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A1 phrase 11 min read

Por favor!

Examples Por favor! in 30 Seconds
Explanation Por favor! in your Level:
At the A1 level, "Por favor!" is one of the first phrases learners encounter. It is essential for basic politeness in simple interactions. Learners will recognize it as the equivalent of "Please!" and use it when asking for common items or services, like food in a café or help in a shop. The focus is on understanding its function as a polite request and using it in very short, direct sentences. For example, a learner might simply say "Água, por favor" (Water, please) when thirsty. They learn that its inclusion makes a request softer and more acceptable.
For A2 learners, "Por favor!" remains a core phrase, but its usage expands. They begin to understand its role in slightly more complex sentences and in a wider range of everyday situations. They can now form requests with verbs, such as "Pode ajudar-me, por favor?" (Can you help me, please?). They learn to use it when asking for directions or making simple requests to strangers. The emphasis is on integrating it naturally into basic conversational exchanges, ensuring they don't sound abrupt when asking for something. They also start noticing its frequency in transactional contexts.
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B1 learners have a solid grasp of "Por favor!" and can use it confidently in most everyday scenarios. They understand its nuances and can employ it in more indirect requests or when asking for permission. They are comfortable using it with various verbs and sentence structures, like "Gostaria de reservar uma mesa, por favor" (I would like to reserve a table, please). They also begin to recognize regional variations like "se faz favor" and understand the subtle differences in formality when comparing it with "por gentileza." The focus shifts to sounding more natural and less like a rote memorization.
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At the B2 level, learners use "Por favor!" with great fluency and can appreciate its cultural significance. They understand its role in maintaining social harmony and can adapt its usage based on formality. They are aware of alternatives like "por gentileza" and "se faz favor" and can choose the most appropriate one for the context. They can also use "por favor" in more elaborate sentences, perhaps in a formal complaint or a detailed request where politeness is paramount. The emphasis is on idiomatic usage and understanding its social implications.
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C1 learners use "Por favor!" and its alternatives with native-like proficiency. They understand the subtle social cues associated with its use and can deploy it strategically to influence interactions. They can analyze the sociolinguistic aspects, such as how "por favor" might be used ironically or emphatically. They are proficient in using it in written communication, such as emails or formal letters, and can explain its cultural importance to others. The focus is on advanced register awareness and subtle manipulation of polite language.
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C2 learners have mastered "Por favor!" and all its related expressions. They understand its historical and cultural evolution and can discuss its variations across different Portuguese-speaking regions with deep insight. They can use it in highly complex and nuanced situations, perhaps even in creative writing or sophisticated argumentation. Their understanding goes beyond mere communication to encompass the full cultural and social tapestry woven by such polite expressions. They are essentially linguistic cultural ambassadors.
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Examples

Por favor! in 30 Seconds

  • "Por favor!" is Portuguese for "Please!"
  • Use it for all polite requests.
  • Essential for basic communication.
  • Always include it when asking for things.

"Por favor!" is a fundamental Portuguese phrase that directly translates to "Please!" in English. It is used to make polite requests, ask for something in a courteous manner, or to express a polite appeal. This phrase is incredibly common and is an essential part of everyday polite conversation in Portuguese-speaking countries. You will hear it in countless situations, from asking for directions to ordering food, from requesting help to making a simple wish.

Usage Scenario 1
When you want to ask for an item in a shop. For example, if you want to buy a loaf of bread, you might say: "Um pão, por favor." (A bread, please.) This shows respect and politeness towards the shopkeeper.
Usage Scenario 2
When you need assistance from someone. If you are lost and need directions, you can approach someone and say: "Com licença, pode ajudar-me, por favor?" (Excuse me, can you help me, please?) The "por favor" softens the request.
Usage Scenario 3
When ordering food or drinks in a restaurant or café. For instance, when a waiter asks what you would like, you can reply: "Um café, por favor." (A coffee, please.) It's a standard way to place an order politely.
Usage Scenario 4
When asking for something to be done. If you want someone to pass you an object, you can say: "Pode passar-me o sal, por favor?" (Can you pass me the salt, please?) This applies to various small favors.
Usage Scenario 5
In general social interactions, even for small things. If you are in someone's home and they offer you something, you might accept by saying: "Sim, obrigado(a), por favor." (Yes, thank you, please.) It adds an extra layer of politeness.

