be plain

[/biː pleɪn/]

verb phrase

ser claro; ser evidente; ser óbvio

1. to be clear, obvious, or easily understood

It is plain that she disagrees with the decision.

É claro que ela discorda da decisão.

2. to be simple, unadorned, or without decoration

Her style is plain and elegant.

Seu estilo é simples e elegante.

3. to be frank or direct in speech

To be plain with you, I don't think this will work.

Para ser franco com você, não acho que isto funcionará.

4. to be unattractive or unremarkable in appearance

She has plain features but a beautiful smile.

Ela tem traços simples, mas um sorriso bonito.

NYC Slang

be straight with someone; keep it real

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser claro; ser óbvio

most common usage across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

ser claro; ser na lata

informal: 'na lata' for direct/frank speech

São Paulo

ser claro; ser simples

standard urban usage

Portugal

ser claro; ser evidente; ser franco

Portuguese uses 'franco' for direct/plain speaking

plain as day

plain as the nose on your face

plain English

to speak plain

plain and simple

Look up more words on Fala2Me

The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more