Meaning
To ask permission to take a picture.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very enthusiastic about photos. If you ask 'Posso tirar uma foto?', expect a big smile and often a conversation following the photo. In Portugal, people are polite but may be more reserved. It is essential to ask permission, especially in smaller towns or religious sites. In markets ('roques'), always ask before photographing people or their stalls. It's a sign of respect for their business. Photography of government buildings or bridges is often restricted. Stick to tourist areas and always ask locals first.
The 'Selfie' Shortcut
If you want a selfie with someone, just say 'Uma selfie?' while holding up your phone. It's universally understood!
Smile and Ask
In Brazil, a smile is just as important as the words. A friendly 'Posso?' with a camera gesture is often enough.
Meaning
To ask permission to take a picture.
The 'Selfie' Shortcut
If you want a selfie with someone, just say 'Uma selfie?' while holding up your phone. It's universally understood!
Smile and Ask
In Brazil, a smile is just as important as the words. A friendly 'Posso?' with a camera gesture is often enough.
Flash Etiquette
Many churches in Portugal and Brazil forbid flash. If you hear 'Sem flash', it means 'No flash'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase.
Com licença, posso _______ uma foto sua?
In Portuguese, the standard verb for taking a photo is 'tirar'.
Fill in the preposition to ask for a photo WITH someone.
Posso tirar uma foto _______ você?
'Com' means 'with', used for taking a photo together.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Você pode tirar uma foto nossa?'
'Nossa' implies 'of us', usually said when asking someone else to hold the camera.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
Learner: '_______ tirar uma foto do quadro?' Guard: 'Claro, mas sem flash.'
'Posso' is the standard polite way to ask for permission.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Photo Prepositions
Of something
- • Tirar foto DE
With someone
- • Tirar foto COM
For someone
- • Tirar foto PARA
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCom licença, posso _______ uma foto sua?
In Portuguese, the standard verb for taking a photo is 'tirar'.
Posso tirar uma foto _______ você?
'Com' means 'with', used for taking a photo together.
Phrase: 'Você pode tirar uma foto nossa?'
'Nossa' implies 'of us', usually said when asking someone else to hold the camera.
Learner: '_______ tirar uma foto do quadro?' Guard: 'Claro, mas sem flash.'
'Posso' is the standard polite way to ask for permission.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's very common in informal Brazilian speech, but 'uma' is more grammatically complete.
Not at all! It's just very informal. Use it with friends, but stick to 'tirar' with strangers or elders.
Say: 'Você pode tirar uma foto minha?' or 'Pode tirar uma foto para mim?'
Say: 'Posso tirar uma foto de vocês?'
Rarely in conversation. 'Foto' is the standard 99% of the time.
Use 'da' (de + a) if the object is feminine and specific, like 'da estátua'. Use 'de' for general things.
You will see signs saying 'Proibido tirar fotos'.
I took a photo = 'Eu tirei uma foto'.
No, 'pegar' means to grab or catch. It is never used for taking pictures.
Say: 'Mais uma foto, por favor.'
Related Phrases
Bater uma foto
synonymTo snap a photo (informal)
Fotografar
specialized formTo photograph
Fazer um ensaio
builds onTo do a photoshoot
Registrar o momento
similarTo record the moment
Sair bem na foto
builds onTo look good in the photo
