How to Say ‘Can you turn left?’ in Portuguese
Pode virar à esquerda?
POH-deh vee-RAR ah izh-KEHR-dah
[POH-deh vee-RAR ah izh-KEHR-dah]
🇵🇹 In Portugal: This is appropriately polite for directing a taxi driver. In Portugal, a calm [Pode virar à esquerda?] is firm enough without sounding bossy.
Phrase Breakdown
Pode
[POH-deh]
can / may
Used here to politely ask the driver to do something.
Pode esperar um momento, por favor?
Can you wait a moment, please?
Virar à esquerda
vee-RAR ah izh-KEHR-dah
Turn left
Phrase used to give or ask for direction.
Vire à esquerda no semáforo.
Turn left at the traffic lights.
Words in this phrase
virar
[vee-RAR]
turn
Verb used in directions for changing direction on the road.
Se puder, virar aqui é melhor.
If possible, turning here is better.
à
[ah]
to the
Used with feminine nouns in set directional expressions like "à esquerda."
Siga à frente e depois vire à esquerda.
Go ahead and then turn to the left.
esquerda
[izh-KEHR-dah]
left
The direction opposite to right.
A esquerda há uma rua mais rápida.
On the left there is a faster street.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Rio de Janeiro tested my Portuguese every single day. The real-world scenarios in this app meant I could actually keep up with locals at the beach bars.”
Chris B., 33, Digital Nomad
“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”
Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker