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How to Say ‘Send a text if you're running late.’ in Portuguese

Manda mensagem se te atrasares.

MAN-dah men-SAH-zhenge suh tuh ah-trah-ZAH-resh

[MAN-dah men-SAH-zhenge suh tuh ah-trah-ZAH-resh]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Being 10 to 15 minutes late is fairly tolerated in Portugal. Still, a quick text is appreciated, especially on a first date.

Phrase Breakdown

Manda mensagem

MAN-dah men-SAH-zhenge

Send a message

'Manda' is the informal command 'send'. 'Mensagem' ends in a nasal sound, roughly 'men-SAH-zhaym'.

Example

Manda mensagem quando chegares.

Send a message when you arrive.

Words in this phrase

Manda

[MAN-dah]

send

Informal command of 'mandar', to send; common for texts and messages.

Example

Manda-me a morada, por favor.

Send me the address, please.

mensagem

[men-SAH-zhenge]

message

A written or digital message, such as a text, email, or note.

Example

Enviei uma mensagem para agradecer a conversa.

I sent a message to thank them for the conversation.

se te atrasares.

suh tuh ah-trah-ZAH-resh

if you're running late.

Say the short 'se te' quickly, then stress 'ZAH' in 'atrasares'.

Example

Liga-me se te atrasares.

Call me if you're late.

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.

[tuh]

you (yourself)

Informal pronoun used with reflexive 'importar-se' (to mind).

Example

Importas-te de esperar?

Do you mind waiting?

atrasares

[ah-trah-ZAH-resh]

you are late

Future subjunctive of 'atrasar-se' (to be late), used after 'se' for possible future events.

Example

Liga-me se te atrasares muito.

Call me if you're running very late.

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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