me escuta
/mi isˈku.tɐ/word by word
To say "listen to me" in Portuguese, you use me escuta.
The phrase is a request or command for someone to pay attention to what the speaker is saying. In informal settings, you might also hear expressions like Olha só! to mean "listen up" or Presta atenção! to mean "pay attention".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb ending changes depending on the subject. For example, to say "they listen to me", you use me escutam to match the third-person plural. When using the imperative/command form to be polite or formal, me escute is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mi isˈku.tɐ/. It has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb escutar is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'scout'.
- While me escuta is common, in many parts of Brazil, starting a sentence with the pronoun me is considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing, even though it is how everyone speaks.
- In Portugal, you are more likely to hear ouve-me instead of me escuta for the same command.
Examples in context
- Tom não me escutará.Tom won't listen to me.This sentence shows how to use the phrase in the negative future tense with me escuta.Tatoeba #4278945 by ajdavidl, translation #2281730 by CK
- Eles nunca me escutam.They never listen to me.This sentence shows the third-person plural usage of me escuta.Tatoeba #5610140 by Ricardo14, translation #2645441 by CK
- Você deveria me escutar.You should listen to me.This sentence shows how to use the phrase to give advice.Tatoeba #2720466 by Ricardo14, translation #2720454 by CK
- Por favor, escute-me com atenção.Please listen to me attentively.
- Ouça, tenho algo importante para compartilhar.Listen, I have something important to share.
- Olha só, preciso que você me escute.Listen up, I need you to listen to me.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a busy cafe, Juliana tries to get Lucas's attention.
- JulianaLucas, me escuta um pouco.Lucas, listen to me for a bit.
- LucasEstou ouvindo, Juliana.I'm listening, Juliana.
- JulianaEu preciso te contar uma coisa.I need to tell you something.
- LucasPode falar, estou atento.You can speak, I'm paying attention.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (me, escuta) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries escuta, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
