start chasing
[/stɑːrt ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/]
verb phrase
começar a perseguir
1. to begin pursuing someone or something, either literally or figuratively
The dog started chasing the cat around the house.
O cachorro começou a perseguir o gato pela casa.
2. to begin pursuing romantic interest in someone
He started chasing her after they met at the party.
Ele começou a cortejar ela depois que se conheceram na festa.
3. to begin pursuing goals or aspirations
After graduation, she started chasing her dream of becoming a writer.
Após a formatura, ela começou a perseguir seu sonho de se tornar escritora.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'começar a perseguir' is widely used in both literal and figurative contexts. The romantic context ('cortejar') is particularly common in colloquial speech. In American English, especially in NYC, 'start chasing' often appears in hip-hop and contemporary slang referring to pursuing goals or romantic interests. The phrase carries positive connotations when related to ambitions and dreams, but can be neutral or slightly negative when referring to chasing someone romantically without reciprocal interest.
NYC Slang
start chasin' / get after it
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