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How to Say ‘As you wish, you're the boss.’ in Portuguese

Como quiser, o senhor é que manda.

KOH-moo kee-ZEHR oo seh-NYOR eh kuh MAN-dah

[KOH-moo kee-ZEHR oo seh-NYOR eh kuh MAN-dah]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Drivers often say this with a hint of resignation or irony when giving in. It's normal banter, not hostility.

Phrase Breakdown

Como quiser,

KOH-moo kee-ZEHR

As you wish,

'Quiser' is the future subjunctive of 'querer'. Say it as 'KO-mu ki-ZER'.

Example

Como quiser, não há problema.

As you wish, no problem.

Words in this phrase

Como

[KOH-moo]

like; as

Used for comparison, often to explain how something feels.

Example

Trabalham como uma verdadeira equipa.

They work like a real team.

quiser

[kee-ZEHR]

you want

A polite subjunctive form of 'querer' often used in offers like 'if you want'.

Example

Quiser, podemos acrescentar velas ao bolo.

If you want, we can add candles to the cake.

o senhor é que manda.

oo seh-NYOR eh kuh MAN-dah

you're the boss.

A polite, slightly resigned way to accept a decision. Stress 'NHOR' and 'MAN'.

Example

Está bem, o senhor é que manda.

Okay, you're the boss.

Words in this phrase

[oo]

the (masculine singular)

Article used before a masculine singular noun; often unstressed in speech.

Example

O bilhete é mais barato se comprares com antecedência.

The ticket is cheaper if you buy in advance.

senhor

[seh-NYOR]

you (polite, to a man); sir

Polite way to address a man as 'you', preceded by 'o'.

Example

O senhor é daqui?

Are you from here, sir?

[eh]

Form of the verb 'ser' used to identify or state something.

Example

É meu interesse conhecer melhor a empresa.

It is my interest to get to know the company better.

que

[kuh]

that

Often used in expressions like claro que sim to reinforce the statement.

Example

Acho que podemos colaborar bem.

I think that we can collaborate well.

manda

[MAN-dah]

is in charge / gives orders

From 'mandar', to command or decide.

Example

Quem manda aqui sou eu.

I'm the one in charge here.

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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