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How to Say ‘You're the boss’ in Portuguese

O senhor é que manda

oo seh-NYOR eh kuh MAN-dah

[oo seh-NYOR eh kuh MAN-dah]

💬 Usage Tip: é que puts emphasis on the person: "YOU are the one who decides". Swap in others: ela é que sabe "she's the one who knows".

Phrase Breakdown

O senhor

oo seh-NYOR

You (sir)

A formal way to say 'you' to a man. Say it as 'u s-NYOR'.

Example

O senhor quer café?

Would you like coffee, sir?

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?

é que manda

eh kuh MAN-dah

are the one in charge

'É que' adds emphasis: 'it's you who decides'. 'Manda' has a nasal 'an'.

Example

Aqui é ela que manda.

She's the one in charge here.

Words in this phrase

[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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