Ou Seja vs. Isto É: Clarify an Idea in Portuguese
Ou seja and isto é both clarify or restate an idea. Ou seja is very common in conversation; isto é can feel more formal.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Ou seja means ‘in other words,’ ‘that is,’ or ‘so’ when you restate an idea in a clearer way. It is common in speech and writing. Follow it with an explanation that makes the first sentence easier to understand.
Use ou seja to rephrase or draw out a result
Speakers also use ou seja to connect a situation with its practical implication. Make sure the second part really follows from the first; the connector does not automatically make unrelated statements equivalent.
O voo foi cancelado, ou seja, vamos passar mais uma noite aqui.
The flight was cancelled, so we’re going to spend one more night here.
Ela é bilíngue, ou seja, fala duas línguas com facilidade.
She is bilingual; in other words, she speaks two languages comfortably.
O escritório fecha às seis, ou seja, temos pouco tempo.
The office closes at six, so we don’t have much time.
Use isto é for a precise clarification
Isto é also means ‘that is’ or ‘that is to say.’ It often introduces a precise definition, explanation, or correction. It can sound a little more formal than ou seja, although both appear in everyday communication.
Use punctuation to show the pause: A reunião será remota, isto é, ninguém precisa ir ao escritório. In informal speech, you can often choose ou seja without changing the main idea.
O curso é híbrido, isto é, combina aulas presenciais e on-line.
The course is hybrid; that is, it combines in-person and online classes.
Ele é vegetariano, isto é, não come carne.
He is vegetarian; that is, he doesn’t eat meat.
A entrega chega amanhã, isto é, se não houver atraso.
The delivery arrives tomorrow, that is, if there is no delay.
Put it into practice
Ou seja and isto é both clarify or rephrase. Ou seja is especially common in conversation; isto é often sounds more formal or precise. Check that the explanation truly matches the first idea.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The office closes at six, so we don’t have much time”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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