How to Say ‘Start a Conversation’ in Brazilian Portuguese
Puxar assunto means to open a conversation or bring up a topic, especially when people are getting to know one another.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Puxar assunto means to start a conversation or bring up something to talk about. It is useful when people are meeting, waiting together, or trying to move beyond a short greeting. A natural first question connects to the setting rather than demanding a personal answer.
Use puxar assunto to open a topic
The phrase is informal but not slangy. It can describe an easy conversation starter or the effort of finding something to say when the room is quiet.
Ela puxou assunto sobre o filme que estava passando.
She started a conversation about the movie that was showing.
Não sabia o que dizer, então puxei assunto sobre a viagem.
I didn’t know what to say, so I brought up the trip.
Você pode puxar assunto perguntando como a pessoa conhece o anfitrião.
You can start a conversation by asking how the person knows the host.
Ask an easy question and share something too
A simple question gives the other person room to answer. After listening, add a small detail about your own experience so the exchange feels mutual. If the person gives a short answer or turns away, let the conversation rest rather than pressing for more.
For a formal setting, começar uma conversa or introduzir um tema is more neutral. Puxar assunto works well in social conversation and friendly workplace exchanges.
Você já conhecia este café? Eu vim aqui pela primeira vez.
Had you been to this café before? It’s my first time here.
Como você conheceu o pessoal do grupo?
How did you meet the people in the group?
A apresentação foi interessante. Qual parte você achou mais útil?
The presentation was interesting. Which part did you find most useful?
Put it into practice
Puxar assunto is to start a conversation or introduce a topic. Use an easy question, listen to the response, and share a relevant detail of your own.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The presentation was interesting. Which part did you find most useful”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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