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How to Say ‘If you're running late, we ask that you call.’ in Portuguese

Se houver algum atraso, pedimos que ligue.

suh oh-VEHR al-GOONG ah-TRAH-zoo peh-DEE-moosh kuh LEE-geh

[suh oh-VEHR al-GOONG ah-TRAH-zoo peh-DEE-moosh kuh LEE-geh]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Restaurants that are busy may give your table away after about 15 minutes, so a quick call if you're running late is expected.

Phrase Breakdown

Se houver algum atraso,

suh oh-VEHR al-GOONG ah-TRAH-zoo

If there's any delay,

The 'h' in 'houver' is silent. Pause slightly at the comma.

Example

Se houver algum atraso, avise-me.

If there's any delay, let me know.

Words in this phrase

[suh]

A conjunction used to introduce a condition politely.

Example

Comecei com «Se» for possível para fazer um pedido com cuidado.

I started with “If” possible to make a request carefully.

houver

[oh-VEHR]

there is (if)

Future subjunctive of 'haver', used after 'se'.

Example

Se houver mesa, ficamos.

If there's a table, we'll stay.

algum

[al-GOONG]

any

Masculine form meaning 'some/any'.

Example

Tem algum lugar livre?

Do you have any free seat?

atraso

[ah-TRAH-zoo]

delay / lateness

Masculine noun meaning a delay or being late.

Example

O comboio tem um atraso.

The train has a delay.

pedimos que ligue.

peh-DEE-moosh kuh LEE-geh

we ask that you call.

This is a polite formal request using the subjunctive 'ligue'.

Example

Em caso de dúvida, pedimos que ligue.

If in doubt, we ask that you call.

Words in this phrase

pedimos

[peh-DEE-moosh]

we ask

Present of 'pedir', to ask or request.

Example

Pedimos a conta.

We ask for the bill.

que

[kuh]

that

Often used in expressions like claro que sim to reinforce the statement.

Example

Acho que podemos colaborar bem.

I think that we can collaborate well.

ligue

[LEE-geh]

(you) call

Subjunctive of 'ligar', to phone.

Example

Peço que me ligue.

I ask that you call me.

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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