5Module 7
Pragmatics
Pragmática e Cortesia
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Key Concept
Knowing grammar is not enough — you must also know how to be polite, how to make requests, and how to navigate formal vs. informal register in European Portuguese.
European Portuguese has a complex address system (tu/você/o senhor) and expects careful use of politeness strategies. The conditional tense is heavily used for polite requests. Indirect language is preferred over direct commands in formal settings.
Key Phrase — Try saying it!
Podia dizer-me as horas, por favor?
1Address System (Tu / Você / O Senhor)
| Situation | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Close friends, family, children | Tu + 2nd person verb | |
| Acquaintances, colleagues (neutral) | Você + 3rd person verb | |
| Strangers, elders, officials (formal) | O senhor / A senhora + 3rd person verb | |
| Group of people (any register) | Vocês + 3rd person plural | |
| Teacher, doctor (professional title) | O/A + title + 3rd person | |
| Shop assistants, waiters | Faz favor / Desculpe + 3rd person | ajudar-me? |
2Making Polite Requests (Pedidos)
Podia dizer-me
Importa-se
queria
Poderia ajudar-me?
Será indicar caminho?
Queria coisa, importa.
3Offering & Accepting (Oferecer e Aceitar)
obrigado/a.
certeza,
alguma coisa,
Aceito
gentil
4Declining Politely (Recusar com Cortesia)
obrigado/a. Fico
Infelizmente,
Lamento, possível.
Agradeço,
possível,
Prefiro importa.
5Agreement & Disagreement (Concordar e Discordar)
Concordo plenamente.
dúvida.
verdade,
concordo.
Acho
desculpa, discordar.
ponto entanto...
Examples
Queria informação,
Good afternoon. I'd like some information, please. incomodar, ajuda.
Sorry to bother, but I need help. ajuda. Foi amável.
Thank you for your help. You were very kind.Podia devagar,
Could you speak more slowly, please? importa, prefiro sentado.
If you don't mind, I'd prefer to stay seated. passar?
Excuse me, may I pass?Lamento atraso.
I'm sorry for the delay. imensa desculpa incómodo.
I deeply apologize for the inconvenience. conhecê-lo.
Very pleased to meet you.Importa-se passar?
Would you mind letting me through? sentar.
Please sit down.Queira desculpar, fechada.
I'm sorry, but the shop is closed.Teria gentileza
Would you be so kind as to help me?Agradeço compreensão.
I appreciate your understanding.Parabéns! Fico si.
Congratulations! I'm very happy for you. sentidos pêsames.
My deepest condolences.Melhoras! Espero fiques
Get well soon! I hope you feel better quickly. apetite!
Bon appétit!Bless you! / Cheers!
aniversário!
Happy birthday! Diverte-te!
Have a good trip! Enjoy yourself! preocupe.
It doesn't matter. Don't worry. ordens.
You're welcome. Always at your service. vontade.
Make yourself comfortable.Sinto aconteceu.
I'm very sorry for what happened. calhar
Perhaps you're right. opinião, devíamos
In my opinion, we should wait. descanso.
See you tomorrow! Rest well.Cuide-se! próxima.
Take care! Until next time.Practice Time