🗣️❓

How to Say ‘Can I say something?’ in Portuguese

Posso dizer uma coisa?

POH-soo dee-ZEHR OO-muh KOY-zuh

[POH-soo dee-ZEHR OO-muh KOY-zuh]

Phrase Breakdown

Posso dizer

POH-soo dee-ZEHR

Can I say

'Posso' (I can) + infinitive 'dizer' (to say). The double 's' is a hard 's' sound.

Example

Posso dizer a verdade?

Can I tell the truth?

Words in this phrase

Posso

[POH-soo]

may I / can I

First person of 'poder', used here to politely ask permission.

Example

Posso sentar-me aqui?

May I sit here?

dizer

[dee-ZEHR]

to say

Infinitive verb meaning to say or tell.

Example

Quero dizer olá.

I want to say hello.

uma coisa?

OO-muh KOY-zuh

something?

Literally 'a thing'. A common way to say 'something'. The 's' in 'coisa' sounds like 'z'.

Example

Tenho uma coisa para ti.

I have something for you.

Words in this phrase

uma

[OO-muh]

Feminine singular indefinite article before 'família'.

Example

Uma empresa pode ter uma cultura muito acolhedora.

A company can have a very welcoming culture.

coisa

[KOY-zuh]

thing

A general feminine noun for an object or matter.

Example

Quero uma coisa doce.

I want something sweet.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer