In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to introduce a personal opinion or critique.
- Softens the impact of your words in social situations.
- Used at the start or end of a sentence for politeness.
Bedeutung
It is a polite way to introduce an opinion or observation that might be slightly critical or personal. Think of it as a verbal 'pardon me' before you drop some truth or offer a suggestion.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6At a restaurant with a friend
Se me permite dizer, esse vinho não combina com o peixe.
If I may say so, this wine doesn't go with the fish.
In a professional meeting
Se me permite dizer, acho que o prazo está muito curto.
If you'll allow me to say, I think the deadline is too short.
Giving a compliment on a date
Você está maravilhosa hoje, se me permite dizer.
You look wonderful today, if I may say so.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This expression stems from the Ibero-Romance tradition of high courtesy and 'polidez'. In Brazil, it is often used to navigate the 'Cordial Man' complex—a cultural trait where people prefer emotional harmony over cold logic. It allows for honesty without breaking the social bond.
The 'Permission' Trick
You don't actually have to wait for them to say 'yes'. It's a rhetorical request. Just keep your sentence flowing!
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a butler in a period drama. Save it for the 'big' comments.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polite way to introduce a personal opinion or critique.
- Softens the impact of your words in social situations.
- Used at the start or end of a sentence for politeness.
What It Means
Se me permite dizer is your ultimate social lubricant in Portuguese. It translates to 'if you'll allow me to say' or 'if I may say so.' You use it when you want to be honest without being rude. It signals that you respect the person you are talking to. It softens the blow of a critique. It also adds a layer of sophistication to a compliment. It is the linguistic equivalent of a gentle tap on the shoulder before speaking.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning or the very end of your sentence. If you put it at the start, you are asking for permission to speak freely. If you tuck it at the end, it acts as a polite disclaimer. You don't need to wait for an actual 'yes' from the other person. Just keep talking! It works beautifully with adjectives. For example, Se me permite dizer, você está elegante. It shows you have manners even when being bold.
When To Use It
You use this when you are about to offer advice. It is perfect for a restaurant when the waiter asks how the food is. Use it when giving feedback to a colleague. It is great for making a move on a date without sounding too aggressive. Use it when you are the 'outsider' in a situation. It helps you voice an opinion without overstepping your bounds. It is a favorite for people who want to sound educated and thoughtful.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends while watching football. It will sound incredibly sarcastic or weirdly stiff. Avoid it in high-stress emergencies. If a building is on fire, don't say Se me permite dizer, há fumaça. Just yell! Also, do not use it if you are actually angry. Using polite language while shouting makes you sound like a movie villain. It is not for casual texting with your siblings either. They might think you’ve been hacked by a Victorian poet.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture, especially in Brazil and Portugal, values 'simpatia' and avoiding direct confrontation. We often 'circle' a topic before hitting the center. This phrase is a relic of old-school gallantry that survived into modern speech. It reflects a society that prizes social hierarchy and respect. Even in modern times, Brazilians love to soften their speech. We prefer to be 'educados' rather than blunt. It is about maintaining the 'clima' or the vibe of the room.
Common Variations
You might hear Se me permite (shorter version). In very formal settings, you’ll hear Se me permite a observação. If you are talking to a group, use Se me permitem dizer. Sometimes people add a little spice: Se me permite a franqueza (If you allow me the frankness). All of these serve the same goal: being a decent human while speaking your mind. It’s the 'sugar' that helps the 'medicine' go down.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase sits firmly in the formal to neutral register. It is a 'safe' phrase for learners to use when they want to sound polite and well-mannered in professional or social settings.
The 'Permission' Trick
You don't actually have to wait for them to say 'yes'. It's a rhetorical request. Just keep your sentence flowing!
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a butler in a period drama. Save it for the 'big' comments.
The Brazilian Softener
Brazilians hate saying 'no' directly. This phrase is a classic 'softener' used to pivot away from a direct 'no'.
Beispiele
6Se me permite dizer, esse vinho não combina com o peixe.
If I may say so, this wine doesn't go with the fish.
A polite way to offer a culinary opinion without sounding like a snob.
Se me permite dizer, acho que o prazo está muito curto.
If you'll allow me to say, I think the deadline is too short.
Softens a disagreement with a boss or client.
Você está maravilhosa hoje, se me permite dizer.
You look wonderful today, if I may say so.
Adds a touch of old-school charm and respect to a compliment.
Se me permite dizer, sua ideia foi brilhante!
If I may say so, your idea was brilliant!
Shows enthusiasm while keeping a respectful distance.
Se me permite dizer, essa camisa é... corajosa.
If I may say so, that shirt is... brave.
Using politeness to mask a funny critique of a friend's style.
Se me permite dizer, o senhor parece um pouco cansado.
If I may say so, you look a bit tired.
Shows care for an elder without being intrusive.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct phrase to politely disagree with a colleague.
___, eu acredito que temos uma opção melhor.
This phrase introduces a differing opinion politely, whereas the others are either rude or show total agreement.
Where can you place the phrase in this sentence?
Você é muito talentoso, ___.
The phrase works perfectly as a 'tag' at the end of a compliment to make it sound more respectful.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale of 'Se me permite dizer'
Talking to siblings
Eu acho que...
Talking to a coworker
Na minha opinião...
Talking to a client or elder
Se me permite dizer...
When to use 'Se me permite dizer'
Job Interview
Offering a suggestion to the interviewer
Art Gallery
Critiquing a painting to the artist
First Date
Giving a sincere compliment
Dinner Party
Disagreeing with a host's take on politics
Aufgabensammlung
2 Aufgaben___, eu acredito que temos uma opção melhor.
This phrase introduces a differing opinion politely, whereas the others are either rude or show total agreement.
Você é muito talentoso, ___.
The phrase works perfectly as a 'tag' at the end of a compliment to make it sound more respectful.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt means 'If you allow me to say' or 'If I may say so'. It is a polite way to introduce an opinion.
Not at all! You can use it for high-end compliments like Se me permite dizer, você está deslumbrante.
You can, but it might sound a bit sarcastic or overly formal unless you are discussing something serious.
Always use me because you are the one asking for permission. The phrase is fixed as Se me permite.
Na minha opinião is neutral and direct. Se me permite dizer is more humble and respectful of the listener's space.
It is very common in both! It is a standard polite expression across the entire Lusophone world.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails when you want to suggest a change: Se me permite dizer, talvez possamos revisar o plano.
You should change it to the plural: Se me permitem dizer (adding an 'n' at the end of permite).
A little bit, but it's more about 'class' than age. Young professionals use it to sound more mature.
Yes, Se me permite... followed by a pause is very common and carries the same weight.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Com todo o respeito
With all due respect
Para ser sincero
To be honest
Se você não se importa
If you don't mind
Diga-se de passagem
By the way / It should be said
