In 15 Seconds
- Polite way to say 'May I ask a question?'.
- Works in both formal and casual settings.
- The perfect 'verbal knock' before asking for help.
Meaning
This is a polite way to ask 'Can I ask a question?' or 'May I ask something?'. It is the ultimate social lubricant in Portuguese for getting someone's attention before you dive into a query.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking for directions
Com licença, posso perguntar onde fica a estação?
Excuse me, can I ask where the station is?
In a business meeting
Posso perguntar qual é o prazo do projeto?
May I ask what the project deadline is?
At a restaurant
Posso perguntar o que vem neste prato?
Can I ask what comes in this dish?
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use the diminutive 'perguntinha' to make the request seem less burdensome. It's a way of being 'simpático'. In Portugal, directness is valued, but formal titles (Senhor/Senhora) are often added after the phrase to maintain distance and respect. Respect for elders is paramount. 'Posso perguntar' is almost always followed by a respectful title like 'Mais-velho' (Elder). In professional settings, the phrase is often used to bridge the gap between different linguistic backgrounds, serving as a clear signal of intent.
Add 'uma coisa'
Adding 'uma coisa' (one thing) at the end makes you sound much more like a native speaker. 'Posso perguntar uma coisa?'
Pedir vs Perguntar
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Perguntar = Information. Pedir = Items/Actions.
In 15 Seconds
- Polite way to say 'May I ask a question?'.
- Works in both formal and casual settings.
- The perfect 'verbal knock' before asking for help.
What It Means
Posso perguntar? is your go-to polite opener. It literally means "Can I ask?". It signals that you have a doubt or curiosity. It shows you respect the other person's time. Think of it as a verbal 'knock' on the door. It is simple, clear, and very effective.
How To Use It
You use it at the start of a conversation. You can also use it to interrupt someone politely. Just drop it in before your actual question. In a restaurant, you might say it to a waiter. In a shop, you say it to an assistant. It works perfectly as a standalone sentence. You don't need to add anything else to be polite.
When To Use It
Use it when you need directions in Lisbon. Use it when you are confused about a menu item. It is great for business meetings too. If a friend is telling a story, use it to clarify a detail. It is perfect for texting when you need a favor. It makes you sound well-mannered and thoughtful. Even if your Portuguese is basic, this phrase makes you sound fluent in etiquette.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the house is on fire. In emergencies, just shout the problem! Avoid using it with very close family in a casual setting. It might sound a bit too formal or distant. Don't use it if you are already in the middle of a heated argument. At that point, the 'permission' part feels a bit sarcastic. Otherwise, it is hard to go wrong with this one.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values politeness and 'soft' social entries. Jumping straight into a question can feel slightly aggressive. By asking for permission to ask, you are being 'educado'. This is a high compliment in Lusophone countries. It shows you aren't just taking information, you are engaging in a social contract. It reflects the warm, indirect nature of Portuguese communication.
Common Variations
You can say Posso fazer uma pergunta? for a longer version. In Brazil, you might hear Posso te perguntar uma coisa?. If you want to be extra formal, use Poderia perguntar?. For a very quick, casual vibe, some just say Uma perguntinha?. But Posso perguntar? remains the king of versatility. It is the 'Little Black Dress' of Portuguese phrases.
Usage Notes
The phrase is extremely versatile. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring your intonation is clearly a question. In Brazil, 'Posso te perguntar?' is more common in speech, while in Portugal, 'Posso perguntar-lhe?' is the formal standard.
Add 'uma coisa'
Adding 'uma coisa' (one thing) at the end makes you sound much more like a native speaker. 'Posso perguntar uma coisa?'
Pedir vs Perguntar
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Perguntar = Information. Pedir = Items/Actions.
The 'Poderia' Trick
If you are nervous about being rude, just change 'Posso' to 'Poderia'. It works every time to make you sound more polite.
Examples
6Com licença, posso perguntar onde fica a estação?
Excuse me, can I ask where the station is?
Using 'Com licença' makes it even more polite.
Posso perguntar qual é o prazo do projeto?
May I ask what the project deadline is?
Shows professional curiosity without being pushy.
Posso perguntar o que vem neste prato?
Can I ask what comes in this dish?
Common way to clarify menu ingredients.
Posso perguntar uma coisa pessoal?
Can I ask something personal?
Sets the stage for a deeper conversation.
Posso perguntar por que você está usando meias com chinelos?
Can I ask why you are wearing socks with flip-flops?
A playful way to point out something silly.
Posso perguntar como você se sente sobre isso?
May I ask how you feel about this?
Used to show empathy and care.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'poder'.
Com licença, ______ perguntar onde fica a farmácia?
Since you are asking for yourself, you use the first person singular 'posso'.
Which sentence is the most polite for a job interview?
Asking about the salary:
The conditional 'Poderia' and the formal word 'remuneração' are best for professional settings.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Oi, tudo bem? ______ uma coisa? B: Claro, pode falar!
The context 'pode falar' (you can speak) indicates the person is about to ask something.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are talking to a very close friend about their new job.
The use of 'te' is appropriate for friends, and the question is about the job.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Contexts
Travel
- • Directions
- • Prices
- • Schedules
Social
- • Names
- • Hobbies
- • Opinions
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCom licença, ______ perguntar onde fica a farmácia?
Since you are asking for yourself, you use the first person singular 'posso'.
Asking about the salary:
The conditional 'Poderia' and the formal word 'remuneração' are best for professional settings.
A: Oi, tudo bem? ______ uma coisa? B: Claro, pode falar!
The context 'pode falar' (you can speak) indicates the person is about to ask something.
Situation: You are talking to a very close friend about their new job.
The use of 'te' is appropriate for friends, and the question is about the job.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It's used with friends to introduce a new or slightly personal topic. It's polite, not stiff.
It's understood, but 'Posso perguntar-lhe?' or 'Posso fazer-lhe uma pergunta?' is more standard for European Portuguese grammar.
They are interchangeable. 'Fazer uma pergunta' is slightly more formal, similar to 'ask a question' vs 'ask'.
Yes, but usually you would say 'Gostaria de perguntar...' (I would like to ask...) to sound more professional.
'Negócio' is slang for 'thing' or 'matter'. It's very informal and common in casual conversation.
In Portugal, yes. In many parts of Brazil, the final 'r' is very soft or dropped entirely in casual speech.
You can say: 'Posso te perguntar uma coisa pessoal?'.
Say 'Posso fazer algumas perguntas?' (Can I ask some questions?).
Absolutely. It's a great way to interrupt a presentation or a meeting politely.
No. Verbs in Portuguese conjugate based on the subject (I, you, he/she), not the gender of the speaker.
Related Phrases
Posso fazer uma pergunta?
synonymCan I make a question?
Tira uma dúvida?
informalCan you clear up a doubt?
Queria te perguntar
similarI wanted to ask you
Posso pedir?
contrastCan I ask for (something)?