A child asks their parent for a toy: Por favor!

Someone politely asking for permission to enter a room: "Posso entrar, por favor?"

When requesting a moment of someone's time: "Um minuto, por favor."

Using "por favor" is straightforward. It typically comes at the end of a request or statement that implies a request, or sometimes at the beginning for emphasis. The key is to place it where you would naturally insert "please" in English. Let's break down common sentence structures.

Basic Request
The most common structure is to state what you want and then add "por favor." For example, if you want a glass of water: "Um copo de água, por favor." (A glass of water, please.) Or if you need a receipt: "A conta, por favor." (The bill, please.) This structure is direct and polite.
Requests with Verbs
When your request involves an action, you often use a verb. For instance, asking someone to open the door: "Pode abrir a porta, por favor?" (Can you open the door, please?) Or asking someone to wait: "Espere um momento, por favor." (Wait a moment, please.) The verb "poder" (to be able to/can) is frequently used in these polite requests.
Indirect Questions/Requests
You can also embed "por favor" within more complex sentences, especially when asking for information or clarification politely. For example: "Poderia dizer-me onde fica a estação, por favor?" (Could you tell me where the station is, please?) This is a more formal and very polite way to ask.
Requests for Permission
When seeking permission, "por favor" is used to soften the inquiry. "Posso sentar aqui, por favor?" (May I sit here, please?) or "Posso usar o seu telefone, por favor?" (May I use your phone, please?).
Emphasis at the Beginning
While less common for simple requests, you might hear "Por favor, ajude-me!" (Please, help me!) when someone is in urgent need of assistance. This emphasizes the plea.

Ordering a drink: "Um sumo de laranja, por favor."

Asking for a pen: "Pode emprestar-me uma caneta, por favor?"

Requesting a moment of someone's time: "Um momento, por favor."

"Por favor!" is ubiquitous in Portuguese-speaking environments. You will encounter it constantly in daily life, making it one of the most frequently heard phrases for any learner. Its presence is a testament to the importance of politeness in Portuguese culture. Let's explore the various settings where this phrase is a constant companion.

In Restaurants and Cafés
This is perhaps the most common place to hear "por favor." From the moment you are seated, the waiter might ask, "O que deseja?" (What would you like?), and you'll respond with your order followed by "por favor." When the bill arrives, you'll ask for it with "A conta, por favor." Even simple requests like "Mais um pouco de água, por favor" (A little more water, please) are standard.
In Shops and Markets
Whether you're buying clothes, groceries, or souvenirs, "por favor" is used when asking for items or assistance. "Queria aquele chapéu, por favor" (I'd like that hat, please) or "Pode mostrar-me isto, por favor?" (Can you show me this, please?). It's also used when asking for the price: "Quanto custa, por favor?"
On Public Transport
When asking for your stop, needing help with a ticket, or requesting someone to move: "O próximo lugar é meu, por favor" (The next seat is mine, please) or "Pode sair, por favor?" (Can you get out, please? - when needing to pass). Even simple acknowledgments of help might be followed by "obrigado(a), por favor".
In Offices and Service Centers
When interacting with receptionists, customer service representatives, or colleagues, politeness is key. "Pode ajudar-me com isto, por favor?" (Can you help me with this, please?) or "Gostaria de falar com o gerente, por favor" (I would like to speak with the manager, please).
In Homes and Social Gatherings
Even in informal settings among friends or family, "por favor" can be used to soften requests. "Passa-me o sal, por favor" (Pass me the salt, please) is very common. If someone offers you something, and you want to accept politely, you might say, "Sim, por favor." It's a gentle way to confirm your desire.
When Asking for Directions
Approaching a stranger for help requires politeness. "Com licença, pode dizer-me como chegar à estação, por favor?" (Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the station, please?). The "por favor" makes the request less intrusive.

In a bakery, a customer says: "Um croissant, por favor."

Asking for a taxi: "Chame um táxi, por favor."

Requesting a seat on a bus: "Posso sentar aqui, por favor?"

While "por favor" is a simple phrase, learners can sometimes make minor errors in its application or pronunciation. Understanding these potential pitfalls can help you use it more confidently and naturally. These mistakes are usually minor and often forgiven, but being aware of them is beneficial for fluency.

