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How to Say ‘Hold on a minute!’ in Portuguese

Espere um pouco!

eh-SPER-ay oom POH-koo

[eh-SPER-ay oom POH-koo]

💬 Usage Tip: Espere is the você form of esperar, so this is literally 'wait a bit.' For tu, you'd say espera um pouco.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: This is a normal way to say 'hold on' or 'wait a second.' It's direct, but not rude by itself; tone matters a lot.

Phrase Breakdown

Espere

[eh-SPER-ay]

Wait

To remain stationary or delayed.

Example

Espere um pouco, volto já.

Wait a moment, I'll be right back.

[oom]

Indicates a single unit or thing.

Example

Pegue um copo.

Get a glass.

pouco

[POH-koo]

little

A small amount or degree.

Example

Espere um pouco para ver o resultado.

Wait a little to see the result.

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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