Signification
A polite request for someone to wait briefly.
Contexte culturel
The 'Minutinho' culture: Brazilians use diminutives to soften requests. 'Um minutinho' sounds friendlier and less demanding than 'Um momento'. Directness: In Portugal, people may be more direct. 'Um momento' is often followed by 'faz favor' instead of 'por favor' in traditional shops. Respect for Elders: When using this phrase with an older person, it's common to add a title like 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' for extra respect. Social Harmony: Politeness is key to maintaining 'marrabenta' (social rhythm). Using 'por favor' is essential even in very brief interactions.
The Hand Gesture
In Brazil, raising your index finger while saying this makes the request much more effective and culturally natural.
Don't Forget the Comma
When texting, always use the comma. 'Um momento por favor' looks like a frantic run-on sentence.
Signification
A polite request for someone to wait briefly.
The Hand Gesture
In Brazil, raising your index finger while saying this makes the request much more effective and culturally natural.
Don't Forget the Comma
When texting, always use the comma. 'Um momento por favor' looks like a frantic run-on sentence.
The Diminutive Trick
If you are running late, say 'Um minutinho'. It psychologically makes people feel the wait is shorter!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct masculine form of the phrase.
___ momento, por favor.
'Momento' is masculine singular.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite response.
Waiter: 'Você está pronto para pedir?' Learner: 'No, ________.'
This is the standard polite way to ask for more time.
Match the phrase variation to the correct setting.
Which phrase is best for a formal bank setting?
'Aguarde' is the formal imperative of 'to wait'.
Fill in the missing politeness marker.
Um momento, ___ _____.
'Por favor' is the standard way to complete this request.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to say 'Wait'
Formal
- • Aguarde um instante
- • Um momento, por favor
Informal
- • Só um minutinho
- • Espera aí
Slang
- • Peraí
- • Segura a onda
Banque d exercices
4 exercices___ momento, por favor.
'Momento' is masculine singular.
Waiter: 'Você está pronto para pedir?' Learner: 'No, ________.'
This is the standard polite way to ask for more time.
Which phrase is best for a formal bank setting?
'Aguarde' is the formal imperative of 'to wait'.
Um momento, ___ _____.
'Por favor' is the standard way to complete this request.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it can sound like a command. Always add 'por favor' to stay safe.
Yes, 'Um segundo' is very common and slightly more casual.
'Instante' is more formal and often used in writing or professional scripts.
The phrase remains the same: 'Um momento, por favor.'
Yes, 'Um momento, faz favor' is very common in Portugal.
Yes, but it's better to start with 'Com licença, um momento...'
No, stick to 'Um momento, por favor' to remain professional.
Because 'momento' is a masculine noun.
It's a slang contraction of 'Espera aí' (Wait there).
Yes, with a sharp tone, it can be used to tell someone to stop talking.
Expressions liées
Só um segundo
synonymJust a second
Aguarde um instante
specialized formWait an instant
Com licença
similarExcuse me
Espera aí
informalWait there
Já volto
builds onI'll be right back
