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How to Say ‘If you don't mind’ in Portuguese

Se não se importa

suh nao seh eem-POR-tah

[suh nao seh eem-POR-tah]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Adding this before stating your preference keeps a disagreement with the driver courteous. It's the natural tone to take.

Phrase Breakdown

Se não

suh nao

If not

'Se' means 'if'. 'Não' has a nasal 'ão' sound, like 'now' through the nose.

Example

Se não chover, vamos à praia.

If it doesn't rain, we'll go to the beach.

Words in this phrase

[suh]

A conjunction used to introduce a condition politely.

Example

Comecei com «Se» for possível para fazer um pedido com cuidado.

I started with “If” possible to make a request carefully.

não

[nao]

not

Used to make a verb negative.

Example

Eu não gosto dessa rota.

I do not like this route.

se importa

seh eem-POR-tah

you mind

From 'importar-se' (to mind). Together the phrase means 'if you don't mind', a polite formal expression. Say it as 'sim-POR-ta'.

Example

Não se importa de esperar?

Do you mind waiting?

Words in this phrase

[seh]

yourself

Used in many contexts to refer to the person being addressed.

Example

Cuide de "se" mesmo.

Take care of yourself.

importa

[eem-POR-tah]

mind

From 'importar-se', to mind or be bothered.

Example

Importa-se de abrir a janela?

Would you mind opening the window?

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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