally 'or [that it] be.' This is the most versatile marker, used to provide an equivalent expression or introduce a logical consequence.
  • Isto é: Literally 'this is.' Slightly more formal, it is used for strict definitions or to identify a specific member of a category.
  • Quer dizer: Literally 'wants to say.' This is the most common marker in informal spoken Portuguese. It is essential for self-correction and clarifying your own thoughts mid-sentence.
  • Ou melhor: Used specifically for rectification, allowing the speaker to correct a mistake or choose a more accurate word.
  • Por outras palavras: Used to introduce a summary or a simplified version of a complex idea.

Syntax and Punctuation:
These expressions are parenthetical. In written Portuguese, they are usually set off by commas. However, when bridging two independent clauses, a semicolon (;) is frequently used before the marker to provide a stronger break (e.g., 'Ele não veio; ou seja, estamos sozinhos.').

Nuance:
While often interchangeable, ou seja implies an interpretation, whereas isto é implies a direct identity or definition.

Examples (6)

  1. Ele é vegetariano, <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">ou seja</grammar>, não come carne.

    He is a vegetarian; that is, he doesn't eat meat.

    Word by Word: He is vegetarian, or [that it] be, not eats meat.

    Here, 'ou seja' provides an equivalent explanation of what being a vegetarian means.

  2. A capital de Portugal, <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">isto é</grammar>, Lisboa, é uma cidade antiga.

    The capital of Portugal, that is, Lisbon, is an ancient city.

    Word by Word: The capital of Portugal, this is, Lisbon, is a city ancient.

    In this case, 'isto é' is used for a specific identification or definition of the capital.

  3. Nós vamos chegar às oito; <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">quer dizer</grammar>, se não houver trânsito.

    We will arrive at eight; I mean, if there is no traffic.

    Word by Word: We go to-arrive at-the eight; wants to-say, if not there-is traffic.

    The marker 'quer dizer' is extremely common in spoken Portuguese for self-correction or adding a condition.

  4. O exame será na próxima terça-feira, <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">isto é</grammar>, dia doze.

    The exam will be next Tuesday, that is, the twelfth.

    Word by Word: The exam will-be in-the next Tuesday, this is, day twelve.

    Using 'isto é' to provide a precise specification of the date.

  5. Ela é minha progenitora, <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">ou seja</grammar>, minha mãe.

    She is my progenitor, that is to say, my mother.

    Word by Word: She is my progenitor, or [that it] be, my mother.

    Using 'ou seja' to simplify a more formal or complex term.

  6. Vou viajar em maio, <grammar expression="ou seja/isto é">ou melhor</grammar>, em junho.

    I'm going to travel in May, or rather, in June.

    Word by Word: I-go to-travel in May, or better, in June.

    The marker 'ou melhor' is used specifically to rectify or correct a previous statement.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting commas in formal writing.

    Ele é rico ou seja tem muito dinheiro.
    Ele é rico, ou seja, tem muito dinheiro.

    While commas might be omitted in very brief or informal text, they are standard in formal writing to isolate these parenthetical markers.

  • Overusing 'isto é' in casual conversation.

    Vou ao mercado, isto é, comprar pão.
    Vou ao mercado, ou seja, comprar pão.

    While not 'wrong,' using 'isto é' in casual speech can sound overly academic or stiff. 'Ou seja' is much more natural for everyday clarification.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ou seja/isto éLevel 5That Is (Reformulation)

Learn This First

To understand 'ou seja' and 'isto é', learners need to be familiar with the verb 'ser' in both the indicative and subjunctive moods, as well as the use of neuter demonstrative pronouns to reference abstract concepts or previous statements.

Words in This Pattern

ou sejaisto é