👉🪑🔒

How to Say ‘Go on, I'll save your seat.’ in Portuguese

Vai lá, que eu guardo-te o lugar.

vaj lah kuh EH-oo GWAR-doo-tuh oo loo-GAR

[vaj lah kuh EH-oo GWAR-doo-tuh oo loo-GAR]

💬 Usage Tip: lá "there" after a command softens it into an encouraging "go on". The que here works like "because" or "and".

Phrase Breakdown

Vai lá,

vaj lah

Go on / go ahead

An informal encouragement. Pronounce it as one quick unit: 'vai-LÁ'.

Example

Vai lá, não tenhas medo.

Go on, don't be afraid.

Words in this phrase

Vai

[vaj]

Repeat for emphasis on the action of going.

Example

Vai vai, sem olhar para trás.

Go go, without looking back.

lá

[lah]

go on / then (emphatic)

Here an encouraging particle after a command, like 'go on'; literally 'there'.

Example

Anda lá, despacha-te!

Come on, hurry up!

que eu guardo-te o lugar.

kuh EH-oo GWAR-doo-tuh oo loo-GAR

I'll save you the seat

Here 'que' works like 'because' or 'since'. 'Que eu' blends together as 'k'eu'.

Example

Despacha-te, que eu guardo-te o lugar.

Hurry up, I'll save you the seat.

Words in this phrase

que

[kuh]

because / since

Casual conjunction giving a reason, like 'as' or 'because'.

Example

Leva o casaco, que está frio.

Take your coat, because it's cold.

[EH-oo]

The speaker refers to themselves.

Example

Eu vou ao bar esta noite.

I am going to the bar tonight.

guardo-te

[GWAR-doo-tuh]

I keep (it) for you

From 'guardar' (to keep, save) with 'te' (for you) attached by a hyphen, as is usual in Portugal.

Example

Eu guardo-te um bocado de bolo.

I'll save you a piece of cake.

[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.

lugar

[loo-GAR]

seat / place / spot

Means “place/spot”; in transport it often means a seat.

Example

O lugar ao lado da janela no elétrico está livre.

The seat next to the window on the tram is free.

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.

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 feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“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 tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer