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How to Say ‘What will it be?’ in Portuguese

O que vai ser?

oh keh vye sehr

[oh keh vye sehr]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: A brisk, friendly question from café staff. Answer straight away with the drink. No greeting or small talk is expected first.

Phrase Breakdown

O que

oh keh

What

The question word. Say 'oo KUH' as one unit.

Example

O que é isto?

What is this?

Words in this phrase

[oh]

what

Used to refer to a thing or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

Example

O que é isso?

What is this?

que

[keh]

What

Used to ask for specific information or details.

Example

O que você recomenda?

What do you recommend?

vai ser?

vye sehr

will it be?

Together with 'O que', it means 'What will you have?' Say 'vy SEHR'.

Example

Vai ser um café.

It will be a coffee.

Words in this phrase

vai

[vye]

will go; is going to; will

Form of 'ir' used to create the future meaning with another verb.

Example

A minha irmã vai gostar da esplanada.

My sister will like the terrace.

ser

[sehr]

Existence or state of being.

Example

Isso pode ser verdade.

That might be true.

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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