A2 Expression Informal 5 min read

Me passa

Pass me / Give me

Literally: {"me":"me","passa":"pass"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Direct request: 'Pass me' or 'Give me'.
  • Used for objects and information.
  • Common in casual settings.
  • Can be softened with 'por favor' or 'pode'.

Meaning

This is your go-to phrase for asking someone to hand something over or share something with you. It's super common and can range from a casual request for a pen to asking for information. Think of it as the friendly, everyday way to say 'give me' or 'pass it here' in Portuguese.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend

Me passa o link daquela música que você postou.

Pass me the link to that song you posted.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

At a family dinner

Mãe, me passa a manteiga, por favor?

Mom, pass me the butter, please?

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Collaborating on a project (informal)

Ei, me passa aquele arquivo para eu revisar.

Hey, pass me that file so I can review it.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazil, 'Me passa' is often followed by 'aí' (there) to make it even more casual: 'Me passa o sal aí'. It softens the command. Portuguese people value the 'correct' placement of pronouns. Using 'Me passa' might be corrected to 'Passa-me' in schools or formal homes. In Luanda, you might hear 'Me passa' but also a lot of 'Me dá'. The influence of Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas) has made 'Me passa' very common. Similar to Portugal, the formal structure is often preferred in writing, but 'Me passa' is widely understood and used in urban slang.

💡

Add 'por favor'

Even though it's informal, adding 'por favor' at the end makes you sound much more polite.

⚠️

Portugal vs Brazil

Remember to flip it to 'Passa-me' if you are in Lisbon to sound more local.

In 15 Seconds

  • Direct request: 'Pass me' or 'Give me'.
  • Used for objects and information.
  • Common in casual settings.
  • Can be softened with 'por favor' or 'pode'.

What It Means

Me passa is a super handy Portuguese phrase. It literally means 'pass me'. You use it when you want someone to give you something or share something. It’s incredibly common in everyday life. Think of it as your friendly request button. It’s not just for physical objects, though! You can use it for information too. It’s versatile and widely understood. It feels direct but usually friendly.

How To Use It

Simply say Me passa followed by what you need. If you're at a table, you might say Me passa o sal (Pass me the salt). If you're working on a project, you could ask Me passa aquele arquivo (Pass me that file). It works for both tangible items and digital stuff. You can even use it for abstract things like news or gossip. It’s a direct command, but the context makes it polite. Just make sure your tone is right!

Formality & Register

This phrase is generally informal. You'd use it with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. It’s perfect for casual settings like texting or chatting. In very formal situations, like speaking to a CEO you just met, you might opt for something more polite. However, in most modern workplaces, it’s often acceptable among peers. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a quick nod or a friendly gesture. It’s not rude, just familiar.

Real-Life Examples

  • Texting a friend: Ei, me passa o endereço da festa? (Hey, pass me the party address?)
  • At a restaurant: Garçom, me passa a pimenta, por favor. (Waiter, pass me the pepper, please.)
  • In a meeting: Fulano, me passa aquele relatório. (Fulano, pass me that report.) - This is common if you know Fulano well.
  • Watching a movie: Me passa o controle remoto. (Pass me the remote control.)
  • Asking for a link: Me passa o link desse vídeo. (Pass me the link to this video.)

When To Use It

Use Me passa when you need something handed to you or shared. It's great for everyday requests. Think of asking for a pen, a book, a file, or even a piece of advice. It’s perfect for casual conversations. Use it when you're in a relaxed environment. It fits well in group chats or quick exchanges. It’s your go-to for immediate needs. It’s like saying 'hand it over' but friendlier.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid Me passa in highly formal settings. If you're addressing someone much older or in a position of authority you don't know well, choose a more elaborate phrase. For instance, asking your new boss Me passa o feedback might sound a bit abrupt. It’s also not ideal when making a very first impression in a formal context. Imagine asking a judge Me passa a sentença! – definitely not the vibe. Stick to situations where a degree of familiarity or casualness is already established.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is using it in situations demanding high formality. Another is forgetting the me. Just saying Passa o sal can sound like an order, not a request. Adding por favor (please) softens it, but the core phrase remains informal. Sometimes, people might use it when they mean 'send me' (like an email), which can cause confusion. It's best for immediate, physical, or easily shareable things. Think quick handoffs, not formal document transfers.

Common Variations

  • Pode me passar?: 'Can you pass me?' - This is a softer, more polite version. It turns the command into a question.
  • Me vê: 'See me' (literally), but used as 'Give me' or 'Get me' in some regions (like São Paulo). It's very informal.
  • Me dá: 'Give me' - Very similar to Me passa, perhaps slightly more direct.
  • Me empresta: 'Lend me' - Used when you intend to return the item.
  • Me manda: 'Send me' - Used for things sent digitally or by mail.

Real Conversations

Scenario 1: At a picnic

Speaker A: Nossa, que fome! Me passa aquele sanduíche, por favor? (Wow, I'm hungry! Pass me that sandwich, please?)

Speaker B: Claro, toma! (Sure, here you go!)

Scenario 2: Texting about a movie

Speaker A: Vi um filme ótimo ontem.

Speaker B: Qual? Me passa o nome! (Which one? Pass me the name!)

Speaker A: O Nome do Vento.

Scenario 3: In a shared office space

Speaker A: Você tem uma caneta? A minha acabou.

Speaker B: Tenho sim. Me passa aqui. (Yes, I do. Pass it here to me.)

Speaker A: Valeu! (Thanks!)

