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How to Say ‘Can I talk to you for a minute?’ in Portuguese

Posso falar consigo um minuto?

POH-soo fah-LAR kon-SEE-goo oom mee-NOO-too

[POH-soo fah-LAR kon-SEE-goo oom mee-NOO-too]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: A polite, unthreatening opener with a stranger in Portugal. Starting formal and letting things warm up lands better than jumping straight to casual.

Phrase Breakdown

Posso falar consigo

POH-soo fah-LAR kon-SEE-goo

Can I speak with you

This is a polite, formal request. Say 'POH-soo fa-LAR kon-SEE-goo'.

Example

Posso falar consigo amanhã?

Can I speak with you tomorrow?

Words in this phrase

Posso

[POH-soo]

can I

First person of 'poder'; used to ask permission.

Example

Posso sentar-me aqui?

Can I sit here?

falar

[fah-LAR]

to speak; to talk

Verb used for speaking or having a conversation with someone.

Example

Depois do evento, queria Falar consigo outra vez sobre a oportunidade.

After the event, I wanted to speak with you again about the opportunity.

consigo

[kon-SEE-goo]

with you

A polite European Portuguese form meaning with you, often used formally.

Example

Num email formal, «consigo» soa educado e respeitoso.

In a formal email, “with you” sounds polite and respectful.

um minuto?

oom mee-NOO-too

for a minute?

'Um' is nasal: 'oong'. 'Minuto' sounds like 'mee-NOO-too'.

Example

Espere um minuto.

Wait a minute.

Words in this phrase

[oom]

a / one

Masculine singular indefinite article used before café.

Example

Um café pode ser uma boa ideia para conversar.

A coffee can be a good idea for talking.

minuto

[mee-NOO-too]

minute

A unit of time equal to sixty seconds; masculine noun.

Example

Espera um minuto, por favor.

Wait a minute, please.

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.

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