Misplacing the Phrase
Sometimes, learners might put "por favor" in an awkward spot in the sentence, or omit it entirely when it's expected. For example, saying "Queria um por favor água" is incorrect. The standard is "Queria um copo de água, por favor." Omitting it in a service situation can sound abrupt.
Pronunciation Issues
The pronunciation of the 'r' in "por" can be tricky for English speakers, as it's often a tapped or rolled 'r' sound, not the hard 'r' in English. Also, the 'o' in "por" is usually more open than in English. The 'f' in "favor" is similar to English, and the 'v' sound is also standard. Ensure you pronounce each syllable clearly: "por fa-VOR".
Overuse or Underuse
While "por favor" is essential, overuse can sound unnatural or overly formal in very casual settings. Conversely, underuse, especially in transactional situations, can be perceived as impolite. The best approach is to observe native speakers and mimic their usage.
Confusing with Similar Phrases
Learners might confuse "por favor" with other polite expressions or inadvertently use it in inappropriate contexts. For instance, you wouldn't typically say "por favor" when you are giving an order to a subordinate, unless you are being exceptionally polite. It's primarily for requests directed towards someone you are asking a favor from.
Assuming a Direct Translation
While "Please!" is the direct translation, the cultural weight and expectation of "por favor" might be slightly different. In English, "Please" can sometimes be implied or omitted more easily in casual conversation. In Portuguese, "por favor" is more consistently expected in many service and request scenarios.

Incorrect: "Queria um por favor pão." Correct: "Queria um pão, por favor."

Incorrect pronunciation: Trying to pronounce "por" like the English word "poor." Correct pronunciation involves a tapped 'r' and a more open 'o'.

Omitting "por favor" when ordering: "Um café." (Can sound abrupt). Better: "Um café, por favor."

While "por favor" is the most common and direct way to say "please," Portuguese offers other ways to express politeness or make requests, depending on the context and desired level of formality. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you navigate nuanced social interactions.

"Por gentileza"
This phrase translates to "out of kindness" or "kindly." It is a very polite and somewhat more formal alternative to "por favor." You might use it in professional settings or when you want to show extra respect. Example: "Poderia enviar o relatório, por gentileza?" (Could you send the report, kindly?)
"Se faz favor" (European Portuguese)
In Portugal, "se faz favor" is a very common and direct equivalent to "por favor." It literally means "if it does favor." It's used in exactly the same situations as "por favor" in Brazilian Portuguese. Example: "Um café, se faz favor." (A coffee, please.)
"Faz o favor" (Less common as a direct request)
This is more like "do the favor." It's less often used as a direct stand-alone plea like "please" and more integrated into a sentence, or used when you are asking someone to do you a substantial favor. It can sometimes sound a bit more demanding if not phrased carefully.
Using Polite Verbs and Structures
Often, the politeness is conveyed not just by "por favor" but by the verb choice. Using the conditional tense (e.g., "Gostaria" instead of "Quero") or modal verbs like "poder" (can/could) already adds a layer of politeness. For example, "Gostaria de uma mesa para dois, por favor" (I would like a table for two, please) is more polite than "Quero uma mesa para dois." The "por favor" then reinforces this politeness.
Implied Politeness
In very close relationships or extremely informal settings, sometimes politeness is conveyed through tone and context alone, and "por favor" might be omitted. However, for learners, it's always safer to include it.

Equivalent to "Please": "Um café, por favor." (Brazil/Portugal)

More formal "Please": "Poderia ajudar-me, por gentileza?"

European Portuguese equivalent: "Um bilhete, se faz favor."

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Examples by Level

1

Um café, por favor.

A coffee, please.

Simple noun + 'por favor'.

2

Água, por favor.

Water, please.

Noun + 'por favor'.

3

Sim, por favor.

Yes, please.

Affirmative + 'por favor'.

4

Obrigado(a), por favor.

Thank you, please.

Gratitude + 'por favor' (adds extra politeness).

5

Pão, por favor.

Bread, please.

Noun + 'por favor'.

6

Conta, por favor.

Bill, please.

Noun + 'por favor'.

