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How to Say ‘How can I help you?’ in Portuguese

Em que posso ajudar?

ehm keh poh-soo uh-zhoo-DAR

[ehm keh poh-soo uh-zhoo-DAR]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: This is the standard way staff answer the phone or greet you at the door. Reply directly with what you want, with no need for small talk first.

Phrase Breakdown

Em que posso

ehm keh poh-soo

How can I (in what can I)

'Em' is nasal, like 'ayng'. 'Posso' is 'POSS-oo'.

Example

Em que posso ser útil?

How can I be of use?

Words in this phrase

[ehm]

Used to indicate inclusion within space or limits.

Example

Está em casa.

It's in the house.

que

[keh]

what

Interrogative word asking about something; here 'in what (way)'.

Example

Que horas são?

What time is it?

posso

[poh-soo]

can

To be able to do something.

Example

Posso te ajudar.

I can help you.

ajudar?

uh-zhoo-DAR

help?

Say 'a-zhoo-DAR', with the 'j' like the 's' in 'measure'.

Example

Posso ajudar?

Can I help?

Words in this phrase

ajudar

[uh-zhoo-DAR]

to help

Infinitive verb meaning 'to help'.

Example

É bom ver vontade de ajudar durante a integração.

It is good to see willingness to help during onboarding.

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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