In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to ask for permission or leave.
- Uses the sophisticated verb 'conceder' meaning to grant.
- Best for high-stakes, professional, or very respectful situations.
Meaning
This is a very polite and slightly old-fashioned way to ask for someone's permission. It is like saying 'May I?' or 'Would you grant me leave?' in a very respectful tone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Interrupting a formal board meeting
Senhor Diretor, concede-me permissão para apresentar os dados?
Mr. Director, do you grant me permission to present the data?
Asking to leave a formal dinner table
Com licença, o jantar estava ótimo. Concede-me permissão para me retirar?
Excuse me, dinner was great. Do you grant me permission to withdraw?
A student asking a professor a question
Professor, concede-me permissão para um breve comentário?
Professor, do you grant me permission for a brief comment?
Cultural Background
This phrase stems from the Latin roots of Portuguese, where 'granting' was a legal and royal act. It remains popular in the legal profession (O Direito) and in formal military or religious protocols in Lusophone countries. While rare in casual Brazilian speech, it is a hallmark of 'Culta' (refined) language used by orators and writers.
The 'Me' Rule
In formal writing, never start a sentence with 'Me'. Always use 'Concede-me' instead of 'Me concede'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this at a grocery store will make people look at you like you're a time traveler from 1850.
In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to ask for permission or leave.
- Uses the sophisticated verb 'conceder' meaning to grant.
- Best for high-stakes, professional, or very respectful situations.
What It Means
Concede-me permissão? is a high-level request for consent. It comes from the verb conceder, which means to grant or bestow. It sounds much more elegant than a simple posso?. You are essentially asking someone to 'grant' you the right to do something. It feels noble and very deliberate.
How To Use It
Use this when you want to sound incredibly polite or slightly poetic. You place the pronoun me after the verb in formal writing. In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear Me concede uma permissão?. However, keeping the me after the verb marks you as a sophisticated speaker. It is perfect for moments where you need to interrupt someone important. Use it to show you respect the other person's authority or space.
When To Use It
This is your go-to for formal ceremonies or high-stakes meetings. Imagine you are at a gala or a traditional wedding. You want to pass through a crowd or speak to an elder. It also works in a legal or academic setting. If you are writing a formal letter to a professor, this phrase shines. It shows you know the nuances of the language. Use it when the stakes for being 'too casual' are high.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a loud bar with friends. They will think you are joking or being sarcastic. Avoid it when asking for something trivial, like a napkin at a fast-food joint. It is too heavy for texting your roommate about the dishes. If you use it in a very casual setting, it might come off as cold or distant. Stick to Dá licença? for your everyday needs.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture, especially in Portugal, values formal structures of address. This phrase reflects a history of hierarchy and social etiquette. It feels like something out of a 19th-century novel. In Brazil, it is less common in daily life but remains a mark of high education. It carries a certain 'old world' charm that people still appreciate in formal contexts. It is the linguistic equivalent of a slight bow.
Common Variations
Dá-me licença?(The standard polite version)Com sua permissão(With your permission)Peço permissão(I ask for permission)Permite-me?(Allow me?)Se me permite(If you allow me)
Usage Notes
This phrase sits at the top of the formality scale. It requires the use of 'enclisis' (pronoun after the verb) to maintain its intended prestige.
The 'Me' Rule
In formal writing, never start a sentence with 'Me'. Always use 'Concede-me' instead of 'Me concede'.
Don't Overdo It
Using this at a grocery store will make people look at you like you're a time traveler from 1850.
The Sarcasm Trap
Brazilians often use very formal language like this to be funny when a friend is acting like a 'boss'.
Examples
6Senhor Diretor, concede-me permissão para apresentar os dados?
Mr. Director, do you grant me permission to present the data?
Shows high respect for the hierarchy of the meeting.
Com licença, o jantar estava ótimo. Concede-me permissão para me retirar?
Excuse me, dinner was great. Do you grant me permission to withdraw?
Very traditional and polite way to leave a group.
Professor, concede-me permissão para um breve comentário?
Professor, do you grant me permission for a brief comment?
Establishes a respectful academic tone.
Vossa Excelência concede-me permissão para usar o seu carregador?
Does Your Excellency grant me permission to use your charger?
Using high formality for a trivial task creates a funny contrast.
Senhor Silva, concede-me permissão para casar com sua filha?
Mr. Silva, do you grant me permission to marry your daughter?
Adds gravity and tradition to a life-changing request.
Concede-me permissão para solicitar uma audiência presencial?
Do you grant me permission to request an in-person hearing?
Appropriate for written correspondence with authorities.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form for a formal request.
Senhor Juiz, ___ permissão para falar?
In a courtroom (Juiz), 'concede-me' is the most appropriate formal choice.
Which pronoun placement is most formal?
___ permissão, por favor.
Placing the pronoun after the verb (enclisis) is the standard for formal Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Asking Permission
Used with friends
Dá licença?
Daily polite interactions
Com licença.
Professional settings
Permite-me?
Ceremonial or high respect
Concede-me permissão?
Where to use 'Concede-me permissão?'
Courtroom
Addressing a judge
Gala Event
Speaking to a host
Academic Thesis
Asking a dean
Traditional Family
Asking an elder
Practice Bank
2 exercisesSenhor Juiz, ___ permissão para falar?
In a courtroom (Juiz), 'concede-me' is the most appropriate formal choice.
___ permissão, por favor.
Placing the pronoun after the verb (enclisis) is the standard for formal Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is rare in daily conversation but very common in legal documents and extremely formal speeches.
Only if your boss is very traditional or if it's a very serious formal review; otherwise, Com licença is better.
Dar is just 'to give', while conceder implies a formal granting of a request or right.
You can say Pois não or Toda a permissão to be equally polite.
Concede-me is the indicative (asking if they do), while Conceda-me is the imperative (requesting that they do). Both work depending on tone.
To a teenager, yes. To a diplomat or a lawyer, it sounds perfectly appropriate and respectful.
Yes, it is excellent for formal emails to authorities or people you don't know well.
You can just say Permissão? with a questioning tone, but it loses the 'granting' elegance.
It is slightly more common in Portugal due to a generally more formal social structure, but used in both for high-formality.
Yes, if it's a very important room, like an office of a high-ranking official.