7

Mais um pouco, por favor.

A little more, please.

Adverbial phrase + 'por favor'.

8

Ajuda, por favor!

Help, please!

Noun + 'por favor' (used in a plea).

1

Pode ajudar-me, por favor?

Can you help me, please?

'Poder' + infinitive + object pronoun + 'por favor'.

2

Queria um bilhete, por favor.

I would like a ticket, please.

'Queria' (imperfect of querer) + noun + 'por favor'.

3

Posso sentar aqui, por favor?

May I sit here, please?

'Poder' + infinitive + adverb + 'por favor'.

4

Um copo de água, por favor.

A glass of water, please.

Noun phrase + 'por favor'.

5

Onde fica a estação, por favor?

Where is the station, please?

Interrogative + verb + noun + 'por favor'.

6

Pode abrir a janela, por favor?

Can you open the window, please?

'Poder' + infinitive + object + 'por favor'.

7

Espere um momento, por favor.

Wait a moment, please.

Imperative verb + adverbial phrase + 'por favor'.

8

Gostaria de um chá, por favor.

I would like a tea, please.

'Gostaria' (conditional of gostar) + noun + 'por favor'.

1

Poderia dizer-me como chegar ao centro, por favor?

Could you tell me how to get to the center, please?

Conditional of 'poder' + verb + indirect object + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

2

Queria fazer uma reserva para duas pessoas, por favor.

I would like to make a reservation for two people, please.

'Queria' + infinitive phrase + quantity + 'por favor'.

3

Com licença, pode emprestar-me uma caneta, por favor?

Excuse me, can you lend me a pen, please?

Polite interjection + 'poder' + infinitive + object pronoun + object + 'por favor'.

4

Aceita um café? Sim, por favor, obrigado(a).

Would you like a coffee? Yes, please, thank you.

Offer + affirmative response with 'por favor' and 'obrigado(a)'.

5

Por favor, pode repetir a informação?

Please, can you repeat the information?

'Por favor' at the beginning + 'poder' + infinitive + object.

6

Gostaria de saber o horário de funcionamento, por favor.

I would like to know the opening hours, please.

'Gostaria' + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

7

Pode fechar a porta, por favor? Está frio.

Can you close the door, please? It's cold.

'Poder' + infinitive + object + 'por favor' + reason.

8

Desculpe, pode indicar-me o caminho para o museu, por favor?

Excuse me, can you show me the way to the museum, please?

Apology + 'poder' + infinitive + object + 'por favor'.

1

Seria possível adiar a reunião para amanhã, por favor?

Would it be possible to postpone the meeting until tomorrow, please?

Conditional of 'ser' + adjective + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

2

Agradecia que me enviasse a documentação o mais breve possível, por favor.

I would appreciate it if you could send me the documentation as soon as possible, please.

'Agradecer' + subjunctive clause + 'por favor'.

3

Com a devida vénia, gostaria de pedir a sua atenção para este assunto, por favor.

With due respect, I would like to request your attention to this matter, please.

Formal opening + 'gostaria' + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

4

Será que me pode ajudar com este problema técnico, por favor?

Could you possibly help me with this technical problem, please?

'Será que' + 'poder' + object pronoun + infinitive + object + 'por favor'.

5

Por favor, informe os seus colegas sobre a nova política.

Please inform your colleagues about the new policy.

'Por favor' at the beginning + imperative verb + object + prepositional phrase.

6

Será que me poderia ceder este lugar, por favor? Tenho dificuldade em ficar em pé.

Would you be able to give me this seat, please? I have difficulty standing.

'Será que' + 'poder' + object pronoun + infinitive + object + 'por favor' + reason.

7

Agradecia a sua colaboração neste assunto, por favor.

I would appreciate your cooperation on this matter, please.

'Agradecer' + possessive + noun + prepositional phrase + 'por favor'.

8

Poderia, por favor, verificar a minha reserva?

Could you, please, check my reservation?

'Poder' + object pronoun + 'por favor' + infinitive + object.

1

Solicito encarecidamente que reconsidere a sua decisão, por favor.

I earnestly request that you reconsider your decision, please.

Formal verb + adverb + subjunctive clause + 'por favor'.

2

Teria a amabilidade de me informar sobre os próximos passos, por favor?

