In 15 Seconds
- Used to grab someone's focus or highlight important information.
- Equivalent to 'pay attention' or 'listen up' in English.
- Can be used formally or casually depending on the ending.
Meaning
This is the go-to way to tell someone to focus or listen up. It literally means 'lend attention,' asking someone to give you their focus for a moment.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving street directions
Preste atenção, vire à direita no próximo sinal.
Pay attention, turn right at the next light.
A teacher starting a class
Alunos, prestem atenção no quadro, por favor.
Students, pay attention to the board, please.
Texting a distracted friend
Ei, presta atenção no que eu estou te falando!
Hey, pay attention to what I'm telling you!
Cultural Background
Eye contact is a huge part of 'prestando atenção'. If you look away while someone is talking, they might think you are bored or being rude. In Portugal, the use of 'tu' (Presta) vs 'você' (Preste) is much more strictly defined by social hierarchy than in Brazil. Respect for elders means that 'prestar atenção' is often done with a slight bow or a very quiet demeanor to show deference. In educational settings, 'prestar atenção' is often called for using the word 'atenção' alone as a rhythmic call-and-response. In Cape Verdean Creole, the phrase is often 'Presta atenson', showing the clear Portuguese influence on the local language.
The 'Em' Shortcut
If you are in Brazil, just use 'em' (no, na, nos, nas) after the phrase. It's 99% of what you'll hear.
Don't 'Pay'!
Never say 'Pagar atenção'. It sounds like you are trying to buy someone's focus with money.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to grab someone's focus or highlight important information.
- Equivalent to 'pay attention' or 'listen up' in English.
- Can be used formally or casually depending on the ending.
What It Means
Preste atenção is your basic command for 'pay attention.' It comes from the verb prestar. In this context, it means to provide or offer. You are asking someone to offer their focus to you. It is direct but not necessarily rude. It is the foundation of communication in Brazil and Portugal.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'pay attention' in English. You can use it at the start of a sentence. For example: Preste atenção no que eu digo. You can also use it as a standalone command. If someone is daydreaming, just say the phrase. It works with the preposition em (which becomes no or na). You 'lend attention' *in* something, not *to* something.
When To Use It
Use it when you have important news. Use it in a classroom or a meeting. It is perfect when giving directions to a lost tourist. If you are showing a friend a cool part of a movie, say it then. It is very common when someone is distracted by their phone. It helps reset the conversation focus immediately.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it with your boss unless they are literally walking into traffic. It can sound a bit like a teacher talking to a child. If you are in a very formal ceremony, it might be too blunt. Don't use it if you want to be subtle. In those cases, try com licença (excuse me) instead. It is a command, so use it with people you know.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very expressive and talkative. Sometimes, three people talk at once! Preste atenção is the verbal 'reset button' for these moments. In Brazil, people might shorten it to just presta atenção. It reflects a culture that values active listening and engagement. If someone says this to you, they really want to connect.
Common Variations
You will often hear Presta atenção in casual speech. The 'e' at the end of preste changes to 'a' in informal Brazilian Portuguese. You might also hear Olha só (Look here) as a synonym. Another common one is Foca aqui (Focus here). If someone is being very serious, they might say Preste muita atenção.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward informal in its 'Presta' variation. Always remember that it requires the preposition 'em' for the object of attention.
The 'Em' Shortcut
If you are in Brazil, just use 'em' (no, na, nos, nas) after the phrase. It's 99% of what you'll hear.
Don't 'Pay'!
Never say 'Pagar atenção'. It sounds like you are trying to buy someone's focus with money.
The Eye Gesture
If you want to look like a local, pull your lower eyelid down while saying it to emphasize 'Watch out!'.
Active Listening
Brazilians expect you to make small sounds (hum, sim, pois é) to show you are prestando atenção.
Examples
6Preste atenção, vire à direita no próximo sinal.
Pay attention, turn right at the next light.
Used to ensure the listener doesn't miss a crucial step.
Alunos, prestem atenção no quadro, por favor.
Students, pay attention to the board, please.
Uses the plural form 'prestem' for a group.
Ei, presta atenção no que eu estou te falando!
Hey, pay attention to what I'm telling you!
Uses the informal 'presta' common in Brazil.
Agora preste atenção porque essa é a melhor parte.
Now pay attention because this is the best part.
Building anticipation for a funny moment.
Eu preciso que você preste atenção nos meus sentimentos.
I need you to pay attention to my feelings.
Used to express a need for emotional focus.
Presta atenção por onde você anda!
Watch where you're walking!
A common safety warning for kids.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition used in Brazil.
Você precisa prestar atenção ___ aula.
In Brazil, 'em + a' (na) is the most common preposition for 'prestar atenção'.
Which sentence is the correct way to say 'Pay attention' in Portuguese?
Como se diz 'Pay attention'?
Portuguese uses the verb 'prestar' (to lend/provide) for attention.
Complete the dialogue with the correct imperative form (formal).
Professor: 'Alunos, por favor, _________ atenção ao que eu digo.'
'Prestem' is the plural imperative for 'vocês'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A friend is distracted while you tell a secret.
This is the informal way to ask a friend for focus.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these focus-related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Prestar vs Pagar
Focus Verbs
Formal
- • Atentar-se
- • Notar
Informal
- • Se liga
- • Olha só
Practice Bank
5 exercisesVocê precisa prestar atenção ___ aula.
In Brazil, 'em + a' (na) is the most common preposition for 'prestar atenção'.
Como se diz 'Pay attention'?
Portuguese uses the verb 'prestar' (to lend/provide) for attention.
Professor: 'Alunos, por favor, _________ atenção ao que eu digo.'
'Prestem' is the plural imperative for 'vocês'.
Situation: A friend is distracted while you tell a secret.
This is the informal way to ask a friend for focus.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these focus-related terms.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, especially in contexts like 'Preste atenção ao atravessar a rua'.
Not usually, but it depends on your tone. It's like saying 'Listen up' in English.
'Preste' is for 'você' (neutral/formal) and 'Presta' is for 'tu' (informal).
It's a colloquial evolution where the preposition 'em' replaced 'a' in many verbal phrases.
You say 'Eu não estava prestando atenção'.
Yes, 'Se liga' is the most common slang version in Brazil.
Yes, it shows you are a focused and diligent candidate.
Yes: 'Você não prestou atenção no meu cabelo novo!'
Distrair-se (to get distracted) or ignorar (to ignore).
Yes, but they prefer 'a' over 'em' and 'estou a prestar' over 'estou prestando'.
It's better to say 'Preste atenção em mim'.
Preste muita atenção or Preste atenção redobrada.
Related Phrases
Chamar a atenção
similarTo attract attention
Ficar atento
synonymTo stay alert
Tomar nota
builds onTo take note
Se liga
specialized formGet with it / Listen up
Dar atenção
similarTo give attention to someone
