❓📞🙏

How to Say ‘Who's calling, please?’ in Portuguese

Quem fala, por favor?

KENG FAH-lah poor fah-VOR

[KENG FAH-lah poor fah-VOR]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Receptionists ask this before putting you through, so have your name and company ready.

Phrase Breakdown

Quem fala,

KENG FAH-lah

Who's speaking,

This is the standard phone question. Say 'kayng FAH-luh'. 'Quem' is nasal, like 'kayng'.

Example

Estou? Quem fala?

Hello? Who's speaking?

Words in this phrase

Quem

[KENG]

Who

Used to ask or talk about which person or people.

Example

Quem fez a tarefa?

Who did the task?

fala

[FAH-lah]

speaking (is speaking)

Form of 'falar' (to speak); on the phone, 'Fala X' means 'X speaking'.

Example

Estou? Fala o João.

Hello? João speaking.

por favor?

poor fah-VOR

please?

Say 'poor fuh-VOR' with a rising question tone.

Example

Pode esperar, por favor?

Can you wait, please?

Words in this phrase

por

[poor]

for

Preposition indicating what something is in exchange for.

Example

Paguei dez euros por isto.

I paid ten euros for this.

favor

[fah-VOR]

please (part of 'por favor')

Literally 'favour'; with 'por' it means 'please'.

Example

Ajude-me, por favor.

Help me, please.

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