To say “I miss you too” in Portuguese, the most common expression is:
1. “Eu também sinto sua falta”
- Eu = “I”
- também = “too” or “also”
- sinto = “I feel” (from the verb sentir, meaning “to feel”)
- sua falta = “your absence” or “your lack” (literal translation of “miss” in this context)
This phrase is widely used in formal and informal situations. It conveys the idea that you’re missing the person just as they are missing you.
2. “Também sinto saudades”
- Também = “too” or “also”
- sinto = “I feel”
- saudades = a Portuguese word that carries a specific cultural meaning. It refers to the feeling of longing or missing someone/something with emotional attachment.
In Portuguese, “saudade” (and its plural “saudades”) is a unique term that doesn’t have a direct translation in many languages. It expresses a deep, nostalgic longing, often for a person, place, or time. So, “sinto saudades” implies a deeper emotional feeling of missing someone, often used in more intimate or heartfelt contexts.
Which to Use:
- “Eu também sinto sua falta”: This is the most straightforward translation, commonly used and understood.
- “Também sinto saudades”: This is more emotionally nuanced and culturally significant. It expresses a deeper sense of longing and is often used when you’re very close to the person or feel a deeper sense of missing them.
Additional Information:
- “Saudade” is a word with no exact translation in English, making it one of the most poetic and emotional words in Portuguese. It conveys a sense of missing someone or something with a touch of nostalgia or melancholy.
- In Brazil, people frequently use “saudades” to express missing family members, friends, or even places. In Portugal, while it’s also common, the emotional weight can sometimes differ slightly.
Example Contexts:
- If a friend or loved one tells you they miss you, you could respond with “Eu também sinto sua falta”.
- If you’re speaking to someone very close and want to express a more heartfelt longing, you might say “Também sinto saudades”.
Both are correct, but the choice depends on the level of emotional depth you wish to convey!