Socorro!
emergency
To shout for help in Brazil you say Socorro! In normal situations ask Pode me ajudar? (Can you help me?) or the casual Me ajuda!
Meaning: assistance, or a cry for help (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| Socorro! | emergency |
| Pode me ajudar? | polite |
| Me ajuda! | casual, Brazil |
Socorro! is a cry for emergencies, like "help!" in English. For a favor, use Pode me ajudar? or Preciso de ajuda (I need help).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is ajuda and the verb is ajudar. Brazilians put the pronoun before the verb in speech, so Me ajuda! is more natural than the written form Ajude-me!
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use socorro when you only want a small favor, since it signals real alarm. Com licença (excuse me) is the better opener to get attention.
Did you know?
- The word socorro also names first aid in some phrases, like primeiros socorros, which means first aid.
Examples in context
- Socorro! Alguém me ajuda!Help! Someone help me!
- Pode me ajudar com a mala?Can you help me with the suitcase?
- Preciso de ajuda com o português.I need help with Portuguese.
Example conversation
Tourist Emily asks a local named Fábio for directions in Salvador.
- EmilyCom licença, pode me ajudar?Excuse me, can you help me?
- FábioClaro. O que você precisa?Of course. What do you need?
- EmilyProcuro o Pelourinho.I am looking for the Pelourinho.
- FábioÉ por ali, logo à frente.It is over there, straight ahead.