Would you be so kind as to inform me about the next steps, please?

'Ter' + noun phrase + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

3

Peço a sua compreensão relativamente a este imprevisto, por favor.

I ask for your understanding regarding this unforeseen event, please.

'Pedir' + possessive + noun + prepositional phrase + 'por favor'.

4

Não hesite em contactar-nos caso necessite de mais alguma informação, por favor.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information, please.

Negative imperative + infinitive phrase + conditional clause + 'por favor'.

5

Por favor, assegure-se de que todas as medidas de segurança são cumpridas.

Please ensure that all safety measures are complied with.

'Por favor' at the beginning + imperative verb + object clause.

6

Agradeceria que pudesse analisar este documento com a devida atenção, por favor.

I would appreciate it if you could analyze this document with due attention, please.

'Agradecer' + conditional clause + 'por favor'.

7

Teria a gentileza de me facultar os dados de contacto?

Would you have the kindness to provide me with the contact details?

'Ter' + noun phrase + infinitive phrase (no 'por favor' needed due to extreme politeness of 'gentileza').

8

Rogo-lhe que considere a minha proposta com a máxima seriedade, por favor.

I beg you to consider my proposal with the utmost seriousness, please.

Formal verb + object pronoun + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

1

Rogo a Vossa Excelência que aceite as nossas mais sinceras desculpas pela inconveniência causada, por favor.

I implore Your Excellency to accept our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused, please.

Very formal address + verb + object + apology + 'por favor'.

2

Permita-me, por favor, expor a minha perspetiva sobre este delicado assunto.

Allow me, please, to explain my perspective on this delicate matter.

'Permitir' + object pronoun + 'por favor' + infinitive phrase + prepositional phrase.

3

Seria de suma importância que pudéssemos chegar a um consenso o mais rápido possível, por favor.

It would be of utmost importance that we could reach a consensus as soon as possible, please.

Formal structure + 'poder' in subjunctive + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

4

Agradeceríamos imensamente se pudesse fornecer um testemunho detalhado dos eventos, por favor.

We would immensely appreciate it if you could provide a detailed testimony of the events, please.

'Agradecer' + conditional + subjunctive clause + 'por favor'.

5

Por favor, seja informado que a sua colaboração é vital para o sucesso desta iniciativa.

Please be informed that your collaboration is vital to the success of this initiative.

'Por favor' + passive voice construction.

6

Teria a bondade de me conceder uma audiência para discutir este assunto premente?

Would you have the kindness to grant me an audience to discuss this pressing matter?

'Ter' + noun phrase + infinitive phrase (no 'por favor' needed due to extreme politeness).

7

Rogo-lhe que considere a possibilidade de uma revisão completa da sua proposta, por favor.

I implore you to consider the possibility of a complete review of your proposal, please.

Formal verb + object pronoun + infinitive phrase + 'por favor'.

8

Permita-me, a título de sugestão, que lhe apresente uma alternativa, por favor.

Allow me, by way of suggestion, to present you with an alternative, please.

'Permitir' + prepositional phrase + 'que' clause + 'por favor'.

Synonyms

Por gentileza Se faz favor Faz o favor Com licença Por favorzinho Gentileza Rogo-lhe Apelo

Antonyms

Deixa estar Não Mandatório Exigência

Common Collocations

Um café, por favor.
A conta, por favor.
Pode ajudar-me, por favor?
Com licença, por favor.
Um momento, por favor.
Pode repetir, por favor?
Queria isto, por favor.
Um bilhete, por favor.
Por favor, sente-se.
Obrigado(a), por favor.

Common Phrases

Um café, por favor.

— A coffee, please. This is a very common way to order coffee in a café or restaurant.

Ao pedir no balcão, disse: "Um café, por favor."

A conta, por favor.

— The bill, please. Used when you want to pay after a meal or service.

Depois de comer, fiz sinal ao empregado e pedi: "A conta, por favor."

Pode ajudar-me, por favor?

— Can you help me, please? A standard polite way to ask for assistance.

Perdido na cidade, abordei um transeunte com "Pode ajudar-me, por favor?"

Com licença, por favor.

— Excuse me, please. Used to politely get someone's attention or to ask to pass.

Para atravessar a ru

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