The Brazilian National Anthem Explained

The Brazilian National Anthem, also known as “Hino Nacional Brasileiro,” was written by Joaquim Osório Duque Estrada and composed by Francisco Manuel da Silva. Here’s a translation of the anthem, line by line, along with explanations:

PORTUGUESE VERSION:

Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens plácidas

De um povo heroico o brado retumbante,

E o sol da Liberdade, em raios fúlgidos,

Brilhou no céu da Pátria nesse instante.

Se o penhor dessa igualdade

Conseguimos conquistar com braço forte,

Em teu seio, ó liberdade,

Desafia o nosso peito a própria morte!

 Ó Pátria amada, Idolatrada, Salve! Salve!

Brasil, um sonho intenso, um raio vívido,

De amor e de esperança à terra desce,

 Se em teu formoso céu, risonho e límpido,

A imagem do Cruzeiro resplandece.

Gigante pela própria natureza,

És belo, és forte, impávido colosso,

E o teu futuro espelha essa grandeza. Terra adorada,

Entre outras mil, És tu, Brasil, Ó Pátria amada!

Dos filhos deste solo és mãe gentil, Pátria amada, Brasil!

ENGLISH VERSION

They heard, by the placid banks of the Ipiranga,

The resounding shout of a heroic people,

And the sun of Liberty, in radiant beams,

Shone in the sky of the Homeland at that moment.

If the pledge of this equality We managed to conquer with a strong arm,

In your bosom, O Liberty, Our chest defies death itself!

Beloved homeland, Idolized, Hail! Hail!

Brazil, an intense dream, a vivid ray,

Descends to earth with love and hope, If in your beautiful, smiling, and clear sky,

The image of the Southern Cross shines.

Giant by your own nature,

You are beautiful, strong, fearless colossus,

And your future reflects this greatness.

Adored land, Among a thousand others,

It is you, Brazil, O beloved homeland!

You are the gentle mother of the children of this land,

Beloved homeland, Brazil!

EXPLANATION OF THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

“Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens plácidas” – “They heard, by the placid banks of the Ipiranga”:

Refers to the Ipiranga River where Dom Pedro I declared Brazil’s independence in 1822.

“De um povo heroico o brado retumbante” – “The resounding shout of a heroic people”:

Celebrates the courage and heroism of the Brazilian people.

“E o sol da Liberdade, em raios fúlgidos,” – “And the sun of Liberty, in radiant beams”:

Symbolizes the birth of liberty in Brazil.

“Brilhou no céu da Pátria nesse instante.” – “Shone in the sky of the Homeland at that moment”:

Describes the moment of Brazil’s declaration of independence.

“Se o penhor dessa igualdade” – “If the pledge of this equality”:

Refers to the commitment to equality among the people.

“Conseguimos conquistar com braço forte,” – “We managed to conquer with a strong arm”:

Highlights the strength and determination of the Brazilian people.

“Em teu seio, ó liberdade,” – “In your bosom, O Liberty”:

Expresses the idea that freedom is deeply embedded in the nation.

“Desafia o nosso peito a própria morte!” – “Our chest defies death itself!”:

Emphasizes the courage and commitment of Brazilians to their country, even in the face of death.

“Ó Pátria amada, Idolatrada, Salve! Salve!” – “Beloved homeland, Idolized, Hail! Hail!”:

Expresses deep love and reverence for the homeland.

“Brasil, um sonho intenso, um raio vívido,” – “Brazil, an intense dream, a vivid ray”:

Describes Brazil as a dream filled with love and hope.

“De amor e de esperança à terra desce,” – “Descends to earth with love and hope”:

Portrays Brazil as a country filled with love and hope.

“Se em teu formoso céu, risonho e límpido,” – “If in your beautiful, smiling, and clear sky”:

Describes the beauty of Brazil’s sky.

“A imagem do Cruzeiro resplandece.” – “The image of the Southern Cross shines”:

Refers to the Southern Cross constellation on the Brazilian flag, symbolizing Brazil’s sky.

“Gigante pela própria natureza,” – “Giant by your own nature”:

Highlights Brazil’s vast size and natural resources.

“És belo, és forte, impávido colosso,” – “You are beautiful, strong, fearless colossus”:

Describes Brazil as a beautiful, strong, and fearless nation.

“E o teu futuro espelha essa grandeza.” – “And your future reflects this greatness”:

Suggests that Brazil’s potential and future reflect its current greatness.

“Terra adorada, Entre outras mil,” – “Adored land, Among a thousand others”:

Brazil is cherished among many nations.

“És tu, Brasil, Ó Pátria amada!” – “It is you, Brazil, O beloved homeland!”:

Affirms Brazil as the beloved homeland.

“Dos filhos deste solo és mãe gentil,” – “You are the gentle mother of the children of this land”:

Depicts Brazil as a nurturing mother to its people.

“Pátria amada, Brasil!” – “Beloved homeland, Brazil!”:

A final declaration of love and patriotism for Brazil.