How to Say "Please" in Brazil: "Por Favor"

In Brazil, the word for "please" is "por favor" (pronounced poor fah-VOHR). It's used exactly like its English counterpart—to make requests polite, soften commands, or express courtesy.

Usage Examples

• Por favor, me passe o sal. – "Please pass the salt."
• Você poderia me ajudar, por favor? – "Could you help me, please?"
• Um café, por favor. – "A coffee, please."
• Por favor, não faça isso. – "Please don't do that."

Related Polite Expressions

• Obrigado / Obrigada – "Thank you" (male/female speaker)
• Com licença – "Excuse me" (getting attention, passing by)
• Desculpe – "Excuse me / Sorry" (apology, bumping into someone)
• Se não se importa – "If you don't mind" (more formal)

Regional Note

"Por favor" is universal across the Portuguese-speaking world (Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, etc.), though pronunciation varies slightly. In informal Brazilian speech, you might hear "pfvr" in texts or a clipped "por favô" in rapid conversation.

Politeness is highly valued in Brazilian culture—using "por favor" consistently goes a long way.