In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'excuse me' in any situation.
- Use it to pass people, enter rooms, or leave tables.
- Shortens to 'licença' in casual Brazilian Portuguese conversation.
Meaning
It is the polite way to say 'excuse me' when you need to enter a room, pass by someone, or interrupt a conversation. It literally asks for permission to occupy a space or someone's attention.
Key Examples
3 of 6Passing through a crowd
Com licença, preciso passar.
Excuse me, I need to get through.
Entering an office
Com licença, posso entrar?
Excuse me, may I come in?
Leaving the dinner table
Com licença, já volto.
Excuse me, I'll be right back.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very touchy-feely, but verbal boundaries are still important. Saying 'licença' while gently touching someone's shoulder to pass is very common. In Portugal, 'Com licença' is often used when hanging up the phone in a professional context, as if asking permission to end the shared 'space' of the call. Respect for elders is paramount. When entering an elder's home, 'Com licença' should be said with a slight bow or lowering of the eyes. In rural areas, 'Com licença' might be replaced or supplemented by a rhythmic clapping of hands to announce one's presence at a gate.
The 'Wait' Rule
After saying 'Com licença' at a door, always wait for a verbal 'Pode entrar' or a physical gesture before moving. Moving too fast makes the phrase feel like a command rather than a request.
The Brazilian 'Licença'
In Brazil, dropping the 'Com' makes you sound more like a local in casual settings like the beach or a bar.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to say 'excuse me' in any situation.
- Use it to pass people, enter rooms, or leave tables.
- Shortens to 'licença' in casual Brazilian Portuguese conversation.
What It Means
Com licença is your magic key to polite social interaction. It translates to "excuse me." It literally means you are asking for "license" or permission. You use it to show respect for others' personal space. It is the verbal equivalent of a gentle tap on the shoulder.
How To Use It
Say it clearly before you do something intrusive. Use it when walking between two people talking. Say it when you need to squeeze past someone on a bus. You can also use it to enter a room. In Brazil, people often shorten it to just licença. It is short, sweet, and very effective.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant to reach for the salt. Use it at work to enter your boss's office. It works perfectly when you need to leave a dinner table. Use it if you accidentally bump into someone. It is your best friend in crowded places like street markets. Even if you are in a hurry, say it. It turns a rude push into a polite request.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it to apologize for a big mistake. If you break a glass, use desculpa instead. Do not use it to get someone's attention from afar. For that, por favor or olá works better. Avoid using it if you are angry. It is a phrase of grace, not a weapon. If you are just saying "sorry" for a sneeze, saúde is the response.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value social harmony and politeness highly. Asking for permission is a sign of good upbringing. In Brazil, it reflects the "cordial man" cultural concept. It shows you acknowledge the other person's existence and rights. It is deeply ingrained in daily life from childhood. Even toddlers are taught to say licença constantly. It bridges the gap between strangers in busy cities.
Common Variations
In casual settings, you will hear dá licença. This is slightly more active, like "give me permission." Friends might just say licencinha to sound extra cute or small. In Portugal, the pronunciation is often crisper and faster. Some people might just say com sua licença for extra formality. It all leads back to the same polite root.
Usage Notes
Perfectly safe for all levels of formality. In very casual Brazilian settings, use 'Licença'. In Portugal, stick to the full 'Com licença'.
The 'Wait' Rule
After saying 'Com licença' at a door, always wait for a verbal 'Pode entrar' or a physical gesture before moving. Moving too fast makes the phrase feel like a command rather than a request.
The Brazilian 'Licença'
In Brazil, dropping the 'Com' makes you sound more like a local in casual settings like the beach or a bar.
Not for Sneezing
Remember, if you sneeze, don't say this! Just say 'Desculpe' if you feel you were too loud.
Examples
6Com licença, preciso passar.
Excuse me, I need to get through.
Standard use when someone is blocking your path.
Com licença, posso entrar?
Excuse me, may I come in?
Very common when knocking on a door.
Com licença, já volto.
Excuse me, I'll be right back.
Polite way to step away from a group.
Com licença, tenho uma pergunta.
Excuse me, I have a question.
Used to break into a conversation respectfully.
Licença, amigo!
Excuse me, friend!
Shortened version used in high-energy, casual spots.
Com licença, posso sentar aqui?
Excuse me, can I sit here?
Softens the request for a seat.
Test Yourself
You are at a friend's house and want to enter the kitchen where they are cooking. What do you say?
Você chega na cozinha e diz:
You are entering a space where someone is already active; 'Com licença' is the correct way to announce your entry.
Complete the sentence to ask for permission to pass in a crowded bus.
______, eu preciso descer no próximo ponto.
'Com licença' is used to ask people to move so you can pass.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Stepping on a foot. 2. Entering a boss's office. 3. Someone sneezes.
Desculpe is for accidents, Com licença for entry, and Saúde for sneezing.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: ______? B: Pois não, pode entrar!
The response 'Pois não, pode entrar' (Certainly, you may enter) is the standard reply to 'Com licença'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Situations for Com Licença
Physical
- • Crowded bus
- • Narrow hallway
- • Elevator
Social
- • Interrupting
- • Leaving table
- • Entering office
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVocê chega na cozinha e diz:
You are entering a space where someone is already active; 'Com licença' is the correct way to announce your entry.
______, eu preciso descer no próximo ponto.
'Com licença' is used to ask people to move so you can pass.
1. Stepping on a foot. 2. Entering a boss's office. 3. Someone sneezes.
Desculpe is for accidents, Com licença for entry, and Saúde for sneezing.
A: ______? B: Pois não, pode entrar!
The response 'Pois não, pode entrar' (Certainly, you may enter) is the standard reply to 'Com licença'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very polite. You can also use 'Por favor'.
Not necessarily, but it is more informal. In a job interview, stick to 'Com licença'.
The most common responses are 'Pois não', 'Pode entrar', 'Toda' (short for 'Toda a licença'), or 'Fique à vontade'.
Yes, if people are staying, it's polite to say 'Com licença' as you depart.
The meaning is the same, but Brazilians are more likely to use the informal 'Dá licença' or 'Licença'.
No, that's an English idiom. In Portuguese, it would be taken literally and sound very confusing.
In Brazil, yes, it's very common in casual situations. In Portugal, it's better to use the full 'Com licença'.
Use 'Desculpe' or 'Opa, perdão'.
Not usually. In emails, use 'Com os meus cumprimentos' or 'Peço desculpa por incomodar'.
It's short for 'Toda a licença' (You have all the permission). It's a very friendly and polite response.
Related Phrases
Dá licença
similarGive permission
Com sua licença
specialized formWith your permission
Pode entrar
contrastYou may enter
Fique à vontade
builds onMake yourself at home
Licencinha
specialized formLittle permission
