In the rich tapestry of the Portuguese language, certain words carry a weight that transcends direct translation. They are cultural capsules, containing within a few syllables a whole philosophy of life. One such word is “lidarmos.”
At first glance, it’s a simple verb: the first-person plural, conjugated form of lidar, which means “to deal with,” “to handle,” or “to cope.” But to reduce “lidarmos” to these English equivalents is to miss its profound essence. “Lidarmos” doesn’t just mean “to deal with”; it means “for us to deal with this, together.” It is an invitation, a shared burden, a collective promise to face life’s complexities side-by-side.
Deconstructing the Word: More Than Just Grammar
The power of “lidarmos” lies in its structure:
- Lidar: The root verb, implying action, management, and confrontation.
- -mos: The suffix that makes all the difference. This tiny addition transforms the action from an individual endeavor into a collective one. It means “we” or “us.”
When a Brazilian or Portuguese person says, “Temos que lidarmos com isso,” they are not simply stating, “We have to deal with this.” They are saying, “You and I are in this same boat. The responsibility, the struggle, and the solution belong to both of us. We will navigate these waters as a team.”
The Cultural Heart of Lidarmos
This concept is the linguistic bedrock of cultures that are deeply relational and communal. In a world that often prioritizes hyper-individualism, “lidarmos” is a quiet but powerful rebellion. It embodies a worldview where identity is intertwined with family, friends, and community.
You can find the spirit of “lidarmos” in everyday life:
- In the Family: When a crisis hits, a parent might say to their children, “Vamos lidarmos com isso, juntos.” It’s a reassurance that no one will face the hardship alone.
- In Friendship: A friend comforting another after a breakup isn’t just offering advice; they are implicitly saying, “Nós vamos lidarmos com esta dor” – “We will handle this pain,” sharing the emotional load.
- In the Workplace: A team facing a tough project uses the spirit of “lidarmos” to foster collaboration. It’s the difference between a boss assigning tasks and a leader saying, “This is our challenge to overcome together.”
Why We Need “Lidarmos” Now More Than Ever
In an age of digital connection and real-world isolation, anxiety, and overwhelm, the philosophy of “lidarmos” offers a vital antidote. It’s a reminder that we are not meant to figure everything out on our own.
The English language encourages a more individualistic frame: “How should I deal with this?” or “You need to handle your problems.” “Lidarmos” reframes the question: “How can we navigate this?”
Embracing this mindset can transform our approach to:
- Mental Health: It reduces the stigma and loneliness of struggle by making well-being a shared responsibility.
- Social Challenges: It encourages community-based solutions to local problems, from neighborhood clean-ups to support networks.
- Personal Relationships: It deepens bonds, fostering resilience and trust by affirming that all challenges are “ours,” not “yours” or “mine.”
Embracing the Spirit of “Lidarmos”
You don’t need to be fluent in Portuguese to integrate the power of “lidarmos” into your life. It starts with a shift in language and intention.
Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” try a more engaged, “How can we figure this out together?”
Replace “That’s your problem” with “This is our problem to solve.”
It is an active choice to move from being a spectator to a participant in the lives of those you care about.
Lidarmos is more than a word; it is a lifeline. It is the quiet understanding in a friend’s eyes, the steady hand on your shoulder during a storm, and the unspoken pact that says, “You are not alone.” In a complex world, it is the simple, profound art of facing life, not as a solitary fighter, but as an inseparable part of a whole. It is, ultimately, the promise that no matter what comes, we will handle it—together.