posso ter
In Portuguese, 'can I have' is translated as posso ter.
posso ter is a polite way to ask for permission to possess or receive something. However, in many service contexts such as a restaurant, Portuguese speakers often prefer to use posso pedir (can I order/ask for) or eu gostaria de (I would like) instead of asking to possess the item.
Did you know?
- The verb ter is used in Brazil to mean 'there is' or 'there are' in casual speech, which is technically a grammatical error but used by almost everyone.
- If you want to sound more like a local when asking for something in a shop, replace posso ter with queria, which translates to 'I wanted' but functions as a polite 'I would like'.
- While posso ter asks for permission, a Brazilian might say me dá (give me) to be casual, which sounds like a command to English speakers but is often not considered rude.
Examples in context
- Posso ter salsa com isso?Can I have salsa with that?This example shows how to use posso ter when asking for salsa.Tatoeba #8208518 by josivangoncalves, translation #8208439 by CK
- Posso ter a minha arma de volta?Can I have my gun back?This example shows how to use posso ter when asking for a gun back.Tatoeba #3447990 by Ricardo14, translation #3327809 by CK
- Posso ter outro pedaço de torrada?Can I have another piece of toast?This example shows how to use posso ter when asking for another piece of toast.Tatoeba #8329906 by JGEN, translation #8238960 by CK
- Poderia me dar uma caneta, por favor?Could you give me a pen, please?
- Posso pegar uma fatia de bolo?Can I grab a slice of cake?
- Me arranja um livro para ler?Can you get me a book to read?
- Você me dá um pedaço de papel?Can you give me a piece of paper?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Mariana are at a cafe.
- LucasPosso ter um copo de água, por favor?Can I have a glass of water, please?
- MarianaClaro, Lucas. Vou trazer agora.Of course, Lucas. I'll bring it now.
- LucasObrigado. Posso ter um guardanapo também?Thanks. Can I have a napkin too?
- MarianaSim, Mariana já vai pegar para você.Yes, Mariana will get one for you right away.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