Quick FAQ

  • Is Me passa rude? Not usually! It's direct but common. Tone and context matter most.
  • Can I use it for information? Yes! Me passa o link or Me passa a notícia are common.
  • What if I need to be more polite? Try Você pode me passar...? (Can you pass me...?).
  • Is it used everywhere in Brazil? Mostly, yes. Me vê is more regional (São Paulo).
  • What's the difference between Me passa and Me dá? They're very similar. Me passa implies movement towards you, Me dá is a more general 'give'.

Usage Notes

Primarily informal, used in spoken Portuguese and casual digital communication. While direct, it's generally not considered rude among friends or peers. Adding 'por favor' increases politeness. Avoid in highly formal settings or with individuals you need to show significant deference to; opt for 'Poderia me passar?' instead.

💡

Add 'por favor'

Even though it's informal, adding 'por favor' at the end makes you sound much more polite.

⚠️

Portugal vs Brazil

Remember to flip it to 'Passa-me' if you are in Lisbon to sound more local.

🎯

The 'Aí' trick

Adding 'aí' (Me passa o sal aí) is the ultimate way to sound like a native Brazilian.

💬

Digital Etiquette

It's perfectly normal to say 'Me passa seu Zap' within 5 minutes of meeting someone in Brazil.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Me passa o link daquela música que você postou.

Pass me the link to that song you posted.

Casual request for digital content.

#2 At a family dinner
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Mãe, me passa a manteiga, por favor?

Mom, pass me the butter, please?

Polite but still informal request to a family member.

#3 Collaborating on a project (informal)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Ei, me passa aquele arquivo para eu revisar.

Hey, pass me that file so I can review it.

Used between colleagues who have a casual rapport.

#4 Ordering food via app
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Entregador, me passa a sacola com cuidado!

Delivery person, pass me the bag carefully!

Direct instruction during a delivery handover.

#5 Instagram caption comment
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Que foto incrível! Me passa o @ do lugar!

What an amazing photo! Pass me the @ of the place!

Asking for location details in a social media context.

#6 Asking for a tool
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Preciso apertar um parafuso aqui. Me passa a chave de fenda?

I need to tighten a screw here. Pass me the screwdriver?

Practical request during a hands-on task.

#7 Professional email (if you know recipient well)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Prezado João, me passa o status atualizado do projeto até o fim do dia?

Dear João, can you pass me the updated project status by end of day?

Slightly more formal context, but still uses the direct phrase.

Mistake: Overly formal situation Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ Senhor Diretor, me passa a sua proposta → ✓ Senhor Diretor, você poderia me passar a sua proposta?

✗ Mr. Director, pass me your proposal → ✓ Mr. Director, could you pass me your proposal?

The direct `Me passa` is too informal for a first interaction with a director.

Mistake: Using for future/remote action Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ Me passa o relatório amanhã → ✓ Me manda o relatório amanhã

✗ Pass me the report tomorrow → ✓ Send me the report tomorrow

`Me passa` implies immediate or near-future action, 'send' is better for future tasks.

#10 Humorous request
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Essa pipoca está com uma cara ótima! Me passa um punhado!

This popcorn looks amazing! Pass me a handful!

Playful, exaggerated request.

#11 Emotional plea (e.g., needing comfort)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Ai, que dia! Me passa um abraço?

Oh, what a day! Can you pass me a hug?

Figurative use for emotional support.

#12 Asking for directions help
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Desculpe, você me passa um minuto? Preciso confirmar algo no mapa.

Excuse me, can you give me a minute? I need to confirm something on the map.

Figurative use, asking for someone's time/attention.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank to ask for the sugar informally.

____ passa o açúcar, por favor?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me

'Me' is the correct object pronoun for 'to me'.

Which sentence is most natural in a Brazilian casual setting?

Asking for a phone number:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me passa seu número?

'Me passa' is the most common and natural informal request in Brazil.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Preciso te enviar o arquivo. B: Legal, ____ o seu e-mail?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: me passa

B is asking A to provide their email address.

Match the phrase to the situation.

1. Me passa o sal. 2. Me passa seu Insta. 3. Me passa a bola.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A. Dining, B. Social Media, C. Sports

The context dictates what is being passed.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Brazil vs Portugal

Brazil
Me passa Standard spoken
Portugal
Passa-me Standard spoken

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank to ask for the sugar informally. Fill Blank A1

____ passa o açúcar, por favor?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me

'Me' is the correct object pronoun for 'to me'.

Which sentence is most natural in a Brazilian casual setting? Choose A2

Asking for a phone number:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Me passa seu número?

'Me passa' is the most common and natural informal request in Brazil.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Preciso te enviar o arquivo. B: Legal, ____ o seu e-mail?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: me passa

B is asking A to provide their email address.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching A2

1. Me passa o sal. 2. Me passa seu Insta. 3. Me passa a bola.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A. Dining, B. Social Media, C. Sports

The context dictates what is being passed.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, in casual settings it's perfectly normal. Just add a smile or 'por favor' if you're worried.

Yes, with colleagues you know well. With your boss, use 'Poderia me passar...'.

You can, but in Brazil it sounds very formal or like a book. 'Me passa' is the spoken standard.

'Me passa' implies the object is near both of you. 'Me dá' is just 'give me'.

You would say 'Passa para ele'.

Yes! 'Me passa o link' is very common.

Yes, but usually as 'Passa-me'.

Use 'Poderia ter a gentileza de me passar...'.

Yes, it works for abstract things too.

Constantly! Especially in Funk and Sertanejo music.

Related Phrases

🔄

Me dá

synonym

Give me

🔗

Me manda

specialized form

Send me

🔗

Me alcança

similar

Reach/hand me

🔗

Passa pra cá

informal

Pass it over here

🔗

Me empresta

similar

Lend me

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!