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How to Say ‘Excuse me, can I order now?’ in Portuguese

Desculpe, já posso pedir?

desh-KOOL-puh zhah POH-soo peh-DEER

[desh-KOOL-puh zhah POH-soo peh-DEER]

Phrase Breakdown

Desculpe,

desh-KOOL-puh

Excuse me,

A polite way to get attention. Say 'dush-KOOLP', with the final 'e' almost silent.

Example

Desculpe, onde é a casa de banho?

Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

Words in this phrase

Desculpe

[desh-KOOL-puh]

sorry / excuse me

A polite way to apologize or get someone's attention.

Example

Desculpe, onde fica a estação?

Excuse me, where is the station?

já posso pedir?

zhah POH-soo peh-DEER

can I order now?

This asks if it's your turn to order. Let your voice rise at the end.

Example

Já posso entrar?

Can I come in now?

Words in this phrase

já

[zhah]

Already / now

Often means “already” or “right now,” useful for urgency (e.g., buying tickets early).

Example

Já comprei o bilhete para o comboio das 9.

I already bought the ticket for the 9 o’clock train.

posso

[POH-soo]

can I / may I

Used to ask permission or possibility politely.

Example

Pergunto "Posso pagar em dinheiro?" antes de tirar as notas.

I ask "Can I pay in cash?" before taking out the notes.

pedir

[peh-DEER]

to order / ask for

Infinitive verb meaning to request or order.

Example

Queria pedir o bacalhau.

I would like to order the cod.

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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