Whether you’re planning a trip to Portugal, have Portuguese-speaking friends, or simply want to expand your language skills, learning how to say “please” in European Portuguese is a great place to start. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to express “please” in both formal and informal settings. While the core meaning remains the same across Portugal, we will also touch on some regional variations, emphasizing the most widely used terms.
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Formal Ways to Say Please
In formal situations, such as when speaking to someone older or in a professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate level of politeness. Here are some expressions you can use:
1. Por favor: This is the most common and widely used term for “please” in European Portuguese. It is a straightforward and polite way to make a request or ask for something.
Example: Pode me emprestar um pouco de açúcar, por favor? (Can you lend me some sugar, please?)
2. Se faz favor: This phrase is commonly used in Portugal and is directly translated as “if it pleases you.” It adds a level of deference to your request.
Example: Se faz favor, pode me ajudar a abrir a porta? (If you please, can you help me open the door?)
3. Com licença: Although primarily used to mean “excuse me,” “com licença” can also be used as a polite way to say “please” when making a request.
Example: Com licença, pode me dizer onde fica a estação de trem? (Excuse me, can you tell me where the train station is, please?)
Informal Ways to Say Please
In less formal situations, such as when talking to friends or peers, you can use these expressions to say “please” in a more casual manner:
1. Faça favor: This is a colloquial version of “por favor,” often used in spoken European Portuguese. It is commonly heard in friendly interactions and is less formal than the standard “por favor.”
Example: Faça favor de me passar o sal, se não se importar. (Please pass me the salt, if you don’t mind.)
2. Faz favor: Similar to “faça favor,” this variation is widely used in Portugal and, once again, adds a touch of informality to your request.
Example: Faz favor de me explicares isso outra vez? (Please explain that to me again?)
Regional Variations
The Portuguese language exhibits some regional variations, particularly in the way people say “please.” While the above expressions will serve you well across most of Portugal, it’s worth noting a couple of regional differences:
1. Fazes favor: In some areas, such as the Azores islands and parts of Madeira, it is common to hear “fazes favor” instead of “faz favor.” This regional variation is still widely understood throughout the country.
2. Se fazes favor: Another regional variation found primarily in Northern Portugal is the use of “se fazes favor” instead of “se faz favor.” This prolongation of the verb is unique to this region.
Understanding these regional differences can enrich your knowledge of European Portuguese and make your interactions with locals even more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “please” in European Portuguese is essential for effective communication and building positive relationships in Portuguese-speaking contexts. By using the appropriate expressions in formal and informal situations, you can convey politeness and respect. Remember to adapt your language to the specific regional variations you may encounter during your journey through Portugal. Practice these phrases, immerse yourself in the culture, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming fluent in European Portuguese!
