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How to Say ‘Excuse me, may I come in?’ in Portuguese

Com licença, posso entrar?

kohng lee-SEN-sah poh-soo en-TRAR

[kohng lee-SEN-sah poh-soo en-TRAR]

Phrase Breakdown

Com licença,

kohng lee-SEN-sah

Excuse me,

A polite way to ask for permission or get attention. 'Com' is nasal, like 'kõ'. In 'licença' the first 'i' is very weak, so it sounds like 'l'sẽsa'.

Example

Com licença, posso passar?

Excuse me, may I get past?

Words in this phrase

Com

[kohng]

with

Preposition used to connect an idea to a quality, person, or thing.

Example

Com experiência internacional, o candidato destaca-se mais.

With international experience, the candidate stands out more.

licença

[lee-SEN-sah]

permission

Permission; used with 'com' to politely ask to pass or enter.

Example

Peço licença para entrar.

I ask permission to come in.

posso entrar?

poh-soo en-TRAR

may I come in?

'Posso' means 'I can / may I'. 'Entrar' starts with a nasal 'ẽ', and the final 'r' is a light tap. Let your voice rise at the end for the question.

Example

Posso entrar agora?

May I come in now?

Words in this phrase

posso

[poh-soo]

can

To be able to do something.

Example

Posso te ajudar.

I can help you.

entrar

[en-TRAR]

to come in / enter

Verb meaning to go or come into a place.

Example

Posso entrar na sala?

Can I come into the room?

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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